Bradford Abbas Wills 1748-1819 available Dorset History Centre
(prev. Dorset Record Office) with film ref. (Arch. Deac. Dorset)
(spelling as given)
George Master Will, proved 1748 MIC/R/209
In the name of God Amen I George Master of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset being weak in Body yet of Sound Mind Memory and understanding considering the Uncertainty of this transitory Life do make, publish and declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following (to wit)
Ittm: ffirst I Give and Devise all my land situate lying and being at Nether Adbar in the parish of Mudford in the County of Somerset with the Rents Issues and profits thereof unto my sister Edith Rogers from and immediately after my Decease for and during the Term of her natural Life and after her Decease Then I do hereby give and Devise the said Land to Richard Rogers the younger and his Heirs and Assigns for ever.
Ittm: I Give and Bequeath to John Snooke and his wife and to the survivor of them the House they now live in together with the Garden and Orchard thereto belonging late Gridlers and Also Rydouts for and During their natural Lives and to the longest liver of them and after their Decease I Give the same to the aforesaid Richard Rogers the younger. Also I Give and Bequeath to the said Richard Rogers the younger from and immediately after my Decease that Close of Ground called or known by the name of Rydouts Close and a road at all times to the same with the Barn and Court thereto belonging likewise the House Garden and Orchard late Sarah Bristows during the remainder of my Estate and Interest therein, and All the Rest residue and Remainder of my worldly Goods and Effects whatsoever I Give and bequeath to my loving wife Susannah Master whom I hereby Nominate and Appoint whole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and fforty five
George Master
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the above named George Master as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each other
William Read The mark of John Sherring John Brooke
Probate 10.5.1748
Richard Haggard the elder Will, proved 1749 MIC/R/209
In the name of God Amen I Richard Haggard the Elder of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset, yeoman, being Sick and Weak in Body, but of sound mind memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following
First I give to my Daughters Abigail and Elizabeth a shilling apiece
Item I give to my Daughter Catherine one shilling per week to be paid her weekly during her natural Life out of my real and personal Estate I die possess’d of by my Executor hereinafter named. Also I give my Daughter Catherine the Bed I now lie upon, the Trugle Bedstead and the Chest at by Daughter Beers, A Bellmettle pot and all my wifes wearing apparel
Item I give and bequeath the House with all its appurtenances that my son-in-law Charles Beer lives in unto my good friends Robert Ring and John Brooke and the survivor of them In Trust nevertheless to and for the use of and behoof of my Daughter Catherine and my Grandson John Beer equally between them and also do and shall permit and suffer my son-in-law Charles Beer with his family to live in the said House as long as he keeps the same Tenantable and in good repair and when my Daughter Catherine or my Grandson John Beer should happen to die then his or her part so dying to the use and behoof of my Daughter Elizabeth Beer during the residue and remainder of my Estate and interest therein. Lastly all the rest residue and remainder of my Goods and Chattels and all my other Estates whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my Son Richard Haggard his Executors, Administrators and Assigns whom I nominate and appoint sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and forty eight
Richard Haggard
Signed sealed Published and declared by the above named Richard Haggard as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto Subscribed Names as witness thereto in the presence of the said Testator
Nath: Brooke Benjamin ?Ring
Possible burial Bradford Abbas 1.6.1748 Richard Haggard
Richard Bishop Will, proved 1751 MIC/R/210
In the name of God Amen I Richard Bishop of Bradford Blacksmith being in Good health of Body and of perfect and Sound Memory ?(?thanks) be to god therefore do make and ordain this my present last Will and Testament in manner and form ffollowing First I bequeath my Soul to god, and my body to the Earth to be decently Buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and as /tuching the disposition of all such Temporal Eastate as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth - first I will that any debts and funeral charges shall be paid and discharged
? I give to my son John Bishop the sum of one Shilling
Item I give to my son Richard Bishop the sum of one Shilling
Item I give to my son William Bishop the sum of one Shilling
Item I give to my son Thomas Bishop the sum of one Shilling
All the Rest and Residue of my Personal Estate Goods and Chatles whatsoever I do give and bequeath to my Loving Son Matthew Bishop full and sole Executor of this my Last Will ans Testament, And I do hereby revoke disanull and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I the Said Richard Bishop to this my last Will and Testament have set my hand and seal the nineteenth day of October in the year of our lord 17??
Richard Bishop
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us ?Wm. ?Corry Thomas ?
Grace Bull Thomas ?Hean
Proved 2.12.1751
Joseph ?Boyde Admon ?1770 MIC/R/272
Joseph ?Boyde, Bradford Abbas, thatcher, and William Boyde, of Yeovil, thatcher
?9th year of Geo III (?1770)
Joseph Boyde above, father of Joseph Boyde bachelor
Buried Bradford Abbas 27.10.1768 Joseph Byde junear
William Mitchell Will, proved 1771 MIC/R/217
In the Name of God Amen
I William Mitchell of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset, Yeoman, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of Sound and perfect Mind and Memory, Blessed be Almighty God for the same Do make and Publish this my ?last Will and Testament in the manner and form following (that is ?)
First I Give unto my Dear wife Elizabeth five shillings she being already provided for
Item I give unto my Son in law John Allen of East Chinnock in the County of Somerset also five shillings
I Give devise and bequeath unto my Grandson William Allen All my Messuages Lands and tenements and hereditaments whatsoever to hold to him his Heirs and Assigns for ever, and likewise all my Leasehold Estates together with the Dwelling House and all its appurtenances situate lying and being in the Parishes of Bradford Abbas aforesaid and Clifton Mawbank in the said County of Dorset for all the ?Interest I have therein to come Also all my Goods and Chattels of what ? kind so ever I Give and bequeath the same to my said Grandson William Allen whom I hereby nominate and appoint Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this third day of May in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty three
William Mitchell
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the above named William Mitchell to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of Us who have hereunto Subscribed our Names as Witnesses in the presence of the Testator
Henry Beaton The mark of Rose Ryall John Brooke
Samuel Eastment Will, proved1775 MIC/R/219
In the Name of God Amen I Samuel Eastment of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset ?Linman do make this my last Will and Testament in the manner following that is to say first I Give and Bequeath unto my Brother John Eastment and to my sister Christian Mayo widow all my Moneys Goods Chattels and Effects of what nature or kind soever To Hold to them their Executors and Administrators Lastly I do Nominate and Appoint my brother John Eastment and my said sister Christian Mayo joint Executor and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal this Twenty fiffth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand and seven hundred and seventy one
Saml. Eastment
Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said Samuel Eastment as and for his last Will and Testament in the presance of us who in his presance have subscribed our Names as witness thereto John Fooks Jno. Barras
Proved 4.3.1775 by Christian Mayo one of the Exec.
Ephriam Westley Will, proved 1776 MIC/R/220
Be ?Itt Remembered that I Ephriam Westley of Bradford Abass and County of Dorsit being Weake of Bodey but of sound mind and memory Do make constitute and Ordain this my only Will and Testament in mannor and Form ffollowing Viz.
Impris I Give and Bequeath unto my Brother Thomas Westley my Leasehold Estate lying and being in the Mannor and Parish of Bradfprd (above sd. and County above sd.) For the remainder of the Term I have to cum, Dureing his natureal Life, and allso I Give unto my sd. Brother all my Live Stock of Cattle, Household Goods, and Plow Tackle, of what kind or Quality so ever, allso I give my sd. Brother the Crops of Corn and Grass now Standing and growing on my Estate and allso the Estates I Rent. And my Will and Desire is that my Executor herein named do pay my Creditors all there just Demands on me which they may have And I make nominate constitute and Apoint my said Brother Thomas Westley whole and Sole Executor of this my Will and Testament In witness whereof I have herewith set my Hand and Affixed my Seale this first day of June and in the Year of our Lord 1776
The mark of Ephriam Westley
Signed and Seald in the presence of us, who at the request of the Testator have set our hands as witnesses William Masters Elizabeth Tinney
The mark of Ann Loscomb
Proved 7.10.1776
Buried Bradford Abbas 19.6.1776 Ephriam Westley
Jane Dodge Will, proved 1781 MIC/R/221
October 31 1781 It is my Will and Desire that John Oliverof yetminster shall have the sum of fifteen pounds which said sum I give and bequeath to him imediately after my Decease and also the sum of five pounds to the said John Oliver to pay my Funeral Expenses ?The remainder what I am worth I give to my three Sisters and Brother to be equally divided between them as Witness my hand
The mark of Jane Dodge
Witness Henry Meach Joseph Spear
Proved 24.11.1781 “Know all men by these present that we John Oliver Labourer...”
Also indicates John Oliver as first cousin and Adminstrator.... Jane Dodge spinster
Buried Yetminster 5.11.1781 Jane Dodge of Bradford
Thomas Spear Will, proved 1781 MIC/R/221
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Spear of the parish of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset, Miller, being sick and weak, but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following viz. principally and above all I recommend my immortal Soul into the hand of God that gave it, and my body to be buried in decent Christian Buriall at the discretion of my Executors, and as to my Worldly effects I give and bequeath in manner and form following viz.
First I give unto my Son Thomas Spear the sum of one shilling to be paid by my Executor
Secondly I give unto my Daughter Elisabeth Spear the like sum of one Shilling to be paid by my Executor
Thirdly I give unto my Son Benjamin Spear a peaceable and quiet being and inhabiting my dwelling House, with my Son Joseph Spear; the sd. Joseph being to provide him the sd. Benjamin with sufficient nessasereys with Clothing of every kind for Life provided that it shall appear Such to Saml. Longman and Wm. Longman Brothers whom I appoint and they accept as trustees to see this part of my will performed but if it appears to them, my Son Benjamin’s usage is contrary to my desire, then I bind my Son Joseph his heirs and his Executors and Administrators and Assigns to pay or cause to be payd to my Son Benjamin Spear the sum of three shillings per week ever week to support and maintain him for life and my sd. Trust shall have power to place him the sd Benjamin into others hands as shall appear most for the comfortably support of my sd. Son Benjamin Spear. Lastly I give to my Son Joseph Spear whom I constitute appoint make and ordain the Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament all my Estate Stock Goods and Chattles by him to be freely possessed and enjoyed, and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disanull all and every other former testaments and wills, in any ways heretofore by me made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty eigth day of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty
Thos. Spear
Signed published and declared by the Testator Thomas Spear as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names hereunto
The mark of John Long George Snook
Proved 1781
Possibly buried Bradford Abbas 12.1.1781, possible burial for Benjamin 24.3.1782, surnames difficult to read on microfilm of burials.
Richard Haggard Will, proved 1782 MIC/R/222
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Haggard of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman being weak in body but Sound of Mind Memory and Understanding Do make publish and Declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following (That is to say)
First I Give and bequeath unto my Sister Catherine (The wife of Thomas Toleman) the sum of one shilling per week to be paid to her by Monthly payments by my Executors herein after named for and during the term of her natural life the same to be paid into her own proper hands for her Sole and Separate use distinct from the ?intermedding of her said husband and her receipt alone to be deemed a good and Sufficient Receipt to my Executrix for the same. The first payment thereof to begin and be made at the End of One Month next after my Decease And I do hereby charge all my Leasehold Estates with the payment thereof Also I Give and Devise unto
Mary Burt now living with me All These my Leasehold Estates with all and Singular the Clover Lands Hereditaments and premises to the same belonging Situate in Bradford Abbas aforesaid and in Clifton and Wyke and Elsewhere in the said County of Dorset To hold the same unto the said Mary Burt her Executors Administrators and Assigns for and during all my Several Terms and Estate and Interest therein Also I give and bequeath unto William Hunt of Bradford Abbas aforesaid Husbandman two pair of New Shoes now in my Dwelling house also two pair Leather Breeches three ?close Bodyed Cloth Coates and One Great Coat Also all thereof residue and remainder of my ready money Securities for money Stock Goods Chattles personal Estate and Effects of what Nature or kind soever and wheresoever the same may be not herein before given by this my Will after payment of my just Debts and Funeral Expenses I Give and bequeath unto the said Mary Burt and to her Executors and Administrators respectively and Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint the said Mary Burt sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me at any Time heretofore made. In witness whereof I the said
Richard Haggard (the Testator) have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Tenth day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight
Richard Haggard
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Richard Haggard (the Testator) as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have set our Names as Witness thereof
?Jno. Read Wm. Medway
On the first day of April 1782 This Will of Richard Haggard deceased was proved by the Oath of Mary wife of (blank) late Mary Burt the Sole Executrix abovenamed to whom Administration of all and Singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased was She being first duly sworn faithfully to administer the same to exhibit a true and perfect Inventory thereof into the Registry of the Archdeacon of Dorset and render a just Account thereon when ? lawfully required
Sworn before me Geo. Marsh
Possible burial Bradford Abbas 19.9.1778 Richard Haggard senior
Could this be Mary Burt?
Marriage Bradford Abbas 10.11.1778
Wm. Medway yeoman, of this parish, & Mary Burt, spinster, of this parish
by licence, witnesses: Richard Haggard, Robert King
Richard Haydon Will, proved 1784 MIC/R/223
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Haydon Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman being weak in body but of Sound Mind, Memory and Understanding do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the Manner following that is to say I give my son John Haydon aged about 2 years old all my Efects Goods and Chattels and do apoint the said John Haydon Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any time here before made and it is my Desire in witness whereof the said Richard Haydon the Testator have here unto set my hand and seal this First day of January One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-four Leaving my Wife and Wm. Medway in Trust for my Son John Haydon
Richard Haydon
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Richard Haydon Testator and for his Last Will and Testament in the Preasants of us who at his request and in his presants have set our Names as Witnesses thereto
Mary Medway Richard ?Granger John Medway
On the 29th November 1784 This will of Richard Haydon deceased was proved by the Oath of William Medway one of the Trustees above named for whom Administration of all and singular the goods and chattels and credits of the said deceased was granted he being first duly sworn faithfully to administer the same to Exhibit a true and perfect Inventory thereof into this Registry of the Archdeacon of Dorset....power being reserved to make the like grant to Jane, wife of the deceased above named.
Buried Bradford Abbas 12.1.1784 Richard Haydon
Other material relating to this will, original documents DA Inventory #1
1. Letter to Mr Cooth, Attorney at Law, Blandford:
Sherborne May 21st 1784
Sir,
The bearer William Medway of Bradford Abbas near Sherborne has been served with a Citation to appear in your Court as this day and exhibit an Inventory of the Estate and Effects of Richd. Haydon deced by whom he was appointed his Exect. in Trust. The accounts are not yet Drawn and I have therefore to request that you’ll appear for Mr Medway and get time for him to prepare his Accounts and you’ll please let me know how long it will be before he will be obliged to exhibit the Inventory and to what time your Court is adjourned. I shall be in Blandford next Thursday and will then call on you and am
Sir
Your most ? Servt.
?Batson
(Noted at the side of the letter: Paid 408:10:91/2
Recd. 309: 1:0
99: 9:91/2
2. An Inventory and Valuation of the late Richard Heydon’s Stock ?etc taken and made on the 10th January 1784
5 Old Cows at £3 each 15:0:0
2 Three year old Heifers at £3:13:6 7:7:0
1 Barren heifer 4:0:0
1 Steer 5:0:0
5 Two year old Heifers at £2:15:0 13:15:0
1 Bull 2:10:0
2 Calves 2:10:0
2 Sheep 2:10:0
3 Old Horses 3:3:0
1 Mare 1:11:6
1 Mare 5:10:0
I Horse Colt 3:3:0
1 Poney Colt 1:1:0
1 Waggon 4:4:0
1 ?Put 2:0:0
Old empty Casks 3:10:0
Cyder Mill and Press 1:11:6
10 Tuns of Hay 20:0:0
Wheat in Billys 15:0:0
Barley Unthreshed 14:0:0
Oates Unthreshed 13:0:0
Beans Unthreshed 5:10:0
1 Pigg 1:0:0
?Sull Drags and Harrows 2:0:0
Dairy Utensils and Household Furniture 29:5:5
14 Acres of Wheat upon Ground at £1:10s p. Acre 21:0:0
£199:1:5
N.B. Mr Haydon died on 8th Janry. 1784
3. An Account of the Expences of and Payments made by William Medway of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman Administrator with the Will annexed of Richard Haydon late of Bradford Abbas aforesaid Yeoman deceased
1784
29 Novr. Horsehire Turnpikes and Expences to Blandford for Administration
including what paid for the same 1:19:1
30 Novr. Horse Turnpike and Expences to Milborne Port to speck to
Mr Horsey Mr Haydons Landlord 2:6
Dec 6th Paid for Bacon and Beef for the ffuneral 11:8 Paid for Sugar and Tea etc 10:0
Paid for a Cheese 5:4
Turnpike Expences to Sherborne 1:6
Horse Turnpike and Expences to ?Denton (could be a name)
after Sarah Marks to look after the Children 10:7
Paid for Beer and other Liquors for the Funeral 8:0
Paid for the Black Cloth 1:0
Paid for Cloaths for the Children and Making 7:11
14 Horse Turnpike and Expences to Sherborne and Yeovil Markets
several times 3:0
20 Paid Wages to Workmen upon the Farm 2:2:0
Paid for Beef for the Children and for the Sale 8:3
Paid for Liquors for the Sale 6:0
23 Paid the Carpenter for the Coffine and other Work 2:8:11
25 Paid the Servant Boy 6 Weeks Wages 15:0
Paid the Apothecary Bill 2:2:0
27 Paid the Servant Maids Wages 1:4:0
Paid for Shoes for the Children 1:3:10
28 Paid the Butchers Bill for Meat 2:19:9
1785
Janry. 6Paid Martha Toops Bill for making and mending Cloaths
for the Children 6:11
Turnpike and Horse to Sherborne and Expences 1:6
10 Paid for 22lb of Bacon 12:10
Paid 1 Man 4 days work uopn the Farm 4:0
Paid Thos. Harvey for Malt 7:16:0
Paid Labourers upon the Farm 4:10:3
14 Paid the Blacksmiths Bill 1:8:1
Paid Cloathing for the Children 15:1
18 Pork Meat 11 Score at 6s6d p. Score 3:11:6
20 Paid Ann Gudge Bill for Sundrys 5:4:7
Feby.5 Paid the Chandler for Soape and Candles 3 Dozn. 1:3:3
Paid sevl. People for attending in Sickness and helping
about the Family 3:4:6
8 Paid for half a Dozn. Brooms 1:6
12 Paid for 14lb of Salt and Sundrys 8:3
19 Paid for Butter Milk and Cream 15:0
March25 Paid Sarah Marks for looking after the Children 19 weeks 1:11:6
Paid Labourers for Work upon the Farm 2:1:6
April5 Paid Thos. Marks Wages for Work upon the Farm 4:4:0
Paid George Snook for Schooling and Sundrys 12:10:1/2
11 Paid Saml. Holloway the Miller for Grinding Baking
and for Yeast 4:10
29 Paid Window tax to ?Cowpton (?name) to Ladyday 1785 5:1
Paid for Work done with the Plow 10:0
May 1 Paid Thos. Jeffery a debt due to him 11:0
Paid two Years Tythe to the Vicar due Ladyday 1785 3:10:6
22 Paid George Snook for keeping Accoupt at the Sale 5:0
Paid John Loscombe for Rent 48:2:83/4
Paid Mr Horsey for Rent 256:9:101/2
Paid Robert Arnold 1 Years rent due Michaelmas 1784 7:0:0
Paid Mr Jas. Hoddinott Auctioneer his Bill for Appraising
and Selling the Stock Goods etc 7:3:6
Horse Turnpike and Expences to Blandford to appear
according to Citation 10:6
31 Paid Mr Giles Melmoth for Malt and dressing Horses etc
as pr. Bill 14:6:7
Signed William Medway
23rd July 1785
Sworn to the truth of this
Account before me
Geo. Marsh ?sur
4. An Account of the Expence of putting in the Outgoing Crop of Corn
The Expence Plowing and Sowing the outgoing Crop and Carying Soil for the Same that is now on the Ground of 27 acres 1785
for Carying 120 Loade of Soil at 9 pence p. Loade 4:10:0
for Plowing and Sowing 10 acres of Wheat at 7s6d p. acre 3:15:0
16 Bus Wheat at 9s6d p. Bus 8:8:0
paid 7 weeks Burdkeeping 14:0
pd. widing the 10 acres Wheat 1:10:0
for Plowing and Sowing 3 Rye 1:1:0
4 Bushels 1/2 Seed Rye 1:4:9
for Carying 45 Loade of Soil at 1s6d p. Loade 3:7:6
for Plowing and Sowing 6 acres 1/2 Pease 2:2:0
10 Bus: of Pease at 6s p. Bus 3:0:0
for Plowing ?Vallowing Draging Sowing and Roleing 7 acres
half of Barley at 10s6d per acre 3:18:9
22 Bushels and half of Barley at 4 shillings p. Bushel 4:10:0
for Burdkeeping Pease and Barley 4 weeks at 2s p. Week 8:0
£38:9:0
William Read Will, proved 1786 MIC/R/223
This is the last Will and Testament of me William Read of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman made this Twelfth Day of January in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and Eighty six. First I do hereby disanul and make void all former and other Wills and Testaments heretofore Willed or made by me and as to my Lands Tenements Hereditaments and Appurtenances give and dispose of the same as follows First I give and Bequeath unto my Servant Elizabeth Ring and her Sister Anne Dike a peaceable Inhabiting in the end of the late Joseph Jeans House were (?where) the said Anne Dike now occupies. Also the said Elizabeth Ring and Anne Dike are both to have the Liberty to have Water at the Pump belonging to the said House during their natural Lives without any interruption or denial whatsoever. Item I give and bequeath unto my Servant Elizabeth Ring the Sum of Ten Pounds of Lawful Money every year to be paid to her during her natural Life by my Executor hereinafter mentioned which yearly Sum my desire is shall be Paid to her Quarterly from the time of my decease by my said Executor his Executors Administrators and Assigns and Also my desire is that my Executor shall maintain repair Thatch and keep the said end of the House in good repair which I give during the said Lives of Elizabeth Ring and
Anne Dike And after my Servant Elizabeth Ring’s Decease in case Anne Dike should survive her sd. Sister Elizabeth Ring Then I give and bequeath the said Ten Pounds a year and every year during the sd. Anne Dike’s Life to be paid her by my Executor in the manner before mentioned for her sister Item I give and bequeath unto my Cousin Frances Paul widow of Yeovil in the County of Somerset the Sum of Five Guineas of Lawful Money to be paid by my Executor in Twelve Months after my Decease Item I give unto my Cousin Thomas Uphill the Sum of Five Pounds of Lawful Money to be paid him by my Executor hereinafter mentioned in Twelve Months after my Decease And Lastly I give and Bequeath unto Thomas Andrews of Corton all the rest residue and remainder of my Money Leasehold Estates and Ground, Stock of Cattle, Book Debts and Bonds, Household Furniture Goods and Chattles of every kind my Land at Thornford excepted which Land ? Willis (unclear if this is a surname or part of a place name)I chuse not to give the said Thomas Andrews And I do hereby appoint the said Thomas Andrews Executor of this my last Will and Testament thereunto set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year first within written
The mark of William Read (done as an R)
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said William Read the Testator as for his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who in his Presence at his request here unto set our Names as Witnesses
Robert Newman Elizabeth ?J/P/Tenny Susannah Napper
Proved 18.2.1786 ....Thomas Andrews of Corton Denham
Buried Bradford Abbas 26.1.1786 William Read
Philip White Will. proved 1792 MIC/R/225
In the Name of God Amen I Philip White of the Parish of Bradford Abbas, in the County of Dorset, Inn-holder, being of sound and disposing Mind, Memory and Understanding, Praised be God for the same, do make and declare this my Last Will and Testament, in manner and form following that is to say I Give and bequeath all that my Messuage or tenement, Land and Hereditaments, with the Appurtenances, situate, lying and being at East Fenn, in the Parsih of Soham in the County of Cambridge, and now in the ?Tenure and Occupation of James Fordham, Yeoman, unto my Beloved Wife Mary White and to her Heirs and Assigns for ever. Also I Give and Devise unto my Wife Mary White all those my several Leasehold Dwelling Houses, Messuages or Tenements, with their Appurtenances, called or known by the Names of the Rose and Crown, another occupied by Mr William Medway and formerly an Inn known by the Name of the three Pigoens, and another occupied by Anthony Masters, Blacksmith, known by the Name of Girdlers House, all situate lying and being in the Parish of Bradford Abbas, during her natural Life and from and immediately after my Wife’s decease, I give the said Leasehold Dwelling Houses Messuages or Tenements with the Apputenances unto my Niece Agnes Bonnet, Daughter of my Sister Mary Bonnet, for and during her natural Life, and for her own proper Use and benefit, which said Leasehold Dwelling Houses Messuages, or Tenements, with the Appurtenances, free from, and not subject to the control or intermeddling of her Husband of her the said Agnes Bonnet. Also I give and Devise unto my Sister Sarah ?Jiles the Sum of Twenty Shillings per Year, after my Wife’s Decease, to be paid the said Sarah Jiles during her natural Life, by the said
Agnes Bonnet, free and clear from all Taxes, Charges, and Impositions whatsoever, to be Taxed or Charged on the said Annuity, or upon my said Sister. Also I give unto my Nephews and Nieces viz. Sons and Daughters of my four Sisters, Julia Jiles, Sarah Jiles, Agnes Smith, and Mary Bonnet, the Sum of two Pounds, and two Shillings each, that shall be living at the time of my Wife’s Decease. And after the Decease of my Niece Agnes Bonnet I give and Devise all and every of the said Leasehold Dwelling Houses, Messuages, or Tenements, with Appurtenances, unto and for the Use and behoof of the First Male Issue or Female Issue which shall be Lawfully begotten on the said Agnes Bonnet, subject, nevertheless, to the payment aforesaid. But if the said Agnes Bonnet shall happen to die without Issue, then after her death I give and bequeath the said Leasehold Tenements, and with the Appurtenances, unto my Nephew Richard Jiles, son of Samuel and Sarah Jiles, by Paying unto my Sister Sarah Jiles (Mother of the said Richard Jiles) and my Nephews and Nieces, the Sums of Money hereinbefore specifyed. Also my Desire is that immediately after my Decease, or as soon as can be permitted to Buy, or Purchase the Rose and Crown Inn with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate Lying and being in the Parish of Bradford Abbas, for and during the Life of my Niece Agnes Bonnet, and subject as above. Also I Give unto my four Sisters Julia Jiles, Sarah Jiles, Agnes Smith and Mary Bonnet, one Guinea each, to be paid ? twelve Months after my Decease. All the Rest, residue and remainder of my Money, Household ?ffurnure, of every kind, my Brewing Utensils,Pipes for containing Beer and Cider, and every other Cask , and ? all the rest, residue and Remainder of my Estate, ?Effects of what kind or nature soever not hereinbefore given and disposed of, I give unto my Beloved Wife Mary White, her Executors, Administrators and Assigns. ?And I do make, nominate, constitute, and appoint my said Wife sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void, all and every other Will and Wills, at any time heretofore by me made, and I do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I the said Philip White have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty Third Day of December the year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety
Philip White
Signed, Sealed, Declared, and Published, by the abovenamed Philip White, as and for his Last Will and Testament, in the Presence of us, who, at his request and in his Presence, have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto
Robert Newman ?Ricd. Haggard John Bartar William Bartar
Proved 1792
Buried Bradford Abbas 13.10.1791 Philip White
Mary White Will, proved 1792 MIC/R/225
In the Name of God Amen I Mary White of the Parish of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Widow, being sick in Body but of sound and disposing Mind, Memory and Understanding, thanks be to God for the same, do make and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following; First I do Will order and direct that my just Debts, and ffuneral Expenses, and Charges of Proving this my Will be by my Executrix hereinafter named, paid and discharged out of my Personal Estate, my Cottage, Tenement, with Yards, Gardens, Outhouses and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate at East ffen, in the Parish of Soham, in the County of Cambridge (which said Cottage, Tenement, with Yards, Gardens, Outhouses and Appurtenances thereunto belonging I have surrendered to the Use of this my Will) I Give and devise unto my Sister Martha Motlick, of hargriff in the County of Suffolk, my Brother
John ffordham, of horrenge, in the County of Suffolk, my Brother James ffordham, and his Daughter Sarah ffordham, both of Soham, in the County of Cambridge, to have equal shares of the Rents, right of Inhabiting the said Premises, and also equal profits and Advantages arising from the said Premises, until the Death of either of my Brothers John ffordham, or James ffordham, or my Niece Sarah ffordham, and from and immediately after the decease of either of my Brothers, or my Niece Sarah ffordham, and also after two or all their decease, I Give and devise his, her or their Part or Parts severally when they die, unto my Sister Martha Motlick during her natural Life. But if my Sister happen to die before any or either of my Brothers, or my Niece Sarah ffordham, or after all of them, then I give and Devise my Sister Martha Motlick’s part of the said Cottage, Tenement, Yards, Garden, Outhouses and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, which she shall be in possession of at the time of her decease, and in the same manner as is before devised to the said Martha Motlick unto my Niece Mary Motlick and to her Heirs and Assigns for ever. Also I give and Devise unto my Niece Agnes Bonnet, the Sum of Ten Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain, to be paid by my Executrix hereinafter named, out of my Personal Estate, Six Months after my Decease, which said Sum is to be applyed to the purpose of buying or putting her Life into the Rose and Crown Inn, in the Parish of Bradford Abbas aforesaid. Also I Give and Devise unto my Sister Martha Motlick and my Niece Sarah ffordham all my Wearing Apparrel of every kind, to be equally divided between them share and share alike. Also I Give and deviseunto my Sister Martha Motlick, my Brothers John ffordham, and James ffordham, and my Niece Sarah ffordham all the rest, residue, and remainder of my Effects, Household Furniture, Stock of Beer, Brewing Utensils, Barrels for the purpose of containing Beer, Cyder and other Liquors, and all other my Goods and Chattles, Money, Bonds, Notes, Book-debts, Dues, ?lights and demands, of what nature or kind soever they are or may be, which is, or are not herein before disposed of, to be equally divided between them share and share alike. And Lastly I do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint my Sister Martha Motlick Aforesaid sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the Twenty Sixth Day of April, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and ninety two.
The mark of Mary White
Signed Sealed declared and Publishes by the abovenamed Mary White, as and for her last Will and Testament, in the Presence of us who at her request, and in her Presence, have subscribed our Names as Witness thereto
Robert Newman Ricd. Haggard John Bartar
Proved 1792
Buried Bradford Abbas 13.5.1792 Mary White
Mary Harris Will, proved 1800 MIC/R/227
I Mary Harris of the Parish of Bradford abbas in the County of Dorset do hereby make and ordain this my Last Will viz I hereby Will give bequeath and devise unto my Uncle John Bicknel of the Parish of Over Compton the sum of five Pounds Lawful money a year during his own natural Life, should Mr Isaac survive as long as my said Uncle the said Mr Isaacs’s Disolution being the full determination of a grant of an Estate held by me and my Executor under the Lord of the mannor of Bradford abbas should Mr Isaac live longer than my said Uncle I will that my before mentioned legacy shall cease and determine at my said Uncle’s Death, allso I will that my before mentioned Uncle shall not receive my above said given bequest after Mr Isaac’s death because then my Estate falls to the Lord of the Mannor. Allso I hereby Will Give devise and bequeath unto my Friend Frederick Masters all my Estates and Effects Whatsoever and wheresoever (he paying my above given bequest to my before mentioned Uncle according to the true intent and meaning of this my will) to be by him Possessed and injoy’d allso I do nomminate constitute and appoint hereby the said Frederick Masters wole and sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Thirteth day of November in the Year of our Lord one Thousand and Seven hundred and ninety nine
Mary Harris
Signed Sealed and deleivred by the Testator as and for her Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us Who at her Request have subscribed our names as witnessess hereunto
William Ring John Ring Martha Ring
Codicil:
I Mary Harris before named do declare this writing to be a codicil to my Will and I do direct the same to be taken as part thereof - I give unto the Officiating Minister for the time being of the Protestant Dissenting Chapple in yeovil one Guinea per annum during the life of the before mentioned Mr Isaac on whose death my interset in certain leasehold Premises in Bradford Abbas aforesaid ceases.
I give all my Cloakes and Wearing Apparel of every sort also ?five silver Tea spoons, all my China and earthen Ware and likewise my Broadstriped-Tick-Bed with the Beadstead Bolster and two Pillows thereunto belonging unto Martha Ring of Bradford Abbas aforesaid Spinster as an acknowledgement of my gratitude and esteem for her care and kind attention to me in my illness - and I confirm all other bequests in my said Will contained. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the thirteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred
Mary Harris
This writing was signed and sealed by the said Mary Harris and by her published and declared to be a Codicil to her last Will and Testament in the presence of us
?J/I Cayme Robt. Cayme
On the 2nd day of July 1800 the forgoing Will and Codicil of Mary Harris deceased was proved by the oath of Frederick Masters the sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased was granted he being first duly sworn well and faithfully to administer the same ?to exhibit a true and perfect Inventory thereof into the Register of the Archdeaconry of Dorset and render a just account thereof when thereto lawfully required
Effects under £100
Jonas Pavitt Will, proved 1806 MIC/R/229
I Jonas Pavitt of the Parish of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman, do hereby make this my Will in manner following viz first I devise unto my Son
William Pavitt my dwelling tennemant where my said son William Pavitt now Inhabite and reside for his absolute property Secondly I bequeath to my daughter
Mary Addams the whole of the tennemant and Premises now Occupied by John Gilles my tenant as long as my Son William Pavitt shall live; Allso I Give to my Daughter Mary Addams for her own Absolute property my dwelling house I bought of
John Bartlett Thirdly I bequeath to my Daughter Ann Sherring the sum of Fifty Pounds I lent her Husband free from all demands by my Executrix allso I give to my daughter Ann Sherring for her own legale property the west tennemants of my dwelling house occupied at this time by William Rydout and John Gillam including all the premises occupied by my above said last mentioned tenant allso I hereby will and devise to my above daughter Ann half the apples which shall grow yearly and every year in my Orchard Called or known by the name of late William Harveys allso I devise to my daughter Ann my Cyder mill and Press with this restriction That my Daughter Lucy Pavitt shall make allso her Cyder that grows in her half of the Orchard as long as my Interest therein ?remains at and on my said mill and press Lastly I hereby will Give bequeath and devise to my daughter Lucy Pavitt all the last tennement of my above said dwelling house and Garden now occupied by Thomas Read allso I bequeath to my said Daughter Lucy the other half the Orchard and apples yearly and every year which shall grow therein and by me not bequested to my daughter Ann Allso I hereby will give bequeath and devise to my said daughter Lucy Pavitt all the Rest residue and remainder of my Effects money Goods and Chattles whatsoever and wheresoever to be her own Lawfull and legale property and I do hereby appoint my said daughter Lucy Pavitt wole and sole Executrix of this my will and I do hereby rattify and confirm this to be my last will and Testament in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the twenty seventh day of November in the Year one thousand eight hundred and five
Jonas Pavitt
Sealed signed Published and declared by the Testator as and for his last will and Testament in the Presence of us who in his Presence and at his request and in the Presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witness thereunto
Robert Ring Martha Ring George Snook
The said Lucy Pavitt believes this to be the true and last will and testament of
Jonas Pavitt deceased, in the County of Dorset and Diocese of Bristol, and will pay all the debts and legacies of the deceased, as far as the goods extend, and the Law shall bind her, and that she will exhibit a true and perfect Inventory of all and every the goods, rights and ? of the deceased together with a just and true account into the Bishop’s Court of Bristol when she shall be lawfully called thereunto
Sworn to the above before me, E.M.West, Master of Arts and Surrogate
Bradford Abbas July 22 1806
The mark of Lucy Pavitt
Proved 22.7.1806
Buried Bradford Abbas 24.1.1806 Jonas Pavitt
Dennis Napper Will, proved 1806 MIC/R/229
By this my last Will and Testament made this 13th day of August in the year of our Lord 1805 I Dennis Napper of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset Yeoman Do give and bequeath my worldly Goods and Estate in manner and form following (That is to say) First I Give my Leasehold Estate with its appurts. situate in Bradford Abbas aforesaid unto Susannah my Wife for all my ?term Estate and Interest thereto I also give her the Use of all and singular my Household Goods and ffurniture and Implements of Household of every sort and kind for her life and on her decease I give the same Household Goods and ffurniture and Implements of Household unto such of my Children as shall be living the same to be equally divided between them share and share alike or as near thereto as the Case will admit, that is, in quality if not in quantity ?Also to my said wife I give all the rest and residue of my personal Estate Goods Chattles and Effects whatsoever for her own use subject nevertheless to the payment of all my just Debts and ffuneral Expenses And I also hereby appoint her my said wife whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof I the said Dennis Napper (the Testator) have hereunto set my hand and Seal the day and year first above written
Dennis Napper
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Dennis Napper (the Testator) as and for his last Will and Testament in the presance of us who at his request and in his presance and in the presance of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witness thereto
Betty Harvey William Ring George Snook
Proved 1806
Buried Bradford Abbas 17.2.1806 Dennis Napper
Betty Abbott Will, proved 1816, original document D/FFO 11/1 (Fooks Solicitors)
I Betty Abbott of the parish of Bradford Abbas in the County of Dorset widdow do hereby make, make this my will, viz - I bequeath to my ? Grand daughter
Ann Granger all my cloaths and weareing apparel everything whatsoever and Allso I bequeath and devise to my Grand Daughter Jane Abbott a Chest of Drawers - Allso I give devise and bequeath to my well beloved Son Isaac Abbott ?Gent All my Estate mony Goods Chattles and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever, except my two Grand daughters Leggatico hereinbefore to than devised. And I do hereby appoint my said Son Isaac Abbott my lawful Trustee of this my last Will and Testament Allso I do appoint my above named Son Isaac Abbott my wole and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament. In Confirmation hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Eighteenth day of August in the year 1812
Betty Abbott
Sealed signed published and declared by the Testatores Betty Abbott as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in her presence and by her request subscribe our names witness hereunto
Cathran Master The mark of Betty Snook George Snook
Probate granted 12.7.1816
Isaac Slocombe Will, probate 8.6.1819, original document D/FFO 27/104
This is the last Will and Testament of me Isaac Slocombe of Bradford in the County of Dorset Malster All my real and personal Estate and Effects of what nature or kind soever or wheresoever the same may be at the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my dear wife Jane her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns respectively for ever and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I the said Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and five
Isaac Slocombe
Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator Isaac Slocombe as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in the presence of each other have set our names as Witnesses hereto
Joseph Watts Hannah Bullock B. Watts
In the same bundle of documents:
1. Will of Jeremiah Slocombe of Charlton Adam, Somerset, Yeoman 9.12.1795
To wife Betty, otherwise Elizabeth Slocombe, one annuity or ? yearly sum of £25 during the term of her natural life. Also best bed with bedstead and furniture belonging, ‘half a dozen of my best chairs’ .
To 2 sons Isaac Slocombe and William Slocombe all lands tenements and hereditaments both real and personal subject to annuity to wife.
2.Affidavit Jane Slocombe widow - oath that William Slocombe, brother of her husband Isaac Slocombe, died a bachelor. To the best of her knowledge William died intestate, never having heard of him making a will.