Hello Keith, in medieval times, and right up until the 19C law reforms, a widow had the right to keep a share of her deceased husband's estate for the rest of her life (after the widow's death her share passed to the husband's heir). This right was usually called Dower (not to be confused with a wife's dowry, which was a quite different thing), though strictly speaking dower only applied to freehold property - a widow's similar right in respect of copyhold property was properly called Free Bench. The widow's share was usually a third (though not always - different places might have different customs), which is why dower was also sometimes called Thirds. Matt Tompkins Blaston, Leics -----Original Message----- From: Keith Griffiths [mailto:kgriffiths5000@btinternet.com] Sent: 18 Oct 2004 18:31 To: OLD-ENGLISH-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [OEL] Dower Rights; Title of Dower and Thirds This query came up on another list but there has been no response. I wonder whether our list might care to comment. Regards Keith Griffiths ----- Original Message ----- I've recently come across a will with the following written: Item I give and bequeath unto Ann my wife my clock during the term of her natural life I also give her the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of Great Britain in full purpose and to the intent utterly to debar her of Dower right or and Title of Dower and to exclude her of and from all manner of right or title claim or demand to any moveable goods of chattels of mine which some call Thirds or any other right or title to any house or land of or belonging to me otherwise than was agreed upon and specified in a Londor?[I couldn't make out this word] Articles made between us before marriage and instead of her Thirds Could anyone please explain to me what Dower right or Title of Dower and Thirds are? --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.778 / Virus Database: 525 - Release Date: 15/10/2004 ==== OLD-ENGLISH Mailing List ==== OLD-ENGLISH Web Page http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~oel/