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Chelsfield Wills - Part 1  Abstracts of will from Chelsfield proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Robert Petley of Chelsfield dated 30 May 1668

Abstract of the will of Robert Petley of Chelsfield yeoman dated 30 May 1668.
   My body to be buried in the church or churchyard of Chelsfield, at the discretion of my Executrix.
   I give to the poor of Chelsfield 20s. to be paid by my Executrix on the day of my burial.
   I give to Robert Smith my sister’s son after the death of Joan my wife one long plank table, the frame to it and 8 joined stools, one carved large press cupboard, one form, two iron cobirons, one brass cauldron furnace, 4 chests, one featherbed, bolster, bedsteddle and the furniture belonging to it standing in the Parlour Chamber, and also one brass pot, one joined bedsteddle and bed with what belongs to it standing in the Kitchen Chamber and one half-headed bedsteddle and bed with what belongs to it, standing in the Garret.
   I give to my cousin Mary Peirce, the now wife of Henry Peirce, one cupboard in the kitchen and £20.
   I give her also the next fall or cut of one parcel of the woodland called Pascolls Wood in Shoreham "when the same wood shall come to be of nine years growth after my decease."
   I give to my cousin Elizabeth Smith £20 and the next fall or cut of one parcel of wood called Oven Wood and Morters Hole in Chelsfield when it shall come to be of nine years growth after my decease.
   Joan my wife shall occupy those 5 several parcels of land called Crockers Lands, Homefields and Comberlands together with the herbage only on Oven Wood, Morters Hole and Pascolls Wood, all of which lands contain about 56 acres in Chelsfield and Shoreham. She is to pay my cousin Robert Smith £4 per annum during her lifetime.
    I give to my cousin John Hibbin, son of John Hibbin of Well Hill, who now dwells with me, one messuage or tenement with the barn, yard, garden and orchards belonging, being in Chelsfield and in the occupation of John Hamond, when he attain 21 years. Until then my Executrix shall receive the rents for the use, maintenance and bringing up of Joan Hibbin, sister of the said John.
    I give further to my kinsman Robert Smith all my messuages, lands and tenements not before bequeathed, in the parishes of Chelsfield, Shoreham, Orpington and St. Mary Cray, to him and his lawful heirs male begotten of his own body, for ever. For want of such issue I bequeath all these premises to my very loving kinsman Richard Thomas of Deptford gentleman and to his heirs and assigns for ever.
   I also give to the said Robert Smith for life all my messuage or tenement, lands and premises called Hyams Hill in the parish of Cudham and now in the occupation of Thomas Henman, and after Robert’s death I bequeath the property to my kinswomen Mary Peirce and Elizabeth Smith and their heirs for ever.
    I give all residue of my personal estate to my dear and loving wife Joan whom I appoint my Executrix.
   Robert Petley witnesses Thomas X Groombridge, Thomas X Smith George Pike.
Proved 11 August 1668 by Joan Petley the relict.       [PCC will PROB11/327]

Transcribed by Geoffrey Copus 

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