Researching a 7 x GGfather who died 1717 (A land owning Farmer & Yeoman) I came across a Letter of Administration Probate record (effectively his Will) setting out his Goods & Chattels. Totally handwritten, and part in Latin, and on the last page (in English legal jargon) were the names of two Bondsmen; both fellow Yeoman, one a family member -non beneficiary.
Why would Bondsmen be needed for what was effectively a Will, leaving his estate to his eldest son?