Category Archives: Wills

1837 Elizabeth Covey

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I, Elizabeth COVEY, widow, do make this my last will and testament. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth WILLIAMS, wife of James WILIAMS of Limehouse, Middlesex, the sum of three thousand pounds, which said three thousand shall be taken and received by her instead of an annuity of one hundred pounds charged on my estate by the will of my late husband which said annuity is to cease at my death. I also give and bequeath to my youngest son Charles COVEY the sum of three thousand five hundred pounds, which said sum of three thousand five hundred pounds shall be taken by him instead of an annuity of two hundred pounds charged on my estate by the forenames will, which annuity is to cease at my death. And after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses then I give and bequeath all the residue and remainder of my estate of every description whatsoever and wheresoever to my eldest son, Edward COVEY to him and his heirs for ever, and I do hereby nominate and appoint my said two sons, Edward and Charles Covey and likewise my son in law James WILLIAMS executors of this my last will and testament.  In witness whereof I the said Elizabeth Covey have set and subscribed my hand and seal this twenty-ninth
day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
(1836) – Elizabeth Covey – signed, sealed, published and declared by the said testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us as witnesses thereto – Ann (Hill), Ann THOMASON

Proved 13th May 1837 by Rev. Edward Covey, Rev. Charles Covey, the sons and Rev. James Williams, the executors

1834 William Covey

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I William COVEY of the Parish of Knockholt in the County of Kent, Surgeon, do hereby publish and declare this my last will and testament. I give and devise to my
eldest son, Edward COVEY, Clerk, for his own use and benefit, all my share or interest in a certain estate situate at Smethwick in the Parish of Harborne in the County of Stafford with the rights and appurtenances thereto belonging. I also give and devise to my said elder son for his own use and benefit all the freehold messuage, lands and premises belonging to me in the Parish of Knockholt aforesaid with the rights and appurtenances thereto belonging. I likewise give and devise to my dear wife Elizabeth COVEY for her own use and benefit, subject only to payment of one thousand pounds at my decease and also of one hundred pounds yearly to my daughter Elizabeth WILLIAMS, wife of James Williams, Clerk, and furthermore subject to the payment of two hundred pounds yearly to my youngest son, Charles COVEY, Clerk, all the estates which are or shall be vested in me upon any trusts or by way of mortgage of which I have the power to dispose of them, my will with their rights and appurtenances. I also give and bequeath unto my said wife for her own use and benefit all my ready money, goods and personal effects, subject only to the payment of my just debts, funeral expenses and the charges of proving this my will in short with the overplus of my interest in the Smethwick Estate and my Estate at Knockholt both before devised. I give and bequeath to my said wife all my property of every kind, character and description, to which I am or may be entitled at my decease. And lastly, I do hereby appoint my said dear wife sole executrix of this my will.  In witness whereof, I the said William Covey have set my hand and seal this twenty-eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty – William Covey – signed, sealed, published and declared by the said William Covey as his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses: J Wilton, Thomas Franks, William Harrison

Proved 22nd February 1834 by Elizabeth Covey, the relict

1823 Mary Thomason

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In the name of God, Amen, I Mary THOMASON, widow, of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, being in sound mind and memory, do in the disposing of the little property I am possessed of, which I have saved since I became a widow, do make this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say: first, I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah THOMASON and my daughter Ann THOMASON all money whatsoever and wheresoever that may be in my possession at the time of my decease; also I give and bequeath to my said daughter Sarah Thomason and my daughter Ann Thomason all money, interest of money, dividends and rents that may be owing and due to me at the time of my decease that is to say, I give to them whatsoever sum of money may be then due to me from (Old) Place for interest of fifteen hundred pounds on mortgages; also I give to them whatsoever sum of money may be then due to me  from Mr Thomas Allen for rent of the farm at Smethwick; also I give to them whatsoever sum of money may be due to me from my son Edward THOMASON for rent of his house and manufactory; also I give to them whatsoever dividends or money that may be then due to me from a share in the Birmingham Fire Office; and I also give and bequeath to them, my said daughters Sarah Thomason and Ann Thomason the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds now in the aforesaid Fire Office, which money I advanced to pay the (rents) on the above mentioned share in the aforesaid Fire Office, namely, a (call) of forty pounds June 3rd 1815, a call of forty pounds November 21st 1815 and a call of forty pounds March 9th 1815, and also should there be any rent due to me at the time aforesaid for the house No. 20, Colmore Row now since let to Messrs Hickman and Hutchinson, I give to them all money owing to me or that may be anywhere in my possession and all money, interest of money, dividends and rents whatsoever or wheresoever that may be owing and due to me at the time of my decease I do freely give and bequeath to my said daughters Sarah Thomason and Ann Thomason to be equally divided (between) them, for I think  it just and right that, as my said daughters live with me, they should receive and have the whole of my income to the day of my death, and also all my other property for my other children do not want it, and I do constitute and appoint my daughter Sarah Thomason and my daughter Ann Thomason executrixes of this my last will. In witness whereunto I have set my hand and seal this twenty-seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two – Mary Thomason – signed, sealed and declared by the said testator Mary Thomason for and as her last will and testament in the presence of us who in her presence and at her request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses: Elizabeth Gibbs, Sarah Carks

Though I have not mentioned in my will my household linen or the wine & liquors or other things belonging to me that may be in my house at the time of my decease, yet I think right that such things should be theirs; I mean that they should have them – Mary Thomason

My poor dear daughter Sarah Thomason being now dead, the whole of my property whatsoever and wheresoever heretofore mentioned in this my last will I do now give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Thomason; my will now is that my said daughter Ann Thomason should have it all, the whole of my property, all money that may be due to me at the time of my decease or in my possession, and all my other property whatsoever or wheresoever, I do now give and bequeath to my said daughter Ann Thomason. May 26th 1823. I do here this day set my hand and seal – Mary Thomason – witness Ann Wadsworth

I Mary Thomason, being of sound mind and memory, praised be God for the same, do hereby give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Thomason all my dear departed daughter Sarah’s overclothes and all other property whatsoever and wheresoever that was hers and now belongs to me. July 14th 1823 I set my hand – Mary Thomason – witness Ann Hadsworth, (xxx) here to my will that it should be firmly (xxx) all my share of poor dear Sarah’s property to Ann – Mary Thomason

Appeared Personally Edward Thomason of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, jeweller, and Phillis Bown THOMASON his wife, and made oath that they knew and were well acquainted with Mary Thomason late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, widow, deceased for twenty years and upwards before and to the time of her death which happened as these deponents have been and believed on the nineteenth day of July last, and these deponents further made oath that they knew and were well acquainted with the said deceased’s manner and character of handwriting and of writing and subscribing her name, having often seen the said deceased write and also write and subscribe her name, and having now with care and affection viewed and perused the paper writing hereunto annexed, being or purporting to be and remain the last will and testament with three codicils thereunto annexed of the said deceased, the said will bearing date the twenty-seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, and the first of the said codicils being without date and thus subscribed – ‘Mary Thomason’ – and the second of the said codicils bearing date the twenty-sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, and the third codicil bearing date July the fourteenth one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, they these documents, do verily and in their consciences believe the said recited will, codicils and subscriptions thereunto to be all of the proper handwriting and subscribing and to have been written and subscribed by the said Mary Thomason, widow, deceased – Sir Edward Thomason – Phillis Bown Thomason – on the twenty-sixth day of August 1823, the above said Edward Thomason and Phillis Bown Thomason were duly sworn to the truth of the above-written affidavit before me, Thomas Chapman, Commissioner

Proved 28th August 1823 by Ann Thomason  

1794 Edward Thomason

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In the name of God, Amen. I Edward THOMASON of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, late Buckle Maker, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, praised be Almighty God for it, I do for the settling and disposing of the Estate and Effects which it has pleased God to bestow upon me make this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say, First, it is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral charges be punctually paid and discharged, and that my body be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter named. Also, I give and bequeath unto my eldest son John Evans THOMASON whom I had with my former wife the sum of two hundred pounds only to be paid him within one year after my decease, I having already given him the other part of the fortune designed for him which together with what is bequeathed to him by the will of his late Grandfather, John EVANS, makes him a handsome and sufficient fortune. Also, I give and bequeath unto my Grandson Edward PICKARD the sum of fifty pounds. Also, I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Mary PICKARD the like sum of fifty pounds. Also, I give and bequeath unto my Grandson James PICKARD the like sum of fifty pounds; as they are all three young to be paid them within one year after the death of my wife Mary THOMASON; and if any one or two of them should happen to die before the above mentioned time for the payment thereof then such share or shares to go unto the survivor or survivors of them; and it is my express will that neither my said son John Evans Thomason nor my said grandchildren Edward, Mary and James Pickard shall not at any time hereafter have the least pretence to have claim or take any part of my real or personal estate or effects of any sort kind or manner whatsoever or wheresoever (they) shall be to all intents and purposes entirely barred and excluded therefrom. Also I give and bequeath unto my said wife Mary Thomason the free use and enjoyment of all and singular my household goods, furniture, plate and linen for and during her natural life; and after her decease then my executors to sell and dispose of all such household goods, furniture, plate and linen, and the monies arising from the sale thereof to be equally divided amongst my five children whom I had by my present wife, namely: Elizabeth COVEY, Sarah THOMASON, Ann THOMASON, Edward THOMASON and James THOMASON, share and share alike. Also, I give and devise unto my said wife, Mary Thomason, all those my three small freehold messuages or dwelling houses, together with the outbuildings, two small farms, land and premises, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate or near Smethwick in the Parish of Harbourne and County of Stafford, and now in the tenure or occupation of Thomas Allen or his under-tenants, together with all ways, waters, watercourses and all privileges and appurtenances whatsoever to the said premises or any part or parts thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining, for and during the term of her natural life, and from and after the decease of my said wife then I give and devise all my said freehold messuages or dwelling houses, outbuildings and appurtenances whatsoever to the said premises or any part or parts thereof belonging in any wise appertaining, and the reversion, residue and remainder thereof unto and among my said five children, namely, Elizabeth Covey, Sarah Thomason, Ann Thomason, Edward Thomason and James Thomason equally, share and share alike, and to their heirs and assigns forever, to have and to hold as tenants in common and not as joint tenants. Also, I give and bequeath to my said wife Mary Thomason my two messuages or dwelling houses which are leasehold, situate and being in Colemore Row in Birmingham; namely, my house which I now live in with the warehouse, shops, stable and outbuildings thereunto belonging; also the house next adjoining, now or late in the tenure or occupation of William Hinchley with the outbuildings thereunto belonging and appertaining for and during her natural life, and from and after the decease of my said wife, then I give and bequeath all the two said leasehold messuages or dwelling houses with the warehouse, shops, stable and other outbuildings thereunto belonging and appertaining, unto and amongst my five children, namely, Elizabeth Covey, Sarah Thomason, Ann Thomason, Edward Thomason and James
Thomason equally, share and share alike, to have and to hold to them, their executors, administrators and assigns for the remainder of my term of years, estate and interest therein. Also, I give and devise unto my said five children, namely, Elizabeth Covey, Sarah Thomason, Ann Thomason, Edward Thomason and James Thomason all those my six several freehold messuages, tenements or dwelling houses, situate and being in Newton Street and Lichfield Street in Birmingham, together with the outbuildings and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining, and the reversion, residue and remainder thereof to be equally divided amongst them, share and share alike, and to their heirs and assigns forever, to have to hold as tenants in common and not as joint tenants.  Also, I give and bequeath unto my said five children, namely Elizabeth Covey, Sarah Thomason, Ann Thomason, Edward Thomason and James Thomason all my other leasehold buildings, messuages or dwelling houses with the outbuildings and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining, situate and being in Colmore Row, Church Street and Great Charles Street in Birmingham, for and during the whole term of my lease, estate and interest therein, to be equally divided amongst them, share and share alike, to have to hold to them, their executors, administrators and assigns. Also, I give and bequeath unto my said five children, namely, Elizabeth Covey, Sarah Thomason, Ann Thomason, Edward Thomason and James Thomason, all monies out at interest and all the rest, residue and remainder of my personal estate and effects of any sort, kind or nature whatsoever and wheresoever, to be equally divided amongst them, share and share alike. And, lastly, hereby revoking all former wills by me made, do nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Mary Thomason, my son a Edward Thomason and also my son James Thomason to be executrix and executors of this my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have to each sheet of this my will, the whole contained on two sheets of paper, set my hand and seal the twenty-first day of November (1793) in the thirty fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the
Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith
and so forth, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety
three. – Edward Thomason – Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Testator, Edward Thomason, for and as his last will and testament, in he presence of us and in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses: John Procter, Christopher Oughton, Samuel Westwood.

At Birmingham, the 20th November 1794, this Commission was duly executed and the said Mary Thomason, Edward Thomason and James Thomason, the executors aforesaid, were duly sworn according to the tenor and form of the above written oath by and before me – John Driscoll

1797 Richard Thomason

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This is the last will and testament of me, Richard THOMASON of Houghton in the parish of Worfield in the County of Salop, Gentleman, made the twenty-fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one (1791). First, I desire to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix herein after named, and that my just debts and funeral expenses may be paid and discharged with all convenient speed after my decease, and to that end I do hereby charge all my real and personal estates with the payment thereof also I give and bequeath unto George Timmins of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, Button and Buckle Maker, and John Corbett the younger of Great Sholesley in the County of Worcester,
Gentleman, all my ready money and money out upon securities, upon trust to permit my wife, Jane THOMASON and her assigns to receive take and enjoy the interest, dividends and produce thereof during the term of her natural life, and from and after her decease upon trust by and out of the said trust monies to pay the several legacies hereinafter given to the respective persons and at the time hereinafter mentioned (that is to say) to my brother Edward THOMASON the sum of one guinea; to John THOMASON son of the said Edward Thomason the sum of five hundred pounds; to Elizabeth COVEY, a daughter of the said Edward Thomason, the sum of one hundred pounds; to Sarah THOMASON, another daughter of the said Edward Thomason, the sum of one hundred pounds, to Ann THOMASON, another
daughter of the said Edward Thomason, the sum of one hundred pounds; to Edward THOMASON the Younger, another son of my said brother Edward Thomason, the sum of one hundred pounds; to James THOMASON, another son of my said
brother, the sum of one hundred pounds; to Mary PICKARD, a Granddaughter of my said brother, the sum of one hundred pounds; to the said George Timmins and John Corbett the sum of two hundred pounds apiece; to my wife’s nephew, William Webb LANE of Wordsley in the County of (blank), Baker, the sum of two hundred pounds; to Mary Corbett, the younger sister of the said John Corbett, the sum of one hundred pounds; to Benjamin Bowston, who lives with the aforementioned George Timmins at Birmingham aforesaid, the sum of two hundred pounds; to Sarah Bowston, sister to the said Benjamin Bowston, the sum of four hundred pounds; to John Noxon LANE, son of Mr John Noxon Lane late of Birmingham aforesaid, deceased, the sum of one hundred pounds, and to James LANE, another son of the said John Noxon Lane deceased, the like sum of one hundred pounds; and I do hereby direct that all the before mentioned legacies shall be paid unto the respective legatees aforesaid, at the end of two years after the decease of my said wife with interest for the same respectively after the rate of four pounds per centum per annum to be computed from the death of my said wife until the same shall be paid, and in case all or any of the legatees aforesaid shall happen to die in the lifetime of my said
wife, then I do hereby direct that the legacy or legacies of him or her or them so dying shall be considered as lapsed and become a part of the residuum of my personal estate hereinafter bequeathed, and that the respective legacies so given to such of the legatees as shall survive my said wife shall be considered as vested legacies immediately upon her decease although not to be paid till the end of two years afterwards, and subject to the payment of the aforesaid legacies, I give and bequeath all the aforementioned trust monies unto my said wife, Jane Thomason, her executors and administrators absolutely forever, and as concerning all my real estates whatsoever and wheresoever, and all the rest and residue of my personal estate whatsoever, I do hereby give, divide and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said wife, Jane Thomason, her heirs, executors and administrators respectively, according to the nature and quality of each respective estate; and whereas the said George Timmins and his co-partner, James Timmins, are indebted to me in several sums of money, and it may be inconvenient to them to draw their money out of trade for the payment of the same at a short notice, now I do hereby declare that the said George
Timmins and James Timmins or either of them shall not be called upon or have to pay out such monies as they or either of them are or shall be indebted unto me until the expiration of two years from the decease of my said wife, provided they, the said George Timmins and James Timmins, do regularly keep down and pay the interest thereof unto my said wife during her life, provided always, and I hereby declare, that my said trustees and their respective executors and administrators shall not be answerable or accountable for any more of the said trust monies than what they shall severally and actually receive, nor the one of them for the other of them, nor for the acts, deeds, receipts or defaults of the other of them, but each for his own acts, deeds, receipts and defaults only, and that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said trustees and the survivor of them, and the executors and administrators of such survivor (notwithstanding any legacy given to them by this my will) to deduct and reimburse themselves out of the said trust monies all such costs, charges, damages and expenses as they or either of them shall sustain, expend or be put unto in or about the execution of the trusts hereby in them reposed; and, lastly, I appoint my said wife sole
Executrix of this my will, hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made. I declare this only to be my last will and testament; in witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal and published and declared this to be my last will and testament the day and year first above written – Rich.
Thomason – signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Richard Thomason as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who, at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto: Jas. Marshall,
Plowden Presland, T. Baker

Proved 12th May 1797 by Jane Thomason, Relict

1689 Ralph Lord Stawell

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In the name of God Amen. I Ralph Lord STAWELL, Baron of Somerton in the County of Somerset being of sound and perfect understanding though very infirm in body, considering the uncertainty of man’s life and of the things in this world, do make this my last will and testament revoking and making void any former will or wills by me made as follows:  FIRST, I give and resign my soul to God Almighty who y chapel it in assured hope of a blessed and glorious resurrection by the alone merits of my gracious Saviour Jesus Christ, and my body to the earth from whence it came, to be decently interred at my chapel at Netherham on the left side of my late deceased dear wife, and my desire is that when my now dear wife shall depart this life she may be laid on my other side, and that such of my children as shall die in their infancy may be buried near me, and that I may have a handsome and decent monument erected for myself, both my wives and such of my children as shall be so buried there at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named; and as for all the worldly goods and estate wherewith it has pleased God of his inifinite goodness and mercy to bless me, I dispose in manner following.  INPRIMISn I give devise and bequeath unto Sir William Portman of Orchard Portman in the said County of Somerset, Baronet, Henry Bull of Shapwick in the said County of Somerset, Esquire, John Hunt of Compton Pansfoot in the County of Somerset aforesaid,  Esquire, George Rives of Ranston in the County of  Dorset, Esquire, and John Sandford of Mynehead in the said County of Somerset, Esquire, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns according to the nature of the several estates and interests that I have therein in law or equity, and as the same will bear all those my messuages, farms, lands, tenements and hereditaments with their and every their appurtenances hereinafter mentioned (except as hereinafter is excepted); that is to say I do hereby devise as aforesaid all that my moiety or halfendeale of the purporty part or portion of the manor of Wraxall in the said County of Dorset with the appurtenances late in the tenure or possession of one Robert Lawrence, Gentleman, deceased, and now in lease to or in the tenure of Gerrard Newcourt of Ivythorne in the said County of Somerset, Gent., in trust for me, my executors, administrators and assigns, and all that my capital messuage, farm or tenement with the appurtenances called or known by the name of Wraxall Lodge otherwise Rampisham Park situate lying and being within the lordships or manors of Wraxall and Rampisham in the said County of Dorset wherein the said Gerrard Newcourt and Anthony Morris stand also instructed for me, my executors, administrators and assigns together also with one copy parcel of the premises called the Middle Coppice with the other moiety or halfendeale of the purporty part or portion of the said manor of Wraxall late in the tenure of one William Lawrence Esquire, deceased, with the rights, members and appurtenances thereof; and all that close of pasture ground containing by estimation one hundred acres called by the name or names of Gainsham, alias Southams, lying within the parish and manor of Poulett in the said County of Somerset which was given unto or settled upon me by my late father, Sir John STAWELL, Knight of the Noble Order of the Bath, deceased, in his lifetime for the residue of a term of about four score and seventeen years then to come therein and all such other leases as I have made or granted or caused to be made or granted or caused to be made or granted to the aforesaid Gerrard Newcourt and Anthony Morris in trust for me, and all other my messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever, set, lying and being in the several counties of Somerset, Dorset and Southampton or elsewhere within the kingdom of England which I am or at my decease shall be any ways entitled to or interested in either in possession, reversion, remainder or otherwise howsoever in law or equity and all my estate, right, interest, claim and demand whatsoever in law or equity of or to the same subject nevertheless to the trusts hereinafter limited, directed and appointed (except always out of the said devise such messuages, farms, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances as hereinafter are particularly devised to any other person or persons for such estate or estates only as thereby are therein devised), that is to say, I do hereby devise and and bequeath to my dear and loving wife, her executors, administrators and assigns, all that my manor of Hartley Waspell and all my messuages, land, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever thereunto belonging, lying and being in Hartley a Waspell aforesaid in the said County of Southampton which are held by lease of the Dean and Canons of the King’s Free Chapel of St George within the Castle of Windsor, which lease was taken in the name of Richard Newcourt, Gent., in trust for me and my said dear wife, and also the lease of a meadow or pasture ground in Hartley Waspell afore and granted by the Provost and Scholars of Queen’s College in the University of Oxford, Warden of the hospital of God’s house in the town of Southampton, which said lease is taken in my own name or the name or names of some other person or persons in trust for me, and all my estate, right, title, interest, terms, claim and demand whatsoever in law or equity therein or in any part or parcel thereof with the appurtenances to the only use and benefit of my said dear wife, her executors and assigns, and I do hereby further give and bequeath unto my said dear and loving wife all my household goods, plate, cattle, stock and other goods whatsoever in or belonging to my house or estate at Hartley Waspell as aforesaid and also all her wearing clothes and apparel and all such rings and jewels as she has in her possession or has ever worn as my wife, together with the furniture and goods of and in her chamber and closet (except the old hanging there), in lieu whereof I give unto her two hundred pounds in money to buy her a new set of hangings, and also I give unto her, my dear and loving wife, my coaches and six coach horses together with one such other old horse or gelding as at the time of my decease I shall have or keep, for a supply to my coach horses, and also all the furniture and harnesses belonging to the said coaches, and I also give unto her all such gold and silver coins as I have formerly given her and that shall be in her custody at my decease, and my desire is that my said dear wife may (if she pleases) continue to dwell in my house at Ham until one of my sons shall attain the age of one and twenty years, and for that time to have the convenience of and to enjoy the gardens, orchards and warrens thereunto belonging, as also my part in the (decoy) pond in all rent free, the repairing the same premises so long as she shall continue her dwelling there.  ITEM; I give and devise to my daughters in case I die without issue male of my body, all that the inheritance of my farm of Avebury in the County of Wiltshire, and to the heirs of their bodies lawfully to be begotten but so nevertheless that if any or either of them shall happen to die without issue of her or their bodies lawfully to be begotten that then her or their part or parts of the said farm so dying shall remain over and be to the survivors or survivor of them and the heir and heirs of the bodies and body of such survivors and survivor lawfully to be begotten.  ITEM; in case of and immediately after default of heir male of me, the said Lord Stawell on the body of my said dear wife begotten or to be begotten, I give and bequeath unto my said daughters and the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten, and in case of failure of issue of any or either of them, the part or parts of such of them so dying without issue to be and remain over to the survivors or survivors; all that pretend or parsonage of Wivelscomb with the appurtenances in the said County of Somerset and all lands, tenements, profits, glebelands, tythes, oblations, (obventions) and hereditaments whatsoever to the same belonging or part or parcel thereof, reputed, taken or accepted, lying, being, growing or renewing in the towns, parishes, hamlets and fields of Fitzhead and Wivelscombe in the said County of Somerset or elsewhere which were heretofore granted unto me and my heirs determinable upon three lives by Charles Thirlby, Clerk Prebendary of the said pretend, since deceased, and all my estate, right, tithe, interest, claim and demand whatsoever therein either in law or equity.  ITEM; I give and bequeath to my daughter Anne STAWELL and to all the daughters which I have or shall have of the body of my said dear wife the sum of twelve thousand pounds equally to be divided between them, and to be respectively paid unto them when they shall respectively attain the age of one and twenty years or be married which shall first happen and in case any or either of my said daughters shall die before marriage and age of one and twenty then the portion and portions of such my said daughter and daughters so dying shall be and remain to the survivors and survivor of my said daughters and my son Edward STAWELL and in case all my said daughters  shall so happen to die then my will as to this bequest is to be void and of none effect other than that in such case my will is that my said son Edward out of the same shall have four thousand pounds more paid him and added to the portion hereinafter by this my will given him and no more provided and it is my express direction and desire that my said daughters marriages shall be by the consent of my said dear wife and of my said trustees before named or the major part of them living, and if all of them shall happen to be dead then by the only consent of my said dear wife and after her decease by the consent of my said trustees before named or the major part of them then living if either of them shall happen to be living, and I do hereby declare and my will is that the portions so hereby given to my said daughters are to be in full of what is directed or intended by me to be raised for them or any or either of them out of any of my manors, lands, tenements or hereditaments by virtue of any trust in any settlement deed or writing by me at any time or times heretofore made or directed and my will and intention is that the sum of two thousand pounds charged upon the one hundred acres of meadow or pasture lying and being in (Allen) Moore by a deed of settlement formerly made by me thereof shall be raised and paid out of the same towards the payment of the portions hereby given and bequeathed to my said daughters.  ITEM; I give unto every of my said daughters respectively the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds yearly to be be paid unto them by quarterly payments after my decease for their respective maintenances out of the interest and product of their respective portions until their said respective portions shall be raised and paid unto them as aforesaid, and the overplus of the said interest and product of their said portions beyond their said maintenances to go in augmentation of their said portions.  ITEM; I give and bequeath unto my said son Edward Stawell the sum of four thousand pounds to be paid unto him at his age of one and twenty years if he shall live to that time, and the said sum of four thousand pounds to be raised within six calendar months next after my decease and my will and desire is and I do hereby empower my said trustees or the major part of them or of the survivors of them by the approbation and consent of my said dear wife if living from time to time to place out the said sum of four thousand pounds so bequeathed to my said son Edward as aforesaid at such interest as they shall think fit and out of the same interest and product thereof to pay unto my said son Edward by quarterly payments the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds yearly for his maintenance and education until he shall attain his age of one and twenty years and his said portion shall be paid unto him, and in case my said son Edward Stawell shall happen to die before he attain his age of one and twenty years then his said portion so given and bequeathed unto him as aforesaid to remain over and be to my daughter Anne Stawell and the rest of my daughters and the survivors and survivor of them equally to be divided between them, and my desire is that my said son Edward may be bred a scholar.  ITEM; my will further is that if my said dear wife shall happen to be (enseint) or with child with a son at the time of my decease, then I give unto such son the sum of four thousand pounds and if with more than one son then I give unto them the sum of four thousand pounds equally to be divided between them and to be paid at his or their respective ages of one and twenty years, and I give and bequeath unto him or them until his or their said respective portions shall be payable and paid as aforesaid the sum of three score pounds yearly to each of them for his and their respective maintenance and education, and my will is that in case either of such sons so to be born after my decease as aforesaid shall happen to die before he or they shall attain his or their respective ages of one and twenty years then his or their share or portion so dying shall come to the survivors or survivor of such sons and if such son and sons all happen to die before he or they shall attain their respective ages of one and twenty years then this bequest made concerning them shall be void, and whereas I have had and received of my brothers George STAWELL, deceased and of my uncle, the said George Ryves Esquire the sum of three thousand pounds being the portion of Anne my late wife deceased, mentioned in certain articles indented, bearing date the eighth day of April one thousand six hundred sixty seven made between me by the name of Ralph Stawell Esquire and my brother George Stawell deceased of the one part and John Ryves, then Ranston aforesaid Esquire, since deceased, the said Anne my said late wife by the name of Anne RYVES, daughter of the said John Ryves, and the said George Ryves and Audelay GREY Esquire of the other part, and also the sum of one thousand three hundred and four score pounds, being a dividend due to Anne, my said late wife out of her father’s estate, I do hereby desire and enjoin my son John STAWELL and all and every my son and sons and every other person and persons who is or are to have any benefit of the said portion or any way interested or concerned in the same to discharge and release my said uncle George Ryves, his heirs, executors and administrators of and from the same, and that neither my said uncle George Ryves, nor his heirs, executors or administrators, or his or their estate be molested, troubled or charged for or by reason of the payment of the said sums or either of them unto me.  ITEM; I give to the poor of the parish of Netherham aforesaid the sum of one hundred pounds to be from time to time put out at interest by the trustees of my Lady Hext’s money give you’re her to the poor of the said parish of Netherham, and the interest of the said (money) hereby given by me be employed from time to time for the binding out every year two poor children of the said parish apprentices and if there be no poor child in Netherham aforesaid to be bound out apprentice as aforesaid, then for the binding out one or more poor child our children of the parish of Somerton aforesaid.  ITEM; I give to every servant that shall be living with me at my death one year’s wages beyond what shall be then due unto them.  ITEM; my will further is that my wife and children and all my domestic servants that shall be living with me at the time of my death shall have mourning given them and all my said servants to be continued three months in my house after my decease doing their several services there in that time unless they or any of them can before better provide for themselves.  ITEM; I give and bequeath to the several persons named in the schedule hereunto annexed the several sums of money or legacies therein expressed to be paid unto them at such time and times and in such manner as is therein expressed.  And as for all and singular the several messuages, farms, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances before in and by this my last will and testament given and devised unto my said trustees, the said Sir a William Portman, Henry Bull, John Hunt, George a Ryves and John Sandford, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns (except the said moiety or halfendeale of the said manor of Wraxall with appurtenances before mentioned, late in the tenure of the said Robert Lawrence deceased, and now in lease to the said Gerrard Newcourt and Anthony Mowrie in trust for me as aforesaid, and also except all that the said capital messuage, farm or tenement with the appurtenances called a Wraxall Lodge alias Rampisham Park, lying within the Lordships or manors of Wraxall and Rampisham aforesaid wherein the said Gerrard Newcourt and Anthony Mowrie stand entrusted for me as aforesaid together with the coppice called a Middle Coppice and the other moiety or halfendeale of the said manor of a Wraxall late in the possession of the said William Lawrence, deceased, with its rights, members and appurtenances, I do hereby declare the same to be so devised to them as aforesaid in trust for the payment of my debts and of the said legacies and portions hereby devised which my personal and executors estate will not reach or be sufficient for, and for the indemnifying my said uncle George Ryves, his heirs, executors and administrators of and from all such damages, costs, charges and expenses as he the said George Ryves, his heirs, executors or administrators shall or may be any ways put unto for or by reason or omission of his payment of the several sums of three thousand pounds and one thousand three hundred and four score pounds before mentioned unto me as aforesaid or of my part or parcel thereof, and also for indemnifying and saving harmless of my said trustees, the said Sir William Portman, Henry Bull, John Hunt, George Ryves and John Sanford, their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of and from all such costs, charges, expenses and damages as they or any or either of them shall be in any ways put unto for and by reason or occasion of the execution of the said trust hereby reposed in them and for the reimbursing unto them all such sums of money, costs, charges, expenses and damages as they or any or either of them shall expend or be any ways put unto touching the same; and for that end and purpose I do hereby empower and desire my said trustees and the survivors and survivor of them and the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of such survivor out of the rents, issues and profits of the said messuages, land, tenements, hereditaments and premises hereby devised unto them (except as aforesaid) or by sale, mortgaging or letting the same or any part or parcel thereof from time to time as in their discretions shall be thought fit, and as the case or cases shall require or by all, any or either of the said ways or by any other ways or means whatsoever, to pay  and discharge my said debts and the said legacies and portions hereby given and bequeathed or so much thereof as my personal and executors estate not hereby otherwise devised and bequeathed will not be sufficient for, and also to indemnify my said uncle George Ryves, his heirs, executors and administrators as aforesaid, and I do hereby desire and empower all and every person and persons entrusted for me to act and join with my trustees named by this my will as they shall direct for the better performance and execution of this my will and that my said trustees do out of my said estate indemnify them therein and my will is that my said trustees shall as well in the first place out of my personal and executors estate (not herein otherwise disposed of and given to my dear wife or to any other as aforesaid) as out of the said devised messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments reimburse and pay themselves all such monies, costs and charges as they shall be any way put unto in the execution and performance of this my will, and particularly it is my will and desire that my said trustees in the placing and putting out the portion of my said son Edward Stawell at interest or in putting out any money parcel of my daughters’ portions at interest shall not suffer any damage by any casual loss therein, and I do appoint my dear and loving wife during her widowhood to be guardian for all my children, both sons and daughters (except my son John Stawell) during their respective minorities, but if my said wife should happen to die or marry during the minority of my said children or any or either of them then I do appoint my said trustees and the survivors and survivor of them to be guardian and guardians of my said children (except my son John) during their respective minorities.  ITEM; my will is that as to all that my said moiety of the manor of Wraxall, late in the tenure of the said Robert Lawrence, deceased, and as to all that my said other lease of the capital messuage, farm or tenement with the appurtenances called Wraxall Lodge, alias Rampisham Park, lying within the Lordships or manors of Wraxall (and) Rampisham aforesaid together with the said Coppice called the Middle Coppice, and the other moiety or halfendeale of the said manor of Wraxall, late in the tenure of the said William Lawrence Esquire, deceased, with the appurtenances before mentioned wherein the said Gerrard Newcourt and Anthony Mowrie stand entrusted for me, my executors, administrators and assigns as aforesaid I do hereby declare the same to be hereby devised to my said trustees only for the use of and in trust for my son William STAWELL, his executors, administrators and assigns during the several terms and estates therein, provided always, and my will is that if the lease of the Prebend or Parsonage of Wivelscomb before mentioned be at any time or times hereafter to be renewed by changing or adding a life or lives therein, pursuant to any covenant or clause contained in an indenture tripartite dated the twenty-ninth day of June in the four and twentieth year of the reign of the late King Charles the Second, made between me, the said Lord Stawell by the name of Ralph Stawell Esquire of the first part, William PITT Esquire and my now dear wife, daughter of the said William Pitt of the second part, and the Right Honorable John Lord DIGBY, now Earl of Bristol, William PITT the younger, Baldwin PITT and the said George Ryves of the third part, that then the charge and expense thereof shall be borne and raised out of the rents, issues and profits of the several moieties of the said Manor of Wraxall, the said capital messuage, farm or tenement called Wraxall Lodge, alias Rampisham Park, and the said coppice called Middle Coppice, and other the premises given and bequeathed to my said son William Stawell as aforesaid.  ITEM; I give to each of my said trustees who shall act and take upon them the trouble of executing the trust hereby reposed in them, mourning for himself and two servants, and also ten pounds apiece to each of the said trustees to buy each of them a ring.  ITEM; my will and desire is that my true and faithful servant Anthony Mowrick be continued steward and manager of my said son’s lands and of the devised premises, and to receive the rents, issues and profits thereof, he accounting for the same and to be no longer continued therein then he shall justly and faithfully discharge the said employment, and my will and desire is that he be allowed forty pounds per annum for his pains and service therein, and my will further is that if my said daughter Anne Stawell or any person or persons for or under her shall at any time or times hereafter claim or any ways disturb the occupiers of that close of pasture ground called Gainsham alias Southams before mentioned and of the several tenements lying in Somerton aforesaid or any or either of them in the quiet enjoyment thereof as the same is now hereby devised, or as the same or any part thereof shall be otherwise disposed of by me, that then my said daughter Anne Stawell is to have no benefit or advantage by this my will.  And lastly, I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint the said Sir William Portman, Henry Bull, John Hunt, George Ryves and John Sandford my whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament till such time as my debts and the legacies and portions hereby given be paid, and my said trustees and my said trustees and my uncle George Ryves indemnified as aforesaid.  And all the rest and residue of my personal and executory estate and the said messuages, lands, tenements and premises, except what is otherwise hereby before particularly given and bequeathed to any other person or persons, I give and bequeath to my son John Stawell, his heirs, executors and administrators, provided always that if my said son John Stawell shall give such security as my said trustees or the major part of them shall think fit to accept of for the payment of my said debts and the legacies and portions hereby given and for the true performance of this my will, that then my will is that all my messuages, land, tenements and hereditaments and all my other estates both real and personal (except what is hereinbefore otherwise particularly given and disposed of) shall come unto and be granted, surrendered, transferred and passed over unto my said son John Stawell his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns by my said trustees and executors before named to and for his only use and benefit; but if my said son John Stawell shall refuse to give such security as aforesaid, then my will is that my said son John Stawell shall upon request join with my said trustees or the major part of them, their heirs, executors and administrators in the doing any act for the performance and execution of this my will and shall not do any act or thing whatsoever that may impede or hinder the execution or performance of the same; and in case my said son John Stawell shall refuse to give such security as aforesaid and shall refuse to act and join with my said trustees in the execution of my said will or shall impede and hinder the same, then my said son John Stawell is not to have or take any advantage or benefit by this my will, and in such case my son William Stawell shall have the benefit of my residual estate before mentioned in such and the like manner as my said son John Stawell should have had the same subject to the terms and limitations aforesaid, he giving such securities or joining with my said trustees in such manner as is before expressed.  In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and set my seal to every individual sheet of this my last will and testament the nineteenth day of July in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James the Second, King of England etc. AD 1688.  ITEM; my will further is that in case my son William Stawell shall happen to die before he attain the age of one and twenty years then my son Edward Stawell is to have all that said moiety of the Manor of Wraxall late in the tenure of the said Robert Lawrence deceased and also all my said other lease of the capital messuage, farm or tenement with the appurtenances called Wraxall Lodge alias Rampisham Park lying within the Lordships or manors of Wraxall and Rampisham aforesaid together with the said coppice called the Middle Coppice and the other moiety or halfendeale of the said manor of Wraxall late in the tenure of William Lawrence Esquire deceased during the several terms and estates that shall be therein. – Stawell – sealed signed and published as my last will in the presence of John Bell, Anthony Mowrie, Miles Stowing, Richard Marshall

Proved 3rd December 1689

1689 Richard Winch

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In the name of God. Amen. I Richard WINCH of Newton in the County of Southampton, being of sound and perfect mind and in good health, but calling to mind the uncertainty of this present life, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  First I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God my Creator, trusting to be saved by the merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  ITEM; I give unto my Aunt Ann Primmer wife of John Primmer of Sydmonton in the same county of Southampton, yeoman, the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful English money.  ITEM; I give unto Jane Dicks wife of Robert Dicks of Twyford in the county of Middlesex, yeoman, the like sum of one hundred pounds and to my aunt Joane formerly the wife of Peter Cleeves of Andover in the said county of Southampton, bricklayer, the like sum of one hundred pounds and to my Aunt Bridgett Eastwood, wife of (blank) Eastwood of the College Green in Dublin in the Kingdom of Ireland the like sum of one hundred pounds, and to George Bryan of Sydminton aforesaid the like sum of one hundred pounds.  ITEM; I give unto John Wooffe of Sydmanton aforesaid one close of meadow lying in Newton aforesaid formerly the land of Thomas Parsons of Newton aforesaid.  All my household goods of what kind so ever I give and bequeath unto the above named George Bryan and Ann Primmer to be equally divided between them.  All the rest of my lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever I give and bequeath unto Francis Bryan of Ealing in the County of Middlesex, Gent., to have and to hold to him and his heirs forever chargeable nevertheless with payment of all my just debts and legacies aforesaid.  ITEM; I give unto Elizabeth the wife of  George Bryan my three gold rings, and I do hereby constitute and appoint the said Francis Bryan sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this one and twentieth day of November in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James the second of England etc. AD 1688 – Richard Winch – signed sealed and published in the presence of Francis Coles, Jonah Coles, () Downes, John Corn

Proved 28th August 1689

1688 Robert Pitt

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In the name of God. Amen. The one and thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand six hundred eighty eight, I Robert PITT of Blandford Forum in the County of Dorset, Gent., being weak and infirm, but of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto Almighty God for the same yet minding my mortality do make my last will in manner following: my soul I commend to Almighty God assuredly hoping his acceptance through the merits of Christ my Saviour; and I direct that my body be buried in the parish church of Blandford Forum aforesaid as near my father as may be; the order and charges I leave to the discretion of my executor hereafter named; and as to the lands, houses and personal estate which it has pleased God to bless me with all, I dispose of in manner following: whereas I have lately given and settled to my son Robert PITT, Doctor of Physick and to his heirs forever the Inn called the Crown in the warnership of Pimperne and my lands called Broadmead and Bell grounds with all its members and appurtenances, as also all my messuage tenement and lands which I purchased of George Pitt Esquire, I now moreover give and devise unto him all the estate and term of years that I have yet to come in the common shore of Blandford Forum aforesaid called Gallers Ditch.  ITEM; I give unto my said son Robert the higher (ham) next to the March in Blandford Forum aforesaid to hold to him and his heirs forever.  ITEM; I give unto my Granddaughter Martha PITT daughter of my said son  Robert PITT the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to my said son Robert for the use of his said daughter by my executor hereinafter named within half a year after my decease, and whereas I have lately given and settled upon my son Thomas PITT, Counsellor of Law the farm of Hemsworth and the house wherein Richard Lisle of Blandford Forum aforesaid, Goldsmith, now lives and the orchard thereunto belonging, I do now give and bequeath unto Robert PITT, son of my said son Thomas PITT the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England, also I give and bequeath to Christopher PITT, son of my said son Thomas PITT the sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to my said son Thomas for the use and benefit of his said sons Robert and Christopher by my executor hereinafter named within half a year after my decease.  ITEM; I give and devise unto my loving friends George Rives of Rauston in the said county of Dorset Esquire and Robert Seymour of Hanford in the said county Esquire and their heirs forever, my house that I now dwell in and the gardens, orchards and appurtenances thereunto belonging in trust and for the use of my son John PITT during his life and from and after his decease to and for the use of my grandson John PITT son of my said son John Pitt and to the heirs of my said grandson John Pitt forever.  ITEM; I give and devise unto my said loving friends George Rives and Robert Seymour and their heirs forever my three messuages and tenements with the appurtenances now in the several possessions of William Bartlett, John Welsh and Robert Shelby, and situate in Blandford Forum aforesaid in trust and to and for the use of my said son John Pitt for and during the term of his life, and from and after his decease to and for the use and behoof of my grandson Robert PITT son of my said son John Pitt and to the heirs of my said grandson Robert Pitt forever.  ITEM; I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter Priscilla PITT, daughter of my said son John Pitt the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be let out for her and with the profits thereof to be paid unto her when she shall attain the age of one and twenty years or on her day of marriage which shall first happen.  ITEM; I give and bequeath unto my son Christopher PITT the sum of one thousand pounds of lawful money of England.  ITEM; I give and bequeath unto my loving brother-in-law Mathew PAGE of Whatcombe in the County of Dorset, Gent., and his heirs the messuage or tenement now in the possession of Christopher Bernard and the messuage or tenement next adjoining, now in the possession of John Buffett and the moulting house or tenement now in the possession of John Elmes and the other two tenements lately built, wherein William Winter and George Gerard now live, and all outhouses, yards, gardens and appurtenances therewith or with any of them enjoyed or thereunto belonging, and also the two lower hams or islands opposite to the said messuages or tenements last mentioned and all situate in the parish of Blandford Forum aforesaid, to hold the same unto the said Mathew Page and his heirs in trust nevertheless and in confidence that he and his heirs shall and will suffer my said son a Christopher Pitt and his heirs to receive the rents issues and profits of the said tenements houses and hams hereby devised unto my said brother Mathew Page and his heirs, and upon further trust and confidence that my said brother Mathew Page and his heirs shall upon request unto him or them made by my said son Christopher or his heirs convey or assure the estate to them devised of and in the premises to my son Christopher and his heirs or upon default thereof on his death to his heir or heirs upon the like request made by the said heir or heirs.  ITEM; I give unto my daughter Margaret PITT the sum of one thousand pounds of lawful money of England.  ITEM; I give and bequeath unto my daughter Priscilla DENNETT the sum of three hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid to her within one year next after my decease or to such other person as she shall appoint.  ITEM; I give and bequeath to her son John DENNETT my grandson the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be let out for him as soon as conveniently may be and the principal and all interest thereof to be paid unto him my said grandson at his age of one and twenty years, and my will further is that in case my said grandson John Dennett shall die before the age of one and twenty years that then the said two hundred pounds and all interest raised by the loan thereof before the death of the said John Dennett shall be paid to his mother my daughter Priscilla Dennett or to such other person or persons as she whether she be sole or married shall nominate and appoint to my executor hereinafter named to receive  the same.  ITEM; I give to the poor of the parish of Blandford aforesaid the sum of five pounds to be distributed within one month after my decease.  ITEM; whereas I lately purchased in the name of my son John Pitt certain lands in Winterborne Kingston in the said County of Dorset, my will is and I do hereby give and devise the third part of the clear yearly profits arising out of the said lands to the bailiff and burgesses of Blandford Forum aforesaid for and towards the relief and maintenance of a poor person that the said bailiff and burgesses shall think fit to place and put in that room In the almshouse of Blandford Forum aforesaid for which no provision or allowance was before made.  ITEM; all my plate, linen, pewter and household goods whatsoever in my house in Blandford that I now live in I bequeath unto my said sons and daughters to be equally divided amongst them.  ITEM; I give unto my servant Elizabeth Hancock if she shall be living with me at the time of my death one year’s wages, and to the rest of my servants that shall be in my service at Blandford at the time of my death, to each of them one half year’s wages according to what that have covenanted for to be paid to them when they are to receive their next quarter’s wages.  ITEM; I do order and direct that my executor shall sell the lands conveyed to me by James South towards the payment of my legacies, and I do strictly charge and command all my children that if any difference do arise between them in relation to this my will that they refer themselves and do stand to and abide the judgement and determination of George Rives of Ranston Esquire and Robert Seymour of Hanford Esquire.  ITEM; all the rest of my goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever I give and devise unto my said son John Pitt whom I hereby constitute make and ordain sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former or other will or wills by me made.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written – Robt. Pitt – signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Thomas CRADOCK, Robert Ridout, Isaac Horlock , Edward Lawrence

Proved 11th March 1688/9

1687 William Pitt

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This is the last will and testament of me, William PITT of Dorchester in the county of Dorset, Gent., made and published this twenty sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred eighty.  FIRST, I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, trusting and believing by and through the merits death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer, to have full and free pardon of all my sins and to enjoy eternal happiness. My body I commit to the earth to be decently buried in expectation of a glorious resurrection. And as for and concerning my worldly estate which God has been pleased of his goodness to bestow upon me, I dispose thereof in manner following (that is to say): INPRIMIS; I give to my dearly beloved wife one thousand pounds.  ITEM; I give to my daughter CHAPPELL one hundred pounds to be paid her in three months after my decease.  ITEM; I will that my executrix shall pay to my overseers or such of them as will accept the trust five hundred nobles within six months after my decease, five hundred nobles more within twelve months after my decease and five hundred nobles more within eighteen months next after my decease which I desire may be put out at interest in their names or the names of such of them as will accept of the trust, and I will that the interest thereof shall be paid to my daughter DEANE during the life of her husband for her separate use and a receipt by her under her hand shall be a sufficient discharge for the same, and in case she shall outlive her husband, then the principal and interest to be paid to her, and if she shall die leaving her husband, then the principal and so much of the interest as shall be unpaid to her shall be disposed of for the benefit of such of her children as she shall appoint, and for want of such appointment, then for the benefit of such child or children of hers as she shall leave equally to be divided between them provided always and my will is, if my said daughter shall by any instrument in writing under her hand subscribed in the presence of four or more credible witnesses appoint or authorise my said overseers or either of them to pay all or any part of the principal money before her death to or for the benefit of any her child or children, or to any other use, that my said overseers or such of them as shall accept of the said trust, shall pay the same accordingly and shall be discharged of so much thereof as they shall pay by such her appointment, and that they nor either of them shall not suffer by the insolvency of any person to whom they shall dispose of the same at interest nor be answerable one for the acts or defaults of the other, and that they shall allow themselves all such costs and charges as they shall be at or put unto in the execution of the said trust.  ITEM; I give to my daughter GOULD four hundred pounds to be paid by three equal payments, that is to say, four hundred nobles within six months after my decease, four hundred nobles more within twelve months and four hundred nobles more within eighteen months after my decease.  ITEM; I give to my Grandson William CHAPPELL four hundred pounds to be paid within two years after my decease, which I will shall be disposed of by my overseers either at interest or otherwise for his benefit as they shall think fit and their receipt for the same shall be a discharge for my executrix.  ITEM; I give to the town of Blandford, the place of my nativity, fifty pounds to be paid within two years after my decease to their bailiff and his brethren to be put out at interest or laid out in land and that the yearly income thereof shall be disposed of for the putting out yearly at Easter one poor child of that town an apprentice, and my desire is that every year at Easter another poor child be pitched on to be bound out the next year, and that, if the parents cannot, that the town will cause such child to be taught to write and read if it be a boy, if a girl to read, sew or spin.  ITEM; ITEM; I give to the town of Dorchester fifty pounds to be paid within two years after my decease to their bailiff and his brethren to be put out at interest or laid out in land and that the yearly income thereof shall be disposed of for the putting out yearly at Easter one poor child of that town an apprentice, and my desire is that every year at Easter another poor child be pitched on to be bound out the next year, and that, if the parents cannot, that the town will cause such child to be taught to write and read if it be a boy, if a girl to read, sew knit or spin.  ITEM; I give to my three grandchildren John CHAPPELL, David and Jane DEANE each of them five pounds apiece to be paid in a year.  ITEM; I give to my old servant Elizabeth Maning twenty shillings and to the servant that lives with me at time of my decease ten shillings to each of the parishes of Dorchester to be distributed to the poor. And of this my last will I make my loving wife executrix and do desire my brother Mr Robert PITT, my kinsman Mr James GOULD, and my son in law Mr George GOULD to be overseers of this my will and to each of them do give twenty shillings apiece for a ring – Will. Pitt – signed sealed and published in the presence of us Joseph Pride, Daniel Arden, William Hayward

WHEREAS I have in this my will written on the other side given fifty pounds to the town of Dorchester for the putting out of a poor child yearly, I do hereby revoke the said legacy and will that the same be null and void.  Witness my hand this seventh day of May one thousand six hundred eighty one – Will Pitt – signed in the presence of us William Hayward, Jo’s: Pride, Daniel Arden

Proved 10th February 1687 by Jane PITT, relict.

Marginal note: 4th June 1691

1687 John Cradocke

11-0388-132_JohnCradocke_1687

In the name of God. Amen. I John CRADOCKE of London, Gent., being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in form following (viz.): I give and bequeath all that lease and term of years of and in the markets of the City of London whereof I am possessed for several years to come, and the whole benefit and advantage thereof unto my dear wife and her assigns to whom also I give all the rest and residue of my estate whatsoever, she out of my said lease and other estate paying all my just debts, my funeral charges and legacies hereby bequeathed (viz.): a legacy of one hundred pounds unto my loving friend Robert Bedingfield, whom, with my dear wife I make executors of this last will and testament. Also I give unto Peter Holland ten pounds besides my wages and mourning. And I hereby revoke all former wills and declare this only to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this three and twentieth day of April AD one thousand six hundred eighty five and in the first year of the reign of our sovereign lord king James the Second etc. – John Cradocke – sealed, signed and published in the presence of us: Anne Silvester; ( the mark of) Peter Holland; Richard Downing

Proved 29th August 1687 by Eliza Cradocke, the relict of John Cradock