The death notice adds a little more information, widow of the late William Richards of Lynton, formerly of Ball Farm Smpford Courtenay, aged 83:

Western Times Friday 19 January 1900

RICHARDS – Jan 16 at Sticklepath, Okehampton, Mary, widow of the late William Richards, of Lynton, formerly of Ball Farm, Sampford Courtenay, aged 83.

This Extract of the will of Mary Richards and Probate was produced for the purposes of deeds for No. 2 Ska View Cottages. Extracted by G.D.Cann Solicitor, Exeter.

It consists of two documents tied together using the seal (wax between two layers then all embossed with “The Seal of Her Majesty’s High Court Of Justice, Probate Division Exeter and parchment ties.

The larger, back document is the Will extract. Transcript includes additional spacing and names in bold but is otherwise word for word:

The is the last Will and Testament of me Mary Richards widow of Ska View Cottages Sticklepath in the Parish of Sampford Courtenay in the County of Devon

I owe devise and bequeath unto Susan Ann Coles wife of Robert Coles ten pounds unto Elizabeth Gillard wife of William Gillard ten pounds unto Eliza Smith widow of Sticklepath ten pounds unto Anne Finch of Foundry Cottage Sticklepath ten pounds unto Bessie Smith Schoolmistress five pounds unto Mary Coles daughter of Robert Coles five pounds unto William Jilson Richards son of William Jilson Richards of Barnstaple fifty pounds

I give devise and bequeath unto Elizabeth Brady wife of John Brady of Barnstaple after payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses all my real and personal estate whatsoever of which I shall die seized and possessed of and I appoint the said Elizabeth Brady sole executrix of this my Will

In witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand this Ninth day of June One thousand Eight hundred and Ninety six ____Mary Richards___ signed and delivered by the said Mary Richards the testator in the presence of us present at the same time who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses____Betsy Jane Fewins Sticklepath____ Edward Herbert Young

the Extract of Probate again done by G.D.Cann solicitor of Exeter, confirms that Mary Richards died on 16 Jan 1900 at Sticklepath, that Elizabeth Brady was her niece and the estate was valued at £561 8s 11d

Tax paid £5 0s 4d. Probate granted 2 March 1900. Exeter.