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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nave

1. Marble Tablet with freshly coloured Arms and other details; Robins

H.S.E.
FRANCISCUS ROBINS S.T.B.
Quem Collegium D. Johannis Evangelistae

In Academ, Cantabr
Alumnum fovit Mox Socium Suscepit

Dein Ecclesiae de Cockfield
in Agro Suffole: Rectorem constituit

Et jam tandem inter Benefactoris suos
Post Dominam Fundatricem
Munificentissimum celebrat

Chart Natus Mar 11th 1665
In Agro Cantano

Apud

Sutton Denatus Aept 10th 1720
Anno Aetat 55 

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 7th July 1720

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

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

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

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

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

He gives 18 acres, near the above land, which is let to Richard Wood at £8 per annum, to St John's College, for the same purpose. He also gives the college £1,000 to lay out in land or otherwise, they to receive the interest to be added to the rents of the Manor of Sutherden, ammonting to £115 per annum, to be set aside for the same purpose, “in the most pleasant and healthful Countyes in England by the help of which the college may buy a good living once in 5 or 6 years time”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If any more land in the area is bought at a reasonable cost, he gives to the above 3 parishes, £70 to be laid out in land for those parishes to their best advantage. For ever………………….. If the parishes neglect or are unwilling to accept the terms, the payment to be stopped and applied to the uses of St John's College, as they think fit.

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

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

There will be attached to the will a catalogue of dents owing to him, ammounting to above £6,000, this is very profitable (interest)........................................

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

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

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

Witnesses: John Rayner John Sims Samuel Fullagar

Codicil 15th August 1720

He gives his cousin John Robins , Paper Maker, grandson of his uncle, William Robins of Malling, £50 more and to his brother Henry, £100 more.

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

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

Witnesses: John Robins John Rayner Samuel Fullagar

An Account of Debts he is owed on Bonds or Mortgages On Bond

Mr Rumney £40 John Waller £10
John Fletcher £20 Mr Finches £250
Messrs Coyn & Nower      £70                Mr Wakely               £20
Mr Brenchley          £40                          John Taylor of Boughton £30
More for Brenchley £40                          Mr Plummer           £20
John Trigg              £50                          John Barrington    £3
Mr Perks                 £40                          Messrs Linton and Richards      £150
Mrs Crispe              £20                          John Ramsden, Jnr.         £20
Bassock & Farley £40                           Mr Sharley              £15
Mr Wildish              £50                                                           £518
Thomas Bottle       £50
£460

A mortgage on John Rayner's land at Headcorn                   £100
“         “         “  the Bells at Lenham                                        £68 8s
“         “         “  Dr Skeer's land at Smarden                           £300
Another on John Rayner's at Sutton                                      £300
“         “    “   Knowlden's at Aylesford                                     £200
“         “    “ Mr Duck's land in Smarden                                 £250
In Bank Lottery Annuities                                       £502 8s 6d
Capital Stock in South Sea Co.                         £300, which is supposed at the opening of the Books will amount to                                          £3,000

At the bottom of the great fir chest in best chamber

100

In the sack of writings there

100

In the great trunk in his chamber

100

In the oak chest in the long chamber

100

In the little box of drawers in his study

50

In Sir Christopher Bouverie's hands by way

of an account for which he has the note

104

15s 10d

Proved 30th November 1720 Power reserved to Richard Fowle.

2. Marble Tablet with Gold highlights; Smyth, Filmer, Whitfeld

Within this Church
lies dispers'd the Remains
of JOHN SMYTH late Vicar
of this Parish
who died 7th July 1732 (sic)* Aged 83 and ANN his Wife
Daughter or Sr. ROBT. FILMER, Decd. who died
20th July 1716 Aged 6[ ] and of ELIZH. SMYTH his
Sister who died 5th Jany. 1743 Aged 77
Also of JOHN SMYTH Esq., their Son who died in
this Parish 7th Jany., 1745 Aged 59, two of his
Daughters by ELIZH., Daughter of RALPH WHITFELD
Esq., Decd., namely SARAH SMYTH who died 16th July
1761 Aged 18 and DOROTHEA SMYTH
who died 4th Jany., 1783 Aged 45
Also of the said RALPH WHITFELD
Major of the Welsh Fusiliers during
Q. ANN'S Wars who died in this Parish 9th Sept.
1743 Aged 58
This Inscription commemorated their
respective Monuments destroyed with the
Old Church which was burnt down
by lightning in 1779
Here also rests ELIZH. SMYTH Wife of the above named
JOHN SMYTH Esq., who died 22nd July 1786 Aged 75

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

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th October 1732

Reverend John Smyth of Lested, Chart next Sutton .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He orders that 5 shillings, from the 50 shillings, to be paid annually to Jane, wife of Thomas May of Chart, his parish Clerk, for her lifetime.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proved 9th December 1732

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

John Smyth of Chart next Sutton, Gentleman.

He desires to be buried in Chart churchyard.
All his debts to be first paid.
He gives 40 shillings to the poor of Chart.

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

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

He harges his land Boughton Malherbe and Headcorn, now let to [               ] Ringsby at £16 per annum, with payment of the £261 15s 11d.

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

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

To his eldest daughter Felicia Smyth, the large silver basin which was her aunt Osborne's , the silver pint drinking pot, his gold watch and the painted cabinet.
To his daughter Elizabeth Smyth, the largest silver salver and the old pair of ribbed ?, candlesticks.
To his daughter Anna Maria Smyth, the gold watch that was his late aunt, Elizabeth Smyth's , his 2 small silver salvers, the silver soup spoon and silver marrow spoon.
To his daughter Dorothea Smyth, his pint silver coffee pot, his pint silver saucepan and silver pap pan**
To his daughter Sarah Smyth, his ½ pint silver drinking pot, 2 silver cannisters and 2 of the silver spoons in use about the house.

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

His wife Elizabeth has had her jointure of his house and lands where he now lives in Chart, also of his Parsonage lease in Boughton Monchelsea, “yet my love and affection for her is so great, grounded upon the good opinion I have for her conduct and her tender regard for our dear children”, so he gives her, after his debts are paid, all the residue of his personal estate.
He nominates his wife his sole executor and guardian of his children and to provide care and tuition while they are minors.
If his wife should die before him and he has made no other will, then in that case, he appoints his brothers in law, Thomas Whitfeld, of Lincoln's Inn and Phillip Barton and his wife Felicia Barton, of Hatton Garden, to be guardians of his children and provide care and tuition for them and be joint executors, in trust, for them.

Witnesses: William Jarman Richard Rich Iden Huggins

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

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

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

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th November 1785

Elizabeth Smyth of Chart Sutton, Widow.

Her real and personal estate has been settled.

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

Witnesses William Charles Phillip Burton

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

The old churchyard

3. Headstone; Ashby

In
Loving Memory
of
STEPHEN ASHBY
Late Sergeant Major of the 51st K.O.L.L.
Who died August 12th 1879
Aged 58 Years
Also of SARAH ANN
Wife of the above
who died April 28th 1905
Aged 74 Years
Also of
The deceased Children of the above
AMELIA died April 15th 1881
Aged 13 Years

RHODA died July 17th 1883
Aged 20 Years
“He giveth his Beloved Sleep”

Principal Probate Registry Index

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

4. Headstone, Very Eroded; Bigg

[  ] of
RICHARD BIGG of this Parish
who departed this Life the 30th of
[    ] 179[5] Aged [ ]7 Years
[Also] RICHARD [Son of] ?
RICHARD BIGG [                 ]
the 2nd ? of February 1802
Aged [                        ]
[                           ]

5. Small Headstone; Bottel

Here
Lyeth the Body of
ALEXANDER BOTTEL
who departed this Life
[ ] January
[1702]* [            ]
and was buryed
the 4th of
February

* 1703 in the modern calendar

Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd September 1701

Alexander Bottle of Staplehurst, Yeoman.

He is “somewhat weak in body”.

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

To his brothers and sisters, Richard Bottle of Chart , Yeoman, William Bottle, Mary Bottle, Frances Bottle, Alice Earlie ?, (blot here), Elizabeth Rich and Sarah Bottle, £5 each.
To his sister (sic) Hester Tadman, £5. If any of these legatees should die before they can receive the legacy, their share to be equally shared by the survivors.

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

To his cousin (sic) Hester Tadman, a silver spoon and to each of his brothers and sisters, £5 each after his wife's death.

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

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

Inventory 19th May 1703 by Stephen Ades and John Fowle

Ready money and clothes            £4 0s 6d

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

In the Hall

A saddle, 2 panels, pair of gambadoes, a still, a beame and seales, a cupboard, a table, a pillion and cloth, 10 sarks, 2 wanties, a mathook, a pitcher, 2 spades, a shovel, a saw ?, 2 formes, a bindell, 2 spinning wheels and reel. £2 14s 3d

In the bunting house
A kneading trough, 2 brine tubs, a meale bag, 3 sieves, a table. £1 9s 4d

In the cellar
9 barrels, 2 staldens £1 1s 4d

In the Milkhouse
A table, a chair, 7 bowles, 2 milk pails, 3 milk keelers, a frying pan. 10S

In the brewhouse

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

In the hall chamber
A flock bed, 2 blankets, a rug, 4 pillows, a bolster, a bed steddle with matt, a cord curtain, vallence and rods ?, a side board, 2 joyned stools, 4 chairs, pair of bellows, 2 creepers. £3

In the kitchen chamber
2 flock beds, 2 boulsters, 2 pillows, 4 blankets, a coverlet,2 steddles, pair of curtains and vallence with matt(resses?), cards and rods ?, a chair, 3 chests, a box, a trunk, a brush, 10 pairs of sheets, dozen napkins, 4 pillow cloaks, 6 towels, 6 table cloths.    £10 4s

In the wash house chamber
A flock bed, a steddle, 3 blankets, with matt(ress) ?, and cord.        15S

In the buttery chamber
A flock bed, 2 blankets, a rug with matt and cord.                              12S

In the barn

18 seams of oats

8 10s

10 seams of wheat

10

9 acres of wheat upon the ground

16

28 sheep

12 12s

4 sheat hogs

32

2 fat oxen

22

3 cows and 2 calves

11

Hay

8

3 12 monthly calves

5

2 steers

5 10s

2 working oxen

10

1 horse and 2 mares

14

Husbandry tackle

10

In debts and desperate debts due to Bottle

110

Old lumber and things forgotten

6s 8d

Total

£278 15s 9d

6. Headstone and Body Stone; Boulden

In Memory of
DAVID BOULDEN
late of Chatham Son of
DAVID and SARAH BOULDEN who died
September [ ] 1790 Aged [ ] Years

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

7. Headstone; Brooks

[                            ]
SAMUEL BROOKS
Son of EDWARD and
ELIZH. BROOKS who
died Jany the 18th 1787
Aged [ ]1 Years
Also JOHN BROOKS
Son of the above said
EDWD. & ELIZH. BROOKS
died August the 20th 1793

8. Headstone; Brooks

In Memory of
THOMAS Son of
ANTHONY and [          ]
BROOKS died May 19th ?
1787 Aged 7 ? Years
(4 lines of worn verses)

9. Headstone; Brooks

In Memory of MARTHA
Daughter of CHARLES
and MARTHA BROOKS
of this Parish who died
March 19th 1793
Aged 5 Years

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

10. Headstone; Brooks

Sacred
to the Memory of
EDWARD BROOKS
of this Parish
who died August 16th 1865
Aged 73 Years
Also SOPHIA Wife of the
above who died April 23rd
1854 Aged 56 Years

The 1861 Census records Edward Brooks as a Carpenter

Principal Probate Registry Index

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

11. Headstone; Buss, Vinson

In
Memory of ELIZABETH
Wife of SAMUEL BUSS
of this Parish who died
May 16th ? 1828 Aged 25 Years
Also ELIZABETH second
Wife of the above who died
June 5th 1846 Aged 40 Years
Also of the above
SAMUEL BUSS
who died January 8th 1889
in his 86th Year
Also of SUSANNA VINSON
second Daughter of the above
Born March 18th 182[ ]
Died May 6th 1901

Principal Probate Registry Index

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

12. Headstone, Very Worn; Chainey

To the Memory of
ANN Wife of
THOMAS CHAINEY
of this Parish
[Late] of Headcorn
who died July 6th 1840
in the 57th Year of her Age
Also the above named
THOMAS CHAINEY
who died Jany. 14Th ? 1853
Aged [87] Years

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

13. Headstone; Damant

In Memory of
ANN DAMANT Wife of
THOMAS DAMANT
who departed this Life the 23th of
December 1805 Aged 18 Years
“Enough cold stone
“Word are [            ]
Temples [             ]
And [                       ]
But [                ]
Eternity [                 ]”

14. Headstone; Daw

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

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 26th September 1777

George Daw, Carpenter, now living at Marden.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Witnesses: Bartholomew Swan Josiah Williams

Proved 31st May 1780

15. Headstone; Dennis

In Memory of
ESTHER DENNIS
late of this Parish
who died the 18th of July
1817 Aged 78 Years

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

16. Headstone; Dray

“In the Midst of Life we are in Death”

In Affectionate Remembrance of
WILLIAM DRAY
of this Parish
who died Sept. 30ᵗʰ 1871
Aged 56 Years
Leaving FRANCES his Widow,
three Sons and one Daughter
(Viz) WILLIAM, JOHN, RICHARD
and FRANCES
to Lament their Loss
“God doth not always warning gives,
take heed, then, how you daily live”
Also the above
FRANCES DRAY
who died March 23ʳᵈ 1887
Aged 72 Years
Also of HARRIET
eldest Daughter of the above
who died July 12ᵗʰ 1871
Aged 28 Years

Principal Probate Registry Index

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

17. Headstone; Eagles

Sacred
to the Memory of
WILLIAM EAGLES
died August [ ] 1831
Aged 5 ? Months
Also MARY ANN EAGLES
died Jan. 24ᵗʰ 184[0]
Aged [15] [Years]
Also JEMIMA EAGLES
died June [ ] 184[1]
Aged 16 Months
Also ELIZ. EAGLES
died April [ ] 184[8]
Aged [15] Years
Also WILLIAM EAGLES
died [December 1850]
[Aged 5 Weeks]

18. Headstone; Earl

Badly flaking and obscured by lichen.

[ ]
[THOMAS] EARL
Yeoman who departed this Life
May the 6ᵗʰ ? 1772
[ ]
Also of M[ARTHA EARL] ? Widow
[of THOMAS [EARL]] [ ]
[ ]

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

Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 21ˢᵗ April 1772

Thomas Earle, Senior, of Chart next Sutton Valence, Yeoman.

He is weak in body.

His debts and funeral costs to be first paid.

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

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

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

To his son Thomas, the residue of ready money, bills, bonds, debts owed and securities for money, not before bequeathed.
Also to Thomas, all household goods and chattels, hay, fodder, corn and grain, stock, cattle, hops, hop poles, wagons, carts, carriages and husbandry tackle, (the furniture of 1 room excepted).

He appoints his son Thomas, his sole executor.

Witnesses: Nicholas Springett, John Marsh, John Rayner

Proved June 2ⁿᵈ 1772

EARL see TRIGG

FILMER see SMYTH

19. Headstone; Fleet

[ ]
ELIZABETH ANN Wife of
JOHN [F]LEET of this Parish
who died [Sept.] 27th ? 1844 Aged [7]8 Years
Also the said JOHN FLEET
who died Sept. 25th 1848
Aged 85 Years
Also SARAH Daughter of JOHN and
ELIZABETH FLEET of this Parish
who died [ ] July 1833 Aged 33 Years
Also SAMUEL JOHN their Son
who died July 25th 1833 Aged 27 Years

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

20. Headstone; Fleet

Sacred
to the Memory of
JOHN FLEET
of this Parish
who departed ths Life
Dec 17th 1872
Aged 77 Years
“A Meek and Lowly Disciple of the Lord Jesus”

21. Headstone; Foord

In
Remembrance of
THOMAS FOORD
who died November 14th 1852
Aged 37 Years
Also of
THOMAS Son of the above
who died August 23rd 1851
Aged 10 Years
“Though Lost to Sight, to Memory Dear”
Also of
MARGARET Daughter of the above
who died August 30th 1889
Aged 44 Years
Also of MARY ELIZABETH
Wife of the above
who entered into Rest
on the 25th October 1897
in her 79th Year

22. Double Headstone; Fowle

Here Here

Lyes ye Body Lyes ye Body

of MARTHA of JOHN

Wife of JOHN FOWLE

FOWLE who departed this Life June

who departed [ ] in ye Year

this Life May 11ᵗʰ ? of our Lord

in ye Year of 1713

our Lord in ye 77ᵗʰ Year

1698 in ye 54ᵗʰ of his Age

Year of her Age

23. Headstone; Fowle

Here
lies the Body
of WILL. FOWLE
of Chatham
Wheelwright who
departed this Life
Decemr. ye 2ⁿᵈ 1725
in the 40ᵗʰ Year
of his Age

Inventory of William Fowle, 8ᵗʰ December 1725

Appraised by Henry Coulter and William Smith, endorsed by Richard Fowle.

His clothes and ready money: = £10

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

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

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

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

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

Best Chamber:
Old bedstead, mats and cord, curtains, flock bed, quilt, 2 blankets, 2 bolsters, 2 pillows, chest of drawers, 2 silver spoons, 5 pairs of sheets, 2 table clothes, 2 pillow bears, 4 trowels ?, 2 chairs, (blot): = £7 1s (blot)

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

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

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

Trifling things: = 12s

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

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

24. Chest Tomb; Fowle

(in need of repair)

North Side

Here Lyeth the Body of RICHARD
FOWLE, Yeo. who departed this Life
April the 30th 1751
Aged 77 Years

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

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

Richard Fowle of Linton, Gentleman.

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

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

To his nephews John and Daniel Ward, his 2 houses and land in Biddenden and the lawful heirs of their bodies. In default of such heirs, then to Francis Fowle, eldest son of Thomas Fowle of Egerton and his heirs, for ever, subject to the payment of an annuity of £9, as later directed.

To his nephew John Spong of Staplehurst, his house and land at Chart and Sutton Valence and his lawful heirs. In default of such heirs, then to Thomas Fowle, eldest son of Fancis Fowle of Egerton and his heirs, for ever, subject to the payment of an annuity of £9, as later directed. Francis Fowle of Egerton was tenant of testator's farm there, which he gives to Francis Fowle.

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

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

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

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

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

The following section is not clear:

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

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

To his nephew William Spong, £40.

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

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

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

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

Codicil 4th April 1751

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

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

He ratifies the rest of the will.

Witnesses: Thomas Charlton   H. Dalter

Proved 4th June 1751

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

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

25. Headstone; Fowle

Sacred
to the Memory of
MARGARET
Wife of GEORGE FOWLE
[of] Langley who died June 2[ ]
1832 Aged 76 Years
[Left issue] 1 Son and 1 Daughter
GEORGE ROBERT
( ? ) DOROTHY

The registers record Margaret Fowle's abode as Boughton

26. Headstone; Gransbury

Very worn.

Sacred
to the Memory of
JOHN GRANSBURY
of this Parish
who departed this Life
July 21ˢᵗ 1837
Aged 37 Years

27. Headstone; Grant

In Memory of
RICHARD GRANT of this Parish
who died April the 1ˢᵗ 1807
Aged 51 Years
Left two Daughters ELIZH and MARY
“( ) shall slumber in the ground,
Till the last Trumpet’s Joyful Sound,
( ) the ( )”
(                                                            )”

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th February 1805

Robert Grant of Chart next Sutton Valence, Gentleman.

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

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

He gives Richard Masters and Elizabeth Hills, £200, upon trust, to invest in the government funds or other good securities. Elizabeth Hills to have the dividends for her lifetime and after her death, upon trust for the benefit of the children of Elizabeth Hills, Elizabeth and Mary Hills, of whom he is the reputed father.
When they are both 21 or on the day of their marriage, if earlier, they to share equally the fund. In the meantime the dividends to be used for their maintenance and education.

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

Witnesses: Charles Topping Harriot Walker

Proved 26th May 1807

(See the will of Elizabeth Hills)

28. Headstone; Grant

Erected to the Memory of
THOMAS GRANT
of the Parish of Langley
who departed this Life January the 2nd
1812 Aged 63 Years
Left issue 2 Sons (Viz) THOMAS & JOHN
Also ANN GRANT Wife of the above
THOMAS GRANT who departed this
Life December the 17th 1813
Aged 61 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th May 1812

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

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

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

Witnesses: John James Cooke William Giles

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

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

29. Headstone; Grant

In Memory of
JOHN GRANT
Son of
THOMAS and ANN GRANT
of the Parish of Langley
who departed this Life
January 26ᵗʰ 1823
Aged 23 Years

30. Large Grey Ledger; Grant

Beneath
are deposited the Remains of
EMILY Daughter of
THOMAS & SUSANNA GRANT
of Sutton Valence
who died March 1ˢᵗ 1846
Aged 14 Years

Also the above named
THOMAS GRANT
who died December 5ᵗʰ 1861
Aged 65 Years

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

Also
ANN GRANT
Daughter of the above
THOMAS and SUSANNA GRANT
who died June 13ᵗʰ 1891
Aged 63 Years

1861 Census

Thomas Grant is recorded as a Retired Farmer

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

Thomas Grant of Sutton Valence, Esquire.

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

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

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

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

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

They to lay out enough money to fund an annuity of £200, to be paid to his wife for life, as long as she remains his widow and unmarried.............................
If she does remarry, then she to have an annuity of £100, for life, free from the interests or control of any husband, the other £100 is to fall into his residuary personal and real estate.

His real and personal estate, held in trust, is for the benefit of his sons Thomas and John and his daughters Susanna wife of Richard Hart and Ann Grant, equally shared.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He has, for some time, received from his son Thomas, interest at 4% in lieu of the 5% originally secured by the said securities, on the sum of £7,700 (part of the £12,000). His trustees can continue to receive the 4% interest on the whole sum of £12,000 or so much as remains.......................

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

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

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

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

He had appointed his son John as one of his trustees and executors.
Now, he revokes this appointment and appoints his wife Susanna and his nephew Thomas Kipping of Maidstone, Solicitor to be his executors and trustees, jointly with William Pettenden Shirley.
The rest of the will is ratified.

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

Affidavit 27th January 1862

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

Principal Probate Registry Index

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

Administration granted to Robert Petman Grant of Maidstone, Distiller* and Walter Grant of 14 Waterloo Place, London, Commercial Clerk, the nephews. Value of personal estate £3,166 0s 5d.

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

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

HADAWAY see WALL

31. Headstone; Hills

Sacred
to the Memory of
ELIZABETH HILLS
of this Parish who died Jan. 1st ?
1831 Aged 70 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th December 1814

Elizabeth Hills of Sutton Valence, Single Woman.

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

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

Witnesses: Thomas Simmonds Stephen Lamprey, Solicitor, Maidstone.

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