Chelsfield Wills - Part 1
Abstracts of will from Chelsfield proved in
the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Robert Allen
of Chelsfield dated 17 September 1761
Abstract of the will of Robert Allen of Chelsfield yeoman dated 17 September
1761.
I commend "my poor and immortal soul" into the hands of
God, and my body to be buried in Chelsfield churchyard at a frugal expense.
To my dear and loving wife Sarah I give an annuity of £35 per
annum for her lifetime to be paid quarterly out of Hewitts Farm in Chelsfield
and Shoreham.
I also give her the furniture, goods and chattels belonging to one
room at Hewitts Farm House (except the kitchen) that she shall think fit and
make choice of, in full satisfaction of any Dower to which she might be
entitled, and I ask her to execute a release in law of any such claims she may
have, other than by this will.
I also give her the use of all my household goods and chattels, and
all farm stock, corn, cattle etc. until my daughter Grace Allen shall attain 21,
the better to enable my wife to bring her up.
I direct my wife at the instance of my friend George Brett of
Lewisham brewer, my brother Stephen Allen and my brother in law Thomas Stringer,
as soon as she can after my death to make a full Inventory of all the said goods
(except the furniture she has chosen) and of all the stock etc. belonging to the
farms in my occupation, and she shall pay to my daughter Grace at age 21 such a
sum as my said appraisers shall think a reasonable allowance.
I give Hewitts Farm with the lands belonging and all other my
messuages, lands etc. and real estate whatsoever to my daughter Grace and her
heirs for ever, on condition that she execute a lease of the premises for any
term of years that my wife may choose, to be determinable on her death, at the
yearly rent of £35. The lease is to be subject to the usual exceptions,
provisos and conditions contained in leases according to the custom and usual
manner of letting leases in the neighbourhood of Chelsfield.
If my daughter Grace die without issue in my wife’s lifetime than
I give all the said premises to my wife for life, and then to my brother Stephen
Allen and his heirs, subject to the payment of £100 to my sister Mary Allen,
and £5 apiece to my brothers James, William and Richard Allen and my sisters
Elizabeth, Ann, Grace and Sarah.
If Stephen should inherit the premises but die without issue,
then on his death I give all the property to my brothers and sisters named above
and to their heirs equally, as tenants in common.
I give to my wife and to the said George Brett, Stephen Allen and
Thomas Stringer the Guardianship of my daughter Grace in her minority, and my
wife shall take the rents and profits until Grace is 21, keeping the buildings
etc. in good repair.
I give all residue of my personal estate to my wife for ever and
appoint her as my Executrix.
Robert Allen witnesses Will: Allen Will: Rice Tho: Williams.
Proved 30 September 1761 by Sarah Allen widow the relict. [PCC will
PROB11/868]
Transcribed by Geoffrey
Copus