Probate Inventory of the Mayflower (1624)
After the death of Christopher Jones, the master and quarter-owner of the Mayflower, the ship was appraised by the High Court of Admiralty. Three of the four owners requested the appraisal. The ship, in that request, is represented as being "in ruinis," meaning the ship was likely being sold for scrap.
This is a photo-scan of the original inventory taken on the Mayflower in 1624, as found in the Public Records Office in London, in the records of the High Court of Admiralty (HCA 24/81, fol. 167/219). MayflowerHistory.com was the first to publish this document in its entirety.
Crown copyright: Public Record Office, London. This document may be copied and downloaded for personal and research use only. You must apply to the Public Record Office for permission for any other use. Contact copyright@pro.gov.uk for additional information.
The appraismt or valuacon of the shippe the
Mayflower of London and her tackle and
furniture taken and made by authoritye of
his Maje Highe Courte of Admiraltye on
the 26th day of May 1624 at ye instance
of Roberte Childe, John Moore, and
Jones the relicte of Christopher Jones
deceased, owners of three fourth parte
of the said Shippe, by us William
Craford and ffranncis Birks of Redriffe,
marriners, Robert Clay and Christopher
Malym of the same, shipwrights as
followeth:
Inprimis wee the said appraisers
having viewed and seene the
hull, maste, yardes, boate,
winles and Capsten of and
belonginge to the said Shipp,
Doe estimate the same at --------- £50
Item. five anckors weighinge
about 25c wt wee value at -------- £25
Item. one suite of sailes
more than half worne, wee
estimate at ------ £15
Item. 3 Cables, 2 hawsers,
the shrowdes and stayes wth
all the other rigginge more
then half worne at ------ £35
Item. 8 muskitts, 6 bandeleers,
and 6 piks at -------- 50 s
Item. ye pitch pott and kettle ------- 13s, 4p
Item. ten shovells ------ 5s
Suma totalis 128.08-04
In witnes wherof wee ye said appraisers
have hereunto putt our handes
Frannces Birks
Wm Crayford
Robart Clay
Christopher Malim
