Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852

Transcribed by D.E. Williams. Prepared for the website by Pat Tritton.

Search page

Search within this page here, search the collection page or search the website.

Index

Previous

Duties of the Brewers of St Andrew’s Priory, Rochester, c.1235
Next

Rochester Priory Library list, c.1123

Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852

Wills
Written By KAS

Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852 in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury (Pre 1858) including an index of names. Transcribed by D.E. Williams.



The village of Gillingham, with a variety of vessels on the Medway, c 1830. The village was a favourite residence of many Royal Dockyard workers and officials, as well as Military and Naval men. (See my Monumental Inscriptions of St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham)


In contrast, the High Street of Brompton, c 1860's, has a rather urban atmosphere. The area was first settled in the 17th century and in the period covered by the wills was partly in Chatham and partly in Gillingham. The main gate of the Royal Dockyard was adjacent to Brompton. (Collection of the Royal Engineer's Museum)


Index of wills

1. James Adams, 1830

2. Robert Andrews, 1812

3. Benjamin Barnes, 1808

4. Samuel Bensted, 1837

5. Joseph Bone, 1794

6. Anthony Bromfield, 1832

7. Henry Bryant, 1848

8. James Clark, 1846

9. John Clark, 1825

10. Christopher Collier, 1640

11. Thomas Cox, 1807

12. Robert Dadd, 1798

13. Richard Delves, 1688

14. Thomas Dering, 1745

15. Charles Fearne, 1796

16. Thomas Fowler, 1754

17. John Frankling, 1781

18. John Harden, 1843

19. Thomas Henry Hastrick, 1827

20. Thomas Houlden, 1739

21. Edward Hogben, 1767

22. Samuel Finch Jeffrey, 1850

23. Robert Kemsley, 1837

24. William Laremar, 1781

25. Anthony Markett, 1731

26. Edward Marshall, 1763

27. William Moverly, 1846

28. Edward Muddle, 1822

29. William Muddle, 1831

30. John Pack, 1829

31. Thomas Pack, 1807

32. Ambrose Parrett, 1728

33. Thomas Parrett, 1835

34. John Parrett, 1738

35. Charles Potten, 1761

36. Gersham Potts, 1812

37. Thomas Radford, 1733

38. William Reed, 1803

39. John Redsail, 1841

40. James Rockcliffe, 1852

41. Layton Roper, 1781

42. James Sims, 1780

43. James Shorte, 1621

44. Phillip Tidd, 1733

45. Thomas White, 1825

46. John Whitthorne, 1815

Index of Names - Places - Miscellaneous (occupations, ships etc)

Names

ACWORTH 40
ADAMS 1
ALLOM 36
ANDERSON 26, 42
ANDREWS 2, 6
ASHDOWN 30
AVIS 22

BAKER 14, 31
BARNABY 40
BARNARD 21
BARNES 3
BARTLETT 9
BEAUMONT 15
BELCHER 39
BENSTED 4
BEST? 5
BEVERIDGE 3
BINGLE 26
BIRD 36
BLAKESTONE 15
BONE 5
BONIWELL 29
BOYES 10
BOYS 29
BRINDLEY 21
BROMFIELD 6
BROWN 18
BROWNE 33
BRUCH? 20
BRYANT 7, 11, 33
BUCKLEY 45
BULLBROOK 4
BURTON 40
CARLTON 40
CHAPMAN 20
CHENOWETH 28
CHITTENDEN 7
CHURCH 29, 36
CLARK 2, 8, 9
COLLIER 10, 35
COLLINS 9
CONQUEST 11, 29
COOPER 20
CORVEL 9
COURT 33
COUVES 28
COWES 16
COX 11
CRANE 21
CRAS? 15
CROUCH 1
CROWHURST 39

DADD 12
DAVIES 10, 37
DAVIS 20
DELVES 13
DENNY 31
DENYERS 21
DERING 14
DODD 24
DORRETT 9
DUER 16
DULAKE 28
DULVEY 6, 18
DUNBAR 9
DUNK 42
DUNN 7
DURHAM 33

ELLIOTT 46
ERIDGE? 22
ERITH 28
ESSELL 19
EVENDEN 33
FA( ? ) 44
FEARNE 15
FENNER 9
FINCH 22
FISSENDEN? 13
FOWLER 16
FRANKLING 17
FREELAND 3, 36
FROUD 28
FULLER 27

GAMON 4
GARLAND 30
GIBSON 18
GILBERT 6, 29
GILKINS 18
GILLER 19
GILLMOR 23
GODING 37
GREGORY 44

HAITE 46
HARDEN 18
HARRISON 38
HASTRICK 19
HERD? 15
HILLARD 28
HILLYER 11
HODGSON 45
HOGBEN 21
HOLLOWAY 7
HOLMDEN 28
HOME? 17
HOPPER 41
HOULDEN 20, 26
HOWELL 24, 44
HOWLETT 34
HUGHES 33
HUNT 31

IRWIN 19
ISTED 13
JEFFERY 22
JEFFERYS 3
JOHNSON 37
JOHNSON 44
JOYNER 44
KEMSLEY 23
KNIGHT 17
KNOX 33

LANGRISH 13,
LAREMAR 24
LASH 39
LATHE 33
LAYTON 41
LEANE 36
LEEDS 41
LEFEURD? 4
LINES 22
LOFT 28
LONG 13

MARKETT 25, 43
MARSHALL 26, 35
MARTIN 3
MAYHEW 21
MEAKINS 4
MEARS 12
MEDFORTH? 39
MELLEN 26
MELLIN 26
MILLS 14
MINSON 37
MITCHELL 25
MOORCOCK 34
MORGAN 40
MOSLEY 45
MOVERLY 27
MOXON 33
MUDDLE 27, 28, 29
MUNN 18

NELSON 21
NEWMAN 28
OBBARD 33
ORTON 6, 33
OVENDEN 26
OWDEN 5

PACK 30, 31
PALMER 21
PARRETT 33, 34
PAUL 14
POOLE 46
POTTEN 35
POTTS 36
POWELL 44
PRENTICE 20

RADFORD 37
REDSAIL 39
REED 38
RENWICK 26
RICHMOND 46
RICKETTS 4, 46
RICKON 23
RIGDEN 9
RIX 39
ROBERTS 18
ROBERTSON 28
ROCKCLIFFE 40
ROPER 41
ROWELL 29
RUCKERT 28

SAMMOND? 13
SAUNDERS 35
SEAGER 20
SEAGOOD 37
SEXTON 1
SHEAFE 25
SHORTE 43
SIMES 2
SIMS 42
SMITH 3, 23, 26, 28, 35
SNOW 17
SOAMES 41
SOLLER? 39
SOMMERTON 2, 17, 24
SPENCER 210
SPLIDT 26
SPRAY 34
STAPLES 42
STAPLEY 13
STEPHENS 6, 27, 45
STOKES 33
STONE 5, 31, 19
STRACHAN 21
STREETER 42
STRINGER 26
SUGDEN 1
SUTTON 42

TAYLOR 21, 24
TENONE 43
THOMAS 41
TIDD 44
TOMLYN 37, 44
TOPLEY 33
TOW 11
TUCKER 30

VEIGER? 28
VINALL 1

WALKER 27
WALLER 20, 26
WATSON 36
WATTS 35
WEEKS 30
WEST 26
WHAPPAIN? 13
WHEATLEY 23
WHITE 45
WHITTHORNE 46
WHITTLE 4
WILKING 38
WILLIAMS 11
WILSTED 29
WOLLSTEAD 29
WU*LANDI *? 2

Places

Blackwall, Middlesex 46
Boxley 20
Buxted, Sussex 13

 Cape of Good Hope 28
Chatham 3, 9, 20, 23, 33,
   33, 38, 44
   High Street 33
   Ordnance Place 40
   River Row 21

Brompton
   Broad Alley 46
   Exmouth Terrace 4, 6, 8
   Garden Street 7
   High Street 30, 39
   King's Arms, Westcourt St 30
   Manor Street 27, 39
   Mansion Court, Wood St 22
   Middle Street 6, 9

Gillingham 18
   18 Green Street Buildings 7
   Gad's Hill 28
   Layfield 23
   Brompton Street 26
   Millfleete 13
   White's 13
Gravesend 18

Killala, Ireland 4

Lenham 9, 18
Limehouse,
   Middlesex 26
London
   19 Frederick Street
   Hampstead Road 18
   Rodney Street
      Pentonville 23
   St. Giles 37
   7 Sherbom? Lane 41
   1 Warwick Court
       Holborn 18
Maidstone 9, 20
   Weake Street 43
   Princes Square 26
   Ratcliff Highway 26

Rochester 3, 19
   Saint Nicholas 9


Saint Mary Hoo 46
Sheerness 31
Stone near Faversham 26

Miscellaneous

Agent to H. M. Naval Hospital 
   at the Cape of Good Hope 28
Agent's Clerk 36
Attat Law 3

Blacksmith 7, 11, 21
Boatswain 41
Brewhouse 43

Cabinet Maker 9
Carpenter 21
Clerks 40

Draper 3
Drowned 4

Grocer 18, 33
Gunner 11
House Carpenter 20

Joiner 312

Lieutenant in his Majesty's Royal Navy
     4, 29, 36

Linen draper 26

Maltster 34

poor house Chatham 33

Quarterman of H.M. Dockyard 4

Ropemaker 2, 26, 34

Sail Maker 2

ship STIRLING CASTLE 41

Solicitor 23, 40
Surgeon 6, 30, 44

Tallow Chandler 37, 39
teach and instruct Children to read 44
Timber Converter 33

Union Life Insurance Office, Norwich 4

Victualler 3, 18, 30

working tooles 43

James Adams, 1830


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

James ADAMS 1830

I JAMES ADAMS of High Street Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding but knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do this twenty sixth day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say I desire to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named And as to such Worldly Goods wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me whatsoever and wheresoever whether real or personal or of what nature kind or quality soever the same may be after payment of my just debts funeral expenses and the expenses of proving this my Will do hereby give devise and bequeath the same unto my dear Wife MARY ADAMS for and during her natural life and from and after her decease I give devise and bequeath all and every my said real and personal estate to my daughter ANN SOPHIA SUGDEN her heirs and assigns for ever I do hereby constitute and appoint my said Wife Executrix of this my Will In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written JS. ADAMS Signed sealed published and declared by the within named JAMES ADAMS as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses JOHN VINALL RICHD. CROUCH WM. SEXTON

Proved 2nd October 1830

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No 35 in my Monumental Inscriptions)
IN
MEMORY OF
MR. JAMES ADAMS
WHO DIED 6th JUNE 1830
AGED 59 YEARS

Robert Andrews, 1812


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Robert ANDREWS 1812

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I ROBERT ANDREWS of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in sound health of body and sound mind and understanding do revoke all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made or published and hereby make and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following in the first place I commend my Soul to Almighty God my Creator through the intercession of my blessed Saviour Jesus Christ and my body I commit to the Earth to be decently Interred at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named as to my Worldly Estate I dispose thereof as follows that is to say I give & devise all that my Messuage or Tenement Yard Backside Garden and Premises with all the ways Liberties Privileges and Appurtenances thereto belonging being in Manor Street in Brompton aforesaid in the said Parish of Gillingham and now in my own Occupation unto the use of my loving Wife ELIZABETH and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural life and from and immediately after her decease unto the use of my Daughter ELIZABETH MARIA Wife of WILLIAM WU*LANDI*? Sail Maker in his Majesty's Yard at Chatham and MARY Mrs SIMES? Wife of ADAM Mr SIMES? Ropemaker in his Majesty's Yard at Chatham equally to be divided between them share and share alike as Tenants in Common & not as joint Tenants and to their Assigns or Heirs of their respective Bodies lawfully begotten and as for all and every the rest and residue of my Personal Estate as Monies Securities for Money Household Goods Furniture and Implements of Household Chattels Effects and Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever which I shall die possessed of or entitled to at my decease I give and bequeath unto my Wife ELIZABETH for and during her natural life and from and immediately after her decease I give the same unto my two Daughters aforesaid ELIZABETH MARIA WU*LAND I*? and MARY Mrs SIMES?, equally to be divided between them share and share alike and it is my desire that this my Freehold and Personal Estate shall in the first place be subject to the payment of my just Debts Funeral expenses the charge of proving this my Will and other incident charges and I do nominate constitute and appoint my said Son in Law ADAM Mr SIMES sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred & twelve ROBT. ANDREWS Signed sealed published and declared by the said ROBERT ANDREWS the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses in his presence JNO. CLARK MARY SOMMERTON JNO. SOMMERTON

Proved 18th July 1812

Benjamin Barnes, 1808


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Benjamin BARNES 1808

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me BENJAMIN BARNES of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright made published ad declared this twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred in manner and form following (that is to say) I desire to be decently and privately buried by and at the discretion of my Executrix herein after named also I do give and devise unto my Sister MARY BARNES all those my two freehold Messuages or Tenements or Dwelling Houses together with the outhouses Yards Backsides Gardens Heredits Liberties and Privileges to them severally belonging with their and every of their appurts situate lying and being in or near the High Street Brompton in the parish of Gillingham aforesaid one of which is now in my own occupation and the other in the occupation of THOMAS MARTIN his Assigns or under tenants and also all and every my Freehold Messuages Lands Tenements and parts    ?    Share Estate Right Title    ?    of Claim and Demand whatsoever of in and to the same heredits and Real Estates whatsoever and wheresoever To hold the same unto the said MARY BARNES her heirs and assigns for ever And I do give and bequeath unto the said MARY BARNES the Sum of Two Hundred and Sixty pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain now due and owing to me by bond from   ?    and secured on a note under the hand of WILLIAM SMITH of the City of Rochester in the said County of Kent Draper Also I give and bequeath unto the said MARY BARNES the Sum of Two Hundred pounds three pounds per centum per Annum Consolidated Bank Annuities now standing in my name in the Books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England Also I give and bequeath unto the said MARY BARNES the Sum of fifty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain now due and owing to me by and from and secured on a note under the hand of MARY BEVERIDGE of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham aforesaid Victualler all and every my ready Money and Securities for Money Money in the public Funds Securities Bonds Bills Notes Debts Household Goods and Furniture and Implements of Household Plate Linen China and Glass and all and every the rest residue and remainder of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever which I shall be possessed of or entitled unto at the time of my decease Subject to the payment of all my just Debts Funeral Expenses and the Charges and Expenses incident to and attending the proving and execution of this my Will I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my Sister the said MARY BARNES her Executors Administrators or Assigns to and for her own use and benefit and    ?    and    ?    hereby make ordain nominate constitute and appoint my said Sister MARY BARNES Sole Executrix of this my Will and hereby revoking and making void all former and other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made I declare this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the the said BENJAMIN BARNES the Testator have this my Will contained in in two Sheets of Paper set my hand and seal in manner following (that is to say) to the bottom of the first sheet thereof I have set my hand and to the second and last sheet thereof my hand and seal the day and year first above written BENJN BARNES Signed Sealed published and declared by the said BENJAMIN BARNES the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto THOMAS MARTIN RICHARD FREELAND WILL JEFFERYS Atty at Law Chatham

Proved 11th January 1808

Samuel Bensted, 1837


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Samuel BENSTEAD 1837

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I SAMUEL BENSTED of Exmouth Terrace in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Late Quarterman of the Shipwrights in His Majesty's Dock Yard at Chatham being in good health of body and sound mind memory and understanding do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First I most humbly bequeath my Soul to Almighty God my Maker his most gracious acceptance of it I give my body to the Earth from whence it was taken As to my Worldly Estate I give and bequeath as follows First I give and bequeath unto my dear and beloved Wife ELIZABETH all my plate Linen China Glass Wearing Apparel Household Furniture Books with all my monies wages as may be due to me at the time of my decease also to money from the Union Life Insurance Office Norwich for which I have insured my life in the said Office debts owing to me or may be owing at the time of my death all Lands Tenements Hereditaments Goods and Chattels belonging or appertaining unto me My will and meaning is that I give the above Goods to my beloved Wife aforesaid for her use and for the support of herself and after the decease of my Wife above mentioned the Goods Chattels and etc etc aforesaid that my Wife shall have remaining after her decease my will and meaning is that my Plate Linen and Books I give to my two Daughters SARAH ELEANOR RICKETTS and ELIZABETH FRANCES GAMON share and share alike all my household furniture etc etc etc shall become the property of my Son SAMUEL WILLM BENSTED THOMAS MEAKINS BENSTED SARAH ELEANOR RICKETTS and ELIZABETH FRANCES GAMON share & share alike And I do hereby nominate and appoint my Wife ELIZABETH BENSTED and my Daughter SARAH ELEANOR RICKETTS Executrix of this my last Will and Testamewhereof I have to this my said Will I have set my hand & seal the twenty second Septr in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and in the fifth year of the Reign of His Majesty William the Fourth of Great Britain etc etc etc SAMUEL BENSTED Signed Sealed Published and Declared in the presence of WILLIAM WHITTLE THOMAS WILLIAM BULLBROOK JOHN LEFEURD ?

Proved 10th April 1837 Power reserved to ELIZABETH BENSTED

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham

(No 396 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

IN MEMORY
OF
MR SAMUEL BENSTED
LATE QUARTERMAN
OF HIS MAJESTY'S DOCK YARD CHATHAM
WHO DIED 13th MARCH 1837
AGED 75
ALSO OF
ELIZABETH
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 30TH OCTOBER 1838
AGED 78 YEARS
"Set thine house in order for thou
shall die and not live"
20th Chap Kings 1st Verse
ALSO FOUR DAUGHTERS WHO DIED
IN THEIR INFANCY

REAR

IN MEMORY
OF
LIEUT GEORGE RICKETTS R. N.
WHO WAS DROWNED OFF KILLALA
19th MAY 1827 AGED 39
ALSO CHARLES FREDERICK
SON OF THE ABOVE
BY HIS WIFE
SARAH ELEANOR RICKETTS
DAUGHTER OF
MR SAMUEL BENSTED
WHO DIED 14th MARCH 1830
AGED 5 YEARS

Joseph Bone, 1794


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Joseph BONE 1794

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of me JOSEPH BONE of the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright First I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God trusting in the Blood and Righteousness of my der Redeemer for acceptance and my body I request to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executrix and Executor hereafter mentioned and as to the worldly Effects with which the Lord has been pleased to bless me I dispose of them as follows I give and bequeath unto my Well Beloved Wife CATHERINE BONE the whole of my Estate both real and personal to enjoy the same during her Natural life or Widowhood without any molestation or interruption whatever and at her decease or remarriage or at my decease should she die before me I will them to be divided in the following manner I give and bequeath unto my daughter ANNA BONE one silver Milk Pot Six Silver Tea Spoons a Pair of Silver Sugar Tongs one China Bowl one round table and also looking glass I also give and bequeath unto my Son JOSEPH BONE my Watch One Round Table and also a looking glass I also give and bequeath unto my Daughter MARY BONE a Silver pint can two Silver table spoons one round table a Looking Glass and ten pounds in money I also give and bequeath unto my Daughter ANN MARIA BONE a Silver Milk Pot and two Silver table spoons a pair of Sugar tongs one round table a looking glass and ten pounds in Money the rest and residue of my household Furniture China and Goods and Chattels of what kind soever after the above legacies are distributed and paid shall be sold by Public Sale and the Monies arising from the same with all monies in hand debts Securities for Money or whatever else I may die possessed of after all lawful debts and funeral expenses are discharged I give and bequeath unto my four Children herein aforementioned Vizt. ANNA JOSEPH MARY and ANN MARIA BONE and CATHERINE OWDEN Wife of EDWARD OWDEN and Daughter to my present Wife to be equally shared among them share and share alike that is to say each to have one fifth of the remainder or should any of them die to be equally shared among the Survivors Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and Appoint my beloved Wife CATHERINE BONE my Son JOSEPH BONE and EDWARD OWDEN all herein aforementioned joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made so declare this Containing 3 Folio pages No 1,2,3 to be my last In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this thirtieth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety One JOSPH BONE Signed Sealed and published by the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the Subscribers who in the Presence of each other are Witnesses thereto WILLIAM BEST? J.G. STONE

Proved 30th September 1794 Power reserved to JOHN (sic) BONE , the Son and EDWARD OWDEN

Anthony Bromfield, 1832


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Anthony BROMFIELD 1832

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of me ANTHONY BROMFIELD of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Superannuated Shipwright from His Majesty's Navy which I make in manner following I do hereby give and bequeath unto my dear Daughter REBECCA ANDREWS of Exmouth Terrace in the said parish of Gillingham and County of Kent Widow the following pieces of Silver plate which I came possessed of by virtue of my marriage with her mother (my first Wife REBECCA now deceased) namely one pint can six table spoons and six tea spoons and a cream pot for the use and benefit of her my said Daughter But if she should not be living at the time of my decease Then I give and bequeath the same unto her daughters REBECCA ANDREWS and ANN ANDREWS in and by equal parts and shares for their respective use and benefit And I do hereby give and devise all that my messuage or tenement yard garden hereditaments and premises situate lying and being in Middle Street Brompton and parish of Gillingham aforesaid and now in my own occupation unto my dear Wife SARAH BROMFIELD and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life she keeping the same in good and sufficient repair order and condition And from and immediately after her decease (if in the life time of my said Daughter) then I give and devise the same unto unto my said Daughter REBECCA ANDREWS for and during the term of her natural life independent of any husband with whom she may intermarry and not to be subject or liable to but wholly free from his debts undertakings and engagements and her receipt from time to time for the rent and profits thereof whether married or sole shall alone be a good and sufficient discharge to the tenant paying the same and my said Daughter in like manner keeping keeping the said premises in good and sufficient repair And from and after the decease of the survivor of them my said Wife and Daughter Then I give and devise the said messuage or tenement hereditaments and premises unto my grand daughters the said REBECCA ANDREWS the Younger and ANN ANDREWS and my wife's relative JAMES DULVEY (Son of JOHN DULVEY of Brompton aforesaid Shipwright )To hold the same unto them the said REBECCA ANDREWS the younger ANN ANDREWS and JAMES DULVEY in and by equal parts shares and proportions as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and to their respective heirs and assigns for ever And subject to the payment of all my just Debts Funeral and Testamentary Charges Expenses and the Expense of proving this my Will I do hereby give and bequeath all my ready money money and securities for money household goods and furniture plate ( not herein before specifically bequeathed) china and all the rest Residue and remainder of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever the same doth shall or may consist unto my said dear wife SARAH BROMFIELD for her own use and benefit And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said wife SARAH BROMFIELD Executrix and my good friend JAMES GILBERT of Brompton and parish of Gillingham aforesaid Surgeon Executor hereof and revoking and making void all former and other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made do declare this only to be and contain my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty ANTHY. BROMFIELD Signed Sealed published and declared by the said ANTHONY BROMFIELD the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto the words "one of" in the eighth line from the top of the first side being first erased and the word "Surgeon" being first interlined in the third line from the top of this last side

JOHN ORTON JAMES GILBERT JUNR. J. STEPHENS

Proved 12th November 1832 Power reserved to JAMES GILBERT

Henry Bryant, 1846


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Henry BRYANT 1848

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

of me HENRY BRYANT of Garden Street Brompton in the parish of Gillingham County of Kent Shipwright First I constitute and appoint my beloved wife ANN BRYANT sole Executrix of this my Will revoking and making void all other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and after payment of my just debts funeral expenses I give devise and bequeath unto my said Wife ANN BRYANT for and during her natural life to her sole use and benefit All my freehold estates one of the said freehold estates situate lying and being at No 18 Green Street Buildings (and now in the occupation of JOHN DUNN) together with the garden fences use of the Well and all rights of way roads passages and all other appurtenances thereunto belonging she keeping the same in good repair I also give and devise unto my said Wife ANN BRYANT during her life All that my freehold estate consisting of two houses one in front of Garden Street in which I now dwell and the other at the back of the same now in the occupation of JAMES HOLLOWAY Blacksmith together with the garden well and all rights of way roads passages of    ?    and all appurtenances thereunto belonging she keeping the same in repair I also give and devise unto my said wife All my household furniture plate linen goods chattels debts ready money effects and all other my Estate whatsoever and wheresoever and for her sole use and during her natural life And my will is that at the decease of my said wife ANN BRYANT All the above estate together with all my household furniture and effects shall be sold for the most money that can be reasonably obtained for the same and to facilitate the sale of the same I do hereby declare that the receipt of two    ?    of my children or his her or their heirs namely ANN FRANCES WILLIAM MARY MARGARET or HARRIOT shall be a sufficient discharge to such person or persons as may become purchaser of the same And also in the other matters respectively their Mother's funeral or any thing contained in this will my wish is that the decision should rest on on the votes of two thirds of my children And after payment of the just debts of my said beloved Wife's funeral expenses I do hereby desire that the produce of the whole of my estate effects as above mentioned shall be equally divided between my aforesaid children share and share alike in in case of the demise of one or more of my said children then his her or their share or shares shall be equally divided between his her or their issue lawfully begotten or in case he she or they die without lawful issue his her or their share or shares shall be divided equally among my other children his her or their issue In witness whereof I the said testator HENRY BRYANT have to this my last Will and Testament contained in one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six HENRY BRYANT Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator HENRY BRYANT and as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in hs presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto JOHN CHITTENDEN ALFRED CHITTENDEN THOMAS CHITTENDEN

Proved 2nd February 1848

ANN BRYANT has died since the will was made, so administration was granted to their son WILLIAM BRYANT

James Clark, 1846


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

James CLARK 1846

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I JAMES CLARK of Exmouth Terrace in the Parish of Gillingham and County of Kent Shipwright being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say I order that all my just debts funeral expenses and charges of proving this my will be in the first place fully paid and satisfied and after payment thereof and of every part thereof I give and bequeath to my hereinafter named Executors in trust for the benefit and sole use of my Wife AGNES CLARK during her natural life all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my goods debts chattels ready money effects and other my estate whatsoever and wheresoever both real and personal and also the use of my dwelling house and at the decease of my Wife I order that my hereinafter named Executors in trust shall within two months thereof call in one or more competent persons to be agreed upon by them to value my said dwelling house and premises and if the sum fixed by them or him meets their approbation and neither of my surviving children be able to purchase it at the sum fixed he shall be entitled to the first offer and if not my hereinafter named Executors in trust shall be empowered and I do hereby empower them within two months of my said Wife's decease to sell and dispose of my said dwelling house and premises by public auction or private contract as may be most advantageous the proceeds of such sale to be applied as follows That in consequence of my Son THOMAS CLARK having advanced me sixty pounds to clear the mortgage upon my said dwelling house and premises I order that he shall be first paid the said sixty pounds with all interest due upon the same at the rate of 3 ½ per cent per annum or whatever rate of interest money may bear in the public funds at the time of such sale to be calculated from the 4th day of May 1840 and that he shall hold the writings of my said house and premises for his security and not give them up till the sale be completed but if my Wife shall at any time be able to pay to my son THOMAS the said sixty pounds with the interest due thereof from said date shall shall be at liberty to do so and all the rest residue and remainder of proceeds of sale after having settled the above household furniture and every the estate whatsoever and wheresoever at the decease of my said Wife shall be equally divided among my then surviving children share and share alike and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my Sons THOMAS & CHARLES CLARK Executors in trust of this my Will hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills by me heretofore made and declare this only to be my last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I the said Testator have to this my last Will & Testament set my hand & seal the fourth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty JAMES CLARK Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator JAMES CLARK as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto THOS CLARK CHAS CLARK RICD CLARK HENY CLARK

Proved 2nd July 1846

John Clark, 1825


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John CLARK 1825

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me

JOHN CLARK of Middle Street Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright which I make in manner following that is to say I do hereby give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife ELIZABETH CLARK All the Rents arising from my four freehold Houses situate in Middle Street Brompton in the Parish and County aforesaid to be by her Enjoyed during the term of her natural life And upon her decease to be enjoyed in the same manner (that is to say for her life) by my beloved Daughter ANN LUCY CLARK who is to receive the Rents of the aforesaid Houses for her sole and only proper use and benefit and support But it is agreed that my said daughter after the decease of myself and Wife shall board and lodge with my affectionate Son HENRY CORVEL CLARK of Maidstone in the County of Kent Cabinet Maker I do hereby Authorise my said Son to receive the Rents of the aforesaid Houses and during the time my aforesaid Daughter shall lodge with him to pay her the Sum of twelve pounds Sterling per Annum for her own private use and benefit and out of the produce of the said Rents But if my aforesaid Daughter ANN LUCY CLARK from any cause whatsoever should wish to leave the lodging of my Son HENRY CORVEL CLARK either finally or such a length of time as she may think proper I do hereby desire that she may be permitted so to do and that during her absence from the house of my aforesaid Son She shall be allowed as much Money per Week for her Subsistence as the produce of the Rents in the Opinion of my hereafter named Executor will possibly admit of If however my said Daughter ANN LUCY CLARK should marry I then desire that my aforesaid Son HENRY CORVEL CLARK to continue to receive and jointly with my other Executors have the management of the Rents of my aforesaid Freehold Houses But that from the day of her Marriage my aforesaid Daughter shall receive the Sum of twenty four pounds sterling per Annum to be paid to her out of the said Rents and to be    ?    to her during the term of her natural life Upon the decease of my said Daughter without Issue I then give and bequeath my said Houses to my said Son HENRY CORVEL CLARK for his sole use and benefit But if my aforesaid Daughter leaves Issue I then desire that upon her decease the Houses shall be sold and the money arising from the sale thereof I give and bequeath to the Children of my aforesaid Son and Daughter HENRY CORVEL CLARK and ANN LUCY CLARK to be divided between them for their use and benefit in equal parts shares and proportions I further give and bequeath unto my beloved Daughter the aforesaid ANN LUCY CLARK the following Articles of Furniture Namely One Bed Six Chairs Four pair of sheets and four Blankets to be selected by my said Daughter Together with any other Articles she may particularly wish for from my personal property and Effects and upon the decease of my Wife ELIZABETH CLARK I also bequeath to my said Daughter All my said Wife's Wearing Apparel and personal Effects I do hereby give and bequeath unto my Affectionate Son the before named HENRY CORVEL CLARK All and singular my ready Money due to me for arrears of Wages or any other Cause The Remainder of my Household Goods and Furniture together with my Plate Linen China and also all the rest reside and remainder of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever the same both shall or may consist Subject to such    ?    there upon as my beloved Wife ELIZABETH CLARK may think proper to make and also subject to the payment of all my just Debts and Funeral charges and expenses I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my aforesaid Son HENRY CORVEL CLARK of Maidstone in the County of Kent Cabinet Maker JOHN RIGDEN of Lenham in the said County Yeoman and JOHN DUNBAR DORRETT of the Parish of Saint Nicholas Rochester in the said County Shipwright to be joint Executors hereof hereby giving them full and equal power to act jointly as occasion may require for the benefit of my aforesaid Legatees And hereby revoking and making void All former and other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be and contain my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen JOHN CLARK Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said JOHN CLARK as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto L. FENNER of Brompton WILLIAM COLLINS Brompton CHARLES BARTLETT Chatham

Proved 11th February 1825. Granted to HENRY CORVEL CLARK, JOHN RIGDEN is now dead and Power reserved to JOHN DUNBAR DORRETT.

Christopher Collier, 1640


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Christopher COLLIER 1640

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I CHRISTOPHER COLLIER of the prshe of Gillingham in the Countie of Kent Shipwright being at this time sick in bodie but of good and pfecte remembrance thanks be given to Allmighty god Doe make and ordaine this my last Will and testament in manner and forme followinge first I doe constitute and make    ?    my beloved wife my executrix and I commend my Soule into the hands of Allmightie god and my bodie to the earth whereof it was made to be buried by my said Executrix in Christian buriall As touchinge my earthly goods wherewith god hath blessed me in this world I dispose hereof as followeth First I give and bequeath unto my four Daughters MARY SARAH LUCRETIA and ELIZABETH tenn pounds apeece to be paid unto them att theire severall ages of twentie and one yeares or dayes of marriage which shall first happen And my meaning is that my said wife shall hand the education and bringing upp of my said Daughters SARAH LUCRETIA and ELIZABETH or    ?    shall putt them out and give three pounds apeece with then to have them well brought upp My meaning also is that my said wife shall have the education of my sonne WILLIAM COLLIER and I doe give unto him    ?    for a legacie the sume of fiftie pounds to be paid unto him att his age of twentie and one yeares And if anie of my Children shall dye before the times    ?    for payment of theire portions then my will is that the portion of anie of them so dying shall remaine to the Survivors of them to be equallie divided betweene them and every one    ?    thereof to be paid unto them att the daies of payment of the said severall portions And to the rest of my goods and Chattels whatsoever my debts and legacies being paid and my funeral expenses discharged I doe give and bequeath unto my said wife desiring her to hand    ?    care of my poore? Children and to be content with that portion of goods which I have given unto her and soe I wish her all happiness in this world and in the world to come I doe also make my loving friends RICHARD BOYES and THOMAS DAVIES Overseers of this my last will and testament In witness thereof I the said CHRISTOPHER COLLIER have hereunto putt my hand and seale this five and twentieth daie of January in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred thirtie and nyne* in the fifteenth yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles by the grace of god Kinge of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the faith etc CHRISTOPHER COLLIER read Signed Sealed declared and published as the last will and testament of the said CHRISTOPHER COLLIER in the presence of THOMAS DAVIES by his marke RICHARD BOYES

Proved 20th February 1640** Administration granted to his widow JANE COLLIER

*1640 in the modern calendar   **1641 in the modern calendar

Thomas Cox, 1807


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas COX 1807

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me THOMAS COX the Younger Shipwright of the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent made the Twenty fourth day of February one thousand Eight hundred and seven First I desire that all just Debts and Funeral Expenses be fully paid and satisfied And after the payment thereof I do give and bequeath unto my dear Wife MARY COX All wages due to me all Securities for money of whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever and all my household Goods and Furniture Plate Linen Also China with all my wearing apparel And all personal Estate and Real Estate And Estates both in possession and Reversion for her own sole use and benefit absolutely and I do hereby appoint the said MARY COX Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament revoking and making void all others In Witness I have Set my hand and Seal delivered and published as my last Will and Testament by the said Testator THOMAS COX in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our Names as Witnesses GEO. CONQUEST RICHD. HILLYER ROBERT BRYANT Jun.

Proved 18th December 1807

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene Gillingham

(No 174 of my Monumental Inscriptions)

IN MEMORY OF
MR. THOMAS WILLIAMS, BLACKSMITH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE SUDDENLY JULY 13th 1794
AGED 37 YEARS
"Oh, Reader, stop and drop a tear,
Think on the corpse that slumbers here,
And when you read the fate of Mee,
Think on the glass that runs for Thee,
Grieve not for me my bosom Friend,
Christ will be your Husband & good Friend"
ALSO THOMAS COX Junr DIED THE 27th JANY 1807
AGED 44 YEARS
ALSO MARY WIFE OF THE LATE ROBERT TOW, GUNNER
AND FORMERLY WIFE OF THE ABOVE THOMAS WILLIAMS
AND THOMAS COX WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 17th OF
NOVEMBER 1843 AGED 75 YEARS
SHE WAS A FRIEND OF THE FATHERLESS CHILDREN AND
WIDOWS AND DESERVEDLY RESPECTED BY MANT FRIENDS
SHE DIED IN PEACE

REAR

IN
MEMORY OF ELIZABETH COX
WHO DIED THE 12th OF AUG 1805 AGED 72 YEARS
THOMAS COX HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
DIED THE 19th SEPTEMBER 1807 AGED 69 YEARS

Robert Dadd, 1798


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Robert DADD 1798

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I ROBT. DADD of the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being of sound and disposing Mind Memory and Understanding do make this my last Will and Testament First I commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God hoping for Redemption through the Merits of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer and my Body to the Earth And as for all my Worldly Estate and Effects which I shall be possessed of or entitled to together with such Wages or Sums of Money as now is or hereafter shall be due to me for my Service in his Majesty's Yard at Chatham or elsewhere at my decease I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife MARY DADD her Executors Administrators and Assigns to and for her and their own Use and Benefit And I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint my said Wife MARY DADD and my Son STEPHEN DADD Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my Hand and Seal this sixteenth day of February in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety six ROBT. DADD Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testator ROBERT DADD as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto WILLM. MEARS SARAH MEARS

Proved 13th June 1798

Richard Delves, 1688


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Richard DELVES 1688

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I RICHARD DELVES of Gillingham in the Countie of Kent Shipwright being sick in bodie but of sound and perfect minde and memorie praised be God Doe make and ordaine this my last will and Testament in writing in manner following Inprimis I bequeath my Soule into the hands of Almighty God my Creator and my body to the earth to be decently buried Item I doe give and devise all them my Messuages Tenements buildings gardens backsides orchard land and premises whatsoever with the appurtenances situate lying and being in Gillingham in the County of Kent called Millfleete now in the occupation of myselfe and of ROBERT STAPLEY and all my part of the Farme called White's with all the buildings lands and premises whatsoever to the same belonging situate lying and being in Gillingham aforesaid now in the occupation of THOMAS LONG or his assignes And all that my Messuage or Tenement buildings land wood grounds and premises with the appurtenances whatsoever conteyning in all about one hundred acres more or less situate lying and being in Buxted in the County of Sussex now in the occupation of myselfe and of JOHN ISTED or his assignes and all other my Lands and Tenements whatsoever unto my three loving brothers WILLIAM DELVES JOHN DELVES and THOMAS DELVES and to their heires and assignes for ever to the intent that they shall sell the same and with the money arising on the sale thereof shall pay all my debts and legacies and the overplus of the money that shall remaine upon sale thereof after my debts and legacies paid I doe will and give unto my said Three Brothers to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike And I doe make my brothers WILLIAM DELVES JOHN DELVES and THOMAS DELVES my joint Executors of this my will Item I doe give unto AUSTIN STAPLEY Sonne of my Cousin ROBERT STAPLEY and to my brother in lawe THOMA S WHAPPAIN? the summe of five pounds apeece and to the poore of the parish of Gillingham Ten shillings all to be paid within six months after my decease And I doe Release and discharge the said ROBERT STAPLEY from the payment of all monies due to me from him Item all the rest of my goods Chattels and personal estate whatsoever I doe give and bequeath unto my said brothers WILLIAM DELVES JOHN DELVES and THOMAS DELVES my Executors equally to be divided amongst them from and after my debts and legacies paid as aforesaid And I doe revoke all former Wills by mee made In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the foure and Twentieth day of January in the third yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord James the second by the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc Anno Dni One Thousand six hundred eighty seaven*

RICHARD DELVES Signed Sealed and published by the said RICHARD DELVES to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of THOMAS FISSENDEN? THOMAS LANGRISH ROBERT SAMMOND? Junr

Proved 25th May 1688

*1688 in the modern calendar

Thomas Dering, 1745


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas DERING 1745

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I THOMAS DERING of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in Bodily health and of sound and disposing Mind and Memory thanks be to God and Calling unto Mind the Uncertainty of my Body Do Make and Ordain this to be my last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it And for my Body I Commend it to the Earth to be buryed at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again By the Mighty Power of God And as touching such Worldly and Personal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life I dispose in the following manner I will that my Debts and Funeral Charges be paid and discharged And all the rest of my Real and Personal Estate Goods and Chattels whatsoever I do give and bequeath unto my Beloved Wife MARY DERING whom I have constituted made and Ordained my only and Sole Executor of my Estate whatsoever freely to be possessed and Enjoyed by her and her Heirs for ever And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannull all other former Wills and Legacies Testaments and Deeds of Gift by me at any tine heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and Seal the 15th day of January Anno Dni 1718/19 And in the fifth year of the Reign of his Majesty King George over Great Britain etc King Defender of the Faith etc THOS. DERING Signed Sealed published pronounced and declared by me the said THOMAS DERING as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us vizt. ROGER BAKER ELIZABETH MILLS her Mark HENRY PAUL

Proved 5th July 1745

Charles Fearne, 1796


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Charles FEARNE 1796

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of CHARLES FEARNE of the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright constituted and appointed this tenth day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninety four First I desire that my body may be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named and as far as the worldly effects which I may be possessed of at the time of my decease such as two hundred pounds in the three per cents Annuities in the Bank of England and securities for money Apparel my Apprentice Goods Chattels Debts Dues and    ?       ?    I give unto ELIZABETH FEARNE relict of my Son JAMES FEARNE of Gillingham Baker Appointing the said ELIZABETH FEARNE Widow my only and Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament to which I have set my hand and seal the day and date first above mentioned CHARLES FEARNE Signed Sealed published and declared by the said CHARLES FEARNE the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence and at the request of the said Testator JOHN JEFFERY (CRAS)? HERD? XPHER BLAKESTONE JOHN BEAUMONT

Proved 3rd February 1796

Thomas Fowler, 1754


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas FOWLER 1754

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I THOMAS FOWLER of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright belonging to his Majesty's Yard at Chatham being of Sound and Disposing memory and understanding (Praised be God for the same) Do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First I Will and Direct that all such just Debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease together with my Funeral Charges the Probate of this my Will and all such charges and Expenses as my Executrix shall be at in and about the Execution thereof be fully paid and satisfied Item all and every the rest and residue of my ready Money Debts Credits Pay and Wages due to me for myself and servant in his Majesty's Yard at Chatham and all such Wages as shall hereafter become due for my said Servant in the said Yard or elsewhere during the remainder of of his Apprenticeship all such Household Goods Chattels Plate Rings Apparel Linen and Woollen and all personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever that shall be any ways due owing and belonging to me at the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath the same unto my well beloved Wife ANN FOWLER and I do hereby nominate Ordain Constitute and appoint my said Wife ANN FOWLER Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament And I declare this only to be my last Will and Testament and revoke disannul and make void all other and former Wills and bequests by me at any time heretofore made Published or Spoken In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the eighteenth day of January in the twenty seventh year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty four THOS FOWLER Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said THOMAS FOWLER the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us WILLIAM COWES STEP. DUER

Proved 8th April 1754

John Frankling, 1781


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John FRANKLING  1781

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I JOHN FRANKLING of the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being sick in Body but of sound mind and perfect memory and understanding do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say I commit my Body to the Earth to be decently Buried by my good Friends THOMAS KNIGHT of Chatham in the County aforesaid and HANNAH SNOW who now lives with me who I nominate constitute and appoint Executors of this my Will And as to such worldly Estate as I am now possessed of I give and dispose thereof as follows I give devise and bequeath unto HANNAH SNOW aforesaid for her own use all all that my house and premises which I hold upon Lease with the Household Furniture and Implements of Household and Monies that shall become due to me from any Society or Societies unto which I shall be entitled to and two (cows)?, for all the rest residue and remainder of my Monies in the Public Funds and Stocks ready Money and Securities for Money Debts and all other things I shall be possessed of or entitled to at my decease I give and bequeath to my Son and Daughter HENRY FRANKLING and ELEANOR FRANKLING share and share alike for ever And in case of the death of the said HANNAH SNOW before the Lease of the said house and premises is expired then I give the said house and premises the remainder part of the Lease to my Son and Daughter aforesaid share and share alike And I give unto my said Son HENRY my watch and Daughter ELEANOR six spoons and strainer But it is my desire that my said Executor THOMAS KNIGHT shall have the care of all my Money and discretionally apply and lay out as he shall discretionally think fit for the use of my Son and Daughter and pay himself his Expenses And the said Monies shall be subject to the payment of my just Debts Funeral Expenses and the Charges of proving this my Will And I do hereby revoke and make void all other Wills and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one The mark of JOHN FRANKLING Signed Sealed published and declared by the said JOHN FRANKLING to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us Witnesses being first interlined JOHN HOME? JN. SOMMERTON

Proved 3rd October 1781

John Harden, 1843


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John HARDEN 1843

I JOHN HARDEN of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright do hereby revoke all former wills codicils and Testamentary dispositions made by me at any time heretofore and declare this to be my last Will and Testament I direct all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses to be paid and discharged I give devise and bequeath my messuage or tenement divided into two dwellings with the appurtenances situate in Brompton aforesaid now in the several occupations of myself and JOHN DULVEY and also my household goods furniture ready money debts securities for money and also my personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever not specifically disposed of by this my will or by a codicil or codicils hereto unto my three sons THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN their heirs executors administrators and assigns To hold unto them the said THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN their heirs executors administrators and assigns Upon and for the trusts intents and purposes herein after expressed and declared of and concerning the same (that is to say) As to my said real estate Upon trust that the said trustees and the survivors or survivor of them and the heirs of the survivor or other the trustees or trustee for the time being of this my will do and shall allow my wife MARY HARDEN to receive the rents and profits thereof for and during the term of her natural life And after her decease As to the tenement now in my own occupation Upon trust to allow my daughter ANN HARDEN to receive the rents issues and profits thereof for and to her own use and benefit during the term of her natural life subject however to the payment of all parliamentary and parochial taxes rates and assessments whatsoever And as to the tenement now in the occupation of JOHN DULVEY Upon trust that the said trustees or trustee and the survivors or survivor of them do and shall from time to time receive the rents issues and profits thereof and stand possessed thereof during the natural life of my said daughter ANN HARDEN and until my hereditaments shall be sold under trusts hereinafter mentioned Upon trust to divide the same in the manner and proportion hereinafter mentioned (that is to say) To divide the same into five equal parts And as to any of my children who are indebted to the other of them (which obligation shall be proved to the satisfaction of my said trustees upon trust to pay the shares or share of such rents and profits of such children as are so indebted unto the others of them who are creditors to such debtors until such debts shall be fully paid and satisfied And after such debts shall be paid and satisfied And subject thereto Upon trust to divide the same rents issues and profits of the said tenement now in the occupation of JOHN DULVEY equally between my five sons viz the said JOHN HARDEN THOMAS HARDEN GEORGE HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN and as to my Personal Estate Upon trust to let my said wife have the free use of the whole thereof for the term of her natural life and after her decease upon trust to allow my said daughter ANN HARDEN to have the free use and enjoyment of such articles of furniture as she shall choose and think proper for and during the term of her natural life And as to the residue of my said personal estate after the decease of my said wife Upon trust to convert the same into money and stand possessed thereof upon trust to divide the same into five equal parts and stand possessed of [the] parts Upon trust to distribute the same amongst my said sons JOHN HARDEN THOMAS HARDEN GEORGE HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN in precisely the same manner as is herein before directed with respect to the rents and profits of my tenement now in the occupation of the said JOHN DULVEY and as to the said articles of furniture shall be in possession of my said daughter ANN HARDEN at the time of her decease Upon trust to divide the same equally among my said five sons JOHN HARDEN THOMAS HARDEN GEORGE HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN subject to the trusts herein before mentioned as to such of my children as shall be debtors of the others or other of them And after the decease of my said daughter ANN HARDEN Upon trust that they my said trustees and the survivors or survivor of them and the heirs of the survivor or other the trustee or trustees for the time being of this my will do and shall as soon as conveniently may and sufficient discharge to my said trustees or trustee for any monies be after the decease of my said daughter sell and dispose of my said hereditaments and premises either together or in parcels and either by public auction or private contract to any person or persons for such price or prices as to the said trustees or trustee shall appear reasonable And do and shall make and execute all such contracts    ?    deeds and a    ?    as may be proper and necessary for effecting and completing such sale or sales And I hereby declare that the said trustees or trustee for the time being their executors administrators or assigns shall stand possessed of all the monies to arise from such sale of my real estate Upon and for the trusts and purposes hereinafter expressed and declared concerning the same (that is to say) Upon trust to divide the same equally between and amongst my said five sons JOHN HARDEN THOMAS HARDEN GEORGE HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN subject to the trusts hereinafter directed as to such of my children as shall be indebted to the others or other of them And whereas my said son GEORGE HARDEN is indebted to my daughter ANN HARDEN in the sum of ten pounds for money lent I do therefore hereby desire my said trustees and survivors or survivor of them out of the monies which shall come into their hands by virtue of this my will to pay and satisfy my said daughter ANN HARDEN as aforesaid And I hereby declare that the receipt and receipts of of my said daughter ANN HARDEN whether married of sole shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my said trustees or trustee for any monies which they shall pay to her by virtue of this my will And whereas some of my said sons JOHN HARDEN THOMAS HARDEN GEORGE HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN are indebted unto my said daughter ANN HARDEN to the others of them in certain sums of money Now I do hereby declare and direct my will to be that none of the said debtors shall receive any benefit under this my will until the said debts have been discharged by my said trustees under the provision for that purpose herein before contained And I hereby declare that my said trustees and the survivors or survivor of them and the heirs of such survivor or the said trustees or trustee for the time being shall and may have and are hereby invested with full power to do all that may from time to time during the continuance of the trusts hereby created be necessarily toward the reparation and substantial improvement of the said hereditaments and premises hereby devised or until the same shall be sold under the provisions for that purpose herein before contained And I hereby declare that the receipts of the said THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN and the survivors or survivor of them or other the trustees or trustee for the time being of this my will for the purchase money of my real estate herein before directed to be sold or for any other money payable to them or him in the execution of the trusts or otherwise by virtue of this my will shall effectually discharge the purchasers of my real estate or other the persons paying such money from from the money therein acknowledged to be received and from all liability for any lose or misappropriation thereof provided also and I do hereby further declare and direct that if either of the trustees hereby appointed or any trustee to be appointed as hereinafter is mentioned or either of them or either of their executors administrators or assigns shall happen to die or be desirous of being discharged from or refuse or decline or be incapable to act in the trusts hereby in them respectively reposed as aforesaid before the trusts shall be fully executed Then and in such case and so often as the same shall happen it shall be lawful for the then surviving or continuing trustee the executors or administrators of the last surviving or continuing trustee by any deed or deeds instrument or instruments in writing to be by them or him sealed and delivered in the presence of and attested by two or more creditable witnesses from time to time to appoint any other person or persons to be a trustee or trustees in the stead or place of the trustee or trustees so dying or desiring to be discharged or refusing declining or becoming incapable to act as aforesaid And when and so after as a new trustee shall be appointed as aforesaid All the said trust estates monies and premises or such of them as shall then be subject to the trusts aforesaid shall be therefore with all convenient speed    ?    assign and transferred in such sort?, and manner and so that the same shall or may legally and effectually vested in the person or persons so to be appointed as aforesaid either solely or jointly with the surviving or continuing trustee or trustees as occasion shall be or require Upon the trusts herein before expressed and contained and concerning the said trust estate monies and premises or of such of them as shall be then subsisting determined and capable of taking effect And every person to be appointed as aforesaid shall have all the powers and authorities of the trustee in whose room he shall be substituted provided also and I do hereby further declare that the said trustees hereby appointed or to be appointed as aforesaid and each and every of them and the heirs executors administrators an assigns of them and each and every of them shall be charged and chargeable respectively only for such monies as they shall respectively actually receive by virtue of the trusts hereby in them reposed not withstanding his or their giving or signing or joining in giving or signing any receipts or receipt for the sake of conformity And any one or more of them shall not be answerable or accountable for the other or others of them or for involuntary losses And also that it shall be lawful for them out of the monies which shall come to their respective hands by virtue of the trusts aforesaid to retain and reimburse themselves respectively And also to allow to their respective co-trustee all costs charges damages and expenses which they any or either of them shall or may suffer sustain expend disburse or be put unto in or about the execution of the aforesaid trusts or in relation thereunto And I hereby nominate and appoint my said three sons THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN Executors of this my will In witness whereof I the said JOHN HARDEN the testator here to the first three sheets of this my last will and testament contained in four sheets of paper set my hand and to this fourth and last sheet my hand and seal this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine JOHN HARDEN Signed sealed published and declared by the testator JOHN HARDEN as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto EDWARD BROWN of Lenham Kent Grocer THOMAS GILKINS of 19 Frederick Street Hampstead Road Grocer W. J. ROBERTS 1 Warwick Court Holborn Gent.

This is a Codicil to the last will and testament of me JOHN HARDEN of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright bearing date the fifteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine Whereas by my said will I have given devised and bequeathed all my real and personal estate unto my three sons THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN upon certain trusts in my said will mentioned and I have therein appointed my said three sons THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and JOSEPH HARDEN Executors of my said will Now I do hereby revoke and make void the said appointment of my said son JOSEPH HARDEN to be a Trustee and Executor of my said will And I do hereby nominate substitute and appoint my daughter ANN HARDEN in the said will named to be a trustee and Executrix in the room and place of my said son JOSEPH HARDEN And I do hereby give devise and bequeath unto the said THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and ANN HARDEN All my real and Personal Estate Upon the trusts and conditions in my said will contained and concerning the same And I do hereby appoint the said THOMAS HARDEN WILLIAM HARDEN and ANN HARDEN Executors and Executrix of this my said will In witness whereof I have to this Codicil to my last will and testament contained in one sheet of paper set my hand and seal the thirteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one JOHN HARDEN Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator JOHN HARDEN as and for a Codicil to his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses JAMES MUNN Victualler Gravesend THOMAS GIBSON Grocer 19 Frederick Street Hampstead Road

Proved 7th January 1843

Thomas Henry Hastrick, 1827


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas Henry HASTRICK 1827

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and testament of me THOMAS HENRY HASTRICK of the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright made the eleventh day of August One thousand eight hundred and twenty seven First I desire to be decently buried by and at the discretion of the Executors of this my Will I give and devise all that my Freehold Messuage or tenement with the Outbuildings Yards Garden and Appurtenances thereunto belonging Situated at Park Place New Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham aforesaid And all other my Freehold Estate whatsoever unto my Sister JANE STONE to hold the same unto her the said JANE STONE and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life she keeping the same Premises in tenantable repair and Sufficiently insured in some reputable Insurance Office in the names of herself and of my said Executors against loss or damage by fire And from and after the decease of my said Sister JANE I give and devise the said Messuage or tenement with the Appurtenances and all other my said Freehold Estate unto and to the use of my Nephew GEORGE THOMAS HASTRICK his heirs and Assigns absolutely Also I give and bequeath unto my Brother HENRY GEORGE HASTRICK the legacy or Sum of thirty Pounds of lawful English money And I give and forgive him the debt which he now owes and which at the time of my death he may owe to me Also I give and bequeath unto the said GEORGE THOMAS HASTRICK (who is the Son of my Brother GEORGE DANIEL HASTRICK deceased ) the legacy or Sum of Sixty Pounds of like lawful money And all my working tools Wearing linen and Apparel Also I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my monies and Securities for money goods Chattels and Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever (after and subject to the Payment thereout of my just debts Funeral Expenses and the Cost of Proving this my Will) unto the said JANE STONE her Executors Administrators and Assigns And I do make nominate and appoint the said HENRY GEORGE HASTRICK and GEORGE THOMAS HASTRICK Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do revoke and declare void all former Wills and Codicils by me made In Witness whereof I the said THOMAS HENRY HASTRICK the testator have hereunto set my hand and Seal that day and year first above written THOS HENRY HASTRICK Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said THOMAS HENRY HASTRICK the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our hands as Witnesses JO. GILLER JAS. IRWIN GEORGE ESSELL Rochester

Proved 13th October 1827

Thomas Houlden, 1739


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas HOULDEN 1739

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I THOMAS HOULDEN Shipwright of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent being in perfect health and of sound memory do write this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following principally and first I recommend my Soul to Almighty God hoping to find mercy through Jesus Christ my Saviour And my Worldly Estate I dispose of as follows Imprimis I give and bequeath to my Son JOHN HOULDEN all my Wearing Apparel Woollen and Linen Three Gold rings Three Silver Spoons with a Coral set in Silver a Diaper Table Cloth with a dozen of Diaper Napkins Item I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Son JOHN HOULDEN the house that I now live in with the house in the occupation of WALTER WALLER with the appurtenances thereto belonging being and lying in Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County aforesaid he paying the Sum of Forty pounds to his Sister CHRISTIAN HOULDEN when she shall come to the age of Twenty one years then the Estate aforesaid shall go to him and his heirs for ever Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter CHRISTIAN HOULDEN two gold rings two Silver Spoons one pair of Silver Salts one Silver Thimble and one Silver Chain a Damask Table Cloth with a dozen of Damask Napkins and the Child Bed Linen Item I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Daughter CHRISTIAN HOULDEN my    ?    house now in the occupation of THOMAS CHAPMAN lying in Brompton in the parish aforesaid in the County aforesaid with the Appurtenance thereto belonging to her and her heirs for ever the rest of my ready money Dock pay Rents Household Goods Debts dues and demands whatsoever I give to be shared equally between them as Tenants in Common but if it should please God that either my Son JOHN HOULDEN or my Daughter CHRISTIAN HOULDEN shall dye before they come to the age of Twenty one years leaving no lawful Issue then the part of the Estate real or personal of him or her so dying shall go to the Surviving person And if it shall please Almighty God that both my Children JOHN and CHRISTIAN HOULDEN aforesaid shall dye before they come to the age of Twenty one years leaving no lawful Issue Ten and in Such Case I give and bequeath to my trusty Friend STEPHEN PRENTICE House Carpenter of Maidstone in the County aforesaid the house in the occupation of THOMAS CHAPMAN in the parish aforesaid in the County aforesaid with the Appurtenances thereto belonging he paying the sum of Ten pounds of lawful money of England to my Trusty Friend WILLIAM SPENCER of Chatham in the County aforesaid then the Estate aforesaid will go to him and his heirs for ever And the house I now live in with the house in the occupation of WALTER WALLER in the parish aforesaid in the County aforesaid with the Appurtenances thereto I give and bequeath to my Trusty Friend HONNORE COOPER Wife of RICHARD COOPER of Boxley in the County aforesaid she paying the sum of Ten pounds to my Trusty Friend WILLIAM SPENCER aforesaid then the Estate aforesaid shall go to her and her heirs for Ever And I do appoint and ordain my Son JOHN HOULDEN and my Daughter CHRISTIAN HOULDEN Joynt and only Executors of this my last Will and Testament and my Trusty Friends WILLIAM SPENCER of Chatham aforesaid in the County aforesaid and STEPHEN PRENTICE House Carpenter of Maidstone and HONNORE COOPER of Boxley in the County aforesaid Guardians over my Children during their Minority and I do ratifye and confirm this to be my last Will and Testament denying all other but this THO. HOULDEN Signed Sealed and published by me the Thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord 1737 and in the Eleventh year of our Lord George King of Great Britain France and Ireland in the presence of who in my presence have set their hands as Witnesses hereunto Witness THOS BRUCH ? HENRY DAVIS RICHARD SEAGER

Proved 22nd September 1739 Power reserved to CHRISTIAN HOULDEN

Edward Hogben, 1767


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Edward HOGBEN 1767

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I EDWARD HOGBEN of the parish of Gillingham in County Kent Shipwright being sick in Body but of sound and disposing Mind and Memory blessed be Almighty God do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I give and commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God who gave it me and my Body I commit to Christian Burial to be decently interred hoping through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer to obtain Remission of my Sins and joyful Resurrection unto Eternal Life and as to my Worldly Estate I give and dispose thereof in manner and form following First I give devise and bequeath unto WILLIAM TAYLOR of Brompton in the said parish of Gillingham Shipwright his Heirs and Assigns the Fee Simple and Inheritance of all that one Messuage or Dwelling House in River Row in the parish of Chatham now in the possession of EDWARD NELSON Carpenter with all and singular it's Rights Members and Appurtenances To have and to hold to him the said WILLIAM TAYLOR his Heirs and Assigns In Trust and Confidence and to the Uses Intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned and expressed and to and for no other use Intent or purpose whatsoever that is to say to the use and Behoof of my Mother MARY HOGBEN and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural Life and from and after the death and Decease of the said MARY HOGBEN to the sole and separate use of my Sister ELIZABETH Wife of ROBERT MAYHEW of River Row in Brompton aforesaid Blacksmith to the Intent and purpose that the said ROBERT MAYHEW shall not intermeddle or receive any of the Rent [or] profits of the said Estate but that the same and the Rents and profits thereof shall be held received and enjoyed by the said WILLIAM TAYLOR to and for the sole and separate use of the said ELIZABETH MAYHEW separate and apart from her said Husband for and during her natural Life and from and after the death of the said ELIZABETH MAYHEW to the only use and Behoof of CHARLES BARNARD his Heirs and Assigns for ever and my Will is that from and immediately after my death my Goods and Chattels shall be sold by my Executor hereafter named and out of the produce of my said Goods and Chattels my Debts Legacies and Funeral Expenses shall be first paid and discharged And after the same shall be so paid the overplus of such Goods and Chattels or Money remaining shall be paid to my said Mother for her use during her natural Life And after her decease the same shall remain and be to the sole and separate use of the said ELIZABETH MAYHEW as aforesaid also I give and bequeath unto SUSANNA DENYERS the Sum of five pounds being the legacy left her by the Will of ELIZABETH CRANE to be paid her when she shall attain her age of twenty one Years Also I give and bequeath unto the said WILLIAM TAYLOR the Sum of five pounds Also I give my Woollen Clothes to the said ELIZABETH MAYHEW for the Use of the said CHARLES BARNARD and I do hereby make ordain and appoint the said WILLIAM TAYLOR Executor of this my will in Trust as aforesaid In Witness whereof I have published this my last Will and Testament and thereunto set my Hand and Seal the twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven EDW. HOGBEN Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testator EDWARD HOGBEN for and as his last Will and Testament in our presence and by us attested in his presence and at his Request PATRICK STRACHAN WM PALMER NATH BRINDLEY

Proved 2nd December 1767

Samuel Finch Jeffrey, 1850


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Samuel FINCH JEFFERY  1850

Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent August 3rd 1847 
This is to certify that I SAMUEL FINCH JEFFERY of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham and in the County of Kent being in proper good state of health and of sound mind do will and bequeath to JANE JEFFERY my lawful Wife at my decease all my public and private Property furniture and effects for her sole use disposal as she thinks proper As witness my hand this third day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty seven Signed SAMUEL FINCH JEFFERY Witness ROBERT AVIS NICHOLAS ERIDGE? JAMES EDWARD LINES

Affidavit 11th January 1850
ROBERT AVIS of Mansion Court Wood Street Old Brompton Shipwright, is sworn and confirms that JEFFERY signed the will at the same time that he and the other witnesses witnessed the will.

Proved 15th January 1850

Robert Kemsley, 1837


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Robert KEMSLEY 1837

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me ROBERT KEMSLEY of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright I will & direct that all my just debts funeral and testamentary Expenses and expenses of proving this my Will be in the first place fully paid and satisfied by my Executrix hereinafter named and subject thereto I give and bequeath unto my Wife NANCY KEMSLEY all my goods furniture plate Linen China Chattels Monies Stocks Funds and Securities for money and other my personal Estate And Effects whatsoever and wheresoever which I have not by this Will and shall not by any Codicil thereto particularly and specifically dispose of for her own absolute use and benefit And I nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife Sole Executrix of this my Will I give and devise all that my Freehold Estate Cottage or Tenement with the Land Garden and Appurtenances thereunto belonging situate in the Parish of Gillingham aforesaid lately purchase by me of Mr SAMUEL SMITH and all other my real Estate unto my said Wife NANCY KEMSLEY and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life and from and after the decease of my said Wife I give and devise the said freehold Cottage or Tenement Land Garden and Appurts and all other my real Estate unto and to the use of of my Son ROBERT KEMSLEY OF Gillingham aforesaid Joiner and my Son in law JOHN HENRY RICKON of Chatham in the County of Kent Smith their heirs and Assigns for ever Upon trust Nevertheless that they the said ROBERT KEMSLEY and JOHN HENRY RICKON and the Survivor of them and the heirs and Assigns of such Survivor do and shall permit and suffer my Daughter ELIZABETH ANN KEMSLEY if she shall be living and unmarried at the time of the decease of my said Wife to hold and enjoy the said Cottage or Tenement Land Garden and appurtenances and to receive and take the rents and profits thereof and of all other my real Estate during her life if shall so long continue unmarried for her own use and benefit And from and after her decease or marriage which shall first happen Upon Trust that they the said ROBERT KEMSLEY and JOHN HENRY RICKON and the Survivor of them and the heirs and Assigns of such Survivor do and shall stand seized and possessed of the said Cottage or Tenement Land Garden and Appurts and all other my real Estate for all and every my Sons and Daughters including my said Daughter ELIZABETH ANN in the event of her marriage as aforesaid who shall be living at the time of my decease as Tenants in common and not as joint tenants their respective heirs and Assigns & to convey the same accordingly Provided always And I hereby declare that if the said ROBERT KEMSLEY and JOHN HENRY RICKON or either of them or any future trustee or trustees to be appointed pursuant to this present power shall die or refuse or decline to act in the Trusts of this my Will then a new trustee or trustees may by appointed by the trustee or trustees so declining to act or the heirs Exors or Admons of such of them as shall so decline And the said Trust Estate and premises shall in that case be conveyed so as to be vested in such new and surviving or continuing trustee or trustees only according to circumstances Upon the same trusts and with the same powers in all respects as are herein before mentioned and declared and do from time to time as often as that case shall happen And I declare that my said trustees hereby appointed and the trustees and trustee shall not be answerable the one for the other and by no means for involuntary losses and that they shall be allowed and may retain to and reimburse themselves all theirs costs charges damages and expenses to be occasioned by the Execution of the Trusts hereby in them reposed In Witness whereof I the said ROBERT KEMSLEY the Testator have to this my last Will and testament set my hand & seal this eighth day of June One thousand Eight hundred and thirty four ROBERT KEMSLEY Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said ROBERT KEMSLEY the Testator as and for his last Will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our Names as Witnesses ROBT BERY WHEATLEY Rodney Street Pentonville Solicitor JAMES GILLMOR Layfield Gillingham MARY GILLMOR Layfield Gillingham

Proved 22nd May 1837

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No 440 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
WILLIAM SMITH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 19th OF JULY 1798
AGED 57 YEARS
ALSO
MARY SMITH
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 10th OF MARCH 1831
AGED 87 YEARS
ALSO
TWELVE OF THEIR CHILDREN
LIKEWISE
MARY ANN SMITH
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 16th NOVEMBER 1833
AGED 66 YEARS

REAR

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MR ROBERT KEMSLEY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 1st OF NOVEMBER 1836
AGED 67 YEARS
"Who e'er thou art with Reverence tread,
The Sacred Mansions of the Dead,
And Smite thy Heart and drop a Tear,
For Know a Christian's Dust is Here"
ALSO
MRS NANCY KEMSLEY
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 12th AUGUST 1852
AGED 78 YEARS

William Laremar, 1791


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

William LAREMAR 1781

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I WILLIAM LAREMAR the Elder of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being somewhat indisposed in Body but of a sound mind perfect memory and understanding (praised be God) do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First and Principally I resign my Soul into the Hands of my Creator in all humble hopes of it's future happiness as in the disposal of a being infinitely great and good and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Interred and Buried by and at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named And as to my Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath as follows (that is to say) I give and bequeath unto my Grandson JAMES HOWELL my Silver Watch I also give and bequeath unto each of my Grand Daughters ELEANOR MARY and ANN HOWELL one Gold Ring apiece And as for all my Ready Money Goods Chattels Securities for Money Debts Household Furniture Plate Jewels Linen Benefits from the Amicable Society of Shipwrights of which I am a Member Pay and Wages due to me in his Majesty's Yard at Chatham and all other things whatsoever whereof or wherewith I shall or may be seized or possessed of at the time of my decease I give and bequeath to and amongst my three Children WILLIAM LAREMAR ADAM LAREMAR and MARY HOWELL equally share and share alike And in case of the death of either of them my said Children then to the Survivors of them equally share and share alike Nevertheless my mind and will is that in case of the death of my Daughter MARY HOWELL and that she shall depart this life before me them I give and bequeath all the part and share She should be entitled to with my Sons as aforesaid to and amongst all and every Child and Children of her Body lawfully begotten which shall be living at my decease share and share alike and it is my Will and desire And I do direct that all my Just Debts Funeral Expenses and the charges of Proving this my Will and other incident Charges be first paid And I do hereby make and appoint my Son and Daughter WILLIAM LAREMAR and MARY HOWELL Executors of this my Will and Testament And do hereby revoke and make void all former Wills by me made In Witness whereof I the said WILLIAM LAREMAR have to this my last Will and Testament set my Hand and Seal dated the twenty fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty WILLIAM LAREMAR Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said WILLIAM LAREMAR the Elder to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto set our names as Witnesses in his presence WILLIAM TAYLOR RT. DODD JN. SOMMERTON

Proved 30th January 1781 Power reserved to MARY HOWELL the Daughter and Wife of JAMES HOWELL

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No. 498 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

OF ME
IN MEMORY OF
RACHEL WIFE OF MR.
WILLM. LAREMAR SHE DEPARTED
THIS LIFE JAN. THE 28th 1763
AED 51 YEARS
ALSO HERE LIES THREE SONS
AND TWO DAUGHTERS
LEFT ISSUE THREE SONS AND ONE
DAUGHTER
ALSO THE ABOVE MR. WILLM. LAREMAR
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 24th DECR. 1780
IN THE 69th YEAR OF HIS AGE

REAR
JAMES HOWELL
DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANY THE 28th 1793
AGED 82 YEARS

Anthony Markett, 1731


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Anthony Markett 1731

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I ANTHONY MARKETT of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in good health of body and of sound mind and disposing memory Do make and declare this my last Will and Testament in writing in manner and forme following that is to say In the first place I give and commend my Soul to Almighty God that gave it and my body I committ to the Earth to be decently buryed att the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named And as touching such temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and bequeath the same as followeth Imprimis I give and devise All that my severall pieces or parcels of arable land with their appurtenances lying and being in the parish of Christchurch in Hampshire containing by estimation twenty three acres more or less now in the occupation of WILLIAM MITCHELL unto my deare and loveing wife MARY MARKETT for and during so long time as she shall contiue my widow and from and after her decease or marriage again I give and devise the same severall pieces or parcels of arable land to my Sonn and heire JOHN MARKETT Item I give and bequeath to my said Sonn JOHN MARKETT one Ring of Gold of the value of Twenty shillings to weare in remembrance of me Item all the rest and residue of my ready money Debts Credits pay wages plate lynen goods chattels and personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever after my owne just debts Legacies Funerall charges and charges of proveing this my Will and fully paid and satisfied I give and bequeath the same unto my said deare and loveing wife MARY MARKETT and to her Executors Administrators and Assigns And I do appoint her my said loveing wife MARY MARKETT full and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament And do hereby revoke all former and other Wills and Testaments whatsoever by me att any time before the publishing of these presents In witness whereof I the said ANTHONY MARKETT the Testator have hereunto sett my hand and Seal this present Twenty Second day of January in the first yeare of the reigne of King George over Great Britaine etc and in the yeare of our Lord 1714 ANTHONY MARKETT Signed sealed and by the said ANTHONY MARKETT the Testator published and declared to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and att his request have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto RICH SHEAFE JHO SHEAFE HEN SHEAFE

Proved 7th February 1731 (1732 in the modern calendar)

Edward Marshall, 1763


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Edward MARSHALL 1763

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I EDWARD MARSHALL of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in Health of Body and of sound and disposing Mind and memory praised be Almighty God for the same and therefore calling to Mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing it is appointed for all Men once to dye do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and First of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it hoping for Remission of all my Sins through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian like manner at the Discretion of my Executrix hereafter named not doubting but at the general Resurrection to receive the same again through the mighty Power of God And it is my Will and earnest Desire that my dear and well beloved Wife ANN my Executrix hereafter named do cause me to be buried in the Church Yard of Gillingham aforesaid in the same Grave and under the same Stone wherein my late Wife ELIZABETH lies interred And I do hereby give devise and bequeath to my well beloved Wife ANN all that my freehold Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances there unto belonging situate lying and being in Brompton Street in the said Parish of Gillingham in the said County of Kent now in the Tenure or Occupation of Mr THOMAS MELLEN Shipwright for and during the Term of her natural Life And from and after her Decease to my loving Brother JOHN MARSHALL during the Term of his natural Life and from and after his Decease (but charged and chargeable with the payment of an Annuity or clear yearly Sum of twenty shillings to the Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor of the said Parish of Gillingham in the said County of Kent for the time being to and for the uses Intents and Purposes and upon Trust hereinafter mentioned and declared concerning the same I do hereby give devise and bequeath the said Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances unto HIND MARSHALL the Son of my said Brother JOHN MARSHALL His heirs and Assigns for ever And I do hereby give and devise and bequeath the said Annuity of yearly Sum of twenty shillings unto the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish for the time being and do declare that the same is to be given to them to and for the use and uses of six poor Widows of the said Parish of Gillingham frequenting divine Service and not receiving Alms as they the said Churchwardens and Overseers for the time being shall from time to time in their discretion think proper and to the Intent and purpose and in Trust to pay and distribute the same to and amongst six poor Widows by equal payments on the Day next before Christmas Day in every year in equal shares and proportions Share and Share alike the first of the said Payments begin to be made on the first Christmas Day as shall next happen after the Decease of my said Brother JOHN MARSHALL And I do hereby charge the said Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances with the Payment of the said Annuity or Yearly Sum of twenty shillings accordingly But be it remembered that within fourteen Days next after that possession shall or may be taken by my Cousin HIND MARSHALL of the said premises as also my Will and Desire is that the said HIND MARSHALL shall pay or cause to be paid to SUSANNAH OVENDEN and MARY OVENDEN of Stone near Faversham in Kent Spinsters ten pounds each of lawful money of Great Britain And in Default of payment if any litigations Suits of Law should be commenced on the same my Will and desire is that the said Messuage or Tenement shall be forfeited by the said HIND MARSHALL and be the whole and sole property of SUSANNAH OVENDEN and MARY OVENDEN aforesaid Share and Share alike And I do hereby give devise and bequeath to my Brother JOHN MARSHALL one hundred and fifty pounds of true and lawful Money of Great Britain to be delivered to them respectively within twelve Months after my Decease and all my Wearing Apparel Linen and Woollen in six Weeks after my Decease But in Case my Brother JOHN MARSHALL should depart this Life before the said Legacy of one hundred and fifty pounds shall become payable my Will and desire is that HIND MARSHALL the Son of my Brother JOHN MARSHALL the said Sum of one hundred and fifty pounds as above and to HENRY OVENDEN and SUSANNAH OVENDEN and MARY OVENDEN of Stone fifteen pounds each and to my Cousin JANE STRINGER five pounds of the aforesaid one hundred and fifty pounds to be delivered on the Decease of my said Brother JOHN MARSHALL should he not live to be entitled to the said Legacy And I do hereby give devise and bequeath to MARY WEST Wife of JAMES WEST and to ANN MARSHALL and ELIZABETH MARSHALL two Guineas each Also I give and bequeath to JANE STRINGER Wife of WILLIAM STRINGER three Guineas likewise I give and bequeath to HENRY OVENDEN and SUSANNAH OVENDEN and MARY OVENDEN two Guineas each I likewise give and bequeath to Mr WILLIAM RENWICK of Ratcliff Highway Gentleman three Guineas To Mrs MARGARET SMITH and Mrs ELIZABETH SPLIDT the Wife of PHILLIP SPLIDT the younger Ropemaker of Princes Square one Guinea each likewise I give devise and bequeath to CURTIS ANDERSON Son of THOMAS ANDERSON my late Wife's Godson one Guinea All the small Legacies as above it is my Will for it to to be paid at six Months End after my Decease Likewise I do hereby give devise and bequeath to my Cousin HIND MARSHALL the Sum of fifty pounds of true and lawful Money of Great Britain when he attains his age of twenty one Years or out of his apprenticeship by Indenture to Mr STEPHEN BINGLE And as the greatest part of my Effects at present is is in the hands at present of my dear Brother JOHN MARSHALL he being so just a Man make no doubt but he will assist my beloved Wife ANN to see this my last Will executed for which I give him one Guinea more for his Troubles and Charge And I do hereby make constitute and appoint my dear and well beloved Wife ANN Sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills before by me theretofore made and declaring this to be my only last Will and Testament wrote by my own hand In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two Sheets of Paper to the first Sheet thereof set my Hand and the last Sheet thereof my Hand and Seal this third Day of July in the first Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty one EDWARD MARSHALL Signed Sealed published and delivered by the said EDWARD MARSHALL the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses in his presence THOS. MELLIN OLIVER WALLER JOSEPH MELLIN

Proved 11th January 1763

Headstone, Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene , Gillingham
(No. 385 in my Monumental Inscriptions of St. Mary Magdalene , on this site)

IN PIOUS MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH THE WIFE OF
EDWARD MARSHALL
AND DAUGHTER OF JOHN HOULDEN
OF LIMEHOUSE IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX
LINEN DRAPER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 6th DAY OF MAY 1756 AGED 53 YEARS
TO ONE OF THE BEST OF WIVES MOST PRUDENT AND VIRTUOUS
HE WITH THE DEEPEST SORROW FOR SO GREAT A LOSS
THIS MONUMENT ERECTED
ALSO THE BODY OF MR EDWARD MARSHALL
DIED 26th DECEMBER 1762 AGED 68 YEARS

William Moverly, 1846


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

William MOVERLY 1846

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me WILLIAM MOVERLY the Elder of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright which I make in manner following I give and devise all that my freehold messuage or tenement with the yard garden and appurtenances thereunto belonging situate and fronting Manor Street in Brompton aforesaid and now in my own occupation unto my dear daughter ISABELLA MOVERLY and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life for her own use and benefit she keeping the same in good and tenantable repair order and condition and from and immediately after her decease I give and devise one full and equal undivided fourth part or share of and in the said messuage or tenement and premises unto and to the use of such person or persons and for such estate or estates interest or interests as she the said ISABELLA MOVERLY by any deed or deeds or by her last will and testament in writing to be by her respectively only executed shall limit or appoint give or devise the same and in default of such appointment gift or devise then I give and devise the said one fourth part or share unto the right heirs of her the said ISABELLA MOVERLY for ever and I give and devise one other full and equal undivided fourth part or share of the same messuage or tenement and premises unto my dear son WILLIAM MOVERLY his heirs and assigns for ever and I give and devise one other full and equal undivided fourth part or share of and in the same messuage or tenement and premises unto my dear son RICHARD FULLER MOVERLY his heirs and assigns for ever and I give and devise the remaining one full and equal undivided fourth part or share of and in the same messuage or tenement and premises unto my dear daughter ELIZABETH WALKER of Brompton aforesaid Widow her heirs and assigns for ever and as to all the other my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments and all other real estate whatsoever and wheresoever of or which I or any person or persons In trust for me and is or one seized or entitled in possession reversion remainder or expectancy or of which I have power to dispose of the same to appoint I give devise appoint and dispose of the same unto and equally between them my said children ISABELLA MOVERLY WILLIAM MOVERLY RICHARD FULLER MOVERLY and ELIZABETH WALKER and their respective heirs and assigns for ever to take and hold as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and subject to the payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses and the expense of proving this my will I give and bequeath all my ready money and securities for money club money household goods and furniture plate linen and china and all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate and effects whatsoever unto her my said daughter ISABELLA MOVERLY for her own sole and absolute use and benefit and I nominate and appoint her the said ISABELLA MOVERLY sole Executrix hereby and hereby revoking all former will or wills by me made do declare this only to be and contain my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said WILLIAM MOVERLY the testator have at the foot or end of this my last will and testament set my hand this fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three WILLIAM MOVERLY Senr. Signed by the said WILLIAM MOVERLY the testator and by him declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribed our names as witnesses thereto JNO. MUDDLE M.S, STEPHENS

Proved 9th October 1846

Edward Muddle, 1822


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Edward Muddle 1822

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I EDWARD MUDDLE of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being of sound and perfect Mind Memory and understanding do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following I recommend my Soul to Almighty God my Creator through the Merits of my blessed Saviour Jesus Christ and my body I commit to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named And as to my Worldly Estate I dispose thereof as follows that is to say I give and bequeath to my loving Wife LAURENTIA MUDDLE should she survive me all that I may die possessed of for her Life and at her death to be divided among my Children in the same manner it is to be divided among them at my death should I be the Survivor that is to say I give and bequeath to my Sons EDWARD MUDDLE and JOHN MUDDLE and to their Heirs for ever My Shipwright Yard with the Wharf and Hard attached thereto with all the Buildings and Erections thereon and now in my own occupation with the stock of the said Yard of whatever consisting Together with the Dwelling House now occupied by me and the House adjoining the back part of my said Dwelling house and now in the Occupation of JOHN NEWMAN with the Yards and Gardens and all the Appurtenances belonging to the said House and also the piece of Meadow Land adjoining to the said Shipwright's Yard and lying between that and my Dwelling house and now in my own Occupation together with the Blacksmith's Forge Kiln and all the Appurts belonging to the said piece of Meadow Land to be equally divided between them share and share alike I give and bequeath to my Son JAMES MUDDLE and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever the two houses next adjoining the before mentioned Dwelling house and now in the several Occupations of FREDERICK RUCKERT and the Widow HILLARD with a small Chamber which now occupied by me over the Kitchen of the House now in the Occupation of the said FREDERICK RUCKERT together with the Yards and Gardens of the same Houses (and the use of the Well in the Yard of the House in the Occupation of the before mentioned JOHN NEWMAN ) and all the Appurtenances belonging to the said Houses I give and bequeath to my Daughter IDEN MUDDLE and to her Heirs and Assigns for ever all those four dwelling Houses situate at the top of Gad's Hill Gillingham aforesaid and now in the several Occupations of the Widow ERITH JAMES SMITH ROBERT ROBERTSON and NATHANIEL VEIGER?, together with the Yards Gardens and all the Appurts belonging to the said Houses I give and bequeath to my Daughter LAURENTIA MUDDLE and to her Heirs and Assigns for ever the House now in the Occupation of my before mentioned Son JOHN MUDDLE together with the Yard Garden and the Appurtenances belonging to the said House (the Garden and Yard of which adjoins on the East Side of the Gardens of the Houses before mentioned and bequeathed to my Daughter IDEN MUDDLE in Gillingham aforesaid) I also give and bequeath to my Daughter ELIZABETH now the Wife of JOHN CHENOWETH Esq. Agent to H. M. Naval Hospital at the Cape of Good Hope and to her heirs and Assigns for ever the House adjoining the the one bequeathed to my Daughter LAURENTIA MUDDLE in Gillingham aforesaid and now in the occupation of the Widow LOFT together with the Yard Garden and all the Appurtenances belonging to the said House I also leave all my Plate Linen & Household Furniture to the disposal of my said Wife LAURENTIA MUDDLE if she survives me but if I am the Survivor I then leave it to be divided between my six Children before named in their own discretion And al the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Goods Chattels Rights Credits rent and personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind sort or quality the same shall be and consist of at the time of my decease I give and bequeath the same to my Executors hereinafter named for the purpose of paying all Debts that I may owe at the time of my decease also the Expenses of my funeral and the Expenses of proving this my last Will and Testament my said Children hereafter named Executors are to divide equally between them Share and Share alike whether the same shall consist of real or personal Estate I hereby make name institute and appoint my three Sons before named Viz EDWARD MUDDLE JOHN MUDDLE and JAMES MUDDLE Executors of this my last Will and Testament I hereby revoke annul and make void all former Will and Wills and all other Testamentary dispositions by me at any time before made and do declare this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said EDWARD MUDDLE the Testator have to this my said last Will and Testament contained in one Sheet of paper set my and affixed my hand and Seal this Sixteenth Day of November in the Sixtieth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King Defender of the Faith And in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen EDWARD MUDDLE Signed sealed published and declared by the said EDWARD MUDDLE the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us the Witnesses hereunder written who have at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses to the due Execution of this his said last Will and Testament the words (and to her Heirs and Assigns for ever) being first interlined THOMAS DULAKE EDWD. FROUD THOMAS COUVES

Proved 9th July 1822

Headstone, Formerly in the Churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No 167 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

TO
THE MEMORY
OF MR. EDWARD MUDDLE OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED THE SEVENTH OF OCTOBER 1821
IN THE 80th YEAR OF HIS AGE
ALSO MRS. LAURENTIA MUDDLE
WIFE OF THE ABOVE AND DAUGHTER OF
JOHN AND IDEN HOLMDEN
DIED THE 2nd DAY OF APRIL 1831
AGED 83 YEARS
IDEN MUDDLE DIED THE 15th OF JANUARY
1854 IN THE 77th YEAR OF HER AGE
EDWARD MUDDLE DIED THE 17th OF
JANUARY 1857 IN THE 85th YEAR OF HIS AGE

William Muddle, 1831


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

William MUDDLE 1831

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of me WILLIAM MUDDLE the elder of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright made published and declared this twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six in manner and form following (that is to say) First I desire to be decently buried by and under the direction of my Executrix and Executor herein after named and that all my just debts and funeral expenses the charge of proving this my Will and all other incidental charges and expenses attending the same be fully paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease Also I give and bequeath all and every my Household Furniture plate linen and china which shall be standing and being in or about my dwelling house and Premises at the time of my decease unto my dear Wife CHRISTIAN MUDDLE to and for her own absolute use and benefit for ever Also I give and bequeath all those my three freehold Messuages or Tenements and Premises situate in the High Street of Brompton in the parish of Gillingham aforesaid and now in the several tenures or occupations of SIMON BOYS WILLIAM BONIWELL and myself unto HENRY WILSTED of Brompton aforesaid Shipwright and my said Wife CHRISTIAN and to the Survivor of them Upon Trust that he the said HENRY WILSTED his Executors or administrators shall and do permit and suffer my dear Wife CHRISTIAN MUDDLE to receive the rents issues and profits thereof as the same shall become due and payable to and for her own absolute use and benefit for and during the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her decease I give devise and bequeath the said last three mentioned messuages or tenements and premises unto my Sons and Daughters WILLIAM MUDDLE CHARLOTTE CONQUEST? Wife of JOHN CONQUEST? Lieutenant in his Majesty's Riyal Navy ELIZABETH MUDDLE SARAH MUDDLE JAMES MUDDLE and JOHN MUDDLE their heirs and assigns for ever in equal shares to and for his her and their own absolute use and benefit as tenants in common and not as joint tenants And as to all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever or of what nature or kind soever which I shall be possessed of interested or entitled to at the time of my decease I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said Wife CHRISTIAN MUDDLE to and for her own absolute use and benefit for ever And lastly I do hereby make name and constitute and appoint the said HENRY WILSTED and my said Wife CHRISTIAN MUDDLE Executor and Executrix of this my said Will and do hereby revoke and make void all former and other Wills and Codicils by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I the said WILLIAM MUDDLE the elder to this my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper to the first sheet thereof have set my hand and to the second and last my hand and seal the day and year first before written WM. MUDDLE SENR. Signed sealed published and declared by the said WILLIAM MUDDLE the elder the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto THOMAS CHURCH RICHD. ROWELL THOS CHURCH JUNR.

Proved 14th March 1831 Power reserved to HENRY WILSTED Proved again 10th October 1831 and granted to HENRY WOLLSTEAD (in the will written as WILSTED)

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No. 250 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOSEPH GILBERT
OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED
28th OF MARCH 1824
AGED 79 YEARS
ALSO TO HIS WIVES WHO LAY BURIED
NEAR THIS PLACE
"Our Mortal Frame to the Earth Decays,
But Faith Dispels the Gloom,
Man's Spirit Lives and God shall Raise,
Our Bodies from the Tomb"
ALSO OF
MR WILLIAM MUDDLE
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON
THE 5th DAY OF FEBRUARY 1831 AGED 67 YEARS
ALSO CHRISTIAN WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WILLIAM MUDDLE WHO DIED 29th OF
OCTOBER 1831 IN THE 68th YEAR OF HER AGE

John Pack, 1829


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John PACK 1829

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of me JOHN PACK of Prospect Row Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright after payment of all my just debts Funeral and testamentary expenses I give devise and bequeath unto my dear Wife CATHERINE PACK all that my Messuage or Tenement situate and being in Prospect Row in Brompton aforesaid with the yard garden and appurtenances thereto belonging and all and every of my Household Goods Plate Linen China Goods Chattels ready money and securities for money of whatever nature or kind soever personal estate the same shall or likely consist of at the time of my decease to hold the same Messuage or Tenement with the appurtenances Goods chattels monies and securities personal estate and Effects unto my said Wife CATHERINE for the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her decease I give devise and bequeath the same Messuage or Tenement and premises with their appurtenances Goods Chattels personal estate and effects unto my Executor herein after named his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever nevertheless upon Trust that the said Messuage or Tenement and premises with their appurtenances shall be put up for sale either by public auction or private contract as my said Executor shall deem most proper and convenient together with the household Furniture Goods chattels and effects and my monies in the public funds I also desire to be sold out and realised then upon Trust to divide the proceeds arising from the sale of the house Furniture and money in the funds among all my children share and share alike and in case any of my children should happen to be Married and have issue and die before he she or they receive their legacy such child or children to be entitled to the share of their deceased Father of Mother and I do hereby will and direct that in case my said Wife shall happen to marry again after my decease that such future Husband shall not be allowed to exercise any power or control of this my Will to be    ?    from such marriage or intermeddle in any way whatsoever with the children and I do hereby further will order and direct that my Executor hereinafter named shall be allowed to retain to himself all proper costs charges and expenses attending the execution of the trusts hereby reposed in him by this my Will or in any way incident thereto and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife CATHERINE and JAMES WEEKS of the King's Arms Westcourt Street Brompton aforesaid Victualler Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all and every other Will and Wills at any time heretofore by me made and declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said JOHN PARK the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my hand and seal this twenty second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight JOHN PACK Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named Testator JOHN PACK as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto DAVID GARLAND Prospect Row Victualler E. ASHDOWN Surgeon Brompton JNO. TUCKER Prospect Row Brompton Shipwright

Proved 27th July 1829

Thomas Pack, 1807


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas PACK 1807

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I THOMAS PACK of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being feeble of Body but of sound and disposing Mind and Memory Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testaments First I commend my Soul to Almighty God depending on the Merit of Jesus Christ for my acceptance with him and my Body to the Earth as to my worldly Effects I dispose of them as follows First I give devise and bequeath to my beloved Wife ELIZABETH all my Real and personal Estate of what kind or sort soever after my just Debts and Funeral Expenses are paid to be by her enjoyed without interruption for and during the term of her natural life After her Decease I give devise and bequeath all my Freehold Estate with all Household Goods Plate Linen and China with all money and Securities for Money and all other or reversion unto my four Children THOMAS SALLY (the Wife of WILLIAM HUNT of Sheerness Joiner) JAMES and WILLIAM to be equally divided among them share and share alike and should my said Children wish to dispose of my Freehold Estate or Messuage situate in Wood Street in Brompton which I devise unto them as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants it is my Will that if any one of my said Children should wish to become the purchaser then and in that case they are to have the preference with a deduction of twenty pounds from the value of the Estate I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my Wife ELIZABETH my Son THOMAS and WILLIAM HUNT (Husband to my Daughter SALLY) joint Executors of this my Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made do declare this to be my last In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty eighth day of July One thousand seven hundred and Ninety eight THOS. PACK Signed Sealed and declared by the Testator THOMAS PACK as and for his last Will and Testament in presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other are Witnesses thereto WM. DENNY J. BAKER H. STONE

Proved 8th May 1807 Power reserved to ELIZABETH PACK and WILLIAM HUNT

Ambrose Parrett, 1728


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Ambrose PARRETT 1728

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN the twenty first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twenty five I AMBROSE PARRETT of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in perfect health praised be almighty God for it doe make and declare this my last will and Testament in manner and form as follows First I commend my Soul into the hands of almighty God my Creator Trusting to be saved through the meritts of Jesus Christ my Saviour and my body I committ to the Earth or Sea according to his Blessed Will Item I do will and bequeath all my pay and wages to be Equally divided amongst my Brothers and Sisters I do here make my Brother JHO PARRETT my Executor and the rest of my Brothers and Sisters to receive nothing till he is first paid the Sume and Sums of money he hath lent me and then to be equally divided According to their proportions Witness whereof I write this with my owne hand and Seal with my Seal declaring this to be my last Will and Testament AMBROSE PARRETT in the presence of RICHD. BROWNE JOHN STOKES JHO LATHE

Proved 15th July 1728

Thomas Parrett, 1835


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas PARRETT 1835

I THOMAS PARRETT of the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent late Shipwright in His Majesty's Dock Yard Chatham Doth make this my last Will and Testament in manner following Namely I give and bequeath unto my Wife SARAH PARRETT the sum of Seventy pounds with all my wearing apparel I give & bequeath unto my said Wife the use of all my Household Furniture Books Linen Plate & China during her natural life and my Executors shall from time to time as the same shall become due the interest or dividends of all moneys lent out by me either to the Public Funds or elsewhere and shall pay the same within fourteen days after the receipt thereof unto my said Wife towards her support and maintenance during her natural life should my Wife dye before the above sum of Seventy pounds bequeathed to her shall be given to the three following persons namely to AMELIA COURT Wife of WILLIAM COURT my said Wife's Sister & Children the sum of thirty two pounds and unto WILLIAM TOPLEY and DAVID DURHAM & their Children Nephews to my said Wife the sum of nineteen pounds each and my Executors shall call in and receive all debts and other moneys due to me at the time of my decease as well as pay my just debts and Funeral & testamentary expenses and after the decease of my said Wife I give and bequeath unto Mr WILLIAM HUGHES of High Street Chatham Grocer and unto Mr JOHN ORTON Timber Converter of His Majesty's Dock Yard Chatham the sum of Five pounds each for the care and trouble they nay have in executing this my Will I also give and bequeath unto my Sisters SARAH KNOX and CATHERINE EVENDEN the sum of Ten pounds each should they dye it is to be given to their Children the Legacy bequeathed to my Sister SARAH KNOX my Executors shall retain in their own hands for her use and shall purchase out of the same a decent black Gown & Bonnet the remainder shall be paid her by instalments of one shilling or one shilling and six pence per week or to the value of the same in    ?       ?    at the discretion of my Executors she being now in Chatham poor house I give and bequeath unto ELIZABETH PARRETT Widow of my late Brother JOHN PARRETT the sum of Ten pounds should she dye it's to be give to her Son WILLIAM PARRETT I give and bequeath unto my Nephew JOSEPH PARRETT Son of my Brother JAMES PARRETT the sum of Ten pounds I give and bequeath unto SARAH OBBARD Wife of ROBERT OBBARD Niece of my Wife or her Children the sum of Ten pounds likewise my four post bedstead bed Furniture Goose Feather Bed & hair ? Mattress I give and bequeath unto my Nephew WILLIAM EVENDEN six silver Tea spoons and my Sofa I also give unto the said WILLIAM HUGHES of Chatham Grocer my Eight day Clock Mahogany Chairs Two Pictures the Holy Family & Infant St John I also give unto ANN HUGHES Wife of the said WILLIAM HUGHES my best set of China I also give unto WILLIAM HUGHES Son of the said WILLIAM HUGHES my silver Watch I also give unto the aforesaid AMELIA COURT Sister of my said Wife and her children my Quarter bible one half of my Linen Quilts blankets and Counterpanes and all my Wife's wearing apparel the remainder and residue of all my property of what kind soever not before given or bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my Nephew RICHARD JOHN PARRETT And it is my Will that my said Executors or either of them shall not be liable to answer or make good any lass that shall or may happen to the aforesaid property in executing this my Will And I do hereby direct that my Executors shall and may pay unto themselves out of my aforesaid property all reasonable and necessary Costs and Charges and expenses whatever that they or either of them shall be put unto or sustain in the execution of this my Will And lastly I do here nominate and appoint the said WILLIAM HUGHES and JOHN ORTON Executors to this my Will and Testament revoking and making void all and every other Will at any time heretofore made by me and do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said THOMAS PARRETT have hereunto set my hand and Seal this second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three THOMAS X PARRETT Signed by my mark Sealed delivered and published by the above named THOMAS PARRETT in and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto RICHARD MOXON EDMUND BRYANT

Proved 4th September 1835

John Parrett, 1738


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John PARRETT 1738

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The fiveteen (sic) day of June in the twelst (sic) year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith One Thousand Seven Hundred thirty and eight I JOHN PARRETT of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being aged but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and Ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following First I Bequeath my Soul to Almighty God hoping to be saved through the Merrits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer and my Body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named Item I give my Niece MARY PARRETT Daughter of my Brother BENJAMIN PARRETT deceased all that my Messuage Tenement or dwelling House wherein I now live with the yard Garden and Appurtenances thereunto belonging Situate lying and being in Gillingham in the County of Kent in a place called Brompton to have and to hold unto my Niece MARY PARRETT and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life she Keeping the said premises in good repair and from and after her decease to the Eldest Son of my Nephew JOHN PARRETT of Chatham [in the County of Kent] Maltster that is now at this time living he Keeping the same in good Repair during the term of his natural life and immediately after his decease to the Eldest Son of my Nephew BENJ PARRETT of Chatham aforesaid Ropemaker during the term of his natural life and after his decease to the third Son of my said Nephew BENJ PARRETT and to him and his Heires and Assigns for ever Item Whereas a Messuage or Tenement and other Hereditaments situate lying and being at Sittingbourne in the County of Kent stand Mortgaged to me for a long Term of years by JOHN HOWLETT and JANE his Wife for Securing a considerable Sum of Money Now I give and bequeath such Messuage and Hereditaments and all my Estate Interest and term of years of and in the same and all Principal and Interest and all other moneys due or to grow due on the said Mortgage or the rents and profits of the said Mortgaged Premises to be equally divided    ?    and shared between my Nieces SARAH PARRETT and ANN PARRETT Daughters of my Brother BENJ PARRETT aforesaid and their Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever Item I give to my Brother AMBROSE PARRETT of London the Sum of Five pounds to be paid by my Executrix in one year after my decease Item I give my Brother JOSEPH PARRETT my wearing Apparel Linen and Woollen Also all the rest and residue of my ready Money Securities for Money Pay and Wages Debts Rings Plate Linen Woollen Bedding Pewter Brass Copper Goods Chattels and personal Estate whatsoever my Debts Funerall Expenses and all other incident charges being first paid by my said Niece MARY PARRETT I give and bequeath unto my said Niece MARY PARRETT her Executors Heires and Assigns and I do also appoint my said Niece MARY PARRETT Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me made And I do declare this to be my only last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said JOHN PARRETT the Testator to this my last Will and Testament contained in two Sheets of Paper to each Sheet of Paper have set my hand and seal date the year and day first above written JOHN PARRETT Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said JOHN PARRETT the Testator in the presence of us as Witnesses BENJ MOORCOCK RICHD SPRAY WILLIAM FA(   ?  )

Proved 22nd July 1738

Charles Potten, 1761


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Charles POTTEN 1761

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I CHARLES POTTEN of the parish of Gillingham Shipwright being of sound and disposing mind and memory do hereby make this my last Will and Testament First and principally I commend my Soul hoping into the hands of Almighty God hoping for Remission of all my sins through the Merits of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer And my body to the Earth I do for the Ease of my Mind and in order to prevent any Debate arising after the time of my Decease make constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say Imprimis I will and bequeath unto my kinsman JOHN SMITH all my Wearing Apparel and my Watch All the rest and residue of my Estate I will and bequeath unto my loving Sister CATHERINE SMITH Widow And I do appoint THOMAS COLLER Shipwright with my loving Sister CATHERINE SMITH whole Executors of this my last Will and Testament As Witness my hand this first day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty CHAS. POTTEN Sealed and delivered as Witness JOHN WATTS HEN. SAUNDERS WALKER MARSHALL

Proved 4th May 1761 Power reserved to THOMAS COLLER

Gersham Potts, 1812


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Gersham POTTS 1812

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me GERSHAM POTTS of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright made published & declared this Ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven in manner and form following that is to say First I desire to be decently buried by & under the direction of my Executrix hereinafter named and that all my just Debts & Funeral Expenses the Charge of proving this my Will and all other incidental Charges & Expenses be fully paid & satisfied as soon as convenient Unto my Niece DEBORRAH ALLOM Daughter of my Sister MARY my Gold Watch and Seal and my two    ?    Pine one in the shape of a heart composed of Gold and Diamond Sparkle and the other a Profile Shade of my Eldest Sister but do desire that the same is not to be delivered to her until after the decease of my dear Wife ANN And as to all my Real Estate and the rest residue and remainder of my Personal Estate which I shall be possessed of interested in or entitled unto at the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath the same unto THOMAS FREELAND of Chatham in the said County Gentleman his Exors & Admons Upon Trust that he the said THOMAS FREELAND his Exors or Admons shall & do permit & suffer my said Wife ANN to receive the Rents Interest and Dividends thereof as the same shall become due and payable for and during the term of her natural life And from and immediately after her Decease I give devise & bequeath the same unto and equally between her two Sons EDWARD THOMAS WATSON & JOSEPH WATSON share & share alike as Tenants in common and not as joint Tenants and to their Heirs and Assigns for ever And lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife ANN and the said THOMAS FREELAND Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills and Codicils by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said GERSHAM POTTS the Testator have hereunto set mu hand and Seal the day and year first above written GERSHAM POTTS Signed Sealed published and declared by the said GERSHAM POTTS the Testator as and for his last Will & Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request & in the presence of each other have Subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto G.J. LEANE Lieut Royal Navy THOS CHURCH JOHN BIRD Agent's Clerk

Proved 11th May 1812 Power reserved to THOMAS FREELAND

Thomas Radford, 1733


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas RADFORD 1733

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I THOMAS RADFORD of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding Do make Publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say)In the First place I Commend my Soul to Almighty God the Creator thereof in and through the Merits Mediation and Intercession of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer And my body I commit to the Earth to be decently buryed at the discretion of my Executor and Executrix hereafter named And as to my worldly Estate which it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose thereof as follows viz I give and bequeath unto my Son THOMAS RADFORD the Sum of Five hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid him on the day of the Death or Marriage again of my living Wife HANNAH RADFORD which shall first happen And I do hereby direct that the Interest thereof shall in the meantime be paid and applied by my Executor and Executrix towards the bringing up Cloathing Educating and putting out my Son an apprentice to some good Trade or business But in case my said Son shall happen to dye before his said Mother or before her Marriage again then immediately after the Death or Marriage of my said Wife I give and bequeath One hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain equally to be divided between all and every the Children of my Sister PHEBY DAVIES that shall be living at the time of the Death or Marriage of my said Wife (my Son being then Dead) And if but one Child of my said Sister PHEBY shall be then living I give all the said One hundred pounds unto such one Child Item if my said Son shall happen to dye before his said Mother or before her Marriage then immediately after the Death or Marriage again of my said Wife I give and bequeath One hundred pounds of like lawfull money equally to be divided between all and every the Children of my Sister MARY MINSON deceased that shall be living at the time of the Death or Marriage of my said Wife (my Son being then dead as aforesaid) And if but one Child of my said Sister MARY shall be then living I give all the said One hundred pounds unto such one Child Item if my said son shall happen to die before his said Mother or before her Marriage as aforesaid then then immediately after the Death or Marriage again of my said Wife I give and bequeath One hundred pounds of like money equally to be divided between all and every the Children of my Sister ELIZABETH GODING deceased that shall be living at the time of the Death or Marriage of my said Wife (my Son being them dead as aforesaid) And if but one Child of my said Sister ELIZABETH GODING shall be then living I give all the said One hundred pounds unto such one Child Item I give and bequeath unto my Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGOOD of St. Giles London Tallow Chandler five pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain Item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money Securities for money or due to me on Bills Bonds Mortgages Judgements or otherwise and also all other my Debts Credits Rings Plate Linen Woollen Bedding Pewter Brass Copper household Stuff Goods Chattels and personal Estate whatsoever which at the time of my decease I shall be possessed of Interested or Intitled unto or which shall then any ways belong or of right appertain unto me ( my own just Debts Legacies Funeral Expenses and charges of proving this my Will being first paid and discharged) I give and bequeath unto my said Son THOMAS RADFORD and to his Executors Administrator and Assigns for ever And of this my Will I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Wife HANNAH RADFORD and Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGOOD Executrix and Executor giving them the Guardianship Care and Education of my said Son THOMAS RADFORD But if my said Wife shall hereafter happen to Marry again then my mind and will is that my said Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGODD shall call her my said Executrix to an Account of and for all my Personal Estate remaining in her hands And then I do hereby name and appoint my said Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGOOD the sole and only Executor of this my Will and I direct her Executrix of this my Will shall determine and end and she shall then immediately deliver up all my said Personal Estate that shall remain and be in her hands and belonging to my said Son unto my said Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGOOD who shall then have the Sole Guardianship and care of my said Son during his Minority And I do hereby direct that my said Wife and Brother in Law THOMAS SEAGOOD shall be reimbursed out of my Son's part of my Personal Estate all such expenses and charges as they or either of them shall expend and lay out in the performance of the Executorship of this my Will and lastly I do hereby revoke all former Wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made Spoken or Published before the Publishing of these Presents In Witness whereof I the said THOMAS RADFORD the Testator have to this my said last Will and Testament contained in two Sheets of Paper to each sheet thereof Sett my hand and Seal the Seventh Day of July in the Sixth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc Anno Dni 1732 THOMAS RADFORD Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said THOMAS RADFORD the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have Subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto THOS JOHNSON THOS TOMLYN

Proved 23rd April 1733 Power reserved to Thomas Seagood

William Reed, 1803


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

William REED 1803

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I WILLIAM REED of Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding for which God be praised and concerning the uncertainty of this mortal Life Do therefore make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First I commend my Immortal Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator hoping through the alone Merits and Intercession of our ever Adorable Redeemer Jesus Christ to obtain the remission of all my Sins and an    ?    with them who are sanctified And my Body I commit to the Earth to be interred at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named And as for and concerning all such worldly Estate and Effects as I am or shall be possessed or interested in or entitled to at the time of my Decease I give devise and dispose thereof as follows First I will and direct that all my just Debts and funeral Charges shall be fully paid and satisfied And I give devise and bequeath unto my dearly beloved Wife REBECCAH REED all that my Freehold Messuage or Tenement (in which I now reside) situate at Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham aforesaid with the Rights privileges and appurtenance thereunto belonging To hold to her the said REBECCAH REED her Heirs and Assigns for ever And as to all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate Stock Funds Monies and Securities for Money and Effects of what nature or Kind soever and wheresoever I give devise and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said Wife REBECCAH REED her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns according to my Estate and Interest therein And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife REBECCAH REED sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety four WILLIAM REED Signed Sealed published and declared by the said WILLIAM REED the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto in his presence and in the presence of each other F. HARRISON Chatham Kent WM. WILKING Chatham Kent STEPH. DADD Brompton Kent

Proved 30th June 1803

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
( No 381 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

IN
MEMORY OF MR. WILLIAM REED
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 11th JUNE 1803
AGED 74 YEARS
MRS. REBEKAH REED
WIFE OF THE ABOVE DIED THE 9th DAY OF
FEBRUARY 1815 AGED 82 YEARS
ALSO WILLIAM REED SON OF THE ABOVE
DEPARTED THIS LIFE 25th APRIL 1771
AGED 12 YEARS

John Redsail, 1841


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John REDSAIL 1844

(This document is in poor condition)

I JOHN REDSAIL a Superannuated Shipwright of Chatham Dock Yard residing in Manor Street Brompton Kent being of sound mind but infirm in body do hereby make this my last will and testament I hereby constitute my grand daughter MARY GRACE RIX my sole Executrix   ?   to see me decently interred and pay all my just debts for which I hereby give and bequeath to my said executrix my    ?       ?      ?    all my household furniture my Club money (about thirteen pounds) and whatever arrears of superannuation may be due to me at the time of my decease I have Thirty pounds standing in my name in the Rochester and Chatham Savings Bank which I give and bequeath JOS. ? SOLLER ?, ten pounds to [his?] three daughters    ?      ?       ?    and MATILDA LASH I likewise give to my daughter MARY GRACE BELCHER my silver watch Given under my hand this 8th day of August 1843 in the presence of the following witnesses CHRISTOPHER MEDFORTH ? JESSE CROWHURST

Will signed with his mark X

Affidavit 30th December 1843
JESSE CROWHURST of High Street Brompton Tallow Chandler is sworn. The rest is part illegible but is probably the usual statement, that he and the other witness witnessed the will after REDSAIL had signed it in his presence and that of each other.

Proved 5th January 1844.

James Rockcliffe, 1852


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

James ROCKCLIFFE 1852

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me JAMES ROCKCLIFFE of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright First I direct the payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses as soon as conveniently may be after my decease by my Executrix hereinafter named and charge any deficiency to my personality or my realty I give devise and bequeath unto my dear Wife SARAH All and singular my freehold messuage or tenement and hereditaments situate in Gillingham aforesaid and now in my own occupation And also all and singular my two freehold messuages or tenements being under one roof situate in Ordnance Place in the parish of Chatham in the said County of Kent and now or lately in the several tenures or occupations of NATHANIEL BARNABY and [          ] CARLTON And also all my household furniture plate linen china and books money in the Savings Bank and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever To hold the same real and personal estate respectively unto my said Wife her heirs executors administrator and assigns absolutely And I hereby appoint my said Wife SARAH sole Executrix of this my Will and hereby revoking all former Wills by me made do declare this only to be my last In witness whereof I the said JAMES ROCKCLIFFE have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven JAMES ROCKCLIFFE Signed Sealed published and declared by the said JAMES ROCKCLIFFE the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses GEORGE ACWORTH Solr. Chatham Kent HENRY MORGAN JAMES BURTON his Clerks

Proved 5th May 1852

Layton Roper, 1781


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Layton ROPER 1781

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I LAYTON ROPER of Brompton in the County of Kent Shipwright being of sound Mind Memory and Understanding but considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the times thereof do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in Writing in manner and form following that is to say I will that all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges be paid and satisfied Item I give devise and bequeath unto my dear Sister ELIZABETH ROPER now living with me All that my freehold Messuage or Tenement and premises with the Appurtenances situate standing and being in Prospect Row in Brompton aforesaid now in my own Occupation To hold to her my said Sister her Heirs and Assigns for ever I give to my Nephew RICHARD HOPPER of Brompton aforesaid Shipwright All my Wearing Apparel both Linen and Woollen All the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or Kind soever as well Real and Personal I give devise and bequeath the same unto my said dear Sister ELIZABETH ROPER her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever And I do hereby make nominate constitute and appoint my said Sister ELIZABETH ROPER Sole Executrix of this my Will And I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this only to stand and be as and for my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said LAYTON ROPER have to this my last Will and Testament set my Hand and Seal this twenty second day of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine LAYT. ROPER Signed Sealed published and declared by the abovenamed LAYTON ROPER the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of Us who have hereunto subscribed Our Names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each other THOMAS SOAMES EDWD LEEDS MARY THOMAS No 7 Sherbom? Lane London

Proved 18th May 1781

Headstone Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene , Gillingham
(No 409 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

WALTER ROPER
LATE BOATSWAIN IN HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP
STIRLING CASTLE DEPARTED THIS LIFE
30th OF OCTOBER 1729
AGED 64 YEARS
ELIZABETH ROPER HIS WIFE
DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 23rd OF MAY 1776
AGED 86 YEARS
LAYTON ROPER THEIR SON
DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 6th OF APRIL 1781
AGED 60 YEARS
ELIZABETH ROPER
THEIR DAUGHTER WHO DEPARTED THIS
LIFE THE 1st SEPTEMBER 1804 AGED 79 YEARS

James Sims, 1780


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John SIMMS 1780

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I JOHN SIMS of the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright being in Bodily Health and of sound and disposing Mind and Memory and considering the perils and dangers of the Sea and other uncertainties of this Transitory Life do publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) First I recommend my Soul to God that gave it and my Body I commit to the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly Estate I give bequeath and Dispose thereof as followeth that is to say unto my loving Wife ELIZABETH SIMS during the term of her natural Life and then to my Mother SUSANNAH SIMS (if she be living) if not to be equally divided between JOHN SIMS DUNK the Son of WILLIAM and SUSANNAH DUNK and SARAH STAPLES the Daughter of RICHARD and ANN STAPLES all Wages Sum and Sums of Money Lands Tenements Goods Chattels and Estate whatsoever which shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto the said persons above mentioned (excepting these Legacies following) all my wearing apparel equally to be divided between my Brother JOSEPH SIMS and my Sister's Husband WILLIAM DUNK also to my said Brother JOSEPH SIMS one Guinea to buy a Mourning Ring and to JOHN SIMS the Son of JOSEPH and ELIZABETH SIMS my Watch And I do hereby nominate and appoint my loving Wife ELIZABETH SIMS whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills Testaments and Deeds of Gifts by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last Will and Testament In Witness whereof to this my said Will I have set my hand and seal the fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and and seventy one and in the eleventh year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the third over Great Britain etc JNO. SIMS Signed Sealed published and declared in the presence of FOLLY ? STREETER JOHN SUTTON JOHN ANDERSON

Codicil
Be it Known unto all Men by these presents that I JOHN SIMS of the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright have made and declared my last Will and Testament in writing bearing date the fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one I the said JOHN SIMS do by these presents give and bequeath to ANN STAPLES Daughter of RICHARD and ANN STAPLES that part of share which in my said Will (bearing date as aforesaid) I had bequeathed to SARAH STAPLES Daughter of RICHARD and ANN STAPLES And likewise to JOHN SIMS DUNK Son of WILLIAM and SUSANNAH DUNK my Watch which in my said Will (bearing date aforesaid) I had bequeathed to JOHN SIMS Son of JOSEPH and ELIZABETH SIMS And my Will and Meaning is that this Codicil or schedule be and be judged to be part and parcel of my said Will and Testament And that all things therein contained and mentioned be faithfully performed in as full and ample manner in every respect as if the same were so declared and set down in my said Will In Witness whereof I the said JOHN SIMS have hereunto set my hand and seal the fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and in the sixteenth year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the third over Great Britain etc JNO SIMS Sealed published and declared in the presence of FOLLY ? STREETER JOHN SUTTON

Proved 3rd October 1780

James Shorte, 1621


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Joseph SHORTE 1621

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN the thirtieth daye of January in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand sixe hundred and Seventeene* and in the fifteenth yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord James by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland defender of the faith and of Scotland the the Fifteenth I JOSEPH SHORTE of Gillingham in the Countie of Kent Shipwright being in good and perfect memorie    ?    and praise be given unto God therefore Doe make and ordayne this my last will and Testament in manner and forme followinge that is to saie First and principallie I Commend my Soule into the hands of Allmyhtie God my havenly father and of his deare Son Jesus Christe my only Saviour and Redeemer by whose merritts death and passion I hope to have full remission of all my Sinnes and to be partaker with him of life everlasting As touching my yearlie rente or Annuitie of eight pounds by the yeares growing or arising out of one messuage or tenement called the Brewhouse (late of JOHN SHORTE my father deceased) lyinge or beinge in Maidstone in the County of Kent in one street thetre called Weake Street I give unto ELIZABETH SHORTE my mother duringe her naturall life with all [crops?] that are now or shall grow hereafter together with as    ?    full    ?    for the    ?    of the same as I myselfe by the gift of my said father have or may have and after the decease or death of her the said ELIZABETH my mother I give the said yearlie rente or Annuitie unto my three brothers MARK SHORTE HARRIE? SHORTE and JOHN SHORTE to be devided into equal parts and portions to either of them and to theire heires for ever And further my Meaning and Will is that if it shall happen that any of my said brothers M ARK HARRIE and JOHN shall dye without heires or issue that the part or portion of him or them so dyeinge shall [go?] and remaine to the Survivor or Survivors and theire heires by equal portions for ever Item I give and bequeathe further unto my brother JOHN SHORT all my Working tooles and Clothes and all other my goods    ?    I    ?    carrie to Sea with me And for my Executrix to this my last will and testament I ordeyne and Constitute ELIZABETH SHORT my saide mother In witness whereof I have the daye and yeare above written sett my hand and seale in the presence of JOSEPH SHORT / WILLIAM MARKETT JOHN TENONE ?

Proved 23rd October 1621

* 1618 in the modern calendar

Phillip Tidd, 1733


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Phillip TIDD 1733

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I PHILLIP TIDD the Elder of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following that is to say In the first place I surrender up my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator hoping to be saved by the only Merritts and Satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer And my body I committ to the Earth to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my Executors herein after named Item Whereas I ave by Deed settled on my Son PHILLIP TIDD after my decease all those my two severall Messuages of Tenements with the Yards Backsides Gardens and Appurtenances thereto belonging situate and being in Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham aforesaid now in the Occupation of Mr GREGORY a Surgeon and my said Son PHILLIP TIDD I do not therefore think fitt to make any Devise of the same but direct that the said two severall Messuages and Premises shall go according to the Uses thereof Item I give devise and bequeath unto the Church Wardens and Overseers of the poor of the Parish and Parish Church of Gillingham aforesaid and their Successors for ever All that my Messuage Tenement or Cottage with the Yard Backside Garden Orchard and Appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying and being in Gillingham aforesaid now in the Occupation of the Widow JOYNER or his (sic) Assigns or Undertenants Upon Trust and Confidence And it is my Mind Will and Meaning that the said Church Wardens and Overseers and their Successors shall from time to time and at all times forever hereafter put and place into the said Messuage Tenement or Cottage a Widow Woman being a Parishioner of and belonging to the said Parish of Gillingham and that shall be fitt and capable to teach and instruct Children to read the English Tongue And upon this further Trust and Confidence And it is my Mind Will and true Meaning that the said Church Wardens and Overseers and their Successors shall from time to time and at all times for ever hereafter oblige and cause such Widow to teach and instruct six poor Children that shall be born within the said Parish of Gillingham to read the English Tongue and instruct them in the Catechism of the Church of England as the said Church Wardens and Overseers shall in their Judgement and Discretion think fitt to send to such Widow to be taught and instructed as aforesaid And it is also my Mind and Meaning that the Rents and Profits of the said Orchard and Garden shall be at all times applyed towards the amending and repairing of the said Messuage Tenement or Cottage and Fences thereto belonging Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter MARY the Sume of One hundred pounds of lawfull Money of Great Britain Item I give to my Daughter ELIZABETH the Sume of One hundred and fifty pounds of like Money Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter SARAH the Sume of Two hundred pounds of like Money Item I give and bequeath unto my Son PHILLIP TIDD the Sume of Two hundred pounds of like Money Item I give and bequeath unto my Wife MARY TIDD One hundred pounds of like Money all which said severall Legacies I hereby direct shall be paid by my Executor hereafter named as soon as Money comes into his hands for the doing thereof Item I give and bequeath unto THOMAS HOWELL of Chatham [in the County of Kent] Shipwright the Sume of Five pounds of like Money Item I give and bequeath unto ROGER POWELL OF Chatham aforesaid Gunner the Sume of Five pounds of like Money Item all and every the rest and residue of my ready Money Securities for Money and all my Debts whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my said Son PHILLIP TIDD his Executors Administrators and Assigns (my own Debts Legacies and Funerall Expenses and Charges of proving this my Will and other incident Charges being first paid and satisfied) Item I give and bequeath unto my said Wife MARY TIDD all and every my Rings Plate Linen Woollen Bedding Pewter Brass Copper and Household Goods and Furniture whatsoever And I do hereby direst and earnestly desire that my said Son PHILLIP TIDD shall and will permitt and Suffer my said Wife to live in that part of my House and Premises now in my own Occupation Rent free during her Widowhood She Keeping the same in Repair And of this my Will I nominate and appoint the said ROGER POWELL full and sole Executor and the said THOMAS HOWELL Trustee to see that a true just and perfect Inventory of all my Personal Estate be taken And I do order and direct that their reasonable Expenses and Charges be paid and allowed hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me made And I do publish this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said PHILLIP TIDD the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained two sheets of Paper to each Sheet thereof sett my hand and seal the Twenty fourth day of April in the Sixth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the Second over Great Britain etc Anno Dni 1733 PHILLIP TIDD the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto CLEM JOHNSON THOS JOHNSON THOS TOMLYN

Proved 21st July 1733

Thomas White, 1825


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

Thomas WHITE 1825

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me THOMAS WHITE of New Brompton in the Parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright which I make in manner following that is to say I do hereby give and devise unto my dear Wife MARY ANN WHITE all those my Freehold Messuages Tenements or Dwelling Houses Yards Gardens and Premises with their appurtenances situate lying and being in New Brompton aforesaid now in my own occupation and others and at Exmouth Terrace in the said Parish of Gillingham in the said Parish of Gillingham and County of Kent and now in the tenure of WILLIAM HODGSON for and during the term of her natural life and from and after the decease of my said Wife MARY ANN WHITE I do hereby give and devise the same several hereditaments and premises unto my two dear Sons JOHN THOMAS WHITE and JAMES WHITE in and by equal parts shares and proportions To hold the same unto them my Sons JOHN THOMAS WHITE and JAMES WHITE and their respective heirs and assigns for Ever as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and I do hereby give and bequeath unto my said dear Wife MARY ANN WHITE all my ready money and securities for money Household Goods and furniture Plate Linen and China and also all the rest residue and remainder of my personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever the same doth shall or may consist for the purpose in the first place of paying and satisfying all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses and after the payment thereof and subject thereto for her own use and benefit and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said dear Wife MARY ANN WHITE Sole Executrix hereof and revoking and making void all former and other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made do declare this only to be and contain my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said THOMAS WHITE the Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this 2nd day of June in the year 1825 THOS WHITE Signed Sealed published and declared by the said THOMAS WHITE the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto JOHN MOSLEY Snr BENJN BUCKLEY J STEPHENS

Proved 29th July 1825

John Whitthorne, 1815


Wills of Gillingham Shipwrights 1621 - 1852
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills  (Pre 1858)

John WHITTHORNE 1815

THIS IS THE LAST WILL and Testament of me JOHN WHITTHORNE of Broad Alley Brompton in the parish of Gillingham in the County of Kent Shipwright which being of sound mind memory and understanding I do make publish and declare in manner and form following that is to say I give devise and bequeath all and every my Freehold & Leasehold messuages Lands tenements and hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever unto my dear wife MARY ANN WHITTHORNE for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give devise and bequeath the same unto and among my Children hereafter named that is to say my Daughter MARY the Wife of ISAAC RICHMOND of Blackwall in the County of Middlesex Shipwright and my Sons JONATHAN WHITTHORNE and WILLIAM WHITTHORNE their heirs and assigns for ever to be equally divided between them share and share alike as tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants also I give and bequeath all and every my ready money and Securities for money household furniture and all other my Estate and Effects whatsoever unto and to the use of my said Wife MARY ANN WHITTHORNE for her own sole benefit and advantage And I do hereby nominate Constitute and appoint my said Wife MARY ANN WHITTHORNE and STEPHEN ELLIOTT of the parish of Saint Mary in the hundred of Hoo in the said County of Kent Yeoman Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament and hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills and Codicils by me at any time heretofore made I do declare this only to be and contain my last Will and testament In Witness whereof I the said JOHN WHITTHORNE the Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seven JNO WHITTHORNE Signed sealed published & declared by the said JOHN WHITTHORNE the Testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have Subscribed our names as witnesses thereto BENJAMIN HAITE MARY HAITE WM. POOLE

Proved 14th January 1815

Headstone, Formerly in the Churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham
(No. 578 in my Monumental Inscriptions)

IN
MEMORY OF
MR. JOHN WHITTHORNE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 1st
OF NOV 1814 AGED 84 YEARS
ALSO MARY ANN WIFE
OF MR. JOHN WHITTHORNE
WHO DIED NOV. 30th 1832
AGED 82 YEARS

KAS

Kent Archaeological Society

Registered Charity 1176989

Button