Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of St George's Parish Church, Gravesend

Transcribed by John Thorpe, 1725 and T.C. Colyer-Fergusson, 1913. Compiled, with corrections and the wills transcribed by D. E. Williams, 2023.

Two years after John Thorpe transcribed the Interior Monuments, most of Gravesend was destroyed by fire including the old St George's Parish Church and all the monuments destroyed. The church was rebuilt in 1731-33. A strange feature of the new church is that there seems to have been no burials inside during the 18th and 19th centuries and, therefore no monuments except some dating from 1866 to the end of that century, no burials took place inside churches after the practise was ended by law in the 1850's.

The churchyard is rather depressing, bordered on the south, by a modern, municipally  conceived, shopping centre and car park, so there is no sense of connection with the town, this was further added to again by another large fire in the 19th century. A small number of decaying headstone have been set against the west wall and some  are still fixed to the west wall of the church. The chest tombs recorded by Colyer-Fergusson seem to have been destroyed c. 1958 and in in that iconoclastic decade of the 1960's, when so many churchyards were desecrated for the sake of easier grass cutting and before such monuments were listed and protected by law. Gillingham parish church suffered badly during this time, with over 600 monuments destroyed !

Many of those buried here lived in Milton, just to the east of Gravesend and now wholly contiguous with the town. I do not know why they were buried in Gravesend and not Milton, probably family connections. In contrast to St. George, the parish churchyard  of Milton has remained intact, full of  headstones and many chest tombs.

D. E. Williams,
Borstal,
7th July 2024

Interior inscriptions recorded by John Thorpe 1725

1. Ledger; Antrobus; Boulton

Here lyeth the Body of
WILLIAM ANTROBUS
who departed this Life  the 11th day of March 1666*
being Aged 61 Years
Here lyeth also the Body of
ANN the Daughter of  EDWARD BOULTON
Wife to the above named
WILLIAM ANTROBUS
who departed this Life the 17th of October 1672
being Aged 55 Years

* 1667 in the Modern Calender

Concise Consistory Court of Rochester Will Dated 25th February 1666 (1667)

William Antrobus, Gentleman of Milton next Gravesend, Jurat of the Corporation of Gravesend.

As is usual at this period he  starts with a pious religious preamble

He is sick and weak in body.
To his wife Anne, for her lifetime, his house he now lives in, with buildings, yards and gardens, situated in Milton High Street, which he purchased from Mary Davies ?, of Milton , widow.
After his wife's death, then to his nephew William Symons, an infant, under the age of 21, for ever. In case he dies before Anne Antrobus or before he is 21 or dies leaving no issue, then to testator's own right heirs, for ever.
To his mother Alice Hunt, widow, £5
To his sister Mary Antrobus, £5
To his brother John, 5 shillings. If his brother John becomes his heir after  the early death of William Symons, he to pay William Hunt, his nephew, son of Roger Hunt, his brother, £20.
If his brother does take possession of the house, if William Symons dies without issue, he to pay Henry Symons, son of his brother in law. William Symons, £20.

To the poor of Gravesend and Milton, 20 shillings to each parish, to be laid out in bread.

To his servant Hanna Beaden ?, 40 shillings.
To his servant Elizabeth Knowles, 10 shillings, to be given her out of the shop goods, as she shall want.

His household goods, wares, commodities and personal estate, to his wife Anne, she is his executor.

He earnestly desires his very loving friend John Butte, Citizen and Grocer of London and his brother Leonard Bower, to be Overseers of his will and to assist his wife and William Symons. He gives them 20 shillings each.

Witnesses: John Lucas, Rector of Milton  William Lister  (  ?  ) Henry Lease

Proved 28th March 1667

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Rochester Will Dated 11th October 1672

Ann Antrobus of Milton, Widow.

She is sick and weak in body.
A short religious preamble.
To her kinsman Henry Symons, son of her cousin  William Symons and Judith, his wife, £100 at £10 per annum, starting when he is 21.
To her cousin Samuel Bolton, son of her cousin  the late Samuel Bolton, 6 Turkey work chairs and a great Turkey leather chair.
To Elizabeth Bolton, daughter of Samuel Bolton, her best silk gown and petticoat and best whiske,  (this is a tippet, a fabric covering for the shoulders, fastened at the neck, seen in many 17th century Dutch portraits, also features in male costume).

To Ann Bolton, sister of the above, her black silk gown and petticoat and one of her best whiskes.
To Luce Bolton, sister of the above, a silver cup.
To Mary Bolton, daughter of her brother Edward Bolton, now living, her best serge gown and petticoat with gold and silver lace, a cloth petticoat with gold and silver lace, some of her best dressing whiskes and other linen, as Elizabeth Bolton shall think fit.
To Hanna Kitchin, wife of William Kitchin of Milton, a black serge gown and every day apparel.

Residue of goods and chattels to William Symons, Junior, who lives with her.

Witnesses: William Lister  Henry Pease

A note in Latin dated 13th February 1672 (1673 in the modern calender).
This is not the probate note, as usual. William Lyster or Lister, Vicar of Gravesend, Surrogate for the Archdeacon of Rochester, has been contacted by William Symons, acting as executor.
There does not seem to be an official copy of this will, so details of the probate grant are lost.

2

Black and White Marble Monument on South Wall of Nave ?, with Effigies of Bere and his Wife, 5 Sons and 5 Daughters and Arms, which includes a Bear Rampant 

Thorpe says the inscription is in two compartments, in the first one only JAMES BEERE was visible. The other compartment contains verses, which highlight his prominence Sir Martin Frobisher's navigator on his voyages of exploration. During Frobisher's voyages to the Artic in 1576, 1577 and 1578, Bere commanded the Michiaell and the Anne Francis.

“After much wery sayling, worthie BERE
Arryved this quiet port, and harbers here,
As skilfully in honestie he brought,
His humaine vessel home , as he was thought,
Equall with any that by card or star,
Took out and brought again his barke from farr,
So let him rest in quiet till he hear,
The trumpet sound, when all must rise with Bere,
And for his fame and honest memorie,
This is his frail and breef eternity”

3. Ledger ?, North Aisle; Bodelye

ANN BODELYE
Wife of THOMAS BODELYE
buried the 4th September 1581 

BOLTON see ANTROBUS 

FEWTRELL see HOLKER

4. Black Marble Ledger, with Arms; Holker

Here lyeth interred the Body of
LAWRENCE HOLKER, Gent
who departed this Life
the 16th day of October 1708
in the 78th Year of his Age
And also his Daughter SUSANNAH
who died in October 1679 Aged 3 Years & 3 Months
And also his Son LAWRENCE
who died the 28th day of December 1704
Aged 39 Years
Also the Body of SUSANNA FEWTRELL
his Grand Daughter who departed this Life
the 10th of October 1709
Aged 24
Also his dear Wife SUSANNAH HOLKER
who departed this Life the 20th of December 1709
in the 69th Year of her Age

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th September 1708

Lawrence Holker of Gravesend, Gentleman.

He is sick and weak in body.

To his wife Susannah, for her lifetime, all his real estate in Gravesend, Milton, Northfleet and Hartley. Also the lease from Francis Downes, Esquire, to the testator's father, Lawrence, (both of these since dead), on a farm, farm house with outhouses, barns, stables, buildings, orchards, gardens and pasture, in Little Houghton in Eccles, Lancashire, for years remaining, (54), at the annual rent of 15s 2d. Also another lease from John and James Worseley, on a farm in Lancashire, adjoining the above farm. Also the free use of his household goods, brass, pewter, bedding, linen and utensils.
After his wife's death, then he gives to his eldest son Thomas, his house and malthouse, outhouses, wharf and key (quay), now occupied by son Thomas. Also the other house and wharf adjoining, occupied by Humphrey Lewis, commonly called the Two Brewers, both at the western end of West Street, Gravesend, also his houses with barns, stables, out houses, land and woodland in Hartley, occupied by William Wigzell and Jeremiah Pead. If his son should die before his mother, then she to have full power to dispose of the real estate given to his son and leave the proceeds to son Thomas's children but not to dispose of this estate otherwise. After his mother's death he gives to his youngest son John ½ of his houses, wharves and quays, commonly called the Faulcon, also the Three Crowns in East Street in Milton, occupied by John Lock, Gentleman and Robert Bramble.
The other ½ he gives to his daughter Katherine Fewterell, wife of George Fewtereall of London, Gentleman, for ever.
After his mother's death, to his son John, for ever, all his real estate in Northfleet.

He has built a small lower room or closet and chamber over and a store house and hung a copper, made a coal yard on a piece of ground on the east side of the house or brewhouse, late in his own possession between the Flying Horse and the house and brewhouse.  This ground and buildings, after his wife's death, to son John, for the term of years remaining on the lease, which he holds from John Robinson, Esquire (deceased), son John to pay the annual rent of £5 to his brother Thomas. After the lease expires, the ground and buildings to his son Thomas, for ever, the ground formerly belonged to the Flying Horse. After the death of his wife, the two above leases to his son Thomas. In case his son Thomas dies before his mother, he gives him all household goods in his own house in Gravesend, except those which his wife may have disposed of ?

His clock and case and large blue elbow chair in the parlour next to the street, to his son John and, after his wife's death, he gives all household goods in his house called Orums ?, in Northfleet, to son John, except things his mother has disposed of. Also to son John, £300.

To his sister in law Katherine Browne, £5
To the poor of Eccles, Lancashire, £5, to be paid to his cousin Rochester ? Edge and John Lomas out of the first 6 months rent due from his Lancashire property and distributed as they think fit. He gives each of them a guinea to buy a ring to wear in memory of him.
To the poor of Gravesend, £3
To the poor of Milton 40 shillings
To the poor of Northfleet 40 shillings

After the death of his wife, all his plate and linen to his daughter Katherine, except such as his wife may have disposed of.

After his debts, legacies, funeral and other costs are paid, residue of money, debts owing, jewellery, rings, chattels, cattle, to his wife Susannah.

He appoints his wife and daughter executors.

Witnesses: Stephen Allen  William Champion  George Morton

Proved 2nd November 1708

JENKINSON see ROBINSON 

5

Ledger ?

[                             ]
JUDITH JOSSE
who died the 1st of August 1716
Aged 35 Years 

6

Brass on a Ledger with Robinson Arms 

Sacred to the Memory of
Mrs MARY LORD
Second Daughter of JOHN ROBINSON Esqr
and Wife to THOMAS LORD Esqr
Captain of his Majesties Fort at Gravesend
She departed this Life in the Flower of Youth
at the Age of 19 Years
upon the 23rd of March 1633
“Kind Gentle Friend, who here appears,
stand off, if not let fall some tears,
for Fair Virtue in this cold bed,
is here, Oh !, here deposited.
Would kill thee quite for to conceive,
the Jewells merits in this grave” 

7

Black and White Marble Monument , with Arms, North Wall of Chancel

Sub marmore infra mortalitatis  suae deposuit
BRIDGETTA  Uxor  JOHANNIS PARKER, Armigeri
charissime Mater BREGETTAE, ELIZABETHAE, JOHANNIS
Filla JOHANNIS ROBINSON, Armigeri
Obiit Decimo 5to  die Decembris Anno Salutis 1650
Aetatis Tricesimo 3tio  et conjugij decimo 4to Satis dixisse
BRIDGETT PARKER
“All lost their shares in her sad ende,
The Church a Flower, the poore a Friende” 

8 

Ledger 

Here lies BRIDGETT one of the Daughters of
JOHN ROBINSON Esqr
and Wife of JOHN PARKER Esqr
to whose Precious Memory he placed this
with the oval monument. 

PARKER see ROBINSON

9

Ledger 

Here lyeth interred the Body of
Mr WILLIAM PLAINE of Gravesend
one of the Jurats of this Corporation
who departed this Life
the 5th day of April 1707
Aged 59 Years
Here also lyeth interred the Body of
ELIZ. PLAINE, His Daughter
who departed this Life
the 21st of April 1704
Aged 21 Years

9

Concise Consistory Court of Rochester Will Dated 7th November 1706

William Plaine of Gravesend, Gentleman, Jurat of the Corporation of Gravesend and Milton

Usual religious preamble of this period.

He wishes to be buried in Gravesend  church.
To his wife Frances, for life, his easternmost brick house with a garden , wash house and yard in  ? ? ?  ? ?, occupied by (  ?  ) Buckley, Sawyer, being one of his 3 brick houses adjoining in Back Street, near Gravesend church.

To his son William of Gravesend, Cordwainer and his heirs, for ever, his 5 houses and land in Gravesend and Milton, occupied by Walter Kynn the Elder, John Yate, Surgeon, Daniel Dugley, Husbandman, James West, Mariner and Bury Green, Waterman, for ever, provided he pays an annuity of £20 to his mother Frances, tax free, for her life time, pay from the income from the above 5 houses. If he neglects to do so,  his mother can distrain the houses until payment is made.
Also to son William, after his mother's death, for ever, his easternmost brick building occupied by (  ?   ) Buckley, before bequeathed to his wife for life, son William to keep it in good repair during his mother's lifetime.

Also to his wife Frances, all his personal estate, after his debts, legacies, funeral  and probate costs are paid. His wife to be his sole executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Rockall ?, of Gravesend, George Long ?, of Gravesend, Thomas Rutton, Attorney at Law, Gravesend, J ? Rutton of Gravesend.

Proved, I can not read day and month, 1707

10 

Marble Ledger 

Here lyeth the Body of
JOHN ROBINSON, Gent
the Son of JOHN ROBINSON Esqr
He was born at Denston Hall in Suffolk
Died the 21st of November 1659
being of the Age of 34 Years
and was buried the 1st of December  following.
He had issue three Sons and one Daughter,
whereof two, viz EDMUND & BRIDGETT lye buried by him 

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated  14th November 1659

John Robinson  the Younger of Gravesend.

To his wife, his watch and all his plate, jewellery, rings, linen, household stuff and goods, gold coins  under ?  £40 in value and £300.

To his son John, £400 at 21 years of age, until then interest towards his education. If he dies before he is 21, then the £400 to be paid to his other son William, at 21 years of age.

To his son William, land he has recently purchased  from his uncle William Robinson, in Middlesex or elsewhere in England. If William dies without leaving legal issue, the land to go to his brother John, if John dies leaving no legal issue, then the land to go to his nephew John Parker, for ever

To his father and mother £20 each.
To his sisters Katherine Knightly and Elizabeth Grante ?, £10 each.
To his niece Bridgett Parker, £10.
To his niece Paske, £5.
To Edm????, wife of John Brasierton ?, £5.
To William Shawe, 40 shillings.
To the poor of Gravesend, £5, to be distributed as his executor thinks fit. 

He appoints his father John Robinson, Esquire, sole executor.

Witnesses: John Parker  George Elkins.

Proved 20th ? August 1660

11

Mural Monument in the Chancel, South Side of East Window, with Robinson Arms 

Memoriam Sacrum
JOHN ROBINSON, Esqr
lies buried under the marble beneath
which tells you when he died and his great Age
He had issue by BRIDGETT his only and loving Wife
Daughter of ROBERT JENKINSON of London, Esqr
One Son and five Daughters viz, JOHN, KATHERINE,
MARY, BRIDGETT, MARTHA & ELIZABETH
He was in his conversation truly pious, exactly just
and very charitable, a loving Husband, a tender Father
and faithful Friend
He lived with Jacob's blessing and died with
Simeon's prayer
Hoc posuit amons ergo BRIDGETTA
charissima conjux 1674 

12

Marble Ledger

Here lyeth the Body of
JOHN ROBINSON, Esqr
late of Gravesend
who departed this Life
the 18th day of January Anno Domini 1673*
in the 96th Year of his Age 

* 1674 in the Modern Calendar

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th July 1670 

John Robinson of Gravesend, Esquire.

He is somewhat infirm in body.
He appoints his wife Bridgett, his sole executor.

He gives his wife his capital house, Denston Hall in Suffolk and all his real estate in Suffolk, for her lifetime, she keeping the Hall in good repair.
His household stuff to remain for his wife's use, after her death, it is to remain for his heir at law. 

To William Robinson, his grandson, his house in Fleet Street, London, occupied by John Carter, Grocer, abutting on Ramune ? Alley, westward. Also to William Robinson, his house , B(   ?   ) house in West Street, Gravesend, occupied by Laurence Holker; these properties are settled on his wife for her lifetime. 

To his grand daughter Bridgett Parker, daughter of his son in law John Parker, Sergeant at Law, £1,000.
To Elizabeth and Katherine Parker, Bridgett's sisters, £1,000 each towards their marriages, if they marry with the consent of their father, if he is living.

To his grandchildren Bridgett, Elizabeth and Katherine Graves, £500 each, these sums to be paid to their mother Elizabeth, daughter of  testator. She to give good security  for the payment to her daughters at 18 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier. His daughter to take the interest towards their maintenance and education until they are 18.

Residue of goods, chattels, debts owing and personal estate to his wife.

Witnesses: Thomas Granne ?  Jo. Jackson  Jo Parker

Proved 6th February 1673 (1674 in Modern Calendar)

13

 Marble Ledger 

Here lyeth the Body of
BRIDGETT ROBINSON, Widow
late Wife of JOHN ROBINSON
of Gravesend Esqr., deceased
She departed this Life
the 6th day of [              ]
1675 in the 90th Year of her Age 

ROBINSON see PARKER 

14 

In the Nave, a Black Marble Ledger ?, with Arms 

Here lyeth interred the Body of
DAVID VARCHELL of this Parish
who departed this Life
the 19th day of October 1703
Aged 36 Years and 9 Months
“The Lord did give time to make a Godly end,
The Church hath lost a Blossom and the Poor a Friend” 

Concise Consistory Court of Rochester Will Dated 15th September 1703

David Varchell of Gravesend, Hop Seller.

Usual religious preamble of this period.

To the poor of Gravesend, 40 shillings, to be distributed on day of his funeral, as executor thinks fit, in money or bread.

To Anne Biswaswick, Spinster, daughter of his father in law James Biswaswick of Milton, Hop Seller, £50
To his God son Varchell Shrugells, son of Thomas Shrugells of Wormshill, Yeoman, £100 at 21 years of age.

To the Churchwardens of Gravesend, £20 to be laid out to buy a brass sconce or candlestick of the full value of £20, to be hung in the church. ( i.e., Chandelier)

To his loving friend William Playne of Gravesend, Gentleman and Richard Dunstan of Gravesend, Shipwright, upon trust, an annuity of £3, tax free, to be charged on his house and shop, where he now lives and where James Baldock, Butcher, lives in part of it, commonly known as the Chequer, at the lower end of the High Street, Gravesend. The annuity to the Churchwardens of Gravesend every year to pay either 6 pence in cash or in bread to 40 poor people of Gravesend. Also 10 shillings per annum to the Minister to preach a sermon, at 6 pm on the Sunday before Christmas Day, for ever. Also includes 5 shillings for candles to light the church and 1 shilling and 6 pence for the Clerk and 1 shilling for the Sexton. Also 2 shillings and 6 pence to the Churchwardens for their expenses and for seeing the  money or bread distributed.

In case the annuity is unpaid on the due date of 10th December, his trustees can enter upon the Chequer and distrain for the payment.

To his loving wife Susannah, for life, his house where he now lives, the Chequer, she paying to his trustees the £3 annuity and keep the property in good repair. After her death, he gives the house to William Yates of Gravesend, Gentleman and Stephen Allen of Gravesend, Gentleman, upon trust, also his 4 other houses adjoining each other, known as the Amsterdam, the Green Dragon, the White Hart and the Boat, occupied by Widow Jewess, Widow Pindar, Widow Hope and John Williams also the yards, wharves and keys belonging, all in East Street, Milton next Gravesend. All these were lately purchased with his wife from Thomas Wilkinson of Wilsden, Middlesex, Gentleman.

After the death of his wife, his trustees Yates and Allen, upon further trust, to pay, from the rents and profits of the above, £20 per annum to the Master of the Free School of Milton, for ever, to teach 20 poor boys, 10 of whom to be chosen by the Churchwardens of Gravesend and parishioners, to be agreed at a vestry meeting and 10 to be chosen from Milton by the Churchwardens and parishioners, to be taught, gratis.

He appoints his trustees, in case any money is left..............(badly faded)....................... to buy clothes for the 20 poor boys, in the first place, and secondly, use any surplus for other poor people in Gravesend  and Milton, as the respective Churchwardens and parishioners think fit.

He appoints his wife Susannah, his sole executor.

After his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, the residue of his goods, chattels and personal estate, to his wife, absolutely.

Witnesses: William Kennett of Rochester,  Richard Norman ?,  of Rochester ,  Richard Pickering of Rochester 

Proved 1st November 1703

Note in margin dated 17th July 1739, Examined with the original, examined by William Bubb, Notary Public

15 

Black Marble Ledger, with Arms 

Here lyeth the Body of
RICHARD WARD, Esqr
One of His Majesties Searchers at Gravesend
who departed this Life the
12th of November [16]75
Aged 71 Years
Here lyeth also the Body of
CATHERINE WARD
Wife of the above RICHARD WARD
who departed [this Life]
the 22nd  [                              ] 

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th December 1674

Richard Ward of Gravesend, Gentleman.

First, his debts to be paid and his funeral to be frugal, for his wife and children's sake.

To his wife Katherine, all of his personal estate, goods and chattels, she is his sole executor.

His real estate in Woodmansterne, Surrey, to his wife, for life. His wife and those who come after here who will be owners and possessed of his real estate, shall out of the rents and profits, pay an annuity of £25 to the poor of Ewhurst ?, Sussex.

His wife to provide for his 2 grandsons Richard and Thomas Ward, sons of his late eldest son Richard, until they are put out apprentice, as she thinks fit. If she dies before then, the respective owners owners of his lands shall pay to his grandchildren if they are not of age to be apprenticed, £15 per annum each towards their maintenance and necessary provisions.

His overseers, when his grandsons are 15 or more will, unless the overseers are dead, if the latter case, then his wife  and every other owner of his land, with his wife's approval, provide good Masters  for his grandsons, to be bound apprentice, pay Richard's master, £50 and Thomas's master £40. His wife or the owners of his lands are to pay his grandsons, when they are 21 or have completed their apprenticeship, £100 to Richard and £60 to Thomas, in lieu of any claims they may make to his estate or any part of it. They to give his wife a general release of their rights, titles and demands either of them might claim on his estate. If they refuse, they will forfeit their legacies and his wife and other owners free from any obligations.

By reason that Richard Ward bears his name and is well disposed and will continue so, in case Thomas Ward dies before his legacy is paid, then the £60 bequeathed to him, to go to Richard in addition to the £100. In case Richard dies before his legacy is paid, then Thomas is to have an additional £50, provided that he is dutiful and obedient  to testator's wife and not otherwise.

After his wife's death, so much of his real estate, occupied by Thomas Haswell, shall remain  and go to testator's son Charles and his heirs, this is chargeable with with a proportionate share of the £25 annuity to the poor of Ewhurst, according to the relative value. After his wife's death his house and courtlodge ?, occupied by Edward Haswell, to remain and go to his 2 sons Charles and Carey Ward and their heirs, equally divided, also chargeable with a portion of the £25 annuity. If either of them die without issue then their share to the survivor. If both die leaving no issue, the house to go to his daughter Elizabeth Butler wife of Francis Butler, for life and after her death then to the male heirs of her body. If  a son bears his name, he to have priority  over other sons but only if he is dutiful to his mother but not otherwise. If the son bearing his name is not dutiful or no son bears his name, then to any other son his daughter thinks most deserving shall have the house and land, chargeable as stated before.  And, also to pay Richard Ward, if living, £200 by 2 half yearly payments of £100 and pay Thomas Ward, £100, if he is living, by 2 payments of £50  and to pay £20 each to so many of testator's grandchildren as are living.  In default of such male children, then his house to his 2 overseers, upon trust. Within 12 months after his death, they to sell his house and land and dispose of the proceeds, within 3 months after the sale, to his grandchildren, then living, equally shared.

If Elizabeth Dighton, his sister, is living at the time of the sale, his overseers and trustees shall pay her £50 from the proceeds before it is divided among his grandchildren. His daughter Gregory's daughters, Katherine wife of Gammell ? Finch, Frances, Anne and Jeane Gregory and such daughters of his daughter Elizabeth Butter, then living and also his son in law Francis Butter, if living to have an equal share. His overseers deducting their expenses over the sale.

His 2 grandsons, Richard and Thomas Ward, to have their share of the sale in addition to what he has already given them.

All his other real estate will descends to his sons Charles and Carey and their heirs. They to pay Elizabeth Butter, if she is living, £50.

Concerning the lease of his house at Gravesend, leased from the Company of Vintners, London, his overseers and trustees to hold this for term left, upon trust, his wife to receive the rents and profits for life, she paying rents and observing covenants.

After the death of his wife, his trustees to pay to his sons Charles and Carey and their heirs the net . rents and profits of the house in Gravesend. If his sons die leaving no lawful issue, his trustees to pay Elizabeth Butter and her male heirs the money remaining in their hands. In default of male heirs of her body, they to sell the house and divide the money equally among his grandchildren mentioned above.

If his son Charles, after the death of his mother, chooses to have the lease of his house at Gravesend, trustees to assign the house to him, rather than the land occupied by Thomas Haswell as well as the house and land occupied by Edward Haswell, which are to remain and to the use of sons Charles and Carey, equally divided.

If his 2 sons and Elizabeth Butter claim any interest in his personal estate during the life of his wife, by virtue of the customs of the City of London or otherwise, it will be lawful for his wife to enter into the above premises or any part. She to receive the rents and profits for so many years as will be sufficient to reimburse her charges, damage or loss she may suffer by their claim.

His wife shall, with out disruption enjoy his personal estate for her lifetime and before her death, by her will or otherwise, she can dispose  of a third of the estate to any person and two thirds to go to his children, then living. In default, of such direction the estate to be divided equally between his children.

He appoints Anthony Bowyer of the Inner Temple, London and his son in law Francis Butter to be  Overseers to his Executor. He gives to each of them, £10 for mourning.

Witnesses: John Skayne ?, Henry Geall ?, Thomas Denman

Proved 25th July 1676

St George, Gravesend, Churchyard and the Woodville Burial Ground

16 

Headstone and Body Stone 

[                             ]
EDWIN Son of
EDWIN & SARAH ALDERMAN
of Barbican, London
who died 27th July 1838
in his 18th Year 

17 

Headstone, Foot Stone  and Body Stone with raised Band 

[                               ]
MARY Wife of
EDMUND ALDERSLY
Who died 26th January 1828
Aged 29 Years

ALEXANDER see BEER 

18

Headstone opposite the North West Door. 

To the Memory of
Mr RICHARD ANDERSON Senr
of this Parish
who died November 25th 1745
Aged 55 Years
Likewise Mrs MARTHA ANDERSON
Wife of the above
who died August 2nd 1770
Aged 80 Years
Also JOHN Son of
RICHARD and EUNICE ANDERSON
who died May 17th 1772
Aged 12 Weeks
Also EUNICE Wife of
RICHARD ANDERSON
who died January 14th 1794
Aged 62 Years
“She was a Loving Wife &
Indulgent Mother to her Children”

19 

Headstone 

Sacred to the Memory of
Mrs MARGARET ANNAL
Wife of Mr JOHN ANNAL
who departed this Life
the 4th day of October 1833
Aged  [3]2 Years
[ 4 lines of eroded verses]
Also ELIZABETH ANNAL
Daughter of the above
who died 17th December 18[  ]
Aged 1 Year and 5 Months
Likewise the above
Mr JOHN ANNAL
who died 19th September 184[3 ]
Aged 41 Years 

20 

Headstone and Foot Stone 

Sacred
to the Memory of
Mr THOMAS ANSTED
Born 4th July 1791
Died 6th March 1843 

21 

Obelisk on Pedestal, Still in Situ, South East End of Churchyard, very Eroded

North Side 

In this Vault are Deposited
the Bodies of  GEOR, GEOR, WILLM,
ELIZH, THOS, MATHEW &
ROBERT COLES ARNOLD
Sons & Daughter of
GEOR and ANN ARNOLD
of this Parish
who died in their Infancy

East Side 

Also SARAH , ANN, ALFRED
JOHN,HENRY, EDWARD & SARAH ANN
Infant Children of
ROBERT COLES and SARAH ARNOLD
In Memory of the above
ROBERT COLES ARNOLD
of Heath House, Barming, Kent
who died 14th May 1866
Aged 69 Years 

West Side 

JAMES ARNOLD
died June 17th 1832
Aged 41 Years

At base of this side 

Mrs ANN MATHEWS Wife of
THOMAS MATHEWS
who died April the 29th 1804
Aged 72 Years
Also the above Mr THOMAS MATHEWS
who died 28th Jany 1819 Aged 93 Years 

South Side ? 

In Memory of the above
Mr GEOR ARNOLD
who departed this Life
the 28th of July 1813
Aged 62 Years
Also the above
Mrs ANN ARNOLD
who departed this Life
the 6th of January 1832
Aged 79 Years

Concise Prerogative  Court of Canterbury Will Dated 18th July 1815

George Arnold of Gravesend, Baker.

His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.

His real estate to his son Robert Coles Arnold and son in law John Matthew, upon trust. They to receive the rents and profits  and pay his wife an annuity of £100 and his daughter Sarah Cooper an annuity of £50, during his wife's lifetime. After his wife's death, trustees to sell his freehold estate and pay his daughter Ann, £500. The residue of money to be divided between his sons, George, James and Robert Coles and his daughters, Mary wife of John Munns and Sarah Cooper, in equal shares.
The £300 due to him on bond to be brought into account and deducted from son George's share.

(Some of the following not clear)
He has purchased a small piece of ground, where a cottage has been erected by him, part of the estate of Mr Richard Yates, this (was to be conveyed to son George ?), George has not paid him any consideration and when requested by his trustees to pay (and refuses ?), the land and cottage to be sold  as part of his real estate. If George does refuse to pay, he revokes the bequest to George.

His daughter Ann is entitled to a legacy of £100 by the will of her grandfather, which has been received by testator on her behalf. She has received several sums of money more than adequate  than the interest due with the £100. If she claims any interest, he revokes the bequest to her.

All his stock in trade to his son Robert Coles Arnold.

The surplus of rents and profits of his real estate, after the payment of the annuities, to his son Robert Coles, for the betterment of the bakery business.

Household furniture, plate, China, linen, goods, chattels, personal estate and effects, to his wife, for life and after her death to be sold.  Proceeds to be used for same purpose as for his real estate.

Son Robert Coles and son in law John Munns to be his executors.

Witnesses: John Hales  Robert Bass  Jno Matthews, Clerks to Mr Evans, Gravesend.

Proved 3rd January 1816

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th March 1807

Thomas Mathews the Elder of Gravesend, Gentleman.

His sons Thomas and James are indebted to him on mortgage in freehold houses in West Street, Gravesend, for £800. After his debts, funeral and probate costs are paid, he  gives the £800 and other sums due to him, money in the Public Funds, plate, linen, china, goods, chattels, rights, credits, personal estate and effects, to his 8 children, Thomas and James, Ann Arnold, wife of George Arnold of Gravesend, Baker, Frances Paine, wife of William Paine of Gravesend, Shipwright, Jane Topham wife of Joseph Topham of Southwark, Cheesemonger, Elizabeth Walker wife of James Walker of Barking, Fishmonger, Mary West wife of William West of Gravesend, Victualler  and Rebecca Turner wife of William Turner of Gravesend, Butcher, equally shared. If any die before him leaving lawful children, they to share their parent's portion.

He appoints sons Thomas and James and William Paine executors, provided the appointment of his sons shall not lead to the release or extinguishment of the debt of £800or any sums owed by them at his death..................................

Witnesses: Samuel Blackman  Jno. Mills Evans

Proved 10th February 1819

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd November 1822

Ann Arnold of Gravesend, Widow.

All of her personal estate and effects, subject to payment of her debts, funeral and probate costs, to her sons and daughters, Ann Arnold, Mary wife of John Munns of Milton, Painter, George Arnold, James Arnold, Sarah Cooper Arnold and Robert Coles Arnold, equally shared.

Son Robert Coles and John Munns to be her executors.

Witnesses: James Edmed, Solicitor of Gravesend, John Lucas.

Proved 23rd October 1832 Power reserved to Robert Coles Arnold.

Principal Probate Registry Index

Robert Coles Arnold, formerly of Whartons, Framfield, Sussex, late of Heath House, Barming, Kent, Esquire, died there. Administration granted to George Matthews Arnold  of Milton Lodge, Milton, Gentleman, Edward Arnold of Kendall Cottage, Victoria Road, Kensington and Robert Arthur Arnold of 45 Nelson Road, Oxford Road, Manchester, Esquire, the sons and executors.

Value of effects under £10,000. 

22

Headstone and Foot Stone

MARY Daughter of
JOHN and MARY ARNOLD
who died 21st September 1825 Aged 3 Years
Also THOMAS & WILLIAM who died in their Infancy
EMMA TOLHURST
who died 19th June 1850 Aged 1 Year & 9 Months
JOHN ARNOLD who died 28th July 1852 Aged 59
MARY his Wife who died 13th May 1865 Aged 67

Interred in the Cemetery 

ARNOLD see BARNES

23

Large Portland Stone Monument, Triangular Top, with inscriptions set in an

 Oval and Rectangle, lower part a Rectangle, like the side of a Chest Tomb 

Erected to the Memory of
WILLIAM ATTER
Obt. 21st Decr. 1789
Aet 67
MARY PITT
Obt  4th  June 1791
Aet 32
MARY ATTER
Obt 5th Novr 1792
Aet 72
WILLIAM WILLET
Obt 24th Feby 1797
Aet 39
EDWARD WILLET
Obt 7th Decr 1801
Aet 63

HENRY JOHNSON Obt 4th April 1813 Aet 55
JANE DEAN Obt 24th July 1816 Aet 58
and four Infant Children of
EDWARD  and SARAH WOOD FORD
WILLIAM PITT died 6th of July 1820 Aged 39 Years
HENRY Son of  THOMAS & MARY JOHNSON
who died January 12th 1819 Aged 5 Years
THOMAS JOHNSON died January 21st 1819 Aged 11 Years 
ELIZABETH WILLET died July 8th 1824 Aged 75 Years
THOMAS JOHNSON Junr died October 5th 1826 Aged 47 Years
MARTHA JOHNSON died October 7th  1831 Aged 80 Years
SARAH WOODFORD died February 11th 1835 Aged 49 Years
THOMAS JOHNSON died August 14th 1836 Aged 90 Years
MARY ANN JOHNSON died January 3rd 1842 Aged 36 Years
CHARLES EDWARD JOHNSON died Novr 23rd 1843 Aged 52 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 7th August 1819

William Pitt of Gravesend, Tavern Keeper.

All of his furniture, plate, linen, china, stock in trade, goods, chattels,money, securities for money and other estate and effects, to his wife Hannah, absolutely, she is his sole executor.

Witnesses: William Hodgson, Senior, of Richmond, Surrey  H. B. Payne of Allhallows, Barking  John Hales, Gravesend.

Proved 7th October 1820. Granted to Fanny, wife of Charles Adams and mother of Hannah Pitt, a lunatic, acting on benefit of Hannah during her lunacy.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th September 1832

Thomas Johnson of Milton, Gentleman.

His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.

He appoints his friends Edward William Wooodford of Northfleet, Gentleman and his son Charles Edward Johnson, his executors.

His house in Gravesend High Street, occupied by his son Charles and the house adjoining, occupied by John Littlewood, also his house in the High Street, formerly occupied by himself, after occupied by John Roberts, late by Thomas Williams, also his 2 adjoining houses in King Street, Milton, one occupied by himself, the other by Lt. John Petty, with the yards, outbuildings and gardens, to his son Charles Edward, for ever.

His silver waiter used in the business of Undertaker, half the residue of the plate, linen and china, his mahogany secretaire and bookcase, his large pillar and claw table, a pair of mahogany dressers with the desk looking glass in his bedroom, his portrait and his  ?   engine, to his son Charles, absolutely and £100.

His 2 adjoining houses in King Street, Milton, occupied by Miss Harris and Thomas Wooton, to Betsey Sophia Johnson daughter of his late son Thomas, for ever. Also to her, the residue of household goods, furniture, plate , linen and china, absolutely and £200.

He gives his 8 adjoining houses at the north end of Red Loin Court, West Street, Gravesend, occupied by [           ] Barnard, [            ] Cooper, [           ] Petter, and others, to John Umfreville Duncan Johnson, son of his late son Thomas, for ever. In case he dies under the age of 21, leaving no lawful issue, then the houses go to Betsey Sophia Johnson and Charles Johnson, Edward Woodford Johnson, Sophia Ann Park Johnson and Mary Johnson, children of  his late son Thomas, in equal shares, for ever.

To John Umfreville Duncan Johnson, £100

His 4 adjoining houses in the south west corner of Red Lion Court, occupied by [             ] Forbes,

[           ] Evans, [          ] Wilkinson and [           ] Bowen, to his son Charles, for ever. If he dies under 21 leaving no lawful issue, the the houses go to the above children of his late son Thomas, equally shared.

His 4 adjoining houses on the east side of Red Lion Court, occupied by [         ] Edwards, [         ]

Bowling ? Pyne and [            ] Robertson ?, to Edward Woodford Johnson, for ever.. In case he dies under 21 leaving no lawful children,  then the houses go to his siblings, for ever, equally shared.

He gives to Ann, wife of Scott ? Robinson, late Ann Murrell, £150 and to Martha, wife of James Selby, late Martha Murrell, £50.

The residue of his money, stock funds other securities, personal estate and effects, not yet given, to the children of his late son Thomas, equally shared.

Witnesses: John Petty, Lieut. Royal Navy, Frederick Anderson, Jno Matthews, Solicitor, Gravesend

Codicil 10th May 1833

He had give the house in Gravesend High Street, occupied by his son Charles,  and the house adjoining, occupied by John Littlewood, to his son Charles, for ever. He revokes this and gives him the houses for his lifetime. After the death of Charles, then to the lawful children of Charles, for ever. In default of children, the the house occupied by his son to his grandson Charles Johnson, for ever. The house occupied by Littlewood, to his grandson, Edward Woodford Johnson, for ever.

To his son Charles Edward, £100, in addition  to what he has already given.

He revokes the bequest of £50 to Martha Selby.

Rest of will ratified.

Witnesses: William Newman,  George Bentley, Clerks to Messrs Matthews and Pearson, Solicitors, Gravesend.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st November 1843

Charles Edward Johnson of Milton, Auctioneer and Appraiser. 

To his cousin Henry Park Woodford of Milton, Wine Merchant, £200, 4 silver salts and spoons, 6 silver forks, his iron chest, all the mourning rings of his family, the portrait of his late father, all other portraits  and pictures, except the portrait of his late wife.

To his cousin Edward William Woodford, his 2 silver salvers, as a token of his esteem to him and a small acknowledgment for his kindness and attention to him.

He gives his cousins John Alston Woodford and Jane Elizabeth Woodford, his collection of coins and trinkets, which will be found in a japanned cash box in his iron chest, to be equally shared and £100 each.

To his niece Betsey Sophia, wife of George James Thompson, late Betsey  Johnson, £100.

To Mary Ann, daughter of George Wallis and Isabella, his wife, living at Shorne, the portrait of his late wife and her watch and all the other ornaments of the person, which were his late wife's , these are in the mahogany box in his iron chest. Also to Mary Ann Wallis, £500, which is to be invested in the Public Funds in his executor's name, from the interest, £5 per annum to be paid to her, the rest of the interest to accumulate until she is 21, when the principal sum to be paid to her. If she dies under 21, then half to be paid to the children of Ann, Mrs Leod ? Robinson, daughter of his late sister Betsey Murrell, equally shared if more than one. The other half to his niece Mary wife of [          ] Day, late Mary Johnson, and £100.

To George Wallis, £50  and all his clothes.

To Charles Johnson, son of his late brother Thomas, £200 and his watch and seal.

To Ann Robinson, £200 and such part of his plate not before given and all his table linen but not his blankets or counterpanes.

To Mary Johnson Burrows, his illegitimate daughter by Mary Burrows, now Mary Jackson, widow, £500.

To his housekeeper Mary Matthews, £200 and the mahogany chest of drawers with brass handles in his bed chamber and the dressing glass which stands on it, if she is in his service at his death, not otherwise.

To John Allen of Gravesend, Journeyman Cabinet Maker, £200.

He gives his glazed case of stuffed birds with the mahogany shelf and brackets on which it stands, to his friend Thomas Caddel of Milton, as a small token of his remembrance and of esteem for him.

He gives mourning not exceeding the value of 3 guineas to each of the following:

Edward William Woodford

Henry Park Woodford

John Alston Woodford

Thomas Caddel and Rebecca his wife.