Chelsfield Wills - Part 1
Abstracts of will from Chelsfield proved in
the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
James Burton
of Chelsfield dated 14 February 1740
Abstract of the will of James Burton of Chelsfield yeoman
dated 14 February 1740.
To be frugally and decently interred in Chelsfield Parish
Church.
I leave all my farm called Lillys with the house, garden,
lands, woods and appurtenances in Chelsfield now in my own occupation; all
that my messuage or tenement now in the occupation of John Winson in
Chelsfield; all that platt of ground in Chelsfield called The Plantation
now in the occupation of the Rev. Mr. Petty; all that woodland situate in
the parish of Lullingstone or Lullingstein, in both or one of them, now in
my own occupation; and all that my arable land in Cudham now in the
occupation of Richard Glover, with all my other real estate whatsoever to
Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child, both of Chelsfield, yeomen, In Trust -
to receive the rents etc.of my real estate and to pay them to
my wife Susannah for life (after the deduction from time to time of the
interest due on the mortgage now lying on Lillys Farm) but subject to the
conditions hereafter mentioned.
After her death, they are to pay half of the rents etc. to my
daughter Mary King, wife of John King, during her lifetime, for her sole
and separate use. After her death my Trustees shall stand seized of the
said moiety of my real estate for the use of all the children of the said
Mary King and their respective heirs at age 21.
After my wife's death, my Trustees shall pay the other half
of the rents etc. to my daughter Barbara Judd, wife of Thomas Judd, during
her lifetime, then to her children and their respective heirs at age 21.
If the said Barbara have no surviving children, then at her death the
profits of the whole estate shall be paid to my daughter Mary King [ and
further provisions, not taken.]
I leave to my Trustees all the stock on my farm, goods,
chattels etc., except for my household goods, plate, linen and furniture,
which I give to my wife Susannah. They are to sell all the stock etc. to
pay my debts, funeral expenses etc. and then to apply the proceeds to
reducing the principal sum due on the said mortgage. If this should prove
deficient then they are to fell and dispose of all such timberlike trees
and pollards as they in their judgement and discretion shall think fit,
now growing on any part of my estates, and to apply the proceeds to
further reducing the mortgage.
If this can still not be paid off then my Trustees are to
sell my before-mentioned parcel of arable land in Cudham and also the
before mentioned parcel of woodland in Lullingstone or Lullingstein, to
pay all the principal and interest.
But if all these my methods herein prescribed should prove
insufficient, then my Trustees shall on my wife's death accrue the rents
etc. of my estate for the absolute payment of the said Mortgage, and in
that case during that time the rents shall not be paid to my daughters or
their heirs.
If the sale of the lands should prove necessary and my wife
refuse to join in it then she is to lose all benefit of my will.
I leave £10 each to Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child if they
prove my will and undertake the Trusteeship.
I leave all residue of my personal estate to my wife Susannah
" and it is my will and intent that she may live rent free in the
said Lillys Farm House and have the use of a Bed Room and the fore Parlour
therein during her life if she so pleases."
I appoint the said Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child as my
Executors.
Witnesses Edward Mace, John Cressey, Henry Nurse.
Proved 6 March 1741 by the Executors named. [PCC
will, PROB 11/716]
Transcribed by Geoffrey
Copus