William Adams (haberdasher)

Tables representing the Will of William Adams hang in the 'Big School' building of Haberdashers' Adams Grammar School, and the copying of these texts (known as Bill's Will[2]) was a common punishment for minor misdemeanours up until the end of the twentieth century.

born in this town of Newport & Citizen of London the which were performed and settled by him in his lifetime 1657 who deceased 1661First the said William Adams Esq.

purchased two Burgagies in Newport aforesaid and thereupon Founded at his own proper Cost and ChargeFirst A fair and sumptuous Building containing one Free Grammar School, with a Library over the same & two convenient Houses at each end thereof, one for the Master & one for the Usher with necessary Courts & Gardens to either of them.

2ly, Two Almeshouses adjoining to ye Street for 4 single people 2 whereof to be Men & 2 Women to inhabit in successively forever, all which amounteth to the value of 7 Thousand 5 Hundred Pounds Building & Purchase, 2ly.

Which said lands are charged with the clear Rent of 175 pr.ann: for ever & payable to the uses following This Grammar School is free for 80 Scholars within 3 or 5 Miles.First to the Minister of Newport for the time being the Sum of £20 pr.ann: forever.

Every seventh Year the Boys £24 goeth to the Visitors from London.Moreover the said William Adams Esq.

Lastly, He bequeathed in his last Will & Testament a Legacy to the said Town of Newport being the Sum of £550 for erecting of a Market-House there, which was accordingly done in due time & substantial manner, by his Executor William Justice Esq, being finished Anno Do: 1665.He being dead yet speaketh, Hebs 11th ver 4th.