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Abstract of Austen Family Wills from Arthur Hussey’s Manuscripts

Will of John AUSTYN of Benenden, 8 November 1519

John AUSTYN of Beninden, 8 November 1519.
Buried in churchyard.
Wife Anne 2 kine and best mare, all household stuff, except son Henry a ship-chest.
All other moveables be sold ,the money to pay my debts, except one craft of tools the best remain to my forge.
Feoffees – John JAKYS, Edward LEDE, William LALLYRDEN, John ALEHAN.
    Wife Anne occupy and take profits of my messuage and two acres of land for life, paying to Joan AUSTYN my mother in law 3s.4d. yearly. Wife income from two pieces of land bought from William UPTON called Adomdsone.
   Ex’ors take to ferme my chief messuage I dwell in with lands thereto and messuage and lands in parish of Scllistone (?Selmeston, Sussex) and my crafte of tools, until my youngest son is 24, then the money coming from same to pay my debts, residue equally to my sons, except William and Robert my sons have 40s. each when 24.
   When youngest son is 24 then my lands, tenements equally to my sons in fee simple, except messuage and lands my wife Anne occupies for life, this after her death equally to my sons.
   To marriage of each of my daughters (no names) four mares (53s.4d.) if they all die before, money to my sons.
   If any son die before 24 without lawful issue his brothers be heirs, and if all sons so die before 24 without lawful issue, then lands, tenements to my daughters, but if dead without lawful issue, then lands, tenements be let to ferme for seven years – money for torches in Benenden church 13s.4d., Bekley (Beckley in Sussex, 5 miles from Rye) a torch price 6s.8d., Selleston church a torch of 6s.8d. mending the footway between Iden Cross and Benenden church 20s. the residue of money bestowed by Ex’ors for health of our souls.
   After the seven years all lands, tenements to Edward AUSTEN and Stephen(sic) my brothers in fee simple.
If any of my sons will learn my craft he shall have my tools.
Joane daughter of William AUSTEN my brother at her marriage 33s.4d.
If any son sell his part of his lands when 24, their brothers by same before any other if so disposed.
Residue after debts, etc. paid to wife Anne who with William GATEWARD my Ex’ors, and Lawrence PATINDEN overseer.
Witnesses: Richard LELLILSDEN, Thomas BLAKE, Edward AUSTYN, Edward LEDE Stephen AUSTEN.
   Probate 6 February 1519-20. A. Vol.15, fol.66.

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