[line and paragraph breaks added for comprehension] [visual emphasis added e.g. Watson]

In the Name of God Amen. I John Watson of Winsike in the parish of Stanhope and County of Durham Yeoman being of Sound Mind & Memory and Understanding, and Considering the Uncertainty of this Transitory Life Do hereby Make publish and Declare This to be my Last Will and Testament in Manner and form following (To Witt)

First and principally, I Recommend My Soul into the Hands of Almighty God my Maker, Hoping thro' the Meritorious Death and passion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Have and Obtain full pardon and Remission of all my Sins, and as for my Body I Desire it may be buryed with Decent and Christian Burial at the Descrition of my Executor Hereafter Named And as to my Worldly Estate Goods Chattles and Effects which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I leave Give dispose of and Devise the same in Manner and form following.

First I Give Leave and Devise unto My Mother Mary Watson of Benthead My Sister Ann Peart Wife of Jacob Peart of Benthead My Sister Elizabeth Watson of Benthead and my Sister Isable Hodgson Wife of Thomas Hodgson of Greenwell All my Estate Called by the Name of High Winsike which I hold by Lease for Lives of and under the Lord Bishop of Durham with all the Dwelling and other Houses Lands Grounds Closes pasture Gates and ffell Gates thereunto belonging Equally amongst the said Mary Watson, Ann Peart, Elizabeth Watson and Isable Hodgson Share and Share alike and part and part thereof alike and to their Several and repective Heirs and Assigns

Also I Give and bequeath unto the poor people that Come to my funeral for Alms the Sum of Two Shillings and Six pence a peice to be paid by my Executor.

Also All the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Worldly Goods Chattles and Effects whatsoever I hereby Give and bequeath unto my Brother in Law Jacob Peart of Benthead whom I hereby nominate make and Appoint full and Sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby Revoking all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal the Seventeenth Day of December In the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Three

Jno. Watson

Sealed Signed published and Declared by the above Named John Watson as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who Have hereunto subscribed our Hands as Witnesses thereunto in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of Each other

Witnesses
Elizabeth Hall her mark [mark]
Thos. Maughan
Anthony Tallentire