Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights

Medieval & Later Kent P.C.C. & C.C.C. Wills Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) - Index of names                          - Transcribed by D.E. Williams. Prepared for the website by Pat Tritton Wills of 17th Century Chatham Shipwrights    Wills of 19th Century Chatham Shipwrights    Wills of Rochester Shipwrights 1652-1837

Surname	Christian name	Age	Place	Occupation	Date of Will	No.
ALLOWAY	Richard Boake		of Chatham	shipwright	24-10-1752	01
ATKINS	Benjamin		of Chatham	shipwright	08-02-1715	02
BAKER	William		of Chatham	shipwright	25-11-1791	03
BALL	Nathaniel		of Chatham	shipwright	25-05-1735	04
BATTEN	John		of Chatham	shipwright	10-03-1760	05
BEVERSTOCK	Daniel		of Chatham	shipwright	13-04-1763	06
BOND	John		of Chatham	shipwright	20-12-1717	07
BOURN	Abel		of Chatham	shipwright	12-08-1742	08
BRAMES or BRAMS	Daniel		of Chatham	shipwright	02-11-1791	09
BUCK	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	17-12-1784	10
BUTLER	John		of Chatham	shipwright	25-06-1728	11
CHAPPELL	Robert	74?	of Chatham	shipwright	26-03-1762	12
CHARLTON	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	10-10-1729	13
CLARK	John		of Brompton	shipwright	17-09-1782	14
COLE	Edward		of Chatham	shipwright	06-04-1768	15
CROOKENDEN	John		of Chatham	shipwright	26-06-1734	16
CROOKENDEN	John		of Chatham	shipwright	01-06-1784	17
CROWCHER	John		of Chatham	shipwright	27-08-1793	18
DADD	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	07-02-1782	19
DADD	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	17-03-1788	20
DAFFORNE	John		of Chatham	shipwright	10-08-1795	21
DIPROSE	William		of Chatham	shipwright	13-08-1767	22
DUN or DUNN	James		of Chatham	shipwright	06-03-1755	23
EASTWOOD	Francis		of Chatham	shipwright	07-03-1728	24
FOX	William		of Chatham	shipwright	03-02-1729	25
GEORGE	William		of Chatham	shipwright	30-08-1781	26
GRAY	David		of Chatham	shipwright	23-09-1710	27
GRIMYEAR	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	21-06-1742	28
HALL	George		of Chatham	shipwright	26-02-1709	29
HANDLEY	Charles		of Chatham	shipwright	03-03-1713	30
HARGOOD	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	20-05-1727	31
HILL	William		of Chatham	shipwright	27-05-1791	32
HOPLEY	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	28-01-1788	33
HOPPER	Ralph		of Chatham	shipwright	11-10-1762	34
HULBURT or HULBARD	Henry		of Chatham	shipwright	15-05-1710	35
JARMON or JARMAN	James	59	of Chatham	shipwright	08-10-1751	36
JERMAN	John		of Chatham	shipwright	03-05-1726	37
KEIGWIN	Edward		of Chatham	shipwright	05-05-1781	38
KING	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	15-01-1795	39
LANDEN	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	15-12-1788	40
LOVELL	William		of Chatham	shipwright	28-01-1785	41
MARTIN	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	23-02-1779	42
PARRY	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	01-06-1778	43
PAVIER	David		of Chatham	shipwright	17-01-1746	44
PINNEY	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	01-09-1713	45
POOLEY	John		of Chatham	shipwright	23-12-1706	46
RANWORTH	John		of Chatham	shipwright	03-09-1717	47
RAYDEN	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	08-06-1781	48
ROBINSON	John		of Chatham	shipwright	02-09-1724	49
STUBBS	John		of Chatham	shipwright	30-07-1799	50
TAPLEY	William		of Brompton	shipwright	12-06-1774	51
TAYLOR	John		of Chatham	shipwright	19-12-1763	52
TUSON	Francis		of Chatham	shipwright	18-12-1759	53
WALL	William		of Chatham	shipwright	20-02-1710	54
WATSON	Abel		of Chatham	shipwright	06-11-1795	55
WEST	Thomas Tomlyn		of Chatham	shipwright	03-07-1777	56
WHITEHEAD	Thomas		of Chatham	shipwright	28-08-1739	57
WILKINS	Joshua		of Chatham	shipwright	30-05-1780	58
WYE	Richard		of Chatham	shipwright	22-09-1727	59
Surname	Christian name	Age	Place	Occupation	Date of Will	No.

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

Names Acworth 21 Allard 13 Alloway 1 Ardrin 25 Atkins 2 Austen 23 Baker 3, 8, 28, 37, 53 Ball 4 Banks 36 Barling 21 Barnard 16 Barnes 36 Batten 5, 51 Baxter 49 Beaumont 15 Beech 16 Beet 18 Belshar 56 Bennett 30 Beresford 36 Berry 33 Best 18, 24, 47 Beverstock 6 Bigg 42 Bingle 48 Blogg 30 Blye 17 Boake 1 Boddicoate 31 Boddycoate 24 Bond 7 Bonnick 44 Boucher 52 Boulter 24 Bourn 8 Bower 3 Brames 9 Brett 31 Britcher 11 Broad 22 Brook 12 Brown 8 Buck 10 Buckwell 30 Bulfinch 45 Bull 46 Bunyan 28 Burkett 13 Butler 11, 30 Callis 54 Campbell 58 Campion 46 Carpenter 10, 15 Carr 29, 36 Chalton 34 Chamblin 41 Champnurs 24 Chant 16, 17 Chappell 12 Charles 51 Charlton 13 Clark 14 Cleever 8 Clements 36 Codd 2, 47 Cole 15 Coleman 37 Collins 33, 42 Comferry 28 Conquest 55 Cornish 34 Craddock 49* Crookenden 16, 17 Crowcher 18 Currey 57

Dadd 19, 20, 33, 34, 38 Daffon 52 Dafforne 20, 21 Dale 23 Dalling 30 Daniel 34 Dann 51 Davis 10 Davison 13 Day 23 de Rossing 18 Demetrius 36 Dickeson 30 Diggins 36 Diprose 22 Doyle 25 Duer 44 Duery 4 Dun 23 Duncan 38 Dunn 10, 23 Eastwood 24 Edgecombe 51 Edmeads 29 Edwards 23, 48 Engelbech 26 Enon 15 Estrey 36 Eueans 1 Everard 13 Eversfield 31, 54 Featherstone 21 Fisher 56 Follander 11 Foreman 41 Fox 7, 25 Frankes 39 Franklin 21 Fuller 55 Gardiner 9 Garrard 46 George 26 Gilbert 45, 55 Goodwin 5 Grace 8 Grant 14 Gray 27, 30 Greet 52 Grimyear 28 Grove 49 Gunn 41 Guy 15 Hadley 21 Haite 53 Hall 5, 19, 29 Handley 30 Hargood 31, 49 Harris 5 Harrison 33 Hartroup 2 Hartrup 49 Hayler 18 Heneker 7 Henly 59 Henwood 30 Heptden 51 Herringham Hill 14, 32 Holjombe 59 Hook 15 Hopkins 10 Hopley 33 Hopper 34, 52, 56 Hoyn 30 Hudder 44 Hulburt 35 Hutton 18

ifling? 37 Jack 10 Jarman 36, 52 Jarrett 15 Jefferys 21 Jenks 27 Jerman 37 Johnson 6, 11, 13, 27, 42 Jonas 54 Jones 10 Joye 5 Keate 53 Keigwin 38 Kennard 17 Kennett 40 Kentish 18 Kettle 18 King 39 Kirby 35 Kirby 42 Kitson 50 Landen 40 Lane 31 Langton 22 Large 51 Lawson 8 Lee 35 Lovell 41 Mackie 18 MacMurrey 13 Maplesden 36 Mapleston 23 Markham 33 Marshall 43 Martin 30, 32, 42, 48 Masterman 18 McClorklen 49 Middlesmore 21 Miller 19 Mills 36 Mitton 52 Moorcock 31 Moorton 16 Morgan 55 Munns 49 Nearne 49 Norden? 22 Paine 37 Palmer 15 Panck? 6 Park 58 Parry 43 Pavier 44 Pearne 5 Peckham 51 Perriman 9 Pett 15 Petty 36 Phillips 8, 33 Pierce 36 Pinney 45 Polhill 36 Pooley 46 Pounraby? 46 Prall 50 Pratt 27 Purkett 52 Ranworth 47

Rayden 48 Read 36 Reed 13 Reeve 13 Reynolds 46 Rickhan? 40 Rickkon? 40 Robbins 1 Robinson 37, 49 Rogers 27, 54 Romney 24 Ronsel 36 Rook 30 Rosewell 35 de Rossing 18 Rowe 25 Ruggells 46 Russell 22, 42 Rutton 29 Shafter 7, 47 Shaw 11, 15, 36 Sheaf 36 Sheafe 30, 31, 45, 49 Silverton 18 Simkid? 29 Smith 6, 12, 33, 36, 54 Sommerton 14, 15, 18, 34 Sommey? 39 Spray 14, 53 Staff 9 Stanton 57 Staples 43 Starkes 30 Steer 30 Stephens 14, 55 Stubbs 50 Sturges 30 Sturgis 51 Tame 33 Tapley 15, 51 Taylor 21, 35, 52 Teale 26 Thomas 12, 27 Tissell 15 Tomlyn 56 Turner 13, 39 Tuson 53 Urivint? 18 Waite 13 Waldron 9 Walker 46 Wall 43, 54 Wallis 21, 55 Ward 20 Ware 52 Warner 24, 37 Warren 36 Warrington 12 Watson 55 Watts 10 Webb 30 Weeks 3 Wellings 57 West 56 Westhorpe 52 Weybourne 13 White 37 Whitehead 57 Wibley 50 Wilcocke 46 Wilkins 4, 7, 27, 32, 43, 58 Willes 2, 52 Williams 22 Wilson 10, 31, 49 Winder 50 Wise 51 Withard 59 Wood 30 Worth 54 Wright 23 Wyatt 9 Wye 59

Places Bray, Berks 21 Brompton 15, 51, 52    Middle Street 11, 14, 51    Westcourt Street 17 Burwash, Sussex 51 Canterbury 30 Chatham 1, 15, 47, 49, 50, 52, 55    Chatham Street 45    Holbourne Lane 32    King Street 52    Kings Street 21    Queen Street 13    Smithfield Bank 10, 30, 45    the Brook 45    Westcourt Street 30 Cliffe 36 Darenth 49

Deptford 16, 18, 27, 50    Flaggonroe 54    Kingstreet 7    lower Deptford 49    Saint Paul 57 East Greenwich 7 East Indies 4 Frindsbury 51    Wainscot 51 Gillingham 14, 15, 43    golden lion 41 Gosport, Southampton 24 Gravesend 29 Halstow, Hoo, Frindsbury & Stoke    Shard Marsh Polhills Marsh and    Little Noven? 8 Harrietsham? 42 Herne Hill, Canterbury 30

London 30, 41, 44    Bishopsgate Street 36    East Smithfield 46    Ropemakers Fields Limehouse      Hole Middlesex 15    St. Euly's? Street 30    Saint George in the East 5    Westminster Middlesex 15    Stafford Street 21 Marden 42 Margate 33 Mediterranean 44 Portsmouth yard 36 Rochester 13, 30, 50, 56    St. Nicholas White Horse Lane 45    St. Margaret’s 49    St Margaret's St Margaret's Bank 30 Sandwich 49 Sheerness 52 Sheerness Blue Houses 17 Stoake (Stoke) Kent 13 Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire 15 Strood 8, 52 Woolwich 33

Miscellaneous apprentice 30, 31 apprenticeship 15 attorney 47, 50, 55 attorney at law 29 barber 36 blacksmith 27 boats 59 boatswain 13 bookes 31 books Doctor Gillie's works     Dean Prideaux's works 21 bookseller 56 brazier 51 bread for poor widows 36 brewer 30 Captain 44, 45 carpenter 19, 35, 49, 50, 54 carpenters' crew 16 cheesemonger 23 clerk 55 clerke 13, 29

coal merchant 15 cooper 55 cordwainer 33, 50 corker 29 draper 55 dyer 30 fisherman 30 gardener 30 grocer overseers 13 gunner 36 hatter 30 house carpenter 14, 30 instruments 31 joiner 15 joyner 27

labourer 33, 36 leiut. 59 man of war 36 marriner 28, 49 master 59 master carpenter 24 model of fifty guns with    a case 15 notary public 46 Portsmouth yard 36 Public house 7 ropemaker 15 sadler 15, 50 sailmaker 5, 52 salesman 31 schoolmaster 15 servant 57

ships    HMS The Emerald 50    HMS Essex 35    HMS Grafton 28    HMS Kinsale 59    HMS Newark 36    HMS Queen 54    HMS Royal Sovereign 49    HMS? The Princess                Louisa 16    HMS Sandwich 24    Houghton 4    The Nassau 57    Warwick galley 44    merchant ship?      Princess Louisa 4 shipwright 1, 14, 15, 33, 36,    43, 51, 52, 56 shipwrights' club 41 shoemaker 30 silversmith 36 tallow chandler 36 tooles 31 waterman 16, 41 yeoman 36, 51

Richard Boake Alloway, 24-10-1752

Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard Boake ALLOWAY - 1752 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Boake Alloway of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright this twelth day of February one thousand seven hundred and thirty six being of sound mind and memory and not knowing how it may please God to deal with me but considering the uncertainty of this transistory life do make and declare these presents to contain my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first and principally I comend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping to be saved through the merits death passion resurrection of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and my body to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and all such wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattels and estate whatsoever where with at the time of my decease I shall be possessed or invested or which shall then belong or of right appertain unto me I do give devise and bequeath unto my loving wife Martha Alloway whom I do likewise hereby nominate and appoint sole executrix of this my last will and testament and do revoke all former wills and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and do ordain these presents to stand and be for and as my last will and testament for ever witness my hand and seal the day and year first above written Richd. Boake Alloway signed sealed published delivered in the presence of us who have hereunto set our names in the presence and at the request of the said testator Tho. Robbins Jno. Herringham Thomsien Eueans Benjamin Atkins, 08-02-1715 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Benjamin ATKINS - 1715 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The sixteenth day of November in the first year of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord George by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith anno domini 1714. I Benjamin Atkins of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in perfect? and bodily health and not knowing how it may please God to deal with me hereafter but considering the uncertainty of this present transistory life do make and declare these presents to contain my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping to be saved through the merritts death passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ my only Savoiour and my body to the earth I comit to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named item all and singular such wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever wherewith at the time of my decease I shall be possessed or invested or which shall then belong or of right appertain unto me I do give devise and bequeath unto my dear and loving wife Elizabeth Atkins her heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby make and ordain her my said wife Elizabeth full and sole executrix of this my present last will and testament and do revoke all former wills and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and do ordain these presents to stand and be for and as my last will and testament for ever in witness my hand and seal the day and year first above written Benj. Atkins signed sealed published and delivered in the presence of Wm. Hartroup Margaret Willes Edwd. Codd Proved 8th February 1715 (1716) William Baker, 25-11-1791 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William BAKER - 1791 This is the last will and testament of me William Baker of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright made published and declared this fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one in manner and form following (that is to say) all and every my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever which I shall be possessed of or intitled unto at the time of my decease (from and after payment of all my just debts and funeral expences) I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my wife Mary to and for her own use and benefit absolutely and I do hereby make ordain nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Mary sole executrix of this my will and hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made I declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said William Baker the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written William Baker signed sealed published and declared by the said William Baker the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto W. Weeks William Bower Proved 25th November 1791 Nathaniel Ball, 25-05-1735 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Nathaniel BALL 1735 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Nathaniel Ball of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright now carpenter's mate of the good ship Houghton bound to the East Indies being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perills and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life (do for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all such wages which is now or shall hereafter become due and payable unto me on board the said ship or any other ship ships or vessells whatsoever and also all such wages summe and summes of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my honoured mother Grace Ball of Gosport in the county of Hampshire widow and I hereby nominate and appoint my said mother Grace Ball my sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of October anno dni. 1731 and in the fifth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Second by the grace of God over Great Britain etc. Nathl. Ball signed sealed published and delivered in the presence of Wm. Wilkins Step. Duery Proved 23rd May 1735 Admin. granted to Phineas Ball son and attorney of Grace Ball mother and executrix of Nathaniel Ball late of the merchant ship Princess Louisa batchelor for the benefit and use of Grace Ball John Batten, 10-03-1760 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John BATTEN 1760 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Jno. Batten senior of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in bodily health and sound disposing mind do publish and declare this to be my last will and testament first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be interred in a decent manner next I will and bequeath to my son Jno. Batten the sum of two hundred and ten pounds and one silver tankard next I will and bequeath unto my son Edward Batten the sum of two hundred and ten pounds next I will and bequeath to my daughter Mary Batten the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds likewise to my daughter Mary Batten I will and bequeath all my household furniture linen and woollen etc. likewise to my son Jno. Batten and my son Edward Batten I will and bequeath all my wearing apparell linen and woollen to be equally divided between them likewise my will is that the profits arising from my servant in Chatham yard to be equally divided between my son Jno. Batten and my son Edward Batten and my daughter Mary Batten and after a decent internment of my body my will is that all moneys that shall remain over and above the above said legacies shall be equally divided between my sons John Edward and Mary Batten I do hereby ordain and ratify this to be my last will and testament and do hereby appoint and nominate my son John Batten Edward Batten and Mary Batten to be joint executors to this my last will and testament to see it executed in six months after date if it can be done with conveniency I do hereby renonce all other wills testaments deeds of gifts etc. in witness whereof to this said will I have set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of August 1759 and in the [twenty third] year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Second over Great Britain etc. Jno. Batten senior signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Jno. Joye Affidavit dated 10th May 1760 Appeared personally John Pearne of the parish of Saint George in the East in the county of Middlesex sailmaker and being sworn on the holty evangelists to depose the truth and deposed as follows to wit that he hath known and been well acquainted with John Batten senior of the town of Chatham in the county of Kent deceased for forty years and upwards before and to the time of his death and with his manner and character of handwriting having often seen him write and subscribe his name and the sd, John Pearne having carefully viewed and perused the paper writing hereunto annexed purporting to be the last will and testament of the said deceased beginning thus "in the name of God amen I Jno. Batten senior of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright" and ending thus "in witness wherof to this said will I have set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of August 1759 in ye [    ] year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Second over Great Britain etc." and thus subscribed "Jno. Batten senior" doth in his conscience verily believe that all the said will saving the name "Jno. Joye" thereto subscribed as witness and also the subscription thereto "Jno. Batten senior" and also the words "signed sealed and delivered in the presence" was and is all of the proper handwriting of him the said John Batten senior deceased John Pearne the day aforesaid the said John Pearne was sworn on the truth of the premises by me Geo. Harris surrogate prest. Edwd. Goodwin noty. pub. Proved 10th March 1760 power reserved to Mary Batten Daniel Beverstock, 13-04-1763 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Daniel BEVERSTOCK  1763 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Daniel Beverstock of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life (do for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all and every my pay wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattells and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my loving daughter Elizabeth Beverstock her heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby nominate and appoint Robert Smith of Chatham aforesaid shipwright sole executor and guardian to my said daughter during her minority of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven and in the thirtieth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Second over Great Britain etc. Danl. Beverstock signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Caroline Panck? Thos. Johnson Proved 13th April 1763 John Bond, 20-12-1717 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John BOND  1719 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Bond of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being aged and infirm of body but of sound mind memory and understanding do for the quieting of my mind and for the settling and disposeing of that estate it hath pleased Almighty God of his mercy to bestow on me make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and forme following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merritts mediation and intercession of my Lord and savioiur Jesus Christ and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my one executrix hereafter named item I give devise and bequeath all that my messuage tenement or dwelling house with the yard backside garden and appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying and being in a certain street called Kingstreet in the parish of Deptford in the said conty of Kent late in the occupation of Elizabeth Fox widow since deced but now in the occupation of one Wilkins who useth the same as a public house and all my estate right title and interest of in and to the same and all other my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments situate lying and being in the parish of Deptford as aforesaid or east Greenwich in the said county of Kent unto my dear and loving wife Sarah Bond and to her heires and assignes for ever item I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife Sarah Bond and to her heires executors administrators and assignes for ever all and every my ready money debts creditts arrears of rent of superannuation plate rings linnen woollen bedding pewter brass household goods utensils of household and other goods and chattells whatsoever and wheresoever whereof or wherein I shall be anyway possessed of interested in or intitled unto at the time of my decease and of this my said last will and testement I do make constitute nominate ordain and appoint my said loving wife Sarah Bond sole executor or executrix hereby revoking and making void all and all manner of former and other wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I the said John Bond have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this present seventeeneth day of August 1706 and in the fifth year of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lady Queen Anne I John Bond signed sealed and delivered published and declared by the said John Bond as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have set our hands as witnesses hereto John Heneker Henry Paul Rich. Shafter Proved 20th December 1717 Abel Bourn, 12-08-1742 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Abel BOURN  1742 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Abel Bourn of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament whereas I have by a recovery passed by me in the court of common pleas at Westminster in Hillary Term last past docked barred and cutt of all estate tail and remainder of and in all those four messuages or tenements and four gardens thereunto belonging with the appurtenances situate and being in the parish of Strood in the said county of Kent and now or late in the tenure or occupation of Richard Phillips William Baker [     ] Brown widow and [    ] Lawson widow and also all that the moiety or undivided half part of one messuage one barn one stable one lodge sixteen acres of meadow sixteen acres of arable seven acres of woodland called the deans one ? orchard and one garden with their and every of their appurtenances and also all that the moiety or undivided half part of all those three marshes and marsh grounds commonly called or known by the several names of Shard Marsh Polhills Marsh and Little Noven ? containing by estimation one hundred and seventy four acres together with the moiety or undivided half part of one barn one stable and sheephouse thereupon erected and built all which said messuages lands tenements and premisses are situate lying and being in the several hundreds parishes precincts and territories of Stoke High Halstow Hoo and Frindsbury in the said county of Kent I dispose thereof as followeth I give devise and bequeath unto my loving wife Ann all the said four messuages or tenements and gardens thereunto belonging with the appurtenances situate in Strood aforesaid and also all that moiety or one undivided half part of the said messuage barn stable lodge meadow arable and woodland one orchard and garden with their and every of their appurtenances and also the moiety or undivided half part of the said marshes and marsh grounds together with the moiety or undivided half part of the said barn stable sheephouse to hold to my said wife her heirs and assigns for ever and I do also give devise and bequeath unto my said wife all my estate of what nature or kind soever which I shall be possessed of or in any wise intitled unto at the time of my death and I do nominate and appoint extrix. of this my last will hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made in witness whereof I the said testator Abel Bourn have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of February one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight A. Bourn signed sealed published and declared by the said testator Abel Bourn as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have set our hands in his presence and at his request as witnesses hereunto Elizabeth Grace Mo. Grace Jno. Cleever Proved 12th August 1742 Daniel Brames, 02-11-1791 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Daniel BRAMES or BRAMS  1791 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Daniel Brames shipwright of His Majesty's yard at Chatham being of sound mind memory and understanding (blessed be Almighty God for the same) but considering the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I desire to be decently buried at the discretion of my executor hereinafter named and whereas I am possessed of six hundred and three quarters of an hundred stock in the four per cent annuities consolidated at the Bank of England I give and bequeath the interest of six hundred of the said stock unto my beloved wife Mary Brames during her natural life and after her decease unto my sister in law Ann Brames widow of my brother John Brames deceased during her natural life and after her decease I give and bequeath four hundred of the said stock unto my niece Hannah Brames daughter of my said brother John Brames and the interest of two hundred of the said stock unto my brother Abraham Brames and Susannah Brames his wife during their or either of their natural lives then I give and bequeath the said two hundred stock to my niece Hannah Brames aforesaid but in case of the death of my said niece Hannah Brames (before the decease of my aforesaid wife Mary Brames and sister in law Susannah Brames ) leaving no child or children then I give and bequeath four hundred of the said stock to my brother Abraham Brames aforesaid and two hundred of the said stock to my brother Peter Brames but in case my said niece Hannah Brames leave a child or children then to such child or children I also give and beqeath unto my niece Judith Staff wife of Leonard Staff the sum of ten pounds lawful money of Great Britain to be paid as soon as conveniently may be after my decease I also give and bequeath unto my brother Peter Brames and his wife to my brother Abrahm Brames and his wife and to my brother in law John Gardiner and his wife each of them a mourning ring I also give and bequeath unto my brother Abraham Brames aforesaid such of my clothes and wearing apparel as he may think proper to take and with respect to the three quarters of a hundred stock above mentioned that still remains undisposed of I give and bequeath the same unto my beloved wife Mary Brames aforesaid to answer any particular purpose she may stand in need of and as to the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate whether money goods plate linen china money due to me in His Majesty's yard club money and every thing belonging to me of what kind or nature soever (after my funeral charges and just debts are paid) I give and bequeath the same unto my beloved wife Mary Brames aforesaid and I do also appoint my aforesaid brother Abraham Brames executor of this my will and do declare this to be my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of July in the thirty first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one Daniel Brames signed sealed published and declared by the within mentioned Daniel Brames the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us John Waldron Saml. Neale Wyatt John Perriman Proved 2nd November 1791 Richard Buck, 17-12-1784 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard BUCK  1784 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Buck of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and perfect mind memory and understanding do revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made or published and do hereby make publishe and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) I give and bequeath to my brother Benjamin Buck one pound one shilling of lawful money of Great Britain item to my sister Priscilla Wilson widow one pound one shilling of lawful money of Great Britain and I give and devise all my share proportion and interest in all of those several messuages or tenements with the several yards backsides gardens or grounds alley ways liberties priviledges hereiditaments and appurtenances to them severally belonging situate lying and being in or near Smithfield Bank in the parish of Chatham aforesaid and now in the possession of myself and my brother Benjamin Buck and in the several occupations of Henry Carpenter Stephen Watts Robert Wilson John Jones and Daniel Dunn their assigns and under tenants and all other my real estate whatsoever which I shall died seized of unto the use of my beloved wife Ann Buck and to her respective heirs and assigns for ever item all and every of my ready money securities for money debts credits and chattells and personal estate whatsoever which I shall die possessed of or entitled unto (after payment of my just debts and funeral charges) I give and bequeath unto my said beloved wife Ann Buck her executors and administrators and I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Ann Buck sole executrix of this my will and declare this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty forth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four Richd. Buck signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Buck the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto Phoebe Hopkins Naomi Davis John Jack Proved 17th December 1784 John Butler, 25-06-1728 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John BUTLER  1728 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Butler of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being aged but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner forme following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merits & mediation of Jesus Christ my Savoiour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buryed at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named and as to my wordly estate I dispose thereof as followeth item I give and bequeath unto my son John Butler one shilling only he being to have and enjoy some reall estate after my now wife's decease which was left him by his uncle Thomas Shaw and which will make my said son John equall with what I shall leave to and amongst my other children item I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Butler one shilling only he my said son Robert being likewise to have and enjoy some reall estate after my decease which was left him by my brother Robert Butler and which will make my son Robert equall with what I shall leave to and amongst my other children item I give devise and bequeath unto my son Henry Butler all that my messuage or tenement washouse yard and garden with the appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying in Middle Street in Brompton in Chatham aforesaid now in the occupation of my son in law John Follander his assignes or undertenants to have and to hold unto my son Henry Butler his heires and assignes for ever he and they from time to time paying the annuity or other payments charged on the same in and by the last will & testament of my said late brother Robert Butler deceased item I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Katherine Butler all that my messuage or tenement washouse yard garden and appurts. thereto belonging situate lyeing and being in Middle Street in Brompton aforesaid now in my own possession or occupation to have and to hold unto my said wife for and during the terme of her naturall life she my said wife keeping the same in good repair and from and after her decease I give devise and bequeath the said last mentioned messuage and premisses unto my said son Henry Butler his heires and assignes for ever item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money pay wages debts creditts money at interest or due to me on bill bond mortgage judgment or otherwise and all and every my plate rings household goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever that shall be any ways due oweing or belonging to me at the time of my decease (after my debts funeral expences and charges of proving this my will are paid and satisfied) I give and bequeath unto my said wife Katherine Butler hereby requesting and ernestly desireing my said wife from and after her decease by will or otherwise to give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Follander such of my said personal estate as my said wife shall dye possessed of and of this my will I doe nominate and appoint my said wife sole executrix and do herby revoke all former wills by me at any time made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I the said John Butler the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to each sheet thereof have sett my hand and seal this thirtieth day of October in the first yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. anno dom. 1727 the marke of John Butler signed sealed published and declared by the said John Butler the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto Clem. Johnson Katherine Britcher Thos. Johnson Proved 25th June 1728 Robert Chappell, 26-03-1762 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Robert CHAPPELL  1762 Rear of Chappell headstone in St. Mary's churchyard, Chatham with inscription to Sarah Chappell, the front, presumably with Robert Chappell's inscription, is totally eroded away Here lieth interred the Body of Sarah wife of Robert Chapple  she died the 2nd of March 1763 aged 74? years IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty I Robert Chappell of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright do for avoiding controversies after my decease make publish and declare this to be as my only last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first and principally of all I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner and as touching such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bless me withall I devise bequeath and give in manner following imprimis I do freely forgive Sarah Thomas daughter to my wife Sarah Chappell all costs and charges I have been at for her use for board washing lodging and apparel and all, other necessarys during the time of her living with me item I give unto my wife Sarah Chappell all my wages and all other sums of money as is due to me from His Majesty or any other person whatsoever at the time of my decease and likewise all my goods and chattels moveable or immoveable wheresoever they are and also all wares or merchandizes of whatever kindsoever and I do hereby ordain my wife Sarah Chappell aforesaid to be whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby disannul make void all other wills deeds of gifts bequests by me before made and allowing this to stand and to be for my last will and testament whereunto I have set my hand and seal the day and year above written Robert Chappell signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us Thos. Smith Thos. Warrington Samuel Brook Proved 26th March 1762 Thomas Charlton, 10-10-1729 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas CHARLTON  1729 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Charlton of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weake in body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) in the first place I commend my soule to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my Savoiour and Redeemer and my body I committ to the earth to be decently buryed at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named and as to my worldly estate I dispose thereof as followeth item I give and devise unto my nephew William Reeve all those my two messuages or tenements yards gardens and premisses with their appurtenances situate lying and being in Queen Street in the parish of Chatham aforesaid and now or late in the occupation of Weybourne Allard and boatswain Burkett or their assigns to have and to hold unto my said nephew William Reeve and his assigns for and during the terme of his naturall life he keeping the said premisses in good repair and nott committing or permitting any wast or spoil thereon and from and after the decease of my said nephew William Reeve I give and devise the said two severall messuages and premisses with their appurtenances unto the heires of the body of my said nephew William Reeve lawfully begotten and to be begotten and for want of such issue I give and devise the same unto the eldest sonn that shall then be living of my neece Mary Turner wife of Edward Turner of Stoake in the said county of Kent clerke and his heires and assigns for ever and if no sonn of my said neece Mary Turner shall then be living to my own right heires for ever item I give and bequeath unto my sister Margaret Reeve widow the sume of two hundred and fiftie pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine to be paid her by my executrix within twelve months after my decease item I give and bequeath unto my said neece Mary Turner the sume of two hundred and fiftie pounds of like lawfull money to be paid her within twelve months next after my decease and also I give to said neece Mary Turner all my wearing apparell and also all my lynen and woollen item I give and bequeath unto my nephew Thomas Reeve the sume of one hundred pounds of like lawfull money to be paid him within twelve months next after my decease item I give and bequeath unto my nephew William Reeve the sume of fiftie pounds of like lawfull money to be paid him within twelve months next after my decease and I also give and bequeath unto my said nephew William Reeve all such money principall and interest he shall owe or be indebted to me att the time of my decease on any bond or bonds and hereby order and direct my executrix to deliver the same upp to be cancelled item I give and bequeath unto my neece Ann Reeve the sume of five hundred pounds of like lawfull money to be paid her within twelve months next after my decease item I give and bequeath unto Frances Reed and Mary Mack Murrey the two servant maids the sume of five pounds apiece of lawfull money to be paid them severally and respectively within three months after my decease item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money securities for money or due to me on bill bond mortgage or otherwise and all and every my household goods plate pewter brass copper south sea stock south sea annuities and all my debts creditts and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever not here before or otherwise disposed of which at the time of my decease I shall be possessed of interested in or instituted unto or which shall then any waies belong or of roght appertaine unto me (my own just debts legacies and funeral expences and charges of proving this my will being first paid and discharged) I give and bequeath unto my said neece Ann Reeve her executors administrators and assigns and I do hereby name and appoint my said neece Ann Reeve executrix of this my last will and the said Edward Turner and George Davison of the city of Rochester grocer overseers desiring them to be advising aiding and assisting her in the due performance of the same and for their trouble I give to each of them the sume of five pounds apiece of lawfull money and I do hereby revoke all former wills and testaments by me att any time made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to each sheet thereof have sett my hand and seale this twenty sixth day of May anno dni. 1728 Tho. Charlton signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Charlton as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto William Waite Jn. Everard Tho. Johnson Proved 10th October 1729 Note in margin: On the fifth day of December in the year of our Lord 1739 a power was granted to John Everard the husband & admon. of the goods of Anne Everard heretofore Reeve deced. whilst living the sole executrix residuary legatee named in the last will and testament of the said Thomas Charlton deced. to admint. the goods chattells and credits of the sd. deced. according to the tenor of his sd. will testimonary by the sd. Anne Everard heretofore Reeve now also deced. being sworn duly to admint John Clark, 17-09-1782 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John CLARK  1782 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Clark of Brompton in the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound mind perfect memory and understanding praised be to God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first and principally I surrender up my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my loving wife Ann also I give and devise of them my two houses messuages or tenements and appurtenances therunto belonging situate lying and being in a certain village called Brompton in a certain street called Middle Street and in that part of the said village which is in the parish of Gillingham in the said county of Kent and now or late in the occupation of Matthew Spray house carpenter and Richard Stephens shipwright unto my dear wife Ann Clark for and during her natural life she keeping the same in good and sufficient repair as a tenant for life ought to do and from and immediately after her decease I give and devise the same unto my son John Clark and his heirs for ever I also give and bequeath all and every the interest and produce arising out and from such moneys as shall be placed in the publick stocks or funds at my decease unto my dear wife Ann Clark for and during her natural life and from and immediately after her decease then I give and bequeath all and every the said principal money or capital stock which shall then be placed in the publick stocks or funds unto my son Henry Clark and my daughter Hannah equally to be divided between them share and share alike but it is my desire that the said part or share of the said capital stock which I have given and bequeathed to my daughter Hannah after the decease of her mother shall be for her sole and separate use and not to be in the power or disposal of her husband Edward Hill also from and after payment of my just debts funeral expences the charges of proving this my will and also incident charges attending the execution thereof I give and bequeath all and every the rest and residue of my ready money and securities for moneys debts plate linen woollen pewter brass beds bedding household stuff and implements of household goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever unto and to the use of my said wife Ann Clark and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my two sons John Clark and Henry Clark executors of this my last will and testament and it is my will and desire that they my said executors shall and lawfully may at all times reimburse and take to themselves out of the interest money or capital stock all their reasonable charges which they shall sustain in the execution of this my will and I do hereby revoke and make void all other will or wills by me at any time heretofore made and I do declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of July in the twenty second year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two John Clark signed sealed published and declared by the said John Clark to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto in the presence of the testator Wm. Grant Hannah Sommerton Jno. Sommerton Proved 17th September 1782 Edward Cole, 06-04-1768 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Edward COLE  1768 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Edward Cole of Brompton in the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being somewhat indisposed in body but of sound mind perfect memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first I revoke and make void all former wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made spoken or published and I do hereby make and appoint William Guy of Chatham in the county of Kent ropemaker William Tapley of Gillingham in the said county shipwright and John Sommerton of Chatham in the said county schoolmaster executors and trustees to this my last will and testament and I will and direct that all my just debts and funeral expences and the charges of proving this my will shall be first paid and satisfied also I give and bequeath unto each of them the said William Guy William Tapley and John Sommerton the sum of five pounds of good and lawfull money of Great Britain apiece over and above their costs charges and expences which they shall be at in and about the execution of this my will which will be hereafter mentioned also I give devise and bequeath all and every my moneys in the public funds or stocks or old south sea annuities with all my ready money and securities for money debts plate rings linnen woollen chattles and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever with all and everything I shall be possessed of or intitled to at my decease unto the said William Guy William Tapley and John Sommerton upon this special trust and confidence that they the said William Guy William Tapley and John Sommerton shall and will within three months after my decease get gather and collect all and every of the moneys due or owing unto me and give distribute and pay the same which shall come to their hands in manner and form following (that is to say) the sum of two hundred pounds of good and lawfull money of Great Britain I give devise and bequeath unto my nephew Samuel Pett in Ropemakers Fields Limehouse Hole in the county of Middlesex joiner I also give and bequeath unto Catherine Tissell wife of John Tissell of Stratford upon Avon in the county of Warwickshire sadler the sum of two hundred pounds of good and lawfull money of Great Britain I also give and bequeath unto Mary Beaumont of Brompton aforesaid a widow whom I now live with (if she is living at my decease) the sum of ten pounds of good and lawfull money of Great Britain I also give and bequeath unto James Hook of Westminster in the county of Middlesex coal merchant one finished model of fifty guns with a case belonging thereto now in the possession of the said James Hook I also give and bequeath unto James Carpenter of Brompton aforesaid shipwright all the profit interest and benefit of my servant Thomas Enon money that shall arise from his earnings or wages during the remainder part of his apprenticeship either in His Majesty's yard at Chatham or elsewhere going on and taking place from the time of my decease upon this consideration that he the said James Carpenter shall and will fulfill the keeping and performing the covenats and contents of the said indenture of apprenticeship now in being between me and the said servant or apprentice Thomas Enon and as to all the rest residue of my moneys securities for money s with all and every thing that I shall be possessed of at my decease either in the hands of my said executors or trustees or elsewhere belonging or appertaining to me I give and bequeath the same to and between my nieces Mary Carpenter wife of James Carpenter of Brompton aforesaid and Elizabeth Jarrett of the same place share and share alike and in case the death of either of my said nieces Mary Carpenter and Elizabeth Jarrett before my decease then I will and direct that their said share or shares of the moneys to arise by and from my said personal estate as aforesaid shall go and be paid to the heirs of their body lawfully begotten and in case of no issue of or from them to the next of kin of the said Elizabeth Jarrett and Mary Carpenter and each of their heirs for ever and lastly my will and mind is and I do direct that it shall and may be lawful for my said executors and trustees or the survivors of them in the first place to retain and reduct all such costs and charges that they or either of them shall be at or expend about the execution of this my will without the interruption or hinderence of any person or persons in witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to the first sheet set my hand and the last my hand and seal dated the twenty seventh day of February in the eighth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight Edward Cole signed sealed published and declared by the said Edward Cole to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto set our names Jas. Palmer James Sommerton John Shaw Proved 6th April 1768 John Crookenden, 26-06-1734 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John CROOKENDEN  1734 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Crookenden of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright now belonging to the carpenters' crew of His Majesty's The Princess Louisa being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perills and dangers of the seas and other uncertainies of this transistory life do for avoiding controversies after my deacease make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following ( that is to say ) first I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all and singular such wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my loving brother Richard Chant of Deptford in the county aforesaid waterman and I do hereby nominate and appoint the said Richard Chant sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I ordain and ratifie these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of August anno dni. 1730 and in the fourth year of the reign of His Majesty King George over Great Britain etc. J. Crookenden signed sealed and published in the presence of us who subscribed our names as witnesses hereto in the presence of the testator Wm. Moorton Thos. Beech H. Barnard Proved 26th June 1734 John Crookenden, 01-06-1784 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John CROOKENDEN  1754 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN This tenth day of June one thousand seven hundred and fifty two and in the twenty fifth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. I John Crookenden of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being well and good health of body thanks be to Almighty God for his mercies and being well stricken in years and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle in order before I dye in manner and form following that is to say first and principally I commend my soul to Almighty God my creator assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and be saved by the death and precious merits of my blessed Savoiour Jesus Christ and my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be buryed in such descent and Christian manner as my executor hereafter named shall think most fit ? and convenient and touching such worldly goods and estate as the Lord in his mercy hath lent me my will is that the same shall be imployed and bestowed as hereafter by this my last will is expressed and first I do revoke renounce and make void all wills by me formerly made and do declare and appoint this to be my last will and testament item I give and bequeath unto my son Caleb Crookenden my front house I now live in in Westcourt Street in Brompton in the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Chant my two smallest lease houses being my two smallest houses lying and being between the houses called by the name of the Blue Houses without and hard by Sheerness in the parish of Minster in the island of Shopey in Kent the writings to be delivered within one month next after my death and all the rest of my houses I give and bequeath unto my three daughters Hannah Mary and Martha when my wife's estate left by her father coms to her and then my three daughters to have an equal share of all the rent paid them by my executor hereafter named item all my money bonds bills debts dues and demands and all my household goods I give to my loving wife Hannah Crookenden and constitute and appoint my son Caleb Crookendenn my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness here I have hereinto sett my hand and seal the day and year above said in the presence of these three witnesses our hand hereunto subscribed as witnesses hereunto J. Crookenden Thomas Blye Joseph Kennard Mary Kennard Proved 1st June 1754 John Crowcher, 27-08-1793 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John CROWCHER  1793 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Crowcher of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being somewhat indisposed in body but of sound perfect memory and understanding do revoke all former wills by me heretofore made and hereby make publishe and declare this my last will and testament in manner following in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God my creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merits of Jesus Christ my Savoiour and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and as to my worldly estate I dispose thereof as follows that is to say I give and bequeath all and every my household goods plate china rings linen and implements of household of every kind and quality unto my dear wife Elizabeth Crowcher for and during her natural life and from and immediately after her decease I give and bequeath the same to and amongst my four daughters Sarah Masterman Mary Hutton Susannah Kettle and Elizabeth Kentish equally to be divided between them share and share alike I also give and bequeath unto my great grandson John Crowcher my gold watch to be taken possession of by him when he shall attain the age of twenty one years item all and every of the rest residue and remainder of my leasehold houses and personal estate as ready monies securities for money monies in the publick or government funds stocks or securities chattles and leaseholds and personal estate whatsoever which I shall die possessed of interested in or intitled unto (after payment of my funeral expences and other incident charges) I give and bequeath unto George Hutton Esquire of Deptford in the county of Kent my daughter Mary Hutton his wife and my daughter Susannah Kettle (whom I appoint my trustees) upon trust that they my said trustees George Hutton Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettle or the survivors or survivor of them shall and do as soon as conveniently may be after my decease sell and dispose of all my leasehold estate and all such of my personal estate as shall not consist of ready monies and call in and get into their hands all such debts and sums of money that shall be due or owing unto me at the time of my decease and lay and place out the same to the monies that I have now placed in the publick stocks or funds commonly called the the five per cent annuities and which together there shall remain and continue one capital stock upon trust that they my said trustees George Hutton Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettle or the survivors or survivor of them shall and do permit and suffer and if need be authorize and empower my said wife Elizabeth Crowcher to receive and take to her own use the yearly interest dividends and produce arising out and from the same for and during her natural life and from and immediately after her decease then upon trust that they my said trustees George Hutton Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettle or the survivors or survivor of them shall and do pay out of the said capital stock the sums as follows that is to say unto my daughter Sarah Masterman the sum of one hundred pounds sterling money to her two sons and daughter John Masterman William Masterman and Sarah Urivint ? the sum of ten pounds apiece sterling money to Elizabeth Beet the sum of ten pounds sterling money to my daughter Mary Hutton the sum of one hundred pounds sterling money to George Hutton Esquire aforesaid the sum of ten pounds sterling money to Mrs. Mackie daughter of the said George Hutton the sum of ten pounds sterling money to my daughter Susannah Kettle the sum of fifty pounds sterling money to my daughter Elizabeth Kentish the sum of ten pounds sterling money to my grand daughters Mary and Rebecca Crowcher the sum of ten pounds apiece sterling money to my grandson John Silverton the sum of ten pounds sterling money and a corner cupboard to my grandson William Silverton the sum of ten pounds sterling money and a wainscot bureau to my grand daughter Lady Jane de Rossing the sum of fifty pounds sterling money and to the wife and children of my grandson John Crowcher the sum of fifty pounds sterling money which said sum of fifty pounds shall be kept in the hands of my said trustees and be applied bestowed and laid out for the wife and children of the said John Crowcher as they my trustees shall think fit and not otherwise and from and immediately after the said legacies are paid then in trust to pay or transfer the residue and remainder of the said capital stock to or amongst my four daughters Sarah Masterman Mary Hutton Susannah Kettle and Elizabeth Kentish equally to be divided between them share and share alike I do order and direct my said trustees to take to themselves the part or share of the monies which shall become due to my said daughter Elizabeth Kentish and out and from the same pay her the sum of five pounds per annum until her said part or share shall be entirely paid and given to her and it is my further will and desire that my said trustees George Hutton Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettle the survivors or survivor of them shall and lawfully may at all times reimburse and take to themselves out of the said trust monies dividends and produce thereof all their reasonable charges which they shall sustain in the execution of the trusts hereby in them reposed and I do constitute and appoint the said George Hutton Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettle executors of this my will and declare this to be and contain my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said John Crowcher the testator have to this first sheet of this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand and to the last sheet thereof set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three Jno. Crowcher signed sealed published and declared by the said John Crowcher the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other set our names as witnesses thereto Wm. Hayler Isaac Best Jno. Sommerton Proved 27th August 1793 power reserved to Mary Hutton and Susannah Kettl Thomas Dadd, 07-02-1782 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas DADD 1782 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Dadd of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and perfect mind memory health and understanding blessed be God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body I commend to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executrix and touching such worldly estate which it hath pleased God to bless me with I will and bequeath in following manner and form imprimis I will that all my debts and funeral charges to be paid and discharged by my executrix hereinafter named item I give and bequeath my tool chest and tools which is in the possession of Matthew Hall of Chatham in the aforesaid county of Kent carpenter with all my goods and chattels bonds arrears of rent wages with all other properties of what kind soever to me appertaining to my sister Frances whom I constitute and appoint the whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do herby utterly revoke disannul all former bequests wills and legacies by me heretofore in any wise left or made declaring ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eleveneth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven Thos. Dadd signed sealed published and pronounced by the said Thomas Dadd as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as [witnesses] Robt. Miller Andrew Miller Proved 7th February 1782 Richard Dadd, 17-03-1788 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard DADD 1788 I Richard Dadd of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in good health of body and mind for which I praise Almighty God do constitute and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say first I give unto my two sons William Dadd and Stephen Dadd the sum of fifty pounds stock in the three per cent consolidated bank annuities in trust that they my said two sons do and shall pay unto my beloved wife Mary Dadd annually the interest arising therefrom during her natural life but should her condition in life become indigent then my desire is that the said fifty pounds stock be by them my two sons sold and transferred and the money arising therefrom be applied for her support but should the said fifty pounds stock remain until the demise of my said beloved wife then my will is that the said stock be applied toward the support of my grandson Richard Dadd at the discretion of my said two sons William and Stephen Dadd all the rest and residue of my money goods chattels debts dues and demands I give unto my aforesaid beloved wife Mary Dadd hereby appointing and constituting my two sons William Dadd and Stephen Dadd executors of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said Richard Dadd have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five Richard Dadd signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Dadd the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto in the presence and at the request of the said testator Jno. Dafforne Martin Ward Proved 17th March 1788 John Dafforne, 10-08-1795 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John DAFFORNE 1795 This is the last will and testament of me John Dafforne of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright made published and declared this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety four in manner and form following that is to say I give and devise all that my messuage tenement or dwelling house with the yard garden backside heridaments and premisses with the appurtenances thereunto belonging situate lying and being in Kings Street in the parish of Chatham aforesaid and now in my own occupation unto and to the sole and only proper use and behoaf of my daughter Esther the wife of John Acworth of Chatham aforesaid taylor and draper her heirs and assigns for ever also I give and bequeath unto my sister Sapentia the wife of Middlesmore James Dafforne the sum of thirty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain also I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Mary Franklin widow the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money also I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Ruth Hadley the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money also I give and bequeath unto my niece Mary the wife of John Barling the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money also I give and bequeath unto Mary Dafforne of Bray in the county of Berks if she shall be living at the time of my decease the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money but in case she shall happen to depart this life in my lifetime then I give and bequeath the said sum of ten pounds unto and amongst all and every the daughters of the said Mary Dafforne which shall be living at the time of my decease equally to be divided between and amongst them share and share alike also I give and bequeath unto my cousin John Taylor of Stafford Street London the sum of four pounds which said several legacies herein before given and bequeathed I desire and direct may be paid to the respective legatees by my executors herein after named within three months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my nephew John Dafforne my bureau and bookcase with all and every my books (except Doctor Gillie's works Dean Prideaux's works and geographical dictionary in two volumes) and also my large fir clothes chest also I give and bequeath unto the said Middlesmore James Dafforne and John Barling all and every my wearing apparel both linen and woollen equally to be divided between and amongst them share and share alike all and every the rest residue and remainder of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever which I shall be possessed of or intitled unto at the time of my decease (subject to and from and after payment of all my just debts funeral expences the legacies herein before given the charges and expences incident to and attending the proving and execution of this my will) I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my daughter the said Esther Acworth her executors administrators and assigns to and for her and her own use and benefit absolutely and lastly I do hereby make ordain nominate constitute and appoint the said Esther Acworth sole executrix of this my will and hereby revoking and making void all former and other will and wills by me at any time heretofore made I declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said John Dafforne the testator have to this will contained in two sheets of paper to the bottom of the first sheet whereof set my hand and to this second or last sheet set my hand and seal the day and year first above written John Dafforne signed sealed published and declared by the said John Dafforne as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto John Featherstone William Wallis William Jefferys atty. Chatham Proved 10th August 1795 William Diprose, 13-08-1767 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William DIPROSE 1767 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The eighth day of September in the thirty third year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. anno dni. 1759 I William Diprose of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in health of body and of sound and disposing mind and memory praised be to God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first and principally surrender up my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merit and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my executor hereafter named item I give and devise all and every my goods chattels lands tenements heriditaments and parts and shares thereof and all other my real and personal estate whatsoever unto the heirs of my own body lawfully begotten and to be begotten and for want of such issue unto my father in law Stephen Norden? of Chatham aforesaid shipwright his heirs executors administrators and assigns and I do make constitute and appoint the said Stephen Norden? executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made in witness whereof I the said William Diprose have hereunto set my hand and seal dated the day and year first above written William Diprose signed sealed published and declared by the above named William Diprose as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our hands as witnesses thereunto Willm. Russell Wm. Broad Wm. Langton Williams Proved 13th August 1767 James Dun, 06-03-1755 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) James DUN or DUNN  1755 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The twenty eighth day of January seventeen hundred and fifty five I James Dun of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God therefore and considering the mortality of human nature do make this my last will and testament principally I leave my soul to God who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my executors and as touching my worldly estate I devise and dispose of them as follows first I give and bequeath to Ann Mapleston fifty pounds sterling being one third of the money lodged by me in bank notes in the hands of Mr. James Austen cheesemonger in Chatham together with all my household goods and moveables likewise I give to my beloved brother Robert Edwards whom I likewise constitute and appoint my sole executor of this my last will and testament the sum of one hundred pounds being part of the one hundred and fifty pounds lodged in the hands of Mr. James Austen and I do herby utterly disallow and revoke all and every former will and testament confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written James Dunn his mark signed sealed pronounced and declared by the said James Dunn as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers Richd. Dale Jno. Wright John Day Proved 6th March 1755 Francis Eastwood, 07-03-1728 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Francis EASTWOOD  1728 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Francis Eastwood of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright now master carpenter of His Maties. ship Sandwich being in good health of body and of sound mind memory and understanding (praised be to God for the same) do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) imprimis I give and bequeath unto my brother in law Thomas Boulter and to my sister Anna his wife and to my cousin John Eastwood and to each and every of them one guinea to buy each of them a ring to wear in remembrance of me item I give devise and bequeath unto my two sisters Mary Eastwood and Susan Champnurs all those my two severall messuages or tenements with the severall yards backsides garden ground and appurts. to them severally belonging or therewith now or heretofore devised letten used occupied or enjoyed with their and every of their appurts. situate lying and being in Gosport in the county of Southampton and now or late in the severall termes or occupations of [ ] Boddycoate and the said Susan Champnurs or one of them or one of their undertenant or undertenants and also all other my two messuages lands tenements and heriditaments whatsoever and wheresoever to have and to hold unto my said two sisters Mary Eastwood and Susan Champnurs and their assigns for and during the terme of their naturall lives and the life of the longest liver of them chargeable nevertheless with the payment of the annuity herein after mentioned and after the decease of the survivor of my said two sisters Mary Eastwood and Susan Champnurs I give devise and bequeath all those my said two messuages or tenements and all and singular my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments aforsd. (subject nevertheless to the annuity hereinafter mentioned) to my niece Hannah Champnurs and to the heirs of her body lawfully to br begotten and for want of such issue to the right heires of me the said Francis Eastwood for ever item I give devise and bequeath unto my aforesaid sister Anna Boulter wife of the aforesaid Thomas Boulter the yearly rent or annuity of fouteen pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain by the year during the terme of her naturall life to be paid by even portions half yearly (into her own hands for her own seperate use) at the feast days of St. Michael the archangel and the annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary the first payment to begin and be made at that feast day of the feasts aforesaid which shall next happen after my decease and I will that a rect. and revs. in writing signed by my said sister Anna shall be a full discharge for the same and in case the said yearly rent or annuity shall be behind or unpaid in part or in all by the space of thirty days next after any of the said feasts on which it ought to be paid that then it shall or may be lawfull for the said Anna Boulter or her assignes to enter into all those my aforesaid two messuages or tenements in Gosport aforesaid with the yards backsides garden grounds and appurtenances to them severally belonging and to hold all and singular the said premisses with their appurts. and receive and take the rents issues and proffits thereof until she shall be satisfied of the said yearly rent or annuity of fourteen pounds with all the arrearages thereof and all costs and charges whatsoever item I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid niece Hannah Champnurs the sume of three hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid her by my executrs. herein after named within three months next after my decease item all the rest residue of my ready money debts due to me and securities for debts pay wages sallary stock and dividends in the south sea company or elsewhere and all other my personal estate whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my sd. two sisters Mary Eastwood and Susan Champnurs to be equally divided between them share and share alike they my said sisters paying out thereof my legacies aforesaid debts (if any be owing by me) funerall expences and probate of this my will and them my said two sisters Mary Eastwood and Susan Champnurs I hereby name make and ordain full and sole executors of this my will and lastly I do hereby revoke disannull and make void all former and other wills by me at anytime heretofore made or published and I do declare these presents to be and contain my only last will and testament in witness whereof I the above named Francis Eastwood have to this my present last will and testament set my hand and seal the seven and twentieth day of February in the sixth year of the reign of our Soveraigne Lord George by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. anno dni. 1719 Frans. Eastwood signed sealed and by the above named Francis Eastwood the testator published and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses herto in the presence of the said testator Chas. Best Fra. Warner Fra. Romney Proved 7th May 1728 power reserved to Susan Champnurs William Fox, 03-02-1729 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William FOX  1730 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I William Fox of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in bodily health and of sound and disposing memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertaitys of this transistory life do for avoiding controversys after my decease make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Fox my loving wife of Chatham aforesaid and to her heires of my body all and every my pay wages sume and sumes of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto the aforesaid Elizabeth Fox and her heires for ever and I do hereby nominate and appoint the said Elizabeth Fox executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the twelth day of July anno dni. 1723 and in the ninth year of the reign of His Majesty King George over Great Britain etc. W. Fox signed sealed and published in the presence of us Nichs. Ardrin E. Rowe Mich. Doyle Proved 3rd February 1729 (1730) William George, 30-08-1781 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William GEORGE  1781 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I William George shipwright of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent being in bodily health and sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life (do for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publishe and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say to my dearly beloved wife Sarah George all my estate and effects whatsoever after paying the sum of fifty pounds unto my daughter Susannah Mary George daughter of William and Mary George wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattels and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto [my wife Sarah George ?] and I do hereby nominate and appoint my wife abovesaid Sarah George whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty and in the twentieth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Third over Great Britain etc. William George signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Samuel Teale John Engelbech Proved 30th August 1781 David Gray, 23-09-1710 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) David GRAY  1710 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I David Gray of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding doe make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and forme following that is to say first I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my creator and my body I comitt to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrixes hereafter named item I give and bequeath unto my wife Freelove Gray one shiling and noe more item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money wages pay goods chattles lands tenements and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever which at the time of my decease I shall be possessed of or intitled unto or which shall then any ways belong or of right appertaine unto me (my owne just debts legacies and funeral expences and charges of proving this my will being paid) I give and bequeath to my three daughters Mary Jenks wife of Benjamin Jenks of Chatham in the said county joyner Elizabeth Wilkins wife of William Wilkins of Deptford in the said county blacksmith and Sarah Rogers wife of John Rogers of Chatham aforesaid joyner and to their executors administrators and assignes equally to be divided between them share and share alike and I doo hereby nominate and appoint my three said loveing daughters Mary Jenks Elizabeth Wilkins and Sarah Rogers joint executrixes of this my said last will hereby revoking all former wills and other wills and testaments by me at any time made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I have hereto sett my hand and seal the three and twentieth day May anno dni 1710 and in the ninth year of the reigne of Queen Anne etc. David Gray sealed and delivered in the presence of us Wm. Pratt Thos. Johnson John Thomas Proved 23rd September 1710 Power reserved to Elizabeth Wilkins and Sarah Rogers Richard Grimear, 21-06-1742 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard GRIMYEAR  1742 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Grimyear of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright and marriner being in bodily health and sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life do for avoiding controversies after my decease make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say to my true and trusty friend Mary Comferry of Chatham in the county of Kent widow as I now belong to his majesty's ship Grafton I do hereby give and bequeath to the aforesaid Mary Comferry all my wages sime and sumes of money as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto the aforesaid Mary Comferry of Chatham in the county of Kent widow to act for and in my behalf after or before my decease and I do hereby nominate and apppoint the aforesaid Mary Comferry my sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my last will and testament in witness whereof to this my will I have set my hand and seal the twenty ninth day of June anno dni. 1740 and in the forteenth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the Second King over Great Britain etc. France and Ireland Defender of the Faith Rich. Grimyear signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us witnesses Tho. Bunyan l. Baker Proved 21st June 1742 George Hall, 26-02-1709 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) George HALL 1709 KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That I George Hall of Chatham in the county of Kent shippwright have and by these presents doe make ordaine and constitute my loveing mother Mary Carr the wife of Daniel Carr of Chatham aforesaid corker my . . . . . . and lawfull attorney irrevokeable for me and in my name and for my use to aske demand and receive of and from the right honourable the treasurer or paymaster of his majesties navy and commissioners for prize money and whom else it may concerne as well all such wages and pay bounty money prizemoney and all such other sumes of money whatsoever as now is and which hereafter shall or maybe due or payable unto me pursuant to His Majesties gracious declaration of the 23rd of May 1689 and also such pensions salleryes smart money and all other moneys and things whatsoever which now and at any time hereafter is and shall be due to me for my sallery pay wages and service or otherwise in any of His Majesties shipps fryggetts or vessells or any merchant shipp or shipps as also to demand and recover and receive of all other person or persons whatsoever whom it doth or may concerne all and singular such other sume and sumes of money goods wages effects wages debts dues claimes and demands whatsoeverwhich now and hereafter is or shall be due and payable unto me either by bond bill book account or otherwise howsoever and moreover in my name and for my proper use to and lett by lease in writing or otherwise all or any of my messuages lands or tenements to such person or persons and for such tenure of yeares conditions and reservations as my said attorney or her councell shall think fitt and convenient giving and hereby granting unto my said attorney my full and whole power in the premisses and to recover and receive all and singular the sume and sumes of moneymatters and things aforesaid and upon none payment thereof or any part thereof all such person and persons whom it may concern and where need shal require their executors administrators to sue arrest attach seize imprison prosecute and condemne and to compound and agree and out of prison to release and discharge and upon receipt of the said premisses or any part thereof of acquittances releases or any other discharges for me and in my name to make seale and deliver and one attorney or more to substitute and at pleasure to revoke and generally to act and doe all other acts matters and things whatsoever needfull and necessary to be done in and touching the premisses as fully and effectually as I ought or could doe if I were personally present ratifying and allowing for firme and valid and irre vocable all and whatsover my said attorney shall lawfully doe or cause to be done in or touching the premisses by virtue of theses presents and I the said George Hall considering the incertainy of this transistory life doe make and declare these presents to containe my last will and testament that is to say first and principally I commend and comit my soul (not subject to mortality) into the hands of my most blessed Savoiour and Redeemer Jesus Christ hopeing to have forgiveness of all my sins and all such wages sume and sumes of money lands tenements goods chattells and estate whatsoever wherewith at the time of my decease I shall be possessed or invested or which shall then belong or of right appertaine unto me I doe give devise and bequeath unto my loveing mother Mary Carr and I doe herby nominate and appoint my said loveing mother Mary Carr my full and sole executrixof this my last will and testament and doe revoke all former wills and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and doe ordaine these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witnesse thereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the fourth day of December anno dni 1697 and in the ninth yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord King William the Third over England etc. the marke of the above mentioned George Hall signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Thos. Simkid? William Edmeads John Rutton, clerke to Thomas Rutton, attorney at law in Gravesend in Kent Proved 26th February 1709 (Mary Carr is now a widow) Charles Handley, 03-03-1713 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Charles HANDLEY 1713 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Charles Handley of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposeing memory doo for the quieting of my mind and setting that estate that it hath pleased God to bless me with make and declare this my last will and testament in writing in manner and forme following that is to sayin the first place I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried in the church yard of Herne Hill near Canterbury in the county of Kent at the discretion of my executrix herein after named item I give and devise unto my loving wife Katherine Handley and her assignes for and during the terme of her naturall life all that my freehold messuage or tenement with the yards garden ground and appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying and being in Westcourt Street in the parish of Chatham aforesd. and from and after the decease of my said wife Katherine I give and devise the same messuage or tenement and premisses aforesaid with their appurtenances unto Peter Sturges of the city of Canterbury aforesaid shoemaker his heires and assignes for ever upon trust and confidence that he the said Peter Sturges his heires or assignes or some of them shall and will as soon as conveniently may be after my said wife's decease sell and dispose thereof for the best price that can be gotten for the same and out of the moneys ariseing by such sale pay or cause to be paid the severall legacies to the severall persons here after named that is to pay the sume of twenty pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to Barbary Starkes wife of William Starkes of the city of Canterbury aforesaid house carpenter and the like sume of twenty pounds of like money to Alice Gray her sister but in case the said Alice Gray shall happen to depart this life before my said wife then I will the said sume of twenty pounds before by me given to the said Alice Gray unto the said Barbary Starkes her executors administrators and assignes for ever item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Gray of the city of Canterbury aforesd. gardener and to Margery Henwood of the city of Rochester in the said county of Kent widow and to John Butler of the same fisherman and to John Dickeson of the same (now apprentice to with Matthew Webb hatter) and to Sarah Bennett wife of Hugh Bennett of St. Euly's ? Street London dyer and to every of them the sume of tenn pounds of like money to be all paid out of the moneys ariseing by sale of my said house and after the severall legacies before mentioned are paid to the severall persons before named I give and bequeath the residue of the money ariseing by sale of the messuage and premisses aforesaid unto Mary Rook and Elizabeth Blogg the two daughters of Charles Gray or the city of Canterbury aforesaid butcher to be equally divided between them item from and after the decease of my aforesaid loving wife Katherine I give and devise all that my freehold messuage or tenement with the yards garden and appurtenances belonging wherein I now dwell situate lying and being on Smithfield Bank in the parish of Chatham aforesaid unto the aforesaid Charles Gray and Mary his wife and the survivor of them for and during the terme of their naturall lives and from and after the decease of the survivor of them the said Charles Gray and Mary his said wife I give and devise the same messuage and premisses wherein I now dwell unto their said two daughters Mary Rook and Elizabeth Blogg and to their heires and assignes for ever equally to be divided between them item from and after the decease of my said loving wife Katherine as aforesd. I give and bequeath all that my leasehold messuage or tenement with the yard garden backside ground and appurtenances thereto belong situate lying and being on Saint Margaret's Bank in the parish of Saint Margaret's next the city of Rochester aforesd. now in the occupation of Mr. Richard Wood brewer unto Mary Sturges wife of the aforesaid Peter Sturges Alice Buckwell of the city of Rochester aforesd. widow and Hannah Steer of the same spinster and to their executors administrators and assignes equally to be divided between them but in case it shall happen that the said Hannah Steer shall depart this life before she be marryed then I give and bequeath her part or share to and amongst her two sisters Mary Sturges and Alice Buckwell widow aforesaid equally item from and after the decease of the said Charles Handley the testator I give and bequeath all those my two leasehold messuages or tenements with the yards gardens and appurtenances to them severally belonging situate lying and being in Saint Margaret's Street in the parish of Saint Margaret's next the city of Rochester aforesaid unto the said Margery Henwood of Rochester widow and to her executors administrators and assignes item I give and bequeath unto Margarett Martin of London spinster the sume of fifty pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid her at her age of one and twenty or day of marriage which shall first happen upon condition that she the said Margarett Martin within one month after my decease signe seale execute and deliver unto my said wife and executrix a generall release of all debts dues and demands whatsoever item from and after the decease of my said wife Katherine I give and bequeath unto the said Margarett Martin the further sume of fifty pounds of like lawfull money of Great Britain and my two headed cane couch and all belonging to it and I forgive her all such sume and sumes of money as are due to me for her board upon condition she signe seal and execute such generall release as aforesaid to my executrix but in case she the said Margarett Martin shall refuse or neglet upon reasonable request to signe seal and deliver such a generall release then my mind and will is that the said bequests of fifty and fifty pounds and of the two headed cane couch and furniture thereto belonging before by me bequeathed to her and the bequest of her board shall be utterly void and of none effect either in law or equity item I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife Katherine Handley the summe of sixty pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to dispose of to such person or persons and to such use and uses as she shall think fitt ? as for my wearing apparrell I dispose of the same in manner following that is to say my best hatt best Great coat two suites of apparrell two shirts two neckclothes and two paire of stockings I give and bequeath to the aforesaid Peter Sturges of Canterbury shoemaker and the residue of my apparrell both linen and woollen I give and bequeath to William Starke of the city of Canterbury aforesaid house carpenter item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money debts credits goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever (after my own just debts legacies and funerall expences and charges fro proving this my will are fully paid and discharged) I give and bequeath the use of the same unto my said loving wife Katherine Handley for and during the terme of her naturall life and after her decease I give and bequeath the same unto the aforesaid Peter Sturges his executs. administrators and assignes for ever he paying my said wife's funerall charges and I doe hereby nominate and appoint her my said wife Katherine Handley full and sole executrix of this my last will and testament for and during her life and after her decease then I nominate and appoint the aforesaid Peter Sturges full and sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revokeing and making void all former and other wills and testaments by me at any time made spoken or published before the publishing of theses presents in witness thereof I the said Charles Handley the testator have to this my last will and testament set my hand and affixed my seale this present twenty nineth day of January in the twelth yeare of the reigne of our Sovereign Lady Anne by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith etc. anno domini 1713 the marke of Charles Handley the testator signed sealed and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto William Hoyn Thomas Dalling Jno. Sheafe Proved 3rd March 1713 (1714) Note in margin dated October 1722: administration granted to Peter Sturges Thomas Hargood, 20-05-1727 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas HARGOOD 1727 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Hargood of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weake in body butt of sound minde and disposing memory doe make this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) in the first place I commend my soule to Almighty God and my body I committ to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and with the approbation also of my two daughters hereafter also named in case they come to Chatham before my funerall and as to my temporall estate I dispose thereof as follows (vizt.) all my wearing apparell bookes instruments and tooles in my possession I give to my grandson and apprentice John Boddicoate item I give to my servant maid Susan Lane five pounds item I give to my friend Benjamin Moorcock of Chatham aforesaid apothecary and Francis Brett of Chatham aforesaid salesman one guinea each for rings item I give to my sonn in law Richard Wilson twenty and seaven pounds and the interest thereof which he owed me on his bond and do direct my executors after my decease to deliver upp the said bond for twenty seaven pounds to the said Richard Wilson to be cancelled item I give the benefitt and advantage of the services of my said grandson and apprentice John Boddicoate and all the money hereafter to grow due for the residue of his apprenticeship to my daughter Elizabeth Boddicoate for her owne use exclusive of her husband and to be had and received by her for her owne bebefitt without the priority or consent of her said husband item all the rest and residue of my ready money debts creditts pay wages plate lynnen household goods and other goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever whereof I shall dye possessed interessed in or intitled unto (my owne just debts legacies funerall expenses charges of proving this my will and exhiting my inventory and the charges of my trustees and executors hereafter named in the execution of the trust in them by me in this my will hereafter reposed and other incident charges are fully paid and satisfied) I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto the said Benjamin Moorcock and Francis Brett and to the survivor of them and to the executors and administrators of such survivor upon the trusts following (vizt.) in trust that my said trustees and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor shall (afeter my death) pay applyand dispose of one full moiety or halfe part of my said personal estate to and for the sole and seperate use benefitt and advantage of my daughter Elizabeth Boddicoate and in such manner and forme as she my said daughter Elizabeth Boddicoate shall solely direct and appoint exclusive ofher husband and her the said Elizabeth Boddicoate owne receipt from time to time direct shall be a sufficient discharge to my said trustees for any part of my said personall estate and in trust also that they my said trustees and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor shall after my death pay apply and dispose of the otherfull moiety or halfe part of my said residue of my said personal estate to and for the sole and seperate use benefitt and advantage of my said daughter Martha Wilson and in such manner and forme as she my said daughter Martha Wilson shall solely direct and appoint exclusive of her husband and her the said Martha Wilson owne receipt from time to time direct shall alsoe be a sufficient discharge to my said trustees for any part of my said personal estate and I direct that an inventory of my personal estate shall be taken and exhibited and I appoint the said Benjamin Moorcock and Francis Brett executors of this my will and do revoke all former wills by me made witness my hand and seale the first day of May anno dni. 1727 and in the thirteenth yeare of the reigne of His Majesty King George over Great Brittaine etc. the marke of Mr. Thomas Hargood he being very weake could nott write his name as usual signed sealed and by the said Thomas Hargood the testator published and declared as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us William Eversfield Jno. Sheafe Proved 20th May 1727 William Hill, 27-05-1791 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William HILL 1791 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I William Hill late shipwright in His Majesty's yard at Chatham and living in Holbourne Lane in the said parish of Chatham in the county of Kent being weak in body of sound mind memory and understanding blessed be Almighty God for the same but considering the uncertainty of this mortal life do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I desire to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix herein after named and after my funeral charges and just debts are paid together with the expence of proving this my will I give and bequeath unto my wife Mary Hill all my property whether money money at the Bank of England securities for money or anyhow oweing to me together with all my goods plate linens china and every belonging to me of what kind or nature soever and I do also appoint my said wife Mary Hill sole executrix to this my will hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time made and do declare this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of May in the thirty first year of the reign of our Sovereign George the Third and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one Wm. Hill signed sealed published and declared by the within mentioned William Hill the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto set our names as witnesses in his presence and in the presence of each other George Wilkins Thomas Martin Proved 27th May 1791 Thomas Hopley, 28-01-1788 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas HOPLEY 1788 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Hopley of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first I recommend my soul to Almighty God my creator in hopes of mercy through the merits of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ my body I commit to the earth to be plainly and decently interred at the discretion of my executor herein after named and as to such moneys goods chattels which it hath pleased God to bless me after payment of all my just debts funeral expences and the costs and charges of proving and executing this my will I give and dispose thereof as follows imprimis I give devise and bequeath unto Samuel Hopley and Mary Hopley son and daughter of my late brother Samuel Hopley caulker the sum of five pounds each and to William Hopley and Mary the wife of James Markham the son and daughter of my late brother Matthew Hopley cordwainer his or her executors or administrators the like sum of five pounds each also I give to Sarah wife of Thomas Tame now of Woolwich in the said county of Kent labourer the sum of five pounds I give to Thomas Smith son of my said late sister Ursula Smith and now a labourer in Chatham yard the like sum of five pounds and my will is that all and every my said legacies shall be paid within twelve months next after my decease I give to my said nephews William Hopley and Thomas Smith all my woollen wearing apparel to be divided between them at the discretion of my executor herein after named I give to my cousin Elizabeth Tame whom I brought up and now lives with me the sum of three hundred pounds three per cent reduced annuities now standing in my name in the books of the governor and company of the Bank of England to be paid to her upon her attaining the age of twenty one years I also give and bequeath unto my said cousin Elizabeth Tame all that my moiety or one third part of a certain messuage or tenement situate at Margate in the said county of Kent next and adjoining to Mrs. Smith's at Margate aforesaid to hold to her her heirs and assigns for ever I give and devise unto the said William Hopley and Elizabeth Tame all such wages as shall be earned from the time of my decease by my servant and apprentice John Collins who now works in Chatham yard as a shipwright which wages I do desire my executor herein after named to receive from time to time deducting his board and divide equally between them share and share alike I give to William Berry my executor herein after named my long cane and a gold ring and as to all the rest and remainder of my goods monies securities for money household furniture plate linen ? goods or effects whatsoever or wheresoever whether real or personal or of what nature or kind soever I give devise and bequeath unto my said cousin Elizabeth Tame to the proper use and behof of the said Elizabeth Tame her heirs executors and administrators for ever and I do hereby constitute and appoint my said friend William Berry of Chatham aforesaid shipwright sole executor of this my will hereby revoking all former and other wills by me before made at any other time and do declare this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said Thomas Hopley the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of may in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six Thomas Hopley signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Hopley as and for his last will and testament who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses thereto Robert Dadd J. Harrison Jno. Phillips Proved 28th January 1788 Ralph Hopper, 11-10-1762 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Ralph HOPPER 1762 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Ralph Hopper of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and disposing mind and memory do hereby make this my last will and testament first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping for remission of all my sins through the merits of Jesus Christ my blessed Savoiour and Redeemer and my body to the earth or sea as it shall please God and as for such worldly estate and effects which I shall be possessed of or intitled unto at the time of my decease I give and bequeath the same as followeth that is to say I give and bequeath all my ready money with securities for money plate jewells linen woollen and all such wages sum and sums of money as now or is hereafter shall be due to me for my service or otherwise on board of any of His Majesty's ships or vessells or any other service unto my mother Clarintha Hopper widow my brothers Robert and John Hopper shipwrights my sisters Elizabeth Hopper spinster and Mary Dadd wife of [ ] Dadd and my loving friend Elizth. Chalton spinster to share and share alike and in case any of my before mentioned friends depart this life then the above particulars to be deposited among the survivors of them and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said loving brothers Robert and John Hopper or either of them executors of this my last will and testament and I do give and bequeath unto my said executors all the rest and residue of my estate whatsoever both real and personal for the use before mentioned hereby revoking and making void all other and former wills by me heretofore made and I do declare this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine and in the thirty Second year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. Ralph Hopper signed sealed published and declared by the said Ralph Hopper as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the said testator Mary Daniel Catherine Cornish Jno. Sommerton Proved 11th October 1762 power reserved to Robert Hopper Henry Hulburt, 15-05-1710 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Henry HULBURT or HULBURD 1710 KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That I Henry Hulburt of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwt. imediate carpenter of His Majestie's ship "Essex" have and by these presents doe make ordain and constitute my loving wife Rebecca Hulburt of Chatham aforesaid my true and lawfull attorney irrevokeable for me and in my name and for my use to aske demand receive of and from the Right Honoble the treasurer or paymaster of Their Majesties' navy and commissioners for prize money and whom else it may concerne as well all such wages and pay bounty money prize money and all other sume and sumes of money whatsoever as now is and which hereafter shall or may be due or payable unto me pursuant to His Majestie's most greacious declaration of the twenty third of May 1689 and also such pensions salleryes smart money and all other moneys and things whatsoever which now and at any time hereafter is and shall be due to me for my sallary pay wages and service or otherwise in any of His Majesties shipps fryggetts or vessells or any merchant shipp or shipps as also to demand and recover and receive of all other person and persons whatsoever whom it doth or may concerne all and singular such other sume and sumes of money goods wages effects wages debts dues claimes and demands whatsoever which now and hereafter is or shall be due and payable unto me either by bond bill book accompt or otherwise howsoever and moreover in my name and for my proper use to demise and lett by lease in writing or otherwise all and any my messuages lands or tenements to such person or persons and for such tenure of years conditions and reservations as my said attorney or her councell shall think fitt and convenient giving and hereby granting unto my said attorney my full and whole power in the premisses and to recover and receive all and singularthe sume and sumes of money matters and things aforesaid and upon none payment thereof or any part thereof all such person and persons whom it may concern and where need shall require their executors administrators and goods to sue arrest attach seize imprison prosecute and condemne and to compound and agree and out of prison to release and discharge and upon receipt of the said premisses or any part thereof of acquittances releases or any other discharges for me and in my name to make seale and deliver and one attorney or more to substitute and at pleasure to revoke and generally to act and doe all other acts matters and things whatsoever needfull and necessary to be done in and touching the premisses as fully and effectually as I ought or could doe if I were personally present ratifying and allowing for firme and valid and irrevocable all and whatsoever my sais attorney shall lawfully doe or cause to be done or touching the premisses by virtue of these presents and I the said Henry Hulburt considering the incertainty of this transistory life doe make and declare these presents to containe my last Will and Testament (that is to say) all and singular such wages sume and sumes of money lands tenements goods chattells and estate whatsoever wherewith at the time of my decease I shall be possessed or invested or which shall then belong or of right appertaine unto me I doe give devise and bequeath unto my said wife Rebecca Hulburt and her heirs administrators and assigns forever and doe hereby nominate and appoint my said wife Rebecca to be sole executrix or this my last will and testament and doe revoke all former wills and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and doee ordain these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the sixteenth day of September anno domini one thousand six hundred ninety six and in the eigth yeare of the reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Third King of England etc. Hen. Huburd signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Robt. Lee Ben. Rosewell Jams. Taylor Tho. Kirby Proved 15th May 1710 James Jarman, 08-10-1751 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) James JARMON or JARMAN 1751 Inscription on headstone in St. Mary's churchyard, Chatham In Memory of James Jarmon who died 25th Sept: 1751 aged 59 Years IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I James Jarman of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright do make my last will and testament as follows I humbly recommend my soul to Almighty God in hope of eternal salvation through the merits of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ and my body I commit to be buryed in such place and in such manner as my executor herein after named shall in his discretion think fit I give to my cozen John Clements of Bishopsgate Street London tallow chandler the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and my family tankard also to my cozen John Diggins shipwright of Portsmouth yard and his sister Mary Pierce each fifty pounds apiece also I give to four children of my cousin Nightingale Ronsel each ten pounds to be paid by my executrix herein after named also to my cousin James Jarman son of Gregory Jarman shipwright in Chatham yard the sum of ten pounds also I give unto the two daughters of Mr. Henry Sheaf Ann and Sarah the sum of twenty pounds each and to Mr. Henry Sheaf's two sisters Mrs. Frances and Mrs. Sarah Sheaf of Rochester gentlewomen the sum of twenty pound each also I give to Edward Read son of Edward Read where I now board the sum of thirty pounds also I give to Richard Mills son of Robert Mills shipwright in Chatham yard the sum of thirty [pounds] also I give to Elizabeth Barnes wife of Henry Barnes silversmith but now labourer in Chatham yard the sum of five pounds I give to Mary Petty widow of Francis Petty deceased the sum of two pounds I give to William Warren yeoman of Cliffe and his daughter Mary Carr and his son James Warren and his daughter Ann and his daughter Elizabeth Smith each five pounds a piece also I give the sum of five pounds to be laid out in bread for poor widows that do not receive alms of the parish to be paid [at] the discretion of my executrix and to my friends Richard Banks barber and Richard Demetrius shipwright each one guinea to buy them a gold ring all which several and sums of moneys as aforesaid given and bequeathed to the several legatees and persons before named I will order and direct shall be paid to them respectively by my executrix out of my personal estate within one year next after my decease and that the legacies of those persons who shall not at [the] time be of the age of seventeen years shall be paid to their respective fathers or mothers in case of the death of their fathers or mothers and that the receipts and acquaintances of such fathers and mothers shall be a full and absolute discharge to my executrix for their respective sums of money or legacies aforesaid also I give and bequeath all that my fee simple messuage tenement and heriditaments situate and being in Chatham aforesaid in the possession or occupation of William Shaw gunner of the Newark man of war with their appurtenances and all other my freehold and real estate and my interest therein unto Mary Estrey living in the house with me as a servant during her natural life and after her decease to my cousin John Clements aforesaid and his heirs for ever also after payment of my just debts and funeral charges the probate of this my last will and testament and the several legacies or sums of money due owing to me upon mortgage bond bill note or otherwise and the securities for the same and all the moneys which shall be due and owing to me from the government and all rents and arrears of rent due and owing to me and all others my goods and chattells rights credits and personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto Mary Estrey aforesaid her administrators and assigns forever and I name make and appoint the said Mary Estrey only executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby annull and make void all former and other wills and testaments at any time hertofore made or published by me and declare these presents to be and contain my new and only will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixth day of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty one James Jarman signed sealed published and declared by the said James Jarman the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his sight and presence and in the presence of one another at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses Robt. Mills Arthur Polhill Beresford Maplesden Proved 8th October 1751 John Jerman, 03-05-1726 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John JERMAN 1726 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Jerman of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weake and infirme in body but of sound and disposeing mind memory and understanding (praised be to God for the same) do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in mamnner and forme following (that is to say) imprimis I give devise and bequeath unto my brother William Jerman the sume of five pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine item I give and bequeath unto my nephew Richard Jerman son of my said brother William Jerman the sume of five pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine item I give and bequeath to my nephew William Jerman other of the sons of my said brother William Jerman the like sume of five pounds of like money item I give and bequeath unto my nephew Peter Jerman one other of the sons of my said brother William Jerman the like sume of five pounds of like money item I give and bequeath unto my nephew Joseph Jerman one other of the sons of my said brother William Jerman the like sume of five pounds of like money item I give and bequeath unto my neece Martha Jerman daughter of my said brother William Jerman the sume of tenn pounds of like money item I give and bequeath unto my neece Mary Paine one of the daughters of my late sister Susanna Paine deced. the sume of five pounds of like money item I give unto my neece Hanna Paine one other of the daughters of my late sister Susanna Paine deced. the like sume of five pounds item I give and bequeath unto my nephew John Coleman son of my late sister Sarah Coleman deced. the like sume of five pounds of like money item I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Mary ifling ? the like sume of five pounds of like money all which said severall and respective legacies or summs of money hereinbefore mentioned I will shall be respectively paid by my executrix herein after named within one year next after my decease item I give and bequeath unto my cousin Mary Jerman daughter of my late nephew John Jerman deced. the summe of tenn pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine which shall be paid to her mother for the use of the said Mary Jerman by my executrix herein after named within one yeare next after my decease and that her mother's receipt in writeing shall be a full discharge to my executrix for the same item all the rest residue and remainder of my ready money debts and securities for money rings plate brass pewter bedds bedding household goods and utensils and implements of household goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever which I shall be possessed of or which shall be any waies due oweing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease (after my debts legacies funeral expences and probate of this my will are first paid and satisfied) I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my loveing wife Jane Jerman her executors administrators and assignes item I give devise and bequeath unto my said wife Jane all and singular my messuages lands tenements heriditaments and reall estaet whatsoever and wheresoever situate lying and being to hold unto muy said wife Jane her heires and assignes for ever and I do hereby name make and ordaine constitute and appoint my said wife Jane sole executrix of this my will and lastly I do hereby revoke disannull and make void all former and other wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made and do declare these presents to be and containe my only last will and testament in witness whereof I the said John Robinson the testator have to this my present last will and testament in writeing contained in two sheets of paper to each sheet thereof sett my hand and seale this second day of March in the twelth yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord George by the grace of God of Great Brittaine France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith anno dni. one thousand seaven hundred twenty and five John Jerman signed sealed and by the above named John Jerman the testator published and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of him the said testator Elinor Baker Fra. Warner Jno. White Proved 3rd May 1726 Edward Keigwin, 05-05-1781 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Edward KEIGWIN 1781 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Edward Keigwin of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in tolerable health of body and of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make published and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executrix hereinafter named and as to my temporal estate I dispose thereof as followeth I give to my daughter Ann Keigwin the full sum of one hundred pounds which legacy I desire may be paid by my executrix to the respective legatee at the end of six months next after my decease and not before all the rest and residue of my ready money monies at interest on bonds mortgages notes or any other securities stock in trade goods household goods rings plate linnen bedding woollen brass copper and all other my goods chattells and estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever which I shall die possessed of interested in or anyways entitled unto or which shall be due owing or in any manner belonging unto me at the time of my decease my own just debts funeral charges charges of this my will being proved and all other incident charges relating thereto together with the legacy before by me given being thereout first paid and satisfied I give and bequeath the same to my loving wife Jane Keigwin and to her executors admons. and assigns and her my said wife Jane Keigwin I do nominate and appoint sole executrix of this my will in witness whereof I the said Edwd. Keigwin have hereto set my hand and seal this present sixteenth day of May in the sixteenth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the third and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six Edwd. Keigwin signed sealed published by me the said Edwd. Keigwin published and declared as and for my last will and testament in the presence of my friends who in my presence and at my request have subscribed their names as witnesses thereto John Duncan Richard Dadd Proved 5th May 1781 Administration granted to Ann Keigwin, her mother the sole executor having died in the testator's lifetime Thomas King, 15-01-1795 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas KING 1795 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas King of Chatham in the county of Kent (shipwright) being in perfect health of body and of perfect and sound disposing mind and memory thanks be given unto God calling to mind the mortality of my body and in knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain publish and declare this to be my last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise bequeath and dispose of the same in the following manner [my] just debts and funeral expences being first paid imprimis I give and bequeath to my sister Elizabeth Sommey ? one fourth part of my estate money goods chattels wages debts dues and demands that I shall or may [be] possessed of at the time of my decease item I give and bequeath to my brother Levit King one fourth part of my estate money goods chattels wages debts dues and demands that I shall or may be possessed at the time of my decease item I give and bequeath to my sister Ann King one fourth part of my estate money goods chattels wages debts dues and demands that I shall or may be possessed of at the time of my decease ITEM I give and bequeath to my brother John King one fourth part of my estate money goods chattels wages debts dues and demands that I shall or may be possessed at the time of my decease and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my two brothers Levit King and John King the whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former testaments wills legacies bequests and executors by me in any wise before named [ ] and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three Thos. King signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the within named testator Thomas King to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names John Turner Jno. Frankes Proved 15th January 1795 Levit King has since died, John King granted administration Thomas Landen, 15-12-1788 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas LANDEN 1788 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Landen of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being not in good health of body but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding praised be God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first I desire I may be decently and privately buried by and at the discretion of my executor herein after named also I give and bequeath all and every my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and real estate whatsoever and wheresoever with their and every of their appurtenances and also all and every my plate linen woollen china pewter brass beds bedding household stuff and implements of household ready money and securities for money money in the publick stocks or funds debts goods chattels and estate whatsoever both real and personal (my just debts and funeral expences being thereout first paid and satisfied) unto and to the use of my son Thomas Landen of Chatham aforesaid baker his heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby make and appoint my said son Thomas full and sole executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by me made in witness whereof I the said Thomas Landen have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal dated the 26th day of November in the twenty ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight Thos. Landen signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Landen the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses hereto William Kennett James Rickkon ? Abraham Rickhan ? Proved 15th December 1788 William Lovell, 28-01-1785 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William LOVELL 1785 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Wm. Lovell of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say imprimis item I give and bequeath unto my cousin Charles Foreman waterman in London or his heirs all such sum and sums of money as shall be due for my service at the time of my decease in his majesty's dock yard at Chatham aforesaid item I give unto Charles Foreman aforesaid all my wearing apparel and all sum and sums of money as shall be due to me from the benefit club that I belong to commonly called the second shipwrights' club kept at the golden lion in Gillingham Kent and also all my household furniture plate linen and china and I do hereby nominate and appoint my cousin Charles Foreman waterman in London to be my sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day of June ye 18th 1782 in the twenty third year of our Sovereign Lord King George the Third Wm.Lovell signed sealed by Wm. Lovell as this being my last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses J. Gunn Thomas Chamblin Proved 28th January 1785 Richard Martin, 23-02-1779 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard MARTIN 1779 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Martin of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound mind memory and understanding do make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merits and intermission of Jesus Christ my Savoiour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executor herein after named and as to my worldly estate I dispose hereof as followeth that is to say I give devise and bequeath unto my brother Nicholas Martin of Yalding in the said county of Kent yeoman all my messuages or tenements outhouses lands heriditaments and premisses and parts or shares of messuages lands tenements and heriditaments with their appurtenances situate lying and being in the parishes of Harrietsham ? and Marden in the county of Kent now in the occupation of Joseph Russell and John Collins their assigns or undertenants to have and to hold unto my said brother Nicholas Martin his heirs and assigns for ever item all and every my ready money securities for money debts credits linen woollen wearing apparel pay and wages in Chatham dock yard goods chattles and personal estate whatsoever that shall be due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease my own just debts funeral expences charges of proving this my will and other incident charges being thereout first paid and satisfied I give and bequeath unto my brother Thomas Martin his executors administrators and assigns and of this my will I nominate and appoint my said brother Nicholas Martin sole executor and hereby revoke all former and other wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made and declared this to contain as and for my only last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty two Richard Martin signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Martin the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of [us] who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto Thos. Bigg Mattw. Kirby Thos. Johnson Proved 23rd February 1779.Administration to George Martin administrator of Thomas Martin the residuary legatee. Nicholas Martin the executor died before he could execute the will Thomas Parry, 01-06-1778 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas PARRY 1778 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Parry of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding but considering the uncertainties of this mortal life and in order to prevent controversies after my decease do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God with a fervant hope to obtain remission of my sins through the merits death and passion of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and as to such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me I dispose thereof as follows I give devise and bequeath unto my son Thomas Parry ten pounds of lawfull money with all my wearing apparel with twelve pictures of January to December included I give devise and bequeath to John Parry son of George Parry deceased five pounds I give devise and bequeath to Thomas Parry son of the above said George Parry deceased five pounds of lawful money I give devise and bequeath to Susannah daughter of the above said George Parry five pounds I give devise and bequeath to Thomas Parry son of Thomas Parry shipwright and grandson to the testator all the overplus both money goods and every undivided thing in my possession after my burial just debts funeral expences and the charges of probate of this my last will and testament and other incident charges and I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint my beloved friends Thomas Wilkins of the parish of Chatham Kent shipwright and Thomas Wall of Gillingham Kent shipwright executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and I declare this to be my last will and testament it's my desire that my legacies should be paid after this manner to Thomas Parry my son ten pounds three months after my decease my apparel and the twelve pictures in seven days to John Parry son of George Parry five pounds at the end of three months to Thomas Parry son of George Parry two pounds ten shillings at the end of three months and that day twelve months the residue as inserted in the will to Susannah Parry daughter of George Parry two pounds ten shillings at the end of three months and that day twelve months the residue as inserted to Thomas Parry son of Thomas Parry shipwright his overplus money at three months end and all the residue of my household goods in seven days to my two executors one guinea each after all expences are disburst in witness whereof I the said Thomas Parry have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper affixed together set my hand to each sheet thereof and to this second and last sheet my seal dated the nineteenth day of Febry. in the eighteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the grace of God of Great Britain King France and Ireland Defender of the Faith etc. and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight Thomas Parry signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Parry the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in his presence and at his request Edward Staples John Marshall Proved 1st June 1778 David Pavier, 17-01-1746 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) David PAVIER 1746 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I David Pavier of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright belonging to the good ship Warwick galley of London Captain Hudder commander bound up the Mediterranien being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life (do for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publishe and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all and singular such prize money short allowance money smart money pension money and all such pay and wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattells and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my honoured father John Pavier of Chatham aforesaid cordwainer his executors administrators and I do hereby nominate and appoint my said father John Pavier sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of May anno dni. 1740 and in the thirteenth year of the reign of His Majesty King George the 2nd by the grace of God over Great Britain etc. David Pavier signed sealed published and declared in the presence of John Bonnick Stepn. Duer Proved 17th January 1746 (1747) Richard Pinney, 01-09-1713 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard PINNEY 1713 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Pinney of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind & memory (praised be God for the same) doe make publish and declare this my last will and testament in writing in manner and forme following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator in and thro the meritts and intercession of my Savoiour Jesus Christ and my body I committ to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named item I give and devise unto my loving wife Susanna Pinney and her assignes for and during the term of her naturall life all that my messuage or tenement with the yard backside garden and appurtanances thereto belonging situate lying and being in Chatham Street in the parish of Chatham aforesaid and now in the tenure or occupation of me the said Richard Pinney together with the litle house laying behind it now in the occupation of William Gilbert or his assignes and immediately from and after the decease of my said wife Susanna Pinney then I give and devise the said two messuages or tenements with their appurtenances in Chatham Street aforesaid unto my loving son Hayward Pinney and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for ever but if it shall happen that my said son Hayward Pinney shall depart this life before my said wife Susanna without issue of his body lawfully begotten then and in such case I give and devise the said two messuages or tenements in Chatham Street aforesaid and the yards backsides and gardens to them severally belonging with their appurtenances unto my said loving wife Susanna and her heirs and assignes for ever item as to all those my four severallother messuages or tenements with the severall yards backsides and gardens to them severally belonging situate lying and being on Smithfield Bank on the Brook in Chatham aforesaid on a piece of ground by me purchased of Mr. Bulfinch my will is that they should continue ? remaine and discend to such person and persons and to such use and uses and in such manner and forme as the piece of ground wherein they are built is already settled in and by the deed of purchase of the said ground item I give and devise unto my said loving wife Susanna Pinney all those my two other messuages or tenements with the yards backsides gardens and appurtenances to them severally belonging situate lying and being in White Horse Lane in the parish of St. Nicholas within the city of Rochester in the said county of Kent to hold to her my said wife Susanna Pinney her heirs and assignes for ever item all and every my ready money debts credits goods chattells and personall estate whatsoever and wheresoever (after my own just debts funerall expences charges of proveing this my will and all other contigent charges are fully paid and satisfied) I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife Susanna Pinney her executors administrators and assignes for ever and I doe hereby nominate constitute ordain and appoint her the said Susanna my said wife full and sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revokeing and making void all and all manner of former and other wills and testaments by me at any time made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I the said Richard Pinney the testator have to this my last will and testament sett my hand and seale this present first day of July in the yeare of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirteen Richard Pinney signed sealed and by the said Richard Pinney the testator published and declared to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto Sarah Gilbert Rich. Sheafe Jno. Sheafe Proved 1st September 1713 John Pooley, 23-12-1706 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John POOLEY 1706 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Pooley of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transitory life doe for avoiding controversies after my decease make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body I committ to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as far and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth (that is to say) first I will that all my debts and funerall charges be paid and satisfied Item I give and bequeath unto my honoured father and mother John Bull and Margaret his wife the sume of five pounds apiece item I give unto my loving sister Margarett Bull spinster all my plate household goods and chattells and the likewise five pounds in money item I give to my loving sister Alice Pounraby? wife of Richard Pounraby? the sume of five pounds item I give unto my said sister's two children Alice and Mary Pounraby? five pounds apiece item I give to my loving aunt Mary Reynolds the sume of five pounds if she be living but if she be dead then I give the said five pounds equally between my said sister's two children last mentioned item I give unto to my loving friends William Campion and Prudence his wife one guinea apiece four a pair of gloves item I give to my loving friend Allin Garrard five shillings for apair of gloves and lastly what shall remain of all such wages and pay ready money goods and effects whatsoever unto me at the time of my death over and above what I have already bequeathed I give and bequeath the same unto Alice Pounraby? eldest daughter of my said sister Alice Pounraby? and in case all my relations before mentioned shall be deceased then I give and bequeath the said overplus of my estate unto my loving sister Margarett Bull before mentioned and her heirs forever and I doe hereby nominate and appoint my said honoured father John Bull sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the second day of December anno domini 1703 and in the second year of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lady Queene Anne over England etc. John Pooley signed sealed and published in the presence of John Walker, Will. Ruggells, sa.. Wilcocke notary public, East Smithfield Proved 23rd December 1706 John Ranworth, 03-09-1717 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John RANWORTH 1717 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Ranworth of Chatham in cond. Kent shipwright intending to take a voyage to sea being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the perills and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life do for avoiding controversies after my decease make & publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say all and singular such pay wages summe and summes of money lands tenements goods chattells belonging to me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my loving father Edward Shafter of Chatham aforesaid shipwright and ? tee his wife their heires executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby nominate and appoint them full and sole executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordaine and ratifye these presents to stand and be for my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have sett my hand and seale the fourteenth day of March anno domini 1708 and in the eighth year of the reigne of Her Majesty Queen Anne that is now over Great Brittaine etc. John Ranworth signed sealed and published in the presence of me Moses Best Joseph Ranworth Edward Codd attorney in Chatham. Proved 3rd September 1717 power reserved to Edward Shafter Richard Rayden, 08-06-1781 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard RAYDEN 1781 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Rayden shipwright of the town of Chatham in the county of Kent being sick in body but of good and perfect memory thanks be to Almighty God and calling to remembrance the uncertain estate of this transistory life and that all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call do make constitute ordain and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following and being penitent from the bottom of my heart for my sins past most humbly desiring forgiveness for the same I give and commit my soul to God my Saviour and Redeemer in whom and by Christ's merits and sufferings I trust and believe assuredly to have full remission and forgiveness of all my sins and at the general day of resurrection that my soul with my body shall rise again with joy and inherit the kingdom of Heaven prepared for his elect and chosen and my body to be buried in such a place where my executrix hereafter named shall appoint and now for the settling of my temporal estate and such goods chattells and debts as it hath pleased God far and above my deserts to bestow upon me I do order give and dispose the same in manner and form following that is to say first I will that all those debts and dues as I owe or constitute to all manner of person or persons whatsoever shall be well and fully paid or ordained to be paid within convenient time after my decease by my executrix hereinafter named item I give and bequeath unto my dear and beloved grand daughter Mary Bingle all my whole and sole property of household goods wearing apparel plate money and servant also I give and bequeath unto my grandson Joseph Bingle my watch also I give and bequeath unto my grandson Richard Rayden Bingle my case of instruments and I do hereby nominate and appoint my said grand daughter Mary Bingle full and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made in witness whereof I the said Richard Rayden have to this my last will and testament contained on one sheet of parchment set my hand and seal dated the seventh day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty in the twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith Rd. Rayden signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Rayden to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto in the presence of the said testator John Martin Edward Edwards Proved 8th June 1781 John Robinson, 02-09-1724 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John ROBINSON 1724 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Robinson of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright now carpenter of His Majestie's ship Royal Sovereign being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my dear and loving wife Anne Robinson and as to my temporal estate and goods I dispose thereof as followeth imprimis all that my leasehold messuage tenement now divided into two habitations with the appurtenances thereto belonging situate lyinf and being in lower Deptford in the said county of Kent and now in the severall occupations of [     ] Davis and Mary Wilson widow and also all that my other leasehold messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell with the appurtenances in the parishes of Chatham or St. Margt. Rchester and now in the occupation of Thomas Craddock and also all that my other leasehold messuage or tenement with the appurtenances now divided into two habitationsin the said parishes of Chatham or St. Margt. or one of them and now in the several occupations of Stephen Hartrup and Alexander Mc Clorklen I give and bequeath unto my said dear and loving wife Ann Robinson to hold unto her my said wife and her assigns for and during so many years of the severall terms of years which I have to come in the said severall messuages as she my said wife Anne shall naturally live she keeping the same in good and sufficient repair and renewing the leases by which I hold the same at the proper times for renewing such leases and immediately from and after my said wife's decease I give and bequeath the same severall leasehold messuages and premises unto my two children Robert Robinson and Anne Robinson and to their executors administrators and assigns equally to be divided between them or in case of the death of one of them before his or her age of one and twenty I givethe whole of the said messuages and premises unto the survivor of them my said two children Robert and Ann and to the executors admers. or assigns of such survivor item all that my other leasehold messuage or tenement with the appurtenances in Chatham or St. Margaret's aforesaid or one of them and now in the occupation of Hezekiah Hargood I give and bequeath unto my son Skinner Robinson and his executors administrators and assigns in such manner as the same is settled upon him by a deed of settlement made by me before my marriage with my now wife item all that my messuage tenement farm lands tenements and heriditaments with their and every of their appurtenances situate lying and being in the parish of Darenth near Dartford in the said county of Kent and now in the tenure or occupation of William Munns I give and devise unto my said loving wife Anne Robinson for and during the term of her naturall life she keeping the same in good and sufficient repair and immediately from and after her decease I give and devise the said messuage farm lands unto my said son Robert Robinson and to his heirs and assignes for ever but if my said son Robert shall depart this life before he attaines the age of one and twenty years then I give and devise the said messuage farm and lands unto my said daughter Anne Robinson and to her heirs and assigns for ever and if both of them my said children Robert and Anne shall depart this life before he or she attain his or her age of one and twenty years then I give and devise the said messuage farm and lands unto my nephew and niece Robert Robinson one of the children of my late brother William Robinson deceased and Jane Nearne the wife of Edward Nearne of Sandwich marriner to hold to them my said nephew and niece Robert Robinson and Jane Nearne and their heirs and assigns for ever as tenants in common and not as joynt tenants item I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Anne Robinson the sum of one hundred pounds out of my personal estate to be paid her by my executrix at my said daughter's age of one and twenty years in case she live to attaine to that age item I give the sume of six pounds to be laid out by my wife in the buying of clothes or other necessaries for my three cousins Robert Anne and Elizabeth Robinson the three children of my said late brother William Robinson deceased and I direct my said wife shall lay out and expend the said six pounds for the purpose aforesaid in one month after my decease item it is my express mind and meaning that my said wife Anne Robinson shall maintaine board clothe educate and bring up my said two children Robert and aAnne Robinson out of the estate and goods which I have herein before and which I shall herein after give unto her my said wife until my said two children Robert and Anne shall severally attaine their age of one and twenty years and I do hereby direct that my said wife shall not charge my said two children or either of them for any such maintenance board clothing or education item all the rest and residue of my goods ready money stock debts credits plate linnen chattells and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever which shall anyways belong to me at the time of my decease after my own just debts funerall expences and charges of proving this my will and other incident charges are paid and satisfied I give and bequeath the sameunto my said dear and loving wife Anne Robinson and to her executors and administrators and her my said wife Anne Robinson I do nominate and appoint full and only executrix of this my said will and I do hereby revoke all former wills and testaments by me at anytime made spoken or published before the publishing of theses presents in witness whereof I the said John Robinson the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in three sheets of paper set my hand and seal to every sheet thereof the thirtieth day of June in the tenth year of the reigne of His Majesty King George over Great Britaine etc. anno domini 1724 Jno. Robinson signed seaed and by the said John Robinson the testator published and declared as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto J.Grove John Baxter Jno. Sheafe Proved 2nd September 1724 Note in margin: On the twenty third day of August 1734, a power was granted to Edward Nearne the administrator, with the will annexed, of Anne Robinson, widow, deceased, whilst living the sole executrix & residuary legatee named in the last will of John Robinson, late of Chatham in the county of Kent, deceased, to administer the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased according to the tenor and effects of the said will left unadministered by the said Anne Robinson now also deceased, being first sworn duly to administer.. John Stubbs, 30-07-1799 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John STUBBS 1799 This is the last will and testament of me John Stubbs of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright made published and declared the twenty seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight in manner and form following (that is to say) first I direct that all my just debts funeral expences the charges of proving this my will and all other incidental charges and expences attending the same shall be fully paid and satisfied by my executor or executrix hereinafter named as soon as conveniently can be after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my nephew William Stubbs a seaman in His Majesty's navy and now at sea the legacy or sum of two hundred pounds stock five per cent bank annuities now standing in my name in the books of the governor and company of the Bank of England also I give and bequeath unto my niece Mary Kitson wife of Jeremiah Kitson of Deptford in the said county blacksmith the legacy or sum of two hundred pounds stock five per cent bank annuities and now also standing in my name in the books of the governor and company of the Bank of England also I give and bequeath unto my niece Elizabeth Winder wife of John Winder late of Chatham aforesaid sadler the legacy or sum of two hundred pounds stock five per cent annuities also standing in my name in the books of the governor and company of the Bank of England but my will and mind is and I do direct that the said legacy or sum of two hundred pounds stock hereto before by me given to the said Elizabeth Winder shall not be subject or liable to the debts or control of her said husband and that her receipts alone not withstanding her coverture shall be a sufficient discharge to my executor or executrix for the same also I give and bequeath unto my nephew John Stubbs carpenter of His Majesty's ship The Emerald the legacy or sum of eight hundred and fifty pounds stock in the five per cent bank annuities and now also standing in my name in the said book of the governor and company of the Bank of England also I give and bequeath unto my said nephew the said John Stubbs all and every the rest and residue of my real and personal estate of what nature or kind soever which I shall be possessed of at the time of my decease and lastly I do hereby make nominate and appoint my said nephew the said John Stubbs sole executor of this my will but in case my said nephew shall not be living at the time of my decease then I give and bequeath the said legacy or sum of eight hundred and fifty pounds stock five per cent bank annuities and all the rest and residue of my said real and personal estate unto the said Elizabeth Stubbs wife of my said nephew John Stubbs and in that case do hereby make nominate and appoint the said Elizabeth Stubbs sole executrix of this my said will hereby revoking and making void all former wills and codicils by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said John Stubbs the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to the first sheet thereof have set my hand and to this last my hand and seal the day and year first above written John Stubbs signed sealed published and declared by the said John Stubbs the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto Jno. Prall attorney Rochester Edward Wibley of Chatham cordwainer Proved 30th July 1799 William Tapley, 12-06-1774 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William TAPLEY 1774 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I William Tapley of Brompton near Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding (praised be to God for it) and considering with myself the certainty of death and the uncertainties of the time thereof and to the end I may be the better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence do therefore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator hoping for free pardon and remission of all my sins and to enjoy everlasting happiness in his heavenly kingdom through the sole merits of Jesus Christ my Savoiour my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors herein after named and as to such worldy estate wherewith it hath pleased God to entrust me I dispose of the same as followeth (that is to say) I give and bequeath unto my son William Tapley my silver quart tankard in which is marked or engraved the name "William Tapley" also I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Sturgis wife of John Sturgis of Brompton aforesaid gentleman my silver coffee pot also I give and bequeath unto my son John Tapley one silver quart can marked "W. T." and "A.T." also I give and bequeath unto my son James Tapley my silver pint can and my two silver half pint cans all which legacies I direct my executors herein after named to deliver to the respective parties entitled to the same at their several and respective ages of twenty one years and as to all and singular other my household goods household stuffs plate china pictures linnen woollen pewter brass copper liquors wines and all other my household goods utensils and vessels whatsoever I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my wife Ann Tapley her executors administrators and assigns I give unto my four trustees herein after named the sum of five pounds each and also the further sum of one guinea each to buy them mourning rings also I give and devise all and singular my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever whether in possession reversion remainder or expectancy whereof I have power to dispose unto my said wife for and during the term of her natural life if she shall so long continue my widow and unmarried and from and immediately after her decease or marriage again which shall first happen I give and devise all and singular my said messuages lands tenements and real estate (except my messuage or tenement in Middle Street Brompton now in the tenure or occupation of [     ] Peckham and [      ] Batten with its appurtenances ) unto my said sons William Tapley John Tapley James Tapley equally to be divided between them as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and to their several and respective heirs and assigns forever and I also give devise and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Sturgis all that my said messuage or tenement and premises with the appurts. thereunto belonging situate in Brompton aforesaid and now in the tenure or occupation of the said [     ] Peckham and [    ] Batten to have and to hold unto my said daughter Elizabeth Sturgis and to the issue of her body by the said John Sturgis lawfully to be begotten and for default of such issue I give devise and bequeath the same unto and between my said sons the said William John and James Tapley as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and to their several and respective heirs and assigns for ever and as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever the same shall consist and be at the time of my decease my just debts funeral expences and the charges of the probate of this my will and other incident charges being first thereout paid and satisfied I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto Thomas Hall of Wainscot in the parish of Frindsbury in the said county of Kent shipwright Richard Edgecombe of Brompton aforesaid shipwright John Dann of Frindsbury aforesaid yeoman and John Heptden of Burwash in Sussex brazier upon trust that they and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor shall and do invest and layout of my said personal estate and effects in government or ther good securities and pay and apply the dividends interest and profits thereof unto my said wife (if she shall so long continue my widow and unmarried) until my said son William Tapley shall attain the age of twenty one years when I direct my said trustees and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor to pay assign and transfer out of my said personal estate and effects the sum of six hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain unto him my said son William Tapley for his own use and benefit and from and out of the remainder of my said personal estate to pay assign and transfer unto my said daughter the said Elizabeth Sturgis the sum of four hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain which I direct shall be paid her within six calender months next after my decease and my will and mind further is and I direct my said trustees herein before named to pay and apply the dividends interest and profits of the remainder of my said personal estate and effects unto my said wife if she shall continue my widow and unmarried until my said two sons the said John Tapley and James Tapley shall respectively attain their ages of twenty one years and when and so soon as my said son John Tapley shall have attained his said age of twenty one years I do direct my said trustees to pay assign and transfer unto him out of my said personal estate and effects the sum of four hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to and for his own proper use and benefit and when and so soon as my said son James Tapley shall have attained his age of twenty one years I do likewise direct my said trustees to pay assign and transfer unto him out of my said personal estate and effects the sum of six hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to and for his own proper use and benefit and from and immediately after the decease or marriage again of my said wife then upon trust that they my said trustees and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivors shall and do pay and apply the dividends interest and profits of my said personal estate and effects for and towards the maintenance education and bringing up of my said sons John Tapley and James Tapley until they shall respectively attain their said ages of twenty one years and if either of my said sons the said John Tapley and James Tapley shall die before he attain his said age of twenty one years then I direct my said trustees and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor to pay assign and transfer the part and share of him so dying unto and amongst all and every other my children which shall then be surviving in equal shares and proportions and if there shall be only one such surviving child then I give the same unto such survivor his or her executors administrators and assigns and my mind and will also is that the said Thomas Hall Richard Edgecombe John Dann and John Heptden and each and every one of them and their and each and every of their executors and admons. shall be indemnified and saved harmless in the execution of the trusts reposed in them by this will and that they and each and every of them and their and each and every of their executors and administrators shall and may at any time or times reimburse and satisfy themselves out of the said trust premises all such costs charges damages and expences as they or any or either of them their or any or either of their executors or administrators shall sustain bear pay or be put unto for and by reason of or touching or concerning the execution of the trusts aforesaid and that they my said trustees shall be answerable or accountable only for his own respective acts and defaults and not for the acts or defaults of each other and shall not be answerable or accountable for any loss or damage that may happen unless the same is occasioned by their wilful neglect or default and I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint my said son the said William Tapley and the said Thomas Hall Richard Edgecombe John Dann and John Heptden executors of this my last will and testament and I do herby give and devise the care custody guardianship government and tuition of my said two sons the said John and James Tapley during their respective minorities unto them the said Thomas Hall Richard Edgecombe John Dann and John Heptden and lastly I revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this only to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said William Tapley the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in four sheets of paper and sealed together at the top with my own seal to the three first sheets thereof set my hand and to the fourth and last sheet my hand and seal the third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and seventy two Wm. Tapley signed sealed published and declared by the said William Tapley the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses (the name William Tapley being first interlined in the first sheet) Mo. Charles Jas. Large Rob. Wise Proved 20th June 1774 power reserved to John Heptden John Taylor, 19-12-1763 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) John TAYLOR 1763 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Taylor of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and disposing memory and understanding do make publish and declare this to be and contain my last will and testament and first I humbly recommend my soul to the mercy of Almighty God and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and I hereby revoke annul and make void all wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made I do hereby name make and appoint my son in law Henry Greet of Chatham aforesaid sailmaker and my grandson John Greet son of the said Henry Greet executors of this my will I give and devise all those my messuages or tenements situate in Strood in the said county of Kent now in lease to John Hopper with their every and every of their rights members and appurtenances unto my eldest grandson John Greet son of the said Henry Greet his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and devise all that my messuage or tenement now divided into two dwellings situate in King Street in Chatham aforesaid now in the possession of George Purkett and [      ] Willes with the rights members and appurtenances thereof unto my grandson William Greet second son of the said Henry Greet his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and devise all that my messuage ot tenement situate in King Street aforesaid now in the possession of Gregory Jarman with the rights members and appurtenances thereof unto my grand daughter Ann Greet daughter of the said Henry Greet her heirs and assigns for ever also I give and devise all that my messuage or tenement situate in King Street aforesaid now in the possession of James Daffon with the rights members and appurtenances thereof to my grandson Michael Greet his heirs and assigns for ever and I direct that the interest of one hundred pounds part of my personal estate now in bank annuities 1760 shall be applied by my executors towards the maintenance of my said grandson Michael Greet until he attain his age of twenty one years also I give and devise all that my messuage or tenement situate in King Street aforesaid now in my own possession with the rights members and appurtenances thereof unto my said son in law Henry Greet his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and bequeath unto my nephew Henry Taylor of Sheerness shipwright the legacy or sum of twenty pounds and my silver cup marked S.T. to be paid and delivered to him within one month next after my decease and to my god daughter Ann Taylor daughter of the said Henry Taylor the legacy of five pounds to be paid into her said father's hands for her use and benefit within one month next after my decease also I give and bequeath to Katherine Boucher of Brompton the legacy of five pounds to be paid to her for her own separate use within one month next after my decease also I give and bequeath all my right share and interest in the shipwrights' bakehouse unto my said son in law Henry Greet in trust for my grandson Michael Greet his executors administrators and assigns provided and I do hereby impower my executors if they shall find it more for the advantage of the devisees herein named to sell out the said one hundred pounds bank annuities and apply the money thereby arising as they in their discretion shall think fit nevertheless applying the interest thereof for the benefit of my said grandson Michael Greet as before directed and lastly I give and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my ready money moneys out at interest in the public funds or elsewhere and of all other my goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever unto and amongst my said grandchildren the said John Greet William Greet Ann Greet Michael Greet and my said son in law Henry Greet equally to be divided amongst them share and share alike in witness thereof I the said John Taylor the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand and seal to each sheet thereof this twenty sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three John Tayyor signed sealed declared and published by the said John Taylor the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his sight and presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto Mary Westhorpe David Ware Henry Mitton Proved 19th December 1763 Francis Tuson, 18-12-1759 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Francis TUSON 1759 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Francis Tuson of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak and infirm in body but of sound mind memory and understanding (praised be God) make this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) I give and devise all and every my messuages or tenements lands and heriditaments whatsoever and wheresoever as well freehold as leasehold with their appurtenances unto my honoured father and mother William Tuson and Elizabeth his wife and to their assigns for and during their lives and the life of the longest liver of them and from and after the decease of the survivor of them unto my brother William Tuson and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten and for want of such issue unto my sister Sarah (wife of John Keate) and to her heirs and assigns for ever also I give and bequeath unto my cousin Augustine Tuson the sum of one hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid him within three months next after the decease of the survivor of them my said father and mother all the rest and residue of my ready money and securities for money debts goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath unto my said father William Tuson whom I do hereby make and ordain full and sole executor of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made in witness whereof I the said Francis Tuson heve hereunto set my hand and seal dated the thirtieth day of August in the thirty third year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine Frans. Tuson signed sealed published and declared by the said Francis Tuson the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names hereunto in the presence of each other and of the said testator Edwd. Haite Rt. Spray William Baker Proved 18th December 1759 William Wall, 20-02-1710 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) William WALL 1709 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I William Wall of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright and now carpenter of Her Majestie's ship "Queen" being in bodily health and of sound and disposing minde and memory (praised be given to Allmighty God for the same) and considering the perills and dangers of the seas and other uncertainties of this transistory life doe for avoiding all controversies after my decease make publish and declare this with my own handwriting to be and stand for my only last will and testament in manner and forme following (that is to say) first I commend my soul into the hands of Allmighty God who gave it and my body I committ to the earth to be decently buryed by my executors at their discretion and as for concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth item I give and bequeath unto my owne dear and loveing wife Elizabeth Wall all them my one messuages and tenements or dwelling houses gardens yards outhouses with all and singular the premisses and every their appurtenances situated and being in Flaggonroe in Deptford and now being in the tenure of Captain Manly Callis one and the other tenement in my own possession to be my dwelling house which Mr. Worth did lately dwell in item I doe give and bequeath unto my dear and loveing wife Elizabeth Wall all and singular such salary wages debts bills bonds sume and sumes of money as alsoe all and singular my household goods implements and all and singular my estate rights title interest whatsoever as utensils of household goods plate chattles and estate whatsoever as shall be any waies due owing or of right shall belong or appertain unto me at the time of my decease item I doe give devise and bequeath the same to have and to hold the said messuages and tenements and all and singular my estate right title interest whatsoever unto my owne dear and loveing wife Elizabeth Wall for her naturall life and after her decease my will and pleasure is that the said messuages or tenements gardens yards and outhouses with all and singular the said premisses with their appurtenances with all and singular the rest of my estate both personall and reale unto my four sons Henry John Jonas and James Wall I give and bequeath unto my son Henry Wall one fourth part of my estate after the decease of their dear mother Elizabeth Wall and to his heirs executors and assignes I alsoe give and bequeath unto my son John Wall one fourth part of my estate to him and his heirs executors administrators and assignes but if it should please God he should dye without issue that his fourth part shall be equally be divided between his brothers that are then liveing I also give and bequeath unto my son Jonas Wall please God he should dye without issue lawfully begotten that his fourth part shall be equally divided between his brothers that are then liveing I also give and bequeath unto my son James Wall one fourth part of my estate to him and his heirs executors administrator and assignes but if it should please God he should dye without issue lawfully begotten that his fourth part shall be equally divided between his brothers that are then liveing soe my designe is that after the decease of their dear mother aforesaid desireing that the said estate may be thus divided as this my willdoes make mention that there may be noe differences nor falling out in the divideing in the same but to let everyone enjoy and possess his fourth part or share without any controversy in the law one with the other but to live in love and unity and to let everyone enjoy his owne peaceable and quietly according to the intent and meaning of this my last will and testament (that is to say) if my son Henry should dye and leave any children that John Jonas and James Wall doe faithfully perform and pay unto the said brother Henry Wall his children their faire share of the rents and fourth part of the estate as shall grow due to them for the better enabling their mother to bring them up and this being my intent and meaning of this my last will and testament and I doe hereby nominate ordain and appoint my said owne dear and loveing wife Elizabeth Wall my whole and sole exectutrix of this my last will and testament I nominate ordain revokeing and making void all other wills and testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time hereforeto made published or declared and I doe hereby ordain and ratifie these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof I the said William Wall have hereunto this last will set my hand and seale this twentieth day of May in the eigth year of the reigne of Our Lady Anne by the grace of God Queen of Great Britaine France and Ireland Defender of the Faith anno domini one thousand seven hundred and nine Wm. Wall signed sealed published pronounced and declared by the said William Wall as his last will and testament in the presents of us who have subscribed our hands as witnesses in the presents of the testator and this being Her Majestie's two six penny stamps Willm. Eversfield R. Rogers Charles Smith Proved 20th February 1709 (1710) Abel Watson, 06-11-1795 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Abel WATSON 1795 This is the last will and testament of me Abel Watson of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding which I make in manner and form following (that is to say) first I desire that all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expences be fully paid and satisfied and from and after the payment thereof I do hereby give devise and bequeath one full and equal fourth part or share of and in the produce of the sum of one hundred pounds stock 3 per cent reduced annuities now standing in my name in the books of the governor and company of the Bank of England (which I direct to be sold out by my executors as soon as conveniently may be after my decease) unto my son Abel Watson of Chatham aforesaid shipwright one other full and equal fourth part or share of and in the said produce of the said sum of one hundred pounds stock unto my son William Watson of Chatham aforesaid shipwright one other full and equal fourth part or share of and in the said produce of the said sum of one hundred pounds stock unto Elizabeth Watson and Mary Watson spinsters daughters of my late son John Harris Watson deceased in equal parts shares or proportions and the remaining one other full and equal fourth part or share of and in such produce of the said sum of one hundred pounds stock unto my son Thomas Watson of Chatham aforesaid joiner and I do hereby give devise and bequeath unto my said two sons Abel Watson and William Watson all my wearing apparel both linen and woollen to be divided between them in equal parts or shares and to my said two grand daughters Elizabeth Watson and Mary Watson the sum of five pounds five shillings to be divided between them in equal parts or shares being equal to my last mentioned bequest to my sons Abel and William Watson and I do hereby give devise and bequeath unto my dear wife Jane Watson and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life or so long as she shall continue my widow all those my four freehold messuages or tenements and premisses situate and being in the parish of Chatham aforesaid devised to me under and by virtue of the will of the late Mr. Roland Fuller deceased and from and after the decease of my said wife Jane or on her intermarrying again with any other person I do hereby give devise and bequeath one fourth part or share of the said four messuages or tenements to my son Abel Watson one fourth part or share therof to my son William Watson one other fourth part or share thereof to the said Elizabeth and Mary Watson and the remaining one fourth part to my son Thomas Watson their and each of their respective heirs and assigns to hold the same as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and I do hereby direct my executors herein after named to permit and suffer the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds due to me on bond to remain and continue on such security by the party who holds the same and from time to time to receive and pay the interest thereof as and when the same shall become due to my said dear wife Jane for and during the term of her natural life and widowhood or otherwise empower and permit her to receive the same and from and after my said wife's decease or second marriage then I do desire my executors to call in and divide the same to such person or persons and in such parts shares and proportions manner and form as the herein before mentioned sum of one hundred pounds stock 3 per cent reduced annuities is given and devised but in case either of them the said Abel Watson William Watson Elizabeth Watson Mary Watson and Thomas Watson shall happen to die before my said wife or her second marriage then I do direct that the part or share to him her or them so dying shall go to their respective legal representatives and next of kin according to the statute of distribution and as to my stock in trade household furniture plate linen china and also all the rest residue and remainder of my estate effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever the same doth shall or may consist of I do hereby give devise and bequeath the same unto my said dear wife Jane Watson for her own sole and separate use and benefit and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my friends George Conquest of Chatham aforesaid surgeon and Thomas Gilbert of the same place draper executors hereof and I do hereby give to each of them the sum of one pound one shilling as a token of my respect for the trouble they will have in the execution of this my will and hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made do declare this only to be and contain my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five Abel Watson signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto J. Stephens attorney Chatham R. Morgan his clerk William Wallis Chatham cooper Proved 6th November 1795 Thomas Tomlyn West, 03-07-1777 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas Tomlyn WEST 1777 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Tomlyn West the elder of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being of sound and perfect mind and understanding do revoke all former will by me heretofore made and do hereby make publish and declare this my last will and testament as followeth that is to say I request and direct my executors hereinafter named as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to sell and dispose of my household goods furniture and implements of household in the best manner they can and I do give and bequeath the money arising thereby and therefrom and all and every my ready money securities for money monies in the public funds credits chattels effects and personal estate whatsoever which I shall die possessed of intitled unto or interested in after payment of my just debts funeral and all incident charges unto my son William James West at his age of twenty one years if he shall live to attain that age and in the mean time or as soon as conveniently may be after my decease I direct my said executors to place lay out and invest all such monies which shall arise by and out of my personal estate in some or one of the public stocks or funds or on governmet mortgage or other real securities at interest and to pay apply and dispose of the yearly interest dividends and produce arising therefrom for and towards the maintenance education cloathing and placing out of my said son William James West during his minority and to pay advance or lay out any part of my said personal estate in the placing of my said son out to any profession or business which may be judged beneficial and advantageous to him and in case my said son William James West shall happen to depart this life before he shall have had attained his said age of twenty one years then I give and bequeath all my said personal estate unto my son Thomas Tomlyn West his executors and admons. and I do nominate and appoint Thomas Fisher of the city of Rochester bookseller and Thomas Belshar of Chatham aforesaid shipwright joint executors of this my will and guardians to my said son William James West during his minority and it is my will and direction and I do authorize and empower my said executors to reimburse and take to themselves out of my said personal estate all their reasonable charges which they shall sustain or be put unto in the execution and performance of this my will and that they shall not be answerable or charged or chargeable for or with any more of my personal estate or monies arising therefrom or the yearly interest dividends or produce thereof than shall actually come to their respective hands or for any involuntary loss which may happen therein or in the securities to be taken for the same or any part thereof nor shall the one of them be answerable for or chargeable with what shall come to the hands of the other of them but each his own respective acts and receipts and in case any loss shall happen by or through the willful neglect or default of either of them my said executors then he only who shall be guilty thereof shall be answerable for the same and I do declare this to be and contain as and for my only last will and testament in witness whereof I the said Thomas Tomlyn West the testator have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six Thos. Tomlyn West signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Tomlyn West the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in the presence of him and of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto John Hopper Thos. Tomlyn Proved 3rd July 1777 Thomas Whitehead, 28-08-1739 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Thomas WHITEHEAD 1739 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Thomas Whitehead of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright and now outward bound to sea in the good ship called The Nassau being in bodily health and of a perfect sound and disposing mind and memory considering as well the perils and dangers of the seas as the many other uncertainties of this transistory life do for avoiding controversies after my decease make publishe and declare theses presents to be and contain my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God that gave it me hoping through the alone merits death and passion of Jesus Christ my most blessed Lord and Saviour to receive free and full pardon and forgiveness of and for all my sins and after this mortal life is ended to enjoy everlasting rest and happiness in the kingdom of heaven my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as touching and concerning all and singular such worldly estate as God of his infinite mercy and goodness hath been pleased to bless me withal I do give and dispose thereof in manner and form following imprimis my mind will and desire is that all my just debts and funeral expences (if any be) shall be first paid satisfied and discharged all the rest residue and remainder of all and singular such wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate of whatsoever nature kind or quality the same is or may be found after my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto my loving sister Katherine Whitehead of Chatham aforesaid spinster to hold unto the said Katherine Whitehead my sister her heirs and assigns for ever and I do hereby nominate and appoint my friend Thomas Stanton of the parish of Saint Paul Deptford in the county aforesaid shipwright executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and these presents and none other to be and contain all my last will and testament I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixth day of December in the eleventh year of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven Thos. Whitehead signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Whitehead the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of Tho. Wellings Edwd. Currey his servant Proved 28th August 1739 Joshua Wilkins, 30-05-1780 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Joshua WILKINS 1780 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Joshua Wilkins shipwright belonging to His Majesty's dock yard at Chatham being of sound and disposing mind and memory do hereby make this my last will and testament first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping for remission of all my sins through the merits of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer and my body to the earth or sea as it shall please God and as for such worldly estate and effects which I shall die possessed of or intitled unto at the time of my decease I give and bequeath the same as followeth that is to say I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Ann all such wages sum and sums of money as now is or hereafter shall be due to me for my service or otherwise in his majesty's said yard or in any other of His Majesty's yards ships or vessels whatsoever and I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my dearly beloved wife Ann executrix of this my last will and testament and I do give and bequeath unto my said executrix all the rest and residue of my estate whatsoever both real and personal hereby revoking and making void all other and former wills by me heretofore made and do declare this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and in the sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. Joshua Wilkins signed sealed published and declared by the said Joshua Wilkins as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the said testator Wm. Campbell, clk. cheque Jas. Park Proved 30th May 1780 Richard Wye, 22-09-1727 Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799) Richard WYE 1727 IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Richard Wye of the parish of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright now on board His Majts. shipp Kinsale being in perfect health of body and of a sound disposeing mind and memory for which I thank Allmighty God yet in as much as I am bound forth to sea and considering the incertainties of this present life doe make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first and most especially I give and bequeath my soul unto God who gave it me and my body to the earth or sea where it should please God to to dispose and through the death passion all sufficient merits and mediation of his son Jesus Christ to inherit eternal life item all my goods chattells credits wages and estate whatsoever of what nature kind or quality soever the same be moveable and immoveable wherewith at the time of my decease I shall be possessed of or intitled in or which shall belong or of right of appertaine unto me I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Elinor and I make nominate and appoint the said Elinor Wye the whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke disannull and make void all and every former other will and wills by me made either by word or writing and this to continue and for and as my last will and testament and not ? in witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the twenty ninth day of September in the year of our Lord God seventeen hundred and one and in the thirteenth year of the reigne of our Soveraign Lord King William the Third over England etc. Richard Wye signed sealed published and declared by the said Richard Wye to be his last will and testament in the presence of John Holjombe leiut. John Henly mastr. Wm. Withard boats. Proved 22nd September 1727 ModernWillsChatham KAS Previous Previous Monumental Inscriptions of Margaret of Antioch Church, Lower Halstow Next Next Excommunication curse no. 8, mid-10th to 11th century Kent Archaeological Society Registered Charity 1176989 Documents Guidance Licensing Minutes Privacy