Monumental Inscriptions on the ledgerstones inside All Saints Church, Maidstone

31 Oct

Written By KAS

I very much appreciate all the hard work by the Maidstone Archaeological Group in 1996-7 when they recorded all the ledgers in the church and for their first class plan and index. Many of the stones are very worn and faint, so I pay tribute to their patient and time consuming efforts producing such an accurate record. Where details, especially dates, are completed eroded, I have been able to restore some of them from the related wills. I have laid out the inscriptions in their original form. The wills are mainly from the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, proved in London, also there are locally proved wills, mainly from the Consistory Court of Canterbury, held in the Kent Archives at Maidstone, where they are available on micro-film; I particularly wish to thank the Archives staff for their excellent and professional assistance.

D. E. Williams
Borstal
October 31st 2022

ADAMS see HEMPSON

Addison

Beneath this Stone
are deposited the R[emain]s
of MARY Wi[fe] [of]
WILLIAM ADDISON
who died March the 1st
1796 Aged 70 Years
Also the above named
WILLIAM ADDISON
who died August the 14th
1798 Aged 68 Years
Also Two of their Children
JOHN and CHARLES
who died in their Infancy
Likewise
DERING ADDISON
Son of the above
who died the 19th of Dec.
1820 Aged 61 Years
Also
SUSAN [Wife of the above]
[ ]

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th March 1818

Derring Addison of Maidstone, Gentleman

All his debts, funeral and probate charges to be first paid.
He appoints his son, William and brother in law William Browne of Maidstone, Chemist and Druggist as his executors.

He gives them £800, upon trust, they to invest this sum, in their names, in the Public Funds or Real securities. Dividends to be paid to his wife, Maria*, for her lifetime, on condition that she leaves his house after his death.
After her death or if she has refused to leave the house the £800 to become part of his residuary personal estate.

The residue of his money and securities , bills, bonds, notes, mortgages, book debts, goods, chattels effects and personal estate, (subject to the payment of his debts, funeral and probate charges), to his son William and William Browne.

They to sell his estate which does not consist of money and invest in the Public Funds, upon trust, the funds and securities for the benefit of his son William and his other children, including any not yet born, in equal shares at their respective ages of 21 years. If any die under 21, leaving lawful issue, the parent's share to that child or children at 21 years....................

Interest to be used during their minorities towards their maintenance and education . If none of his children live to be 21, then his money to his next of kin according to the laws of intestacy...........

Witnesses: Chas. Topping and Jno Scoons

Proved 4th January 1821 Power reserved to William Addison

Note in the margin, 20th July 1830 Administration granted to William Addison, the surviving executor.

* I presume Maria is his second wife, see no. 2

2. Addison

[ ]
CHARLES GREENSTREET ADDISON
Son of DERRING & SUSAN ADDISON
died August 23rd 1810
Aged 3 Years and 3 Months

ALCHORNE see SANDERS

3. Samuele, Aldersey

Hic jacet una duobos Filiis
THOMA et SAMUELE ante patrem
[Extinctis FARNHAMUS] ALDERSEY
Familia non minus opulenta quam
Vetustas prognatus liboros quatuor
Ex conjuge SARA adhue viva duos
Mares totidemque foeminas sibi
Superstites reliquit Maidsonii
Ubi etiam laudatam vitam egit
Piam moterm obiit KAL Januarii
Anno Redemptionis humanae
MDCLXXXVI Aetatis LXIII

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 12th March 1684

Farnham Aldersey of Maidstone, Gentleman.
Unusually no religious preamble.
To his wife, Sarah, all the furniture of his red chamber with hangings. To his son, Farnham, the furniture of his best chamber, with the hangings.
His silver flagon with the Aldersey arms to son Farnham at 24 years of age or marriage, if before with the approval of his mother and trustees. In the meantime, his wife has the use of it.

Household stuff in his daughter, Elizabeth Aldersey's chamber to Elizabeth, except the hangings, which will remain.

To son John, after his mother's death, the silver flagon and some of his silver plates.

To son Farnham, his statute books and his scruton in his study.
Also to Farnham, his Latin and Greek books in the study. His English books to be equally divided between his two sons, Farnham and John, when Farnham is 21.

Linen, plate and household stuff, not before given, to his wife and son, Farnham, equally shared.

His lands, woods, houses as follows, to his wife, all his and in Iwade in his own occupation, for life and, after her death, to son John for ever.
Also to his wife, for life, his house in Eastland where Mr Edward Maphson, Henry Cobflich, Josiah Hodeor and Mr Wriothesly live, with the stable, outhouses, nursery, orchard, cherry garden and apple garden, situated in Willington Street, Maidstone, in his own occupation or that of [ ]
Smithman. His wife to keep the property on good repair and pay the Lord's rent and after her death, to son Farnham for ever.

His wife can dwell in his house and use the orchard and garden freely until son Farnham is 21 or marries, if earlier. In Son Farnham is to marry, he must give 9 months notice to his mother. To son Farnham, his dwelling house at 24 years of age or on his marriage, if earlier, for ever.

To son Farnham, his Manor of Borener ?, with the house, lately or now let to John Chambers and Simon Bennett and the woodland, except the two Churchfield Woods and that end of Brockwell Bank next the street and Roundwood). He gives the felling of it (provided it is felled before his son Farnham is 24) to his executors, until Middlemass after his son is 24, towards paying his debts, legacies and daughter Elizabeth's portion and after he gives the woods to son Farnham for ever. The felling will not go ahead if son Farnham pays his executors a sum the the felling would have produced.

To son Farnham, for ever, the house and land in Willington Street, lately purchased from Richard Allen of Rochester Esquire; also the house, stables, orchard, hop garden and woods in his occupation or that of Edmond Southen and a third of two fields in Willington Street lately bought from Andrew Hills of Leeds, Carpenter, at 24 years of age or marriage, if earlier.

Also to son Farnham, for ever, his farm called Little Okely at Higham, occupied by Edmund Peirson, Gentleman, at 21 years of age.

To son John, for ever, his house and lands at Harrisons in Ulcombe now or late occupied by Robert Baker, at 21 years of age.
Also to John, for ever, Highwood in Wormshill and his land called Dawnes Hills ?, of 2 acres in Bredgar and Wormshill, now occupied by himself or William Mallenger, at 21 years of age.

To daughter Elizabeth, £800 and until that sum is paid, she is to be paid 5% interest by his executors.

To his grand daughter Sarah Knowler, £100, after his debts and funeral costs and daughter Elizabeth's portion are paid. The £100 is to be put out at interest by her father, John Knowler of Ospringe, Gentleman at the rate of 5% and the £100 paid when she is 18 or on day of marriage. If she dies before then, the money to her sister, Catherine Knowler.
To son in law, John Knowler and his wife Mary, £5 for mourning.

To his nephews, Thomas, Henry and William Aldersey, Gentlemen, , nephew Kenwrith ?, and his wife and to his old friend Thomas Alcocke and Grissell, his wife and his sister, Elizabeth Picke of Han????l, widow, a mourning ring of 20 shillings value.

He appoints his wife, Sarah as his executor and friend, Major Brett Netters and kinsman, James Reader, both of Maidstone, Gentlemen, overseers and trustees of his will.
His executor and trustees to sell his house in London, in Silver Street, alias Field Lands in Fetter Lane.

To son John, £200 to put him out to good employment to the law or as a merchant, as he shall like.

To every servant with him at his death, 10 shillings each.

Witnesses: Mary Barnes Constance Russell William Bosse John Lambe

Proved 25th January 1686 (1687)

4. Apleton, Appleton

Here Lyeth
the Body of ELIZABETH
Wife of
JAMES APLETON
who died November
the 9th 1717 Aged 44 Years
Here Lyeth the Body of
the abovesaid JAMES
APLETON
who Departed this Life
January ye 4th 1736
Aged 64 Years
[Also] of
[JEREMIA]H
APPLE[TON] died the 29th
March 17[ ]6 Aged
10 Months [and] 7 Days

5. Apsley, Hall

[                   ]
[      ]TER APSL[EY]
[                 ] 1712
[Here] Lyeth the Body of
ELIZABETH HALL
W[ife] of MORGAN HALL
Daughter of Mr GEO
& MARY APSLEY
who died August
24th 1736 Aged
30 Years
Here yeth the Body of
GEO [A]PSLEY
[                   ]
[          ] HALL
Son of MORGAN and M[ARY]
[ELIZA]B[E]TH of this to[wn[
[who died] [         ] 7th 1783
A[ged] [ ] [Years]

6. Apsley

[                           ]
MARY APSLEY
[                     ] 1717
[                       ]
[who died] 19th April
17[ ] [in the] 25th Year of her Age

7. Archer

[ ]
DOROTHY ARCHER
Wife of GEO ARCHER
died March the 16th 1735
Aged 55 Years
Also the said GEO ARCHER
who died Jan the 26th 1744/5
Aged 69 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd December 1742

George Archer of Maidstone, Threadtwister
His debts to be first paid from his personal estate.
To John and Richard Archer, two sons of Benjamin Archer of Boughton Aluph, Husbandman, when the youngest is 21, his 3 houses with gardens in East Malling, 2 of which are occupied by [ ] Judkin and [ ] Newman, the other one is empty, formerly occupied by Widow Roy ?, for ever, shared equally.

To Robert Archer, another son of Benjamin Archer, at 21 years of age, his house with yard and garden on Gabriel's Hill, Maidstone, occupied by Robert Cutbush, for ever.

To George Archer, another son of Benjamin Archer, at 21 years of age, his house with yard and garden on Gabriel's Hill, adjoining the last mentioned, now empty, for ever. If any of these brothers die under 21 years, his legacy to the survivors, equally shared.

To Mary Archer, daughter of Benjamin Archer, £100 at 21 years of age and half of the woman's clothing in his custody, at his death or when she is 23, she will then, at 23, have £50 more and rest of the clothing. If she dies before she is 23, her brothers to equally share the legacy.

To George Archer, a diamond ring at 21 years of age.

His executors to preserve his books, clothes, household and other linen, upon trust, until the 4 sons of Benjamin Archer are 21 and then shared equally among them.

The rest of his goods, chattels and personal estate to be sold as soon as possible and receive the rents of the properties bequeathed until the Archer brothers are all over 21 and then share the money equally between them.

He appoints Thomas Argles of Maidstone, Upholder, Edward Argles of Maidstone, Grocer and John Alexander of Maidstone, Carrier, executors and trustees.
To each of them the yearly sum of 1 guinea for their care and trouble until the several divisions and trusts take effect.

Witnesses: John Rogers Jonathan Rogers John Mason

Proved 19th February 1744 (1745)

8. Arnold

(Fragment)

[Sacred]
[to the] [M]emory of
WILLIAM ARNOLD
Surgeon [and Apothecary]
[died 1784]

(Possibly the William Arnold below ?)

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st May 1784

William Arnold of Maidstone, Apothecary
He is sick and weak in body.
To his son in law and daughter, William and Mary Charles his two houses with yards and gardens in Weymouth and Melcombe Regis on the Melcombe Regis side, Dorset [occupied by] John Caply and E. Sparkes ?, during their lifetimes. After the death of the survivor, then to his grandson, Thomas Charles, for ever.

Also to his above son in law and daughter, his house in two dwellings, with gardens oast houses and pieces of land belonging, in Weavering Street, Boxley, for ever but upon condition. They or one of them to pay to his wife, Sarah, an annuity of £40 for her lifetime.

The rest and residue of ready money, securities for money, household goods, stock in the shop, book debts, bonds, notes, plate, linen, chattels, effects and personal estate, after payment of his debts and funeral charges, to his above son in law and daughter, for ever. He also appoints them as executors.

Witnesses: H. Groombridge John Saunders Mary Bates

Codicil 3rd May 1784

He ratifies his will.
He now empowers his son in law and daughter to sell the property on Melcomb Regis when they think fit. The proceeds to be invested at interest and applied to the intents of the will

Witnesses: As for the will

Proved 11th August 1784. Power reserved to Mary Charles

9. Atkins

Beneath this Stone lies the
Body of
WILLIAM FOSTER ATKINS
who died March 13th 1828
Aged 26 Years
Also THOMAS ATKINS
of Hawkhurst formerly of this Town
who died April 13th 1840
Age 75 Years
Also BARBARA Widow of the above named
THOMAS ATKINS
who died Dec 5th 1855
Aged 83 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th October 1837

Thomas Atkins of Maidstone, Banker, now of Hawkhurst, Gentleman.
He gives £100 and all his furniture, linen, china, books, prints, pictures, wines, liquors. Fuel, household effects, (except plate and plated articles)to his wife, Barbara, absolutely.

The house he now lives in near Highgate in Hawkhurst, with buildings, garden and land and all other real estate to his wife for the joint lives of herself and Sarah Donald of Aspatria, Cumberland, Spinster. If Sarah Donald dies in his wife's lifetime, then the property to his wife, for ever. If his wife dies before Sarah Donald, then all to Sarah Donald.

To his wife's nephew, Samuel Woodgate Durrant , Attorney at Law, £100 within three months after the death of testator's wife, Barbara.

The residue of his personal estate to his wife and Sarah Donald, for their joint lives, upon trust for his wife. If Sarah Donald dies in his wife's lifetime then all to his wife but if his wife dies in Sarah Donald's lifetime, then all goes to Sarah.

All estate vested in him as trustee or mortgagee to John Mercer Durrant of Hawkhurst, Yeoman and William Pain Beecham of Hawkhurst, Gentleman.

He appoints his wife and Sarah Donald, executors.

Witnesses: Mary Jeffery of Cheriton, Spinster John Jeffery, Solicitor of Hastings, George William Walker, Clerk to Messrs Beecham and Upperton, Solicitors, Hawkhurst.

Proved 30th June 1840

10. Ayerst, Watts

Here [Lyeth the] Body of
[JOHN AYERST] of
Maidstone who departed
this Life the Ninth
of October 1675 in the
41st Year of his Age
[        ] AYERST
[                  ] 17[ ]
Here Lyeth also
the Body of SARAH WATTS
Daughter of the said
JOHN AYERST and wife
of EDMOND WATTS
Citizen of London who
changed this Life for another
and a Better Aug 19th 1720
in the 45th Year of her Age
Here Lyeth the Body of
Mrs SARAH WATTS
[                             ]

11. Ayerst, Sharpey

Here Lyeth
ye Body of JANE Wife
of WILLIAM AYERST
Junr who departed
this Life April ye 16th
1709
Aged 26 Years
Left issue one
Daughter
JANE SHARPEY
Daughter of the above
said JANE AYERST
died March 16th 1781
Aged 73 Years
JANE SHARPEY died
Nov the 18th 1801
Aged [69]Years
Also MARY SHARPEY
died Febr [ ] 181[ ]
Aged 68 Years

12. Baker

Here Lieth the Body of
WILLIAM BAKER Cordwainer
who died April ye 28th 1716 Aged
[ ] Years left Issue one Son
Here also Lieth the Body of
ELINOR BAKER late Wife of
WM. BAKER who died
Jan ye 23rd 1732 Aged
80 Years
Here also Lieth the Body of
WILLIAM BAKER Son of
WILLIAM and SUSANNAH BAKER
who died November the 9th
1733 Aged 47 Years
[left] issue one Daughter
[ ]

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th March 1715 (1716)

It seems that William Baker, Senior was both a Cordwainer and an Inn Keeper but the victualling business was probably run day to day by his wife and son.

William Baker of Maidstone, Victualler
He leaves the lease of the house he lives in, known by the name of the Cock, to his wife, Elinor and his son William as joint tenants for the remainder of the lease. They to keep it in their own hands and not to transfer the lease or let it., except to Mr Samuel Hollister his Brewer.
They will let or assign the house if they do not want to continue it as a public house, during the remainder of the lease but not to pass it to anyone else than Samuel Hollister if it remains a public house.
When his wife and son have a reason for a Guiler of beer, he advises them to put into each Guile one seam of malt extraordinary at their own cost and charge.
If they do not follow the will he gives the house and lease to Samuel Hollister
To his wife and son, the residue of his goods, chattels, personal estate, debts owed, ready money,(his debts and funeral costs being first paid), to his wife, four sevenths and to son William, three sevenths.

To Henry Cobstick, Senior, a suite of his clothes.
He appoints his wife and son his executors.
He signs the will with his mark.

Witnesses: Elizabeth King Elizabeth King Junior Jane King

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th September 1733

William Baker of Maidstone, Victualler
First all his debts to be paid.
To his daughter, Susanna, wife of Nicholas Willard of Rochester, Shipwright, 13 shillings and 4 pence.
To Nicholas Willard, all his woollen clothes .
All the rest and residue of his personal estate to his wife, Sarah, she paying his debts and legacies and, he appoints her his executor.

Witnesses: John Stewart Cuthbert Stewart, ( ? )

Proved 9th February 1733 (1734 in the modern calendar)

BANKES see WILLETTS

BARKER see HOLLISTER

13. Barlow

[Illegible Earlier Inscription ]
MARY ELIZABETH Daughter
of JOHN & ELIZABETH BARLOW
died Novr. 27Th 1829
Aged 18 Months & 12 Days
RICHARD HILTON BARLOW
born 19th Oct 1818
died 19th May 1831

BARLOW see WOOTON

14. Barrell, Barrlell

Formerly on East Wall of South Chancel Aisle

Hic Jacet Cadaver
ANA BARRELL Uxoris ROBERTI
BARRLELL [Clerici] Cui Peperit Tres
Filios[ ]asove Dvas Castissimo
Thoro [Haec] Obiitt Sexto Die Mai
Anno Dni 1621 Aetatis
Svae 29

15. Barrett

Here lieth the Body of Mr ROBERT BARRETT
Sen who departed this Life the 9th of December
1699 Aged Years Sixty Five
Alsoe the Body of JOANE his Wife who
departed this Life the 4th of July 1670 Aged 3[ ]
Alsoe the Body of WILLIAM his Son who departed
this Life the 24th of December 1675 Aged 10 Y[ears]
And alsoe the Body of ROBERT BARRETT his
Grandson who dyed the 3rd July 1691
Aged 4 Moneths
MARY WHITE Widow
the 26th day of March 1766
Aged 76 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24t April 1699

Robert Barrett the Elder of Maidstone, Thread Twister
To his wife, Mary, all her rings, jewels and clothes, except for 1 gold chain, this he gives for her lifetime and after her death, to his daughter, Elizabeth, for ever.

To his wife, £5 per annum for 4 years and the house he now lives in and the adjoining house occupied by Dorothy Cripps, widow, in Week Street, Maidstone. These properties were already settled on her upon their marriage, for her lifetime, she to keep in good repair and after her death, they go to his son, Robert, for ever.

All his houses in Folkestone to his daughter, Elizabeth, for ever. Also to her, £400.

To son Robert, his house called the King's Arms, with land and an orchard, in Boxley, now or late occupied by Anne Boswell, widow . Also his house in Willington Street, Maidstone, occupied by John Woollett; also a piece of woodland he occupies, of about 5 acres adjoining the land before mentioned, on the east side; also his house or farm, with barn, stable and lands in East Sutton, now or late occupied by Simon Bates; also the house and farm, with barn and land in Headcorn, now or late occupied by John Love, for ever, subject to the payment of an annuity of £20 to his son, John, for life.

Rest and residue of goods, chattels, plate, ready money, bills, bonds, mortgages and personal estate ,
after his debts, legacies and funeral charges are paid, to son Robert, for ever. Robert id his executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Cooper, Edward Rose, George Nichols

Proved 9th January 1699 (1700)

16. Barrett, Fullagar, Davies

Here Lyeth the [Body of] [           ]
late Wife of Mr ROBERT BARRETT
and Daughter of
JOHN FULLAGAR late of Lan[gley ?]
Gent deced. Who departed
this Life the 23rd of December
1705 Aged 40 Years
Here Lyeth the Body of the above
said Mr ROBERT BARRETT
[who] departed this Life
the 13th of December Anno Domi 17[14]
Aged 54 Years
Here Lyeth the [Body of]
[        ] Daughter of [                         ]
[                                     ]
[                            ]
Also ROBERT BARRETT
his Son who dyed [              ]
[                  ] 1724 Aged 26 Y[ears]
Underneath are deposited
the Remains of
TIMOTHY DAVIES
born November 28th 1799
died March 22nd 1834

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th January 1713 (1714 in modern calendar)

Robert Barrett of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He is weak in body.

His house, dye house, stable, outhouses, yard and garden in Maidstone in his possession and his house called Popehole, with a barn, stable, garden, orchard and parcels of land belonging in Lenham and Boughton Malherbe, lately occupied by Jeffery Filmer, also his house occupied by Robert Judde and his house, stable, barn and orchard, land and woodland of about 23 acres in Stockbury lately occupied by Robert Greenhill, now by Christopher Foord, which are, by an indenture of 24th December 1685, settled, ( on son, Robert ? )

He gives to his eldest daughter, Elizabeth Barrett, his house, barn, stable and orchard, called Marsden ?, with land of about 30 acres in Boughon Malherbe occupied by Peter Austen.

To his daughters, Mary and Hester Barrett, his house, barn, outhouse, yard, garden, orchard and land of about 20 acres in Boughton Malherbe, occupied by Edward Love.

To his daughters, Ann and Susan Barrett, his house called Humphreys, with a barn, stables, malt house, outhouse, closes, yards, garden and orchard and about 20 acres of land in Boughton Malherebe, lately occupied by Thomas Britcher, now by Henry Apleton, also his 2 lodges and land and woodland of about 40 acres in Boughton Malherbe, near to Humphreys, now of late occupied by Henry Apleton, together with his right title and interest and term of years to come, equally shared.

Also to daughters Ann and Susan, after the death of Mary Barrett, widow, his mother in law, (step mother ?), his 2 houses, yards, outhouses, stables and gardens of about 1 acre in week Street, Maidstone, occupied by Dorothy Cripps and Elizabeth Barrett.

To his daughters, Mary and Hester, his house known as the Queen's Arms,* with the stable and brewhouse, outhouse, garden and orchard, together about 1 acre in Boxley lately occupied by Richard Harrison, now by John Medherst and his small house and orchard in Bearstead and Thurnham in Stinton ? Street, now or late occupied by Thomas Feakins.

His house, barn, stable, outhouse, garden and orchard and land in East Sutton lately occupied by Simon Bates now by Joseph Rugsby; also his house and malthouse, barn, stables, garden and orchard with land of about 12 acres in Grafty Green, Boughton Malherbe, late occupied by Jeffery Filmer now by Edward Cook ?, to be sold by his executors and then pay his debts and legacies. He gives the last properties to daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, who are his executors. Any surplus money to all his daughters, equally shared.

His daughters to receive the rents and profits of their respective legacies

He appoints daughter, Elizabeth guardian of of his daughter, Susan, until she is 16.

He appoints daughter, Mary guardian of his daughter, Hester, until she is 16.

To his son, Robert and daughters, Elizabeth, Mary, Anne, Susan and Hester, £10 each, within 1 month of his death.

Rest and residue of goods, chattels, household stuff, plate, rings, jewels, ready money, book debts, other debts, rents, arrears of rent, mortgages, bonds, bills, books and personal estate, not already bequeathed, except such plate, linen or other household goods by word of mouth already given, to all his daughters, equally shared after payment of his debts, legacies and funeral costs.

Witnesses: Margaret Shadwell ?, S. Fuller ?, H. Cukow ?

Proved 10th February 1714 (1715)

* Queen's Arms, should this be King's Arms ? See will of his father, above.

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 19th September 1828

Timothy Davies of Maidstone, Saddle and Harness Maker.
He appoints his sister, Sarah Davies of Stone Street, Llandovey, Carmarthenshire, Spinster, his executor. He first directs his funeral and probate costs are paid from his personal estate.

To his sister, Sarah, his freehold house and shop, where he lives, on Gabriel's Hill in Maidstone; also 4 houses on St Faith's Green , Maidstone, occupied by W. Guildersleeves, Richard Tennings, John Norman and Thomas Torrington, which he purchased from [ ] Sloman and 3 cottages in Chancery Lane, Doctor's Fields, Maidstone, occupied by [ ] Iremonger, Widow and [ ]Luckhurst, which he purchased from Robert James Mann; also his house at Wainscott in Frindsbury, occupied by Sarah Ayers, Widow, which he purchased from Lieutenant Baker. Also, the rest and residue of his real estate, all to his sister, Sarah, for her lifetime, subject to the payment of an annuity of £20 to his youngest sister, Esther Davies, for life.

After the death of his sister, Sarah, he gives all the above freehold estate to his sister, Esther Davies, for life and after the death of the survivor of his sisters, then to his nephew, William Hollis Miller of St John's College, Cambridge, son of his late sister, Ann, wife of Captain Miller, for ever.

His sisters can lease all or part of the estate for a term not exceeding 7 years. They to keep the properties in good repair, out of the rents.

All his furniture, stock in trade, ready money, mortgages, bonds, bills, note of hand, securities for money, his shares in the New Kent Life and Annuity Institute and in the Guardian Fire and Insurance Company and all other shares; the residue of his personal estate, to his sister, Sarah, absolutely.

Witnesses: John Monckton, Solicitor, Maidstone, Edward I Barker, John Kemp, Clerks to Mr Monckton.

Codicil 30th August 1830

Since making the will he has purchased the freehold house and shop on Gabriel's Hill, formerly occupied by James Dodewell, since by [ ] Wakeford and now by Christopher Harris, Linen Draper and where he now lives. He directs that an annuity of £30 is charged on this property for his illegitimate child. He gives the property to John Monckton and his friend, Thomas Hall Durrant, of Maidstone, Grocer, upon trust. They to pay the annuity towards the maintenance and education of Richard Lewis Davies Tiesdale , now 11 months old, the child of Ann Tiesdale of Maidstone, Spinster. When his son, Richard is 21 he to receive the rents and profits of the property. After his death, if in the lifetime of his sister, Sarah Davies , she to have the property for life and after her death, her sister Esther to have it for life.
After the death of the survivor, then to William Hollis Miller, for ever

Rest of will ratified.

Witnesses: Edward I Barker, John Kemp, J. B. Jude, Clerks to Mr Monckton.

Proved 30th April 1834

17. Bartram

Beneath this Stone are Deposited
the Remains of
THOMAS BARTRAM
who departed this Life 18th June [1772]
[Aged] [ ] Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th January 1772

Thomas Bartram of Maidstone, Upholder (Upholsterer)
To George Nidsdale of Clement's Lane, Lombard Street, London, Upholder and brother in law, Joseph Nash of Buckland near Reigate, Surrey, Farmer, £1,400 from his personal estate, upon trust, to invest in the Public Funds and pay interest earned to his wife Catherine during the minority of any of their children living towards their maintenance and education.

If his wife remarries or does not use the interest as directed, then the trustees are to apply the interest directly.
They are to transfer the principal sum to his child / children at their respective ages of 21.

If he dies leaving no children by his wife or they die under 21, with no issue, then the interest to be paid to his wife for her own benefit, for life. After her death or failure of issue, the £1,400 to his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, wife of Joseph Nash, his sister, Margaret Martin and brother, Robert, equally shared.

After payment of his debts, funeral and probate charges, the residue of his goods, chattels, stock in trade, money, securities for money, personal estate and effects, to his wife, she to bring and educate up his children in a manner suitable to their rank and station in life.

Remainder of his personal estate, after his wife's death, to his children, as she directs by will or otherwise. She will be guardian of his children but if she does not act in their best interests then the trustees to be guardians. He appoints his wife executor.

Witnesses: Jane Punnett, Durrant Punnett

Proved 7th December 1772

18. Baxter, Nightingale

[ ]
JAMES BAXTER
Died 23rd December 177[ ]
Aged 87 Years
[Also]
ALICIA NIGHTINGALE
Died 20th May 1783
Aged 65 Years

BEAL see BESBECH

19. Beaumont

In Memory of
JOHN DELAP BEAUMONT
who departed this Life May
31st 1830 Aged 49 Years
Leaving a Widow & 6 Daughters
Also HANNAH MARIA
fourth Daughter of the above
who died Sept 28th 1830
Aged 18 Years
Also MARY JANE his Daughter
who died August 4th 1831
Aged 20 Years
Also CHARLOTTE
Wife of the above
JOHN DELAP BEAUMONT
who died Feb 16th 1842
Aged 56 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th March 1830

John Delap Beaumont of Maidstone, Brazier.
He is “ailing in body”.
He appoints his wife, Charlotte, his executor. His debts, funeral and probate charges to be first paid.

He has a policy of Assurance on his life in the London Life Association Office for £500 dated about the 15th June 1821, this to his wife, absolutely. Also to his wife, his leasehold house, where he lives in Maidstone and adjoining premisses in the occupation of Alfred Lashiner ?, for the remainder of the lease, subject to paying the rents and observing the covenants.

His furniture, fixtures, stock in trade, ready money, securities for money, debts due, personal estate and effects, after payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs, to his wife, Charlotte, absolutely.

Witnesses: M. Monckton, Solicitor, Maidstone, Edward Barker, his Clerk.

Proved 25th August 1830

20. Beeston

Including a small brass depicting Beeston and his wife kneeling, with their children behind them. The inscription is from the Reverend Cave-Brown's History of All Saints. It is not on the 1996-97 survey, then and now, not visible ?

“Christus Mihi Vita, Mors Mihi Lucrum”
Here Lieth Interred the Bodie of
RICHARD BEESTON, Clerke, Mester of Arts
who departed this Life the 26th Day of Dec 1640
and left issue by ELIZABETH his Wife
Daughter of JOHN PAWLE, Gent
Fower Sonnes and Three Daughters

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 31st March 1640

Richard Beeston, Vicar of All Saints

To the poor of Yalding, where he was Minister for 32 years, £4 to be distributed by the Overseer of the Poor.

To his cousin William Beeston of H???bethy ?, Gentleman, 40 shillings for a ring of remembrance.

To his niece, Sara Bickman, 40 shillings.

To his niece, Mary Symonds, £5

To each of his maid servants with him at his death, 5 shillings and a pair of gloves.

His goods, chattels, utensils and household implements, plate, jewels and debts not before or later given, to his wife, Elizabeth, for the payment of his debts, legacies and funeral costs. He appoints her as his executor.

To each of his 4 sons, John, Richard, Nicholas, Paul and his 2 daughters, Alice and Elizabeth Beeston a silver gilt spoon with their initials and birth dates engraved for their remembrance.

To his sons, John and Richard, at 21 years of age, £15 each. John was born on the 17th of September 1623, Richard on the 5th October 1632. To his sons, Nicholas and Paul at 21 years of age, £20. Nicholas was born on the 17th of October 1633 , Paul on the 20th March 1635.

To his daughters, Alice and Elizabeth at 18 years of age or day of marriage if earlier, £50 each. If one of them die before then, the survivor has the whole £100. If both die then their brothers to equally share the £100.

To his 2 daughters, all rents and profits due upon a lease granted by him to Thomas Turner, Gentleman of Loddington, Maidstone on a house with land, called Vinters. The lease is dated 28th December 1639. The income towards their maintenance and education, so that is not chargeable to their mother. If one dies before then, ½ the income to his sons, John and Richard, equally shared, if both die before the end of the lease, the income to sons Richard and Paul, equally shared.

To his wife, for life, his real estate in East Barming and 6 acres in Maidstone by a lane leading to East Farleigh bridge and a house in Maidstone occupied by Thomas Brooke behind Middled Row. This is in lieu of her Dower Rights.

His house called the Bell House, (an inn ?) and land in East Barming leased to Francis Tilden and a little wood of 3 roods, he purchased from the wife and heirs of Daniel Bickman, to his son, Richard for ever.

His other real estate in East Barming and land near the bridge in East Farleigh, to son Paul, after his mother's death, for ever.

To son, John and his lawful heirs of his body, at 21 years of age, his 3 houses in Stone Street, Maidstone and his real estate at Ightham, Wateringbury and Yalding. In default of any heirs, the best of the houses in Stone Street, occupied by Alice, Lady Sackvile, to son Richard, for ever. The adjoining house, which he occupies, to son Richard, for ever. The 3rd house closer to the little bridge, occupied by Norton Cherry, Gentleman, to son Paul for ever, together with the house in Wateringbury before given to son John, if John has no lawful heirs.

To son Richard, land in Yalding given to son John if John leaves no lawful heirs, the property in Ightham to son Richard on the same condition.

His wife to take rents for son John's maintenance and education at school “abroad”, not at home until he is 16 at the cost of £20 per annum.

To son Richard and his lawful heirs, at 21 years of age, his house and land at East Peckham. In default of heirs, then to son John and his heirs. Until Richard is 21 his mother to receive the rents and also educate him “abroad” until he is 16, with £20 per annum.

To son Paul and his lawful heirs, at 21 years of age, his 2 houses and land in Frittenden. In default of heirs, then to son John for ever. As before his mother to receive the rents and allow £14 per annum for his education. Son Nicholas also to be educated at £14 per annum.

He appoints Mr John Paule, his father in law, to be Overseer of his will and give him 40 shillings for a ring of remembrance............................................

The will is not witnessed.

Proved 6th February 1641

Note in the margin dated 16th November 1655
The will was not administered by Elizabeth Beeston and is now granted to Elizabeth Garrard, formerly Beeston, the daughter.

21. Belford, Pemble, Lovett, Harris

Here Lieth the Body of
Mrs BRIDGETT [ BELFORD ? ] who died
the 15th of March 17[ ]8 Aged 75 Years
Also the Body of Mrs MARY
PEMBLE Daughter of Capt
GUSTAVUS BELFORD
and Sister to Lieut General BELFORD
who died the 24th of February
1774 Aged 58 Years
Also here Lieth the Body of
General BELFORD many Years
Commander of the First Battalion
of the Royal Artillery who died the
1st of July 1780 Aged 68 Years
Also Mrs ELIZH. LOVETT who died
April the 29th 1785 Aged 66 Years
Also Mrs ESTHER HARRIS another
Daur of Capt GUSTAVUS BELFORD
and Sister to General BELFORD
who died Decr the 16th 1785
Aged 72 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23rd September 1777

William Belford, General and Colonel, H.M. Own Royal Regiment of Artillery.
To his friend, Reverend Dale Lovet of Town Malling, Middlesex (sic) and Major General William Phillips of Grosvenor Street, Middlesex, £1,000, upon trust, to invest in Public or other securities at their discretion. The interest towards the maintenance and education of William Belford, otherwise,
Barber, now 11 years old and at school in Rochester. When trustees think it is time, they to use principal to purchase a commission in the army or advancement in the world. If William dies before the whole sum can be used, the the £1,000 or what remains to his (legitimate) sons, Gustavus and William , equally shared.

To each of his two sisters, Esther Harris and Elizabeth Lovet, £50 and a gold ring of 1 guinea value.
To each of his trustees, 20 guineas.

Trustees to pay Mary Barber, who lives with him, an annuity of £20, drawn from his estate.
His real estate to Dale Lovet, John Lade and Charles Robinson, upon trust, half the estate to the benefit of his son, Gustavus, for life, after his death, then to his widow. If he leaves no widow, then to his lawfully begotten children, equally shared. In default of any heirs, to his son, William, for life, after his death, as for Gustavus.

One half of the estate to the benefit of son, William and after his death, in default of any heirs, to Gustavus, in default of any heirs, then to his sisters, Hester Harris and Elizabeth Lovet, equally shared.

Residue of gods, chattels and personal estate, after his debts, funeral and probate costs are paid, also the annuity to Mary Barber and other legacies, to his trustees, upon trust.
Half of the money of his personal estate, to the benefit of each of his sons, Gustavus and William.

He appoints his trustees his executors.

Witnesses: Johnson Macarel Bn. Chandler Junior Henry Buckton

Codicil 20th January 1778

£100 to Mrs Mary Barber over and above the annuity given. His watch is at the watchmakers.

No Witnesses.

Codicil 30th June 1780

To Mary Barber of Harbledown, an additional annuity of £10, making a total of £30.

He revokes the bequest to his natural son, William Belford, an Ensign in the 13th Regiment of Foot. The interest of the £1,000 in the 3% Bank Annuities to be held, in trust, by Captains Richard Chapman and William Grant, both of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, until his son is 25 and to purchase anything necessary for his advancement in the army. When he is 25 the £1,000 to be transferred to him.

Witnesses: D. Cotton ?, Surgeon, Ann Weelman ? Mark of Rosamond Cotton ?

Affidavit 2nd August 1780

John Macarel of Canterbury, Gentleman and Benjamin Chandler of Canterbury, Surgeon, are sworn on oath. They were very well acquainted with General Belford of Harbledown and familiar with his handwriting and signature. They have carefully examined the will and codicils , particularly the one not witnessed , dated 20th January 1778 and agree they are all in in Belford's hand.

22. Bell

WILLUS BELL Gen Obiit
26th die May 1698
ANN BELL Ob
July 10th 1741
Aged 79

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23rd May 1698

William Bell of Maidstone, Gentleman.
He is sick and weak in body.
To his daughter, Elizabeth Bell, his house and land in Boughton Monchelsea.
All the rest of his real estate to his wife Ann, for ever. He appoints his wife executor.

Witnesses: John Clarke Edward Foord John Petley

Proved 4th August 1698

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 10th November 1736

Ann Bell of Maidstone, Widow.
To her son in law, Robert Hammond and her daughters, Ann Bell and Martha Bell, her 2 houses and gardens, occupied by Mr [ ] [H]oar ?, the other by Mrs [ ] Hunt, against the Cock alehouse, also 2 other houses, one lately occupied by Samuel Pointer, the other by Thomas Russell, also another house formerly occupied by William Post and lately by Widow Basset. The last 3 houses are in East Lane, Maidstone and were given to her by her late husband William Bell, Gentleman.

Her debts to be paid and her executors to sell as much of her real estate as is needed to pay the debts. And then pay her son, John Bell and daughter Barbara Harris, £10 each.

She gives her goods and personal estate to daughters, Ann and Martha to be her executors.

Witnesses: John Petley Henry Nurse Clifford, Senior David Petley

Proved 11th July 1741. Power reserved to Martha Bell

23. Sanders

[ ]
[ ]
Also HORACE their [Son]
died November the [ ] [1]81[ ]
Aged 9 Years
Also HENRY JOH[N] [th]eir [Son]
died January the [ ] 182[3]
Aged 22 years
Also FREDERIC WILLIAM th[eir] Son
died the 10th of February 18[ ]
Aged 16 Years
Also ELIZABETH BENNETT
died the 3rd of July 1832
Aged [5]9 Years
Also EDWARD SANDERS Jun
Surgeon died 29th of May
1838 Aged 36 Years
Also CATHERINE ANN Daughter of
EDWARD and CATHERINE SANDERS
died the 7th of June 18[4]1
Aged 28 Years

24. Besbech, Beal, Borman

In Memory of JOHN BESBECH
who died Oct 27th 1714
Aged 54 Years
Also LYDIA his Wife and their
three Children JOHN MARY and
JAMES
Likewise ROBT. BEAL Gent died
April 3rd 1755 Aged 101 Years
and 8 Months
Of RICHD. BORMAN Gent who
died Nov 22nd 1774 Aged 94 Years
And of BEAL BORMAN Gent who
died April 1st 1780 Aged 66 Years

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th May 1756

Beal Borman of Maidstone, Gentleman.

To his brother, Richard, for life, an annuity of £20, charge on his real estate.

To his brother, Robert, ½ of his house, stable, oasthouse garden and orchard and land of about 10 acres, arable and hops, at Rocky Hill, alias Rotten Hill or Westree, Maidstone, now or late occupied by Thomas Wattell; also land at of about 76 acres at Brenzett alias Brensett and Brookland alias Brokeland, now or late occupied by John Luckhurst; also his house, stable and outhouse in Week Street, Maidstone in his own occupation, also all other freehold estate, for ever. Subject to the payment of the £20 annuity to his brother, Richard.

To the Rev. John Sheldon and Sibella, his wife, testator's sister, the other ½ of the real estate and to Sibella's heirs, for ever, subject to the payment of the annuity to Richard Borman, (£10 from each half ?)

To the Rev. Herbert Jenkins, Minister of the Separate Congregation of Protestant Dissenters at Maidstone, of which he is a member, £20. To the poor of the same church, £10, to be distributed by the Minister.

To the servant with him at his death, £5.
His plate, linen, household goods, implements and furniture to Robert Borman and Sibella Sheldon, equally shared.

The rest and residue of money, securities for money, goods, chattels and personal estate, after payment of his debts, legacies, probate and funeral charges, to Robert Borman, John Sheldon and Sibella Sheldon, equally shared. They are his executors.

Witnesses: ( ? ) Richard Greenhill Samuel Eastchurch

Proved 28th August 1780 Effects of deceased valued at less than £300

BLAKE see MERCER

BLANCHARD see ELVI[ ]

25. Blomer, Theale

Within this Vault are Deposited the
Remains of Mrs ANNA BLOMER Wife of
ANTHONY BLOMER Esq one of his Majesty's
Justices of the Peace of this County
She died the 19th of April 1770
Aged 35 Years
Also of MARY BLOMER their Daughter
who died the 12th of September 1760
Aged 10 Weeks and 3 Days
Also of the above named
ANTHONY BLOMER who died the
5th of January 1784 Aged 54 Years
Also of ISAAC MASON THEALE
his Grandson who was born the
14th of April 1785 and died the 28th
of May following
[Also] of GEORGE FARBRACE THEALE Esq
Major in the Army another Grandson
who died the 17th of January 1827
Aged 41 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th January 1784

Anthony Blomer of Maidstone, Esquire.

His body to be buried near his late wife in the family vault in All Saints, Maidstone.

To his daughter, Mary Blomer all his real estate (no details) and his goods, chattels, effects and personal estate, for ever. He appoints her to be his executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Milner James Teale Thomas Durrant Punnett

Proved 20th March 1784

BLUNT see ROGERS

Beneath are Deposited
the Remains of
MARY Wife of
WM. BODMAN
died Jany 30th 1830
Aged 51 Years
Also the aforesaid
WM. BODMAN
who died August
14th 1833
Aged 54 years

[ ]
MARIA
CLARING BOLD
Obiit XXVIII
Novembris
Anno Dom
1687

Here Lieth the Body of
SARAH the Wife of WILLM.
BOOTS Surgeon who departed this life the
[ ]
MARY ELIOT
Widow of
WILLIAM ELIOT
of the Royal Navy
died March 2nd 1834
Aged 75 Years

BORMAN see BESBECH

HIC jacet Corpus FRANCISCI
BOVRNE Gnuper ? de Maidstone
Gen qui obiit Decimo
die Octobris Anno Domi 1678
Aetatis Svae 77

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23rd September 1678

Francis Bourne of Maidstone, Gentleman.

To his sister, Sarah Clarke, £10
To his kinsman, William Clarke, £25
To kinsman, James Clarke, £20 to redeem his writings out of the hands of the Churchwardens and Overseers of Lenham.
To his kinsman, Leonard Clarke, £10.
To his cousins, Leonard Smith and his brother James Smith, 40 shillings each to buy them a ring.
To kinsman, James Clarke, ½ of the tithes belonging to the Manor of Marby in Harrietsham and Frinsted.

To his wife, Anne and his brother, William Bourne of Linsted, Gentleman, all household goods and implements, equally shared. His wife has the sole use of the goods for her lifetime.

His brother, William is his executor. To his executor, after his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, all his other goods, chattels, real and personal estate, bills, bonds, ready money, debts and credits.

Witnesses: Robert French ?, the mark of Margaret Wheastone ?

Proved 1st May 1679

BRENCHLEY see FERRALL

[                              ]
[     ] the Body of
[          ] BROOK Svnne of
[            ] BROOK Iron Munger
[who] departed this Life y[e]
[   ] of Feberary 1675 Aged
11 Yeares
[                                  ]

Beneath
this Stone lie the Remains of
ELIZABETH Daughter of
WILLIAM & ANN BROWNE
who departed this Life
the 7th February 1820
Aged 16 Years
Also the above named
WILLIAM BROWNE
who departed this Life
the 3rd May [ ]
Aged 70 Years
Also ANN Wife of the above named
WILLIAM BROWNE
who departed this Life
the 4th August 1833 Aged 70 Years

Here Lieth
the Remains of
WILLIAM BRYANT
Majr. Surgeon
of Chatham
died March the 3rd
[1816] Aged 64 Years
SARAH BRYANT
[Wife] of the above
WILLIAM BRYANT
died Sept. 7th [1827]
Aged 66 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 3rd December 1811

William Bryant the Elder, of Chatham, Gentleman, (Major Surgeon, probably of the Royal Marines)
He desires to be buried in the parish he dies in.

His copyhold estate at Salt Hill, Farnham, Berkshire, to his wife, Sarah, for life. After her death, then to his nephews, Jacob George Bryant and William Bryant, upon trust.
One half of the rents and profits to the benefit of his niece, Margaret Hooper, wife of Thomas Hills Hooper of Chatham, Gentleman, for her lifetime, free from the control and debts of her husband or any future husband.
After her death, then to the benefit of her children in equal portions if more than one. In default of any children, then to the benefit of his niece, Anna Watherston, wife of Thomas Watherston, Surgeon, Royal Marines, for her lifetime. After her death, as before, to her children's benefit and in default of children, then remains with his trustees, Jacob George and William Bryant.

He gives the other half of the estate's benefits to niece, Anna Watherston, for life, then as above but in default of children of Anna to the benefit of Margaret Hooper fir life and in default of children of Margaret, to Jacob George and William Bryant, for ever.

He gives a part share in the Manor of Down Basine ?, houses, farms and land in Northolt, Ryclift ? and Itteringham or Ikenham, Middlesex, to his wife, Sarah, for life and after her death, to Jacob George Bryant, for ever.

His share of land and premises in the hamlet of Coundon in Allesley and Ryton, Warwickshire, to his wife, Sarah, for life. After her death, then to his nephews, Jacob George and William Bryant, for ever.

His share in houses in Chatham High Street, occupied by himself and William Marsh, to his wife, Sarah, for life and after her death, to Jacob George and William Bryant, for ever.

His share in several houses near the Bell on the Brook, Chatham, given to him by the will of Ann Buck, widow, to his wife, for life and after her death, then to James Buck of Queen Street, Chatham, Shipwright, for ever.

His freehold or copyhold estate in Dagenham, Essex, and his share of several houses in Mulberry Court, and White Cross Alley, in St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, to his nephew, William Bryant, upon trust, William to permit his mother, Margaret Bryant to have from the rents and profits an annuity of £40 for life.

By virtue of a mortgage indenture dated 24th June 1807 made between Thomas Bentley and Jacob Ashley of Chatham, Brewer and ? , of the first part, Thomas Percy of Brompton, Gillingham, Gentleman, (nominated in trust for Bentley and Ashley), of the 2nd part and the testator of the 3rd part, the sum of £3,450 was devised ?, with interest, also by a bond or obligation of the same date, under the hands and seals of Bentley and Ashley, the £3,450 is still due. ? and with interest (obscure passage).
In case the mortgage debt is not repaid in his lifetime, he gives the sum owing, with the securities to his nephews, Jacob George and William Bryant, upon trust, to recover the same and invest it in good securities and pay half of the dividends to his wife for her lifetime. The other half he gives to Jacob George and William Bryant.

He has in the Bank of England, £1,000 Bank Stock and £600 in the Navy 5% Bank Stock, he gives his wife the dividends for life and after her death, to Jacob George and William Bryant, upon trust.
From £500 of the £1,000 stock and £300 of the £600 stock, they to pay the dividends to his niece, Margaret Hooper, for life for her own absolute and sole benefit. After her death, then the £500 and £300 stock to Jacob George and William Bryant, upon trust, for the children of Margaret Hooper at 21 years of age. In default of any children, then according to the laws of intestacy.

The dividends on the £500 and £300 residue of the stock, to be paid to his niece, Anna Watherston, for life for her sole use. After her death, then upon trust, for her children, in default of children then according the laws of intestacy.
While the children of Margaret Hooper and Anna Watherston are minors, the trustees are to use income toward their maintenance and education until they are 21.

All his household furniture, plate, linen, to his wife.
His gold watch and seal to nephew, William Bryant.

He gives to Sarah Mason, widow of his late good friend, John Mason, of Cyb???ham, in Farnham, Berkshire, Yeoman, £30.
To Thomas Hills Hooper, £50; to his good friend, John Townson of Chatham, Gentleman and William Snow of Salt Hill, Farnham, Berkshire, Shopkeeper, , William Frost of Cockspur Street, Charing Cross, Grocer, Frusanna Skinner of St. Margaret's, Rochester, John Venning of Chatham, Gentleman and Charles Townson of Chatham, Stationer, £20 each.
To Charles Newcombe of Stoke near Coventry, Esquire, £10

To the Free School supported by voluntary contributions in New Road, Chatham, £20, to be used at the discretion of the Reverend Doctor Law, Archdeacon of Rochester, if he is living then, if not, by the then Archdeacon.

Rest and residue of his estate, after his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to his wife, Sarah, absolutely.

Witnesses: Bury Hutchinson, Anthony Crosby, William Vines, Brown's Hall, London.

Codicil 28th February 1816

He had bequeathed to Sarah Mason of Farnham, £30, to William Snow of London, John Townson of Chatham and William Frost of London, £20 each, he now revokes these bequests.
He gives his nephew, Jacob George Bryant, £50.
Rest of will ratified.

Witnesses: Stephen Lamprey, Solicitor, Maidstone, Mary Ann L'Bap ? Pauley

Proved 26th September 1816

BURGH see MAY

In this Vault
[Lie] Interr'd the Remains of
JAMES CALDER Esq
who died January the 14th 1777
Aged 34 Years
Also of ELIZABETH the Wife of
Major Genl. Sir HENRY CALDER
Bart of Park House who died May
the 13th 1786 in the 4[9th] Year of her Age
Also the above named Majr Genl.
Sir HENRY CALDER Bart C[olonel ?] of
the 30th Regt and Lieutenant Governor
of Gibraltar who died Febr 3rd 1792
Aged 5[0] Years
Also LOUISA Lady CALDER Widow
of the above named Major Genl
Sir HENRY CALDER Bart who died
7th of Novr 1820 Aged 69 Years

Here Lyeth the Body of Mr
JOHN CALLANT Aged Sixty Six
Yeares and departed this Life
the 27th of February 1698*
Here lyeth the Body of
ANNE CALLANT
Widow of JOHN CALLANT
who departed this Life
[ ] July 1712 Aged [ ]
Years
Here also lyeth the Body of
JOHN CALLANT
Gentleman the Son of the said
JOHN CALLANT
and ANNE his Wife who
departed this Life the Ninth
April 1733 Aged [ ] Years
Here also lyeth the Body of
[MAR]Y CALLANT Widow of the last
[nam[ed JOHN CALLANT Gentleman
who departed this Life the 18th of N[ov]
1763 Aged 81 Years

* 1699 in the Modern Calendar

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th February 1698 (1699)

John Callant the Elder of Maidstone, Threadtwister.
He is weak in body.
To his daughter, Anne Fanting, widow, £10. If she marries again and has a child, he leaves £100 for that child at 21 years of age but not otherwise.

To his daughter, Sarah Keble, £200, this is her marriage portion and £100 more at the birth of her first child.
To son in law, John Keble and his wife, £5 each for mourning.

To his sister Deborah Savage, £5

To his daughter, Frances Callant , £300, £200 within I year of his death and £100 within 6 months of the first payment.

To daughter Elizabeth Callant, an annuity of £15, for life, charged upon his rents and profits of his real estate in Luton (Chatham), Stockbury, Halstow, Upchurch and Sutton Valence.

To his sister, Sarah Whitehead, widow.

To his wife, Anne, the house he now lives in, for life, she keeping it in good repair, after her death, then to his son, John for ever.

To his wife and son John, his land and hop grounds near Stone Style in Boxley, profits shared equally and after his wife's death, to son John, for ever.
All other real estate, including newly built houses adjoining his own house, to son John for ever.

His wife and son, John, to keep up his trade and share the profits. Also to them his goods, chattels, household stuff, money, plate and personal estate, equally shared, (except the joint stock or trade, which is not to be divided until his wife's death, unless she desires that to be done).
His wife and son John are his executors.

To his brother, James Callant, £5

Witnesses: John Blunt Thomas Trigg John Weekly ? Senior

Proved 23rd May 1699

[ ]
GARRETUS CALLANT
Armiger
[died] vth August [Anno]
Domini MDCCXXI
Anno Aetatis LXXVI
Also here lyeth the Body of
HEATH CALLANT Gent
the Son of JOHN CALLANT Gent
deceased and Nephew to the [said]
GARRET CALLANT
who died the Twenty Fifth of
September 1735 Aged 34 Years
Here lyeth the Body of JOHN CALLANT
[Son of] JOHN & MARY CALLANT
[Brot]her of the above
[HE]ATH CALLANT
who died the 26th day of April 174[2]
[Aged] [ ]5 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th July 1721

Garrett Callant of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He is weak in body.

To his friend, Robert Salmon of Maidstone, Gentleman, Neoaks Wood, which he bought from one Leixford in Wouldham or adjacent parish, also his ½ share of 6 acres of hops in Boxley, lately belonging to Mrs Whitehead, for ever.

To his nephew, John Callant all other his Manors, houses, lands in Kent or elsewhere, for his lifetime and after his death, ½ of the estate to Heath Callant, eldest son of John Callant, for ever.
The other ½ to John Callant, youngest son of John Callant , for ever.

To his cousin, ( ? ) and his wife, £50 each, to their 3 children or such as live to 21 years of age, £50 each.

To his man servant and maid, with him at time of his death, £20 each.

His coach and horses and residue of personal estate, after his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, to Robert Salmon, absolutely, Salmon is his executor.

He signs the will with his mark

Witnesses:J. Weekes D. Fuller John Blunt

Proved 15th December 1721

Here Lies [           ]
ELIZA[BETH] [Daughter of ?]
JOHN and [MARY ?] CALLANT
who [departed this ]Life
the [              ] 1736
[                               ]
[           ] [CA]LLANT
Sister [                  ]
[                            ]

[ ]
ARNOLD CARTER M.D.
Died 19th October
1801
Aged 39 Years
Also the Remains of
FRANCES CORRALL Daughter
of Mr ROBERT and HANNAH
[CORR]ALL who died the 14th of
November 1785 Aged 16 Years
Likewise the Remains of
CHARLES CORRALL Gent
Son of the above
who died the 5th of May 1807
Aged 42 Years
Also the Body of
ELIZABETH MINGAY
Relict of JAMES MINGAY
Esq of Thetford in the
County of Norfolk & Daughter
of the above who died the 1st of
February 1817
Aged 52 Years
Also PHILIP CORRALL
died May 21st 1840
Aged 72 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will dated 22nd November 1839

Philip Corrall of Maidstone, Banker

He appoints John Mercer, Esquire and Alexander Randall, Esquire, both of Maidstone, executors.
All his property to them, in trust, to pay his debts and terminate his engagements at the bank.

His real estate to his sister, Ann Carter, for her lifetime. After her death, his Little Calund Farm, with Impton and Tottington Woods in Aylesford and Burham and 1 acre of land purchased from Mr Burke, to John Mercer, Junior, a Clerk at his bank.
At the death of his sister, Ann Carter, then to Frederick Thomas Mercer, his godson, China ? Court Farm at Chart and 4 cottages in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone.

The residue and money in the Public Funds, shares, money lent on mortgage, goods, chattels and effects, to his sister Ann Carter.

Witnesses: James Tadman, Gentleman of Maidstone, George Richard Streatfield, Gentleman of Maidstone.

Codicil 1st April 1840

He is possessed of £16,000, his proportion of the capital in the Kentish Bank. He gives this to friends and partners, John Mercer and Alexander Randall. They to pay £1,000 per annum to his sister, Ann Carter, for life and £40 per annum to his bailiff, James Cole, for life.
Rest of will confirmed.

Witnesses:As for will.

Codicil 9th April 1840

To John Mercer, Junior, £2,000, charged with the payment of £80 per annum to his sister, Ann Carter.

To his friend Thomas Day, Esquire and John Hall, Salesman, £100 each.

To Stephen Link Hazell, £50 and to each of his 4 other clerks, at the bank, £20; he also gives £200 to the west Kent Infirmary and £100 each to the National and Blue Coat schools at Maidstone.
Rest of will and codicil conformed.

Witnesses: Charles Stone, Servant to Mr Corrall, Mary Pope of the College ?, Maidstone.

Affidavit 5th June 1840

James Tadman, under oath, states he was a witness to the will of the deceased and was present with George Streatfield when they both witnessed the will in presence of the deceased.

Proved 11th June 1840

CHADWICKE see FULLAGAR

In Memory of
MARY CLEMMENT
who died Oct 30th 1821
Aged 37 Years
Also THOMAS CLEMMENT
died Nov 19th 1829
Aged 32 Years

Beneath
this Stone are Deposited
the Remains of
ELIZABETH Wife of
JAMES COLE of this Parish
who departed this Life
[ ]
[ ]

[ ]
Interred the Body of
CATHERINE COLLISON the Eldest
Daughter of ZACHARIAS COLLISON
and DOROTHEA his Wife who
departed this Life the 24th day of
October Anno Domini 1699 and
in the 20th Year of her Age

Here Lyeth Interred ye Body of EDMOND
COLVILL Sonn of EDMOND COLVILL
late of this Parish deceased
who departed this Life ye 16th day of June
Anno Domini 1632 in ye
37th Year of his Age

Beneath
[lie the] Remains of
WILLM. COOKE Surgeon who died
29th Sept 1810 Aged 29 Years
Also of
JOHN JAMES COOKE
One of the Jurats of this Corporation
who died October 4th 1822
Aged [4]9 Years
Also Capt JAMES COOKE
who died August 31st 1826
Aged 42 Years
Also MARY Daughter of
Capt JAMES & MARY HANNAH
COOKE died Dec 30th 1829
Aged 13 Years
Also DOROTHY KIRKHAM COOKE
Wife of the above J.J. COOKE
who died August 1st 1848
in the 72nd Year of her Age
Also her Grand Daughter
ANNE MARY SANDERS
died Dec 11th 1831
Aged 17 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 1st August 1810

William Cooke of West Malling, Surgeon.

To his brother, John James Cooke of Maidstone, Gentleman, his revisionary interest in and to the sum of £150 given by his late brother, Thomas Cooke and all his personal estate and effects.
He requests his brother, John James, to accept the £150 in part payment of the debt he owes to brother John James and father, John. He appoints his brother John James, executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Weeks, Senior and Thomas Weeks, Junior

Proved 11th March 1811

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd October 1822

John James Cooke of Maidstone, Attorney at Law.

All his goods, chattels, lands, money, bonds, debt and effects to Thomas Hills of Maidstone, Baker and Alexander Randall of Maidstone, Gentleman, upon trust, they to pay his debts and funeral charges.

The rest and residue of his effects to be sold and the money to be invested, his wife to receive the interest for life. After her death, the principal sum to be equally shared between his 4 daughters at their respective ages of 21. The share of any of them who die before then, to the survivors, equally shared.

Witnesses: Walter Hills, Martha James, Ann Lavender

Proved 9th December 1822

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 19th August 1826

James Cooke, Esquire of Maidstone, late Captain of H.M. 94th Regiment of Foot

He appoints his wife, Mary Hannah and his friend John Cribb Stephens of Maidstone, Gentleman, executors.
To them his goods, chattels, effects and personal estate and all his part share he is entitled to under the will of his late father, John Cooke, personal or real and all other real estate, except trust estate, upon trust. This is subject to payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs

His wife to have as much household furniture, plate, linen and china as she will used in her lifetime, she also to have £50.

The remainder of his household goods to be sold and proceeds invested in Government or real securities and the interest earned to be used towards the maintenance and education of his children until they are respectively 21, when the trust fund to be equally shared among them.....................

Witnesses: Frances Cooke, Spinster , Walter Hills, Solicitor of Maidstone, John B. Holman, Clerk to Messrs Stephens and Hills.

Proved 18th November 1826

COOPER see PAULEY

Here Lieth the Body of
Mr JOHN CORRALL who died
June 10th 1759 Aged 66 Years
Also ANN his Wife who died
April 26th 1748 Aged 46 Years
Also ROBERT Son of
Mr ROBERT and HANNAH
CORRALL who died
May 12th 1766 Aged 9 Years
Also ROBERT CORRALL Gent
only Son of the above JOHN &
ANN CORRALL who died
June 12th 1783 Aged 49 Years
Also Mrs HANNAH CORRALL
Wife of the above ROBERT
CORRALL Gent who died
March 21st 1820 Aged 86 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 12th June 1783

Robert Corrall of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He confirms his marriage settlement, made when he married his wife, Hannah.

All his real estate to his children, John, Charles, Philip, Ann, Elizabeth and Frances, for ever, equally shared.

All the businesses he is concerned with to be managed and carried on with by his executors for the benefit of his wife and children, until son, Charles is 25, when, if the executors think he is fit, to assign the above to him. If they do not think is is not the right time, they are to carry on the management for as long as they think it appropriate.

After payment of his debts and funeral charges, all the residue of his personal estate to his children, equally shared at their respective aged of 21.
For those who are minors at his death, their share of his of his estate to be used towards their maintenance and education.

Son, John, Thomas Turner of Hunton and Thomas Durrant Punnett are his executors and guardians of the persons and estate of his infant children during their minorities.

Witnesses: Tomas Milner, Thomas Day, George Burr

Codicil 12th June 1783

To his wife, Hannah, all household good, furniture, plate, linen, china and effects, absolutely.

Witnesses: Thomas Milner, Thomas Day.

Proved 15th August 1783

CORRALL see CARTER

[ ]
WILLIAM COSFORD
[who died]
[April] 12th 1708
[ ]
FRANCES his Wife
[who died]
[June] 18th 1722 Aged
80 Years

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 11th March 1691 (1692)

William Cosford of Maidstone, Victualler.

To his uncle, Elias Cosford and James Fletcher, Gentleman, a gold ring each of 10 shillings value.
His personal estate to his wife, Frances, for ever, she is his executor.

Witnesses: Elizabeth King, Edward Rose

Proved 23rd April 1708

Here Lieth the Body of [JOHN ]
CRIPPS Gentleman one o[f the]
Jurats of this Corporat[ion]
who departed this Life o[n the]
17th day of July in the 72nd Year [of]
his Age Anno Domini 1677
Here also Lies the Body of
NICHOLAS CRIPPS
[C]itizen and Draper of London
who died September the 8th
1735 Aged 68 Years

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 11th July 1677

John Cripps the Elder of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He is weak in body.
To his son, John, for ever, his house or inn, called the Sun , with yards, garden, stable and outhouses, occupied by William Turner, also a parcel of land, hop garden called Perry Field of about 23 acres, also a house or inn called the Woolpack occupied by [ ] Cyles, widow and it's grounds, also his house or inn called the White Harte and grounds, stable and barn, occupied by Thomas Goffe; also his ¾ part of land, now a cherry orchard, occupied by Richard French and himself; also his ¾ of 3 houses occupied by Katherine Thomas, widow, Humphrey Posten and John Woollet; also his ¾ of 3 houses occupied by Shevan, Doctor in Physick, John Bennett and John Terndon; also his ¾ of 3 houses and malthouse, lately built by himself, occupied by Thomas Pett, Gentleman, himself and [ ] Rann ? in Maidstone and Boxley.

To his daughter, Elizabeth Gillett, wife of George Gillett of Westminster, Gentleman, an annuity of £20 for life, charged on real estate given to his son, John.
To son John, £477in an indenture of mortgage dated 19th September 1677 ? made from Thomas Pett of Maidstone to himself, with all his interest and the Indenture, upon trust, for the benefit of his daughter, Frances Pett, wife of Thomas Pett, she to have the interest for life. After her death the £477 and the indenture to his grandchildren, John Pett, Mary Pett, Sarah Pett, Elizabeth Pett and Thomas Pett, equally shared.

The rest and residue of his estate to his son John, for ever, son John is his executor.

Witnesses: Richard Colly ?, James French ?, Richard Heely

Proved 28th September 1677

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd August 1735

Nicholas Cripps of Rumwood Green, Langley, Kent Gentleman.

He desires to be buried in All Saints, Maidstone.

To his wife, Barbara, his 4 houses in Baker's Street, Enfield, Middlesex, occupied by William Underwood, Esquire and Edward Tarry, William Howard and Thomas Whiting. He holds these properties on lease from the Company of Drapers, London; also his leasehold house in Skinner Street, without Bishop's Gate, London, now or late occupied by [ ] Rayner, he has this on lease from Ann Stevens; also his house called the Barley Mow, near Mile End in Stepney, Middlesex, on a lease from Mary Yoakley, now or late occupied by Richard Roberts, all these to his wife, for the remainder of the leases. If she dies before the leases al expire, the to his children, Nicholas, John, William and Katherine, equally shared.
Also to his wife, for life, his farm, which he bought from his mother in law, (step mother ?) Dorothy Cripps of Detling, now or late occupied by Richard Bills and after his wife's death to his eldest son, Nicholas, for ever.

Also to son, Nicholas, his part share in several houses, brewhouse and outhouses in Week Street, Maidstone, occupied by Thomas Stringer and his share of 3 houses known by the sign of the White Hart, Three Mariners and Wool Pack, with gardens, yards and outhouses in Maidstone, now leased by Thomas Stringer, to son Nicholas for ever.

To his daughter, Katherine, £1,000.

To his son John, £400 above money already advanced to him.

To his wife, £350, in trust, for son William, over and above money already advanced to him, this paid, from time to time towards his support and maintenance and not to be used for any debts.

To the Minister and Churchwardens of Langley, £12 to buy a piece of plate for Holy Communion'

To son Nicholas, £50 for mourning, to sons, John and William and daughter, Katherine, £10 each for mourning.

Rest and residue of goods, chattels, ready money, stock in Public Funds, debts, bills, bonds, securities for money and personal estate, after his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, to his wife, Barbara, who is his executor.

He ratifies all settlements made to her previously and these are in lieu of her Dower Rights, which she might claim.

To the poor of Maidstone, 40 shillings to be distributed among those his wife “think fit objects of charity”

Witnesses: David Waterhouse, Anne Waterhouse, Samuel Fullagar

Proved 5th December 1735

Here Lye the Bodies of THOMAS CRIPPS of
this Parish Gent Eldest Son of JOHN
CRIPPS Gent and MARGARETT is Wife
who left issue only MARY sometime
the Wife of EDWARD FOGGE Esqr Eld
est Son of RICHARD FOGGE of Dane
Court in the Parish of Tilmanstone in
this County Esqr who exchanged this
Life for an Immortall in the 45th Yeare
of his Age and was also here interr'd
the 6th day of March in the Yeare of our
Lord 1683*

* 1684 in the modern calendar

Here is Deposited the
Remains of
MARY CROCKFORD
Widow
Obiit Fe b 17[6]9
Aged [ ] Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th December 1768

Mary Crockford, Widow, late of Caversham, now of Maidstone.

She desires to be buried in Maidstone Parish church.

She bequeaths £300 bank stock to her niece, Elizabeth, now wife of Stephen Lepine of Maidstone and all of her clothes.

To her cousin Paine, 40 shillings.

To Mrs Hawley, 1 guinea for a ring.

Te rest and residue of her real and personal estate to niece, Elizabeth Lepine, for ever. She is also her executor and is to pay her debts and funeral costs.

Witnesses: Thomas Bayton Abraham Cherry John Sidney

Proved 21st February 1769

CROWDER see JOHNSON

CURTEIS see SAUNDERS

In Memory of
[THO]MAS CUTBUSH
[ [ of this Town
[ ] the above
[died] March the [ ]18[ ]
[Aged] [ ] years

CUTBUSH see HILLS

Here Lyeth the Body
WILLIAM DARBY Gent
late Jurate of this Corporation
He dep[arted this] Life
the Twent[    ] [of] January 17[ ]
being the [          ]
Here [               ]
of M[                          ]
his two Daughters
GEORGE POST died [      ]
1727 Aged [ ] Years

DARBY see MURIELL

DAVIES see BARRETT

ABRAHAM DAWSON who died
[ ] 19th 1747 Aged 67
Also MARY DAWSON who died
August 2nd 1750 Aged 67
likewise SUSAN Wife of
THOMAS POPE died Oct 28th
and 4 Children died in their
Infancy
Also MARY his second Wife
died May 24th 1762 Aged 22
[ ] [ ] Daughter died an Infant
Also MARGARET his third Wife
died Jan 1[ ] 1788 Aged 46
Also the above named
THOMAS POPE died Dec 17th
1792 Aged 64 Years

Concise Consistory Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th June 1747

Abraham Dawson of Maidstone, Bricklayer.

To his sister, Mary Dawson, his house in Pudding Lane, occupied by the Widow Osmer, commonly known as the Bakehouse, for her lifetime and, after her death, to his niece, Mary Athawes, wife of Samuel Athawes if Newnham Court, Boxley, Yeoman, for her lifetime and, after her death, to Susanna Athawes, daughter of Mary Athawes, for ever; also to Susanna, 1 shilling “and no more”.

To Mary Athawes, £100, within a month of the death of Samuel Athawes, her husband but if she dies before him, then the £100 to Susanna Athawes at 21 years of age.

To Mary Athawes, £50 for mourning for herself and her children

To Susanna Athawes, £200 at 21 years of age.

To his servant, John Borden, £5, if he continues a servant with his widow, he gives him £5 more.

To his sister, Mary Dawson, after his debts and legacies are paid, all his stock of hop poles and hops growing on land at Maidstone he holds from the Earl of Aylesford, 20 bags of hops of last year's growth, charcoal, oast hairs, sea coal, horses, wagons, carts, tuggs, corn, hay, ready money, securities for money, plate, linen, rings, household goods and implements, debts owing, goods, chattels and personal estate and effects, absolutely.

He appoints Mary Dawson his executor.

Witnesses: Edward Waldo Dorrington James Tull Samuel Eastchurch

Proved 7th March 1747*

* 1748 in the modern calendar

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th November 1792

Thomas Pope of Maidstone, Gentleman.

He appoints his uncle, Robert Pope of Maidstone, Gentleman, Flint Stacey of Maidstone, Brewer, Thomas Poole of Maidstone, Hatter and George Burr of Maidstone, Gentleman, executors and guardians of his minor children. His debts, funeral and probate costs to first paid from his personal estate and effects.

To his son, Thomas Blissett Pope his gold watch with gold chain, seal and trinkets belonging, at 21 years of age.

To his executors, 10 guineas each, for a ring.

His real and personal estate to his executors, upon trust, for his 6 children, Frances, Thomas Blissett, Margaret, Robert, Horatio and Mary Anne Pope, equally divided at 21 years of age. In case all his children die under 21, then his real and personal estate to his own right heirs (under intestacy laws).
Income from his estate towards his children's maintenance and education until they are 21.
until his eldest son, Thomas Blissett, is 21, his trustees to carry on his farming business and convey it to son Thomas when he is 21, with all farming tackle and implements valued by 2 competent appraisers, one named by his son and one by his executors, his share of the personal estate to have the above value deducted. If his son does not want the farming business, the executors to manage it until son Horatio is 21, when his executors and trustees will deliver it to him, Horatio to pay for the stock on the farm, utensils, tackle and implements, these to be valued as before. If Horatio declines to take over or died under 21, the executors and trustees shall not continue the farm after Thomas Blissett's death but to sell it and equally divide the proceeds between his children........................

Witnesses: John Sanders Stephen Lamprey Charles Topping

Proved 15th February 1793

DAY see MAY

DERING see ENGLISH

DIXON see WELDON

[                                ]
Mr EDWARD WALDO DORRINGTON
of Maidstone Apothecary departed
this Life Dec 22nd ? 1764 Aged 68 ?
Years
Mrs SARAH WALDO DORRINGTON Sister of
the said Mr DORRINGTON [             ]
[            ] M[          ] WALDO [DORRINGTON] ?
[                              ] 1751 ?

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 19th December 1764

Edward Waldo Dorrington of Maidstone, Apothecary.

He desires to be buried in the churchyard of Maidstone Parish church, near to where his mother is buried. (Obviously his executor had other plans).

To his wife, Elizabeth, £500 of Capital Bank Stock, part of £1,200.

To his brother, Theophilus and his wife, £20 each and to each of their children, £10.

To his brother in law, the Reverend Benjamin Waterhouse and his wife, and testator's sister in law, Mrs Mary Sawkins, £10 each.

To the Reverend Benjamin Waterhouse, £20 , to be paid to the Treasurer the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts.

He gives £20 to the Incorporated Society in Dublin for promoting English Protestant Schools in Ireland, pursuant to his late Majesty's Royal Charter.

To nephew, Theophilus, eldest son of his brother and to niece, Ann, his sister's daughter, £100 each.

To Thomas Day his apprentice, £20 upon his cancelling his indentures of apprenticeship.

All his books on medicines or surgery to his brother for his son or sons who wish to pursue the practise of physic.

To his nephew and godson, Edward Waldo Dorrington his silver ? [engraved] E W D and £40.

To Benjamin Waterhouse £20, upon trust, for the Foundling Hospital.

To his cousin, Alice Sear and her daughter, Alice Sear, £10 each.

He gives £10 to the debtors in the Sheriff's gaol in Maidstone.

To 50 poor people in Maidstone, Hollingbourne and Langley, a guinea each.

To Benjamin Waterhouse, £50, upon trust, for the Treasurer of the Charity Schools in Maidstone.

To the Reverend Jacob Chapman of Staplehurst, £10 and a gold ring for him and his wife.

To Mary Brevitor, wife of [ ] Brevitor of Athborne, in [faded] and sister of Benjamin Waterhouse, £10.

To Mrs Eleanor Collison, 1 guinea; and a gold ring for “such and so many of my friends and acquaintances as my executors shall think proper”.

By a marriage agreement made on his marriage, dated 25th September 1749, he can bequeath £500 Capital Stock in Old South Sea Annuities, after the death of his wife, so he bequeaths this to his brother, Theophilius and Benjamin Waterhouse, in trust, to sell and from the proceeds to pay £50 to the Treasurer of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, as before and £50 to the Incorporated Society of Dublin for promoting English Protestant Schools, £59 to the Maidstone Charity Schools, £40 to the Foundling Hospital and a guinea each to 50 poor people, as follows, 30 in Maidstone, 10 in Hollingbourne and 10 in Langley, as approved by the respective parish priest.

Rest and residue of the £500 the children of his brother living at the time of his wife's death, equally shared, if only one then all to that child.

By the said settlement he is entitled to ? the dividends of several stocks and interest of several mortgages and money during his life, he gives his wife all arrears of the dividends and interest due to him, at her death and his plate, linen, pewter, pictures, household goods and furniture in his own house according to the marriage settlement.

To Mrs [ ] Russell, widow of the Rev John Russell late of Maidstone, 5 guineas; to his brother Theophilius and Benjamin Waterhouse, £600 Bank Stock, part of the £1,200stock, upon trust, to pay income from the stock to Benjamin Waterhouse and his wife, Sarah, for their lives and life of the survivor. After their deaths, then upon further trust, to sell and from the money raised pay the Society for Promoting the Gospel in Foreign Parts, £100, to the Dublin Society for Promoting English Protestant Schools, £50, to the Maidstone Charity Schools, £50 and to the Foundling Hospital, £50. Also ½ a guinea each to 30 poor people in Maidstone, 10 in Hollingbourne and 10 in Langley.

The rest and residue, to the children of his brother Theophilius after the death of the survivor of Benjamin and Sarah Waterhouse, equally shared.

He forgives his debtors who are really poor such small debts owed.

His religious books to be divided between his wife and sister, Sarah Waterhouse, after his debts, funeral charges and legacies are paid., the residue of his personal estate, not before given, to Benjamin Waterhouse, whom he appoints his executor.

Witnesses: Edward Jones Thomas Willard

Proved 4th February 1765

Here Lyeth the Body of
the Revd. Mr JOHN DURRANT
who departed this Life
the 25th day of January
1731* Aged 65 Years
JOSEPH DURRANT
died July 8th 1767 Aged 65 Years
JOSEPH DURRANT died Jan 19th
1819 Aged 69 Years

*1732 in the modern calendar

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23th May 1767

Joseph Durrant of Maidstone, Grocer.

He gives his house and farm, called Hansden ?, near Mayfield, Sussex, occupied by Mrs Read, to his wife, Judith, for ever, in trust, she to sell and discharge the principal sum of £800 and interest on the mortgage and the sum of £200 and interest due to his friend, Richard Wicking of Maidstone, Gentleman. She is to apply the residue into his residuary personal estate.

He gives his ½ share of a farm in East Hoadly and Waldron, Sussex, occupied by Mr Reeves, to his son, Joseph Durrant when he is 21, for ever. If he dies before then, he then gives it to his wife, Judith, for life. After her death, to his sister, Mary Durrant, Spinster, for ever.

His 2 small houses at Cranbrook, to his son, Joseph at 21 years of age, for ever. If he dies before then it will go to his wife, Judith, for ever.

After his debts and funeral costs are paid, the residue of ready money, securities for money, goods, chattels, effects, real and personal not before given, to his wife, Judith for ever.

It is his “dying request and earnest desire” that his wife, who is his executor, does to the best of her ability and circumstances, supply their son with the necessary conditions for his comfortable and useful subsistence and support.

Witnesses: Thomas Hall Joseph Scultup Thomas Hillard

Proved 27th November 1767

[ ]
CASTLE EBBETT of
London Woollen Draper
only Brother of MARY the
Wife of WM. WEAVER
of Maidstone died Sep ye 5th
1723 Aged 41 Years
[ Also] the Body of
[FLOR]ENCE HULL who
died the 2[ ] day of April
[ ] Aged [ ] Years

In Memory of
CLEMENT EDMEADS Son of
ROBT. and ELIZH. EDMEADS
who died May 9th 1779 Aged [ ] Months
Also the Body of ROBERT
Son of the above said ROBERT
and ELIZABETH EDMEADS
died March [ ] 1781 Aged [ ]
Also to the Beloved Memory of
ROBERT EDMEADS (Father of the
above Children) who was born in
the Parish of [ ] in this County
November the [ ] 17[ ] departed
this Life April the 8th 1826 Aged 82

In a Vault beneath are
deposited the Remains
of ANN Wife of
THOMAS EDMETT
who died May 27th 1837
Aged 52 Years
Also the above named
THOMAS EDMETT
who died
September 23rd 1852
Aged 67 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th January 1851

Thomas Edmett of Maidstone, Upholsterer.

All of his real and personal estate to his son Thomas, absolutely and the estates vested in him by mortgage or upon trust, subject to the equities affecting them. He appoints son, Thomas his executor.

Witnesses: Thomas Robert Cutbush of Yalding, Robert Cutbush of Maidstone.

Proved 20th December 1852

EDWARDS see THOMSON

EGREMONT see ROMNEY

ELLIOT see BOOTS

In Memory of
EDWD. ELLIS died Sept. 18th
1777 Aged 63 Years
JANE his Wife died Oct. 28th
1783 Aged 59 Years
Also 3 Sons & 2 Daughters
who died in their Infancy
(viz) MARY, WILLIAM, SAMUEL
JOHN and ELIZABETH
EDWARD ELLIS Son of
the above named
died April 3rd 1820 Aged 71 Years
ELIZABETH his Wife died December 5th
1786 Aged 33 Years
Also ANN his Second Wife died
April 9th 1820 Aged 61 Years
leaving issue 2 Sons
GEORGE and EDWARD
Also EDWARD Son of the above
EDWARD and ANN ELLIS
who died February the 10th 1823
Aged 29 Years

Here Lyeth the Body of
[ ]R[ ] Wife of JN[O.] [ELVY ?]
[Tra]desman ? of this Town
who died the [ ] of July 1729
Aged 70 Years
Also the Body of the
[afore]said JOHN [ELVY ?]
who died the 16th of October 1769
Aged 72 Years
[Also] of ELIZABETH Wife of
JOHN ELVY of this Town
who departed this Life January the 23rd
1765 Aged 72 Years
JOHN ELVY
[ ]
JOHN ELVY died April the 20th
1802 Aged [ ] Years
SUSANNA ELVY who died
Sept. 2nd 1839 Aged 86 Years

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th January 1802

John Elvy of Maidstone, Gentleman.

To his daughter, Elizabeth, wife of John Miller of Yalding, Gentleman, all his real estate in Linton, occupied by John Miller, for ever. But on condition that son in law, John Miller delivers to his executors a promissory note for payment of [ Blank] which was given to him upon his marriage with his daughter Elizabeth , to be cancelled or destroyed.

To his daughter, Eleanor Hosmer Ansell wife of George Ansell of London, Sugar Refiner, his real estate in Charing, occupied by William Jull, for ever.

His son in law, George Ansell, is indebted by a promissory note to the sum of £365, he gives this sum to his daughter, Susan Elvy, absolutely. He charges his real estate and farm in Charing with this payment.

His real estate Maidstone, Loose, Chart Sutton, not before given, to John Miller and George Ansell, upon trust, to sell and invest the proceeds in the Public Funds or Real Securities, upon trust, to pay his daughter, Susan Elvy, an annuity of £70 for life and also pay his son, John an annuity of £40, for life.

From the remainder of the dividends they to pay towards the maintenance of Jane, his daughter in law, for life, as long as she remains his wife or widow but not otherwise. His son, John is to have none of this income, nor is it to be liable for his debts.

After the deaths of Susan Elvy, John and Jane Elvy or remarriage of Jane, upon trust, to transfer the trust monies and interest due to his grandsons, John Russell Elvy, Francis Barham Elvy and George Elvy, equally shared. If any of his grandsons die before his own children and Jane Elvy, leaving lawful issue, then their legacy to that child or children, equally shared if more than one....................

Also to his trustees, upon trust, for Jane, wife of his son, John, all of his effects of every sort at his house and farm at Loose, now in his own occupation, his trustees to pay from these effects his debts. Also to daughter in law, Jane and his daughters, Elizabeth Miller, Eleanor Hosmer Ansell and Susan Elvy, all his plate, equally shared.

To John Miller and George Ansell, £10 each for mourning, subject to their paying his legacies, funeral and probate costs, he appoints them his executors and guardians of his grandsons.

Rest and residue of goods, chattels, furniture and effects, ready money, bank notes, securities for money and personal estate, to his daughter, Susan Elvy, absolutely.

Witnesses: William Archer Martha Bigg John James Cooke , Attorney of Maidstone.

Codicil 19th February 1802

He revokes the annuity of £40 to his son, John and now gives him an annuity of £5 for life.
Rest of the will ratified.

Witnesses: John James Cooke Martha Bigg William Valentine

Proved 30th August 1802

58

Translated from the Latin by the Rev. John Cave Brown

Here sleeps entombed, once the Gift of God,
now given back to God, DOROTHEA, Daughter of
Sir EDWARD DERING Knight and Baronet, the Wife
of THOMAS ENGLISH of Buckland, Esquire,
Deservedly most dear to her husband for the
faithfulness of her married life and the
sweetness of her manners. She had 3 Sons and 7
Daughters and at length died in agony, giving
birth to twins. “Calmly rest, dear Shade ! Well hast
thou fought, now enjoy thy Triumph to the full
While thy afflicted Husband , mid tears and sighs,
Causes this to be inscribed in token of his love”
She died on the 20th of April 1669 Aged 38 Years

In Memory of
Mrs MARY [FA]RMER
Reclined in here
ROBERT [FA]RMER Esq
of Sandhurst Kent
who died the [ ] day of
November 1808
Aged 7[5][ Years

FARMER see JACKSON

FARTHING see HUGHES

In Memory of
TOBIAS FERRALL
who died the 10th Dec 1737
Also
DINAH BRENCHLEY
his eldest Daughter
who died 30th Jan 1757
Likewise
MARY the Wife of
JAMES STONEHOUSE
his second Daughter
died the 2nd July 1760

There is no will for Tobias Ferrall but an Inventory survives in the Kent Archives, where he is noted to be a Carpenter.

FERRALL see PARKER

Here lieth the Body of TH[OMAS]
FLETCHER of this Towne [Jurat ?]
and Mayor thereof Anno 166[3]Aged [ ] Years
who left issue one Sonne T[HOMAS]
FLETCHER Aged [59] Years one
Grandchild [    ] FLETCHER
Aged 18 Years and Sonne of
JOHN FLETCHER deceased
Here lyeth the Body of MARY
beloved Wife of THOMAS
FLETCHER Gent who departed
this Life the Third of [       ]
Anno Dom MDCCXII A[ged] [ ] [    ]
Here also lyeth the [said]
above THOMAS FLET[CHER who]
departed this Life [                      ]
in the Eighty Fourth
[Year of his Age]

FLETCHER see MORDEN

FOGGE see CRIPPS

Here lyeth the Body of
FRANCIS FOX
Son of EDWARD and
MARY FOX
who died ye 13th day of June
1736
in the 11th Year of his Age
Also the above said
EDWARD FOX
of [Lon ?]don who died the
8th of December 1736
Aged 56 Years

[                             ]
[      ] TERLIS FRANCKL[YN]
[    ] obii[t] Octob.
Anno [Domini] [M]DCLXXX
Aetatis LXXX
[          ]
[FRAN]CKLYN obiit [         ]
Anno Sal[utis] MDCC[        ]
Aetatis XV[       ]
[          ] IAS C[ ]ALTER[IS]
obiit Januar [   ]
[An]no Sa[lutis] MDCCVIII
Aetatis LXXI[ ]
[                               ]

[ ]
JOHN FRANCKLYN Gent
Obiit ii Jan 1697
Here also lye 4 Sons & 2 Daughters
[of] WALTER & ELIZ. FRANCKLYN
[the] Daughter of Mr JN WEEKES
[of] this Town
[Here] also lye PETR. & MARY 2
Children of WALTER FRANCKLYN
and JANE his present Wife
who died Young
[Here] also lieth the Body of
[JAM]ES eldest Son of the above
said WALTER and JANE
FRANCKLYN who died
M[ ] 17th 1751 in the 22nd Year of his Age
Here also lieth the Body of
JOHN FRANCKLYN who died
April 23rd 1754 Aged 42 Years
Here also lieth the Body of
ANN FRANCKLYN Widow of the
above said JOHN FRANCKLYN
who died March the 24th
178[7] Aged 72 Years

[ ]
CHRISTOPHOR[US] FULLAGAR
Generosus
Obiit XII die July
Anno
Aetatis LVI
Salutis MDCCXIX
Hic sepulia jacet ELIZABETHA
CHRISTOPHRUS FULLAGAR Generosus
charissima Uxor VALENTINI
CHADWICKE de East Peckham
Vicarii dilestissima filia quae
et si non annis tandem virtute
et pietate repletam vitam egit
et deo sic volente praemature
Obiit decimo quinto died Octobris
Anno Domini 1693
Aetat XX Expectans
per Jesum Christum felicem
Resurrectionem
ANNA FULLAGAR supra nominati
CHRISTOPHORI FULLAGAR vidua
Obiit XIII die Maii
Anno
Dom MDCCLXII
Aetatis suae LXXXVII
ANNA MARIA FULLAGAR
Obiit XIV die Julii
Anno
Aetatis LXII
Salutis
MDCCLXIII

Here [                            ]
[          ] FULLAGAR [            ]
Here [                            ]
[                                        ]
Likewise the Body of MARY
the Wife of Mr SAMUEL
FULLAGAR
who died the 23rd [           ]
1738 Aged 37 Years
[left] issue a Son & a Daughter viz CHRIS
and ANNA MARIA
ANNA MARIA died the 18th of Ju[ ]
1738 Aged 9 Weeks
SAMUEL FULLAGAR Gent
died D[ecember] [ ] 1770
Aged [ ] [Years]
CHRIS. FULLAGAR
Son of the said SAMUEL
died the 21st Nov 1785 Aged 48 Years
[                                ]

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th September 1770

Samuel Fullagar of Maidstone, Gentleman.

His son and executor, Christopher, out of money due from the 3 ½ % Bank Stock, 1756, will purchase £500 Capital Stock of New South Sea Annuities and transfer it to himself, the Reverend Mr Donne and 3 more of the principal subscribers of the Charity Schools at Maidstone, upon trust, the ½ yearly dividends to be paid to that charity. Also to the Charity Schools, money he paid over and above what he has received ? He has long been a subscriber to the charity.

To the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, £160, he presumes this will produce 5 guineas per annum.

Is son will, in the Winter following his death, distribute £100 among poor housekeepers of Maidstone by at least 10 shillings each but more according to the size of the family.

His debts to be paid and his son to employ Mr Thomas Williams to assist him to sort out the papers and writings left in his house and deliver them to the persons to whom they belong.

To his brother Christopher, £20 for mourning.

To the 2 servants with him at his death, £20 each.

Rest and residue of real and personal estate to his son, Christopher who he appoints executor.

Will not witnessed.

Affidavit 14th March 1771

John Kent of Maidstone, Inn Holder and Thomas Williams of Maidstone, Gentleman, state upon oath that they knew the testator well and are acquainted with his handwriting and signature. They have carefully examined the will and believe the writing is in his hand and the signature is authentic.

Proved 20th March 1771

Notes in the Margin.
1st June 1808
The will was not administered by Christopher Fullagar, who died intestate (sic) ? Administration granted to Thomas K??h of [Ray]monds Inn ?, Middlesex, Gentleman, on behalf of Thomas Sellen of Smarden, Stay Maker, regarding his interest in 2 pieces of land at Thurnham. This is held by him for a term of 500 years granted by Samuel Fullagar on 29th March 1744, his interest in the estate is confined only to this land.
31st December 1827
Administration granted to William Wood of Newport, Isle of Wight, Gentleman on behalf of Edward Wise of Hill Grove, Isle of Wight, Esquire

Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 11th May 1774

Christopher Fullagar of Maidstone, Gentleman.

To the Honourable Charles Marsham, Esquire, the Reverend John Donne, the Reverend William Polhill and John Brenchley, all of Maidstone, £500 upon trust, for 2 charity schools in Maidstone, as they think fit.

To Prudence Edmonds of Maidstone, Spinster, the house she now lives in, for life, rent free and free from paying any sums she may owe him. She also to have an annuity of £50 for life.

To her brother, Robert Edmonds, an annuity of £20 for life.

To his servant Caroline Price, an annuity of £50 for life.

To his servant, Elizabeth Scoons, an annuity of £10 for life.

To Mrs Hester Barret, an annuity of £20 for life.

To John Titus of Maidstone, an annuity of £10 for life.

He charges his real and personal estate with these annuities. If any annuity is unpaid the beneficiaries can enter the land and property to distrain it until payment is made.

To his friend John Kent, all those houses and cottages , warehouse and outhouses, occupied by Isaac Leeds, in Maidstone, for ever. Also to John Kent, £2,000.

Also to Hester Barret, a house and garden where she lives, for life.

Rest and residue of real and personal estate to Godfrey Kneller of Don???dham near Shaftesbury, Dorset and Rebecca, his wife, for ever. He appoints Godfrey Kneller his executor.

Witnesses: Richard Gammon Richard Clifford William Roffe

Proved 16th December 1785

Note in Margin
17th December 1811
The will was not administered by Rebecca Kneller, widow of Godfrey Kneller and surviving residuary legatee. Administration was granted to Kitty Kneller, Spinster and executor of Rebecca Kneller.

FULLAGAR see BARRETT

Hic Jacet
FRANCISCA Uxor bene merita
DAVIDUS FULLER et Filia
ROBERTI SAUNDERS Genorosi
Obiit vicesin[ ]o secundi Martii
Anno Aetatis 32nd
Domini 177 7
8

GARDINER see CURTEIS

GENTILE see POPE

[ ]
SAMUEL GILES
died March 26th 1806
Aged 43 Years
SARAH GILES
Wife of the above
died Feb 25th 1844
Aged 79 Years

Concise Consistory Court Of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd May 1804

Samuel Giles of Maidstone, Bricklayer and Stone Mason

His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.
He desires to be buried in the same grave as his great uncle, John Rawlings in Maidstone parish church, (perhaps the Rawlings stone was replaced by that of Giles, there is no Rawlings in the survey of ledger stones).

His 4 freehold houses with yards and gardens in Upper Stone Street, Maidstone, now or late occupied by William Phipps, Thomas Evenden and Thomas Paine, to his wife, Sarah, over and above their marriage settlement, for life. After her death, to his mother Elizabeth Giles, widow, for life. After her death, to his 2 brothers, Nicholas and William and his sister, Elizabeth, wife of John Howes, for ever, equally shared.

His 4 newly built freehold houses and land in Upper Stone Street, now or late occupied by [ ]
Hateridge, widow, George Thorne, William Gatland and John Dubley, to his mother, Elizabeth, for life. After her death then to his wife, for life and after her death, to his brothers Nicholas and William and his sister Elizabeth, for ever, equally shared.

To his mother, Elizabeth, for life, the dividends on his Capital Stocks and Funds and money in the Bank of England. After her death, then to his brothers and sister, equally shared.
Also to his brothers and sister, £10 each for mourning.

Residue of his goods, chattels household goods, furniture and implements, plate, linen, woollen, china, stock in trade, money, securities for money, book debts, credits and personal estate, after payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs and legacies, to his wife, Sarah, absolutely, provided that in case his wife does not deliver up a Bond to his executors to be cancelled, this he entered into by the will of his late relative, James Waterman of East Sutton, Gentleman, for the payment of a certain sum and to release devises of his real estate by him given and devised of her Dower Rights under Gavelkind or Common Law of all his real estate within 3 months after his death. If she does not, she to receive no benefits from his will and bequests made to her will be void and his next of kin will benefit.
Provided, in case he happens to have any children by his wife living at his death or born after the bequest of real estate and stock in the funds to his mother, brother and sister will be null and void. In that case such real and personal estate to the use and benefit of that child or children, if more than one, equally shared.

He appoints his brothers his executors.

Witnesses: William Smart, Weller Norwood, Attorneys of Charing, William Thomas Tonge, their Clerk

Proved 25th June 1806

Value of goods, chattels and credits, less than £800

[ ]
MARY SUMMERS GLOVER
died May ye 7th 1791
Aged Two Years and8 Months
Also GABRIEL GLOVER
Senr. died August ye 22nd
1795 Aged 53 Years

[                          ]
ROB. WILL. Son [of]
HENRY and MARY GO[DDEN]
who died Feb. 8th [     ]
Aged 11 Weeks
ANNA [         ]
Obiit [         ]
[                  ] the
above [                ]
Ob. F[ebruary] 1798
HENRIETT[A] Daughter of
HENRY and [MARY] ? GODDEN
who died 31st of December 1822
Aged 7 Months

ModernMonumental InscriptionsMaidstone

KAS