Monumental Inscriptions in the church and old churchyard of St Michael, Chart Sutton

Introduction

St. Michael's church sits on the crest of the ragstone hills overlooking the Weald of Kent, it lies only half a mile from Sutton Valence church and one of the main roads across the Weald, which is more or less on the same course of the Roman road which penetrated the Weald to get to the iron ore deposits. The Weald was a substantial source of iron until the Industrial Revolution when the industry moved north to the coal mining areas.

A St Michael dedication is often associated with pagan sites, such as St Michael and All Angels at Cuxton, which seems to have what may be a Romano - British mausoleum under the churchyard extension, many Romano - British remains have been found in that area,

The medieval church with it's spire was destroyed by fire in the 18th century, so the present building dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. Everything in the church was destroyed, the tablets there today are replacements erected by the families.

The village seems sparsely populated, most of the houses on the road from Sutton Valence are modern. There is a large house just west of the church, Chart House, built by Sir Christopher Desbouverie in 1708, although members of the family were buried here it seems that no monuments survived the fire. There are a couple of unidentified chest tombs in the churchyard, one quite ancient, maybe they were for members of that family ?

I would like to express my appreciation of the hard work by Mr Christopher Webb and other members of the congregation to clear the excess vegetation, as if by magic, on my first day there ! I also appreciated their interest in what I was doing and their friendly welcome to me and my wife, Beverley, I hope they are not disappointed !

I would like to thank Mr Jacob Scott, digital manager for the Kent Archaeological Society for hosting my finished work.

D. E. Williams, Borstal, Rochester, 16th December 2024

The Interior

Nave

Marble Tablet

With freshly coloured Arms and other details

H.S.E.

FRANCISCUS ROBINS S.T.B.

Quem Collegium D. Johannis Evangelistae

In Academ, Cantabr Alumnum fovit Mox Socium Suscepit

Dein Ecclesiae de Cockfield

in Agro Suffole: Rectorem constituit

Et jam tandem inter Benefactoris suos Post Dominam Fundatricem Munificentissimum celebrat

Apud

Chart Natus Mar 11th 1665 In Agro Cantano

Sutton Denatus Aept 10th 1720 Anno Aetat 55 

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 7th July 1720

Rev. Francis Robins of Sutton Valence, late Senior Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, Rector of Cockfield, Suffolk.

He wishes his body to be carried to the grave by 6 men of Sutton Valence, they to have gloves and handbands, he is either to be buried in the chancel of Sutton Valence church and the grave covered with a black marble ledger stone or in the churchyard of Chart next to his father, “with a large double standing tomb over both our bodyes”, (I have not identified such a stone, although there is a large double headstone under the yew tree, south of the church, the inscription eroded away. I wonder if, in fact, a chest tomb was provided instead ? South of the Trigg chest tomb, there are 2 chest tombs, both with obliterated inscriptions and one is early, this has “quoins” decorated with incised horizontal lines, a feature of early 18th century chest tombs).

He nominates Mr Smith, Senior, Dr Bowfell of Staplehurst, Mr Waterman of Leeds, Mr Waterhouse of Langley, Mr Frage of Hunton and Mr Burville of Boxley, to be supporters and Mr Pratt to read the Office if he is buried at Sutton Valence, they are also to have gloves and hatbands and a gold ring each of about 20 shillings value. Agold ring also for his cousin Mrs Maplison ? He wants no pomp and only a few of his relatives to attend. His executors to request Sir Christopher Bovererie to give liberty for a ledger stone to be laid over his mother on the north side of the chancel, near the rails, under the upper seats, only the part with the inscription to be visible, The inscription he has composed is attached to the will.

He gives his house, barns and stables, parts of Sutherden Farm, about 50 acres, let to John Weeks at £28 per annum and another 50 acres, also let to John Weeks at £22 per annum, with another 20 acrs near the road to Headcorn, let at £10 per annum to George Kenholm, to St John's College, Cambridge, this property is in Boughton Malherb, Smarden and Headcorn. The income is to go into St John's fund for Perpetual Avowsons of Living for the Fellows and Scholars of the college, for ever.

That part of the estate where the Manor House is sited is that part let for £28 per annum, is charge with an annuity of £14 for his cousin Mrs Jane Ellis, for her lifetime, after her death,then the whole of the income to the college.

He gives 18 acres, near the above land, which is let to Richard Wood at £8 per annum, to St John's College, for the same purpose. He also gives the college £1,000 to lay out in

land or otherwise, they to receive the interest to be added to the rents of the Manor of Sutherden, ammonting to £115 per annum, to be set aside for the same purpose, “in the most pleasant and healthful Countyes in England by the help of which the college may buy a good living once in 5 or 6 years time”.

He also gives the college £1,000, for the same purpose in Kent..............................

He gives the college £200, to use the interest earned to buy books for their library, yearly, for ever. He also gives them another £200 towards the building of a new chapel or for repairing the old one.

He gives £600 to the college to fund scholarships of £10, tax free, for 2 deserving poor lads in the name and kindred of Robins or Sabb and born in Kent, in default, to 2 poor and apprentice lads born in Chart Sutton , Leeds, Langley and Lenham and educated in Sutton School, in default, then to Kentish lads educated in Maidstone School and sent to St John's College.

He also gives the college £500 for the annual commemoration of benefactors on a day to be decided, the Fellows to preach in turn, the Master to have 30 shillings, the preaches 10 shillings each. The resident Fellow to have 5 shillings and every scholar 2 shillings, if at chapel, if they don't attend they get nothing...............................................

He gives his cousin Jane Ellis an annuity of £!4, charged on Sutherden Manor, she also gets £15. If she can not pay off the mortgage on the Five Bells at Lenhan, it is to be sold and the proceeds to go towards his legacies. Also to Jane Ellis, the farm at Chart (Sutton), where William Trowell lives, for her lifetime and after her death, to his cousin John Robins, grandson of his uncle William Robins of Town Malling and his eldest son and male heirs for ever, He also gives John Robins £100 and to John's brother Henry, £50.

To his cousin John Robins of Biddenden, his house in Lenham called the Checkers Inn and the field belonging to it, for his lifetime , together with his present or future wife and eldest son and male heirs for ever.

To his cousin Moone of Goudhurst, his 2 farms at Goudhurst, one in Cumbourn ?, the other beyond the town, near Mr Bathurst's, for his lifetime, and his wife/wives and eldest son and to male heirs for ever. His cousin Moone the Elder to pay £50 to the eldest daughter of his cousin Ruth Pierce who lives in Berkshire, at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier. To the youngst daughter of Ruth Pierce, £50

If the youngest son of his cousin Moone dies leaving no lawful male heirs, then he gives his farm at Cumbourn, then he gives the farm, after his parent's deaths to Ruth Pierce and her lawful heirs, for ever.

He gives his cousin Alexander Puxty of Malling and to his sister Woollet, £20 each. To his cousin Cole of Spitalfields, Dyer, £60.

To the poor of Sutton Valence, Chart, Lenham and Cockfield, £5 for each parish.

He also gives for the poor of the above, £3 per parish, to be distributed on the 11th of March by the Minister and Churchwardens to the most indigenous and honest poor, particularly the sick and those not receiving alms from the Poor Rates by their own labour and industry.

His executors to buy land in Smarden, now let to John Weeks at £15 per annum and called Allen's Land, which he formerly agreed to buy at £315, to be the perpetual fund for the £3 payment to the above parishes yearly, for ever.

He desires St John's College to pull down the old barn on the land he has given them and the flax shop at Sutherden, and from the materials and sound timber growing there, to build a new strong barn for all the corn from the 100 acres and that fattening lodges be built and all the dung carefully preserved and laid on the land to improve it.

If any more land in the area is bought at a reasonable cost, he gives to the above 3 parishes, £70 to be laid out in land for those parishes to their best advantage. For ever         If the parishes neglect or are unwilling to accept the terms , the

payment to be stopped and applied to the uses of St John's College, as they think fit.

He desires his friends, Mr Bowfell, of Staplehurst, Mr John Smith, (Smyth) Junior of Chart and his cousin Richard Fowle of Chart, to be his executors and he gives them £60 each for their troubles and necessary journeys to London and Cambridge. John Smith and Richard Fowle to each have a gold ring of a guinea value. If they do not want to act he desires St John's College to act in their place.

He gives his 2 servants, John Merriom and Elizabeth Fullagar, £6 each over and above wages due and all his woollen clothing, equally shared. His household stuff, books, rings and plate to be sold to pay legacies. All papers and manuscripts of no use or relating to land, to be burnt, discretely.

There will be attached to the will a catalogue of dents owing to him, ammounting to above

£6,000, this is very profitable (interest)........................................

He gives £500 to St John's College to buy a third advowson in Kent , he also give £100 for a new commemoration of benefactors , which he believes will finish and complete it.

He gives his cousin John Robins of Biddenden, another £40 and £40 more to cousin

Cole of of London.

The residue of money after his legacies are paid, to cousin Moone of Goudhurst and cousin Pierce of Berkshire, who married Ruth, the daughter of Stephen Ferrall of Goudhurst, equally divided.

Witnesses: John Rayner John Sims Samuel Fullagar

Codicil 15th August 1720

He gives his cousin John Robins , Paper Maker, grandson of his uncle, William Robins

of Malling, £50 more and to his brother Henry, £100 more.

To his cousin Ellis, £10 for a ring and mourning, he desires her to stay in the house until all the books and furniture are sold and removed. She to have liberty to take some bottles of wine , mead or stale beer in the “dark cellar”, for her own use.

If money for the legacies falls short, deductions are to be made in the £200 given for building a new chapel and the money applied to beautifying the old one.

Witnesses: John Robins John Rayner Samuel Fullagar

An Account of Debts he is owed on Bonds or Mortgages

On Bond

Mr Rumney

£40

John Waller

£10

John Fletcher

£20

Mr Finches

£250

Messrs Coyn & Nower      £70                Mr Wakely               £20

Mr Brenchley          £40                          John Taylor of Boughton £30

More for Brenchley£40                          Mr Plummer           £20

John Trigg              £50                          John Barrington    £3

Mr Perks                 £40                          Messrs Linton and Richards      £150

Mrs Crispe              £20                          John Ramsden, Jnr.         £20

Bassock & Farley £40                           Mr Sharley              £15

Mr Wildish              £50                                                           £518

Thomas Bottle       £50

£460

A mortgage on John Rayner's land at Headcorn                   £100

“         “         “  the Bells at Lenham                                        £68 8s

“         “         “  Dr Skeer's land at Smarden                           £300

Another on John Rayner's at Sutton                                      £300

“         “    “   Knowlden's at Aylesford                                     £200

“         “    “ Mr Duck's land in Smarden                                 £250 In Bank Lottery Annuities                                       £502 8s 6d

Capital Stock in South Sea Co.                         £300, which is supposed at the opening of the Books will amount to                                          £3,000

At the bottom of the great fir chest in best chamber

£100

In the sack of writings there

£100

In the great trunk in his chamber

£100

In the oak chest in the long chamber

£100

In the little box of drawers in his study

£50

In Sir Christopher Bouverie's hands by way

of an account for which he has the note

£104

15s 10d

Proved 30th November 1720 Power reserved to Richard Fowle.

2. Nave

Marble Tablet with Gold highlights Within this Church

lies dispers'd the Remains of JOHN SMYTH late Vicar of this Parish

who died 7th July 1732 (sic)* Aged 83 and ANN his Wife Daughter or Sr. ROBT. FILMER, Decd. who died

20th July 1716 Aged 6[ ] and of ELIZH. SMYTH his Sister who died 5th Jany. 1743 Aged 77

Also of JOHN SMYTH Esq., their Son who died in this Parish 7th Jany., 1745 Aged 59, two of his

Daughters by ELIZH., Daughter of RALPH WHITFELD Esq., Decd., namely SARAH SMYTH who died 16th July 1761 Aged 18 and DOROTHEA SMYTH

who died 4th Jany., 1783 Aged 45 Also of the said RALPH WHITFELD Major of the Welsh Fusiliers during

Q. ANN'S Wars who died in this Parish 9th Sept. 1743 Aged 58

This Inscription commemorated their respective Monuments destroyed with the Old Church which was burnt down

by lightning in 1779

Here also rests ELIZH. SMYTH Wife of the above named

JOHN SMYTH Esq., who died 22nd July 1786 Aged 75

* This date is obviously wrong. The will was signed by Smyth on the 30th of October 1732 proved on December 9th 1732 and Smyth was buried on the 15th of December 1732. Over 50 years had passed since Smyth's death and the present monument being erected but his wife's inscription is accurate, she was buried on 23rd July 1716. The most likely explanation is that the original monument was shattered by the fire of 1779 and Anne Smyth's inscription had survived better than her husband's and nobody could recall the date of his death and no record of the inscription existed. However, the inscriptions of John Smyth, 1745/46, Ralph Whitfeld,1743 and Sarah Smyth,1761, are correct as to the year and month.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th October 1732

Reverend John Smyth of Lested, Chart next Sutton .

He desires to be buried in the same grave as his late wife.

To his youngest son Robert, £600. In case Robert has or does pay and discharge the bond of £100, for which the testator stands security for and he pays off those sums which he owes testator, his executors to deduct and keep back so much of the £600 sufficient for the payment of all sums owed by him. But not such part as he may pay before testator's death. Executors to pay the remainder to Robert but if he is then dead, the remainder, after his son's debts are paid, go as follows, to his grandson John Smith (sic), son of his son Robert and the other half to be equally shared between Robert's wife Anne and their children then living.

His son Robert not to have any benefit of the will, unless he , within 3 months of testator's death and notice of the will, will not claim, pretend or demand out of the testator's real estate, what is due to his brother John, including the Parsonage of Boughton Monchelsea and other land held on lease from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral, usually renewable every 7 years and which he bequeaths to his son John.

If Robert refuses or neglects, within 3 months of testator's death and notice of the will,to release his right, title or other claims to that real estate, then all bequests to son Robert will be void. In such case, then he gives all the sums of money to his son John, for ever. It will be lawful for son John, in order to receive all money in the hands of Robert, secured by bond to the testator, to prosecute Robert for the same.

But if Robert does assure the land for John then he will have full benefit of the will.

(This first part of the will, although not actually specified, would relate to the Custom of Kent, whereby land is shared by the sons equally, which is a reason for the lack of “great houses” in the county because wealth was not concentrated in one person.)

He gives to the poor of Chart, for ever, 50 shillings per annum, to be paid by his son John on the 5th of March annually, to such poor people who live there and receive parish alms, to be paid by John and his heirs, as he and they think are deserving.

He orders that 5 shillings, from the 50 shillings, to be paid annually to Jane, wife of

Thomas May of Chart, his parish Clerk, for her lifetime.

To his niece Elizabeth Filmer, Spinster, £20, provided that she continues living with him until his death but not otherwise.

To his sister Elizabeth Smyth, Spinster, £5 for mourning and also £200, the remainder of the portion left to her by his father by his last will and also £20 which the testator had borrowed from her with all interest not yet paid.

To his daughter in law Anne, wife of son Robert, £5 and to their son John, £50. To his sons Robert and James and daughter Anne, £5 each.

To his son John, all his real estate in Kent, for ever. Also his Parsonage of Boughton Monchelsea and the tithes, corn, hay, wood, 6 pieces of land, 2 parcels of woodland and the profits of the Parsonage. The Parsonage lands in Boughton Monchelsea and Langley are held under a lease from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral.

If his son John should die leaving no lawful male issue who do not live to the age of 16, then he gives to his son Robert, another £800, over and above that already given, provided he, before then, has released the before mentioned land to his brother John.

He charges his personal estate (except what has already been bequeathed), with the payment of the £800, above bequeathed.

He commands his son John to give his brother Robert, a bond to secure the £800, in case John dies without surviving lawful male issue.

The residue of his personal estate to son John, who he appoints his sole executor. Witnesses: Richard Fowle Daniel Trigg Robert Dixon

Proved 9th December 1732

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th January 1743, 1744 in the Modern Calendar

John Smyth of Chart next Sutton, Gentleman.

He desires to be buried in Chart churchyard. All his debts to be first paid.

He gives 40 shillings to the poor of Chart.

To Theodore Johnson of Lincoln's Inn and to his wife, a gold ring of 1 guinea value. To his brothers in law Thomas Whitfeld and Phillip Burton and to his wife, a gold ring each of the value of 1 guinea.

He is in debt to the value of £261 15s 11d, which the Court of Chancery ordered to remain in his hands until it could be laid out in land as securityfor the payment £9 per annum, for ever, to the poor of Cockfield, Suffolk, Sutton Valence and Lenham, given by Rev Francis Robins's last will and testament, to whom he is an executor.

He harges his land Boughton Malherbe and Headcorn, now let to [               ] Ringsby at

£16 per annum, with payment of the £261 15s 11d.

His late father, by his last will and testament, gave to the poor of Chart next Sutton Valence, 50 shillings per annum, for ever, so he charges his farm in Boughton Monchelsea, let to [  ] Borak, at £12 per annum with the payment of the 50 shillings per annum, for ever.

John Wood of Tenterden, has a mortgage of £200 on his land in Boughton Monchelsea, let to Richard Baker at £19 per annum, the mortgage is to be paid off.

To his eldest daughter Felicia Smyth, the large silver basin which was her aunt

Osborne's , the silver pint drinking pot, his gold watch and the painted cabinet.

To his daughter Elizabeth Smyth, the largest silver salver and the old pair of ribbed ?, candlesticks.

To his daughter Anna Maria Smyth, the gold watch that was his late aunt, Elizabeth Smyth's , his 2 small silver salvers, the silver soup spoon and silver marrow spoon.

To his daughter Dorothea Smyth, his pint silver coffee pot, his pint silver saucepan and silver pap pan**

To his daughter Sarah Smyth, his ½ pint silver drinking pot, 2 silver cannisters and 2 of the silver spoons in use about the house.

After the above mentioned lands are cleared of the payment of the several sums of money, he gives to all his daughters his lands and houses in Boughton Monchelsea, Boughton Malherbe, Headcorn and elsewhere in Kent, to them and their heirs, for ever.

His wife Elizabeth has had her jointure of his house and lands where he now lives in Chart, also of his Parsonage lease in Boughton Monchelsea, “yet my love and affection for her is so great, grounded upon the good opinion I have for her conduct and her tender regard for our dear children”, so he gives her, after his debts are paid, all the residue of his personal estate.

He nominates his wife his sole executor and guardian of his children and to provide care and tuition while they are minors.

If his wife should die before him and he has made no other will, then in that case, he appoints his brothers in law, Thomas Whitfeld, of Lincoln's Inn and Phillip Barton and his wife Felicia Barton, of Hatton Garden, to be guardians of his children and provide care and tuition for them and be joint executors, in trust, for them.

Witnesses: William Jarman Richard Rich Iden Huggins

Proved 25th February 1745 (1746 in the modern calendar)*

* The dates used before 1752 were of the Julian calendar, where the year changed on March 25th , after 1752 the Gregorian calendar was used bringing Britain into line with the rest of Europe

** A pap pan was a small silver bowl used for feeding babies with food, such as crumbled bread mashed with milk, which was easily digestable.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th November 1785

Elizabeth Smyth of Chart Sutton, Widow.

Her real and personal estate has been settled.

She gives a third part to her eldest daugter Felicia Smyth; a third part to her 2nd daughter Elizabeth Smyth and a third to William Dod, Esquire of Southampton, upon trust, to buy stock in the Public Funds and pay the annual interest to her daughter Anna Maria, wife of the Reverend William Disney, from from the interests of her present or any future husband. Anna Maria can dispose of the principal money by her will but in default, the money will be distributed as laid down by the laws of intestacy.

She appoints her daughters her executors. Witnesses William Charles Phillip Burton

Proved 25th August 1786 Administration granted to Felicia and Elizabeth Smyth, power reserved to Anna Maria Disney

The old churchyard

Headstone In

Loving Memory of

STEPHEN ASHBY

Late Sergeant Major of the 51st K.O.L.L. Who died August 12th 1879

Aged 58 Years Also of SARAH ANN

Wife of the above who died pril 28th 1905

Aged 74 Years Also of

The deceased Children of the above

AMELIA died April 15th 1881 Aged 13 Years

RHODA died July 17th 1883 Aged 20 Years

“He giveth his Beloved Sleep” Principal Probate Registry Index

Stephen Ashby, late of the Lord Raglan Inn, Chart Sutton, Licensed Victualler, died at the inn. Administration granted to Sarah Ann Ashby, his widow. Value of personal estate under £50.

Headstone, Very Eroded [  ] of

RICHARD BIGG of this Parish who departed this Life the 30th of [   ] 179[5] Aged [ ]7 Years [Also] RICHARD [Son of] ?

RICHARD BIGG [                 ]

the 2nd ? of February 1802 Aged [                        ]

[                           ]

Small Headstone Here

Lyeth the Body of

ALEXANDER BOTTEL

who departed this Life [ ] January

[1702]* [            ]

and was buryed the 4th of February

* 1703 in the modern calendar

Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd September 1701

Alexander Bottle of Staplehurst, Yeoman. He is “somewhat weak in body”.

He wishes to be buried in the churchyard of Chart next Sutton Valence. His debts, legacies and funeral charges to be paid by his executors.

To his brothers and sisters, Richard Bottle of Chart , Yeoman, William Bottle, Mary Bottle, Frances Bottle, Alice Earlie ?, (blot here), Elizabeth Rich and Sarah Bottle, £5 each.

To his sister (sic) Hester Tadman, £5. If any of these legatees should die before they can

receive the legacy, their share to be equally shared by the survivors.

To his brother William, his new wagon and wheels and all belonging to it, also all his clothes.

To his cousin (sic) Hester Tadman, a silver spoon and to each of his brothers and sisters,

£5 each after his wife's death.

After his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, the residue of his goods and chattels, plate, household goods, to his wife Anne, she is his sole executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Wright Susanna Ades Edward Wykes. Proved 19th May 1703

Inventory 19th May 1703 by Stephen Ades and John Fowle

Ready money and clothes            £4 0s 6d In the Kitchen

The long table and forme, a little table, a settle, a jack with lines and weights, a clock with lines ad weights, 2 cushions, 4 chairs, 3 spits, 2 tins panes ?, pair of bellows, 3 pairs of tongs, 3 candle sticks, a grater ?, a tin plate, 2 flues, a warming pan, an iron cleaver, 8 pewter dishes, , a pewter chamber pot, a dozen trenchers, 8 porringers, 4 pewter plates, a lantern, 2 pairs of pot hooks, a gridiron, a case iron ?, 3 andirons.                                                 £3 19s 0d

In the Hall

A saddle, 2 panels, pair of gambadoes, a still, a beame and seales, a cupboard, a table, a pillion and cloth, 10 sarks, 2 wanties, a mathook, a pitcher, 2 spades, a shovel, a saw ?, 2

formes, a bindell, 2 spinning wheels and reel.

£2

14s 3d

In the bunting house

A kneading trough, 2 brine tubs, a meale bag, 3 sieves, a table.

£1

9s 4d

In the cellar

9 barrels, 2 staldens

£1

1s 4d

In the Milkhouse

A table, a chair, 7 bowles, 2 milk pails, 3 milk keelers, a frying pan.

10S

In the brewhouse

A furnace, 6 tubs, 3 keelers, 3 brass kettles, an iron kettle, 2 brass skilletts, an iron skillett, an iron pot, a chaffing dish, , 2 pails, a cheese press.                 £4 12s

In the hall chamber

A flock bed, 2 blankets, a rug, 4 pillows, a bolster, a bed steddle with matt, a cord curtain, vallence and rods ?, a side board, 2 joyned stools, 4 chairs, pair of bellows, 2 creepers.

£3

In the kitchen chamber

2 flock beds, 2 boulsters, 2 pillows, 4 blankets, a coverlet,2 steddles, pair of curtains and vallence with matt(resses?), cards and rods ?, a chair, 3 chests, a box, a trunk, a brush, 10

pairs of sheets, dozen napkins, 4 pillow cloaks, 6 towels, 6 table cloths.    £10 4s

In the wash house chamber

A flock bed, a steddle, 3 blankets, with matt(ress) ?, and cord.        15S

In the buttery chamber

A flock bed, 2 blankets, a rug with matt and cord.                              12S

In the barn

18 seams of oats

£8 10s

10 seams of wheat

£10

9 acres of wheat upon the ground

£16

28 sheep

£12 12s

4 sheat hogs

£32

2 fat oxen

£22

3 cows and 2 calves

£11

Hay

£8

3 12 monthly calves

£5

2 steers

£5 10s

2 working oxen

£10

1 horse and 2 mares

£14

Husbandry tackle

£10

In debts and desperate debts due to Bottle

£110

Old lumber and things forgotten

6s 8d

Total

£278 15s 9d

Headstone and Body Stone In Memory of

DAVID BOULDEN

late of Chatham Son of

DAVID and SARAH BOULDEN who died September [ ] 1790 Aged [ ] Years

This is a large stone, very worn. There is plenty of room left for others and I thought I noticed faint traces of a lower inscription but was probably imagining that. If there was more it is remarkably worn. David Boulden, the father died in 1807 and left a PCC will, he was a Farmer.

Headstone

[                            ]

SAMUEL BROOKS

Son of EDWARD and

ELIZH. BROOKS who

died Jany the 18th 1787 Aged [ ]1 Years

Also JOHN BROOKS

Son of the above said

EDWD. & ELIZH. BROOKS

died August the 20th 1793

Headstone In Memory of

THOMAS Son of

ANTHONY and [          ]

BROOKS died May 19th ?

1787 Aged 7 ? Years (4 lines of worn verses)

Headstone In

Memory of MARTHA Daughter of CHARLES and MARTHA BROOKS

of this Parish who died March 19th 1793

Aged 5 Years

Also WILL their Son died March 28th 1793 Aged 3 Years

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

EDWARD BROOKS

of this Parish

who died August 16th 1865 Aged 73 Years

Also SOPHIA Wife of the above who died April 23rd 1854 Aged 56 Years

The 1861 Census records Edward Brooks as a Carpenter Principal Probate Registry Index

Administration granted to John Charles Brooks of Chart, Carpenter, son and Samuel Brooks of Staplehurst, Carpenter, brother. Value of effects under £100.

Headstone In

Memory of ELIZABETH

Wife of SAMUEL BUSS

of this Parish who died May 16th ? 1828 Aged 25 Years

Also ELIZABETH second Wife of the above who died June 5th 1846 Aged 40 Years Also of the above

SAMUEL BUSS

who died January 8th 1889 in his 86th Year

Also of SUSANNA VINSON

second Daughter of the above Born March 18th 182[ ]

Died May 6th 1901 Principal Probate Registry Index

Samuel Buss was a Yeoman Farmer. Administration granted to John Roaf Buss, personal estate valued at £10,626 5s 2d

Headstone, Very Worn To the Memory of

ANN Wife of

THOMAS CHAINEY

of this Parish [Late] of Headcorn

who died July 6th 1840 in the 57th Year of her Age

Also the above named

THOMAS CHAINEY

who died Jany. 14Th ? 1853 Aged [87] Years

Ann Chainey appears in the Burial Register as Ann Chaney, Thomas Chainey was a Farmer

Headstone In Memory of

ANN DAMANT Wife of

THOMAS DAMANT

who departed this Life the 23th of December 1805 Aged 18 Years “Enough cold stone

“Word are [            ]

Temples [             ] And [                       ]

But [                ]

Eternity [                 ]”

Headstone

In

Memory of GEORGE DAW Carpenter of this Parish who died Oct. [ ] 1779 Aged 79 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 26th September 1777

George Daw, Carpenter, now living at Marden.

First, all his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs to be paid. To William Standen, Glazier of Marden, all of his clothes.

To Richard Spice, 1 shilling and to James Peachey, 1 shilling.

He appoints William Shirley of Chart next Sutton Valence and William Standen, his executors. He desires them to make an inventory of his goods and sell them and together with his ready mone, pay his debts.

James Peachey is indebted to him for £10 and he desires his executors to pay Pheby Spice, wife of Richard Spice, £3 6s 8d and also to pay Ann Standen, daughter of William Standen and Mary, his wife, £3 6s 8d. Any surplus of his money, to be placed out at interest, if his executors think proper.

Mr Shirley can keep money in his own hands until the eldest son of James Peachey is 21, when the executors will call in the money out on interest and divide it into 3 parts. One part to be paid to Pheby Spice and one part to Ann Standen, executors to take care that the money is paid into their hands.

If his funds are not enough to pay his debts, his executors can take the interest on his stock, when due, any surplus to be paid into the hands of Mr Shirley or part of the interest as executors think proper. The money in his stock to be left until the eldest son of James Peachey is 21, when the money to be divided equally among the 4 sons of James Peachey.

Witnesses: Bartholomew Swan Josiah Williams

Proved 31st May 1780

Headstone In Memory of

ESTHER DENNIS

late of this Parish who died the 18th of July

1817 Aged 78 Years

Esther Dennis was the sister of William Jarman, who died in 1803, (see his will).

Headstone

“In the Midst of Life we are in Death” In Affectionate Remembrance of

WILLIAM DRAY

of this Parish

who died Sept. 30th 1871 Aged 56 Years

Leaving FRANCES his Widow, three Sons and one Daughter (Viz) WILLIAM, JOHN, RICHARD and FRANCES

to Lament their Loss

“God doth not always warning gives, take heed, then, how you daily live” Also the above

FRANCES DRAY

who died March 23rd 1887 Aged 72 Years

Also of HARRIET

eldest Daughter of the above who died July 12th 1871 Aged 28 Years

Principal Probate Registry Index

William Dray was a Farmer of Chart. Administration was granted to his widow, Frances. His effects amount to under £4,000. This value of this sum is now over £390,000.

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

WILLIAM EAGLES

died Augusth [ ] 1831 Aged 5 ? Months

Also MARY ANN EAGLES

died Jan. 24th 184[0] Aged [15] [Years]

Also JEMIMA EAGLES

died June [ ] 184[1] Aged 16 Months Also ELIZ. EAGLES

died April [ ] 184[8] Aged [15] Years

Also WILLIAM EAGLES

died [December 1850]

[Aged 5 Weeks]

Headstone,

Badly flaking and obscured by lichen.

[                           ]

[THOMAS] EARL

Yeoman who departed this Life May the 6th ? 1772

[                    ]

Also of M[ARTHA EARL] ? Widow [of THOMAS [EARL ] [                        ] [    ]

Thomas Earl's burial does not occur in the parish registers in 1772 and it seems that Martha Earl was not buried here. Only Thomas Earl, buried 1805, appears in the Kent Family History Society Transcripts of the parish registers and William Earl, buried February 1773. But the date 1772 is one of the clearest things on this stone, along with the word Widow, and ties in very well with the will.

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 21st April 1772

Thomas Earle, Senior, of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman. He is weak in body.

His debts and funeral costs to be first paid.

To his wife Martha, a £20 annuity for life, paid out of his Halden farm. Also to her, all of the furniture of any one room in his dwelling house.

To his son William, 5 guineas and, after his mother's death, his son Thomas to pay his brother William£2 12s per quarter, every year out of the Halden farm.

To his son Thomas, his 2 houses with the land belonging at Halden, Biddenden and Headcorn, the Halden property charged with the above annuities.

To his son Thomas, the residue of ready money, bills, bonds, debts owed and securities for money, not before bequeathed.

Also to Thomas, all household goods and chattels, hay, fodder, corn and grain, stock, cattle, hops, hop poles, wagons, carts, carriages and husbandry tackle, (the furniture of 1 room excepted).

He appoints his son Thomas, his sole executor.

Witnesses: Nicholas Springett John Marsh John Rayner

Proved June 2nd 1772

EARL see TRIGG FILMER see SMYTH

Headstone

[                           ]

ELIZABETH ANN Wife of

JOHN [F]LEET of this Parish

who died [Sept.] 27th ? 1844 Aged [7]8 Years Also the said JOHN FLEET

who died Sept. 25th 1848 Aged 85 Years

Also SARAH Daughter of JOHN and ELIZABETH FLEET of this Parish who died [ ] July 1833 Aged 33 Years Also SAMUEL JOHN their Son

who died July 25th 1833 Aged 27 Years

There was a cholera outbreak in Kent in 1832/33, I wonder if this was the cause of death for the above young people ?

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

JOHN FLEET

of this Parish who departed ths Life

Dec 17th 1872

Aged 77 Years

“A Meek and Lowly Disciple of the Lord Jesus” Headstone

In Remembrance of THOMAS FOORD

who died November 14th 1852 Aged 37 Years

Also of THOMAS Son of the above who died August 23rd 1851

Aged 10 Years

“Though Lost to Sight, to Memory Dear” Also of

MARGARET Daughter of the above who died August 30th 1889

Aged 44 Years

Also of MARY ELIZABETH

Wife of the above who entered into Rest

on the 25th October 1897 in her 79th Year

Double Headstone

Here                                Here

Lyes ye Body                     Lyes ye Body

of MARTHA                      of JOHN

Wife of JOHN                    FOWLE

FOWLE                            who departed

who departed                    this Life June this Life May 11th ?                  [ ] in ye Year in ye Year of                              of our Lord our Lord                                                     1713

1698 in ye 54th                    in ye 77th Year

Year of her Age                  of his Age

Headstone

Here

lies the Body of WILL. FOWLE

of Chatham Wheelwright who departed this Life Decemr. ye 2nd 1725 in the 40th Year

of his Age

Inventory of William Fowle, 8th December 1725, appraised by Henry Coulter and William Smith, endorsed by Richard Fowle.

His clothes and ready money: = £10 In the Kitchen:

6 black rush chairs, a leather chair, a joint stool, 2 tables, pair of bellows, 2 pairs of tongs, a frying pan, a pair of dogs, pair of pot hooks, gridiron, cutting ? Knife, ( ? ) 4 candlesticks, pepper box, flour box, a jack, a spit, (                            ?      ), warming pan, a clock, shelves, looking glass, a mug: = £7 9s 6d

In the Brew House:

2 iron pots, brewing tub, 4 keelers, 2 pails, 2 bowls, a sieve, pair of dogs: = 18s

In the Cellar:

7 small drinking vessels, 2 powdering tubs, 2 shalders ?, 2 keelers, a funnel: = 7s 6d

In the Buttery:

A skillet, 3 pewter dishes, 4 spoons, 18 trenches, earthenware, frying pan, rumlett and line ? = 11s

Chamber over the Buttery:

A bed, 2 blankets, a coverlet, bedstead, mats and cord: = £1 5s

Best Chamber:

Old bedstead, mats and cord, curtains, flock bed, quilt, 2 blankets, 2 bolsters, 2 pillows,

chest of drawers, 2 silver spoons, 5 pairs of sheets, 2 table clothes, 2 pillow bears, 4 trowels ?, 2 chairs, (blot): = £7 1s (blot)

Garret: Very blotted, can not read it = 15s In the Yard:

Timber, (       ?      ), wagon stuff: = £29 1s 6d

In the Shop:

Tools and wagon stuff: = £17 11s 2d Book Debts: = £10

Trifling things: = 12s

A quarter share of a Hoy: = About £50 Total: = £136 16s 8d

Submitted on December 25th 1725, endorsed by Richard Fowle, the brother and administrator. William Fowle died intestate.

Chest Tomb,  (in need of repair)

North Side

Here Lyeth the Body of RICHARD FOWLE, Yeo. who departed this Life April the 30th 1751

Aged 77 Years

(These 3 Fowle monuments are close together at the southeastern end of the church).

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th January 1750 , (1751 in the modern calendar)

Richard Fowle of Linton, Gentleman.

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

To his 3 nephews, John Ward, Daniel Ward and Samuel Ward, his 4 houses and land in Faversham: one is by the waterside known as the King's Head Key, occupied by Rigden, the other 3 are in Court Street, to them and their heirs, for ever.

To his nephews John and Daniel Ward, his 2 houses and land in Biddenden and the lawful heirs of their bodies. In default of such heirs, then to Francis Fowle, eldest son of Thomas Fowle of Egerton and his heirs, for ever, subject to the payment of an annuity of

£9, as later directed.

To his nephew John Spong of Staplehurst, his house and land at Chart and Sutton Valence and his lawful heirs. In default of such heirs, then to Thomas Fowle, eldest son

of Fancis Fowle of Egerton and his heirs, for ever, subject to the payment of an annuity of

£9, as later directed. Francis Fowle of Egerton was tenant of testator's farm there, which he gives to Francis Fowle.

To his nephew John Fowle, a Shipwright, an annuity of £9 from his property at Chart and Sutton Valence. He also gives John Fowle another annuity of £7 from his property at Biddenden.

To Hannah Weilgett, now living with him, 40 shillings per annum, paid from his property in Biddeneden.

To his sister Jane Austen, widow, £5. To his sister Anna Spong , widow, £5

Also to John Fowle, (the shipwright), £5 and all his clothes.

He gives to Richard Fowle, son of John Fowle, £20 to put him out apprentice and £100 at the age of 24 and 6 pairs of flaxen sheets, a dozen huckaback napkins and a hackaback table cloth.

The following section is not clear:

Also to Richard Fowle ( and his sisters ?), Elizabeth and Mary Fowle, eldest daughters of John Fowle        ? and the younger, whose name he does not know, £40 each at 21 years of age.

To Mary, wife of Robert [ ]elling, £50. To Mary Spong, £40

To his nephew William Spong, £40.

To his niece Anna Spong, a £4 annuity from his personal estate, all his china, 6 silver tea spoons and silver sugar tongs.

To his nephews John Ward, Daniel Ward and Samuel Ward, John Fowle, John Spong and William Spong, a gold ring, 4 of which are inhis possession, the other two to be purchased by his executor, at an equal value.

To his nephew John Spong, the residue of his personal estate and effects, not before bequeathed. John Spong is to pay his legacies. If any of the legatees disturb or trouble his executor, they will lose their legacy.

He nominates John Spong as his sole executor. Witnesses:Thomas Charlton Thomas Charlton, Junior H. Dalter

Codicil 4th April 1751

On the first page of his will he has inserted the names Francis Fowle and Thomas Fowle into blank spaces he had left because when he made the will he did not then know their Christian names.

One of his nephews, John Ward, has “in a good and friendly way at his own cost and expense, has paid a certain extravagant debt” for John Fowle, the shipwright, so he gives John Ward another £100.

He ratifies the rest of the will.

Witnesses: Thomas Charlton   H. Dalter

Proved 4th June 1751

I have a personal interest in this will, the Fowles of Egerton are some of my ancestors who seem to be related to Richard Fowle but he does not specify his exact relationship with them, I would guess cousins of some sort but I have not found the link, one of the rather frustrating episodes which sometimes occur in genealogy !

For more of the Spongs and Wards and a connection with Pickwick Papers, see my Monumental Inscriptions of Aylesford, also on the Kent Archaeological Society site.

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

MARGARET

Wife of GEORGE FOWLE

[of] Langley who died June 2[ ] 1832 Aged 76 Years

[Left issue] 1 Son and 1 Daughter

GEORGE ROBERT

(      ?     ) DOROTHY

The registers records Margaret Fowle's abode as Boughton Headstone, very worn

Sacred

to the Memory of

JOHN GRANSBURY

of this Parish who departed this Life

July 21st 1837

Aged 37 Years Headstone

In Memory of

RICHARD GRANT of this Parish who died April the 1st 1807

Aged 51 Years

Left two Daughters ELIZH and MARY

“(                ) shall slumber in the ground, Till the last Trumpet's Joyful Sound,

(                         ) the (                        )

(                                                            )”

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th February 1805

Robert Grant of Chart next Sutton Valence, Gentleman. First, his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.

He appoints Richard Masters of Loose, Cordwainer and his house keeper Elizabeth Hills, now living with him, as his executors. He gives Richard Masters £10, as compensation for the troubles he may have as executor......................

He gives Richard Masters and Elizabeth Hills, £200, upon trust, to invest in the government funds or other good securities. Elizabeth Hills to have the dividends for her lifetime and after her death, upon trust for the benefit of the children of Elizabeth Hills, Elizabeth and Mary Hills, of whom he is the reputed father.

When they are both 21 or on the day of their marriage, if earlier, they to share equally the fund. In the meantime the dividends to be used for their maintenance and education.

The residue of his money, securities for money, bills, bonds, notes, mortgages, book debts and other debts owed, goods, chattels, personal estate and effects, to his above daughters at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier..................................

Witnesses: Charles Topping Harriot Walker

Proved 26th May 1807

(See the will of Elizabeth Hills) Headstone

Erected to the Memory of

THOMAS GRANT

of the Parish of Langley

who departed this Life January the 2nd 1812 Aged 63 Years

Left issue 2 Sons (Viz) THOMAS & JOHN Also ANN GRANT Wife of the above THOMAS GRANT who departed this

Life December the 17th 1813 Aged 61 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th May 1812

Ann Grant of Langley, Widow of Thomas Grant of Langley, Farmer.

After payment of her debts, funeral and probate costs, all of her personal estate and effects to be equally shared between her sons, Thomas and John and her grand daughter Ann Grant Damant* at their respective ages of 21.

She appoints, as guardians of her sons while they are minors, James Hulkes of Tovil near Maidstone, Esquire and William Shirley of Chart next Sutton Valence, Gentleman and

she also appoints them as her executors. Witnesses: John James Cooke William Giles

Proved 8th July 1814 Administration granted to William Shirley, James Hulkes has renounced executorship.

* Is Ann Grant Damant the daughter of Ann Damant, who died in 1805 aged 18 ? (See above)

Headstone In Memory of

JOHN GRANT

Son of

THOMAS and ANN GRANT

of the Parish of Langley who departed this Life January 26th 1823

Aged 23 Years Large Grey Ledger

Beneath

are deposited the Remains of

EMILY Daughter of

THOMAS & SUSANNA GRANT

of Sutton Valence who died March 1st 1846

Aged 14 Years Also the above named

THOMAS GRANT

who died December 5th 1861 Aged 65 Years

And

SUSANNA GRANT

who died November 14th 1888 Aged 8[5] Years

Also

ANN GRANT

Daughter of the above

THOMAS and SUSANNA GRANT

who died June 13th 1891 Aged 63 Years

1861 Census

Thomas Grant is recorded as a Retired Farmer

Principal Probate Registry, Concise Grant and Will of Thomas Grant, died 1861

Thomas Grant of Sutton Valence, Esquire.

8th February 1862: Administration granted to William Pettenden Shirley, Esquire, of Wrotham, a nephew, Susanna Grant, the widow and Thomas Kipping of Maidstone, Solicitor, a nephew. Value of effects, under £18,000.

Concise Will of Thomas Grant of Sutton Valence, Esquire, dated 19th February 1856.

First, his debts, funeral and probate charges to be paid.

To his wife Susanna, all furniture, plate, linen, china,books, jewellery, trinkets, pictures, wine, liquor and other effects and household goods, absolutely; also £100 immediately after his death. Also to her, for life, as long as she continues as his widow, the house and garden where he now lives in Sutton Valence but not including land recently purchased from Miss Ann Levett.

After his wife's death or remarriage, he gives the house to his nephew William Pettenden Shirley of Wrotham, Esquire and his son John Grant of Sutton Valence, Gentleman, upon trust. They are to hold the residue of his real and personal estate, stocks, funds invested and other securities, upon trust, to sell...........................................

They to lay out enough money to fund an annuity of £200, to be paid to his wife for life, as long as she remains his widow and unmarried.............................

If she does remarry, then she to have an annuity of £100, for life, free from the interests or control of any husband, the other £100 is to fall into his residuary personal and real estate.

His real and personal estate, held in trust, is for the benefit of his sons Thomas and John

and his daughters Susanna wife of Richard Hart and Ann Grant, equally shared.

The shares of his sons at 21 years of age and the shares of his daughters to be invested for their and their children's benefit. The money to be invested in government stock or secure real estate and to pay the interest and dividends to his daughters free from their husband's interests.

After the death of either of his daughters, their share to be held in trust for their children or child, for sons, at 21 years of age and for daughters at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier, equally shared.

If there are no children, then the shares to be held in trust for his other children. Any of his children who die in his lifetime, leaving a child or children, he, she or they to have their parent's share, equally divided.

If his daughter Susanna dies, leaving her husband surviving but with no children, his trustees to pay her share to her husband Richard Hart, for life......................

His trustees, before any of his real estate is sold, can lease all or part of it for a term not exceeding 21 years.

He has given his son Thomas £1,000 and lent him £12,000, secured, to be repaid with interest, by a promissory note and a warrant of attorney and partly by a mortgage on the distillery* building and dwelling house in Maidstone.

It will be lawful for his trustees to allow the money lent to his son or as much as remains due and unpaid at the time of testator's death, to remain on the stated securities, for as long as they think fit, consistent with the interests and security of the testator's family.

He has, for some time, received from his son Thomas, interest at 4% in lieu of the 5%

originally secured by the said securities, on the sum of £7,700 (part of the £12,000). His trustees can continue to receive the 4% interest on the whole sum of £12,000 or so much as remains.......................

His wife will be entitled to Dower Rights out of his real estate.

Long and involved trust details follows............................

He appoints his trustees as his executors and gives them £50 each, duty free.

Witnesses: William Sankey, Surgeon, Sutton Valence   John Hinkey ?, of Sutton Valence Codicil 3rd September 1859

He had appointed his son John as one of his trustees and executors.

Now, he revokes this appointment and appoints his wife Susanna and his nephew Thomas Kipping of Maidstone, Solicitor to be his executors and trustees, jointly with William Pettenden Shirley.

The rest of the will is ratified.

Witnesses: Ann Shirley, Spinster and Marion Shirley, Spinster, both of Sutton Valence

Affidavit 27th January 1862

Marion Shirley confirms, on oath, that she is one of the witnesses of the codicil and that she and Ann Shirley witnessed the codicil, in each other's presence and testator's presence immediately after he signed his will in their presence.

Principal Probate Registry Index

Ann Grant of Ivy House, Sutton Valence, Spinster, died 1891

Administration granted to Robert Petman Grant of Maidstone, Distiller* and Walter Grant of 14 Waterloo Place, London, Commercial Clerk, the nephews. Value of personal estate

£3,166 0s 5d.

* The Grant Distillery in Maidstone produced the popular Grant's Morella Cherry Brandy.

In 2020 an unopened 75 cl bottle dating from 1860-80, sold at auction for £1,000.

HADAWAY see WALL

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

ELIZABETH HILLS

of this Parish who died Jan. 1st ?

1831 Aged 70 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th December 1814

Elizabeth Hills of Sutton Valence, Single Woman.

She appoints Thomas Boucher of East Sutton, Farmer and John Fowle of Maidstone, Carpenter, (the husbands of her daughters, Elizabeth Boucher and Mary Fowle), as her executors, they are to conduct her funeral.

After payment of her debts, funeral and probate costs, she gives her executors all of her personal estate and effects, upon trust, for the benefit of her daughters, absolutely, equally shared.

Witnesses: Thomas Simmonds Stephen Lamprey, Solicitor, Maidstone.

Proved 15th August 1831. Administration granted to John Fowle, powers reserved for

Thomas Boucher.

Small Headstone

Of the “Dutch” gable design, common in this era, partly buried and leaning forward, which has helped preservation.

Here Lyes the Body of

PETER HODGES

of this Parish, Yeoman who departed this Life 17th [June ]

1718

….................Ground Level....................

[                     ]

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th July 1717

Peter Hodges of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman. He is sick in body.

Is debts and funeral costs to be first paid.

To his God son Peter Seale, son of William Seale, £5 at the age of 21.

To his grand daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Farley, (if she lives 5 years after testator's death), £10 but if she dies within the 5 years, then the £10 goes to her son Thomas Seale.

To Thomas Hodges, his brother, £10 and all his clothes, also, for his lifetime, his house, barn, stables and lands of about 6 acres, in Staplehurst, now occupied by Thomas Reeve. His brother to keep the property in good repair and after his brother's death, it goes to his nephew Walter Hodges and his heirs, for ever.

To his wife Martha, for her lifetime, barn and other outhouses, buildings and land of about 60 acres in Staplehurst, in his own occupation, which he lately purchased from Robert Rabbett, Gentleman and others; his wife to keep it in good repair.

After his wife's death, he gives the property to his son John, for his lifetime, on condition that he does not plough the land or suffer any waste of spoil to occur but keeping it in good

order, to be adjudged by 2 indifferent persons. Also on a further condition that he pays his father's kinsman, James Hodges, £20, if John lives 10 years after his mother's death. If he dies within these 10 years, the £20 to be paid to his sister, Sarah Hodges.

John is to pay his brother James Hodges, 5 years after he gets the estate, £80. But if

James does not live that long, then the £80 is to be paid to his sister Sarah Hodges.

After son John's death, the estate goes to testator's nephew, Peter Hodges and his heirs, for ever.

He gives to the poor of Chart, £5, with the agreement of his wife.

He also gives his wife, the use of his household goods, implements and household stuff, for life and the profits and produce of his 4 best cows and £10 immediately after his death.

Residue of his personal estate, goods, chattels, cattle, stock, ready money, bills, bonds, leases and securities for money, not before bequeathed, to his wife's youngest son John Huggins and his assigns. He appoints his step son John Huggins, his sole executor.

Witnesses: The mark of Mary Warren, the mark of John Neaves, Robert Dixon

Proved 4th July 1718

Headstone, very worn In Memory of

JAMES HOLLANDS

[              ] [November] 1831 Aged 52 Years

Also of MARTHA his Wife who died [                 ] April 1821 Aged [2]8 Years

James Hollands abode was Biddenden Headstone, very worn

In Memory of

GEORGE HOLLANDS

of this Parish who died [ ] [July 1854] Aged 54 Years

Also SARAH HOLLANDS

Wife of the above [who

died March 4th 1882 Aged 79 [Years] [Also] MARY NEWALL Daughter of [the above]

GEORGE and SARAH HOLLANDS

who departed this Life Feby. 9th 1832 Aged 5 Months

Also of ELIZABETH their Daughter who departed this Life March 6th 1833 Aged 8 Years

…..................................

Rear

Also

to the Memory of

CATHERINE CORDELIA HOLLANDS

Daughter of

GEORGE and SARAH HOLLANDS

died Novr. 8Th 1853 Aged 14 Years Also EMILY COLEBROOK

Daughter of the above

died June 4th 1856 Aged 24 Years Also GEORGE HENRY

Son of the above

died March 6th 1859 Aged 28 Years Also ELEANOR their Daughter who died January 24th 1883

Aged 45 Years

Headstone, very worn

Here lyeth the Body of

JOHN HUGGINS

of this Parish, Yeo. He died the [   ] May 1732 Aged 62 Years

[Also ?] here lyeth ye Body of MARY his Wife [            ] J[anuary] 29th 1735

Aged 61 Years

[                         ]

Mary Huggin's abode was Boughton Monchelsea Headstone

Worn

[In Memory] of

THOMAS HUGGINS

of this Parish who departed this Life the 3rd of April 17[85] Aged 60 ? Years Also

ELIZABETH Wife [of the above ?] [who died October [ ] 1785 Aged [ ] Years]

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th September 1785

Elizabeth Huggins of Chart Sutton, Widow. She is weak in body.

To Edward Homewood, son of John and Ann Homewood, £100 at 21 years of age. In the meantime the interest to be used towards his support and education.

If he dies under 21, the £100 goes to his father John Homewood, son of John and

Constance Homewood of Maidstone, also to John Homewood, Junior, £50, 12 calendar months after testator's death.

To Ann Adams, her sister and wife of George Adams of Harrietsham, £50 and all interest due, her clothes and “things” she has given “by word of mouth” in her lifetime.

She requests Ann Adams to put up a double headstone and 2 gravestones (body stones ?), for her and her husband.

She appoints her brother Thomas Evenden of Leeds (Kent) and her sister Ann Adams as her executors.

She signs the will with her mark X

Witnesses: The mark of Sarah Robinson   John Spratt

Proved 11th April 1787. Administration granted to John Homewood, Senior, grandfather and guardian of Edward Homewood, a minor aged 9. (Has John Homewood, Junior died ?).

Ann Adams has died without taking up her role as executor and Thomas Evenden has renounce his role as executor The value of goods, chattels and credits, less than £300.

Headstone

In Affectionate Memory of ?

GEORGE HUGHES

Clerk of this Parish 49 Years died September 16th 1885 Aged 82 Years

Also of

PHOEBE Wife of the above died May 3rd 1876

Aged 61 Years

“They shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts in that day when I make up my Jewels” Also of

ANNA LAURA HUGHES

youngest Daughter of the above who lies here

died March 10th 1930 Age 72 Years

George Hughes was a Boot Maker, (1871 Census), also confirmed when, as a witness of

Thomas Marshall's will in 1840, he describes himself as a Cordwainer.

Headstone In

Memory of ANN* Daughter of JOHN and JEMIMA HUMPHREYS of this Parish who died July the 4h 1766 Aged Two Years and

Eleven Months

Ann Humphreys does not appear in the Kent Family History Society's transcripts of the Burial Registers.

Damaged Ledger outside the Vestry door?, south east end of the church.

In Memory of JEMIMA

Wife of

JOHN HUMPHREYS

[      ?       ] who died Dec [ ] 1796 Aged 61 Years

Also the Body [                                  ]

Also the Body of ELIZABETH Wife of

J.B. HUMPHREYS of [      ?        ]

who died [ ] [March] 1800 Aged 26 Years

Elizabeth Humphreys, wife of John Barnfather Humphreys, buried March 14th 1800. Sophia Humphreys, their daughter, buried June 10th 1800, no doubt her birth was the reason for her mother's death.

John Humphreys does not appear in the Kent Family History Society's transcript of the Burial Registers, he was a Farmer and left a will, which I will add after his wife's.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th November 1794

Jemima Humphreys of Chart Sutton, Widow.

To her daughter Mary, £20 for mourning, likewise £20 to her daughter Catherine. To her servant (farm servant ?), Walter Stevens, 10 guineas.

She appoints Catherine Humphreys of New North Street, Red Lion Square, Middlesex, Spinster and her only son John Barnfather Humphreys of Chart Sutton, her executors.

The residue of her real and personal estate and effects, to her son John Barnfather Humphreys.

Witnesses: C. Terry   Jemima Boulden

Proved 15th December 1796. Power reserved to Catherine Humphreys.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th April 1769

John Humphreys of Chart next Sutton, Farmer. First all his debts and funeral costs to be paid.

To his brother Edward Humphreys, 1 shilling.

To his sister Ann, wife of Thomas Porter, 1 shilling. To his sister Catherine Humphreys, 1 shilling.

To his wife Jemima, the residue of his ready money, bills, bonds, debts owed, legacies and securities for money, household goods and chattels, husbandry tackle, all stock, cattle, corn, grain, hops, hop poles, straw and fodder, all his clothes.

He nominates his wife as his sole executor.

Witnesses: Henry Dennis the mark of William Smith     John Rayner

Proved 16th February 1791

Small, “Dutch Gable Style Headstone, leaning forward, good condition

Here lieth ye Body of WILLIAM

JARMAN, Junr

who died Oct 6th 1710 in ye 49th Year of his Age

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st October 1710

William Jarman of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman.

He gives his daughter Martha, now an infant of about 6 years of age,£40 at her age of 21 or day of marriage, if earlier. In the meantime she is to have £20 per annum for her maintenance and education. In case his wife provides for Martha while she is a minor then his wife to retain the £20 per annum, in lieu.

He gives his sister Mary, £10.

The residue of his goods, chattels and personal estate, to his wife and his son William, equally shared.

He appoints his wife and son William, his executors. His brother (in law) John Huggins and kinsman William Newton, overseers and guardians of his son and daughter, if his wife dies before they are 21. If his wife does die while his children are minors and John Huggins and William Newton take on the trust, they to each receive £10, out of the profits of his real estate.

He recommends John Huggins and William Newton to assist his wife and son to manage their affairs.

Witnesses: William Horsmonden Mary Sadget the mark of Elinor Edmunds

Proved 13th October 1710

Inventory of William Jarman, Yeoman of Chart,

appraised by Daniel Trigg and John Saxby and registered 18th January 1711

Ready Money........................ £2 ?

Within Doors at Langley Park Farm

A dresser table,     ?      cobbard jack, 3 spits, 2 andirons, pair of tongs, pot hangers, stone cistern, cheese press and churn, 2 furnaces, washing vessels, apple mill, cider press,

b[    ] hutch, bottles, beer vessels, powering tubs, side boards ?,    ?    , other old chairs, forms, tables, old chest of drawers,2 milk ? , with other old lumber................£16 3s 6d

2 old bedsteads, 5 old beds, an old chest, an old press.........................£6 0s 6p Within Doors at Chart Farm

A long and 2 oval tables, a folding board ?, with chairs, stools, cobirons, fire pan and tongs, 10 pewter dishes, 2 dozen pewter plates, still, other pewter and brass, old goods in the hall           £7

2 oval tables with chairs and cushions in the parlour.......................£4 6s 0d

1 sifting hutch, frying pan, beer vessels and other old goods in the sifting room and cellar............................£3 11s 0d

5 milk buds, 3 brass kettles, brass furnace with brewing washing  ? , churning vessels ?, other lumber in the mill house and wash house............................................ £9 ?

Dozen cane chairs, bedstead with bed and things belonging, 2 small tables, andirons, c[

] ?, tongs, in the best chamber................................ £12

A trundle bed and high bed with fittings in the 2 next chambers......................... £4

In the men's chamber, 2 old beds with furniture, …............................£2 3s 0d

A feather bed and things belonging, flock bed, chest of drawers and other goods in the hall chamber and next to it...................................£7 10s 0d

A long table, a small table with chairs, stools and other kitchen and household goods in the kitchen.......................................£6 10s 0d

2 dozen flaxen napkins, dozen dy[ ]per and 2 dozen of others, 2 pairs of Holland pillows,

?     , an odd sheet, 12 coarse towels ?, 6 table cloths, 21 pairs more, an old shhet, a dyaper table cloth, 2 damask ones, 3 window curtains and 16 others, napkins, silver tankard, 4 spoons.......................................£25 12s 0d

Outdoors

Corn and clover in the barns.................................£143 9s 0d

Hop poles on the ground................................. £80

Wheat on the ground.............................. £80

7 horses, 1 colt, 6 cows, 4 fat pigs, 8 sheals, 29 sheep.................................. £111

Wood and fodder..................................... £20

3 ploughs, 9 harrows, 2 wagons, 6 carts, 6 wagon harnesses, other husbandry tackle.......................................... £25

On Woollett Farm

Hop poles.......................... £24

3 acres of wheat.........................£3 5s 0d On Romwood Farm

13 acres of wheat...........................£2 13s 0d

Oats and clover, 3 yearling bullocks, wood, dung and husbandry tackle............£22 15s 0d On Langley Park Farm

Hop poles......................... £34

17 Bullocks...................... £57

12 horses, 167 sheep.............. £145

Same location ?

55 acres of wood................. £200

Wheat on the land............... £116

?............................................. £5

All fodder.............................. £40 ?

Corn of all sorts in the house barn (    ?      )................£355 4s 0d 6 other horses and 6 sheals............................£19 ? 10S 0d

4 wagons, husbandry tackle.............................. £43

Things not seen and forgotten............................. £2

Good debts..............................£643 16s 0d

Total.............................£2,333 7s 0d

Signed by the mark of Daniel Trigg T and John Saxby

It should be noted that the above William Jarman's father , also William, died not long after his son's death but I found no monument to him, however I am including his will.

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th January 1711

William Jarman of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman. He is sick in body.

First, his debts and funeral costs to be paid.

To his daughter Mary Stone, £10, £5 within 3 months of his death and £5 12 months after his death.

To his maid servant Hannah Nash, £10, also the bedstead, curtains and valance, with bedding and ? , which he now lies on; also a pair of sheets, a brass skillet, an iron pot, 6 pewter plates, pewter dish, a beer vessel and old cupboard and stand in the fire room and settle there and little ?                                               , a little stone drinking mug and the clock in the fire room.

He gives his grandson William Jarman, the gun in the fire room.

To his grand daughter Martha Jarman, the great leather trunk in his bed chamber.

The residue of his personal estate, goods and chattels, to his daughter Martha Jarman, whom he appoints his executor.

He signs the will with his mark J.

Witnesses: Robert Dixon Thomas H[    ?     ] Mary Aucny ?

Headstone, Eroded Sacred

to the Memory of

A[ NN ] [ Wife of ] WILLIAM JARMAN of

this Parish who died April 17[ 66 ] Aged 5[ ] Years

Left issue three Sons and [ seven ] Daughters Viz WILL D[               ] JOHN ?

MARY [ MARTHA, ANN, SUSANNA, ABIGAIL,] [JEMIMA and ESTHER]

Also the above said WILLIAM JARMAN

who died Oct [ ] 177[4] Aged 70 Years

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th February 1773

William Jarman of Chart Sutton, Yeoman.

His house, farm and land at Chart next Sutton Valence, occupied by Thomas Marchant, his house, farm and land at Boughton Monchelsea, late occupied by his son Thomas Jarman, to his son Thomas during the term of 99 years, this property to be held in trust by John Beckett ?, of Sutton Valence, Surgeon, to preserve................creased........................ He to permit his son Thomas to receive the rents and profits for life and after his death, then to the heirs of his body legally begotten. In default of such heirs, then he leaves it to his own right heirs (under the terms of the intestacy laws).

He gives his house, farm and land in Chart, now or lately occupied by John Lever and his cottage with the orchard belonging, also in Chart, now occupied by John Brown; also his house and land in Headcorn, now or lately occupied by Thomas Winsett; also his 5 pieces of meadow, with the lodge there, also in Headcorn, now or lately occupied by William Wedd, to his son William and his heirs, for ever.

To his 7 daughters, Martha, Ann, Mary, Susanna, Abigail, Jemima and Esther, £5 each for mourning.

After his debts, funeral charges and legacies are paid, he gives the residue of his real and personal estate, to his son William and his heirs, for ever.

If his personal estate id not sufficient to pay his debts, legacies and funeral costs, then such part of his real estate bequeathed to his son William, to make up the deficiency.

He appoints his son William as his sole executor. Witnesses: William Long Edward Brooks R. Parker Proved 15th November 1774

Headstone, Very Eroded This is not a certain attribution

In Memory of

[SARAH Wife of ? ] THOMAS [ JARMAN ?]

who died [ Oct ] [ ] [1797 ]

Aged [ ] Years

[                     ] THOMAS [ JARMAN ?]

who died July [ ] [1808] [ Aged ] 7 [ ] [Years]

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of Mr WILLIAM JARMAN

of this Parish who departed this Life

August 13th ? 1803

in the 76th Year of his Age Also MARY Widow of the above

WILLIAM JARMAN who departed this Life February the 26th 1813 Aged 71 ? Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th February 1800

William Jarman of Chart next Sutton Valence, Farmer.

To his wife Mary, his house, barns, stables, outhouses and land in Chart, occupied by John Leaver; also his farm of about 76 acres in Headcorn, occupied by Richard Greenhill; also his farm in Headcorn occupied by John Collison; also his house and garden in Chart, occupied by William Owlett and partly by himself, for her lifetime and, after her death, the property occupied by John Leaver, to his nephew Daniel Jarman, son of his brother Thomas Jarman, and his heirs for ever.

Likewise, the property occupied by Richard Greenhill, after his wife's death, goes to his nephew William Jarman, son of his brother Thomas.

The property occupied by John Collison, after the death of his wife, goes to his nephew William Shirley of Chart, Yeoman, son of his brother in law William Shirley and to Thomas Bowler of Staplehurst, Yeoman, equally shared, for ever.

The property occupied by William Owlett and by himself, after his wife's death, goes to his 2 nephews William and Daniel Jarman, equally share, for ever.

He gives his farm in Ulcombe, occupied by John Collison, to his brother in law William Cox of Harrietsham, Yeoman and his heirs for ever.

He gives his farm in Headcorn, occupied by Richard Wood, to his nephews John Humphrey of Chart, Yeoman and Daniel Coulter, (who resides with testator) and their heirs, for ever, equally shared.

He gives his wife Mary, £300, this is in 2 sums of £200 and £100 in the 5% Consolidated Bank Annuities in the Bank of England, absolutely; also all his furniture, household stuff, brewing utensils, plate, linen,china and implements.

To his sister Esther Dennis, (who lives with him), £250. To his niece Ann Buckhurst, £250.

To his nephew Daniel Jarman, £200. To his niece Elizabeth Jarman, £200. To his brother Thomas Jarman, £20.

To his nephew Edward Shirley of Chart, £50. To his nephew Thomas Earl, £20.

To Thomas, William and John Fowle, sons of his brother in law John Fowle of Chart, Carpenter, £50 each.

To his nephew Daniel Coulter, £150 and all his corn, cattle, grass, hay, grains,straw, hops, hop poles, husbandry tackle and implements, on condition that Daniel pays the rent and tithes of the farm for the year he becomes possessed of it.

After his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, he gives the residue of his real estate not before bequeathed, to his nephews William and Daniel Jarman and their heirs, equally shared, for ever.

He appoints his wife as the guardian of the person and estate of his minor children and appoints her, his nephews William Jarman and Daniel Coulter, his executors.

Witnesses: James Skinner Thomas Owlett Thomas Forman. Proved 3rd October 1803

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 18th August 1808

Mary Jarman of Chart next Sutton Valence, Widow.

She wishes to be buried at Chart Sutton, as near as possible to her late husband.

After payment of her debts, funeral and probate charges, she gives to Martha Fowle, wife of her nephew William Fowle, of Maidstone, Carpenter, all her clothes.

To her nephews, the above William and to John Fowle of Greenwich, Carpenter, her estate, goods, chattels and effects, equally shared.

She appoints John Fowle and Daniel Coulter of Chart, Farmer, her executors................... Witnesses: James Moffat ? Samuel Quested ?

Proved 17th June 1813 Power reserved to Daniel Coulter.

Grey Ledger, immediately east of the porch.

In Memory of

THOMAS JORDAN

who died May 26th 1871 Aged 87 Years

Also of

ANN Wife of the above who died May 16th 1868 Aged 77 Years

Headstone In

Memory of

CHARLES LEE

of this Parish Beloved and Only Son of JOHN and MARY ELIZABETH LEE

of Horsmonden [        ] who [                           ] suffering

from pneumonia which he bore with patience leaving this world in the

prime of life April 17th [1866] Aged 20 Years

Also of

[            ] MARY ELIZABETH [LEE]

of Horsmonden

[who died] March [ ] 1873 Aged 63

Headstone, very eroded, south east corner of church

[Sacred]

to the Memory of [CORDELIA] Wife of [THOMAS MARSHALL]

of [this] Parish

who died [April] 10th ? 1839 Aged [6]7 Years

[Also]

[THOMAS MARSHALL]

[ Son of the above ? ]

[who died October / November ? 1840] [Aged 49 Years]

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th October 1840

Thomas Marshall of Chart Sutton.

He gives his real estate to William Marshall of East Peckham, Gardener and Charles Vinall of Sutton Valence, Doctor of Medicine, upon trust. They, with the consent of his daughters, Frances wife of Charles Jefferys, Matilda and Mary Marshall, to sell the real estate. Until the sale, the rents and profits to be paid to the beneficiaries of the trust.

He gives his personal estate to his trustees, upon trust, they to convert that part not consisting of money into money and collect money due to him.

The trustees to stand possessed of the money from his estate and pay his debts, funeral and probate charges. The surplus to be invested in Government securities or real securities.

They to pay one third of the trust estate to his daughter Frances Jefferys, for life, without any interference from his present or any future husband. They to pay one third each to Matilda and Mary Marshall, for life, free of interference from any future husbands.

After the death of any of his daughters, her share to be held in trust for her children but if she leaves no children, then it is held in trust for her executors or assigns.

He also gives to his trustees all land vested in him as trustee or mortgagee......................

Witnesses: George Hollands, Chart Sutton, Baker George Hughes, Chart Sutton, Cordwainer.

Proved 2nd March 1841

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

RICHARD MILLER

(of this Parish) who died Dec 7th 1849

Aged 74 Years

Small Headstone, eroded

Sacred

to the Memory of

ALICE [NOA]DE[S]

Obit 24th April 1848 and her Sisters ESTHER HO[      ]

and

ELIZABETH HOD[         ]N

who lieth here Headstone, under the large yew

[                                 ]

ROBERT PATTENDEN of Boxley who departed this Life March the [ ] 1808

Aged 47 Years Left surviving a Widow

and issue 3 ? Sons and 2 ? Daughters Headstone, very eroded

I am having to guess this one but it is close to the area of the Peckham graves at the east end of the church.

[                        ]

[FRANCES Wife of]

[RICHARD PECKHAM]

[who] departed this Life [April] 1739 Aged [                     ]

Double Headstone

Here lies                           Here lies

the Body of                       the Body of

RICHD. PECKHAM                MARY Wife of

of Hollingbourne                 RICHD PECKHAM

Sen who departed              who died the 21st of this Life August the [ ]                     November 1761

1751                               Aged 69 Years

Aged 59 Years

This Mary Peckham does not appear in the Kent Family History Society Burial Registers transcriptions.

Headstone, good condition, carved with putti, skull and book.

In Memory of

JOHN PECKHAM

of Hollingbourne, Yeoman

who died the 10th of Feby. 1771 Aged 82 Years

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st December 1769

First, his debts and funeral charges to be paid.

He gives to his nephews, Richard and Robert Peckham, sons of his late brother Richard, 8 houses, with stables, yards and gardens, in Hollingbourne and Leeds, occupied by Thomas Ross, Mary Rogers ?, John Sell, John Clark, Henry French, Thomas Weeks, Richard Masters and Thomas Lucy ?. On condition that they pay their sister Frances Pocock, wife of Henry Pocock, £100.

To his nephew John Peckham, son of his brother Richard, 2 houses with stables, yards and gardens in Hollingbourne, now occupied by Widow Simons and Widow Wiles, on conditions that he pays Mary Pocock, daughter of Henry Pocock, £50.

To his nephews Robert and John Peckham, sons of his brother Robert, £210 each.

To his brother Arthur Peckham and his 3 sons, Richard, Robert and Thomas, £50 each.

To Frances Pocock, £100, to be paid by Richard and Robert Peckham, sons of his brother Richard; also to Frances Pocock, £50, to be paid by John Peckham, son of his brother Richard.

To his brother Arthur Peckham, the smallest chest with the linen, that is in his chamber.

If any of those he has given legacies to die before the first anniversary of his death, that legacy is to be paid to their heirs.

When his debts, funeral charges and legacies are paid and his executors paid for their troubles and expenses, the surplus to be divided equally into 3 parts and a third part to be paid to his brother Arthur, brother Richard's sons, Richard, John and Robert and to his brother Robert's sons, Robert and John.

He appoints his nephews John Peckham of Hollingbourne and John Peckham of Patrixbourne, his executors.

Witnesses: [       ] Barham Edward Bennet Mary Wisenden

Proved February 19th 1771

Headstone

[                        ]

Mr ARTHUR PECKHAM

of Aylesford who died November 24th 1780 Aged [ ] Years

Also of Mrs ELIZABETH [               ] who died [ ] February 1767 Aged [ ]8 Years

(rest illegible except for the name THOMAS,

buried 1st August 1780 from Aylesford) Headstone

To the Memory of

RICHARD PECKHAM

late of Hollingbourne eldest Son of

RICHARD & MARY PECKHAM

of Greenway Court in the said Parish He died the 7th of April 1793

Aged 67 Years

Also of MARY his Wife who died the 2nd of October 1805 Aged 6[ ] Years

Leaving issue One Son and Two Daughters

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 12th March 1793

Richard Peckham of Ulcombe, Farmer.

He gives to John Blackbourn of Langley Park in Langley, Farmer and Mary Harriott of Maidstone, his farm, farm house and shares of houses and lands in Ulcombe, Harrietsham, Leeds and Hollingbourne, in the occupation of himself, John Lacy,

[             ] [            ] Widow, John Morton ?, Elizabeth French, Widow, John Clarke, John Bottle, John [      ] and Thomas Simmons, to be divided into 4 parts, upon trust, for the benefit of his wife Mary for life or for as long as she remains his widow, she to have the rents of one ¼ . After her death or marriage, then to the use of their children, Mary, Sarah and Richard, equally shared, for ever. The remaining ¾ to be equally divided into one ¼ each for the above 3 children.

His son Richard is already provided for, his trustees to see that on coming into possession of of the farm called Mollands, in Ash near Sandwich, he is to pay his sisters £100 each from the property he is to inherit.

He gives his daughters £50 each from the money left to him by his cousin John Peckham of Patrixbourne, Farmer, now in the hands of his cousin Richard Peckham of Bekesbourne, Gentleman.

His wife Mary, during her life, to reside in the house where he now lives or any other part of the estate she thinks proper.

After payment of his debts, funeral and probate charges and legacies, the residue of his goods, chattels, money, securities for money and personal estate, to his wife and 3 children, equally shared.

He appoints his wife, John Blackbourn and Mary Harriott, his executors. Witnesses: Mary Wisenden W. Jendwin ? Stephen Lamprey

Proved 21st February 1794 Power reserved to John Blackbourn

Headstone

In Memory of

JOHN PECKHAM of Hollingbourne who departed this Life the 30th day

of October 1793 in the 64th Year of his Age This stone was erected by his only surviving Brother ROBERT PECKHAM late Mayor of London

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 17th May 1792

John Peckham of Hollingbourne, Gentleman.

To his housekeeper Mary Wisenden, if with him at his death, the house he now lives in , with the stables, buildings, yard, gardens, in Hollingbourne and the use of his plate, linen,china, household goods and furniture, for her lifetime, as long as she remains single. After her death or marriage, the house and contents will go to his brother Robert Peckham, for life. After his death, then it goes to Richard Peckham the youngest son of his brother Richard Peckham, for ever. But in default of any issue from him, the property to testator's own right heirs, (that is, by the law of intestacy).

To his brother Robert Peckham, his house, stable, outhouse, yard and garden, for his lifetime, this property is known as Sugar Loaves and adjoins the above property and was in the occupation of William Harbridge and now by Thomas Green. After the death of his brother Robert, it goes to his nephew Richard Peckham and his heirs. In default of lawful heirs, then it goes to the testator' own right heirs.

He has £1,600 in the 4% annuities in the Bank of England and £50 of this goes to Mary Wisenden if she is with him at the time of his death, also the dividends from £600 of the stock, fir life, if she remains single.

After her death or marriage, the £600 stock, his plate, linen, china, household goods and furniture, to his nieces Mary and Sarah Peckham, daughters of his brother Richard, equally shared. If either of them die before then leaving no lawful children then all to the survivor.

An inventory to be made of his house contents, signed by Mary Wisenden, for the interests of his nieces.

His third part and all other shares in his estate and his farm at Ulcombe and Harrietsham, now occupied by his brother Richard, to his brother Richard, for ever.

Also to Richard, £100 another part of the above stock and to Richard's wife Mary, £50, another part of the stock.

To his nieces Mary and Sarah Peckham, £500, another part of the stock, equally shared, if either dies, then as before.

To his nephew Richard Peckham, son of his brother Richard, £100 another part of the stock.

To his brother Robert, £100, also part of the stock.

To his niece Mary Harriott and her daughter Anna Maria Harriott, £50 each, also of the same stock................................................

Residue of all money, goods, chattels and personal estate, to his brothers Richard and

Robert, equally shared. They are to be his executors.

Witnesses: Jno. Roffe T. Slater, Attorney of Maidstone George Whitfield, Clerk to Mr

Roffe.

Proved 20th November 1793. Administration granted to Robert Peckham, the surviving executor.

Headstone

To the Memory of

MARY PECKHAM eldest Daughter of

RICHARD and MARY PECKHAM

of Hollingbourne who departed this Life the 7th day of February 1814 Sincerely Lamented by her Family and Friends in the Thirty Eighth Year

of her Age

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th January 1813

Mary Peckham of Hollingbourne, Spinster.

To her brother Richard Peckham, £200 bank stock in the 4% consolidated funds.

The remainder of her property, real and personal, to her sister Sarah Peckham, for ever. Her sister Sarah is her sole executor.

Witnesses: Ann Bartholomew Ann Tennant Elizabeth Margaret Tennant

Proved 26th March 1814

Headstone

To the Memory of

ROBERT PECKHAM Esq

Formerly a Merchant and Alderman of LONDON

of which City he served the Office of Sheriff in 1777

and that of Lord Mayor in 1783

He was born at Greenway Court Hollingbourne in the Court

on the 8th February 1731* and died at Maidstone on the 5th July 1814

Aged 83 Years

* (1732 in the modern calendar)

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th September 1812

Robert Peckham, Esquire, late of Bridge Yard, Southwark now of Maidstone. His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.

To his niece Mary Harriott, widow and her daughter Ann Maria Harriott, £100 each. To his nephew Richard Peckham, £100.

To his nieces Mary and Sarah Peckham, £100 each

To Ann Bartholomew, widow of his late cousin and faithful friend William Bartholomew,

£300 and a £10 annuity from the Bank long annuities in the Bank of England; also to her his household goods, furniture, fixtures, plate, books, china, linen, wines and liquors, absolutely.

To Ann Tennant, daughter of William and Ann Bartholomew, £200, free from the interests of her present or any future husband and to her sister Frances Miller, £100.

To Robert Henry Bartholomew of [    ?      ] New Inn, Middlesex, (this, I think, is an inn of court not a pub), son of William and Ann Bartholomew, £200, his gold watch, chain and seals.

To Elizabeth Margaret Tennant and Ann Boswell Tennant, daughters of Ann Tennant,

£100 each at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier........................................ To Thomas Day of Maidstone, M.D., £50, “as a token of my esteem for him”.

To his first cousin Frances Bartholomew, £10 To his old servant Elizabeth Sleeble ?, £5

To Elizabeth Woodhouse of Maidstone, £5

To each of his female servants with him at his death, £3 each.

The residue of his estate and effects to be divided into 2 equal parts, half to nieces Mary and Sarah Peckham and half to his niece and nephew, Ann Tennant and Robert Henry Bartholomew, equally shared.

He appoints Robert Henry Bartholomew and Thomas Day his executors.................. Witnesses: George Bishop Robert Bewley of Maidstone.

Proved 26th September 1814

Headstone, very eroded and flaking In Memory [of]

GEORGE PETTIT Son

of WILL and SARAH PETTIT

[             ?            ] died

the [ ] [July or August] 1801 Aged [ ]7 Years Left issue [                                  ]

Headstone, very worn [    ]

FRANCES Wife of HENRY

POCOCK of Maidstone

who departed this Life [ ] April 17[86 ]

Aged 6[ ] Years

[         ] HENRY POCOCK

[                ] 15th July 1787 [                  ]

The Kent Family History Society transcript of the burial registers has Mary and not Frances

? Frances was a Peckham, see the will of John Peckham, died 1771 and other Peckham wills for the Harriott connection.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 15th May 1787

Henry Pocock of Maidstone, Tanner.

All of his real estate to be equally shared by his daughter Mary Harriott, widow and her daughter Anna Maria Harriott, for their lifetimes and after the death of either all will be the survivor's. After the survivor's death, then it will go to all their lawful children, equally shared. In default of any lawful heirs of these children, then to his nephews Henry and John Pocock, sons of his late brother John Pocock; and to his nieces Ann Pocock and Ann Palmer, daughters of his late brother John, also to niece Mary Hooper, daughter of his late sister Avis Hooper and to their heirs, for ever.

His personal estate, after his debts and funeral costs are paid, to his friends John Seager

of Maidstone, Brewer and Thomas Burwash of Thurnham, Yeoman, upon trust.

They are to buy freehold land in England in fee simple, these to be settled as his other estates and in no other way.

His personal estate to be invested in the Public Funds and dividends paid as the rents of the above estates to be purchased.

He appoints his daughter Mary Harriott, John Seager and Thomas Burwash, executors and guardians of his grand daughter Anna Maria Harriott.

Witnesses: Holland Pope Stephen Adams Thomas Wildes

Proved 1st September 1787

Note in margin dated 5th May 1858.

The will has not been administered and is granted to Anna Maria Horn, widow, formerly Harriott, grand daughter of the testator and surviving legatee. She has made her will and appointed James Hulkes (died in her lifetime), John Samuel Gowland, Esquire and Robert Henry Bartholomew, executors. Bartholomew has died and the survivor, Gowland, made a will and appointing Henry Horn as sole executor, who died without executing the will.

19th February 1862

The will was not administered by Anna Maria Horn and administration is now granted to

Frederick Horn, her son.

Double Headstone Left side,

the Right side is illegible

In Memory of

HENRY SEARS

of this Parish

[who] died February [ ] [1754] [         ]

SEDGWICK see TAYLOR

Large Low Grey Ledger In Memory of

WILLIAM SHIRLEY

of this Parish

who departed this Life Feby. 8Th 1819 Aged 64 Years

Also MARY SHIRLEY

Wife of the above

who departed this Life May 25th 1853 Aged 90 Years

Left issue Three Sons and Four Daughters viz WILLIAM PETTENDEN, HOHN, THOMAS, MARY SUSANNA, ELIZABETH ABIGAIL and SUSANNA

Also

In Memory of THOMAS Son of the above

WILIAM and MARY SHIRLEY

who departed this Life on the [25th] of Novr. 1834 Aged 36 Years

Also of

SUSANNA eldest Daughter

of WILLIAM and MARY SHIRLEY

who died April 27th 1846 Aged 53 Years

ANN SHIRLEY born April 3rd 1800 died [   ? ] 6th 1886 Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 11th May 1811

This is quite a long will, much of it containing a lot of trust details.

William Shirley of Chart next Sutton Valence, Gentleman. First, all his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.

He appoints his brother Samuel Shirley, friend Stephen Walter of Chart, Gentleman and

his wife Mary, (for as long as she is his widow), executors and guardians of his minor children; he gives his executors £20 each when they prove the will.

To his wife Mary, his plate, linen, woollen clothes, china, books,pictures, prints, household goods, furniture, implements, provisions and liquor and fuel, absolutely.

She may occupy his house and garden while she is his widow, rent free, not liable to repairs, taxes, rates and insurance. Executors to have an inventory made.

Residue of his personal estate to his executors, upon trust, they to assign to his eldest son William Pettenden Shirley, the leasehold farm in East Sutton, held from the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral on several leases............................................. and under wood,

dung, manure, corn and seed growing , hay, corn, clover, cinquefoil and straw. If son William accepts the assignment at the price of £1,500 and pay for the crops, according to a valuation to be made for his executors, within 4 months of testator's death. If he refuses or neglects to make the purchase within time, then the leasehold will sink into testator's residuary personal estate.

When his youngest child is 21 he will occupied and farm his land, (now freehold and in his own occupation) and the leasehold property if son William does not take it up, on account of his other children, Mary Susannah Shirley, John, Elizabeth Abigail Shirley, Thomas, Ann Shirley and Susannah Shirley.

He gives to his executors Samuel Shirley and Stephen Walter, all his real estate, upon trust,........................... they to pay his wife an annuity of £100 for life, without deductions for repairs, taxes, etc.

There follows a rather complicated passage in which 2 tenants are named, they are John Cox of Harrietsham, Yeoman and William Cox, of Bearstead, Yeoman, after testator's death, they to have leases of 99 years.........................................................

When his children have respectively attained the age of 21, his freehold estate to be valued (but subject to the annuity to his wife) by 2 indifferent persons appointed by his executors. The real estate to be conveyed to his sons, John and Thomas, equally shared, they and their heirs to pay the valuation.

If either of them die under 21, leaving no lawful issue, their share to be held in trust for the benefit of his other children including his eldest son William, they to have equal shares, for ever, they and their heirs paying the valuation.................................

His eldest son William is amply provided for by the will of his great uncle Thomas Shirley,

….........................................................

His wife to execute a proper release of her dower rights to the other executors, if she refuses or neglects to do so, he revokes all bequests to her, including her annuity and her roles as executor and guardian …........................................

Witnesses: William Harrison of Leeds (Kent) Weller Norwood, Attorney of Charing Proved 1st October 1819 Power reserved to Mary Shirley and Stephen Walter.

Proved 22nd June 1842 Not stated but seems that will was not administered by Samuel Shirley. Administration granted to Mary Shirley, Widow, power reserved to Stephen Walter.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th October 1834

Thomas Shirley of Sutton Valence, Gentleman.

He appoints his brother William Pettenden Shirley and Thomas Grant of Sutton Valence, Gentleman, executors.

To his mother Mary Shirley and his sisters Mary Susannah Shirley and Ann Shirley. His 2 houses in Sutton Valence or Town Sutton Street, now occupied by his mother and brother William and all other real estate, for ever, equally shared.

To his brothers William and John and brothers in law Thomas Kipping and Thomas Grant, £19 each for mourning.

All his money, securities for money, personal estate and effects to his mother and sisters

Mary Susannah and Ann, equally shared.

Witnesses: Edwin Bridge of Sutton Valence B. Delacour of Leyton, Essex George Higgins of Sutton Valence

Proved 19th February 1835

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th July 1849

Mary Shirley of Sutton Valence, Widow.

All of her real and personal estate to her daughter Ann Shirley . Daughter Ann Shirley

and her son in law Thomas Grant are appointed as her executors.

Witnesses: Thomas Kipping, Solicitor of Maidstone Mary Ann Gulvin of Sutton Valence Headstone

Sacred

to the Memory of

WILLIAM SHIRLEY

late of Chelsea in the County of Middlesex

(Son of EDWARD and ELIZABETH SHIRLEY)

of this Parish

who died on the 21st day of January 1839 Aged 40 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th August 1833

William Shirley of Grosvenor Row, Chelsea, Chemist and Druggist. First, all his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.

He appoints his friends Samuel Beaufort and Stephen Wilkins of Sutton Valence, Kent, as his executors.

His leasehold house and premises, where he now lives and carries on his business, in Grosvenor Row, Chelsea, held under a lease from Eusebins Say, dated 9th August 1827 for a term of 21 years, from Midsummer Day 1827 and all other estate, his money in the reduced 3% annuities, ready money, securities for money, stock in trade, household goods, furniture, plate, linen, china, books, debts owing and residue of his estate, to his executors, upon trust.

They to sell and invest the proceeds in the public funds or a good substantial security in their names.

They are to pay the annual income produced to his mother Elizabeth Shirley, for her sole use and benefit and after her death, then to his father Edward Shirley. After his father's death or of the survivor, then they to pay the principal and dividends due to his nephews and nieces. They are, John, Edward, Ann and Elizabeth Norrington, children of his late sister Ann, wife of Charles Norrington of Sutton Valence; Edward and William Shirley, sons of Edward Shirley the Younger of Chart Sutton, Kent, equally shared. If any of the legatees die, their share will go to the survivors (equally shared).

He appoints his executors to also be his trustees. Witnesses: John Guest Edmund Guest

Codicil 22nd December 1835

He gives to his housekeeper Ann Tassell, £50 and ratifies the will. Witnesses: As for the will.

Proved 22nd February 1839 Power reserved to Stephen Wilkins

Large Low Blue / Grey Ledger

WILLIAM PETTENDEN SHIRLEY

died 27th Feb 1848 Aged 57 Years

ELIZABETH COLEMAN SHIRLEY

his Wife died 11th March 1876 Aged 77 Years

ELIZABETH ABIGAIL SHIRLEY

their Daughter died 1st March 1881 Aged 52 Years

WILLIAM PETTENDEN SHIRLEY

their Son died 11th Dec 1898

Aged 82 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st October 1847

William Pettenden Shirley of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He appoints his son William Pettenden Shirley and his nephew Thomas Kipping of Tonbridge, trustees and executors.

To Thomas Kipping, £100 for his troubles as trustee and executor.

To his wife Elizabeth, all his wines, liquors, fuel and other consumables and provisions, absolutely. She is to have use of his furniture, pictures, prints, musical instruments , plate, linen, glass, china and other household effects not otherwise bequeathed, for life, she keeping them insured in the names of the trustees and the house in good repair; executors to have an inventory made.

Residue of real and personal estate to his trustees, upon trust, they to convert into money all not consisting of money and after payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs, they to pay his wife an annuity of £100, for life, in quarterly payments, they to raise enough money to fund this..........................................

Trustees to stand possessed of his residuary estate, upon trust, for benefit of his children,

William Pettenden Shirley and Elizabeth Abigail Shirley................................ Witnesses: William Bailey C. A. Bailey Ann A. Panell ?

Proved 8th April 1848

Principal Probate Registry Index

William Pettenden Shirley of West Bank, Sutton Valence, (died 1898) Administration granted to Shirley Petman Grant, Wine Merchant and Charles Alfred

Case, Solicitor , effects valued at £15, 405 0s 7d, re-sworn November 1899 at £16,120 0s 7d

Headstone

In Memory of

EDWARD SHIRLEY

of this Parish who died March [ ] 1853 Aged 88 Years

Also ELIZABETH his Wife died Dec 4th 1851 Aged 81 Years

Left surviving 10 Sons (Viz) EDWARD, THOMAS, SAMUEL, CHARLES PETTENDEN, GEORGE, JAMES, HENRY, EDWIN,

SAMUEL HOOD and CLEMENT

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th March 1852

Edward Shirley of Chart Sutton, Gentleman. (In the 1841 Census, he is listed as a Tea Dealer).

To his son Clement, £10 tax free. To his son Charles, £10 tax free.

His share of houses and land at Highgate and Southwood Lane in Highgate, Middlesex, now occupied by John White, [                    ] Ramsey [              ] Williams [             ] Dean

[               ] Kirby   [               ] Norman and Ann Lee, to his sons Clement and Charles, upon trust and, at their discretion, to sell. They to stand possessed of the rents and profits in the meantime and of money from the sale, upon trust. He gives his real and personal estate to Clement and Charles, upon trust. After his debts, funeral and probate costs are paid, they to have the residue of his estate, upon trust. They are also his executors.

Witnesses: John Charles Brooks of Chart Sutton George Hughes of Chart Sutton. Proved 20th April 1853

Headstone

Sacred

to the Memory of

ANN Wife of

PETTENDEN SHIRLEY

late of Challock, East Kent who died March 23rd 1859 Aged 45 Years

Also of the above

PETTENDEN SHIRLEY

who died November 5th 1870 Aged 67 Years

“Blessed are the Dead which die in the Lord”

Pettenden Shirley was a Farmer of 140 acres (1861 Census); after his death the Principal Probate Registry Index tells us he was late of Challock and a Farmer. Administration of his estate was granted to Clement Shirley of 16 Park Place, New Brompton, (now Gillingham),”Gentleman”, his brother and Elizabeth Shirley of Challock, his widow. The value of his effects was under £300

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

SAMUEL SHIRLEY

of this Parish

who died September 6th 1860 Aged 63 Years

“This is the Grace I long had sought, and mourned because I found it not, at length I heard my Saviour say, “Grace shall be equal to thy day” “

Also JAMES SHIRLEY

who died February 17th 1859 Aged 53 Years

Samuel Shirley was a Farm Labourer, (1851 and 1861 Census); James Shirley was of Chart Hill and also a Farm Labourer, (1851 Census)

Headstone

Sacred

to the Memory of

CHARLES SHIRLEY

of this Parish

who died Jan 31st 1866 Aged 65 Years

Also SARAH Wife of the above who died Jan 9th 1887

Aged 73 Years

Also THOMAS   Son of the above who died Dec 23rd 1845

Aged 3 Years

Also SARAH Daughter of the above who died Oct 10th 1852

Aged 12 Years

[                   ] * Son of the above

[                ] Navy, Port[smouth] ? (                Flaked              )

[                   ] 20th 1859

Aged 23 Years

* Either Charles, baptised 1836 or Walter, baptised 1837 Charles Shirley was a Farmer of Chart, (Baptism Registers) Headstone

In Affectionate Remembrance of

SOPHIA

the beloved Daughter of

GEORGE and SUSANNA SHIRLEY

of this Parish

who departed this Life March 22nd 1868 Aged 28 Years

Headstone

In Memory of

JOHN SHIRLEY

Formerly of Ladd's Place in this Parish Born Feb 15th 1794

Died Sept 3rd 1873

Also MARY ANN Wife of the above Born June 10th 1792

Died Feb 13th 1862

Headstone

In

Affectionate Remembrance of

CLEMENT SHIRLEY

late of Holloway, London youngest Son of the late CHARLES SHIRLEY

of this Parish who departed this Life

June 2nd 1877

Aged 31 Years Principal Probate Registry Index

Clement Shirley was of 6 Hampden Road, Holloway, administration granted to his widow

Ann. Value of effects under £200

Headstone In

Memory of

JAMES ELIAS SMITH

who died Nov 7th 1845 Aged 49 Years

Also ELIZABETH his Wife who died March 19th 184[4] Aged 45 Years

GEORGE their Son died

[             ] 24th 1854 Aged 13 Years

THOMAS their Son died

[                ] 19th 1835 Aged 4 Years

SARAH their Daughter died

[                 ] 14th 1835 Aged 1 Year

ELIZA their Daughter died May 11th 1854 Aged 14 Years RICHARD their Son died

Oct 1st ? 1865 Aged 32 Years ELIZABETH their Daughter died Dec 29th 1885 Age 39 Years

[           ] in Affectionate Remembrance [              ] Parents [                       ]

Headstone

Small “Dutch Gable” style headstone Here Lyes

the Body of

STEPHEN SPONG

of this Parish who departed this Life

May ye 18th 1720 Aged 43 Years Left issue 3 Sons and 4 Daughters

Inventory dated 27th May 1720, appraised by  Thomas Huggins, Thomas Butcher and Richard Sanders

All the goods in the following......... Kitchen............................£4 8s 0d

Wash house....................£7 7s 6d Buttery.............................£2 2s 6d

Small bord ? Buttery........ £1 10s 0d

Milk house.......................£2 5s 0d

Parlour............................... £2 12s 0d

Best Chamber................. £7 5s 0d Chamber over Kitchen.....£9 11s 0d Garret.............................. £8 11s 0d

Oast house.......................£11 10s 0d

Corn in the Barn................ £45

Old Hay............................... £14

Corn growing....................£63 17s 4 ½ d

5 Cows, 4 Calves............. £17 10s 0d

6 Hogs..............................£4 10s 0d

14 young Bowllocks.......... £24

6 Horses............................. £23

8 fattening Bowllocks........ £22

Sheep and Lambs.............£31 3s 0d

Clover growing................... £2

Hop poles............................ £12

Husbandry tackle............... £20

Bonds, Bills and Plate....... £133

Clothes and ready Money £30

Things forgotten.................. £1

Total...................................£498 2s 4 ½ d

Red Granite Coped Stone In Memory of

GEORGE TAYLOR

late of Adelaide South Australia who died April 10th 1874

Aged 58 Years (Taylor was of Lewisham)

Also of

HANNAH Daughter of the late G. TAYLOR

and Wife of T. R. SEDGWICK

died February 7th 1893

Aged 54 Years

Also of the above THOMAS RICHD. SEDGWICK

died [10th February 1917 Aged 85 Years] Principal Probate Registry Index

Administration granted to Thomas Richard Sedgwick, the son, a Farmer and William Hingeston Whitehead, Solicitor. Value of effects, £8,381 9s 11d.

From a post 1911 Directory, we learn that Sedgwick, Senior was of Pleasant Farm, Chart Sutton.

Small “Dutch Gable” type Double Headstone, leaning forward, left side well preserved Here

Lyeth ye Body of

DANIEL TRIGG

of this Parish Yeo.

Who departed this Life July 29th 1733

Aged 55 Years

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 13th July 1732

Daniel Trigg of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman. He appoints his wife Anne, his sole executor.

He gives his daughter Susanna Trigg, £160 at 21 years of age.

He gives his daughter Anne, wife of William Jarman, £10 and no more, he had already secured to her a marriage portion.

He gives his son Daniel, for his lifetime, his house, now divided into 2 dwellings, in Chart, occupied by John Read and John Dobbin, with the barn, stables, outhouse and 7 pieces of land of about 15 acres in Chart in his own occupation and all other property in Chart, except Crab Tree Field, about 5 acres. After Daniel's death, the property, except Crab Tree Field, passes to William Jarman, in trust, for the benefit of the sons of his son Daniel, lawfully begotten. In default of such heirs, then to his sons John and Thomas, for ever (equally shared, no doubt).

To his son John, his 3 pieces of land called Warner's of about 10 acres, in Boughton Monchelsea, for ever and also his land of about 12 acres in Boughton Monchelsea called Coducks ?

He gives his son Thomas, his house with the barn and 12 acres of land in Sutton Valence occupied by Richard Champion, for ever.

He gives his wife Anne, for her lifetime, Crab Tree Field and, after her death, then to his sons John and Thomas, for ever.

He gives his goods, chattels and personal estate to his executor, to pay his debts, legacies and funeral costs, in lieu of her dower rights.

Witnesses: John Weekes James Hunt E. Harris ? Proved 9th October 1733

Double Headstone

Left                                     Right

Here Lyes                           [          ]

ye Body of ANN                 Memory of

Wife of JOHN                     JOHN TRIGG

TRIGG Junr of                    [ Eroded]

Harrietsham                       (buried February 1753 and of Harrietsham) and Daughter of

JOHN EARLE of

East Sutton Shee died March ye

6th 1735 Aged

22 Years

Left issue [        ] [   ]

Chest Tomb, very eroded South Side

In Memory of

JOHN TRIG[G] late of [Harriets]ham who died [October] [ ] [1782] Aged [ ]8 Years

(The inscription on the north side is complete but very faint and thin, perhaps a raking light at night might be able to make it clearer ? The inscription on the east end is very eroded and fragmented.)

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th March 1774

John Trigg of Maidstone, Yeoman.

His 3 pieces of land formed into 2 pieces called Reader's, alias Oxshaw and the barn he has erected, Boughton Monchelsea, about 14 acres, to his wife Ann for life and after her death, to Thomas Trigg one of his half brothers, for life; this to his trustees, Thomas Earl of Chart next Sutton, Yeoman and John Homewood of Maidstone, Carrier, upon trust, for the life of Thomas Trigg. After the death of Thomas Trigg, then to his eldest lawful son, in default then to the second son and so on, in default of these sons, then to John Trigg, son of Daniel Trigg, another of his half brothers and his male heirs; in default, then to his other sons in priority of birth; in default of such sons, then to his own right heirs for ever.

He gives his 4 pieces of land, formerly 1 piece and the house and barn called Wariner's

Land, of about 10 acres in Boughton Monchelsea, to his wife Ann, for life and after her death, to his trustees on behalf of Samuel Trigg,another son of his half brother [    ?

], for his lifetime, he to have the rents and profits. After his death then to the benefit of his eldest lawful son and so on, as before. In default of these sons then to his Godson John Trigg and his lawful male heirs, in default, then to the testator's own right heirs for ever.

His house and farm at Harrietsham, lately purchased from Samuel Chambers, to his wife Ann for life and after her death, half of the property to his brother Daniel, for life, to receive the rents and profits. After his death, then to the benefit of his Godson John Trigg and his lawful heirs, In default of heirs then to his own right heirs, for ever. Daniel Trigg is to receive the rents and profits during the minority of his Godson John Trigg to maintain and educate him.

He gives Susan Trigg, his half sister, £100 and £100 to his Godson John Trigg at 21 years of age.

He gives Daniel, Samuel, Thomas, Susan and John Trigg, £5 each for mourning.

The residue of ready money, securities for money, corn, cattle,farm implements, plate, linen, pewter, brass, goods, chattels, effects and personal estate, to his wife Ann in lieu and satisfaction of the provision made for her in their marriage settlement, he appoints her his sole executor.

Witnesses: William Green Edward Crispe William Langton ? William [ ? ] Proved 14th May 1783

Headstone

In

Memory of ESTHER

Wife of BENJAMIN TUFFEE

of this Parish who died August 29th 1850 Aged 71 Years

Left living 5 Children THOMAS, ELIZH., SARAH, JOHN and BENJAMIN

Benjamin Tuffee was buried in Chart Sutton in August 1864, aged 86, from the Hollingbourne Union, that is, the workhouse. I presume he is buried under this stone and there was nobody willing to pay for an inscription ?

VINSON see BUSS

Headstone Sacred

to the Memory of

ELIZABETH WALL

Wife of

ROBERT WALL

late of Headcorn

who died Jan 16th 1848 Aged 86 Years

Also ROBERT HADOWAY

of this Parish

who died April 17th 1836 Aged 71 Years

Also FANNY his Wife who died Dec 26th 1844 Aged 79 Years

“Prepare to meet thy God”

WHITFELD see SMYTH WHITE see SMYTH