The Last Will & Testament of WILLIAM CLARE (1769) Tailor of Bridport
Transcribed and donated to the Dorset OPC project by Ros Dunning
In the Name of God Amen I William Clare of Bridport in the County of Dorset Taylor being weak in Body but of a sound and perfect Mind Memory and Understanding (thanks be to God) And Considering the Uncertainty of this transitory Life do make & publish this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say)
ffirst I Give and Devise unto my son in Law John Battiscombe of Bridport aforesaid Peruke Maker and his Heirs All that the South Part of my Messuage Burgage or Tenement situate on the South Side of the West Street in Bridport aforesaid wherein
Philip Elford now lives lying on the South East End of the Court with the Woodhouse and Garden thereunto belonging And all other the Ways privileges and Appurtenances as enjoyed by him the said Philip Elford of which he stands possessed for the residue of a Term of ninety nine Years determinable on the Death of Mr
John Symes of Axminster To hold (from and immediately after the decease of the said John Symes) unto my said son in Law John Battiscombe his Heirs and Assigns for ever
Also I Give & Devise unto my Daughter Esther Clare and her Heirs All the other Part or Parts of my said Messuage Burgage or Tenement being in my own Possession with the Curtilage Garden & Appurtenances thereunto belonging with all other my Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever To hold unto her my said Daughter Esther Clare her Heirs and Assigns for Ever
Also as touching and concerning all and singular my Goods Chattels Moneys and Securitys for Money Personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever after payment of my Debts and ffuneral Expences I Give and Bequeath the same unto my said Daughter Esther Clare whom I do hereby make and Appoint whole and Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me at any time hereofore made
In Witness whereof I the said William Clare the Testator have hereunto set my hand and Seal the Seventeenth day of January in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith and so forth and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Nine
The marke of X William Clare
(Attestation Clause)
John Miller
John Hill
Samuel Tomlyns
Proved 1769
Dorset History Centre