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Curious and Unusual Wills Throughout History

 

The sources offer a fascinating exploration of strange and unusual wills from various periods and cultures, highlighting the diverse ways people have sought to dispose of their possessions and express their final wishes.

 

A Pig's Last Will and Testament

 

One of the most peculiar examples is the will of a pig, mentioned by St. Jerome and dating back to the fourth century.

 

This satirical will, attributed to Corocotta Porcellus, showcases a humorous approach to bequeathing worldly goods, with the pig dividing its body parts among various individuals and professions. For instance, its bristles are left to cobblers, teeth to squabblers, and tongue to lawyers.

 

This whimsical will serves as a reminder that even in ancient times, humor and satire found their way into legal documents.

 

Wills Driven by Strong Emotions

 

The sources also showcase wills fueled by intense emotions, from spiteful jests to heartfelt generosity.

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The will of a Parisian woman who disinherited her son-in-law demonstrates the power of animosity.

She meticulously outlines provisions for the care of her cats, ensuring they receive "meat soup of the quality usually served on table," twice a day, each with their own saucer. However, she leaves her estranged daughter a mere shilling, showcasing the depth of her resentment.

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Conversely, the will of Miss B----, who received a fortune from a stranger captivated by her "adorable nose," exemplifies the unpredictable nature of bequests driven by admiration or infatuation.

 

Wills with Unusual Stipulations

 

The sources highlight wills with unusual stipulations regarding:

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Bodily Remains: Some individuals express anxieties about their bodies after death. Dr. Ellerby, a Quaker, bequeathed his lungs and brains to different friends, threatening to haunt them if they refused.

Emperor Maximilian I. requested his hair and nails be placed in a bag and deposited in a holy place.

 

These examples reflect a range of attitudes towards the physical body after death, from a desire for its preservation to a symbolic rejection of its earthly form.

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Names and Clothing: Henry Green's will stipulated that his sister receive his lands on the condition that she annually distribute four green waistcoats to four elderly women.

This unusual condition highlights the testator's desire to exert influence even after death, ensuring the continuation of a specific act of charity tied to his name and the color green.

 

The Complex Nature of Wills

 

The sources ultimately argue against a simple classification of strange wills.

While some might be driven by "a perverted moral sense" or "aberration of the intellect," others, like the pig's will, defy categorization. Ultimately, the sources emphasize that wills, reflecting the complexities of human nature, are as diverse as the individuals who create them.

 

Wills as Reflections of the Times

 

It's important to consider that the concept of a "strange" will is culturally and historically bound. What might seem unusual today could have been commonplace in a different era. For instance, Shakespeare's bequest of his "second-best bed" to his wife has sparked much speculation about the state of their marriage.

 

However, it's possible this seemingly slight gesture held a different significance in Elizabethan England. This emphasizes the need to interpret wills within their historical contexts, understanding the social norms and legal constraints of the time.