Wills pt 1 - Wills pt 3 Wills pt 4 Wills pt 5 Wills pt 6


SEAX ref.no. & creation or probate date
testator
D/ABW 134 1 104 1839 24th Oct Thomas Day the elder, of Henham, yeoman. Firstly he gives to his 3 sons Thomas Day of Haydon in Essex farmer, James Day of Henham yeoman and John Day of Chrishall farmer all and every my freehold messuages, cottages or tenements, lands and hereditaments to hold to them and their heirs upon trust and as soon as is convenient to sell the estate by public auction either together or in parcels or private contract. He bequeaths to his daughter Sarah the wife of James Day the sum of £50. He also bequeaths to her the debt of £300 due to and owing to Thomas of £100 and owing to Thomas from her son-in-law Thomas Nottage of Henham farmer and also the debt of £100 due and owing from her son Thomas Day together with all the interest due on the said sums. Thomas also bequeaths to his son Thomas the sum of £50. He also bequeaths to his grandchildren Charles Thomas, John Joseph, Martha and Emma the six children of his son Thomas the sum of £50 each as soon as they each reach 21 years of age. He also bequeaths to his son James the sum of £200. Likewise he bequeaths to Mary, Emma, Charles, Thomas and James the five children of his son James the sum of £50 each. He leaves to his son John the sum of £200 over and above what he has already advanced to him. After all his debts and expenses have been paid he bequeaths the residue and remainder of his monies and estate equally to all and every of his grandchildren. He appoints his three sons Thomas, James and John as executors of the Will. The Will was made on the 24th Jan 1835 and witnessed by George Frederick Good, Jonathan Onion and Elizabeth Andrews. Thomas made a codicil to the Will of 1835 whereby he revoked his earlier wish to distribute the residue amongst his grandchildren in favour of equal distribution amongst his three sons and his daughter Sarah Jane. Thomas Day died on the 26th April 1839. The executors stated that the estate was valued as being of less than £2,000.
D/ABW 137 1 134 1845 7th Nov John Barker of Henham, alehouse keeper. Firstly he appoints his wife Elizabeth executrix and Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard both of Henham, wheelwrights, executors of this Will. He bequeaths £100 to William, his only son to be paid within two years. To his wife he bequests his household furniture, plate, linen, china, books and other household effects during her life and after her death he bequeaths his estate, to be divided equally, amongst his children. He gives to the said Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard and their heirs all the freehold and copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments to be held in trust. He bequeaths all his stock in hand, monies, securities and all other personal estate to his wife, Joseph Bacon Heard and Thomas Heard to be held in trust. The executors are to hold the trusts until the youngest child reaches 21 years and then dispose of the estate and share equally the proceeds amongst his wife and children. If his widow remarries all the bequests to her become void. Dated 2nd Sept 1837. Codicil dated 2nd Sept 1837 revokes the bequest to his son William of an equal share with John's wife Elizabeth and any other children and now gives and bequeaths to him an equal share of these after deducting therefrom the sum of one hundred pounds the amount of the said legacy which will now become part of the residual personal estate. Dated 14th March 1843. John Barker died on or about the 15th Aug 1845 and the whole of the effects were under the value of £100.
D/ABW 138 1 068 1846 1st Aug This is the last Will and Testament of me Elizabeth Titchmarsh of Henham Lodge in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex, widow. First direct that I may be decently buried with my late husband and that my funeral and Testamentary expences may be paid as soon as conveniently may be after my decease. I give and bequeath all my plate and china unto and to be equally divided between my five dear children Thomas, Mynott, John, Charles and Emma. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Emma the bedstead, bed and all other the furniture in the Bed room which she occupies, for her own use. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Charles the bedstead, bed and all other the furniture in the Bed room he occupies for his own use. I give and bequeath unto my son Charles all those my copyhold cottages with their appurtenances situate at or near Wood End Green in the parish of Henham aforesaid To Hold the same unto my said son Charles his heirs and assigns for ever And I direct that the fine and fees payable on his Advowson thereto shall be paid by my executors out of my personal estate. I also give and bequeath unto my said son Charles the sum of sixty pounds. Item give and bequeath to my said Daughter Emma the sum of two hundred pounds and I direct that the said two last mentioned legacies shall be paid within twelve calendar months next after my decease. I direct my Executors hereinafter named as soon as they conveniently can after my decease to relinquish and t ogive up the Farm and lands which I may occupy And as to all my Household goods and Furniture, linen, books and other household Effects not hereinbefore specifically bequeathed and also my Implements of Husbandry, Crops of Corn and Grain, live and dead stock and all other my personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said executors their executors and administrators Upon Trust as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to sell dispose of and convert the same into money And I hereby declare that my said Trustees shall stand possessed of the monies to arise and be produced from my said residuary personal estate as aforesaid Upon Trust by with and out of the same monies to pay and satisfy all my just debts funeral and Testamentary Expenses and all Expences incident to the execution of the Trusts hereby created, the pecuniary legacies hereinbefore bequeathed and the fine and fees payable on the Admission of my said son Charles to the said Copyhold hereditaments hereinbefore devised to him And upon further trust to pay and divide the surplus of the same money unto and equally between all my before named children Thomas, Mynott, John, Charles and Emma who shall be living at the time of my decease and the issue of any deceased child or children share and share alike such issue taking only the part or share which his heir their parent or parents would have been entitled to if living Provided and I hereby declare that in case any of my said children being a son or sons shall depart this life without issue, but leaving a widow or widows living at my decease Then I give and devise unto such Widow or Widows the part or share of and in my said residuary personal estate which such son or sons would have been entitled to if living And I nominate, constitute and appoint my said son Thomas and my friend John Mumford of Pledgedon Hall in the parish of Henham aforesaid Farmer executors of this my Will And I hereby authorise and empower my said executors ... In witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two.

CODICIL 12th April 1845: revokes previous bequests and now gives Emma all her copyhold cottages with their appurtenances and gardens thereunto belonging situate at or adjoining Wood End Green. Witnessed: Susan Lyles, spinster and Mary Prior, widow. Probate hearing 9th July 1846 when the estate as valued at under £450. Thomas Titchmarsh, executor, innkeeper of Stansted Mountfitchet
D/ACW 1/66 1584 In the name of god amen In the year of our lord one thousand five hundred.., and in the year of reign of our Sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France, and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith ..five and twenty. ..that I Thomas Measant of Henham in the county of Essex, minstrel, being sick in body but whole and perfect remembrance thanks be to god therefore do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto almighty god my creator and redeemer, and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham. Item: I bequeath all my goods and moveables unto Joan my wife during her life, paying my debts. And after her decease that which shall remain I give and bequeath unto my ..children..to be equally divided among them that is to say Margaret, Ellen, Joan, Benjamin, Eden, Richard and Mary, And of this my last will and testament I make and ordain Joan my wife sole and only executrix, and I praise...of Henham aforesaid ..and to have for his .. In witness thereof I the said Thomas Measant have set my hand , and seal in the 25th day of April in the year of the reign of our Sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland queen, defender of the faith...Anno Domini 1587. Witnessed: John Cater, Edward Brett, William...
D/ACW 1/69 1589 7th June Anno Domini 1589. In the name of god Amen the ?th day of June in the thirty first year of the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Queen Elizabeth, I John Woodley of Henham, in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, yeoman ......, I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife all my moveables goods both in Henham and Debden... Item: I give and bequeath unto William Woodley my son the sum of forty shillings of good and lawful money of England for to be paid unto the said William Woodley his heirs, executors or assigns, that is to say at the full ..and term of three years next after the decease of Agnes my wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Woodley my son the sum of thirty pounds of good and lawful money of England, to be paid unto the said John Woodley his heirs, executors or assigns, in manner and form following, that is to say ten pounds of the said thirty pounds to be paid within the space and term of two years fully to be complete and ended next and immediately after my decease. And also ..ten pounds of the said thirty pounds I will it shall be paid unto the said John Woodley my son his heirs, executors or assigns at the end..next after my decease...Item: I give and bequeath unto George Woodley my son his heirs, executors or assigns the sum of six pounds, thirteen shillings and eightpence.....I give and bequeath unto Agnes Woodley my daughter the sum of four marks of good and lawful of England......I give and bequeath unto Mary Woodley my daughter... the sum of three pounds six shillings and eight pence..I give and bequeath unto Joan my daughter the sum of forty ..to be paid by equal portions..And of this my last will and testament I make and ordain Thomas Woodley my son my sole and only executor, And Thomas..my broker ...In witness thereof I have set my hand and seal to this my last will and testament the day and year first above written. Witnessed: William Wright
D/ACW 1/159 1593 8th Aug In the name of god Amen. The eight of August in the year of our Lorde god one thousand five hundred and ninety five. And in the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith thirty five .. I John Perry of the parish of Henham...... I give unto John Perry my eldest son my house and all my lands both free and copyhold to him and to his heirs for ever (excepting one end of my house that is next to the orchard and the moveables in the inward houses .. moveables. I do wholly give to Barbara my wife to give or to sell at her discretion.. and to have free ..at all times whensoever she pleases to have the fruit.. during the term of her life. And I do will to John my son his heirs, executors or assigns shall .. half of the wood that is felled excepted of my grounds for Barbara my wife belong as he shall find, and after her decease. Then after her decease I will that John my son shall have all the commodities to him and to his heirs forever. Item: I give unto Barbara my wife six pounds of good English money for an annuity to be paid every quarter as at the feast of St Michael the Archangel ..thirty.. at the feast of the Nativity of our Saviour Christ .. thirty .. from quarter.... during the term of Barbara my wife (if she dies before her children are of sufficient age, John is given custody for them). Item: I give and bequeath unto Robert Perry my son twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England. Item: I give unto Nathaniel Perry my son twenty marks of good and lawful money of England to be paid to him at twenty one years of age by my son John... Mentions Grace Perry, Roberta Perry. John is appointed sole executor. Witnessed by Nicholas Storke, Henry Woode and Edward Cooke.
D/ACW 2/204 1580 17th Oct In the name of god Amen the twentieth day of October in the twenty second year of the reign of our Sovereign Ladie Elizabeth Queen of England, France and Ireland I Nicholas Keamed of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, being in good mind and perfect remembrance thanks be unto god.. Thus do make and ordain this my ..testament containing in it my last will in manner and forme following. First and principally I acknowledge my faults to ..in god the maker of heaven and earth and trusting assuredly .. his son Jesus Christ to have ..my body to be buried where it shall please god to call me. Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan my wife half the rent yearly of that my tenement in Arkesden during her natural life, and for the other half of the paid yearly rent of that my tenement aforesaid I give unto my brother John Keamed to keep the said tenement in perfect restoration And after Joan my said wife's decease I give it unto my brother John's children viz. Nicholas, John, Richard, Elizabeth, Mary and Mercy equally to be divided amongst them after the death of the said John Keamed their father. Item: I give unto my sister Agnes Parker's four children the wife of Robert Parker viz Thomas, Richard, ?, Robert twenty pounds to be equally divided amongst them. Item: I give unto my brother Phillip .. children twenty pounds which the said Phillip my brother hath already in his hands, equally to be divided amongst them. Item: I give unto my sister Russell's children twenty pounds equally to be divided amongst them. Item: I give unto my brother John aforenamed six children twenty pounds equally to be divided amongst them. Item: I give unto Robert Piggott the son of Thomas Piggott the younger six pounds eight shillings. Item: I give unto John Piggott the son of John Piggott six pounds eight shillings. Item: I give unto Agnes Piggott the daughter of the aforesaid Thomas Piggott six pounds eight shillings. Item: I give unto the four children of Thomas Piggott the elder twenty pounds equally to be divided amongst them and if the said twenty pounds he hath .. already in his family. Item: I give unto Elizabeth Keamed the daughter of John Keamed a great kettle to be ..unto his sister at the day of her marriage or at the age of twenty one years which shall first happen. Item: I give unto Richard Measant my godchild fifteen pounds. Item: I given unto John Baltropp my godchild, the son of John Baltropp, twelve pounds ... after my wife's decease. Item: I give unto the parish church of Henham .. pounds and .. the poor of that said ... within one year next after my decease. Item: I give unto Joan my wife all my household stuff also .. outwith all my moveables and immovables except before .. bills or debts, obligations whatsoever unbequeathed my debts paid and the legacies of this my last will performed and my body brought .. to the earth And of this my last will and testament I ordain and make Joan my wife sole and only executrix In witness thereof I have put my hand and seal the day and year first above written in the presence of .. Josias Fleming .. Nicholas Stanes and Henry Measant
D/ACW 3/231 1598/9 25th Feb In the name of god Amen the 20th day of February and in the 11th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith I Richard Allowes of Henham, in the county of Essex, husbandman, being in good and perfect memory thanks be to almighty god doth have (?,) ordain and make my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul to almighty god my only saviour and resurrection my body to be buried in the Christian burial .. Item: I will and bequeath to Annie my wife all my moveable goods, money and debts and chattels whatsoever during her natural life and after her decease to my .. children lawfully begotten of her body by me ... I will that after her decease all my goods then remaining I will and give to my other children that I had before the marriage of sixteen .. equally to be divided amongst them. In witness thereof I have set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Sealed and Delivered in the presence of John Wright and James Bowen
D/ACW 5/126 14th July 1610 In the name of god Amen the fourteenth day of July in the year of our Lord god one thousand six hundred and ten years I, Richard Cock of Henham in the county of Essex, and Diocese of London, yeoman, being sick in body but as yet of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laude, praise and honour be unto Almighty god therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following viz. First and before all other things principally I bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham. Item: I give and bequeath unto my brother John Cocke of Henham with my home I now own and dwell that my messuage and tenement situate in Henham commonly called and known by the name of the Cocke now in the tenure and occupation of Robert Browne with all and singular the edifices and buildings thereunto belonging with the orchard, yard, gardens and croft called Hillcroft and all other the .. hereunto appertaining or belonging and all other my lands whatsoever are mine or in .. ought to be mine, the said messuage or tenement with the appurtenances and all other my lands situate in Henham only to remain and be to my said brother John Cocke and his heirs for ever to the intent and effect that my said brother John Cocke, his heirs, executors or assigns shall .. or cause to be paid .. herein by me given and bequeathed at ... as here following. Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret Cocke the daughter of my said brother John Cocke one hundred pounds of lawful English money and my great chest standing in the parlour to be paid and .. unto her the said Margaret Cocke at the day of her marriage or within one whole year next ensuing the day of her marriage. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Cocke the daughter of my said brother John Cocke one hundred and forty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto the said Mary Cocke at the day of marriage or within one whole year next to ensuing the day of her marriage. Item: I give and bequeath unto the same Mary Cocke my cupboard standing in the parlour .. standing in my chamber with all things in said cupboard to be delivered unto her.. after my decease, but if it shall happen the said Margaret Cocke or Mary Cocke do decease before her or their parents shall be .. or payable unto .. ore after or from ..my will is that the survivor or .. or from .. shall give and .. her ...at the day of her marriage ... I give and bequeath unto my said brother John Cocke to for my debts and legacies paid, my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses, allowances and of this my last will I do ordain and make him my sole and only executor. In the presence of Samuel Weldon, Thomas Fowler and James Harwood
D/ACW 5/209 1611 18th June Nuncupative Will. In the name of god Amen the 18th day of June in the year of our Lord god 1611 I, Elizabeth Wood of Old Meade in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex, and Diocese of London, widow being of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laude, praise and honour be unto Almighty god therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following viz. First and before all other things principally I bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham. Item: I give and bequeath unto William Wood my son ten pounds of lawful money of England, one featherbed, one feather bolster, three feather pillows with the bolsters, one great .... and one crust. Item: I give and bequeath unto Jane B.. .......three feather pillows, one feather bolster, one covering or Dar...... standing in the ...loft. I give and bequeath unto Margaret Bush three feather pillows and one which is standing in the spri...loft and one other which is standing in loft called the grayner loft. Item: I give and bequeath unto William Bush one pair of sheets and a ..rter of brass. I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth J....one pair of sheets a gown of russet. Item: I give and bequeath unto Jane Browne one featherbed and feather bolster and flock ...which standing in a loft called the shoreloft with with all things what... chest standing in the hall with all things what should be in the same.. one pot being the greatest of all my kettles, bible ...one barrel of eight gallons, one tub being the middle tub, .......Item. I give unto the children of William Bush my son in law eighteen pounds of lawful money England to be equally divided amongst them, the said eighteen pounds .. being in the house of my son John Wood of Old Mead. Witnessed: Lewis Brand, Clement Grand, James Harwood, ... The Will notes that Elizabeth died the 1st August 1611
D/ACW 5/246 1597 30th July In the name of god amen the twelfth day of July in the year of our lord god one thousand five hundred ninety and seven and in the nine and thirty year of the reign of our Sovereign lady Elizabeth by the grace of god of England, France and Ireland Queen, Defender of the faith I, William Askewe of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London being in good mind and perfect memory thanks be given to god therefore I do ordain and make this my last testament containing in it my last will in such manner and form as hereafter shall ... viz First and principally I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty god my .. creator, saviour and redeemer .. I will my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife all that my free tenement, orchard and garden and their appurtenances in Henham aforesaid, to have and to hold the aforesaid tenement, orchard, garden ... appurtenances unto the said Margaret my wife and to her heirs forever And it shall be lawful for the said Margaret my wife at her disposition .. to give or to sell that my tenement, orchard and garden and all their appurtenances in Henham as occasion may or shall .. Item: I give and bequeath to the said Margaret my wife all and singular my goods, debts, moveables and immovables what .. And I do make and ordain Margaret my wife my sole executrix of this my last will and testament those being witnesses thereunto whose names are hereunder ... William Smyth senior and James Harwood priest
D/ACW 6/5 1613 12th Nov Anno Domini 1613 November 12th. In the name of god Amen I Thomasin Britton, widow, being sick in body but perfect in mind ordain this my last will and testament. Item: I give my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham and my soul I bequeath to the almighty god. I give to my brother George .. a table standing in the house .....
D/ACW 6/47 1600 To all christian people .. shall come. Joan Turner of Henham in the county of Essex, widow sendeth greeting in our lord god everlasting, know you that I the said Joan Turner, ... sums of lawful English money .. out for me, and for my .. , by Henry Turner my son .. and considerations .. unto especially .. have given, guaranteed, confirmed, assigned and paid out unto the said Henry Turner my said son all these my goods, moveables and immovables .. I have in the house where I do dwell, situate in woodend green within the village of Henham above written to have and to hold all and singular the same said moveables and immovables and household stuff what .. unto the .. the said Henry Turner my son, his heirs and assigns for ever. Item: also further, for the considerations before .. I the said Joan Turner do likewise give, grants, confirmed, assigns and set out unto the said Henry Turner my son ... in the lands of William Pomfritt, William ... and Thomas Measant of Elsenham aforesaid, and of my son Thomas Turner of Easton Magna within the said county of Essex, as also all other sums, and pounds of money .. and one unto me the said Joan .. by bill, bond, obligation, condition, recognizance, forfeiture and by any other lawful way ...
D/ACW 6/48 1613 20th Sept In the name of God Amen memorial that I John Bullock of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being of good mind and memory thanks be unto God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Imprimis, I commend my soul into the hands of almighty god .. and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid and .. I do give unto my wife Joan Bullock all the money and moveables I brought .. prior the marriage of us .. now that the half years rent owe to my landlord at Michaelmas next be paid out of my ... I will that the debts I owe be .. paid out of my goods and moveables. Item: I do give unto my wife Joan Bullock, my son Richard Bullock and my daughter Mary Bullock all the rest of my goods and debts, moveables .. .. among them equally to be divided provided always that the money or moveables that my daughter Mary hath given her by me be no part of the above bequest ... I give unto Symon Snell vicar of Henham who made this my will four shillings. Item: I do give over and above unto my son Richard Bullock one quarter of barley. Item: I do give unto Andrew Steward one quarter of barley. Item: I do make John Wood of Old Mead, yeoman, sole executor of this my last will and I do give him for his pains four shillings. In witness thereof I give .. my hand this 11th day of August in the year of our Lord 1613. Witnessed: Symon Snell, Alice ..., Alan ..
D/ACW 6/60 1614 3rd May John Cater of Henham, husbandman. The Will was made the 28th March 1614. John bequeaths all his goods to his daughter Ann Cater, his sole executrix. Witnessed by ...Wollyn, George Dennis and Henry Wood junior
D/ACW 6/97 1614 12th Oct Thomas Meade of Henham, yeoman. .... Item: whereas I and my son William Mead are ... purchasers of renting copy hold land bought of ... Harrison .. said land my said son William Mead is to have presently after my decease by way of ..thereof I do give unto my son Thomas Mead and his heirs my tenement lying adjoining unto my pond at Wood End Green and the barn thereunto belonging and all other houses upon the said tenement late in the occupation of one Lewes Brand and all my croft of land called Hens Croft containing by estimation five acres and one piece of land lying under Whitsun (?) Hedge called .... containing by estimation two acres but my will and meaning is that my executors hereafter named shall have and .. all the said tenement and land above mentioned until the Feast of St Michael the Archangel in the year of our Lord 1616 towards the payment of my debts and legacies. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Meade and William Mead my sons .. I make executors of this my last will and testament all my goods and chattels, plate, money and goods whatsoever And also all my other lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever both free and copy hold with their appurtenances lying and being in the parish of Henham aforesaid from the day of my decease until the said Feast of St Michael Archangel 1616 ... goods and lands I do give unto my said executors toward the payment of all my debts and legacies whatsoever for my will and meaning is and so I desire all my debts and legacies whatsoever should be paid unto the utmost farthing. And after the said Feast of St Michael Archangel 1616 I do give and bequeath all my said other lands, tenements and hereditaments both free and copy with their appurtenances lying in Henham aforesaid last above mentioned unto my said sons Thomas and William Mead to have and to hold the one .. and the other half part of all the said lands, tenements and hereditaments unto my son Thomas Mead and his heirs for ever And to have and to hold the other .. and half part of all the said lands, tenements and hereditaments unto my son William Meade and is heirs for ever. Item: I make overseers of this my last will and testament my son in law Mr William Young and Symon Snell, clerke, and I give unto my said son in law ten pounds and to the said Symon Snell three pounds. Item: my will and meaning is that my said executors shall enter into bond by obligation to my overseers in the sum of three hundred pounds for the payment of my debts and legacies and performance of this my last will and testament. I do give unto the poor of Henham twenty .. in witness whereof I set my hand and seal this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand and six hundred and fourteen.
D/ACW 6/139 1615 14th July In the name of god amen the twelfth day of June in the fourteenth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord King James I Mary Clarke of Henham in the county of Essex being feeble in body but in good and perfect remembrance thanks be to god .. and maker this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, passion and redeemer and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give unto John Clarke the younger of Henham the son of John Clarke of Old Mead the sum of ten pounds to be paid when he.. to the age of twenty one years. Item: I give unto C... Clarke the son of the said John of Old Mead ten pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give unto Dorothy Clarke daughter unto the said John ten pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give unto Mary Clarke the daughter unto the said John ten pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give unto Elizabeth Clarke daughter unto the said John ten pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give unto Mary Howland (?) the daughter of Robert Howland ten pounds to be paid at the age of twenty one years. Item: I give .. my other .. which .. hath in his hands already and I do ordain and make my .. and sole executor my brother John Clarke and all the rest of my goods not yet given I give unto my executor and .. unto I set to my hand. Witnessed: Thomas Hayes, Joan Hubbard and Robert Wilson
D/ACW 6/145 1615 12th May In the name of god amen the sixteenth day of April in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred and fifteen, I George Dassun of Henham in the county of Essex, labourer, being sick in body but of whole mind and perfect remembrance, laud praise and honour be unto Almighty god, therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in manner and form following. First and before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and passion and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham trusting and assuredly .. that I shall arise out of the earth again in the last day and see my saviour and .. of .. life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath this my tenement wherein I now dwell with the yard, orchard and pightle (a small field, paddock or enclosure - RG) there unto belonging and also two acres of meadow lying and being in the parish of Henham containing half .. - be they more or less unto Doris my wife for and during her natural life and after her decease to remain and be unto John Dassun my son and unto his heirs for ever. Item: I give unto my said son John Dassun my press, my ... in this my said tenement forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Dassun my daughter the sum of six pounds of lawful money of England to be paid and delivered unto her, her heirs or assigns when she shall accomplish the age of twenty four years. Item: I give and bequeath unto I give and bequeath unto Margaret Dassun my daughter the other like sum of six pounds of lawful money of England to be paid and delivered her, her heirs or assigns when she shall accomplish the age of twenty four years. And if it shall happen either of my said daughters shall decease before they shall attain unto .. said Age before mentioned and that without issue lawfully of any body begotten my wish is that her part .. decease shall be equally divided amongst my other children then surviving the .. sums shall be paid by Michael Gray of Pledgdon Hall in the parish of Henham in the county of Essex aforesaid. .. I do ordain and make my sole and only executor giving and granting him full power and authority by virtue hereof to act ... All such .. and debts as are belonging or assigning unto me, my heirs, executor or assigns. Item: All my moveable goods not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Doris my said wife during her natural life and after her decease to be equally and proportionally distributed amongst my children which shall be then living at the discretion of my said executor, his executors or assigns so for my body brought orderly to the earth and my .. will expenses allowed and paid and also .. unto the said Michael Gray my executor all .. and charges as he shall at ... of this my last will. In witness thereof I have hereunto put my name and seal in the presence of these witnesses .. delivered to Michael Gray senior and witnessed by John Perry junior and James Harwood
D/ACW 6/148 1615 21st June In the name of god amen the 21st of June in the year of our Lord 1613 I John Coke of Henham being sick in body but of good remembrance thanks be amen to god therefore I do make ... will as in manner and form following. I give my said wife and my children and all my goods that I have to my father. I give to my brother all my apparel pray father remember my ... Witnessed: Thomas Wright and William Pomfrit
D/ACW 6/166 1615 9th Nov In the name of god amen the ninth day of November in the year of our lord God one thousand six hundred and fifteen I Richard Muncke of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, cordwainer, being sick in body but of whole mind and perfect remembrance, Lord be praised and honour be unto Almighty God therefore do institute, order and make this my last testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following viz. First and principally before all other things I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham trusting and assuredly believing that I shall arise out of the earth again in the last day and so my saviour and .. of him .. everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto Agnes my wife all such goods of household stuff as she brought with her at the day of our marriage and also her .. in the neither chamber of this my tenement wherein I do now dwell during the time and space of one half year next after my decease if the said Agnes continue for long unmarried and not old. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Josias Muncke the .. in the ... occupation of Robert Day fanwright and sell the tenement wherein the widow Watson now dwelleth being .. of my said tenement with a ..of the yard as if it .. and set forth from a .. of the said ..the uppermost part of the said yard toward the south part and so in length .. the .. part of the said yard toward the west and also the wall and timber in the .. standeth between my chamber ... the loft over the same all which .. shall remain and be unto my said son and his heirs or assigns. Item: all the other parts and .. of my said tenement yard with their appurtenances not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Mary my daughter the now wife of William J.. to remain and be unto my said daughter her heirs or assigns upon condition that .. the said Mary her heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto my executor and overseer of this my last will the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England every year yearly during the .. of five years next ensuing after my decease and the same by them or either of them so had and ... paid unto Agnes my said wife to the .. of Richard Muncke my son .. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said son Richard Muncke three pounds of lawful money of England being now in the hands of Robert Brown of Henham ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Grace my daughter twelve pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor. Item: all the residue of my goods not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Josias Muncke my said son toward the paying of my debts and to see my body buried orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses allowed and paid And of this my last will I do ordain and make him my sole and only executor And of John Horkley of Elsenham to the .. execution of this my last will. Sealed, marked and delivered in the presence of Thomas Willet and James Harwood
D/ACW 6/209 1612 7th Dec In the name of god Amen the tenth day of November in the year of our Lord god one thousand six hundred and twelve years, And in the years of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of god king of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith: viz of England, France and Ireland the tenth year, of Scotland the forty and six year, I Robert Pennington the elder, of the hamlet of Pledgdon, Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, gentleman, being sick in body but of whole mind and perfect remembrance, Laud, praise and honour be unto Almighty god therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following: viz First and before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour, and my body to be buried in the middle aisle in the parish church of Henham, right against the stool whereat I then sit, trusting and assuredly believing , that I shall rise again out of the earth in the last day and see my saviour and his life and receive of him life everlasting. Item: I give unto my son John Pennington the younger the sum of sixteen pounds, thirteen shillings and four pence of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor when he shall accomplish the age of four and twenty years. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Pennington the sum of one hundred marks of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor when he shall accomplish the age of four and twenty years. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Josias Pennington the sum of one hundred marks of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor when he shall accomplish the age of four and twenty years. But it it shall happen that any of my said sons namely John Pennington the younger, Thomas Pennington and Josias Pennington shall decease before they shall accomplish the age of four and twenty years without issue by him or they so decease lawfully begotten, then my will and meaning is that his or their portion or portions so ..thereof to remain and be to my executor , of my children .... I give and bequeath unto my daughter Thomasin Mead the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by her heirs or assigns by my executor within one month next ensuing after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Jane Robartes the sum of twelve pounds of lawful money of England whereas William Robarte husband of the said Jane have received pounds of lawful money of England in part of payment of the said twenty and fifteen pounds being the remainder of this my bequeath to be paid unto the said Jane or her assigns within one month next ensuing my decease, by my executor. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susanna King the sum of thirty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her, her heirs or assigns by my executor within one month next ensuing after my decease being full satisfied of her portion. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Dorothy Pennington the sum of one hundred marks of lawful money of England to be paid unto her my my executor when she shall accomplish of two and twenty years, but if she shall decease before she shall accomplish the age of two and twenty years without issue of her body lawfully begotten then my will and meaning is that her portion or gift shall be equally divided amongst my three daughters namely Katherine King, Susanna King and Mary Haynes if they shall all then be living, but if any of them shall be then deceased then mo.. thereof shall remain and be to my executor, and the other mo.. to my said daughter or daughters then surviving. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Pennington all my ... only to remain and be to him, his heirs or assigns. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Pennington my wife one bed standing in the chamber of the great parlour as it is now .. and also the .. table standing in the same chamber. Item: I give and bequeath unto true .. poor householders within the parish of Henham the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be delivered by my executor to the others (?) for the poor upon my funeral day and then ..by them to be equally divided amongst them. Item: all my moveable goods and chattels both real and personal not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my son John Pennington the elder upon condition that he shall pay my debts and all my legacies by me herein given and bequeathed. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Pennington the elder and his heirs for ever all these parcels of lands hereafter .. proportional and mentioned containing fifteen acres lying more or less, whereas five acres of the said land lyeth in a field called Little Hide one side thereof abutting upon the lands of Sir John Watts on the west part, and one other side thereof upon mine own land toward the east part one other part of the said land lying between the lands of Regnold Stocke on the north part and on the south part containing by estimation three rood which two parts of land I lately purchased of one John Mar.. five other parts lying in a field called Sandales containing by estimation three acres which I also bought of the said John Ma.. three other pieces of land which I bought of John Smyth containing by estimation three acres and one rood whereas one piece lyeth in Sandales, one side thereof abutting upon a croft of land of Lewis Cofield toward the north and upon part of my own land toward the south containing by estimation five roods, two other pieces of the said three acres and one rood lying in a field called Little Hide by estimation two acres, and one other piece of land which I lately bought of Regnold Stock, lying in the Hide containing by estimation one acre and lyeth between the land which I bought of the above said John Smyth on the north and south parts, and abutting upon the land of Lewis Cofield called Little Hide on the east part and upon the land of Regnold Stock on the north part, three p.. of meadow and pasture ground containing by estimation two acres and a half be they more or less one parcel thereof abutting upon the highway that leadeth from Henham toward Stortford on the east part and upon my own land on the west part, one other parcel thereof lying by land called Catte Lane on the south part and abutting upon my own lad called Catt Hill towards the east containing by estimation one acre, the other parcel lying by the lands of Lewis Cofield on the south part called A.. Moor, lately .. for a hop ground one side thereof abutting upon one a common field called Sandales towards the .. upon my own land towards the west, but if the said Robart Pennington my son, his heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto my said son John Pennington the elder the sum of fifty pounds of lawful money of England within one whole year ensuing after my decease .. allow, .. and permit him the said John Pennington his heirs or assigns .. and .. take and .. always all such moveable goods and chattels as unto him may, shall or ought to a.., by ... of this my last will, and that at .. time or times within one whole year next ensuing after my decease, then all the said parcels of land, pastures and meadows shall remain and be unto my son Robart Pennington and his heirs for ever and of this my last will and testament I do ordain and make my said son John Pennington the elder my sole and only executor to perform and pay all the legacies by me herein given and bequeathed according to my true meaning to see my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses allowed and all my debts paid, and hereunto have I put my hand and seal in the presence of Thomas Hammond, Richard Firkat, Thomas Muncke, Nicholas Collin, Thomas ...., Robart Pennington, James Harwood
D/ACW 7/242 1615/16 4th Mar In the name of god Amen the eleventh day of March in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of god king of England, Scotland, France, Defender of the faith viz. of England, France and Ireland the twelve and of Scotland the forty and eighth, I Robert Wright (Wryghte) of Henham, of Crow Street in the parish of Henham and county of Essex, yeoman, being sick in body but as yet of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laude praise and honour be unto Almighty God therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following viz. First and before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham, in full assurance that I shall rise out of the earth again in the last day and see my saviour and receive of him life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wright my tenement called Morlies situate in Henham now in the tenure and occupation of Thomas Glascock with the orchard thereunto belonging and also the pightle called Fullers Garden nigh unto the said tenement on the part, and also one parcel of land lying and being in a common field called Platts Field between the land of John Perry and Richard Wood on the north and south parts by ... two acres be it more or less and one other piece lying in Mill Field between the lands of Henry Stock and Thomas Clay on the north and south parts now of Thomas Mead late of Henham deceased on the north part and John Clark on the south part by estimation one acre and a half, and one other piece of land lying and being in a field called Home Field between the land of the said Thomas Mead on the south part and the land of Benjamin Meassant on the north part by estimation one acre and three roods to remain and be unto my said wife for and during her natural life and after her decease the said tenement called Morlies with the orchard thereunto belonging with the pightle called Fullers garden with all other the lands already mentioned I give and bequeath unto William Wright my son and unto his heirs by him lawfully begotten and further I give and bequeath unto my said son William Wright and unto his heirs by him lawfully begotten one croft of arable and pasture together called Lorkins which I purchased of John Clark late of Old Mead deceased containing together four acres be it more or less abutting upon a common field called Platts Field toward the south and on the highway that headeth from Henham toward Stortford on the north part. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wright my daughter and unto her heirs one parcel of land lying and being in a field called Howe Field between the land of Thomas Clarke and Thomas Smyth on the east and west parts containing therein three acres be it more or less the which piece of land I purchased of William Towes esquire provided never the less and my will and meaning is that if my son Robert Wright his heirs or assigns shall .. and pay or cause to be .. and paid unto my said daughter Elizabeth Wright her heirs or assigns the sum of thirty pounds of current money of England in or at the church porch of Henham when she shall accomplish the age of twenty one years that then the said three acres of land unto my said daughter by me before given and bequeathed shall remain and be unto my said son Robert Wright and unto his heirs forever and my said gift and bequeath unto him of the said land to be wholly .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wright my said wife and unto Robert Wright my son this my tenement wherein I now dwell with all the edifices and buildings thereunto belonging with all my land and pasture except the lands and pasture before .. and bequeathed and also all my moveable goods whatsoever .. to be mine to have and hold ... the said tenement, lands, pastures and other the goods together during her natural life of the said Elizabeth. In consideration that the said Robert Wright my son and Elizabeth my wife shall together by equal charge proportionally estimated and bring thirty William Wright my son and Elizabeth my daughter until they shall accomplish and attain unto their several age of eighteen years and shall provide and give unto my said .. provisions of meat, drink, washing, lodging, apparel and all other things necessary and .. for .. of their .. and quality until they shall attain unto their said ages before expressed and if Elizabeth my wife shall find her self ag... and discontented by any disturbance contrary to her mind I do give and grant unto her free leave and liberty to remove and to take with her the moiety or half of all my moveables to her own .. and all my former bequests and furthermore my son Robert Wright his heirs, executors or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto Elizabeth my said wife the sum of fifty shillings of lawful money of England every half year after her so removing during her natural life, but if the said Robert Wright my son shall not ..form it as it is herein by this my will intended and before mentioned, then Elizabeth my said wife shall have whole and enjoy this my said tenement with the said lands and pasture during her natural life and shall pay or cause to be paid unto the said Robert Wright his heirs or assigns the sum of fifty shillings of lawful money of England every half year next ensuing her .. during her natural being by him or them lawful demanded at the .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Knight my daughter the sum of six shillings and eight pence of lawful money to be paid unto her or her assigns by my executrix within one month next after my decease. Item: of this my last will I do ordain and make Elizabeth Wright my said wife my sole and only executrix to see my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses allowed and I do institute, ordain and appoint Henry Stock of Rickling my brother in law .. to be the due executor of this my last will to all purposes and intents herein mentioned according to my .. meaning. Sealed and marked and delivered in the presence of Thomas Miller, Henry Stock senior, James Harwood, Henry Pigrim
D/ACW 8/20 1617 5th May In the name of God Amen .. I John Wood of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect mind and memory God be thanked therefore to make and ordain this my last will and testament. Item: I commend my soul into the hands of God my maker being..... Item: I bequeath my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Wood five acres of arable ground lying in Cott Moor Field and Copperton Field ..five acres I bought of Thomas Mead late of Henham .. butts and bounds are in the .. deed I certified and .. unto which ...shall enter at the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel next after my decease and because of her minority she is not able to occupy it I will that my executor shall take into her hands to the intent that the years of profit thereof may be converted toward the raising of a .. for her during the time until she attains the age of eighteen years. Item: I do give unto my said daughter Elizabeth five pairs of sheets, three pairs of A ... and three pairs of towel, one featherbed .... two pillows, one russet, one pair of blankets, one dozen of flaxen napkins, two table cloths, one of flaxen one of towel and pair of pillows ..flaxen, ..pewter, platters, two panniers one brass pot and brass kettle one ...of goods shall be given her at the age of eighteen years. It my will that my executor shall forward the payment of my debts.. authorised to sell three parcels of copy hold land and acre and an half in Copperton Fields sometime of Thomas Mesant, one parcel of land lying in Platts Field sometime of Agnes Hartes and Clement Burks, one parcel of land lying in Home Field one side thereof lying on the east side toward the land of Thomas Clark and on the west toward the land of John Clark and is by estimation three roods. Item: I do ordain by this my will that seventeen acres of my land free and copy be it more or less .. shall be employed for the raising of a .. of money for my son John Wood until he attains the age of one and twenty years and then my will is that all these sums that shall be raised be paid unto him. Item: I do give unto the poor of Henham ten shillings. Item: I do give unto Symon Snell, clerke, for making of this my will five shillings. Item: I do give unto my son Henry Wood the elder five shillings. Item: I do make Sara Wood my wife executrix of this my last will and testament unto whereof I do give all the rest of my goods and chattels and moveables towards the bringing up of my children and payment of my debts. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this twenty eighth day of December in the year of our Lord God 1616. Witnessed: Symon Snell and Harry Wood
D/ACW 8/35 1617 27th June In the name of God Amen the twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord god one thousand, six hundred and seventeen, I Thomas Woolward of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, cordwainer, being sick in body do ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following. First and before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and passion and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid believing that I shall arise out of the earth again and see my saviour and receive of him life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Katherine Woolward and her heirs three acres of arable land being more or less with .. lying and being within the parish bounds of Stocking Pelham in the county of Hertford which I hath purchased of Richard .. of the same .. and .. Taylor and is known by the name of Stocking poor and the rentals and profits thereof to be taken and conveyed by Thomas Woolward my father toward the education and bringing up of my said daughter until she shall attain unto the age of twenty one years or her day of marriage which shall first happen. Item: All such rents and dues which are due or belonging unto me by John Wright of Stocking Pelham aforesaid I give and bequeath all unto my said daughter toward her executors to be received or taken by my father. Item: all the residue of my goods and chattels not as yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my executor to see my debts paid my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral expenses .. and the remainder thereof to remain and be unto my wife (?) and Katherine my ... Item: of that my last will I do ordain and make Thomas Woolward my father my sole and only executor. Witnessed: Nicholas Parnell and James Harwood, scriptor.
D/ACW 8/41 1617 3rd June In the name of god Amen the thirtieth day of December 1616 I William Perry of Henham in the county of Essex, tailor, being of whole mind and perfect remembrance thanks be unto god therefore I institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following viz Item: Before all other things principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the churchyard of the same parish when it shall please god to take me out of this way (?) of misery. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Perry my daughter the sum of ten pounds of current money of England to be paid unto her, her heirs or assigns by my executor within one whole year next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Joan the now wife of John Pollin the sum of ten pounds of current money of England to be paid unto her, her heirs or assigns within one whole year next after my decease by my executor. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth the daughter of Joan Pollin the sum of forty shillings of current money to be paid and delivered into the hands or custody of the overseers for the poor of Henham and so contained in their hands until she shall attain unto the age of twenty one years then to be by them paid unto the said Elizabeth or heirs or assigns and this sum of forty shillings shall be paid into the hands of the overseers by my executor within one whole year next ensuing after my decease and if it shall happen the said Elizabeth to decease before she shall attain unto her said age her portion shall remain and be unto my daughter Joan Pollin with the ...... I give and bequeath unto John Seely the son of Thomas Seely of Henham this my tenement wherein I now dwell with the yards, orchards and all other .... to remain and be unto his heirs upon condition he shall pay or cause to be paid all my said legacies in this my last will and testament by me. I give and bequeath at the time or times herein expected .. and shall .. my body brought orderly to earth, my debts paid and my funeral expenses and shall put my said ... in sufficient .. and that within one month after my decease ... admittance unto my said tenement and the appurtenances. B.. my executor .. and do according to the reasons of this my last will .. it my said tenement with ... shall remain and .. Mary Perry my daughter and Joan Pollin and their heirs and shall pay unto the said John Seely his heirs or assigns the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence of current money within three years after my decease and the sum of forty shillings unto Elizabeth the daughter of Joan Pollin as before expressed and the gift of my said tenement to be ... the said John Seely and his heirs and of this my last will I do ordain and make the said John Seely my sole and only executor and give surrender under these .. into the hands of two ... of the said ... Witnessed: Robert Wilson and James Harwood. ... into the hands of William Hamond, Mathew Hoylake and Robert Wilson.
D/ACW 8/78 1617/8 10th Jan In the name of God amen I, John Pigrim of Henham sick in body but sound in mind and of perfect remembrance do make my last will and testament in manner following. First I bequeath my soul to Almighty god my faithfull creator and Jesus Christ my redeemer only saviour and redeemer and my body to be buried in the church yard of the parish of Henham. Item: I give and bequeath all my goods where of I am possessed to ... moveables and others unto my loving wife whom I make my true and lawful executrix to enjoy, possess and dispose of all at her pleasure in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of October in the year of our lord God one thousand six hundred and seventeen.
D/ACW 8/163 1619 22nd Jan In the name of God Amen I, Peter Hamonde of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, husbandman did institute, ordain and make this his last will and testament the thirteen day of January in the year of our Lord god one thousand six hundred and eighteen, as followeth. I give and bequeath unto Margaret Hamond my wife this my tenement wherein I now dwell called and known by the name of Fenns with all my copy land .. and belonging unto my said tenement for during her natural life and I also give and bequeath unto my said wife that my tenement wherein John Nottage now dwelleth with all ... as it by him now used and occupied until Peter Hamonde my son shall attain and accomplish the age of one and twenty years and after .. said Peter shall attain unto the age of one and twenty years then my said tenement ... to remain and be unto my said son Peter Hamonde his heirs and assigns, and my tenement called Fenns with all the edifices and buildings belonging thereunto with all my hoppit land one acre lying upon Berryhill excepted. I give and bequeath unto William Hamonde my son and his heirs after the decease of my said wife I depose and give the said acre lying upon Berryhill unto Margaret my said wife and her assigns to give or sell the same if she shall think good the which acre is obliged and bound unto William Hamonde of Henham my brother by twenty and four of the last will of Richard Hamonde my father late of Chickney deceased for the payment of ten pounds unto my said brother William Hammond at the time and place then mentioned as in his last will doth and may more as large appear. Item: I give and bequeath unto my four daughters namely Mary Hammond, Elizabeth Hammond, Joan Hammond and Ellen Hammond forty shillings .. of current money of England to be paid unto them severally as they do attain and come unto their several ages of one and twenty years by my executrix and if it shall happen that my said wife shall or do decease before satisfaction and payment be fully made and done unto my said daughters then I will that their legacies or legacy then .. to be satisfied .. paid by William Hamonde my said son, his heirs, executors or assigns as is before mentioned. Item: all my goods, chattels and .. I give and bequeath unto Margaret my wife and of this my last will will I do ordain and make her my sole and only executrix. In the presence of Nicholas Collin of Chickney, William Moore and Richard Wood.
D/ACW 8/200 1611 9th July Joan Mayes of Henham, widow. Mentions: Thomas Mead of Henham, yeoman; John Perry a son in law; her son John Mayes; Mary and Joan her daughters; will made in the 44th year of the reign of King James. Witnessed: Richard Stock, James Bowyer and James Harwood
D/ACW 8/222 1619/20 7th Feb Alice Clarke of Pledgdon, widow. The 28th April ... I bequeath my soul ... and my body to be buried in the churchyard of Henham on the north side nigh unto the place where the body of my husband late deceased lyeth buried... Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Alice Carter (?) five pounds of current money of England.. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Mead the other like sum of five pounds of current money of England. Item: I give and bequeath unto Hester Stock the daughter of my son William Stock deceased the sum of forty .. pounds of current money of England and also one joined bedstead, a featherbed with all thee furniture thereunto belonging and used, standing and being in the chamber wherein I usually do lodge and also one cupboard standing in my house, and also one .. table ... two joined stools of the best part standing in the parlour, five pairs of sheets, three pair of them flaxen and two pair of C.., three table cloths one of them along cloth the other shorter, one... two barrels, a jointed table being now in the custody of Thomas Clarke of Pledgdon All which legacies shall be paid and delivered unto the said Hester Stock ... I give and bequeath unto Philip Stocke the son of my said son William Stock the sum of ten pounds of current money of England and also one bedstead, a mattress, a bolster, a pair of sheets, a covering and a little shift standing in the chamber wherein I lay. I give and bequeath ten shillings of current money of England unto the poor inhabitants of Henham to be distributed unto them by my executor.... upon my funeral day. Item: whereas my daughter Margaret Mead oweth me the sum of three short (?) pounds of lawful money, I give and bequeath the said sum unto my executor towards the paying of the legacies herein by me given and bequeathed. Item: all the remainder of the estate is given to Josias Stock the son of her son William Stock aforesaid deceased and he is ordained and made the sole executor. Witnessed: Thomas Clarke and James Harwood, scriptor
D/ACW 9/6 1621 19th Nov In the name of God Amen The last day of October in the years of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith viz. of England, France and Ireland the nineteenth and of Scotland the fiftieth and first, I Benjamin Measant of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, husbandman, being sick in body but of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laud praise and honour be unto Almighty God therefore do institute, ordain and make this my Testament .... Item: I give and bequeath this my tenement wherein I now dwell with the yard, orchard and close called by the name of Orchard with the garden plot and all other the edifices with their appurtenances unto Grace my wife for and during her natural life, excepting out and from the said premises the barn which I of late ordered and built .. which barn I depose and give unto John Meassant my son and to his heirs forever to enter in and upon the the same at the Feast of St Michael the Archangel next ensuing after my decease with access, ingress, egress and regress to and for the said John Meassant his heirs, executors and assigns with his or their .. carts, horses, furniture and loading and carriages into and from the said barn in by and through the accustomed ways unto the same when and as often is he or they or any of them shall think moote and reasonable and also excepted and reserved out and from the said close called the Orchard one parcel thereof containing twelve acres or thereabouts being the upper end of the said orchard toward the .. part from the upper end of the garden plot I ... own .. standing in the hedge of the said close called the Orchard which ... I devise and give unto Thomas Meassant my son and his heirs forever ... after the decease of Grace my said wife upon .. never the less that the said John Meassant his heirs, executors or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto my two daughters the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England in form and manner following, that is to say unto my daughter Lydia the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England within one whole year next ensuing after the decease of Grace my said wife, and shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Grace Meassant her heirs or assigns .. like sum of ten pounds within two years next ensuing after the decease of my said wife ... all which payments shall be paid and done in or at the church porch of Henham at the time or times before mentioned and if my said son shall refuse and not pay the said legacies unto my said daughters and unto either of them as is before expressed, upon such default and for the non payment thereof I give and bequeath my said tenement with the appurtenances unto my said two daughters jointly together.... Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Meassant my son that my cottage wherein John Greene now dwelleth situate in Henham with the yard, orchard and croft thereunto belonging and also all these parcels of land .. expressed as followeth viz. one parcel of land lying on Berryhill containing by estimation one acre and a perch between the land of Kenelme Collin toward the south part and the lands of late Nicholas Brand toward the north part. One other parcel of land lying in Platts Field between the land ofmySnell toward the north part and the land now in the occupation of George Dennis toward the south part containing by estimation one acre and a half and one other parcel lying in Copperton Field between the land of Kenelme Collin toward the north and the part south that leadeth from Henham toward Stortford toward the south part containing by estimation one acre and one other parcel of land lying in Copperton Field between the land of Kenelme Collin toward the .. and the footpath that leadeth from Henham toward Stortford on the south part containing by estimation one acre and one rood and one other parcel of land lying in Howe Field between the land of Kenelme Collin toward the north and the land of the late John Clark toward the .. containing by estimation one acre and and one close or croft called Pond Croft containing by estimation two acres more or less lying between the land of Kenelm Collin toward the north part and the land of William Mead toward the south part and also my other cottage wherein the widow Pumfrey now dwelleth after the decease of Grace my wife which cottage I give and bequeath unto my son John Measant for and during the natural life of my said wife provided no north (?) and my will is that my son Thomas Meassant shall enter and upon the first .. cottage and all the land .. after .. at the Feast of St Michael next ensuing after ... yearly unto Grace my wife or her assigns during the continuance of her natural life at my now dwelling house the sum of three pounds of lawful money of England at two several feast or terms in the year viz at The Feast of the Annunciation of our Blessed Lady St Mary the Virgin and St Michael the Archangel by one or equal portions and shall likewise payor cause to be paid unto my two daughters and their heirs or assigns namely Rebecca Meassant and Alice Meassant the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England in form and manner following: viz the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England unto my daughter Rebecca Meassant within one whole year next ensuing after the decease of my said wife and shall all paid or cause to be paid unto my daughter Alice the other like sum of ten pounds within two years next after the decease of Grace my wife and shall likewise pay or cause to be paid unto my said daughter Rebecca the otherlike sum of ten pounds within .. years next ensuing after the decease of my wife and shall likewise pay or cause to be paid unto my said daughter Alice and if the said sum or sums to be paid in or at the church porch of Henham at the times expressed in this my last will and if my said son Thomas Meassant shall refuse and not pay the paid sum or sums as is before expressed then my will is that my said two daughters namely Rebecca Meassant and Alice Meassant shall have all my copyhold which I have herein bequeathed unto my said son Thomas and the said land to remain and be to the .. of and behove (?) of my two last referred daughters and of their heirs for ever and my said gift and bequest to be void and of none effect unto my said son Thomas and his heirs. Item: All my land not yet not yet given nor bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my son John Meassant and his heirs forever upon and with condition that the said John Meassant his heirs and assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto Grace my wife or her assigns the sum of three pounds of lawful money of England every.. yearly during her natural life at my now dwelling house in Henham at three several feasts or terms in the year viz in or upon The Feast of the Annunciation of our Blessed Lady St Mary the Virgin and St Michael the Archangel by one and equal portions and shall enter upon the said land at the Feast of St Michael the Archangel next after my decease and I have .. surrender of my chattels, land and cottages to the soul or souls contained and expressed in my last will. Item: i give and bequeath unto my four daughters namely Lidia Meassant, Grace Meassant, Rebecca Meassant and Alice Meassant the other like sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto them or either of them, their heirs or assigns, by my executrix in such portions and at such times as is in this my will expressed as following viz unto my daughter Lidia the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England within one whole year next after my decease and the other like sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England unto my daughter Grace within two years next to after my decease and the other like sum of ten pounds unto my daughter Rebecca within two years next after my decease and the other like sum of ten pounds unto my daughter Alice within four years next after my decease and the said legacies to be paid unto them .. or their heirs or assigns in or at the church porch of Henham by my executrix ... according to my .. and meaning. Item: my Will is that whereas Grace my wife hath admittance unto my three customary cottages and rent .. of my customary lands for and during her natural life as by the copies granted or made out of our ... Henham house doth .. main appurtenance if the said Grace shall not admit or suffer my said sons to enjoy my customary cottages and lands according to the .. and my true meaning in this my will expressed but will retain the said cottages and lands to her upon ... or of her assigns, then it shall be lawful for my said son John Meassant to enter in and upon my tenement wherein I now dwell with the yard, orchard and croft or close called by the name of Orchard and into and upon every part .. thereof the part or parcel of the croft called the Orchard only .. which I have devised and given unto my said son Thomas Meassant and the same to possess and enjoy ... the said John Meassant and of his heirs for ever ... made by Grace my said wife and I give and bequeath unto her my said wife of the said tenement, yard, orchard and close called by the name of an orchard to be ......... Leaves all his moveable goods, cattle and chattels to Grace his wife who he appoints as sole executrix. Made in the presence of William More, Mary Meassant the wife of Thomas Meassant, and James Harwood

This is the most verbose document so far. I found the word "said" 38 times before I fell asleep. I wouldn't want to find myself next to him up at the Cock! - RG)
D/ACW 9/25 1621 3rd July In the name of God Amen the first day of July in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God king of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith viz of England, France and Ireland the nineteenth and of Scotland the fiftieth and fourth I, Agnes Cater of Henham in the county of Essex, spinster, being sick in body but of whole mind and perfect remembrance Laud praise honour be unto Almighty God therefore do institute, ordain and make this my testament containing in it my last will in form and manner following first I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker, redeemer and saviour and my body to be buried in the church yard of Henham assuredly believing that I shall rise out of the earth in the last day and see my saviour and receive of him life everlasting. Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan Anderson which now dwelleth with me in regard she hath taken great pains with me and for us both in my house .. sickness (?) one bed and bedstead standing in the parlour with all the furniture thereunto belonging and two feather pillows which are on the bed whereon I now lie and I likewise give unto her the said Joan Anderson all my linen, one pair of pillowcases excepted which I give unto my brother George Cater. Item: I give unto the said Joan Anderson all my pewter be it my pewter dishes, platters, salt, pepper, spoons or in what other form and .. what.. and also my brass pot and also my chest .. of linen shall .. And I also give and bequeath unto the said Joan Anderson my two gowns and my best .. robe. Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret Mullins my sister all the residue of my apparel and also my best hat. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Joan Anderson a brass chassin.. and three brass ... Item: I give and bequeath unto my brother John Cater and my brother William Cater either of them twelve all which bequests shall be divided unto the legators above mentioned by my executor .. after my decease. Item: all my goods not yet given or bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my brother George Cater and I do ordain and make him my sole executor to see my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral charges and allowances and my debts paid in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year first above written in the presence of William Kew, George Dennis and James Harwood
D/ACW 9/26 1621 3rd July In the name of god Amen, the eight and twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord god 1621 I, Nicholas Brande of Henham in the county of Essex, labourer being of whole mind and perfect remembrance .... Item: I give and bequeath unto Clemens my wife the tenement wherein I now dwell with all singular the houses, yard, orchard and chase way thereunto belonging during her natural life and after her decease I devise and give the said tenement with .. about .. unto my son Richard Brande and his heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said wife Clemens the tenement wherein my son Lewis Brande now dwelleth with the yard, orchard, garden and pasture ground or meadow and chase way with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging during her natural life if he shall keep her self to long a widow and not old, and after her decease or ..death after she my said wife shall marry again I devise and give my last recited tenement with all the said ... with the appurtenances unto my son Lewis Brande and his heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said wife and unto her heirs for ever one parcel of land lying in Copperton Field within the parish of Henham between the land of Robert Wright of Crow Street (insert stating 'Benjamin Meassant on south and west') part containing in the said parcel half an acre more or less. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Brande my son and unto his heirs forever two parcels of land lying and being with the parish of Henham about said containing in the said parcels two acres three roods and a half be they more or less one parcel then lying and being in Coy.. Field (NB - there was a field in Platts called Hoys Field) between the lands of John Wood and John Perry on the north and south part and ab butting upon the lands of Robert Wright toward the other parcel lying in Platts Field on Berryhill between the land of Benjamin Meassant and Lewis Brand on the north and south part the said two parcels of lands to be unto my said wife during her natural life and after her decease to remain and be unto the said John Brand and his heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said wife one parcel of land lying in Howe Field within the parish of Henham between the land of Thomas Clark and Thomas Clay on the east and west part and ab butting upon Howe Lane toward the north part containing in the part parcel one acre and one rood more or less during her natural life and after her decease I give and bequeath the said parcel of land unto my daughter Mary and unto her heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said wife one parcel of land containing one acre and one rood more or less lying in Howe Field above said between the land of Lewis Cofield and William Meade one .. and ab butting upon Howland toward the north part during his natural life and after the decease of my said wife I give and bequeath the said parcel of land unto my daughter Susanna and her heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said wife two parcels of land containing in the said parcels one acre more or less one parcel .. lying in Copperton Field abovesaid between the land of Simon Snell curate of Henham and John Wright on the .. and north part and lying in Platts Field between ab butting upon Howe Field toward the north part the other parcel ly7ing in Platts Field between .. land of the said Simon Snell and the land of Thomas Clay on the north and south part one head thereof ab butting upon the land of John Wood in the north part during his natural life and after the decease of my said wife I devise and give the said two parcels of land unto my daughter Judith Brande and her heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Joan the now wife of William Twigg of ... the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her, her heirs , executors or assigns by the executors, administrators or assigns of my said wife within one month next after the decease of her my said wife. Item: If it shall happen that my son Richard Brand or my daughter Judith shall decease or depart this life and that without ... lawfully begotten my will is that I do devise and give his or her part so devise unto the other of my said children then surviving to be equally divided among them by three arbitrators independent clerkes chosen by my said children to make .. thereof. Item: all my goods of household, cattle or chattel which are either in my possession or out of my possession now or hereafter to be .. or appertaining unto me I give and bequeath unto Clemens my wife to see my debts paid my body brought orderly to the earth and my funeral charges and expenses allowed and paid and of this my last will and testament I do ordain and make her my sole and only executrix. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal in the presence of John Perry senior and Thomas Woolward and James Harwood.
D/ACW 9/57 1623 27th Mar The will of John Staines, nuncupative, of Henham when he lay upon his death bed in the presence of John Clark and Richard Staines which John Staines said that he gave all his moveable goods .. be equally divided between his four daughters
D/ACW 9/96 1622 14th May In the name of God Amen Memorand of I Thomas Archer of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman, being of perfect mind and memory praise be God therefore do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Item: I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who first gave me it and my body I commit to the ground from where it was first taken there to be interred after the manner of Christian burial in hope that it shall be raised again at the last day and be reunited to my soul unto mine ...Item: I do give and bequeath unto my grandchild Sara Wood and to the heirs of her body lawfully begotten all my copyhold tenement being in Henham aforesaid and now part in mine occupation and part in the occupation of Thomas Sprier .. and all edifices, yards, orchards, gardens and all other .. customaries thereunto belonging whatsoever. Item: I do will and ordain that if my said grandchild Sara Wood do die without lawful issue then it shall be lawful for two of the peoples in trust for the town house of Henham .. shall be then most ancient in years to make sale of my said tenement to the most advantage after that they have taken it .. and paid the fine to the Lord and the manor it shall arise thereof all charges being deducted to be equally divided amongst all her brethren and .. that at the day of her death shall be found lying .. Item: I do give and bequeath unto Harry Wood my grandchild twelve shillings of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto the said Harry at the day of his marriage. Item: I do give unto Thomas Wood my grandchild twenty shillings to be paid at the age of one and twenty years. Item: I do give unto John Wood my grandchild twenty shillings to be paid at the age of one and twenty years. Item: I do give unto William Wood my grandchild twenty shillings to be paid at the age of one and twenty years. Item: I do give unto Elizabeth Wood my grandchild twenty shillings to be paid within one year after my death. Item: I give unto Susan Wood my grandchild twenty shillings to be paid at the age of eighteen years. Item: I do give unto Jane Wood my grandchild twenty shillings at the age of eighteen years moreover I do give unto Sara Wood above mentioned all my movable goods and household stuff and that .. all debts due unto me toward the payment of my legacies and discharge of all dues whatsoever. Item: I do make and ordain the said Sara Wood my sole executrix of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have set my hand and seal the first day of March 1621. Witness: Symon Snell and Robert Gippen
D/ACW 9/147 20th Jan 1623/4 nuncupative Will of Alexander Cottis of Henham, labourer gives and bequeaths to Elizabeth Cottis his wife all the moveable goods .. she brought unto him at the time of their marriage. To Dorothy his daughter he gives one brass pot. He bequeaths to ? ? the daughter of Margaret his daughter one brass mortor. He makes a bequest to his son Robert Cottis.
D/ACW 9/155 1623 25th Nov nuncupative Will of Thomas Prestland of Henham, labourer. Memorandum .. the day and year above written Thomas Presland of Henham in the county of Essex, labourer did in the presence of Thomas Mesant and William Dane written the words following for his last Will and Testament. ..unto my three children Lewis Presland my son and Dennis Mary Presland my daughters 40 shillings apiece of current money of England..and all the rest of my money, goods and moveables whatsoever I do give and bequeath unto Susan my wife..my decease ..good unto my children.
D/ACW 9/175 1623 15th July John Baltrip of Henham, labourer being sick in body but of good and sound memory thanks be unto almighty God the maker and....my last will and testament in manner and form following. First I bequeath my soul unto the .. of almighty God my creator and my body to be properly buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid.. I give and bequeath unto my son George six pounds of lawful money of England to be equally .. amongst .. and... Bridget my wife and my..and will it that John my son(?) ..it..but ..in consideration ..I do give ...all my houses and lands after the decease of my said wife........Proved at Henham 25th November 1623.
D/ACW 9/242 1624 22nd Nov nuncupative Will of Thomas Smith of Henham, yeoman. Memorand that Thomas Smith of Henham in the county of Essex yeoman in the month of May Anno Dom 1619 ...last Will and Testament..following. First I give and bequeath to Mary Smith his kinwoman and Elizabeth Smith the daughters of John Smith..five pounds.. to be paid unto them or their assigns at the day of...William Smith of Henham..and bequeath to John Smith his kinsman sonne of the aforesaid John Smith ...during his natural life the first payment ...give and bequeath to him the said William Smith his..in the presence of Robert Wright of Henham and James Harwood..the said William Smith..
D/ACW 9/257 1624 15th June nuncupative Will of George Newland of Henham, labourer. Memorand... ye upon the day and year above written George Newland of Henham in the county of Essex labourer did ..the.. in the presence of Symond Snell clerk and George Dennis..last Will and Testament. I give all my goods ..and money whatsoever to Anne my wife desiring her to be good to my boy and the ....may it please God..witnessed....the parties above named. Witnessed: Symond Snell & George Dennis. Made 7th. day of March 1623
D/ACW 10/14 1626 5th June Mathew Holgate of Henham, blacksmith. I give my house.....barns, yard, garden and orchard and all other buildings thereto belonging...its appurtenances situate and being in Henham in the county of Essex and wherein I now dwell unto Prudence my wife during her natural life and afterwards ...forever. I give unto Joan my daughter the ..of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid to her when she has attained the age of 21 years. I give unto Katherine my daughter the sum of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid to her when she has attained the age of 21 years. I give unto my childe.... my wife son or daughter the sum of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England when it shall attain the age of one and twenty years. And I give and bequeath unto Joan my daughter one ... bolster and pillow..blanket.. at the age of one and twenty years. I will to my daughters Joan and Katherine and my child that is not yet born ... age of twenty one...I give unto Prudence my wife all the rest of my goods, lawful money...due unto me and moveables whatsoever. And I do appoint and ordain my said wife my sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament.. 12th day of April 1626. Witnessed: Symond (Simon) Snell & Richard York (?)
D/ACW 10/42 1626 8th April In the name of God Amen the last day of December Anno Domini 1625 and in the fifth year of the reign of our most gracious Sovereign Lord Charles by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King, defender of the faith I, Ann Whale of Henham in the county of Essex, widow ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my daughter, the wife of Robert Newman of Henham aforesaid .. twenty pounds of lawful money of England, to be paid... Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Cofield my daughter the late wife of .. William Cofield of Henham aforesaid grocer deceased the full sum of ten pounds of lawful money ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Philemon Whale the full sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Cofield abovenamed my daughter one featherbed..Item: I give and bequeath unto Sara Sapsford ...Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Ingram the daughter of Gabriel Ingram deceased one pair of flaxen sheet .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ann Stock the daughter of the aforesaid William Stock one pair of flaxen sheets .. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann .. one pair of flaxen sheet .......
D/ACW 10/77 1626 18th Jan In the name of God Amen I Thomas Clay senior of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, husbandman being of good mind and perfect .. god be praised therefore do institute, make and ordain this my last will and testament .. 10th day of June 1624 ... Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Clay the full sum of four pounds of lawful money of England .. out of my free land and tenement in Henham, at the Feast of Annunciation of Our Blessed Lady ... Feast of St Michael Archangel .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Clay the son of my son Thomas all .. good land lying and being in Henham aforesaid .. I late bought of Thomas Mead ... one acre seven roods .....
D/ACW 10/107 1625 8th Nov In the name of God amen 23rd day of September anno domini 1625 William More of Henham, yeoman ..... Item: I give and bequeath unto Susan my daughter the now wife of Thomas Mead aforesaid the the full sum of fifty pounds of lawful money of England ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Mead my grandchild, son of the said Susan twenty shillings ..Item: I give and bequeath unto William Mead my grandchild, son of the said Susan my daughter ... Henlayes ... Margaret my now wife .... William my son ... Elizabeth my daughter .. Mary my daughter ..
D/ACW 11/5 1628 9th July In the name of God Amen memorand that upon the nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord God 1628 I John Hockley of Henham in the county of Essex, joiner, being of perfect mind and memory god be praised therefore do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following Imprimis I commend my soul ... Item: I give unto John Wood of Debden my brother in law seven pounds of good and lawful money of England .... Item: I give unto Thomas Wood his son of ... other seven pounds of like lawful money of England ... Item: I give unto Ann Wood daughter of the said John three pounds of good and lawful money of England . .. Item: I give unto Alice Wood the daughter of my brother in law late of Newport deceased the sum of three pounds of good and lawful money of England ... Item: I give unto Ann Wood her sister the like sum of three pounds .... Item: I give unto Dorothy the wife of Thomas Pomfritt of London the sum of five pounds of good and lawful money of England .... Item: I give unto the four children of William Lucy of Newport forty shillings ....Item: I give unto Edward Litton of Hatfield four shillings. Item: I give unto Richard G... of Elsenham four shillings. Item: I give unto John Porter of Broxted, weaver, ten shillings Item: I give unto the poor of Henham four shillings Item: i give unto .. of mine uncles daughters if they be yet living twenty shillings a piece to be paid .. Item: I give unto James ... of Audley End, joiner, four shillings ... Item: I do make and ordain John Porter aforenamed and Thomas Wood of Broxted aforenamed my .. full executors of this my last will and testament willing them to see this my will proved and performed in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Witness William Lucy, William Eye (?) and John Measant
D/ACW 11/15 1628 18th Dec Memorand upon the fifth of December Anno Dom. 1628 I Barbara Wright of Henham in the county of Essex, widow. Bequeaths to William Wright her elder son two shillings. Bequeaths to Margaret Nottage her grandchild ten shillings. She gives the rest of her goods and chattels whatsoever to be equally divided between Richard Wright her son and Margaret Nottage her daughter. She makes Richard her son executor. Witnessed: Symond Snell & William Pomfritt.
D/ACW 11/62 1629 19th Aug Nuncupative Memorand upon the eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and twenty and nine. I Richard Wright of Henham, husbandman, did utter these words containing his last will and testament - I do give unto Joan my wife all my goods within doors and without, my houses, horses, chattels and whatsoever goods I have I do give unto my said wife for her good. Witnessed: Symond Snell, Margaret Wright
D/ACW 11/135 1632 29th Feb Memorand upon the fourth day of February Anno Dom. 1631 Ann Wryghte, of Henham in the county of Essex, single woman .... I do give and bequeath unto my brother John Wright seven .. I do give unto Joan the wife of the said John my brother five pounds of good and lawful money of England. I do give unto Thomas Wright the eldest son of my said brother John three pounds of lawful money of England when he shall attain the years of one and twenty. I do give unto John Wright my godchild and second son unto my said brother four pounds of lawful money of England when he shall attain the years of one and twenty. I do give unto Joan Wright daughter unto my said brother John Wright three pounds of lawful money of England when she shall attain the years of one and twenty. I do give unto my brother John Wright all my goods .. and bequeathed in consideration of the money I owe him other charges I have put him to and do make him my said brother John Wright executor. Witnessed: Symond Snell and Robert Giffen
D/ACW 11/279 1632/3 7th Jan In the name of God Amen Memorand that upon the seventh day of March Anno Dom. 1631 I Elizabeth Mead of Henham in the county of Essex, widow. ... I do give unto John Mead my eldest son twenty shillings ... I do give unto my son Samuel Mead six pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I do give unto my son Richard Mead six pounds of good and lawful money of England .. I do give unto my son Thomas Mead six pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I do give unto my son Joseph Mead six pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I do give unto my daughter Mary Mead four pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I do give unto my said son Samuel Mead a great croft and a .. cupboard and two little stools, one kettle, one feather bed, one bolster, one pillow, two blankets and three pewter dishes. I do give unto my said son Richard Mead one brass kettle and one pewter other, one featherbed, one bolster, one pillow, one double table, one .., one grate ..I do give unto my said son Thomas Mead one brass kettle, three pewter dishes, one flock bed, two blankets, .., one pillow, one truckle bed, one pair .. I do give unto my son Joseph one brass kettle, two pewter dishes, one chamber pot, two flock beds, one bolster, one standing bedstool, one ..., one pillow, one table, .. joined stools .... I do give unto my daughter Elizabeth Mead one great bowl, one great platter, four shillings money,. I do give unto my daughter Mary Mead one featherbed, one bowl, one pillow, a pair of ....I do give unto my daughter Sara Sparke one featherbed, one bolster.. I do makemyy son in law Thomas Sparke executor of this my last will and testament .. said Thomas Sparke. I do give all my money, goods and chattels unbequeathed .. . Witnessed Symond Snell
D/ACW 12/15 1633 8th Oct In the name of God Amen the thirteenth day of July in the year of our lord god 1633 I Clemence Brand of Henham in the county of Essex and Diocese of London, widower .... I do give and bequeath unto my son John Brand eight pounds of good and lawful money of England .... I do give and bequeath unto Clementine Brand daughter of my son John Brand .. twenty shillings .. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary the wife of Thomas Turner eight pounds of good and lawful money of England .. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susan the wife of Josias Muncke eight pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I give and bequeath unto Thomas Measant my grandchild twenty shillings which was his grandfather's grant. I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Measant .. .shillings ... I give and bequeath unto Joan the wife of William Twigg my daughter twenty shillings of good and lawful money of England ... I give and bequeath unto John Burling (?) .. of my daughter Judith seven shillings .. I give and bequeath unto Nicholas Brand my grandchild and son of my son Lewis ten shillings of lawful money of England .. I give and bequeath unto John Turner son of my daughter Mary ten shillings of lawful money of England. ... I give .. unto my son John Brand one little feather bed, one feather bolster, one feather pillow, one pair of sheets. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susan Muncke my best gown. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Cri.. my gown, ..coat, and my best cloak. I give unto my son John's wife my best hat. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Judith the wife of John Burling twelve pence .. I give unto my son Lewis two pillows and a little chest standing in the parlour with the furniture there unto belonging and one cupboard and two chests standing in the parlour also I give and bequeath unto my son Richard the joined table standing in the hall and the .. and two joined stools there standing. I give and bequeath unto my son Richard my great clothes. I give and bequeath unto Joan the wife of my son Lewis Brand my .. I give unto Ann the wife of my son Richard Brand my frying pan. I give and bequeath unto my son Lewis Brand and unto my son Richard Brand all my goods and chattels, household stuff and cattle which are in my possession or out in my possession before bequeathed I now do or that have after will be .. or ...I ordain and make these my two sons Lewis Brand and my son Richard Brand my sole and lawful jointly executors in witness whereof have set my hand and seal the day and year above written .. Witnessed : Thomas Wollard, Thomas Glascock and Symon Wollard
D/ACW 12/49 1634 5th Mar In the name of God Amen Memorand the 5th day of February anno dom. 1633 I, William Davy also Johnsone of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman ... I give and bequeath unto my eldest son the sum of ten shillings of lawful English money ... I give unto the seven children of my said son william twelve pence apiece ... I give unto Mary my daughter the sum of fifteen shillings of lawful money of England ... I give and bequeath all the rest of my goods, cattle and chattels and moveables whatsoever unto my wife and Thomas Davie my son equally between them .. to be divided towards the payment of my debts and legacies, my funeral charges .. I make and ordain my said son Thomas sole executor of this my last will and testament ... Witnessed Symond Snell, Thomas Harwood als. Woodward.
D/ACW 12/62 1634 13th May In the name of God Amen The third day of March in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred and three and thirty I, Rebecca Meassant of Henham in the county of Essex, single woman ... I devise, give and bequeath to my brother John Meassant his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns the full and whole sum of four pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid by my hereafter named executrix ... and I give to my said brother my box called a desk. I devise, give and bequeath to my brother John Meassant his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns the full and whole sum of four pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid by my said executrix within one whole year next after my death in or at the now dwelling house of my executrix. I devise, give and bequeath to my sister Lidea Andrews, her heirs, executors, administrators or assigns the full and whole sum of three pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid by my said executrix within one whole year next after my death in or at the now dwelling house of my executrix. I devise, give and bequeath to my sister Alice Meassant her heirs, executors, administrators or assigns the full and whole sum of three pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid by my said executrix within one whole year next after my death in or at the now dwelling house of my executrix. I devise, give and bequeath to my sister Alice my gown, two red petticoats, both my best waistcoats and one of my best aprons my chest and my biggest box. I devise, give and bequeath to my goddaughter Rebecca now the full and whole sum of twenty shillings of good and lawful money of England to be paid by my said executrix when my said goddaughter shall be of the age of one and twenty years or at the day of her marriage which of them shall first happen provided and so I do devise that if my said goddaughter shall decease before that the twenty shillings be payable as afore devised. I devise, give and bequeath the said twenty shillings to Grace her sister to the foresaid Rebecca the same to be paid unto her when she shall be of the age of one and twenty years or at the day of her marriage which of them shall first happen and I give to the said Grace now my book named A Testament. All the rest of my goods or chattel not here given and bequeathed I give, devise and bequeath them to my wellbeloved mother toward the discharging of the legacies in this my last will given and bequeathed and towards the paying of my debts and bringing my body decently to the grave and I do institute and make and ordain Grace Meassant my fore said mother to be sole executrix to this my last will and testament. In witness to this my last will and testament I have put hereto my hand and seal .. Witnessed: John Meassant, Thomas Muncke, Lidea Andrews and Alice Meassant
D/ACW 12/146 1636 20th Sept In the name of God Amen the sixteenth day of June Anno Dom 1667 I Grace Meazant of Henham in the county of Essex, widow, .... I devise, give and bequeath to my son Thomas Meazant ten pounds of good and lawful money of England in manner following. Ten pounds at the day of my decease the ... is in his hands already and seven pounds towards the discharging of his debt at John Pooles of Broxted for the .. I stand .. with him provided always that it shall be lawful for my executor to keep the said seven pounds in his own hands .. fore mentioned ... then and there my will is that he shall pay the said sum towards the discharging of the said debt and to no other purpose whatsoever. And I give and bequeath to my said son the common field of his land in Old Mead croft and Horse Field this present year aforesaid. And I give and bequeath to my daughter Lidea Andrews forty shillings of good and lawful money of England to be paid within one whole year next after my decease in or at my now dwelling house. I give and bequeath her my said daughter my best hat and gown, one couple of sheets and one pair of pillows being .. one kind of .... Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Alice Perrin three pounds of good and lawful money of England ..... Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Alice three cloaks and one waist coat and couple of sheets, one pair of pillows, one pair of pillows lying on the bed whereon I now lie, all the rest of my small .. my will is shall be equally divided between my forenamed daughters. Item: I give and bequeath to my son in law Grayson How the full and whole sum of thirteen pence and a halfpenny of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto him at one ... payment in and upon the day of my burial in or at the church yard of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath to my goddaughter Grace pot containing a bought one ... Item: I give and bequeath unto those my children ... the full and whole sum of twenty shillings of good and lawful money of England to be paid to them at the days of their marriages by .. and equal portions provided if either of them shall happen to die unmarried then the other shall ...married. Item: all my goods not yet given and bequeathed I give and bequeath to my son John Meazant for his good ... done for me since the departure of his father and for the paying of my coal and discharging of the legacies given by this my last will and testament and other charges hereunto .. And I do by these ... make him my sole executor ... Witnessed: Thomas Harwood, George Pateman and Edmund Pamflon (?)
D/ACW 12/187 1637 22nd May In the name of God Amen Memorand upon the thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred thirty and seven I, Richard Stocke of Henham, yeoman .... I give and bequeath unto my daughter Olive Stock the sum of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England ... I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Stock the sum of fifty pounds of .. lawful English money ... I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Stock the sum of fifty pounds of lawful money of England ... I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Stock fifty pounds of lawful money of England .. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ester now the wife of John Curtis the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid out in house or land for her behalf during her natural life and her heirs forever lawfully begotten of her body within two years after my decease. I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Stock all my horses, cows, sheep, bullocks, swine, corn, hay and all my moveables whatsoever that shall be found in my grounds, barns, houses or elsewhere after my decease towards the payment of my legacies, the maintenance of my wife and the charge of my funeral costs. I do make, ordain my son Thomas Stock executor of this my last will. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal the day and year above written.



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