A 160-year-old Last Will and Testament, discovered in an abandoned Finnish mansion, unveils a mysterious connection to a long-forgotten past.
At a Glance
- A 160-year-old will from 1860 was found in an unused Finnish mansion
- The document belonged to Robert Smith Easter, who lived near Manor of Aldeburgh
- Only 46% of U.S. adults have a will, according to a 2021 Gallup poll
- The finder, Luca Gowrie-Smith, plans to frame and display the historic document
- The will’s journey to Finland remains a mystery, adding intrigue to the discovery
A Glimpse into the Past: The Unexpected Discovery
In a remarkable turn of events, a 160-year-old Last Will and Testament has been unearthed in an abandoned mansion in Finland, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of those who lived over a century and a half ago. The discoverer, Luca Gowrie-Smith, stumbled upon this historical treasure while exploring an unused manor house that once served as a holiday home for his great-grandmother’s family.
“I found it in Finland when I was looking around an unused manor house. I found it at the top of the house in a room that was completely bare apart from this side table. It was underneath a pile of paper that consisted mostly of old photos,” Gowrie-Smith explained.
This discovery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper estate planning, a practice that many Americans still neglect. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, only 46% of U.S. adults have a will. This statistic underscores the need for increased awareness about the significance of leaving clear instructions for the distribution of one’s assets after death.
Unraveling the Mystery: The Will’s Origins
The will, written on vellum paper with elegant penmanship, has sparked curiosity about its origins and the journey that brought it to Finland. Gowrie-Smith, intrigued by the document’s history, turned to the online community for help in deciphering its contents and tracing its roots.
“I found it very elegant,” Gowrie-Smith noted.
Through the collective efforts of Reddit users, the man behind the will was identified as Robert Smith Easter, who lived near the Manor of Aldeburgh. Interestingly, Gowrie-Smith’s great-grandmother had a house in Aldeburgh, suggesting a possible connection. However, the surname Easter does not appear in Gowrie-Smith’s family tree, leading to speculation that the will may have been acquired by his great-grandmother through other means.
The Will’s Contents and Historical Significance
The 164-year-old document provides a fascinating snapshot of life in the mid-19th century. Among its provisions, the will stipulates that Easter left “£90 plus a house” to a family member. This detail offers valuable insights into the economic conditions and inheritance practices of the time.
While some may see the document as a potential source of income, with one Redditor estimating its value at around $50, Gowrie-Smith has decided to preserve this piece of history.
“The house used to be a holiday home for my great-grandmother and her family and has been unused for ages. However, the roof was recently fixed by my cousin-in-law, who lives nearby,” he explained, highlighting his family’s ongoing connection to the property.
The discovery of this will in an abandoned house underscores the potential for uncovering historical artifacts in unexpected places. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human history that surrounds us, often hidden in plain sight.
Don’t you just love historic discoveries like this?
