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SEAX ref.no. & creation or probate date
testator
D/ACW 12/189 1637 24th April In the name of God Amen this nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord god one thousand six hundred and six and thirty I, Thomas Meazant of Henham in the county of Essex, miller, ....Item: all my goods I give and bequeath to Mary my welbeloved wife whom I make my sole executrix to this my last will and testament ... my .. John Meazant the elder ... Witnessed: Richard Burling and John Measant
D/ACW 12/236 1638 10th April In the name of God Amen the eighth day of January in the year 1638 I, Robert Wright of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, ... I give and and bequeath to Thomas Wright my eldest son all my messuages, land, .. hereditaments lying and being in the parish of Henham beforesaid to have and to hold the said messuage, land, .. and hereditaments with their appurtenances unto the said Thomas and his heirs for and during the term of his natural life and after his decease to the first issue of his body lawfully begotten ... and for want of such issue of the body of the said Thomas to be begotten, I give and bequeath all the said messuage, land, tenement and hereditaments together with their appurtenances unto William Wright my son and his assigns during the term of his natural life ... and for want of issue I give to my wife all his .... I will that my debts be paid and my funeral expenses discharged, that all my money, goods and chattels, .. or household and other things moveable shall be parted and equally divided by John and William whom I make sole executors of this my testament and last will, and to be divided into four parts and equally distributed unto and .. Thomas my son, William my son and Joan and Margaret my daughters, and if they do not agree then to cast lots for their part. Item: I give to my son in law John Wood and my daughter Tomasin his wife twelve pounds and I do hereby .. will by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written in the presence of William ...
D/ACW 13/1 1634 5th June In the name of God Amen the seventeenth day of September in the year of our .. 1633 I Henry Wood of Henham in the county of Essex, tailor,... Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Grace Wood my chamber over the hall during her natural life or so long as she keepeth her self a single woman .. the said Grace Wood. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Grace Wood all my moveable goods in the said chamber namely one featherbed and .... I give unto my son Henry Wood my dwelling house with all the appurtenances there unto belonging upon condition that he doth pay or cause to be paid unto my said daughter Grace the full sum of three pounds within one year after my decease. I give and bequeath unto John Wood my son the sum of twelve pounds. Item: I make Thomas Woollard my brother in law my sole executor of this my last will and testament And I give him for his pains taking this on the sum of three shillings and four pence And my mind is that my son Henry Wood shall .. daughter Grace Wood have all the things formerly given and bequeathed. Item: I give and bequeath ... all the rest of my moveable goods unbequeathed unto my son Henry Wood upon condition that he shall acquit and discharge me Henry Wood his father of all such or other ... that he now demands and if he shall ... is to give them unto John Wood and Grace Wood to be equal by divided between .. them and they shall discharge it in witness hereof I have set here unto my hand and seal the day and year above written. Witnessed: Thomas Waterman and Symon Woollard
D/ACW 13/289 1641 14th May In the name of God Amen the four and twentieth day of April Anno. Dom. 1641 I Thomas Meade of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto Almighty God therefore and knowing that all men are mortal and none knowing the departure of this life therefore I do ordain and make this my last will and testament revoking all others wills before by me made. First and principally I bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty god my maker and to Jesus Christ his only son my only redeemer suffering and assuredly believing by his death and passion to have remission of all my sins And my body I commit to the earth from where it was taken and to be buried in the parish church of Henham aforesaid and as for the temporal estate which it hath pleased Almighty god to bequeath upon me I dispose of it as follows. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Meade the sum of ten pounds to be paid unto him within three months after my decease by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto all the children of my son Thomas which are now living the sum of three pounds six shillings and eight pence apiece to be paid unto them by my executor when and as they shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years and if any of the said children shall happen to die before they shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years then the said three pounds six shillings and eight pence to be equally divided amongst them that are then living. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John Meade one piece of freehold land lying in Copperton Field containing by estimation three roods which is now in my occupation and the sum of thirty pounds to be paid unto him within half a year next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Nicholas Meade the sum of twenty pounds to be paid unto him when he shall accomplish the full age of one and twenty years and if it shall happen that my said son Nicholas shall die before he shall accomplish the full age of one and twenty years then I give and bequeath the said twenty pounds to all the children of my said son Thomas Mead to be equally divided between them and to be paid unto them as they shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann the wife of George King the sum of ten shillings. Item: I give and bequeath unto the eldest daughter of George King my grandchild my brown cow. Item: I give and bequeath unto George Newland my son in law the sum of ten shillings. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Mead the press standing in the hall. Item: I give and bequeath unto my son Nicholas Meade the table standing in the hall and one joined bed now standing in the parlour with a featherbed and all the furniture thereunto belonging. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ann my wellbeloved wife all the rest of my moveable goods not before bequeathed to see my funeral charges discharged and my body brought decently to the earth and my debts paid and my legacies discharged And I do hereby ordain Ann my well beloved wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament In Witness hereof I have set to my hand and seal the day and year above written. Witnessed Matthew Walley, Thomas Mark.. and Symon Woolward
D/ACW 13/316 1641 20th Sept In the name of God Amen I Ann Turner of Henham in the county of Essex, widow, .. Item: I give to my son Francis my joined bed in my chamber together with the feather bed, feather bolster, coverlet and blanket there upon. Item: I give my daughter Mary six pence of lawful money of England. Item: I give my daughter Ann six pence of lawful money of England. Item: I give my daughter Mary one of my flaxen sheet and flaxen towel. Item: I give my daughter Grace two shillings six pence apiece of good and lawful money of England. Item: I give to my grandchild William Brown my biggest chest. Item: I give to my grandchild Margaret Brown one of my best .. sheets, one pillow and pillow .. and one joined stool. Item: all the rest of my goods I give to my son Richard to pay my debts and legacies here by me given and to see my body decently buried and my funeral charges borne and I do make him my sole executor to this my will and I have declared it to be my last will in the presence of those whose names are here under written In witness whereof I the said Ann Turner hand (?) her to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of July in the year of our lord god one thousand six hundred and two and forty. Witnessed: Thomas Harwood and Joan Ambrose
D/ACW 13/348 1642/3 7th Feb In the name of Amen the twelfth day of January in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles by the grace of god King of England ... the eighteenth I James Browne of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, .... Imprimis: I devise unto Margaret my beloved wife and to her assigns for and during the term of her natural life all my freehold lands and tenements in Henham aforesaid or elsewhere. Item: I will and devise unto George Brown my son and to his heirs one piece of land containing by estimation one acre and a half lying in How Field in Henham aforesaid, in .. after the decease of Margaret my said wife upon this condition that he my said son George, his heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Jane Askew or her assigns the sum of eighteen pounds of lawful English money at or in the south porch of the parish church of Henham aforesaid within eighteen months next ensuing after the decease of Margaret my said wife, and for want of payment of the said sum of eighteen pounds at the time and place aforesaid, I give and bequeath the said acre and a half of land in How Field aforesaid to my daughter Jane Askew and to her heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Browne my grandchild and to his heirs one parcel of land containing by estimation two acres more or less lying in Henham aforesaid late the land of Edward Rouse, in ... after the decease of my said wife. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said son George Browne and to his heirs a close of land lying in Henham aforesaid known by the name of Abrahams Croft after the decease of Margaret my wife upon condition that he my said son George his heirs or assigns shall shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Jane wife of Alexander Askew three pounds and four shillings of lawful English money yearly during the term of her natural life, that is to say, sixteen shillings quarterly on the several feast days of the Annunciation of St Mary the Virgin or the Nativity of St John Baptist of St Michael the Archangel and of the birth of our Lord God yearly during her natural life, the first payment to begin on the first of those Feast Days .. shall next ensue after the decease of the said Margaret my wife and for default of such payment of sixteen shillings quarterly at the place aforesaid I give and bequeath the said Abrahams Croft to my daughter Jane Askew and to her heirs. As for my goods, chattels and moveables I give and bequeath them all to my executrix hereonafter named and I do hereby renounce all former wills and do make this my last will. In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal on the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Nicolas Searle, Richard Stanes
D/ACW 14/129 1643 19th Sept In the name of Amen the six and twenty day of January in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and thirty seven I Thomas Woolward aka Hayward of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being of whole mind and in good health and perfect remembrance ....... Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my wife my tenement with the yard and all the other appurtenances there unto belonging whatsoever which tenement and other appurtenances I of late purchased of Samuel Waldon being now in my occupation only to remain and be unto Mary my wife during her natural life and after her decease I devise and give the said tenement with all other appurtenances unto Symon Woolward als Hayward my son and to his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my wife the two beds and three chests standing in the chamber wherein I now lie and the half part of my linen and the half part of my brass and pewter and one cupboard standing in the hall and one chair standing in the hall and one baker and all the instruments belonging to her trade of baking and all the poultry which I shall have at the time of my decease and one ... oast house of wood yearly to be .. in by my executor and three pounds a year of good and lawful money of England during her natural life to be paid unto the said Mary my wife by my executor hereafter named at four several payments in the year, that is to say, the first payment to be paid within a quarter of a year after my decease and so quarterly during her natural life and furthermore I give unto Mary my wife my little table and joined form and two joined stools standing in the hall and whatsoever moveables the said Mary my wife shall have at the time of her decease. I give and bequeath them and to be equally divided between my sons and my daughters which shall be then living. Item: I give and bequeath unto Arthur Woolward als Hayward my son the sum of forty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor hereafter named at four several payments as hereafter shall be mentioned or ... Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth the wife of William Chapman the sum of twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor hereafter named at two several payments as hereafter shall be mentioned or .. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary the wife of Nathaniel Turner of Littlebury the sum of sixteen pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid into her by my executor hereafter named at two several payments as hereafter shall be mentioned or .. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Parsley my grandchild the sum of ten pounds of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor hereafter named when he shall accomplish the age of four and twenty years. Item: I give unto the said John Parsley one chest standing in the chamber over the hall which was his mother's to be delivered unto him when he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years. Item: my mind and meaning is that my daughter Elizabeth the wife of William Chapman shall receive ten pounds of the said twenty pounds upon the Midsummer Day next after my decease of my executor hereafter named. Item: my mind and meaning is that my daughter Mary the wife of Nathaniel Turner shall receive the sum of eight pounds of the said sixteen pounds upon the Midsummer Day twelve months next after my decease of my executor hereafter named. Item: my will, mind and meaning is that my son Arthur Woolward als Hayward shall receive the sum of ten pounds of the said forty pounds upon the Midsummer Day two years next after my decease of my executor hereafter named. Item: my will, mind and meaning is that my said daughter Elizabeth shall receive the other ten pounds of the said twenty upon the Midsummer Day three years next after my decease of my executor aforesaid. Item: my will, mind and meaning is that my said daughter Mary shall receive the other eight pounds of the said sixteen pounds upon the Midsummer Day four years next after my decease of my executor as aforesaid. Item: my will, mind and meaning is that the said Arthur my son shall receive the sum of ten pounds more of the said forty pounds upon the Midsummer Day five years next after my decease of my executor as aforesaid and for ten pounds every Midsummer Day until the whole sum of forty pounds received or satisfied by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Catherine Woolward my grandchild the sum of twelve pence be paid unto her when eight years next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Chapman my grandchild one joined table and also a jointed form standing in the Lodge parlour now in the possession of William Chapman his father. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Chapman my grandchild one joined bed standing in a chamber at the Lodge and in the possession of William Chapman his father. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Chapman my grandchild one joined chair standing at the Lodge and was in the possession of William Chapman her father. Item: I give and bequeath two bushels of wheat meal to be baked out in several boards and to be distributed amongst the poor people of the parish of Henham aforesaid at the day of my funeral. Item: I do appoint my executor here after named to put forth or bind apprentice my grandchild John partly when he shall accomplish the age of fourteen years or thereabouts All the rest of my goods, moveables, chattels or ..of household stuff whatsoever not before bequeathed my funeral charges and expenses, debts and legacies being paid I give and bequeath unto Symon Woolward alias Hayward my son who I do make and ordain my whole executor of this my last Will and Testament in witness hereof I the said Thomas Woolward alias Hayward have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Witnessed: James Moyles.
D/ACW 14/226 1647/8 29th Feb Standby for another tediously verbose statement.

The 11th Day of January Anno. Dom. 1647. In the name of god Amen I Thomas Robson of Henham in ye county of Essex, labourer, sick in body but of good memory ....Item: for all my freehold lands and for all my copyhold lands that it hath pleased god to bestow on me lying and being in ye parish of Henham and in the parish of Chaureth (modern day Chickney Green - RG) also Broxted in ye county of Essex together with all the ..... - yards, gardens, stables and all things else whatsoever withall the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the house and lands as aforesaid my mind and will .... and limited in manner and form following viz. that is to say my mind and will is that ye one .. messuage or tenement commonly called or known by the name or names of Humphreys (?) also Hampshalls being freehold with our garden, one croft or parcel of land now being in ye tenure or occupation of me Thomas Robson or of my assigns set and being in ye hamlet of Pledgden in ye parish of Henham in ye county of Essex aforesaid with all the houses, edifices, buildings, yards, gardens and appurtenances thereunto belonging and also one parcel of arable land being freehold land containing half an acre more or less lying in ye parish of Henham aforesaid in a certain field called Outfield and also one acre of customary land being arable situate again in the parish of Henham aforesaid containing so much or thereabout be it more or less certain field called Outfield and also a certain parcel of land or croft commonly called Wilkins Croft being copyhold land now being in ye tenure and occupation of me the said Thomas Robson or of my assign or assigns set and being in ye parish of Chaureth alias Broxted in ye county of Essex aforesaid with the appurtenances thereunto belonging containing by estimation one acre and a half more or less one ... of the head of the Wilkins Croft doth abut upon ye kings highway on the south and also in ye surround.. bearing bearing date ye day of ye date of these presents whereunto .. being had it doth and may move all large appurtenances. And ye .. messuage or tenement commonly called .. alias Hampstalls (?) being freehold with all .. houses, edifices, buildings, yards, orchards, gardens and appurtenances thereunto belonging as aforesaid And also half an acre of arable land being freehold land with the appurtenances be it more or less lying in Outfield in ye parish of Henham aforesaid And also one acre of copyhold land being arable situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid be it more or less And also one acre and a half of copyhold land commonly called Wilkins Croft .. appurtenances being in ye parish of Chaureth alias Broxted as aforesaid be it more or less that the said messuage or tenement aforesaid and ye these arable lands as aforesaid .. also ye two parcels of copyhold land aforesaid ... that they shall and remain (after my decease) unto .. of one John Robson my cousin ye son of my brother John Robson of late deceased and unto his heirs for ever accordingly as by my surrender bearing date ye day of the date of the presents above written whereunto relation being had it doth and may more fully appear. Item: my mind and my will is that ye our messuage or tenement commonly called or known by the name or names of Rayles now being in ye several tenures or occupations of Thomas Robson his assign or assigns set and being in ye hamlet of Pledgden in ye parish of Henham aforesaid and also all ye houses, edifices, buildings, yards, orchards, gardens and their appurtenances containing by estimation one acre more or less to the .. messuages or to one of them adjoining, belonging, appertaining .. or occupy and all for a certain chase way lying and being of the north of the aforesaid messuages or tenement or of one of them, and also .. contain parcel of land or croft commonly called or known by the name or names of Wilkins Croft, being copyhold land now being in ye tenure or occupation of me the said Thomas Robson or of my assign or assigns set and being in ye parish of Chaureth alias Broxted in the county of Essex aforesaid with the appurtenances thereunto belonging containing by estimation one acre and a wood more or less doth next adjoin to the said Rayles, orchards and according as in the Surrender bearing date the day of the date of the ... above written whereunto relation being had it doth and may more fully appear. My mind and will is that the said messuage or tenement called Rayles as aforesaid with all the houses, edifices, buildings, yards, orchards, gardens and their appurtenances and also one close or parcel of land , meadow or pasture with the appurtenances containing by estimation one acre more or less to the said messuage and also a certain chaseway lying and being of the north side of the aforesaid messuage or tenement or of one of them and also Wilkins Croft commonly so called as aforesaid containing one acre and a wood more or less that they shall and remain (after my decease) unto the use and .. of one Thomas Robson my cousin the son of my brother John Robson of late deceased and unto his heirs for ever. Item: for all such things, all goods and chattels as it hath pleased god to bestow on me my mind and will is that after my decease my debts being paid and the funeral expenses discharged paying and pertaining all such gifts and legacies as are in these presents herein further expressed and .. they shall and remain unto the use and .. of my two cousins John Robson and Thomas Robson the sons of my brother John Robson of late deceased in manner and form following. Item: I do give unto my cousin Richard Robson son of my brother John Robson of late deceased and my mind and will is that the said Richard Robson shall have after my decease the sum of twenty shillings of good money of England be paid by my executors John Robson and Thomas Robson .. within one year next and immediately after the decease of me the said Thomas Robson. Item: I do also give unto every child ye John Dennis my brother shall have in .. my sister .. the late wife of the said John Dennis my brother of late deceased : and my mind and will is that they and every of them .. shall have after my decease the sum of five pounds of like money of England to be paid by my executors John Robson and Thomas Robson my cousins ...... Item: I do also give unto one John Humphrey the son of John Humphrey of Bartlowe in the county of Cambridge, husbandman and my mind and will is that the said John Humphrey shall have after my decease the sum of two pounds of like money of England to be paid by my executors John Robson and Thomas Robson my cousins ... within two years next and immediately after .. decease of me .. Thomas Robson Item: I do also give unto my maid servant Elizabeth Bailey of .. in the county of Essex, labourer, and my mind and will is that ... Elizabeth Bailey shall have after my decease the sum of two pounds of like money of England to be paid by my executors John Robson and Thomas Robson .. within two years next and immediately after the decease of me the said Thomas Robson and my mind and will is that the said Elizabeth Bailey shall have after the decease of me the said Thomas Robson one bedstead and one feather bed and one coverlet and two feather bolsters and two feather pillows and one pair of flaxen sheets and two flaxen pillow as are now upon the bedstead in the chamber ... and two of the biggest bottles in the house ... and a plank table .. . and a jointed form standing in the hall ... Item: I do give unto my other maid servant Joan Glascocke, the daughter of Robert Glascocke of Henham in the county of Essex, of late deceased, and my mind and will is that the said Joan Glascocke shall have after my decease the sum of two pounds of like money of England to be paid (etc etc) ... and a pair of good towel sheets .....
D/ACW 15/186 1649/50 12th Mar In the name of god Amen I Clement Perren of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, sick in body but of good memory ... my mind and will is that John Perren my eldest son shall have the sum of five shillings of good money of England to be paid out of my goods to him the said John Perren by Alice my now wife within one month after my decease lawful demands being made. Item: I give unto my son Thomas Perren the sum of thirty pounds of like money as aforesaid to be paid out of my goods to him the said Thomas by Alice my now wife within two years after my decease lawful demands being made. Item: I give unto my daughter Mary now wife of Symond Woolward alias Haward the sum of ten shillings of like money as aforesaid to be paid out by my now wife ... I give unto my daughter Anne Perren the sum of thirty pounds of like money as aforesaid ... Item: I give one pair of sheets unto John Perren my eldest son within one month after my decease ... I give unto my son Thomas Perren one pair of sheets within two years after my decease ... I give unto my daughter Mary now wife of Symond Woolward alias Haward one pair of sheets within one month after my decease. Item: I give unto my daughter Anne Perren one pair of sheets within four years after my decease ... Item: I give unto my daughter Sarah Perren the sum of thirty pounds of like money as aforesaid and one pair of sheets ... within three years after my decease. The remainder of the estate is given to his wife Alice his executrix. Dated the 9th May 1645. Witnessed: William Michell rector. Probate given 1649.
D/ACW 15/308 1651 9th April In the name of God Amen the eleventh day March in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and fifty, I Samuel Mortlock of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman .... First I give and bequeath my messuage or tenement in Henham before mentioned which my late father Samuel Mortlocke deceased bought of Robert Wright together with the barns, stables, outhouses, yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging, and also those three parcels or closes of pasture ground lying on the back side thereof containing together by estimation five acres be they more or less, and two other parcels or closes of pasture ground called by the name of Howe Crofts containing together by estimation five acres be they more or less, and also three parcels of arable land lying in Hide and Copperton Field containing together seven acres be they more or less, and two parcels of arable land lying in Platts Common containing together five acres and an half more or less, with their and every of their appurtenances, to my loving mother Barbara Mortlocke during so long time as her natural life as she shall continue single and unmarried, upon this condition withall, that neither she the said Barbara nor any other by her assignment or consent shall at any time during the term of her natural life cut down, tops or lops any of the trees now standing and growing in and upon the before named orchard three closes on the back side Howe Crofts and Howe Field nor break up or put into tillage any of the before named lands which are now pastures, without the consent of my brother Thomas Mortlocke the younger. And after the marriage or decease (which of them shall happen first) of my said mother Barbara Mortlocke, and incase she be now married then immediately after my decease, I give and bequeath the above named messuage or tenement together with the barns, stables, outhouses, yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging and also those three parcels or closes or pastures lying on the back side of the house and the two other parcels of pasture called by the name or names of Howe Crofts and all those three parcels of arable land lying in Hide and Copperton Field and those two parcels of arable land lying in Platts Common and those three parcels of arable land lying in Howe Field with their and every of their appurtenances to my brother Thomas Mortlocke the younger and to his heirs for ever, upon this condition nevertheless, that he my said brother Thomas Mortlocke, his heirs, executors or administrators shall pay to my sister Mary Stanes, her executors or assigns the sum of twenty and five pounds of lawful English money within six months next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath my two tenements and six acres of land lying in the parish of Ugley in the County of Essex now in the occupation of George Payne, William Lavender and .... Fuller or of their assigns with their and every of their appurtenances to my brother Edward Mortlocke and to his heirs for ever. Item: I give to m sister Margaret Mortlocke twenty shillings. Item: I give unto Mary Mortlocke, daughter of my said sister Margaret twenty pounds to be paid her when she shall have attained the age of eighteen years or on the day of her marriage which of them shall happen first: and in case the said Mary Mortlocke my niece shall depart this life before she shall attain the said eighteen years or day of marriage, then I give the said twenty pounds to my sister Mary Stanes to be paid to her or her assigns within one month next after the decease of the said Mary Mortlocke my niece. Item: I give to my Aunt Radcliffe forty shillings. Item: I give to the poor people of Henham forty shillings. Item: I give to John Measant the church clerk of Henham forty shillings. Item: I give all that my messuage or tenement in Henham aforesaid wherein Corker (?) now dwelleth with the barns, kitchen, outhouses, yard, orchard and a pasture field containing by estimation two acres more or less with their appurtenances to my brother John Mortlocke and to his heirs for ever upon condition that my said brother John Mortlocke , his heirs and executors shall pay all my debts and legacies (only that legacy which my brother Thomas Mortlocke is to pay to my sister Stanes excepted): and in case my brother John Mortlocke shall not pay all my said debts and legacies according to my true intent, then I give the said house and lands with the appurtenances to my brother Thomas Mortlocke and to his heirs, paying my said debts and legacies. And I institute and ordain my brother John Mortlocke to be executor of this my last will and testament. And I do hereby revoke and discharge all former and other wills, and make this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have to these three sheets of paper set my hand and seal on the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Nicolas Searle and Alexander ...
D/ACW 16/022 1660 8th Nov In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord God One Thousand Six hundred and fifty Nine I, Henry Wood of Henham in the County of Essex, tailor, being sick of body yet of perfect mind and memory praise be unto Almighty God for the same yet knowing that my time here upon Earth is but short and my life uncertain I do hereby make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following and revoking all other wills by me formerly made. First and principally I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker, Saviour and Redeemer And my body I commit to the Earth from where it was taken and to be buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wellbeloved wife All that my freehold messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell with all the yards, Barns and outhouses thereunto belonging for and during her natural life And after her decease to be and remain unto William Wood my son And to his heirs forever, upon condition that my said son William Wood, his heirs or Assigns do pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Sara the now wife of William Judd of Canfield or to her heirs the full and whole sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England At one whole payment within one whole year next after the decease of Elizabeth my wife At or within the Church porch of the parish of Henham aforesaid being their lawfully demanded And if it shall happen that my said son William Wood, his heirs or Assigns Refuse to pay the said Sum of Ten pounds at the time and place as aforesaid then I will and give and bequeath All my said freehold Messuage or Tenement with the Barns, yards and outhouses with all appurtenances thereunto belonging unto Henry Wood my son and to his heirs forever Upon condition that my said son Henry Wood shall pay unto my said daughter Sara aforesaid or to her heirs the like sum of ten pounds within one year and A half next after the decease of Elizabeth my wife and if he refuse to pay the sum of ten pounds as aforesaid Then I give and bequeath those Messuage or tenement with all appurtenances unto my said Daughter Sara Judd and to her heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Wood my daughter the sum of forty shillings to be paid unto her by my Executors hereafter named within one year next after my decease All the rest of my moveable goods and Chattels .. and moveables whatsoever I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife and Henry Wood my son whom I make my sole executors of this my last will and Testament for and towards the payment of my debts and funeral charges In witness whereof I have caused this my will to be written .. and published and have here unto set to my hand and seal the Day and year above written. Witnessed: John Wright and Symon Hayward
D/ACW 16/85 1661 16th July In the name of god Amen the sixth day of May in the thirteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of god of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith and in the year of our Lord 1661 I, Ann Meade of Henham in the County of Essex, widow being weak in body yet of perfect memory thanks be to almighty god remembering and calling to mind the uncertainty of this transitory life do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. First and principally I bequeath my soul to almighty god my creator hoping most .. trusting through the merits of Jesus Christ my only saviour and redeemer to have full ... of that eternal ... I give and dispose in manner and form following. First I give and bequeath unto George Newland my son and to his heirs for ever all that my messuage or tenement with the yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging with the appurtenances together with a parcel of land adjoining to the said messuage now in the occupation of the said George situate, lying and being in Rickling in the said county of Essex. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said George my son the sum of six pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor hereafter named within six months after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto any child of the said George Newland my son the sum of twenty shillings apiece to be paid at their several ages of one and twenty years by mine executor hereafter named and if any of the children of the said George shall happen to die before they shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years then that part to be equally divided between them. Item: I give and bequeath unto Anne Newland my grandchild at her age of one and twenty years one feather bed, one pair of sheets, two pillows, two pillowboards and three pewter dishes of the middle sort. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said George Newland my son .. and sheets and three pewter dishes which he hath in his custody already and also my truckle bed, one bolster, one coverlet, one blanket, four pairs of sheets, one table cloth, half a dozen of napkins, my two middle kettles, two skillets, my long table in the hall and my cupboard standing in the parlour, three chests, two barrels, one tub the same to be delivered unto the said George by my executor within one month after my decease And I do make and ordain Nicholas Meade my son to be executor of this my last will and testament And thus revoking all former wills by me made. I do pronounce this to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.
D/ACW 16/119 1661/2 20th Feb The last will and testament of me Robert Poole of Henham in the county of Essex, draper, concerning my temporal estate is as followeth. First I give, devise and bequeath unto Alice my loving wife and to her heirs and assigns for ever all my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell with all the rights, members and appurtenances thereof situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid: Also all my goods, chattels real and personal, monies and testamentary estate whatsoever I wholly give and bequeath unto the said Alice, And I do ordain and make her the said Alice sole executrix of this my last will and testament Willing her to pay unto my daughter Mary twenty shillings and to my children John, Peter and Elizabeth forty shillings apiece, and to the poor people of Henham aforesaid twenty shillings: Witness my hand and seal the third day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty One. M. that the testator did further will unto Mary his daughter twenty shillings besides what is above bequeathed to her and did ..
D/ACW 16/137 1662 8th April In the name of God Amen I, Thomas Measant of Henham in the County of Essex, brick and tilemaker, now in bodily sick but yet in good and perfect remembrance god be blessed for it do ordain and make this my last will and testament in form and manner following. Item: first and principally I give and bequeath my soul unto Almighty god my maker and from whom I did draw my first breath trusting in him assuredly for to have pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and .... Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary the now wife of Josias Muncke them my houses in Waltham holly/wholly (?) close in the county of Essex aforesaid now in the tenure and occupation of Christopher Wright and Thomas .. and Andrew Sumner or their assigns abutting upon a certain place there called ... land upon the south part and upon the abbey ground upon the north part with the houses and yards and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to the use and .. of Mary my said daughter during the term of her and the remainder to Thomas Muncke my grandchild and I have given surrender by the hands of Abraham Hutson and James Stringer two customary tenants belonging to that manor. Item: I give to my aforesaid daughter Mary them my houses in Enfield in the county of Middlesex now in the tenure and occupation of Robert Matthews and Thomas Harris with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging between a lane there called Hoc (?) Lane upon the south part and upon the lands of Robert Hurlston or his assigns upon the north part and half an acre of arable land be it more or less in a certain field there called Mappleton Field now in the occupation of Robert Matthews abutting upon .... Lidia Measant my said daughter five and twenty pounds of good and lawful money of England ... Thomas Mead of Widdington .. Item: I give and bequeath to Lidia Measant my daughter that my freehold house in Henham wherein I now live in the county of Essex and the two orchards and the barns and all other the outhouses with the appurtenances thereunto belonging also two several closes of pasture ground containing together by estimation one acre and a half abutting upon my freehold orchard on the north and upon the lands of William More on the south with another piece of arable land in a common called Howe Field abutting upon a lane called Howe Lane upon the north part and upon a common called Copperton Field upon the south being by estimation four acres be it more or less with another piece of arable land in that common called Copperton Field the one head there of it do abut upon a way which do lead to Stansted upon the south and upon a common called Howe Field on the north containing by estimation eleven roods be it more or less with another piece of arable land in a common called Platts Field upon Berry Hill between the lands of William More upon the south and upon north being by estimation one acre be it more or less with another piece of arable land in the same common called Platts Field one head thereof do abut upon a foot way from Pledgden Hall to the church upon the west part upon the lands now in occupation of Nathaniel Black upon the east being by estimation half an acre be it more or less with another piece of arable land in the same Platts Field upon Berry Hill between the lands of Lewis Brand one the north and upon the lands of Matthew Woolly which he has now in occupation upon the south being by estimation five roods be it more or less with another piece of arable land in the same Platts Field between the lands of Robert Appley gent upon the south and north and being by estimation one acre and a half be it more or less with another piece of arable land in a common called Copperton Field between the lands of Edward Mortlocke east and west and north upon the foot way that do lead to Stansted upon the south being by estimation one acre be it more or less with another piece of arable land in the same Copperton Field one head there do abut upon the south being by estimation five roods be it more or less with another piece of arable land in Howe Field one head thereof do abut upon the aforenamed Copperton Field on the south and the other do abut upon the lands of John Clark upon the north by estimation one acre be it more or less with another tenement in Henham aforesaid called by the name of Goryhicks with the orchard and several closes thereunto adjoining containing by estimation one acre be it more or less abutting upon the lands of Nicholas Bush on the south and upon my freehold orchard on the north with another tenement wherein now liveth Thomas Poulter with the orchard between my customary close upon the west and Wood End Green on the east with another cottage wherein now liveth Ann Bowtell, widow, abutting upon the church gate on the south and upon the Towse house on the north and upon the church yard on the west all the aforenamed houses, yards and orchards and lands, and barns and outhouses withall their appurtenances there unto belonging I do give to Lidia Measant my daughter which are in the parish of Henham aforesaid for the tenure of her natural life and I have given Surrender accordingly by the hands of Richard Wood and John Measant two customary tenants belonging to the manor of Henham Hall in Essex aforesaid only this ... is and likewise my mind is that Lidia Measant my aforenamed daughter shall pay and discharge all my debts which my aforesaid houses or lands are engaged for. Item: I give all that my freehold house that I do now live in in Henham aforesaid with the barns and yard and outhouse and stable and the orchards there unto adjoining, abutting upon the lands of Thomas Mortlocke gent. upon the west and upon Wood End Green on the north part and my customary land upon the south and my new barn and orchard on the east ..erting out of the south east end out of the yard that doth belong to my new .. yard by estimation twenty foot in breadth and three or four and twenty foot in length also two customary closes of pasture ground .. closes abutting upon my freehold orchard on the north and the lands now in the occupation of William .. on the south and upon my customary land on the east part, one piece of arable land in Howe Field aforesaid abutting upon Howe barn on the north and upon Copperton Field on the south containing four acres be it more or less and another piece of land in Copperton Field abutting upon Howe Field on the north and upon the way leading to Stortford on the south by estimation eleven roods be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Platts Field on Berry Hill between the lands of William More on the south and north containing by estimation one acre be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Platts Field abutting on the path way leading from Pledgdon Hall to the church upon the west and upon the lands now in the occupation of Nathaniel Clarke on the east containing by estimation half an acre be it more or less all the aforenamed house and yard and orchards and barn and several parcels of land I give to the elder son of Lidia Measant my daughter lawfully begotten of her body and to the heirs lawfully begotten of their bodies to enter immediately after my said daughter Lidia's decease. Item: I give that house which Richard Perrin did lately live in called Gregorn .. and a close thereunto adjoining, abutting upon my freehold upon the north part and upon the lands of Nicholas Bush upon the south excepting a little slice out of it which do abut upon the house and orchard wherein now liveth Thomas Poulter upon the south and upon the orchard late in the tenure and occupation of Richard Perrin on the north and adjoining upon Woodend Green on the east and my new barn and little .. or corner which is excepted out of the great barn .. and doth belong to the new barn out of the south east corner belonging to the new barn aforesaid containing by estimation three and twenty foot in breadth and three or four and twenty foot in length with the orchard thereunto belonging abutting north and east upon Woodend Green and upon my customary house and land on the south and upon my freehold orchard on the west and one piece of arable land in Platts Field which is upon Berry Hill which is between the lands of Lewis Brand on the north part and upon the lands now in the occupation of Matthew Wolley on the south; being by estimation five roods be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Platts Field aforesaid between the lands of Robert Appley gent. on the south and north being by estimation one acre and a half be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Copperton Field between the lands which Edward Mortlocke do hold now in occupation upon the east and west and north part and upon the way leading to Stortford on the south being by estimation one acre be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Copperton Field at Starlings Hill abutting upon the lands of John Clarke on the south and on the west and upon Howe Field on the north being by estimation five roods be it more or less and another piece of arable land in Howe Field between the lands of John Clarke on the east and upon the lands of John Wood on the west being by estimation one acre be it more or less all the forenamed houses and .. and orchard and all the aforenamed parcels of land I do give to the youngest son that my daughter Lidia shall leave behind her when she shall depart this life and and to the heirs being lawfully begotten of their bodies for to enter immediately after the decease of my said daughter Lidia. Item: I do give my house wherein now liveth Thomas Poulter and that little sty between Thomas Poulter on the south and the orchard that Richard Perrin did hold upon the north and on Wood End Green on the east part the house and yard and orchard and the said little sty I do give to the eldest daughter of my said daughter Lidia and to the heirs lawfully begotten of her body for to enter immediately after the decease of my said daughter Lidia. Item: I do give that house at the church gate in Henham aforesaid with all the appurtenances belonging to it to the youngest daughter that my daughter Lidia shall leave behind her when she shall depart this life for to enter immediately after her decease and to the heirs of her lawfully begotten of her body and my will and meaning is that if my daughter Lidia shall have any daughter that shall depart without issue then that my will and meaning is that the other daughter of my said daughter Lidia that shall be then living shall receive other daughter's part .. aforesaid. Item: I do give to Richard the younger in Henham aforesaid my son in law one book called 'The Christian for English Men' (?) likewise I do give to my son in law Richard Haye five shillings and six pence to be paid him in gold within one year next after my decease. Item: I do give to Josias Muncke my son in law my horsemans coat. Item: I do give all my moveable goods that I have in Middlesex to my daughter Mary the now wife of Josias Muncke and likewise I do give to my said daughter Mary all the monies and goods which shall or may be due to me at my decease. ... Item: likewise I do give to my daughter Mary that my feather bed wherein I do .. to lie upon in the great chamber above and the bolster and pillow and blanket and coverlet and bolster and all that there unto belonging and one flock .. and one kettle that .. brass close over the band and one little kettle and four little pewter platters marked with the figures of 6 and two little pewter fruit dishes one marked with F and M and the other marked with S and A and O and she hath my wife's gold ring. Item: I do give to the children of my daughter Mary every one of them ... within one year next after my decease. Item: I do give to Lidia my daughter the joined bed in the .. and the feather bed upon it and the bolster and pillow and coverlet and blanket thereto belonging and the press and the cabinet in the wall and the joined table, chairs and chest and joined stool and all that do belong to that room in the parlour and the table in the hall and the form and the bench and the old joined chair and the brewing (?) kettle and the great .. and the .. belonging to it and the brass pot with the little mark and the pot hooks there unto belonging and the pot hangers in the kitchen and that .. biggest pewter platters marked with A G and the dinner table cloth and two sheets which were her grandmother Bayford's and the great chest in the corn chamber and the iron ... all the four named goods I do give to Lidia my daughter for the term of her natural life to be used with the house and then for to go with the house for ever and in case my daughter Lidia shall ... I .. then all my lands and tenements in Henham aforesaid I give to my daughter Mary during her natural life and the remainder as followeth. Item: I do give all that my freehold house and .. and orchards and yard and all the customary lands that I gave to the eldest son lawfully begotten of my daughter Lidia I give to Thomas Muncke my grandson and to the heirs lawfully begotten of his body to enter immediately after my daughter Lidia and my daughter Mary's decease in case that my daughter Lidia shall have no issue. Item: I give that that house and land which I gave to my daughter Lidia's youngest son I do give to Josias Muncke my grandson and to the heirs lawfully begotten of his body to enter immediately after the decease of Lidia and Mary my daughters in case that if my daughter Lidia shall leave no issue. Item: I give that my house and yard and orchard that Thomas Poulter do now live in and that little slype of land adjoining to the house and Woodend Green I given to Lidia Muncke my grand daughter and to the heirs lawfully begotten of her body to enter immediately after the decease of Lidia and Mary my daughters in case that if my daughter Lidia shall leave no issue. Item: I do give the house at the church gate to the youngest child that my daughter Mary shall leave either her decease and to the heirs lawfully begotten of their bodies in case that my daughter Lidia shall leave no issue behind her after her decease likewise my will and meaning is that if either of my daughters do refuse after my decease for to discharging any sum or sums of money of the lands that they are to have after my decease which my lands .. enjoyed for that then .. appoint and assign my brother Robert Andrews of Debden in the county aforesaid for to let the land of either of my two daughters that so shall refuse for three years and to discharging the debt and for to repay the rents of the said lands for to .. and likewise I do appoint and do put in authority my forenamed brother Robert Andrews for to let my said lands in Henham aforesaid for three years immediately after my decease and to receive the rents or .. which may or shall ... to discharge those debts that my lands in Henham .. for and the remainder thereof for to be countable to my executors hereafter mentioned and likewise I do appoint my said brother Robert Andrews .. engagements of my lands in case that my daughter Lidia Measant should contract or espouse herself to Thomas Mend (?) of Widdington the son of Dorothy Mend of Henham ... and I do give to my said brother Robert Andrews for his pains twenty shillings over and above his charges and I do appoint and nominate Lidia Measant my said daughter for to be my sole and wholly executrix to this my last will and testament and I do appoint my brother Robert Andrews for to see my funeral charges .. and to put it of on his accounts and hereunto I have set my hand and seal this first day of November in the year of our Lord god one thousand six hundred and sixty 1660.
D/ACW 16/258 1663/4 24th Feb In the Name of God Amen The Twentieth Day of January in the thirteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith or in the year of our Lord god 1661 I, Ann Brand alias Oakley of Henham, now wife of Edward Oakley of Henham in the county of Essex, tailor, being sick of body yet of perfect mind and memory ..... Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Burke the wife of John Burke of Littlebury my best petticoats to be delivered unto her within two months next after my decease by my executor hereafter named being lawfully .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Pledger the wife of William Pledger my best waistcoats to be delivered unto her by my executor hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Edward Oakley my wellbeloved husband all that my two pieces or parcels of copyhold land lying in Platts Field and Copperton Field and Hide containing by estimation one acre and a rood more or less to be and remain .. the property and .. of the said Edward Oakley and to his heirs and assigns forever upon the condition hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Oakley my husband's son the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto him one year next after my decease being lawfully demanded of the said Edward Oakley his executors or Administrators. Item: I give and bequeath unto Hester Oakley my husband's daughter the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor hereafter named within two years next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Edward Oakley my husband's son the sum of thirty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto him within three years next after my decease hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Oakley my husband's daughter the sum of thirty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor within four years next after my decease hereafter named being lawfully demanded. And if it shall happen that the said Edward Oakley refuse to pay or satisfy those sums of money as aforesaid then I give and bequeath the aforesaid two pieces or parcels of copyhold land unto Edward Oakley his son and to his heirs and assigns forever upon condition of the payments aforesaid And if he refuse to pay them as before ... then I give the said parcels of land unto Thomas Oakley, Hester Oakley and Mary Oakley and to their heirs and assigns forever And I do hereby make and ordain my wellbeloved husband Edward Oakley my sole executor of this my will to be written, read and published and declared and have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Richard Hoy the elder, Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 17/39 1664 19th Dec In the Name of God Amen the two and twentieth day of September in the sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1664 Richard Hoye senior of Henham in the county of Essex, weaver, being sick and same of body yet of perfect mind and memory, praise be unto Almighty God for the same, yet knowing that my time here upon earth is but short and my life here is uncertain I do therefore hereby make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following revoking all other wills by me formerly made. First and principally I give and commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker, saviour and redeemer And my body I commit to the earth from where it was taken and to be buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Richard Hoye my son all my working tools whatsoever belonging to my trade of weaving. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Richard Hoye my son one half headed bed and a flock bed. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ellen Hoye my daughter all that my freehold tenement and buildings with the yard, orchard and croft or parcel of arable land and pasture thereunto adjoining withall appurtenances thereunto belonging situate, lying and being within the parish of Henham in a hamlet that is called Pledgdon Hamlet and now in the occupation of John Baythorpe or of his assigns and to remain to the proper use and .. of the said Ellen Hoye my daughter for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease to be and remain to the heirs of the said Ellen Hoye lawfully begotten of her body forever, And for want of such heirs I give those tenement, orchard, yards, buildings and lands aforesaid unto Jane Hoye my grandchild daughter of Richard Hoye my son and to her heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Ellen Hoye my daughter, my bed and bedding standing in my chamber over the hall wherein I now lie withall the furniture thereunto belonging to be delivered unto her within one week next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Richard Hoye my son, Elizabeth Gull the wife of John Gull of Elsenham, husbandman, and to Ellen Hoye my daughter all my moveable goods of household stuff whatsoever to be equally parted or divided between them within one month next after my decease. All the rest of any moveable goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto Richard Hoye my son whom I make sole executor of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I the said Richard Hoye .. have caused this my will to be written, read and published and have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written in the presence of William Gunn and Symon Hayward
D/ACW 17/65 1664/5 22nd Mar In the name of God Amen the Sixteenth Day of June in the sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1664. I Robert Giffen of Henham in the county of Essex, weaver, being in health and of perfect mind and memory, praise be unto Almighty God for the same, yet knowing that my time here upon earth is but short and my life uncertain I do therefore hereby make and ordain this my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me formerly made. First and principally I give and commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker ... And my body I commit to the earth from where it was taken and to be buried in the churchyard of Henham aforesaid by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Francis my wellbeloved wife use of that room called the parlour in my now dwelling house and convenient rooms in my orchard for the sorting of her firewood for her own use and behoof for during the term of her natural life with .. liberty of ingress, egress and regress for her the said Francis or her assigns for her use to the said rooms and yard. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Francis my wife the half .. of all my household stuff whatsoever except those things that belongeth to my trade of weaving to be equally .. between my executor and she within three months next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Francis my wife the sum of thirty shillings a year yearly during the term of her natural life to be paid unto her quarterly by equal portions, that is to say the sum of seven shillings and six pence the quarter by my executor hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Robert Giffen my son the sum of thirty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto him within one year next after the decease of Francis my wife being lawfully demanded of my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Francis the wife of Nathaniel Horo . son of Sawbridgeworth in the county of Hertford the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one year next after the decease of Francis my wife being lawfully demanded of my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my daughter the wife of Daniel Hamond of Henham aforesaid the sum of five pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her, her heirs or assigns within one year next after the decease of the said Daniel Hamond by my executor hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto William Giffen my son all that my free and copyhold tenement wherein I now dwell withall the yards, orchards and gardens and buildings withall appurtenances thereunto belonging situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said William Giffen my son and to his heir and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said William Giffen my son all my looms in my shop and all other my working tools belonging to my trade of weaving And all the rest of my moveable goods and household stuff whatsoever not before bequeathed I give and bequeath unto William Giffen my son for and towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral expenses And I do hereby make and ordain the said William Giffen my son sole executor of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I have caused this my will to be written, read, published and delivered as my last will and testament the day and year first above written. Witnessed: William Smith and Symon Hayward
D/ACW 17/141 1666 30th Mar In the name of God Amen the six and twentieth day of February in the eighteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1665 I, Clement Halls senior of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick of body but of perfect mind and memory .... Item: I give and bequeath unto Ellen my wellbeloved wife all that my freehold messuage or tenement withall the orchards, yards and buildings and all those my freehold lands thereunto belonging withall appurtenances situate, lying and being within the parish of Takeley in the county of Essex aforesaid to be and remain unto the said Ellen my wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life And after her decease to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of Clement Halls my son and of his heirs and assigns forever upon condition that the said Clement Halls my so, his heirs or assigns or any of them do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto John Halls my son the full and whole sum of one hundred and twenty pounds of lawful money of England at one whole payment with one year next after the decease of Ellen my wife at or within my said freehold tenement situate in Takeley aforesaid being there lawfully demanded and in case the said Clement Halls my son, his heirs or assigns do or shall refuse to pay the said sum of one hundred and twenty pounds unto the said John Halls my son being lawfully demanded that then I give and bequeath the said freehold messuage or tenement withall the orchards, yards and buildings and all my freehold lands thereunto belonging with the appurtenances to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of John Halls my son and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Ellen my wife all those my moveable goods of household stuff whatsoever within the house wherein I now dwell to be to take and to remain to her and her assigns forever and whatsoever moveable goods she shall have at the time of her decease ... I give and bequeath them all to be equally divided amongst my children that shall be then living. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Ellen my wife two of the best cows in the yard or the sum of eight pounds of lawful money of England to be delivered or paid unto her whensoever she shall require or demand them. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth the wife of James Collin my daughter the sum of five pounds of lawful money of England to be delivered or paid unto her within three years next after my decease by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ellen the wife of Edward Barker the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one month next after my decease by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Sara Halls my daughter the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England to be delivered or paid unto her when one year next after my decease by my executor hereafter named. I give and bequeath unto the said Sara Halls one cow commonly called Sara Cow to be delivered unto her by my executor within one month next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Rebecca Halls my daughter the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England to be delivered or paid unto her by my executor when she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years or day of marriage withall first happen. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Rebecca Halls one cow commonly called Rebecca Cow to be delivered unto her by my executors within one month next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Martha Halls my daughter the sum of five and twenty pounds of lawful money of England to be delivered or paid unto her when she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years or day of marriage who shall first happen by my executors hereafter named and if it shall happen that Martha my daughter shall depart and live from her brothers my executors that then my will and mind is that my executors shall pay yearly and every year the sum of one pound ten shillings of lawful money of England unto the said Martha until she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years or day of marriage withall first happen. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Martha my daughter all that heap of wheat lying in the chamber called Martha wheat containing about twenty bushels. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Martha one acre of wheat now growing in Sandall withall free liberty to take it when it is fitting to be cut or reaped and not to allow anything for the growth thereof And also one acre of land to be tilled and sown with wheat in the next year this allowing food to sow to sow it and she or her assigns to rec... the profit or loss that shall arise upon it that years wheat any allowances therefore to my executors. Item: I give and bequeath unto my three daughters Sara Halls, Rebecca halls and Martha Halls all that heap of malt in the chamber which is called their malt containing about twenty quarters to be equally divided between them within one month next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto and my will and mind is that Ellen my wife shall have the use of this chamber over the hall in the house wherein I now dwell during the term of my life and free passage there to and from and her diet provided by my executors for her if she please without any allowance thereto. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Barton my grandchild the sum of twenty shillings to be paid unto him by my executors when he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years and also two sheep called his sheep to be delivered presently after my decease. All the rest of my goods and chattels not before bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Thomas Halls and John Halls my sons towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges And I do hereby make, nominate and ordain the said Clement Halls and John Halls executors of this my last will and testament and I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: John Rous and Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 17/187 1666 11th Sept In the Name of God Amen the seven and twentieth day of August in the Eighteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1666 I, Lewis Brand of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick of body yet of perfect mind and memory .... Item: I give and bequeath unto John Brand my son all that my tenement wherein I now dwell withall the barns, outhouses and buildings thereunto belonging situate in Henham aforesaid with the chaseways, yards, orchards and gardens and all those my pasture grounds next thereunto adjoining as it is now .. withall appurtenances thereunto belonging to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said John Brand my son and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said John Brand my son all those my looms and sleighs and all other my supplements belonging to my trade of weaving to be delivered unto him within one month next after my decease by my executors hereafter named being lawfully demanded and also one livery cupboard standing in the chamber wherein I now lie. Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan Stubbin my daughter, the wife of Edward Stubbin, all those my copyhold lands situate in Henham aforesaid lying in Platts Field, Howe Field and Copperton Field to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said Joan Stubbin for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease to the heirs begotten of her body forever. Item: I give and bequeath all that my copyhold tenement wherein my son John Brand now dwelleth situate in Henham aforesaid to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of all those my grandchildren, sons or daughters of Nicholas Brand and Richard Brand my sons to be equally divided between them within two years next after my decease And upon condition that they or those my grandchildren or sons of them do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto Joan Trigg of Arkesden in the county of Essex, widow, the yearly sum of six shillings and eight pence during the term of her natural life and in case they do refuse to pay the said sum of six shillings and eight pence as aforesaid then I give and bequeath the said copyhold tenement, yards, chaseways and orchard and buildings unto John Brand my son and to his heirs and assigns forever upon the condition of payment aforesaid to the said Joan Trigg. All the rest of my moveable goods, chattels or chattel whatsoever not before bequeathed I give and bequeath unto Joan my wellbeloved wife whom I make sole executrix of this my last will and testament towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Daniel Hamond and Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 17/214 1666/7 10th Jan In the Name of God Amen the eight and twenty day of October in the eighteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1666 I, John Stanes of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman, being sicke of body but of perfect mind and memory ... Item: I give and bequeath unto John Stanes my son all my wearing apparel to be delivered unto him by my executrix hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my daughter the wife of Matthew .... the sum of five shillings to be paid unto her within one half year next after my decease by my executrix hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Stanes my daughter the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one year next after my decease by my executrix hereafter named being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Martha Stanes my daughter the sum of five shillings of law full money of England to be paid unto her by my executrix within three years next after my decease being lawfully demanded. All the rest of my moveable goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto Louise (?) my wellbeloved wife towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges And I do hereby make and ordain Louise my wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament And in witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Richard Stanes and Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 17/241 1667 13th June In the Name of God Amen the first day of May in the nineteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1667 I, Matthew Turner of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman, being sick of body ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Grace my wellbeloved wife the full and whole sum of twenty shillings a year yearly for and during the term of her natural life to be paid unto her by my executor at or within this now dwelling house of the said Matthew Turner situate in Henham aforesaid being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Towse the wife of Jonas Towse my daughter the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her the said Mary my daughter by my executor hereafter named within one year next ensuing after my decease being lawfully demanded at the place aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Mary my daughter all that my board beds and bedding standing in the .. chamber with the furniture to be delivered unto her within one month next after my decease by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Jonas Towse my grandchild the full and whole sum of five pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him when he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years being lawfully demanded of my executor hereafter named or of his executors or administrators. All the rest of my moveable goods and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto John Turner my son towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges And I do hereby make and ordain the said John Turner my son sole executor of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Matthew Turner have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Witnessed: George Haydon and Symon Haywood.
D/ACW 17/251 1667 7th Sept Memorandum That on or about the fifth day of July ... in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and sixty seven I, William Headland of Henham in the county of Essex, being a soldier in His Majesty 's service and being at Wix in the county of Essex where he was sick of the sickness whereof he died, and being of perfect mind and sound memory, and being minded to dispose of his estate, made and .. his last will and testament nuncupative in these words following or the like in effort viz. My mind and will is that my father shall have five pounds. Item: I give to my youngest brother the like sum of five pounds, and to my brother's son my godchild five pounds. All within .. I will shall be paid to the parties abovesaid within three months next after my decease, which words or the like in effort were declared and spoken in the presence of credible witnesses. Witnessed: John Measant and Johannis Quickmore.
D/ACW 18/24 1669 12th Oct In the Name of God Amen the twelfth day of October in the one and twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1669 I, George Browne of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick of body yet of perfect remembrance .... Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my wellbeloved wife all those my moveable goods that I have for to pay my debts and funeral expenses and after they are paid and discharged the residue that shall be left to be equal .. and divided between my wife and daughters that shall be then living by two arbitrators that they shall choose and appoint within one half year next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto George Browne my son my piece or parcel of freehold land lying in Howe Field between the lands belonging to the Lord of the Manor of Henham Hall now in the occupation of Alice Perrin, widow, or of her assigns to be and remain to the proper use and uses of said George Browne and of his heirs forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary my wife all that my close or croft of copyhold lands called or known by the name of Sparley withall the appurtenances thereunto belonging to be sold by the said Mary my wife or her assigns within one whole year next after my decease and the money that shall arise if and for the pr... I will that it shall be equally shared and divided between all my daughters that shall be then living. And I do hereby make and ordain the said Mary my wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Richard Hoy, Lewis Prestland and Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 18/40 1669 2nd July In the name of God Amen the sixth day of May in the one and twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1669 I, Thomas Cocke of Henham in the county of Essex, husbandman, being sick of body yet of perfect mind and memory .... Item: I give and bequeath unto Henry Cocke my son the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executrix hereafter named within one month next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ellen the wife of Thomas Perrin of Henham aforesaid my daughter all that my freehold messuage or tenement situate in Henham aforesaid withall the yards and gardens, orchard and buildings withall appurtenances thereunto belonging and now in the occupation of Alexander Gray or of his assigns to go and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said Ellen Perrin my daughter for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of Henry Perrin my grandchild son of the said Ellen my daughter and of his heirs and assigns forever. And I also give unto the said Henry Perrin my little table and form standing in the little house. Item: I give and bequeath unto Clement Perrin my grandchild my long table standing in the chamber over the hall to be delivered unto him within one month next after the decease of Ellen my daughter being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Perrin my grandchild my long chest standing in the chamber over the hall and one brass pot to be delivered unto her by my executrix when she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto unto Henry Cocke my son my great tramels hanging in the kitchen to be delivered unto him by my executrix within one month next after my decease being lawfully demanded, all the rest of my moveable goods and chattels whatsoever not before bequeathed I give and bequeath them all unto Ellen Perrin my daughter towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges And I do hereby make and ordain the said Ellen Perrin my daughter sole executrix of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Henry Nottage and Symon Hayward.
D/ACW 18/65 1669 5th April In the name of God Amen I, James Hellam of Henham in the county of Essex, clerk, being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory ... Imprimis: I will and my mind is that Rachel my wellbeloved wife or the executor or executors of Rachel my said wife shall within one whole year next after my decease bargain and sell all my lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever situate, lying or being in Henham aforesaid with their and every of their appurtenances for such price as she can attain for the same And I do hereby give unto her full power and authority to do and execute all thing and things needful and necessary in and about the same And the monies arising upon the sale thereof to be disposed of towards the payment of my debts. Item: I give and bequeath the ... and remaining monies after the payment of my debts arising of the sale of land and a house unto Rachel my said wife and all my moveable goods, household stuff and chattels whatsoever within doors and without And I do hereby make and ordain the said Rachel my loving wife the sole executrix of this my last will and testament And desire and appoint George Crabb gent. my loving father in law supervisor of the said last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirtieth day of October in the twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the 2nd Anno Dom. 1668. Witnessed: John Rous, James Colt and Abraham Pledger.
D/ACW 18/88 1668 17th Sept In the Name of God Amen the first day of November Anno Dom. One thousand six hundred and sixty six And in the eighteenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith I, Richard Stanes of Little Henham in the county of Essex gent. being in health, and of perfect mind and memory ... And as to my worldly estate both real and personal I give, devise, bequeath and dispose thereof in manner and form following And first I give and devise unto Mary my dear and loving wife All that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell with the barns, stables, malthouse, yards, orchards and backsides thereunto belonging And also all the lands, meadows, pastures, woods and woodgrounds thereunto belonging with their and every of their eight members and appurtenances for and during the term of her natural life provided she the said Mary keeps the houses, buildings and .. in good order and .. from time to time the fruit trees and all other the trees now or hereafter to be growing upon the .. from soil destruction or waste and the meadows and pasture grounds from digging or ploughing up and the arable land from three crossings and from and after the decease of the said Mary my wife or other determination of this my grant I give and devise all my said messuage or tenement, lands and pieces (?) with their and every of their appurtenances unto my nephew Robert Wooley of Stortford in the county of Hertford, gent., and to his heirs or assigns forever provided always and my will and meaning is that the said Robert Wooley or his heirs or assigns shall .. truly pay thereout to my loving brother John Stanes within one year after the decease of the said Mary my loving wife the sum of threescore pounds if the said John Stanes my brother shall then be living. Item: I give and bequeath out of my said lands and tenements to the four daughters of my said brother John Stanes if they shall happen to live one year after the decease of Mary my said wife or to so many of them as shall be living the sum of five pounds apiece and also I give all the children of my youngest brother Thomas Stanes except Elizabeth the now wife of .. Dennison the like sum of five pounds apiece to be paid within two years after the decease of Mary my said wife and to the said Elizabeth Dennison the sum of ten pounds if she shall then be living and I further give and bequeath within two years after the decease of the said Mary my wife to Nicholas Stanes son of my brother Nicholas Stanes deceased five pounds if he shall then be living and to Stephen one other of the sons of the said Nicholas my brother at the same time if he shall be then living the sum of twenty pounds. And I further give and bequeath to my brother Edward Stanes the sum of ten pounds to be paid at the same time if he shall then be living And to his daughter ... Stanes if then also living the sum of ten pounds and to the children of my said brother in law William Hamond who shall be then likewise living I give and devise three pounds apiece. Item: I give and bequeath to my niece Mary Wooley the wife of my nephew Robert Wooley the sum of threescore pounds to be paid to her within three years after the decease of Mary my said wife but my will and devise is that the said Mary Wooley at her death shall leave the said threescore pounds to her son Robert Wooley. Item: I give to the poor of the parish of Henham wherein I live forty shillings to be distributed amongst them at my burial And I give and bequeath all my goods and chattels to Mary my dear and loving wife And I do hereby ordain and make the said Mary executrix of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Richard Stanes have hereunto set my hand and seal to this my last will and testament contained in these two sheets of paper the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Jacob Maldon vicar of Ugley, Jonathan Waller and Edward Carpenter
D/ACW 18/176 1664 8th June In the Name of God Amen the eighth day of June in the year of our lord Christ one thousand six hundred and sixty and four I, William Smith of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being aged and well stricken in years and thereby warned of my dissolution do now in health of body and sounded of mind and memory make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. In the first place I commend my soul into the hands of the blessed and glorious Trinity And my body I commit to the earth from whence it was taken to be buried in decent and Christian like manner at the direction of my executor hereafter named. Item: I give to the poor people of the parish of Henham twenty shillings of lawful money of England to be distributed to and amongst them by my executor in the presence of the church warden or overlord of Henham aforesaid within six months next after my decease. Item: I give unto William Davy alias Johnson of Henham aforesaid son of Thomas Davy alias Johnson and to his heirs and assigns forever all that my customary or copyhold messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell called Churchgates or otherwise with all the houses, outhouses, yards, orchards, gardens and customary lands with all and singular their appurtenances to the same customary messuage belonging or appertaining sometime called a half yard of land situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid. Item: I give also to the said William Davy alias Johnson and to his heirs and assigns forever all that my piece of customary land lying in a common field in Henham aforesaid called Platts Field containing by estimation five roods or thereabouts upon condition that the said William Davy alias Johns, his heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto Alice Davy otherwise Johnson his sister the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England within four years next after my decease if she shall be then living or if she be then dead and leave issue of her body lawfully begotten Then upon condition he pay the said ten pounds to amongst so many of her children as shall be then living But if the said William Davy alias Johnson shall make default in payment of the said sum of ten pounds contrary to the term and true intent and meaning of this my present last will and testament That then my will and meaning is and I do give and bequeath the aforesaid piece of my customary or copyhold land lying in the said copyhold field in Henham aforesaid called Platts Field to the said Alice Davy alias Johnson, her heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give unto Mary Davy alias Johnson the daughter of the said William Davy alias Johnson the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by the said William Davy her father when she shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years or upon the day of the marriage of the said Mary Davy which shall first happen. Item: I give and bequeath unto Robert Davy alias Johnson one other son of the said Thomas Johnson and to his heirs and assigns forever All those my customary or copyhold crofts of land called Platts Croft lying in Henham aforesaid and containing by estimation four acres .. or thereabouts upon condition notwithstanding that the said Robert Davy alias Johnson , his heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid unto Joan Davy alias Johnson now the wife of Thomas Stanes of Henham aforesaid the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England within four years next after my decease the sum to be paid into her own hand and to her own use if she be then living whose own acquittance my will and mind is shall be his full and absolute discharge for the same. But if the said Joan the wife of the said Thomas Stanes shall be departed out of this life before the said legacy of ten pounds shall grow due as aforesaid then my will and meaning is and i do devise and bequeath the said crofts of land called Platts Croft to the said Robert Davy alias Johnson and his heirs and assigns forever upon condition that he, his heirs or assigns paid into the hands of the said William Davy alias Johnson his executors or assigns the said ten pounds to and for the sole use and benefit of such child or children of the said Joan Stanes as shall be living within four years or next after my decease. But if the said Robert Davy shall make default in payment of the said legacy of ten pounds to the said Joan the wife of the said Thomas Stanes or to the said William Davy alias Johnson for the use of her children contrary to the intent and true meaning abovesaid Then I give the said crofts of land called Platts Crofts to the said Joan Stanes and her heirs if living within four years next after my decease But if she shall be then dead then I give and bequeath the said crofts of land called Platts Crofts to such her children as shall then be living and their heirs equally to be divided between them. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Robert Davy alias Johnson, his heirs and assigns forever all that my customary or copyhold piece of land lying in a certain common field in Henham aforesaid called Copperton Field called the Bush piece containing by estimation seven roods or thereabouts. Item: I give and bequeath unto Anne Davy alias Johnson the daughter of the said William Davy alias Johnson the sum of forty shillings to be paid unto her by the said Robert Davy alias Johnson when she shall accomplish her age of one and twenty years or upon her day of marriage which shall first happen and if the said Robert Davy alias Johnson shall refuse or neglect to pay the said forty shillings to the said Anne Davy alias Johnson according to the time, intent and my true meaning as aforesaid Then i give the said piece of customary land lying in Copperton Field called Bush piece to the said Anne Davy alias Johnson, her executors and assigns until she shall be fully satisfied and paid her said legacy of forty shillings with all damages and costs in procuring and .. the same. Item: I give unto the said Robert Davy alias Johnson, Joan the wife of the said THomas Stanes and Alice Davy alias Johnson and to every of them one hutch to be delivered to them severally and respectfully at the discrection of, and by my executor hereafter named within one month next after my decease. All the rest and residue of my goods, rights credits and chattels whatsoever I give and bequeath unto the said William Davy otherwise Johnson, his heirs, executors and assigns for the payment of my debts and legacies, discharging of my funeral expenses and probate and performing of this my last will and testament hereby revoking and annulling all former wills and bequests whatsoever at anytime my me heretofore made. I do pronounce and publish this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said William Smith have set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Thomas Derby and William Barens
D/ACW 18/255 1673 22nd Nov In the Name of God Amen the thirteenth day of January in the four and twentieth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1672 I, William Moore of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick of body ... I do therefore hereby make, publish and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following .... Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife the sum of ten pounds .. and .. for and during the term of her natural life to be paid unto her by my executor hereafter named as followeth. That is to say the sum of five pounds of lawful money of England within one half year next after my decease and two five pounds every half year during the term of her natural life. Item: I give and bequeath unto Robert More my son the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor hereafter named at two several payments being lawfully demanded as followeth, that is to say, the sum of twenty pounds .. their of to be paid within two years next after my decease and the other twenty pounds .. thereof to be paid unto him within four years next after my decease being all lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto John More my son and to his heirs and assigns forever all that my copyhold tenement wherein he now dwelleth withall the yards, orchards, gardens, outhouses and buildings with their appurtenances thereunto belonging situate, lying and being within the parish of Henham aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath unto Ann Wood my daughter the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor hereafter named as two several payments being lawfully demanded, as followeth, that is to say, the first payment the sum of twenty pounds .. thereof to be paid unto her within two years next after my decease, and the other twenty pounds .. thererof to be paid unto her within four years next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto William More my son all my moveable goods and chattels, cows, grain, hay and cattle whatsoever towards the payment of all my debts and legacies and funeral charges and the probate of this my last will and testament. And I do hereby make the said William More my son sole executor of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said William More .. have caused this my last will to be written, read and published. I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Lewis Presland and Symon Hayward
D/ACW 18/263 1673 22nd April In the Name of God Amen I, Nicholas Bush of Henham in the County of Essex, carpenter, knowingly certainly that all flesh must die do make, constitute, ordain and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following .Revoking and annulling hereby all and every testament and testaments, will and wills hereuntofore by me made and declared either by words or by writing and this is to be taken on .. for my last will and testament and none other ...My body to be buried by my executrix hereafter in these .. named, And for my temporal estate I order, give and dispose the same in manner and form following. First I will that my funeral charges and all my debts and duties which I rightfully owe to any man .. of .. whatsoever shall be paid in some convenient time after my decease by my said executrix or cause and ordain the same to be paid contented or satisfied. Also I give and bequeath unto Anne my loving wife all my copyhold and freehold lands and tenements which I now have in the parish of Henham by what name or names soever they may be called or distinguished during her natural life and after her decease I give, order and bequeath the same as followeth. That is to say I give, bequeath all that my copyhold tenement withall the appurtenances thereunto belonging and also all that my freehold orchard withall the appurtenances which I lately purchased of one John Collin unto my son Richard Bush and to his heirs and assigns for ever upon condition that the said Richard Bush shall pay or cause to be satisfied, contented and paid unto Alice my daughter and now the wife of Henry Walker the sum of eight pounds of lawful English money within two years after the decease of me the said Nicholas and my said wife, and if the said Alice my daughter shall happen to die before the said eight pounds sum to be due to be paid then my will and meaning is and I give and bequeath the same eight pounds to be paid by my said son Richard Bush, or his assigns unto the children of my said daughter Alice to be equally divided between so many as shall be then living after and at the death of me and my wife, And also unto Margaret my daughter eight pounds within four years after .. decease, Also I give and bequeath after the decease of me and my said wife all that my copyhold tenement withall the appurtenances thereunto belonging whatsoever unto my son William Bush and his heirs and assigns for ever upon condition that my said son William Bush and his heirs and assigns shall pay or cause to be satisfied, contented and paid unto my son Nicholas Bush or his .. the sum of five pounds within one year after both .. decease and unto my son Edward Bush the like sum of five pounds within two years after both of us are deceased and also the sum of five pounds unto Thomas Bush my son within four years after both of us are deceased and if any of my said sons or Margaret my daughter shall happen to die before their several legacies become due to be paid then I give such said legacies as should have been paid to them unto the children or any of them .. dead and the same to be equally divided amongst them as is above mentioned in my bequest unto my daughter Alice or her children. Also I give and bequeath unto my son Richard Bush all my working implements of what nature whatsoever and in whose hands forever and to his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and bequeath all my household goods whatsoever and what is not before bequested unto Anne my said loving wife whom I also make and ordain and do hereby constitute and appoint to be my sole executrix of this my last will and testament hoping and believing that she will be careful to perform the .. Lastly I have and do declare this to be my last will and testament revoking all others formerly by me made as above said and have hereto set my hand and seal this third day of June in the three and twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second now of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King, Defender of the faith, in the year of our Lord 1671. Witnessed: Henry Northage
D/ACW 18/272 1673 13th May In the name of God Amen the Eleventh day of January in the four and twentieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1672 I, Matthew Woolley of Henham in the county of Essex, gentleman, being sick of body but of perfect mind and memory ... I bequeath unto Matthew Woolley my son of Bishops Stortford in the county of Hertford, gentleman, and to his heirs and assigns forever All those my free and copyhold lands within the parish of Henham aforesaid upon condition that the said Matthew Woolley my son, his heirs or assigns do and shall .. and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my son John Woolley the full sum of three pounds of lawful money of England within one quarter of a year next after my decease being lawfully demanded by him the said John Woolley at or within my now dwelling house situate in Henham aforesaid And also the sum of three pounds of lawful money of England every three months next after the aforesaid quarter of a year for and during the term of the natural life of the said John Woolley my son being lawfully demanded as aforesaid And if it shall happen that the said Matthew Woolley my son, his heirs or assigns shall or do refuse to pay the said sum of three pounds of lawful money of England unto the said John Woolley my son every three months as aforesaid for and during the term of his natural life Then I do hereby give and bequeath all those my free and copyhold lands before bequeathed unto Matthew Woolley shall be and remain to the proper use and uses of John Woolley my son and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mrs Ann Woolley the wife of Matthew Woolley my son my joined bed with the furniture standing in the parlour to be delivered unto her by my executor within one week next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Woolley my son sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by Mary Woolley my daughter within three months next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Joan the wife of Timothy Clarke my daughter the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by Mary Woolley my daughter within six months next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Woolley my son the bed and furniture wherein he now lyeth and two pairs of sheets to be delivered unto him within one week next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Woolley my daughter all my moveable goods and chattel, bills, bonds, mortgages and surrenders and ready money that I shall have at the time of my decease not before by me bequeathed to be delivered unto her by my executor within six months next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto Martha Baron and Mary Baron my servants the sum of twenty shillings apiece to be paid unto them by my executor within one month next after my decease. And I do hereby make and ordain Matthew Woolley my son sole executor of this my last will and testament And in witness whereof I the said Matthew Woolley senior have caused this my will to be written and have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: Mary Baron and Symon Hayward
D/ACW 18/340 1675 11th Oct In the name of God Amen the eight and twentieth day of February in the five and twentieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1673 I, John Wright senior of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being sick of body but of perfect mind and memory praise be unto Almighty God for the same yet knowing that my time here upon earth is but short and my life uncertain I do therefore hereby make and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following. First and principally I give and commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Maker, Saviour and Redeemer, And my body I commit to the earth from where it was taken to be buried at the discretion of my executor hereafter named wherefore it shall please God to call me, And as for my worldly estate that it hath pleased Almighty God to hand me I dispose of it as followeth. Item: I give and bequeath unto Thomas Wright my son all that my copyhold tenement wherein I now dwell with the yards, gardens, orchards, barns, outhouses and buildings thereunto adjoining And also all those my three pieces or parcels of pasture grounds thereunto adjoining And also one close or parcel of arable land and pasture ground called or known by the name of Isaacs (?) Croft with their appurtenances withall the ways thereunto belonging and situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said Thomas Wright my grandchild son of the said Thomas Wright my son and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Wright my son all my wearing apparel that I shall have at the time of my decease except a shirt and such other .. as shall be used for my burial to be delivered unto him by my executor within one week next after my decease being demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Francis Wright my son all those my two pieces or parcels of arable land lying in Howe Field within the parish of Henham aforesaid to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said Francis Wright my son, and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Richard Wright my son All that my copyhold barns, shop and yard thereunto adjoining, abutting upon the lands of Edward Day upon the west side of the highway upon south and east .. withall appurtenances thereunto belonging to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said Richard Wright my son, and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said Richard Wright my son the sum of ten shillings to be paid unto him by Thomas Wright my son or John Wright his son or their assigns within two years next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Francis Wright my son my little joined chest standing in the chamber over the hall: All the rest of my moveable goods and chattels and ready money that I shall have at the time of my decease not before bequeathed I do hereby give and bequeath them all unto Thomas Wright, John Wright, Francis Wright and Richard Wright my sons to be equally parted between them within one week next after my decease by four men whom they shall appoint or choose to part them all ways provided that my funeral charges and the probate of this my will and my debts be first allowed out of my goods and chattels and ready money by them unto my executor before they are parted And I do hereby make Francis Wright my son sole executor of this my last will and testament revoking all other wills by me formerly made In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: John Gyver and Symon Hayward senior
D/ACW 19/9 1676 4th May In the name of God Amen the seventh day of May in the twentieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland king, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1668 I, William Wright of Henham in the county of Essex, yeoman, being in health and of perfect mind and memory .... Item: I give and bequeath unto William Wright my son All that my tenement called Churchmans withall my copyhold lands thereunto adjoining and situate within the parish of Henham aforesaid and abutteth upon the highway that leadeth from Debden towards Stortford of the north part and upon chase ways of the west part and upon the lands belongeth to Henham Hall of the south part and upon the lands of John Rowe of the east part to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said William Wright and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said William Wright my son the sum of one shilling of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executor within one month next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Alice Read (?) my daughter the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one month next after my decease by my executor being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Nash my daughter the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England to be paid unto her within one month next after my decease by my executor being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Wright my daughter the sum of forty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executor within three months next after my decease being lawfully demanded. Item: I give and bequeath unto John Wright my son and to his heirs and assigns forever All that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell withall the orchards, yards, gardens, barns, stable and buildings And all my free and copyhold lands within the parish of Henham aforesaid not before bequeathed, withall and singular appurtenances thereunto belonging to be and remain to the proper use and behoof of the said John Wright my son and of his heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto the said John Wright my son all the rest of my moveable goods and chattels whatsoever towards the payment of my debts and legacies and funeral charges And I do hereby make and ordain the said John Wright my son sole executor of this my last will and testament and in witness hereof I have caused this my will to be written, read and published and have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: George Perrin, alias Bishop and Symon Hayward


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