Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of the mural monuments of All Saints Church, Maidstone

Monumental Inscriptions with concise wills of the mural monuments of All Saints Church, Maidstone. Transcribed by D.E. Williams 2022-2023.

Preface

I have recorded  92  of the monuments on the interior walls of All Saints, together with wills for nearly all of them. Many mural monuments have been moved from their original positions, such as the large Astley monument, Knatchbull monument and several other, from  the chancel to the western end of the church. Some, on the south wall of the nave, have been relocated to an elevation, far too high to read without the use of binoculars ! I am grateful to my wife, Beverley, for patiently transcribing these while I struggled to focus on them.

Where the people remembered here also have fully inscribed  ledger stones, I have generally placed their wills after those inscriptions. Most of those on the ledgers have no other monuments.

Where there are no ledgers or none visible or the ledger only supports a surname, I have placed the wills after the the mural monument inscriptions. The ledger inscriptions and wills are also now on this site. I have not followed the original font but have followed the original layout.

D. E. Williams
Borstal

30th July 2023 

ABERGAVENY see TUFTON

1. White Marble Tablet with Martial Motifs; Addison

Sacred
to the Memory of
Lieutenant DERRING ADDISON of the
18th Madras Native Infantry
who was shot by the Burmese, March 1826
Aged 22 Years
This Gallant young Officer fell whilst bravely
defending those intrusted to his charge he was
interred at Prome amidst the sorrow  and
regret of all who knew him
This Tablet was erected by his brothers
as a mark of their Affection

ALDERTON see HAVELOCK

2. White Marble Tablet, South Wall of Nave; Allen

In a Vault near this place
are deposited the Remains of
ANN Wife of
JOHN ALLEN
who died September the 10th 1827
Aged 67 Years

Also the above said
JOHN ALLEN
who died March the 19th 1834
Aged 77 Years
Left issue three Sons and two Daughters

JOHN, CHARLES, THOMAS, WILLIAM,
CHARLOTTE and MARY JANE

Also JOHN ALLEN
Son of the above
who died December the 27th 1837
in the 52nd Year of his Age

Also CHARLES ALLEN
Son of the above
who died January 1st 1840
Aged 47 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd August 1824 ? (obscure)

John Allen of Maidstone, Builder and Bricklayer.

All his debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.

To his wife Ann, £100.
To his daughter Charlotte Allen, £500
To his daughter Mary Hyde, wife of Thomas Hyde of Maidstone, Dealer in China and Glass, £600.

He gives his 11 shares, of £100 each, in the Company of Proprietors of the Lower Navigation of the River Medway, to Henry Lee of Lewisham, Builder and his son John Allen of Maidstone, Builder, upon trust, they to pay the dividends to his wife for her lifetime and after her death, they to transfer 6 of the shares to his daughter Charlotte for her own benefit.
The remaining 5 shares, after the death of his wife, to his daughter Mary Hyde for her own benefit; after her death then to the benefit of her children.

He gives 2 freehold houses in West Borough, Maidstone, occupied by Mr Wyldes and Mrs Peck and his freehold house he lives in and carries out his business, with 2 cottages and yard attached , also his freehold house adjoining the last, occupied by the late  Mrs  Bartholomew, widow and his 7 free hold houses forming a row called the Terrace, in West Borough, late occupied by his 2 sons Thomas and Charles, Mrs Harris, the Misses Prentice, John Mortimer, Mr Smyth and the Misses Wimble. Also his other freehold house and land to his trustees, upon trust, to the benefit of his wife, she to receive rents and profits fir life.
After her death, the house he lives in, the 2 cottages and yard and the adjoining house to his son Thomas William, for ever. His 7 freeholds, after his wife's death, to his son Charles, for ever.
His freehold in West Borough, occupied by Mr Wyldes, after his wife's death, to his daughter Charlotte for her lifetime, she to receive rents and profits for life and after her death, then to her children.
His freehold in West Borough occupied by Mrs Peck, to his trustees, upon trust, a fifth to the benefit of his son John, for ever, a fifth to son Charles, for ever, a fifth to son Thomas, for ever, a fifth to daughter Charlotte, for ever and the remaining fifth to his trustees, upon trust.........obscure

Concerning his stock, funds,   ?     , mortgages and securities for money, debts owed, goods, chattels, personal estate and effects, subject to payment of his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs, this all to his trustees, upon trust, they to sell................obscure, poor condition............
One fifth each to sons John, Charles, Thomas William and daughter Charlotte and a fifth for trust contained in the will ?

Of the house occupied by Mrs Peak, one fifth of houses and land in his residuary real estate and a fifth of stock, funds, money and securities in his residuary personal estate, some to be possessed by his trustees, upon trust, during the life of his daughter, Mary Hyde, to pay her rents and other income, for life, free from any control by her present or any future husband. …...................After her death, then to the benefit of her children.......................................

It will be lawful for his wife, daughter Charlotte and trustees to lease all or part of his real estate for terms nor exceeding 21 years.

He has not made greater provision for son John because he has had a profitable share in his trade  for 8 years, in which his other children have not participated.

If he holds any bonds promissory notes or other securities at the time of his death, from any of his children for money lent to them it shall be accounted for  in their portions................................

He appoints his sons John, Charles and Thomas William his executors.

Witnesses: R. H. Bartholomew, New Inn ? London, (    ?    ) Poolly, Joseph Poolly  (  ?  ), Maidstone

Proved 22nd April 1834

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd December 1837

John Allen of Maidstone, Builder.

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

To his brother Charles, £500
To his brother Thomas William, £3,500
Also to brother Thomas William, brother in law Thomas Hyde and friend John Arkcoll of Maidstone, Grocer, £2,000, upon trust, they to invest it in Government or Real securities and pay dividends to his niece Mary Jane Hyde, for life, free from any interests of any husband she may marry. After her death,  then to the benefit to her children........................................

To his trustees, all his real estate, ready money, securities for money, goods, chattels, credits and personal estate, to convert that not consisting of money into money and pay his debts, funeral and probate charges. The surplus to be invested in Government or Real securities and from the rents and profits of his real estate pay his sister Mary Jane Hyde, an annuity of £100 for life and pay the residue to his sister Charlotte Allen, for life, while she remains single. After her death or marriage then to pay the whole income  to his sister Mary Jane Hyde. After her death then to the benefit of her children, equally shared.

Trustees can  lease al or part of his real estate for terms not exceeding 21 years, his trustees to be his executors.............................................................................

Witnesses: H A Wildes  William White  Maria Mathews

Proved 3rd February 1838

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th August 1835

Charles Allen of Maidstone, Builder

He appoints his brother John of Maidstone, Builder and Allan Mason of Upper Thames Street, London, Wharfinger, trustees and executors, to each of them, £10.

To his wife, all his furniture, plate, linen, china, pictures, prints, wine, fuel and  provisions.
His executors to provide his wife and daughter with mourning, as they think reasonable.

To his trustees, all of his real estate, upon trust, they to permit his wife Elizabeth, for life, as long as she remains his widow, to receive the rents and profits of his real estate for her maintenance and maintenance and education of his daughter. After his wife's death or remarriage, all the rents and profits to his daughter Charlotte Allen, exclusive of the interests of any future husband. (Later he says that Charlotte can, if her husband survives her, bequeath the income to him for life.)
After his daughter's death, then to the benefit of her children, with provision  for maintenance and advancement in the world, as she directs by will or deed. If she leaves no no children, trustees act as directed by his daughter's will or deed. In default of such direction, then to his own right heirs.
Trustees can lease his real estate for terms not exceeding 7 years.

He gives his trustees all ready money, securities for money, goods, chattels, credits and personal estate, not before bequeathed, upon trust, to sell that not consisting of money and to hold the proceeds upon trust, to pay his debts. Funeral and probate costs and to invest the residue in Government or Real securities. They to pay legitimate demands on his estate. He also gives his trustees all real estate vested in him as a trustee or mortgagee, upon trust........................................

He nominates his trustees and executors as guardians of his daughter Charlotte, during her minority.

Witnesses: Henry Sears, Clerk to Mr Monckton, Solicitor, Maidstone  John Sutton, Stone Mason      William Smyth, Timber Merchant, Maidstone.

Codicil 17th March 1838

He now styles himself as “Gentleman”. He desires to appoint Edward Mason, the Elder, of Maidstone, Wharfinger and William Smyth of Maidstone, Timber Merchant, trustees and executors in place of his brother John and Allan Mason, whose appointments are revoked, he also revokes their bequests and gives the new appointees £10 each. (brother John had recently died).

Witnesses: John Monckton, Solicitor, Maidstone  A J Ruck, Clerk to Mr Monckton.

Proved 20th June 1840

ALPINE see HAVELOCK

ANDREWS see DAVY

3. White Marble Tablet, North Wall of Nave; Argles, Archambo

THOMAS ARGLES Esq
died January the 13th 1808
Aged 73
He married ESTHER ARCHAMBO
who with four children
Viz THOS, MARY, THOS, ARCHAMBO
and an infant died several years before him
and one here interred
Mr EDWARD ARGLES third Son
died Feb 18th 1825 Aged 63
leaving 4 Sons and 9 Daughters
CATHERINE ARGLES his Widow
died 26th March 1858 Aged 86 Years
Lieut. GEORGE ARGLES R.N.
Second Son of EDWD & CATHERINE
died at Ostend 14th Sept 1846 Aged 54
Captain
GEORGE ARGLES R.N.
Buried in Southampton
July 14th 1831 Aged 64
leaving two Sons
JOHN ARCHAMBO ARGLES L.L.B.
Rector of Frittenden Kent
died 23rd March 1848 Aged 87 Years
ANN ARGLES
only Daughter of the above
THOMAS and ESTHER his Wife
died 17th March 1852 Aged 86 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 31st August 1804

Thomas Argles of Maidstone, Esquire.

First, all his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.

To his daughter Ann Argles, £400, also his piano and all his tea equipment and plates and such parts of his household goods and furniture as executors think useful to her, as she may choose, not exceeding £40 in value.

To his brother Edward, £10 for a ring.
To his sister in law Mary Argles, Widow, for life, an annuity of £15, from his house in New Street, in St. Paul's, Covent Garden, now occupied by Thomas Ball. Also to her, £20.
To his sister in law Ann Billingsley of Twickenham, Widow, £10.
To his “very respected” friend and relation” Agnes Atkinson, £10.
To his friend and relation Celia Settle, £10.
To his daughter in law Catherine Argles, wife of his son Edward, £20.
To his grandson Thomas Argles, son of his son Edward, £10 and to the other children of Edward, £5 each.

All of his real estate, subject to the annuity from the house in Covent Garden and residue of his personal estate, to his children, the Rev John Argles, Edward and George Argles, for ever, equally shared.

He appoints his brother Edward and his 3 sons executors.

Witnesses: Thomas Wildes  Thomas Steward Wildes  Edward Wildes.

Proved 30th March 1808 Power reserved to Edward and George Argles.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th September 1830.

Rev. John Archambo Argles of Maidstone

No religious preamble.

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

He appoints his sister Ann Argles of Loose, Spinster, his executor.
To her all his real estate, goods, chattels and personal estate.

Witnesses: John Hallams, Minister of Loose, W. N. Ash, Gentleman, William Shadgett, Builder ?

Proved 19th April 1848

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st November 1847

Ann Argles of Maidstone, Spinster.

She desires to be buried in the family vault in All Saints, as near as possible to her dear friend Mrs Du Bois. All her debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid from her personal estate

To her nephew Thomas Argles, her freehold malthouse with fixtures and 2 cottages and other real estate in Loose, for his lifetime. After his death, the malthouse and cottages to Letitia Elizabeth Argles, his wife, for her lifetime. After her death, then to Thomas Archambo Argles, son of her nephew Thomas Argles, for ever. Also to Thomas  Archambo Argles, upon trust,  £30 Long Annuities  in the Bank of England, to sell and divide the proceeds as follows: one third to her niece Catherine Throwgood of Camberwell, one third to her niece Ann Argles, now of  Maidstone, Spinster and one third to her niece Catherine  Argles, eldest daughter of her nephew Thomas Argles.

Also to her niece Ann Argles, her Mant's Bible and Testament and such other books as executors think  most suited; also 6 silver tea spoons, a small silver tea pot, 4 forks and 2 table spoons.
To her niece Catherine Thorowgood, 6 silver tea spoons, silver sugar basin and cream ewer and , such of her books as executors think proper.
To Letitia Elizabeth Argles wife of nephew Thomas, best silver tea pot and stand, 6 silver tea spoons, with crests, 6 silver forks, her watch and seal.

To her nieces Harriet and Cordelia, a ring each and such books and pictures as executors think proper.

Her clothes and linen to nieces Catherine Thorowgood, Ann and Catherine Argles, equally shared.

To such of her nieces, children of her brother Edward, £5 each for mourning.

To each of her nephews, Edward, John  and Rev Marsham Argles and Frank Atkinson, a gold mourning ring as a token of her affection. She has given no more to them as to their brother John Archambo Argles because they are fully provided for.

The residue of her personal estate to her nephew Thomas Argles, for ever and she appoints him as her executor.

Witnesses: Maria March of Maidstone, Widow of Dr  ?  March M.D.  Louisa March of Maidstone, daughter of  Maria March.

Proved 12th April 1852

4. White Marble Tablet; Argles

“Maltese Cross” shape, Grey, Veined Background, topped by a Pediment with Arms, North Wall of Nave

In a Grave near this Spot
are Deposited the Remains of
ANN Wife of EDWARD ARGLES Esq
who died August 22nd 1777 Aged 33 Years
Also the said EDWARD ARGLES Esq
who died October 24th 1813 Aged 75 Years

Also five of their Children
viz CHARLES WILLIAM MARY
PHILIP and CHARLES
who died in their Infancy

In the same grave are also
deposited  the Remains of
FRANCES Widow of  the said
EDWARD ARGLES
who departed this Life December 1st 1836
Aged 86 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 17th March 1809

Edward Argles, Esquire of Maidstone.

He appoints his son John Argles, Esquire and Edward Homewood, Esquire of Maidstone, executors. He gives them 10 guineas each for a ring.

To his sister in law Mary Argles, widow of his late brother John, £20
To his friends Thomas Day of Maidstone, Doctor of Physic and George Burr of Maidstone, 10 guineas each for a ring.

To his wife Frances, his house and garden in Stone Street, Maidstone, late occupied by Mary Prowry ?, widow and now by the Misses Halsnod, for her lifetime and after her death, to his sons, John and Edward Homewood, upon trust.
Also to his wife, his stock of wine, beer and liquors, absolutely, also such of his household goods, furniture, plate, linen, china and effects, ( except ready money, bank notes and securities for money), as she will need, these for her lifetime. After her death, these to his residuary personal estate. An inventory to be made.

He gives his wife, £50 and  to his son John, £200

All debts owed to him by his late son Edward by bond, bill, note etc, to be cancelled and bonds, etc destroyed. He also releases his son John from all money he owes him.

He gives son John his 11 houses in Three Coney Lane, Tovil Lane, Stone Street and Mile Lane, Maidstone, occupied by [            ] Page, widow, [                ] Highland, John Minndory ?,John Metralt ?, Charles Arnett, John Haffenden, Francis Freeman, [           ] Harding, widow, William Nowles, John Wilson and William Pruitall ?. Also his eighth part of  and shares of houses called the Bolt and the stone mason's yard in Week Street, Maidstone, he lately  purchased from Messrs Henry William and John Cutbush, for ever.
Also to son John,  and Edward Homewood, his 11 houses in Three Coney Lane, near Stone Street, occupied by [              ] Bisbudge, widow, James Bunyard, John Balcomb, Sarah Chaplin, Joseph Dudley, Francis Dunigy ?, John Atterwell, William Price, Jesse Wren, James Hughes and Edward Cheeseman, also a piece of land in Stone Street of about ½ acre, occupied by James Hughes, also his house before mentioned in Stone Street, occupied by the Misses Halsnod, (subject to the life interest of his wife) and all other real estate, upon trust, to sell and pay his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs and invest the surplus in Government or Real securities until the proceeds become payable by virtue of the will and subject to the other half of the £40 annuity. They to pay dividends to Ann Camper Argles, widow of his son Edward for as long as she remains single. After her death or remarriage, then in trust for her children by his son, Charles, Edward, Frances, Elizabeth, Ann, Alfred and Frederick Argles …..........................................................

All the residue of his goods, chattels, ready money, bank notes, etc and personal estate and effects to his trustees, upon trust, to sell that not consisting of money.

Half of the money from the sale of his real estate to his son John, absolutely, subject to the payment of half of an annuity of £40 he has bequeathed to his wife by a Bond, made previous to his marriage. …...........................

Witnesses: Thomas Tassell  Robert Matson  William Wise

Codicil 30th December 1811

He gives his son John, his 4 shares of £50 each  in the Kent Fire Insurance Office, of 1802, numbers 23, 24,25 and 26 and the benefits from them,over and above what he has already given him.
He ratifies the rest of the will.

Witnesses: George Burr  William Wise  Edward George Budds

Codicil 5th June 1813

He requests that his nephews John, Edward and George Argles, are paid £10 each and his 2 nieces Catherine and Ann Argles are also paid £10 each,
If his cook Sarah Persher ?, is with him at the time of his death, she is to have a year's wages in consideration of her long service.

No witnesses

Affidavit  25th January 1814

George Burr, Senior and George Burr, Junior are sworn in  and state that they knew deceased well and had seen him write and sign his name many times. They have carefully examined the 2nd codicil and believe it is in Edward Argles hand.

Proved 2nd March 1814

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th November 1829

Frances Argles of Maidstone, Widow.

She appoints Henry Argles of Maidstone, Druggist and Horatio Pope of Fant, Maidstone, Gentleman, her executors.

She desires to be buried in the same grave in All Saints where her late husband  is buried and to be buried in linen. Mr John Springet of Maidstone , Undertaker, to direct the funeral.
Her executors to put up a plain, neat tablet in the church, with a suitable inscription to her  and her husband's memories.

All her debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.

To her friend and executor Horatio Pope, 19 guineas as an acknowledgement of his troubles
To her cousins Catherine Moneypenny of  Rye, widow and Mary Burgess, wife of Edward Burgess of Cross Street, Islington, Esquire, 19 guineas and to their sister Eliza Chamberlayne, wife of [              ] Chamberlayne , esquire, £10.
To Ann Argles of Loose, daughter of her late brother in law Thomas Argles, Esquire, 19 guineas.
To her sister in law Catherine Argles, widow of Edward Argles, late of London, 19 guineas.
To her god daughter Agnes Argles , grand daughter of her late brother in law Thomas Argles, £10.
To her daughter in law Ann Camper Argles, £50.
To her 5 sons and daughter, Charles, Edward, Alfred, Francis and Ann Argles, £250 each.
To her god daughter Frances Argles, daughter of Ann Camper Argles, her gold watch and to her sister Ann Argles, her knitting box and contents.
To her daughter in law Margaret Argles, widow of her late son John Argles, Esquire, her diamond ring and to her 3 daughters Margaret Argles, Emily Smith, widow and Elizabeth Argles, £250 each.
To her god daughter Margaret Argles, her pearl bracelets, pearl ring and 2 pearl pins. All her silks and lace, also to her, to be divide by her, for her and her sisters, Emily and Elizabeth and her cousin s Frances and Ann Argles, daughters of Ann Camper Argles.
To Miss Ann Dennis, daughter of her late friend Elizabeth Dennis, late of Clapham, £10.
To Mary Daniel, wife of Nicholas Charles Daniel Esquire of Upway House, Dorset,  to John Sabb, Esquire of Epsom and Elizabeth Day of Maidstone, widow, a mourning ring each.
To Elizabeth Day and Susanna Ruse wife of William Ruse, Surgeon, £10 each.
To Mary Case of Maidstone, £5
To Catherine Cadbury of Somers Town, London, widow, £10.
To Hannah Wright of Maidstone, widow, £5.
To Robert Woollett an old servant, formerly in Mr Argles family and Mary his wife, 20 shillings each.

To each of her servants with her at her death, a suit of mourning.
To her old servant Sarah Hester, now living with her, her clothes, not before bequeathed and an annuity of £20 for life, tax free, chargeable on her house on the east side of Week Street, Maidstone, occupied by Ambrose Austen; this property adjoins the Castle Inn. She gives this property, charged with the annuity, to her daughter in law Margaret Argles, for life and after her death, to testator's son Henry, for ever.

Her half share of 5 houses, a stone mason's yard and land known as the Bolt on the west side of the upper end of Week Street,occupied by James Norman, Edward Wright, Alexander Mackintosh, William Rose , Charles Baker and Elizabeth Yates, widow and all other of her real estate, money, securities for money, plate, linen; china and personal estate, after her debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to Henry Argles, Margaret Argles, Emily Smith and Elizabeth Argles, the children of her late son in law John Argles, Esquire, equally shared, for ever.

Witnesses: Charles Hoar, Solicitor, Maidstone, Richard Holmes, James M Penfold, his Clerks.

Codicil 28th January 1831

She revokes the bequest of £10 to Ann Dennis and gives her a mourning ring in lieu.

Her old servant Sarah Hester has left her service, so she revokes the bequests of the £20 annuity  and of her clothes and now gives her a £15 annuity for life, chargeable on the same property.

To her god daughter Margaret Argles, all of her clothes, to divide them among Frances and Ann Argles, daughters of  her daughter in law Ann Camper Argles and their nieces, daughters of their brothers Charles and Edward Argles, in such proportions as Margaret thinks fit.

To her servants, Augustina Tolhurst, £10 and to Elizabeth Beeching, £5, over and above a suit of mourning each they are entitled to as servants with her at her death.

To Mary Woollett, wife of Robert Woollett, of Maidstone, Labourer, 2 shillings a week for life.

Rest of the will ratified.

Witnesses: Charles Hoar, Solicitor, Maidstone, Richard Holmes  Edward Day, his Clerks

Proved 20th May 1837

5. White Marble Tablet; Argles

Sarcophagus on Veined Grey Background, Pediment with Arms, North Wall of Nave

In a Vault near this Tablet
are deposited the Remains of
JOHN ARGLES Esq
who was an active Magistrate of this Town
and died sincerely Regretted on
the 11th Octr 1829 Aged 56 Years
He was married to MARGARET Second
Daughter of THOMAS POPE Esq of Sheals
Court in this Parish by whom he hath
left issue one Son & three Daughters
Also MARGARET Wife of the above
who died Dec 31st 1842 Aged 66 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury  Will Dated 21st February 1826

John Argles of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He appoints his wife Margaret, his son Henry and his brother in law Horatio Pope, executors and his wife guardian of his youngest daughter Elizabeth, during her minority.

All his debts, funeral and probate charges to be first paid.

His wife is provided for, the marriage settlement, which entitled her to the house he now lives in, for her lifetime. He gives his wife all household furniture, plate, linen, china, earthenware, and effects, for her lifetime and as a further token of his live and affection, he gives her £1,000 absolutely.

To his brother in law Horatio Pope, £50 as acknowledgement of trouble he may have as executor.

His real estate, furniture, plate, linen, china, earthenware, etc, subject to his wife's interest and residue of money and securities for money, goods, chattels, stock in trade and personal estate, to his children, Henry, Margaret, Emily and Elizabeth Argles, for ever, shared equally. During the minority of his daughter Elizabeth, executors to use income from her share towards her maintenance and education, until she is 21. If she dies under 21, with no lawful issue, her share to be equally shared between his other surviving children....................................

Witnesses: Charles Hoar,  John Mairs,  William Morris, all of Maidstone

Proved 20th May 1830

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 21st October 1837

Margaret Argles of Maidstone, Widow.

All her debts, funeral and probate charges to be first paid.

She appoints her son Henry and brother in law Horatio Pope, executors.

To her 3 daughters Margaret, wife of  William Brown, Emily Smith, widow  and Elizabeth, wife of Wriothesley Baldwin, all her clothes, jewels, trinkets and ornaments, equally shared.

To her son Henry, £50 and to his wife Catherine, his profile likeness.

To her brothers Robert Pope and Horatio Pope and her sisters Frances Smith, widow and Mary Ann Fowler, widow, £10 each for a piece of plate in token of her affection and regard for them.

To her friend Catherine Argles of London, widow and her housekeeper Hannah Wright, now living with her, 19 guineas each.

The residue of her money and securities for money, furniture, plate, linen, personal estate  and effects to her son Henry and daughters Margaret  Brown, Emily Smith and Elizabeth Baldwin, equally shared.

Witnesses: Charles Hoar of Maidstone  Mary Hoar, Spinster.

Proved 13th April 1843

6. Monumental Structure at West End of the Nave; Astley

Originally in the Chancel, in the fashion of the Monument to John Donne, Poet and Dean of St. Paul's. Four standing, life-size, shrouded figures of Astleys, on the lower level Sir John and his wife and above them his parents.

Top Left Side

The Right Worshipfull JOHN ASTLEY, Esquire descended
from the truly awntient and honourable family
of the Lord ASTLEY, the Capital seat of
whose Barony was at Astley Castell in
Warwickshire, and with commendable regard
to the splendour of his birth  and descent
He made a noble paralel with his most
pious life and signall vertues
He was justly acknowledged to be alyed
to the most illustrious Princes Queen
ELIZABETH (by her mother's kindred), who
advanced to place of principal repute
in Court services, being prime
Gentleman of the Privy Chamber and
Master of the Royal Jewels and Plate
thirty-seven years and in other relations
before he had those places, from his
age of twelve yeares
Mortis
                                                            Anno      [1596]
  Aetatis 89

Top Right Side

MARGARET GREY, Wife of the said
JOHN ASTLEY, Esq,was Daughter of
THOMAS GREY , branched out of the
Right Hon'ble House of the GREYS, Duke
of Suffolk, Marques Dorcett, Baron
of GRABY, HARRINGTON,BONVILLE, and
ASTLEY. For the Heire Generall, of
the last Baron ASTLEY was married to
REGINALD, Lord GREY of Ruthin, and
so the Title and Armes of the Barony
of ASTLEY remayned in the GREYS
She left issue one Sonne, Sir JOHN ASTLEY,
and three Daughters, MARGARET maried
to ANTHONY NEVILE of Nottingham,
Esq, BRIDGETT maried to Sir NORTAN
KNATCHBULL of Mersham in Kent; and ELEANOR
maryed to THOMAS KNATCHBULL of Mayd-
ston, brother to Sir NORTON KNATCHBULL

Bottom Centre

Death hath added to the ornament
Of this place the blessed Memoriale
Of the most accomplished Gent by
Vertue and Parts, Sir JOHN ASTLEY
Knight, onely Sonne and heir of JOHN
ASTLEY, Esq; Master of the Jewels, &
who from his tender years attended
On Queen ELIZABETH  in her Honourable  Band
Of Pentioners, and after was Master of
the Revels to King JAMES and King CHARLES
He married KATHERINE BRIDGES,
Daughter of ANTHONTY BRIDGES, Brother
To the Lord EDMUND BRIDGES, Baron
SHANDOIS of Sudeley Castle, by whom
Having had issue diverse children,
They all dyed before  him, so that in
The Disposition of his hands he affectio-
nately acknowledged both his Name
And his Nephewes, and left the care
Of his other Bequest in his will to
WILLIAM HARRISON, Gent, the Queene's
Atturney in the Court of Common Pleas,
His Executor Who out of due regard
To the Performance thereof and pious
Respect to the memory of his Hon'ble Friend
Hath constructed this Monument
Obiit 26th die Jan A.D. 1639*

(* 1640 in the Modern Calendar)

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th January 1592 (1593 in modern calendar))

I found some of this will a little confusing, one substantial paragraph being repeated and the will contained 3 dates, the start dated 25th January 1592 (1593, in the modern calendar), 14th February 1593 and 31st July 1593 at the end, so it seems it was written over a period of 6 months.  

John Astley, Esquire of Maidstone, Gentleman of  H.M  Privy Chamber , Master of H.M. Jewels and Plate.

To 40 of the poor of Maidstone, Boxley and Allington, 40 nobles (1 noble each), at the discretion of his executor.

He appoints his wife Margaret his sole executor.

To his wife Margaret, his great house in Maidstone, commonly called the Palace and houses and land belonging to it. He lately purchased the property from his brother Thomas Astley, Esquire.
Also to his wife, his lands and house at Hoo or nearby parishes in the Hundred of Hoo. And his land and houses in Iwade, alias Wade and parishes adjoining, also the Castle Manor or farm of Allington
and all land and houses he has had for several years with the castle and lease he holds on lease from the Queen, for her lifetime.
He has had for several years, by force of conveyances, the Manor of Osmington, Dorset, he gives to his wife for her lifetime. After her death, the Manor of Osmington and lands belonging to his daughter Elinor. If she is married before then, he gives it to all his daughters Margaret, Bridget and Elinor, for their joint lives and then to his son Sir John Astley  for the remaining term of the lease.
After his wife's death, the real estate in the Hundred of Hoo, to his son Sir John, for ever.

The Castle Manor at Allington and lease, after his wife's death, to his son Sir John. If Sir John is not living, then to his daughter Elinor, if living, for the remainder of the lease. If she is married, then the remainder of the lease to all his daughters, then living and to the survivor.

The land at Iwade and nearby, after his wife's death and the Palace at Maidstone with associated land, to his son Sir John Astley, for ever.

To his wife, the residue of his goods and chattels, she to pay his debts.
To his daughter Elinor, if she is unmarried, 1,000 Marks, levied from his lands, coppice and woods growing on his lands, she to pay a yearly sum of 100 Marks to his son Sir John, if he remains unmarried and if testator's wife is no longer living, by quarterly instalments and when he is married to pay him £200 during the term of the lease at Allington.

His wife, if the profits of the land and leases he has bequeathed her are sufficient, to bring up his daughter Elinor, until she is married.

If his wife chooses to cut down any trees  of oak, ash, elm and beech growing on his land, which are 40 years old and of £10 value for the repair of buildings on his land, then she to pay son Sir John, the double value of the trees cut down.

He appoints Sir Henry Graye, Peter Osborne, William Jephson, Esquire and Rouffe Roobye, Esquire, members of St. Catherine's and John Domett, Esquire or any of them, to permit his wife and children to enjoy the Castle Manor  or farm at Allington and the lands, also the Manor of Osmington and lands..........................???????????????????????

His good friends Sir Edward Wootton, William Lewin, Doctor of Civil Law and Robert Cramner, Gentleman, to sell lands before mentioned  ?????????????????

His wife to sell Osmington Manor and pay his debts ??????

Witnesses: ? Robert Charett  Francis Hychcocke

Witnesses: ? William Lewin Robet Cramner  Francis Hychcocke

Proved 10th August 1596

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 3rd January 1639 (1640 in modern calendar)

Sir John Astley, of Maidstone, Master of H.M Office of the Revels and Gentleman of the Privy Chamber.

His debts to be paid as soon as possible.

To 100 poor people of Maidstone, Boxley, Aylesford and Allington, £33 6s 8d. To each of them nominated by his executor, 6s 8d.

To Francis Bourne, his servant, if with him at his death, £20
To Anne Dearing, if with him at his death, £10 and to all other male servants with him at his death, £5 each, to all maid servants with him at his death, £3 each, all this over and above their wages.

If his cousin Alice Cage ?, daughter of his sister Elinor Knatchbull, shall outlive her husband and if in her widowhood should demand it, she is to get £100 but not otherwise.
To his cousin Edward Lenton  of Grays Inn, Esquire, £15.
To his cousin John Knatchbull, his Godson, eldest son of Norton Knatchbull, Esquire,  £100 at 21.
To his cousin Ruth Rogers, daughter of Anthony Nevile  of Mattersea ?, Nottingham, Esquire, £100, if a widow, if she is married then it to be paid within 21 days of his death but only if she demands it.
To the children of his cousin Curtis by his late niece Bridgett, daughter of his sister Elinor, 20 Marks each.
To the children of his cousin Turke by his late niece Margarett, daughter of his sister Elinor, £10 each.
To the children of his cousin Allen by his niece Susan daughter of his sister Elinor, £10 each.
To his niece Disney ?, daughter of his late sister Margaret Nevile 40 Marks to be paid in her widowhood but not before.
To his cousin Nevile Hall, son of the late Dame Margarett Hall, daughter of his late sister Margarett, £200 on condition that he pays that sum to his cousin Deborah Hall, his sister, towards the portion devised by her late father Sir William Hall, except if  Nevile, in his lifetime, paid her all her portion. In that case he gives the £200 to Nevile Hall.
To cousin Deborah,40 Marks and to the other children of Dame Margarett, who are living, 40 Marks, equally shared.

To his “well beloved” cousin Sir Jacob Astley, 500 Marks, if he is living, if dead, then to his cousin Elizabeth Astley, daughter of Sir Jacob, at 21 years. If she is dead, then to the eldest living child of Sir Jacob, at 21 years.

To his cousin Anna Bridges or Agnes Bridges, niece of his wife, Dame Katherine, £1,000. If she is dead, he gives £500 to Sir Jacob Astley, if he is dead, the £500 to his eldest child living at 21 years of age. The other £500 to his 2 cousins Thomas Apsley, son of his late uncle Thomas Apsley,Esquire and Drewe Astley, equally shared. If either are dead, then all to the survivor. If both are dead then to the eldest child of Drewe Astley at 21 years.
To his cousin Apsley ?, son of his late uncle Thomas Apsley, £100. If he is dead, then the £100 to Thomas Apsley, eldest son of  his cousin Andrew Apsley, Esquire at 21 years If he is dead then to the eldest son of  Thomas at 21 years.
To his cousin Drewe Astley, son of his late uncle Richard Astley, 40 Marks.
To his “beloved” cousin Norton Knatchbull son of his late sister Eleanor, 200 Marks.
To Thomas Knatchbull brother of Norton, 200 Marks.
To his cousin Edward son of Drewe Astley, 40 Marks.
To his Godson John Clifford son of George Clifford of London, Gentleman, £20.

His wife is to pay Bridgett Chason ?, alias Mannering ?, during her life, £4 per quarter, with Bridgett's husband's interference.

To John Devarax, son of Jane Devarax, sometime his servant,  £10, to bind him to some honest trade. If John disappoints ?, him the legacy is void.

His cousin John Nevile of Mattersey, Nottingham, before 2 credible witnesses, shall sign and seal and deliver a deed to Sir Jacob Astley or his heirs or to testator's executor, a general lease of such real and personal rights, titles, interest and demands of his real estate
To cousin John Nevile, 1,000 Marks but if he is dead, then to eldest son then living at 21 years of age. If he dies before then, then to his next eldest son at 21, if no sons live to 21, then to Sir Jacob Astley, if he is dead, then to his eldest son or daughter, in default to John Nevile, Junior ?

Legacies to be paid by executor after he has received from his cousin, Norton Knatchbull, £2,000 which he owes to testator, legacies to be paid within 21 days after receipt.
Executor also to receive from Sir James Oxiden, £1,500 which he owes and pay legacies within 21 days.
Executor also to receive from his cousin Sir Jacob Astley, £1,000 which he owes and, as above pay the legacies.

If any man servant or maid servant take away  household stuff away from his house and do not disclose this when asked by executor will lose any benefits by his will.

His executor shall within 18 months of his death, with money from his personal estate, set up a monument in the chancel of All Saints, near the monument of his late father John Astley or in another convenient place in the chancel. This monument to include his father and mother and himself with coats of arms or ornaments and inscriptions. As some Herald of Arms shall approve. £100 or near to be spent on the monument.

His Terrier Book and great map of all his lands and his original writings and patents concerning his land to be conveyed to Sir Jacob Astley, either in the lifetime of testator's wife, Dame Katherine or after her death, as executor thinks fit. Executor to take care of documents concerning his wife's jointure.

To his wife Dame Katherine, all silver plate, household stuff, bedsteads, feather beds, bolsters, blankets, rugs, mats, mattresses, court cupboard, tables, carpets, couch chairs, chairs, stools, hangings in several rooms at the Palace,which she is to take without dis-furnishing other rooms, that is, the dining room, the little press chamber, her bed room adjoining the great dining room in the great lodging chamber  towards the north, with little chambers  in the chamber where he usually lodges, the adjoining chamber where his maid servant sleeps and the chamber where his cousin Agnes Bridges sleeps.

His household stuff in the preceding rooms, the kitchen, buttery and bakehouse,  of iron, brass, pewter and linen, to be divided into 4 equal parts. He gives his wife ¾  and the remaining ¼  to his executor.

If he dies before his farm rents are paid, he gives his wife £150 for her present supply after his executor has received the rents and not before.
To his trusty and well beloved friend William Harrison of Upper Earlam, Woodnesborough, Gentleman, the following rooms in the Palace, room used as his closet where most of his books  and writings are , the inner room and the rooms and    ?      parts ?, within the closet and inner room, the little closet going  up the gallery and the whole gallery and little chamber  and the end with all the rooms to the gallery belonging, the chamber and  and the closet aforesaid, sometimes called the School House and the inner room, the chamber next the buttery, where his sister Eleanor Knatchbull usually did lie, “with all the inner rooms to be gone into  and out of the same”, the hovel  at the end of the great stable for horses and colts to stand, with free liberty to ingress and egress the stairs, steps, courts, yards, backside, ways, rooms and passage  for the term of 1 year, paying no rent and  with such stable for Harrison's horse, as for his wife and Sir Jacob Astley.

William Harrison is his sole executor and is to deal with the will at great convenience. He is to have goods and chattels not before bequeathed.

He nominates Sir Humphrey Tufton and his cousin Edward Heaton  to be Overseers of his will.
He gives to Sir Humphrey his book of Ortelin's Maps and his own book of Postures for the Wars, sent to him from the Low Countries by Sir Jacob Astley.

Witnesses: Jo Urricke ?, Jo Flishers ?, John Harrison  John Duck

Proved 10th February 1639 (1640 in the modern calendar)

7. Plain Black Marble Tablet, Gold Lettering; Astley

To ye never dying Memory of that
great Soldier & Person of Honor.
Lord JACOB ASTLEY Baron of Reading 
Epitaph
Let the Island Voyage (in ye van) speake forth
Thy Youthevil Valour, Thy All - Daring Worth
Next Neweport battel where thou didst pfer
Honour to Life there made an Officer
by Famous Orange (thy Great General)
Under whose Sword (yt DAY) Spayn's Force did fall
What clowdes of Nations Could  RAYSE FOR THEE
And each one would a glorious witnesse bee
As Holland Denmarke & vast Germany
All Greive thy losse  Honour thy Memory
England (Thy Maker)  Crowned thy hoary head
With Major Generall here in honour bedd
Thou (now) dost rest and wth more honour the
Thest times afford unto a noble  Man
Faith, Valour, Conduct; All in Soldier's Shroud
Or could be whist for this tombe doth infold
Ao Dne 1653
Oiijt 27th Die Februarii 1653*

(* 1654 in the modern calendar)

8. Marble Tablet, West Wall of Nave; Astley

In an arched vault near this Monument are deposited the Remains
of  JOHN ASTLEY the youngest Son  of JACOB ASTLY of Melton-
Constable in the County of Norfolk, Knight and Baronet, that they
may be more auspiciously mingled the ashes of that very
noble man his great-grandfather Sir  JACOB ASTLEY and his
illustrious relatives Sir ISAAC and Sir JACOB ASTLEY, Baron of
Reading in the County of Berks When he had made a tour
through Belgium and the Netherlands and twice traversed
the more famous parts of France and Italy he returned to England
perfect master (if any one was) of the Languages, Latin especially
and the Sciences In him dwelt lavishly (if anywhere) the liberal
arts and more refined learning with the most polished manners
But ah ! what  grief ! He, a second ornament to the name, the
delight and idol  of his friends who never caused his family to
regret except in dying was carried off prematurely and
without leaving  any children by an attack of small-pox in London
June 30th and was buried here July 4th 1719 aged 42
His most afflicted Father caused this to be placed as a tribute
to his great virtue and a mark of his own affection

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th June 1719

John Astley of St. Martins in the Fields, Esquire

To his wife Catherine Frances, for ever, all his real estate in Northumberland and Durham, which were her mother's, together with all the money to be raise by their sale.
Also to his wife, his house and land in Norfolk, for life and after her death, then to his “honourable” father Sir Jacob Astley, for ever. In case his wife is delivered of a child after his death, then he gives the last mentioned real estate, after his wife's death to that child or children, for ever.
His goods, chattels and personal estate to his wife, she is his sole executor.

Witnesses: Elizabeth Theakstone the mark of Jane Young  William Horsmonden

Proved 2nd July 1719

ASTLEY see KNATCHBULL

ATKINS see HAVELOCK

BAKER see TUFTON

BANKS see DAVY

9. Tablet ?; Barrell

Under this Tomb lies the Body
of SUSANNA BARRELL the wife of ROBERT
BARRELL, Clerk, who bore him three
Sons  and two Daughters in chaste
wedlock She died May 6th 1621
 in the 29th Year of her Age

10. Brass; Beale

Ancestors engraved in rows, from 1399, all in contemporary, Elizabethan clothing

Translated  Latin by the Reverend John Cave-Brown

Left: “Death is the laying down of a heavy load”
 Centre: “Even though affection bids us shed tears for the faithful dead,
Yet faith forbids us to mourn for them”
Right: death is the entering into perfect freedom from care”

THOMAS BEALE, thrice grandson of JOHN BEALE his great-grandfather's
great-grandfather, twice Mayor of this Town, humbly loyal to God
and the King, of frugal and contented spirit, beloved by his neighbours,
and studying the good of this Town, the husband of two wives, and the
father of twenty-one children died February 2nd 1593*, and left
surviving six Sons and two Daughters. Whose father WILLIAM BEALE, lately
Portreve of that Town, who succoured it's needy  in his time,
died in the year 1534, whose grandfather, ROBERT, lived in this
Town, and died in 1490. His great-grandfather, JOHN, in 1461,
His great, great- grandfather, WILLIAM in 1429 having also in
his time been Portreve and one of the first  of the Brethren   of the
Fraternity (of Corpus Christi) in this Town, was buried in the Church
of St Faith . And JOHN, his great-great-great grandfather , also died
in the year 1399. Here they lived , earning a good report, here too,
dying, look for the resurrection of the flesh at the advent of Christ,
May God's blessing rest on their posterity. THOMAS, the Son of
the said THOMAS, erected this monument to their Memory.

(* 1594 in the modern calendar)

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th January 1594

Thomas Beale of Maidstone, Yeoman.

To be distributed to the poor of Maidstone, 40 shillings on the day of his funeral.

To Alice his wife, his plate, brass, pewter, bedding and household stuff not fastened to the freehold, except his great silver salt, which he gives to his son Thomas and also except his cupboard in the hall, the veined work cupboards, presses, settles, tables and forms now standing and remaining in the house which will remain and not be removed, these to the person he leaves the house to.

To Clement Beale, his son, £40, he forgives him a debts of £59 18s 6d.
To John his son, £300 at 26 years of age.
To Edward his son, £300 at 26 years of age.
To Elizabeth his daughter, £100 at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier.
To the children of his daughter Alice Snatt, £10, to be paid to his son in law Thomas Snatt, to their uses.
To the children of his son Clement, £10, to be paid to him.
To the children of his son William, £10, to be paid to him.
To his sister Margery Clarke, the £10 he has lent her and 20 Nobles he paid her when her son Raphe went to Barbisher ?

To all his servants with him at his death, 5 shillings over and above their wages.

To his son Edward, £50, a part of hos portion when he has served his apprenticeship.

Residue of goods and chattels, after his debts and legacies are paid, to his sons, Thomas and William, who are his executors and his good friend John Smyth, Gentleman, is to be Overseer , he gives him 20 shillings for his pains.

To his wife Alice, in lieu of her Dower Rights, his real estate and his own dwelling house, for life, includes his barns, orchards and houses in the Borough of Week, in Maidstone and Boxley. He also gives her an annuity of £40 for life, from his lands in the Isle of Sheppey and from his houses and land in Linton.

To his son Clement, his freehold barn, land and houses at Faunton in the Borough of Westree, Maidstone, from the Feast of St Michael, next after his death, for ever.
To his son Thomas, his freehold dwelling house, after his wife's death.
Also to Thomas, his freehold barns, stables and   ?   pigeon house, his orchard, land and houses in the Borough of Week, Maidstone and Boxley, except a shop in Middle Row, Maidstone, for ever.
To his son William, his freehold land and house in Leysdown and elsewhere in the Isle of Sheppey and the shop in Middle Row, for ever.
To his son Ambrose his 2 houses and lands in Linton, at 24 years of age, for ever.

His son Clement is half blood of his siblings.
To sons Thomas and William, his  ?   Comunitye ?, half share, which he bought from Mr Fleet of Chartham and arrears, for ever, towards the payment of his debts and legacies, provided if any  son interferes with his will, they to have no benefit from it.

Witnesses: Michael Woode  Thomas Snatt  Robert Hall  Richard Sheppard

Proved 20th April 1594 Power reserved to William Beale

11. Oval White Marble north Wall of Nave, West End; Bentham

This Stone was Erected
by the Officers of
the South Devon Militia
to the Memory  of their late Worthy Adjutant
MATTHEW BENTHAM
who died on the 27th day of January
1794
Aged 75
Most Deservedly Regretted
by the Corps

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th January 1794

Matthew Bentham of Plymouth, Gentleman.

He is weak in body.

To his eldest son William, 5 guineas.
To his son John, 5 guineas. Also to John, his best saddle, bridles, stirrups and pistols.
To both sons William and John, all is military books and all his books of French, Latin and English, equally divided, except the  Great Bible and any other religious books, which his wife Hannah may choose.

Also to his 2 sons and son in law Harry Dawes, all his clothes of linen and wool, equally shared.
His gold watch, chain and key, excepted which he gives to his wife, Hannah.

To his daughter Frances, wife of Harry Dawes, 5 guineas.
To his youngest daughter Elizabeth, 5 guineas, she also to have £200 on her marriage day. If she does not marry during the life of her mother and if she is living at the time of her mother's death, she is then to receive the £200.

Residue of goods, chattels, money, plate, china and other valuables, not before bequeathed, to John Culund of Tothill ?,  and John Culund, Junior of Efford near Plymouth, Esquires, they are to be his executors, in trust, for his wife. His wife and daughter Elizabeth, to have the sole use of all his furniture, beds, bedding, tables, bed linen and all utensils. If his daughter Elizabeth marries in her mother's lifetime, then she is no longer entitled to any of the above goods.
His wife to receive all the interest  and profits of money and stocks he dies possessed of, for her and daughter Elizabeth's  use, for as long as Elizabeth remains single.
At his wife's death all his goods, chattels, furniture, plate, etc, to be sold and the proceeds to be equally shared by his 4 children.

Witnesses: James Selway ?, Samuel Steart ?