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SEAX ref.no. & creation or probate date
testator
D/ACW 23/212 1707/8 13th Mar In the name of God Amen I, Susan Wright of Henham on the Mount in the County of Essex, widow, being weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and memory ... Imprimis: I give, devise and bequeath one moiety or half part of all that copyhold messuage or tenement with the appurtenances that I now dwell in situate in Henham aforesaid unto my loving cousin Anne Albonds for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease I give, devise and bequeath the same unto her daughter Ann Albonds and to her heirs for ever. Item: I give, devise and bequeath the other moiety or half part of my said messuage or tenement with the appurtenances unto my loving cousin Mary Thurgood for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease I give, devise and bequeath the same unto my said cousin Ann Albonds for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease I give, devise and bequeath the same unto her said daughter Ann Albonds and to her heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving cousin Ann Albonds the elder, the said Mary Thurgood, Susan Wright and Anne Wright all my household goods whatsoever share and share alike except what I have hereafter specially devised as follows, that is to say, I give and bequeath unto my said cousin Susan Wright my gold ring and the great brass pottage pot. Item: I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter Mary Humfrey a pewter dish and the livery cupboard. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Elizabeth Humfrey the little brass pot. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said daughters in law Elizabeth Humfrey and Mary Jackson the little tub and the wicken chairs. Item: I give and bequeath unto my cousin James Campion and his children if alive ten shillings. All the rest and residue of my personal estate of what nature so ever I give, devise and bequeath unto my son in law Miles Jackson, all my debts and funeral expenses being thereout first deducted. And I do nominate and appoint him the said Miles Jackson to be sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of September Anno Dom. 1707. Witnessed: Thomas Michell, Timothy Bush, Nathaniel Clark and Susan Wright.
D/ACW 24/165 1714 1st Dec In the name of God Amen I, James Collin of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being sick and weak of body but of sound mind and memory .. First to my beloved wife Elizabeth I give the sum of twelve pounds yearly and every year during the term of her natural life to be paid her by my executor hereafter named. Item: I give to my son John those my lands called Park Field and Park Meadow with the cottage on the former lying in the parish of Chickney in the county of Essex aforesaid which fell to us by mortgage from Arthur Hayward. I also give to my said son John all my stock upon that farm in Henham which I hold of Richard Cox binding him hereby to pay out of the said lands and stock to my daughter Ann the sum of forty pounds within three years after my decease. Item: I give unto my son William my meadow in the parish of Chickney aforesaid containing about three acres and lying between the lands of Chickney Hall and Chaureth Hall. I also give unto my said son William the sum of twenty pounds to be paid him by my executor within three years after my decease. Item: I give unto my son Joseph my copyhold cottage in Henham aforesaid now and of late in the occupation of David Hall. I also give unto my son Joseph the sum of twenty pounds to be paid him by my executor within seven years after my decease. Item: I give to my daughter Elizabeth the wife of Henry Gardiner the sum of twenty pounds to be paid her by my executor two years after my decease. Item: I give to my daughter Jane the sum of forty pounds to be paid within four years after my decease. Item: I give to my daughter Martha the sum of forty pounds to be paid her by my executor within five years after my decease. Item: I give to my daughter Susanna the sum of forty pounds to be paid by my executor within seven years after my decease. All the rest of my lands, goods, chattels whatsoever I give to my son James whom I also make the sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirteen. Witnessed: Samuel Smith, George Guyver and George Wenham.
D/ACW 24/183 1715 10th May In the name of God Amen I, John Bush of Henham in the County of Essex, butcher, being at this time, praise be unto God, of sound and disposing mind and memory ... Imprimis: I give and devise unto Magdalena my loving wife all that my messuage or tenement with the outhouses, buildings, yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging with their appurtenances situate and being in Henham aforesaid at or near a certain green there called Woodend Green as the said now are or lately was in the tenure or occupation of Richard .. or his assign or assigns to have and to hold unto the said Magdalena my said wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life she and they being and maintaining the said in tenantable repair and after her decease I give and devise all my aforesaid messuage or tenement and .. with their appurtenances unto my nephew Joseph Bush and of the .. of my brother Joseph Bush and to his heirs and assigns forever upon condition nevertheless that he the said Joseph Bush my said nephew his heirs or assigns do and shall within six months next after my said wife's decease well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the rest of the children of the said Joseph Bush my said brother that shall be then living the sum of thirty shillings apiece of lawful money of Great Britain but if the said Joseph Bush my said nephew his heirs or assigns shall refuse or neglect to pay or cause to be paid within six months next after my said wife's decease unto .. of the said children of my said bother Joseph as shall be then living the said sum of thirty shillings apiece or any part or parcel thereof being lawfully demanded then my mind and will is and I do hereby give full power and authority unto the said children of my said brother Joseph or such of them to whom failure of payment shall be made to enter into and upon my aforesaid messuage or tenement and .. and to hold and enjoy the same and the rent .. profits thereof to have, receive and take until the said sum of thirty shillings apiece and every part and parcel thereof together with all costs and charges to be expended ... I give and devise unto the said Magdalena my said wife all that my messuage or tenement with the outhouses, buildings, yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging with their appurtenances situate and being in Henham aforesaid at or near the aforesaid green field called Woodend Green as the house now are or late was in tenure or occupation of Robert Davy the younger or his assign or assigns to have and to hold unto the said Magdalena my said wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life she and they keeping and maintaining the said in suitable repair and after her decease I give and devise all my said last .. messuage or tenement and .. with their appurtenances unto my nephew John Bush the son of my brother Thomas Bush and to his heirs and assigns forever upon condition nevertheless ... the said John Bush my said nephew, his heirs or assigns do and shall within six months next after my said wife's decease well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto his brothers Timothy, Thomas and George Bush the sum of five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike but if the said John Bush my said nephew his heirs or assigns do and shall refuse or neglect to pay or cause to be paid unto the said Timothy, Thomas and George his said brothers the said sum of five pounds or any part thereof within the time hereinbefore .. and appointed for the payment thereof as aforesaid being lawfully demanded then my mind and will is and I do hereby give full power and authority unto the said Timothy, Thomas and George Bush to enter unto and upon my said last mentioned messuage or tenement and .. and to hold and enjoy the said and the rents, .. and profits thereof to have, enjoy and take until the said sum of five pounds and every part thereof together withall costs and charges to be expended with.. laws or otherwise for the recovery thereof shall be fully paid and satisfied. Item: unto my said .. Timothy Bush son of my late said nephew William Bush I give and bequeath the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him by my executrix hereafter named within twelve months next after my decease. Item: to the children of my brothers James Bush and Timothy Bush and of my sisters Ann the wife of Joshua Aylward and Mary the wife of George Munck I give and bequeath the sum of twenty shillings apiece of like lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to them each and every of them within twelve months next after my decease by my said executrix. Item: all the rest and residue of my goods, chattels, cattle, stock and usual estate whatsoever and wheresoever (my debts, legacies .. expenses and charges of proving this my last will being paid and satisfied) I give and bequeath unto the said Magdalena my said wife whom I do nominate, ..,and appoint sole executrix of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said John Bush the testator (revoking all other wills by me at any time hereforeto made) have to this my present last will and testament being .. in three sheets of paper to every of the said sheets set my hand and seal the tenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twelve. Witnessed: George Wenham, Henry Bacon and Richard Turner.
D/ACW 25/80 1718 17th Dec In the name of God Amen I, John Salmon of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being sick and weak in body but of a sound and perfect mind, memory and understanding ... Item: I give and bequeath unto my son John the sum of five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him within twelve months next after my decease by my executrix hereinafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto Mary Salmon the daughter of my said son John Salmon the sum of five pounds of like lawful money to be paid to her at her age of twenty and one years by my executrix hereinafter named. Item: all the rest of my goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever I do hereby give and bequeath the same unto my daughter Mary Salmon and to her assigns she thereout first paying and satisfying all my just debts, funeral charges and the legacies hereby by me given and bequeathed. And I do hereby make and ordain the said Mary Salmon my daughter sole executrix of this my last will and testament In witness whereof (revoking all former and other wills whatsoever by me at any time heretofore made) To this my last will and testament I have set my hand and seal the fifth day of December in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George by the grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1717. Witnessed: Anne O'Game, George Rand and William .. .
D/ACW 26/2/35 1723 1st Sept In the name of God Amen, the Seventh day of February in the ninth year of the Reign of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred twenty two, three I, Simon Franklin of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being of good health and a sound disposing mind and memory .. Item: I give and bequeath unto Dorothy my loving wife for and during the term of her natural life all that my messuage or tenement in Bishop Stortford in the County of Hertford wherein Henry Teddar, husbandman, doth now dwell with the yards, gardens, orchards, and backsides thereunto belonging To have and to hold the said messuage or tenement and premises with all and every of their appurtenances unto the said Dorothy my wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life, and from and after the decease of the said Dorothy my wife, I then give and devise the said messuage or tenement and premises unto Thomas Franklin my son and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten for ever But if it should happen that the said Thomas Franklin my son shall die and depart this life without issue of his body lawfully begotten that then my mind and will is and I do hereby give and devise the said messuage or tenement and premises with the appurtenances unto my three daughters (viz) Rose, Mary and Sarah and to their heirs to be sold and disposed of by them and the monies thereof that shall be made I do order and direct shall be equally divided amongst them, share and share alike. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Rose Lambert the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of Great Britain And also one feather bed, one feather bolster, one feather pillow and a pillow bear to be paid and delivered to her within one year next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Clarke the sum of ten pounds of like lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to her within one year next after my decease Both by my executrix hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Sarah Fleetwood one feather bed, one feather bolster, one feather pillow and a pillow bear to be delivered to her within one year next after my decease by my executrix. All the rest and residue of my goods, cattle, chattels, moveables, household goods and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I wholly give, devise and bequeath them unto the said Dorothy my loving wife She paying my just debts, legacies and funeral charges as also the interest for the money I borrowed upon the security of my said messuage or tenement and premises and helping and maintaining the same in tenantable repair during the term of her natural life. And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint the said Dorothy my loving wife sole and only executrix of this my last will and testament and do devise her faithfully to perform the same. In witness whereof I the said Simon Franklin the testator have caused this my last will and testament to be written and read and have declared the same (which is contained in one sheet of paper) to be my only last will and testament revoking and disannulling all other wills and testaments by me formerly made and I have to this set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Witnessed: William Westwood, Thomas Slater and John Slater.
D/ACW 26/7/53 1728 5th Nov In the Name of God Amen the fourth day of October in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and twenty eight I, Joseph Wilkinson of Henham on the Mount in the County of Essex, husbandman, being aged and infirm but of sound mind and memory ... I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth all that my freehold messuage or tenement withall appurtenances in South Street in the parish of Bishops Stortford in the county of Hertford now in the tenure or occupation of Thomas Shott (?) and of his heirs and assign or assigns to have and to hold the said messuage or tenement and premises unto her the said Elizabeth my wife for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and bequeath the said messuage or tenement and premises unto my two daughters (viz) Mary the wife of William Bacon of Henham aforesaid, maltster, and the said Elizabeth the wife of the said Thomas Gridley of Henham aforesaid, grocer, and to their heirs and assigns forever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my said two daughters (viz) the said Mary the wife of the said William Bacon and to the said Elizabeth the wife of the said Thomas Gridley and to their heirs and assigns forever all that my messuage or tenement and farm withall the appurtenances in Ugley alias Oakley in the said county of Essex together with all the lands, meadows and pastures with their appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in anyway appertaining All with said copyhold messuage or tenement, lands and premises are now in the tenure or occupation of the said William Bacon, his assigns .. or assigns and also all other my lands and tenement with their appurtenances in Ugley aforesaid or elsewhere in the said county of Essex nevertheless it is my will and meaning and I do hereby give and devise thereout unto my said loving wife Elizabeth one annuity or yearly rent charge of seven pounds of lawfully money of Great Britain clear of all taxes and charges whatsoever to be by her .. and to be thereout issuing for and during the term of her natural life to be paid to her at two equal payments in the year (that is to say) at Lady Day and Michaelmas the first payment to be made and to be by her received and taken at which of the said feasts shall next happen after my decease And upon non payment of the said annuity I give her power to discharge. Item: all my goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever (my debts and funeral expenses being first paid and satisfied I give, devise and bequeath the same unto my loving wife Elizabeth and I do hereby make, nominate and appoint my said loving wife Elizabeth sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do also hereby utterly disallow and revoke and make void all former and other wills and testaments, legacies, bequests and .. by me in anyway before this .. made named will bequeathed satisfying and confirming this and no other 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. Witnessed: Timothy Bush, Henry Bacon and Richard Stanes (?)

I Elizabeth Wilkinson of the parish of Henham in the County of Essex do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I am one of those Dissenters from the Church of England called a Quaker and that I do believe this paper to contain the true last will and testament of Joseph Wilkinson my deceased husband and that I am sole executrix therein named and that I will faithfully discharge the office of an executrix by paying first the debts and then the legacies so far as the estate shall extend and the law shall require and that I shall give in a true inventory and pass a just account of my executorship when lawfully required to do so And I further solemnly and sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the personal estate is under the value of twenty pounds. This affirmation was taken on Nov. 15th 1728.
D/ACW 27/1/30 1729 20th Nov In the name of God Amen I, John Newland of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being under bodily disposition but (thanks be to God) of a sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament. In and by which I give and devise and bequeath unto George Newland my oldest son all that my freehold messuage or tenement called Raleys alias Coopers Hall situate in Henham aforesaid now in the tenure and occupation of - Trott, his assign or assigns to have and to hold the said tenement with all its appurtenances unto him the said George and to his heirs and assigns for ever. Item: I give now unto the said George all that my freehold messuage situate, lying and being in Rickling in the county of Essex aforesaid now or late in the tenure and occupation of one Robert Scotcher and my sister Mary Newland to have and to hold the said messuage with all and every its appurtenances unto him the said George and to his heirs and assigns for ever but upon this condition notwithstanding that he suffer my sister Newland peaceably and quietly to occupy that part of the house wherein she now dwell and that part of the yard and orchard she now occupieth at the yearly rent of twenty shillings per annum for and during the term of her natural life if she continues my brother's widow. I give, devise and bequeath unto Susanna my loving wife one annuity or yearly rent charge of five pounds per annum to be issuing and payable out of all my estate whatsoever both copyhold and freehold situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid and county of Essex aforesaid, except Coopers Hall, to have and to hold the said annuity or yearly rent charge of five pounds freely discharged and exonerated from all and all manner of taxes and encumbrances whatsoever unto her the said Susanna my wife for and during the term of her natural life provided she keeps her self all unmarried but otherwise this gift and grant to cease and be utterly void the said annuity to be paid quarterly by even and equal portions upon the four most usual feasts or days of payment in the year, that is to say upon the 25th of March, the twenty fourth of June, the twenty ninth of September and the twenty fifth of December the first payment to be made upon the first of those feast days which shall happen after my decease And if it shall happen that the said annuity be behind and unpaid whether in parts or in all by the space of one month next after any of the said days of payment on which the sums ought to have been paid (having been lawfully demanded) then in such case it shall be lawful to and for the said Susanna my wife and I do hereby authorise and empower her to enter upon the said estate or any part of it and there to distress for her said annuity or ... and such distress or distresses so made from time to time as often as would, shall be and to drive and carry away, keep, sell and dispose of until her said annuity and every part of it be fully satisfied and paid together with all such charges as she shall necessarily expend in the recovery thereof. Item: I give now unto the said Susanna my wife her dwelling in the lower room called the Hall in the house wherein I now dwell and also in the parlour and two other lower rooms next adjoining for her necessary use for and during the term of her natural life provided she keeps a widow as aforesaid. Item: I give now unto the said Susanna my wife fifteen rods or poles of ground out of the orchard at the end of the room called the Hall to be measured to her as may be most convenient for her to enjoy to have and to hold the said piece or parcel of the orchard for and during the term of her natural life except she marry as aforesaid. And my mind and will is that what I have given unto the said Susanna my wife shall be no hindrance or impediment to her full and .. enjoyment of her thirds in all or any of my freehold messuages, lands and premises situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid (except Coopers Hall) but that she shall as freely and as amply enjoy her said thirds as she would have done by the laws of this land if this my will had never been made. Item: I give, devise and bequeath unto John Newland my younger son all my real estate, messuages, lands and premises whatsoever both copyhold and freehold situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid either in my own occupation or the occupation of any other person or persons except only what before given and granted to have and to hold the said messuages, lands and premises with their every of their appurtenances unto him the said John and to his heirs and assigns forever provided and upon this condition that he at his own charge do cut, make up and cart home so much wood every year in its due season as my wife shall want to burn And my mind and will is that all the fire coal arising upon my personal estate and every part of it shall be for the use of my wife during the term of her natural life least she won't except she marry as aforesaid and if the said John my son neglect or refuse to lay in my wife's firing then it shall be lawful for her to take it and also destroy it for all charge she shall expend in cutting and carrying home as much and with as free power as she is able to do for any part of her aforesaid annuity. Item: my will is that my sister Mary Newland shall have the use of her linen that is in my house at Rickling as long as she continues my brother's widow. Item: I give more unto the said Susanna my wife one third part of my household goods in value but to be chosen by her in such things as she shall think most necessary for her use. All the rest and residue of my household goods, stock of my farm and all my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give, devise and bequeath unto my son John whom I make and appoint sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former will. I do declare that it is written in these two sheets of paper in my very last will having been read over unto me and is in all particulars as I would have it to be In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seven and twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twenty eight. Witnessed: Samuel Smith, William Bush and John Wilmot.
D/ACW 27/1/41 1729 20th Oct In the name of God Amen I, Lambert Savill of Henham in the County of Essex, wheelwright, being indisposed as to my bodily health but, thanks be to God, of a sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in and by which I give and bequeath unto Jane my loving wife All that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell in Henham aforesaid with all and every its appurtenances and also all and singular my copyhold or customary lands and pasture ground whatsoever in Henham aforesaid and also .. with their and every of their appurtenances to have and to hold the said messuage, lands and premises for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease to be and remain to the issue of my body on her body lawfully begotten to be and for want of such issue I give and bequeath the said messuage, lands and premises with their appurtenances (after the decease of the said Jane my wife) unto my nephew Lambert Savill oldest son of my brother Jonathan Savill of White Roothing in the county of Essex to have and to hold the said messuage, lands and premises unto him the said Lambert Savill and to his heirs and assigns for ever. But my mind and will is And I do hereby give and devise and bequeath unto the above Lambert Savill my nephew one annuity or yearly rent charge of twenty shillings p... to be issuing and payable out of the said messuage wherein I dwell with the lands thereunto belonging to be paid yearly by the said Jane my wife for and during her life provided she has no issue by me begotten And if the said Jane my wife refuse or neglects to pay the said annuity or rent charge of twenty shillings by the space of twenty eight days after the same becomes due and payable the same having been lawfully demanded: then in such case my mind and will is and I do hereby empower the said Lambert Savill from time to time and at all times as often as the case requires to enter upon the said messuage, lands and premises or any parts of them and make, dispose and such distress or distresses so made to carry away, destroy and keep and also to sell until the said Lambert Savill be fully paid and satisfied in his said annuity with all arrears if any be and also all such charges as he shall necessarily expend in the recovery of it and also my mind and will is that the first yearly payment of the said twenty shillings shall be made the first Michaelmas after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath the sum of five pounds unto Elsie the wife of John Wren of Broxted in the county of Essex to be paid by my executrix within one year after my decease. All the rest and residue of my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give, devise and bequeath unto the said Jane my wife whom I do make and appoint full and sole executrix of this my last will and testament and do thereby revoke all other and former wills In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twentieth day of August Anno Dom. 1729. Witnessed: Margaret Cornell, Richard Clarke and Elizabeth Wright.
D/ACW 27/5/32 1733 18th Oct In the name of God Amen I, John Wilmot of Henham in the County of Essex, carpenter, being aged and infirm but of a sound and disposing mind and memory (thanks to God for the same) do make this my last will and testament. In and by which I give, devise and bequeath unto Mary the wife of John Barnard of Henham my niece all that my customary or copyhold messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell situate in Henham aforesaid with all the barns, stables, buildings, yards, gardens and orchards thereunto belonging and all other appurtenances to have and to hold the said messuage or tenement with appurtenances unto the said Mary Barnard and to her heirs and assigns for ever. I give now unto the said Mary Barnard my .., my brewing copper, a pair of tramells and a dresser board all withall are in the kitchen in my dwelling house. I give and bequeath unto John Barker of Manuden my former apprentice all my working or carpenters tools. I give and bequeath unto Anna Maria the wife of George Munck of Henham aforesaid all the rest of my moveables or household goods whatsoever and I do nominate and appoint my niece Mary Barnard full and sole executrix of this my will hereby revoking all other and former wills by me heretofore made and I do declare that it is written in this single sheet of paper is my very last will and testament written by my order and has been read over unto me and it is in all things as I would have it to be. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this six and twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty one. Witnessed: Elizabeth Eldrett (?), Sarah Moor and Richard Clarke.
D/ACW 28/2/32 1735 23rd Oct In the name of God Amen I, Richard Bush of Henham in the County of Essex, carpenter, being aged but (thanks be to God) of a sound memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last will and testament In and by which I give, devise and bequeath unto William Bush my son all that my cottage or tenement situate in Henham aforesaid now or late in the tenure and occupation of one John Thoroughgood to have and to hold the same cottage or tenement withall the outhouses, yards, gardens and other appurtenances unto him the said William and to his heirs and assigns forever. I give, devise and bequeath unto Richard Bush my grandson the orchard belonging to the house wherein I now dwell situate in Henham aforesaid and county aforesaid to have and to hold the said orchard unto him the said Richard and to his heirs and assigns forever. I give, devise and bequeath unto Thomasin my wife one annuity or yearly rent charge of six pounds if and used for and during the term of her natural life to be issuing and payable out of all my messuages, lands and premises whatsoever situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid except what I have hereby and herewith already disposed of to be paid to her the said Thomasin quarterly by even and equal portions upon the four most usual feasts or days of payment in the year (viz: upon the twenty ninth day of September, the twenty fifth of December, the twenty fifth of March and the twenty fourth of June and if it shall happen that the said annuity be behind and unpaid in parts or in all by the space of eight and twenty days next after any of the days of payment on which the same ought to have been paid having been lawfully demanded then in such cases I do hereby authorise and empower the said Thomasin my wife or her assigns to enter upon the said premises or any parts of them from time to time and at all times as often as the case may require and distress for her said annuity the arrears if any be and such dispose or distresses so made to take, drive, load, carry away, impound and keep and if not redeemed in six days after the said distress is made the same to sell and by the money to take to her own use until her said annuity and every part of it with all arrears if any be together with all charges necessarily expended in the recovery thereof be fully satisfied and paid. Item: I give, devise and bequeath all the aforesaid messuage, lands and premises with all and every of their appurtenances to William Bush my son and to Richard Bush my grandson to be equally divided between them to have and to hold the said unto messuage, lands and premises unto them the said William Bush my son and to Richard Bush my grandson for and during the natural life of the said William my son and upon this condition that the said William my son and Richard Bush my grandson do equally and share and share alike, pay and discharge those legacies as following (NR) Unto John Moor my son in law the sum of five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid two years after the decease of Thomasin my wife and until Martha Gailer my daughter the sum of five pounds of like law full money to be paid four years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife and unto Jane Bush my daughter the sum of five pounds of like law full money to be paid six years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife and unto William Bush my grandson the sum of ten pounds of like law full money to be paid eight years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife and unto Ann the daughter of the said William Bush my son the sum of ten pounds of like law full money to be paid ten years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife and unto Mary daughter of the said William my son the sum of five pounds of like law full money to be paid twelve years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife and unto Timothy Bush my grandson the sum of two (?) pounds of like law full money to be paid fourteen years after the decease of the said Thomasin my wife. And if the said William my son and Richard my grandson shall neglect or refuse to pay the said several legacies or any of them by the space of eight and twenty days after they or any of them shall become due and payable the same being lawfully demanded Then in such case I do authorise and empower all or any of the said legatees whose respective legacy or legacies are behind and unpaid either in part or in all to enter the said messuages, lands and premises or upon any parts of them in the name of the whole and the rent, issues and profits of them to receive and take as much as if it was their own estate until they or any of them be fully paid their said several and respective legacies as specified in this my will together with all charges that shall be necessarily expended by them or any of them in .. recovery of their said several and respective legacies And my mind and will is that the said William my son and Richard my grandson shall both live in the house wherein I now dwell with free use of all the outhouses and all other the office thereunto belonging to one of them as well as to the other. Item: from and after the decease of Thomasin my wife and William my son I give and bequeath unto Ann the wife of the said William my son one annuity of forty shillings per annum to be issuing and payable out of all the aforesaid messuages, lands and premises to have and to hold the said annuity for and during the term of her natural life and also with the same powers and privileges to distrain for the same if it be behind and unpaid and is granted herein and hereby to Thomasin my wife for her said annuity of six pounds per annum. Item: from and after the decease of the said William my son give, devise and bequeath all and singular the said messuages, lands and premises unto Richard my grandson to have and hold the said messuages, lands and premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto him the said Richard my grandson and to his heirs and assigns for ever subject notwithstanding to the above annuities and also the payment of all and every of the said legacies as did not become due and payable during the natural life of the said William my son. Item: All my household goods and all my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give, devise and bequeath unto William my son and Richard my grandson to be equally divided between them share and share alike who I do make and appoint joint executors of this my last will and testament and hereby revoking all other and former wills by me made. I do declare that what is written in these two sheets of paper was written by my order and is my very last will and testament having been read over to me and is in all things as I would have it to be. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this one and twentieth day of July Anno Dom. 1729. Witnessed: John Wilmot, ..? and Richard Clarke. Probate granted 23rd Oct 1735 to Richard Bush grandson and surviving executor.
D/ACW 28/3/34 1736 11th Oct In the name of God Amen I, John Moore of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being aged but of a sound and perfect mind and memory and understanding ... Item: I give and bequeath unto Margaret Moore and unto Sarah Moore my daughters all that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell together with the houses, outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards, backsides with all appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging to have and to hold to them the said Margaret and Sarah my daughters and their assigns so long as they both shall live, but as soon and when ever it shall happen that either of them my said daughters shall die and depart this life, my will and meaning is and I do hereby give and devise all that my aforementioned messuage with the yards, orchards, buildings and all other appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the other longer liver of them the said Margaret and Sarah my daughters and unto the heirs and assigns of the longer liver of them for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Hayden the wife of Richard Hayden of Debden in the said county of Essex, carpenter, the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid by my executrixes hereafter named within twelve months next after my decease. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Cason the wife of John Cason of London, joiner, the sum of twenty shillings of lawful money to be paid to her within twelve months next after my decease if lawfully demanded of my executrixes hereafter named. Item: I give and bequeath all my goods, chattels, household stuff and all other my personal estate whatsoever unto the said Margaret Moore and Sarah Moore my daughters to be equally divided between them share and share alike they thereout first paying and satisfying all my just debts, funeral charges and the legacies hereby given and bequeathed. And I do hereby make and ordain the said Margaret Moore and Sarah Moore my daughters sole and joint executrixes of this my last will and testament to which I have set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of October in the fourth year of our Sovereign Lord George by the grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the faith Anno Dom. 1717 and likewise before the signing and sealing hereof I do hereby revoke all former wills by me formerly made. Witnessed: Sarah Dennis, John Wilmot and Matthew Turner.
D/ACW 28/6/14 1739 30 April In the name of God Amen I, Robert Hammond of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being aged but of a sound mind, memory and understanding, thanks be to God for it, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following, that is to say, I give and bequeath unto my grandson Thomas Tinge (?) and to his heirs and assigns for ever all that my freehold messuage or tenement in Henham aforesaid wherein I now dwell with the barn, outhouses, buildings and appurtenances thereunto belonging and also all that part of an orchard and pond next adjoining to the said messuage or tenement. Lastly I give and bequeath unto my grandson Thomas Tinge (?) whom I do nominate, constitute and appoint my sole executor of this my last will and testament all the residue and remainder of my goods and chattels and household stuff and all my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever Devising him as he shall see occasion to be kind to his Grandmother Mary Brand. My further will is to nominate and appoint William Bacon elder of Henham in the county aforesaid to be Guardian for the said Thomas Tinge and do utterly revoke and disannul all former wills, legacies and bequests by me any ways beforenamed: satisfying and confirming this to be my last will and testament all things are concerned according to my devise In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of May in the Year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight. Witnessed: Joseph Richards clerk, Henry Bacon and Thomas Gowuck (?).
D/ACW 28/6/15 1739 30th April In the name of God so be it, I John Newland of Henham on the Mount in the County of Essex, yeoman, being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, praised be God for the same and considering the uncertainty of human life do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, First I give and bequeath unto my eldest son John Newland all those my two freehold tenements, barn and orchards with the appurtenances now in possession of William Reynolds and William Trott in Henham aforesaid and also one acre and a half of copyhold pasture land now in my own occupation abutting upon the said freehold orchard towards the north to hold to my said son John Newland, his heirs and assigns for ever upon condition that he my said son John Newland shall and do thereout pay or cause to be paid unto my wife Ann Newland one annuity or yearly sum of forty shillings for and during the term of her natural life in case she shall continue sole and unmarried till my youngest child of which she is now .. shall attain to the age of twelve years and .. otherwise and also upon condition that he my said sole son John shall permit and suffer my said wife Ann Newland to live and dwell in the said tenement in possession of said William Reynolds and also to have the lopps of all the pollards usually lopped growing on the said premises for their firecoal so long as she shall continue sole and unmarried and no longer and also upon this further condition that he my said son John Newland shall pay or cause to be paid unto my daughter Ann Newland the sum of thirty pounds and to my youngest child of which my wife is now big the sum of twenty pounds within one year after the death of my said wife Ann Newland. Also I give and bequeath unto my wife Ann Newland all that piece or parcel of copyhold land containing two acres and three roods more or less lying in Hide Common in Henham aforesaid with the appurtenances To hold to my said wife An Newland her heirs and assigns for ever Upon this express condition that she shall as soon as conveniently may be after my decease at the discretion of my friend Mister William Canning sell and dispose of the same and apply the monies thereby arising towards paying of my debts and financial charges but in case my personal estate shall be sufficient to pay the same then I give and bequeath the said piece or parcel of copyhold land unto my wife Ann Newland for and during the term of her natural life only and from and after her decease then I give and bequeath the same unto my said eldest son John Newland to hold to him, his heirs and assigns for ever upon condition that he my said son John shall and do thereout pay or cause to be paid unto my said child of which my said wife is now big the sum of ten pounds within one year after my said wife's decease Also I give and bequeath unto my son William Newland all those two pieces or parcels of copyhold land lying in Platts Common in Henham aforesaid containing together by estimation one acre and a half more or less with the appurtenances To hold the same to my said son William Newland, his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and bequeath unto my son James Newland all that copyhold house, barn and orchard in Henham aforesaid with the appurtenances now in possession of William Umwill and also all that pasture field thereto adjoining containing half an acre more or less now in my own occupation to hold to my said son James, his heirs and assigns for ever Upon condition that he my said son James Newland shall and do thereout pay or cause to be paid unto my said youngest child of which my said wife is now big the sum of ten pounds within one year after my said wife's decease and also shall and do pay or cause to be paid unto my said wife Ann one annuity or yearly sum of twenty shillings a year for and during the term of her natural life in case she continues sole and unmarried until my said child of which my said wife is now big shall attain the age of twelve years and not otherwise but in case the said piece of land in the common so bequeathed to my said wife to be sold shall happen not to be sold Then it is my mind and will and I do hereby direct that my said son James shall be discharged from the payment of the said legacy of ten pounds and from the payment of the said annuity of twenty shillings a year to my said wife And it is my mind and will and I do hereby direct that my wife Ann Newland shall collect and receive the rents and profits of all my houses and lands so bequeathed to my said children until my youngest child shall attain the age of one and twenty years in case she shall continue sole and unmarried she thereout keeping and maintaining all my said children and keeping the said premises in repair but in case my said wife shall marry again then I do hereby direct that my said friend William Canning shall receive the said rents and manage the said premises for the use of all my said children and further I do hereby direct that my said wife shall have the use of such part of my household goods as the said William Canning shall think proper so long as she shall continue sole and unmarried and no longer. All the rest and residue of my goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my said friend William Canning upon condition that he shall and do so soon as conveniently may be sell and dispose of the same and the money thereby arising after payments of my debts and funeral expenses apply to the use and benefit of all my children share and share alike and I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said wife Ann Newland sole executrix of this my will hereby revoking all former wills heretofore made. In witness whereof I the said John Newland the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to the first my hand and to the last my hand and seal have set this seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight. Witnessed: Joseph Richards, Richard Bush and Peter Calvert.
D/ACW 28/7/7 1739 25th July Thomas Playle of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman. Gives his wife Mary a yearly sum of £10 in two payments, at Lady Day and Michaelmas Day. She is also to receive a sum of £10. He leaves his four brothers (Henry Playle, Joseph Playle, David Playle and William Playle) £10 each. To his nephew Thomas Playle, son of David Playle, he leaves £5. To his nephew John Playle, son of William Playle of Linton, he leaves all his messuages, house, tenements in Stebbing or in any other town or parish. He appoints his loving cousin and friend Jeremiah Perry of Streethall in Essex as sole executor. Dated the 25th July in the thirteenth year of the reign of George the Second and in the year of our Lord One thousand, seven hundred and thirty nine. Witnessed by William Bacon, Thomas Gridley (?) and John Rowley.
D/ACW 29/1/10 1741 2nd April In the name of God Amen I, George Munck of Henham in the Mountin the County of Essex, cordwainer, being thanks be to God, of a sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament In and by which I give, devise and bequeath all my effects in Henham both house and lands both copyhold and freehold unto James Munck my youngest son to have and to hold the said house and lands both copyhold and freehold with all and every their apputernances unto him the said James my son and to his heirs and assigns for ever provided and upon this condition that the said James do well and truly pay unto my son George and to my son John and to my daughter Mary the wife of James Prior and to my daughter Ann the wife of ... at Rickling in the said county the sum of forty shillings apiece of lawful money of Great Britain within three months after my decease and if any of the said legacies of forty shillings apiece or all of them or any part of them or any of them shall be behind and unpaid by the space of one month after they become due and payable having been lawfully demanded then in such case it shall be lawful for all or any of them whos elegacies or legacy is or are unpaid to enter upon my said estate and the same to hold and take the rents and profits of it until they or any of them have received their legacy or legacies in full together with all charges necessarily expended in the recovery of them. Item: all my personal estate as household goods, working tools and all whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath unto my said son James who I make full and sole executor of this my last will and hereby revoking all other wills. I do declare this to be my very last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and thirty. Witnessed: Thomas Gridley, Robert Coe (?) and Richard Clarke.
D/ACW 29/2/36 1742 11th Oct In the name of God Amen I, William Wright of Henham on the Mount in the County of Essex, wheelwright, being in good health of body and of a sound and disposing mind and memory ... I give, devise and bequeath unto my loving wife Elizabeth all that my messuage or tenement commonly called or known by the name of 'Duncher' (?) with all the yards, gardens, orchards, barns, outhouses, buildings and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging all which said premises are situate and being in the said parish of Henham and are holden of the Manor of Henham otherwise Henham Hall by me .. of Court Rolls and thew Reversion and Reversion Remainder and Remainder rents, issues and profits thereof with the appurtenances to have and to hold all and singular the said premises above mentioned with the appurtenances unto the only proper uses and behoof of my said wife, her heirs and assigns forever, and as to all the rest and residue of my real estate and the whole of my personal estate wheresoever and of what nature in kind so ever that I shall be seized or possessed as at the time of my decease after my said just debts , funeral expenses and charges of proving this my last will and testament are first thereout paid and satisfied I give, devise and bequeath the same unto my said wife and her heirs for ever, and I do hereby nominate and appoint my said wife sole executrix of this my last will and testament, and hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any tome hereuntofore made I do declare these presents only to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said testator abovenamed have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of July in the ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven hundred and Thirty five. Witnessed: John Mead, Timothy Bush and Richard Lake.
D/ACW 29/4/24 1744 1st Nov Timothy Bush of Henham (in the Mount) in the County of Essex, butcher. Being in a bad state of health but sound in mind. Bequeaths five shillings to his son John Bush who has already had a large share of Timothy's effects. He bequeaths to his son Timothy all his houses and lands both freehold and copyhold in Henham. He bequeaths £5 to his son William and 40 shillings to his daughter Mary, wife of Henry Fletcher. He bequeaths 40 shillings to his daughter Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Fuller. He bequeaths £15, bed and bedding in his best chamber to his daughter Sarah. The remainder of the estate is bequeathed to Timothy who is appointed sole executor. Witnessed by Thomas Gridley, Thomas Bridge and the mark of Robert Coe. Dated 11th Dec 1742.
D/ACW 29/6/22 1746 10th July I Andrew Willey of the parish of Henham in the County of Essex, gentleman, being of sound mind and disposing memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following. And first I give and devise unto Sarah my beloved wife all that my messuage or tenement with the barns, stables, buildings, yards and gardens thereunto belonging and all and singular the lands and grounds to the said messuage or tenement also belonging or with the same used or enjoyed with their appurtenances being part freehold and part copyhold and the said copyhold being held of the several manors of Tilty and Pledgdon Hall in the said county of Essex All which said premises are situate, lying and being in the said parish of Henham and are now in my own occupation and .. the occupation of James Barker or our respective assigns to hold the same unto the said Sarah my said wife for the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and devise all the said premises unto my son John Willey and his heirs for ever. Also I give to my said wife the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to her by my executor hereinafter named within six months after my decease And moreover I do give and bequeath the bed and bedding and all belonging to it and the chest of drawers and all other the household goods and furniture usually being in the chamber over the dairy of my now dwelling house unto the said Sarah my said wife for her own proper use. Also I give and devise unto my daughter Sarah Willey all those my three crofts of land called Platts Crofts lying and being in Henham aforesaid And all that my other piece or parcel of land containing seven roods more or less lying and being also in Henham aforesaid in a common field there called Hide Common otherwise Copperton Field with every of their appurtenances. Also .. said last mentioned lands are now in my own occupation and are copyhold held of the Manor of Henham or Henham Hall To hold the same unto the said Sarah my said daughter and her heirs of her body lawfully to be begotten. And for want of such issue I give and devise the same last mentioned lands unto my said son John Willey and his heirs for ever. And further I give to my said daughter Sarah Willey the sum of ten pounds to be paid to her by my executor hereafter named within six months after my decease. Also I give to my daughter Jane the now wife of John Lindsell the sum of ten pounds to be paid to her by my said executor within one year after my decease. And I do give to my grandson Willey Stock the sum of twenty pounds to be paid to him by my said executor at his age of one and twenty years, in case my said grandson shall live to attain that age. If not otherwise all the rest or residue of my monies, cattle, cow, farming stock, household stuff, goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever, after my debts, legacies and funeral expenses paid, I give and bequeath to my said son John Willey for his own proper benefit And I do make and constitute my said son John Willey sole executor of this my last will and testament. And I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills and testaments by me made. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of November in the eighteenth year of the reign of George the Second King of Great Britain .. and in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred forty and four. Witnessed: Sarah Gilder, Henry Gilder and Thomas Bridge.
D/ACW 30/10/15 1757 16th July William Stanes senior of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman. I give and devise to Mary my beloved wife and her heirs and assigns for ever. All those my several closes or parcels of land hereinafter mentioned, being part of and belonging to a messuage or tenement called Rolfes or otherwise (that is to say) all that close or parcel called Upper Rolls containing by estimation three acres more or less, and all that other close or parcel of land thereunto adjoining called Lower Rolls containing by estimation three acres more or less; And all that close or parcel called Short Croft containing by estimation three acres more or less: And also all those two pieces or parcels of land lying in a Common field called Outfield, in or near that part thereof which is called Plumtree Corner containing together by estimation three acres be the same more or less with their and every of their appurtenances. All which said lands are lying and being in Henham aforesaid and are now in my own occupation and are part of the lands which I purchased of Andrew Fuller to hold all and every the said lands to the said Mary my wife and her heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and devise unto my eldest son William Stanes all that messuage or tenement called Rolfes with the barns and stables, outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards, lands, grounds and tenements thereunto belonging situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid, and now in my own occupation and in the occupation of John Brand or our respective assigns other than and except the said lands hereinbefore devised to the said Mary my wife and her heirs, being by me esteemed to be freehold To hold the same until my said son William Stanes and his assigns for and during the term of his natural life, And from and after his decease, I give and devise the said messuage or tenement, lands and premises last hereinbefore devised with their appurtenances To the first son of the body of my said son William Stanes lawfully begotten or to be begotten and the heir of the body of such first son lawfully issuing, And for default of such issue To the second, third and fourth and all and every other son and sons of the body of my said son William Stanes lawfully begotten or to be begotten, severally, successively and in remainder, one after another, in order and course, as they shall be in seniority of age and priority of birth, and other several heirs of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons respectively lawfully.. the elder of each son and the heirs of his body being always preferred and to take before the younger of them and the heirs of his or their body and bodies .., and for default of such issue, I give and devise all the said last mentioned messuage, lands and premises to Mary the daughter of my son William Stanes and her heirs and assigns for ever Also I give and devise to my youngest son James Stanes all that copyhold messuage or tenement called Hubbards or otherwise and also the barns, stables, outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards, lands, grounds and tenements both freehold and copyhold belonging with their and every of their appurtenances situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid and now in my own occupation and in the occupation of my said son James or our respective assigns To Hold the same premises unto my said son James Stanes and his assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after his decease I give and devise the same premises unto his son James Stanes and his heirs and assigns forever Also I give and devise unto the said Mary my wife and her heirs and assigns forever all those my lands and woodgrounds containing by estimation eleven acres otherwise more or less with the appurtenances situate, lying and being in Broxted in the said county of Essex and now in my own occupation And I do give and bequeath all my moneys, credits, cattle, farming, stock, household stuff, goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever (after my debts and funeral charges paid) unto the said Mary my wife to be by her disposed of as she shall think fit. And I do make and appoint the said Mary my wife sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament (I have already provided fully for my sons Joseph Stanes and Henry Stanes which is the reason of my not giving them any thing by this my Will and I do hereby revoke and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me made in witness whereof I have both in my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand to the first sheet thereof and to the last sheet thereof my hand and seal this nineteenth day of February in the year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred fifty and seven. Witnessed: Thomas Bridge, Daniel Heard and George William Robinson.

nb: the names Lower Rolls, Upper Rolls, Short Croft and Rolfes (a messuage and farm in Pledgdon) can be found elsewhere on this website with dates going back to the early 1600s and also feature in the webpage of the GILBEY ESTATE
D/ACW 30/10/25 1757 7th Nov In the Name of God Amen I John Squire of Henham in the County of Essex, victualler, being at this time of sound, perfect and well disposing mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following, That is to say, I give and devise to Mary my loving wife and to her heirs and assigns for ever All and singular my messuages, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances situate, lying and being in the parish and bounds of Henham aforesaid. Also I give and bequeath unto the said Mary my wife all and singular my goods, chattels, monies, rights, credits and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever she paying thereout my just debts, funeral charges, probate of this my will and all other incident charges. And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint the said Mary my wife to be sole executrix of this my will and testament. In witness whereof I the said John Squire have hereunto set my hand and seal the tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven. Witnessed: Richard Bush, Henry Bacon and William Canning.
D/ACW 30/5/2 1752/3 1st Jan George Hills of Henham (on the Mount) in the County of Essex, grocer. Bequeaths to his wife Elizabeth, also appointed sole executrix, his copyhold messuage or tenement together with the outhouses, edifices or buildings, yards and gardens which he recently bought from Jane Welch and Michael Welch of Epping, carpenter, situated in Henham of the Mount. To his sons Humphrey Hills, James Hills, Joseph Hills and Obediah Hills he bequeaths five shillings each. He similarly bequeaths five shillings each to his daughters Elizabeth Hills , Mary Hills, Sarah Hills and Phoebe Hills. Dated 29th July 1735. Witnessed by Thomas Hide, Thomas & Mary Franklyn.
D/ACW 30/6/10 1753 25th June In the Name of God Amen I Robert Bartrop of Henham (in the Mount) in the County of Essex, husbandman, being of sound and perfect mind and memory ... I give, devise and dispose thereof as followeth. First I give and devise unto my son Thomas Bartrop and to his heirs and assigns all that my copyhold messuage or tenement situate, lying and being in Henham in the Mount aforesaid with the orchard and barn thereunto belonging as the same are now in the tenure or occupation of myself and of Timothy Bush to hold to him my said son Thomas Bartrop, his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and devise unto my daughter Mary Bartrop and to her heirs All that my copyhold messuage or tenement situate, lying and being in Henham in the Mount aforesaid with the orchard and shop thereunto belonging as the same are now in the tenure and occupation of James Reynolds or his assigns to hold to her my said daughter Mary Bartrop and to her heirs for ever. Also I give and bequeath unto my beloved friend Richard Oakman of Henham in the Mount aforesaid, carpenter, the sum of five shillings earnestly desiring him the said Richard Oakman to see that this my will be in all things punctually observed and performed And lastly as to all the real residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods and chattels of what kind or nature soever, after payment of my debts, legacy, funeral expenses, probate of this my last will and testament and other incidental charges, I give and bequeath the same unto my said son Thomas Bartrop and my said daughter Mary Bartrop to be equally divided between them And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said beloved friend Richard Oakman of Henham in the Mount aforesaid, carpenter, executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of January in the seventeenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the faith and so forth And in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and forty three. Witnessed: Timothy Bush and THomas Bridge.
D/ACW 30/9/18 1756 16th Dec In the Name of God Amen I James Foster of Henham (on the Mount) in the County of Essex, yeoman, being of sound and perfect memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, I give to Hester my beloved wife the feather bed with the bedstead and furniture thereunto belonging together with the bolster pillows, sheets, blankets and quilt thereunto also belonging and likewise all and singular such other goods and competent furniture as she shall have occasion for the furnishing of one room. Also I give to each of my two daughters Elizabeth Foster and Hester Foster one feather bed apiece with the bedstead and all the bedding thereunto belonging. Also I give to my said wife five pounds yearly to be paid to her out of my personal estate by my executor hereinafter named during the term of her natural life or in lieu thereof (if she my said wife shall choose it) ). I devise and charge that my said executor may sufficiently provide for and maintain her my said wife with all things necessary during her life. Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Foster sixty pounds to be paid to her by my said executor out of my personal estate within twelve months next after my decease. Also I give and forgive to my son John Foster one hundred and thirty pounds principal money together with all such interest money as shall be due to me on his bond at the time of my decease provided that he my said son John Foster shall and do pay to my daughter Hester Foster sixty pounds within twelve months next after my decease But in case my said son John Foster shall refuse or neglect to pay to my said daughter Hester Foster the said sum of sixty pounds accordingly then I give the said principal and interest money so due and to be due upon the said bond together with the said bond unto my said executor subject to the payment of the said sum of sixty pounds to my said daughter Hester Foster as aforesaid. Also I give and and bequeath to my eldest son James Foster the term of years which at the time of my death shall be to come and unexpired in and by the lease of my farm together with all my stock, crop, utensils of husbandry and all the rest and residue of my ready money, security for money with the remainder of my household goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever after payment of my just debts, legacies, funeral charges and the charge of proving this my will. And lastly I nominate and appoint him my said son James Foster executor of this my will hereby revoking all former wills by me made and declaring this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty five. Witnessed: Richard Oakman and William Williams.
D/ACW 31/1/20 1758 5th Aug In the Name of God Amen I William Turner of Henham in the County of Essex, shopkeeper, being at this time of sound, perfect and well disposing mind and memory thanks be to God for the same and do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say, First I give and devise unto my brother John Turner all and singular my copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever situate, lying and being in the parish of Henham aforesaid and holden of the Manor of Henham Hall in Henham aforesaid by copy of Court Roll their and every of their appurtenances To hold to him the said John Turner, his heirs and assigns forever Upon this express condition nevertheless that he the said John Turner, his heirs and assigns do and shall out of such said messuages, lands, tenements and premises, to him and them as aforesaid devised well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto Elizabeth my loving wife or her assigns one annuity or yearly sum of three pounds a year yearly and every year of good and lawful money of Great Britain for and during the term of her natural life by two equal half yearly payments in every year namely at Lady Day and Michaelmas Day free and clear from all taxes and other outgoings the first payment thereof to begin and be made at the first of the said feasts or days as shall first and next happen after my decease and also upon this further condition that he the said John Turner my brother, his heirs and assigns shall out of the aforesaid messuages, lands and premises to him and them as aforesaid commence devised pay or cause to be paid unto my brother George Turner or his assigns the sum of twenty shillings a year yearly and every year for the space of five years to commence from the time of my said wife's decease which said sum of three pounds a year to my said wife and twenty shillings a year to my said brother George I give and bequeath to them accordingly to be paid unto them respectively as the respective times aforesaid And for nonpayment thereof in manner as aforesaid. Then I do hereby give full power and authority to and for the said Elizabeth my wife and George my brother or either of them to whom failure of payment shall be made from time to time to enter into and upon the aforesaid copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments with their and every of their appurtenances and the same to hold and enjoy until they and every of them shall be fully paid and satisfied the same and every part thereof Together with all costs, charges and expenses whatsoever to be had .. expended in .. about the wrong thereof Also I give and devise unto the said Elizabeth my wife all that my freehold messuage or tenement with the outhouses, buildings, yards, gardens, backsides and appurtenances thereunto belonging situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid which I purchased of Thomas Hills late in the occupation of Edward Sach (?) and now of Thomas Shead or his assigns to hold to her the said Elizabeth my wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life and immediately from and after her decease I give and devise all the said freehold messuage or tenement and premises with their appurtenances unto my daughter in law Sarah Turner, widow, and to her heirs and assigns forever, Also all my goods, chattels, cattle, stock in trade, monies, debts and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth my wife whom I make and appoint sole executrix of this my will she thereout paying my just debts, funeral charges, probate of this my will and all other incidental charges. And I do hereby revoke all former wills and declare this to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said William Turner have hereunto set my hand and seal the twentieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty eight. Witnessed: James Bacon, Henry Bacon and John Baker.
D/ACW 31/2/18 1759 26th May In the Name of God Amen I Elizabeth Turner of Henham in the County of Essex, widow, being at this time of sound, perfect and well disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say. First, I give and bequeath unto my brother Thomas Cole the sum of ten pounds and to his daughter Elizabeth Cole I give and bequeath the sum of five pounds. Also I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Sarah Turner the sum of ten pounds and to her two sons Philemon Turner and George Turner I give and bequeath the sum of five pounds apiece. Also I give and bequeath unto my daughter in law Sarah Turner the sum of twenty pounds. Also I give and bequeath unto my sister Grace Cole, if living, the sum of five pounds and to my two nieces Sarah Dennison and Martha Oake I give and bequeath the sum of fifty shillings apiece. All the aforesaid legacies or sums of money I will to be paid with lawful money of Great Britain within six months next after my decease. All the rest and residue of my goods, chattels, monies, securities for monies ,debts owing and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever, after my just debts, funeral charges, probate of this my will and all other incidental charges are paid and discharged, I give and bequeath unto my brother in law John Turner of Henham aforesaid, sawyer, whom I make and appoint sole executor of this my will and I do hereby revoke all former wills and declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said Elizabeth Turner the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the third day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty nine. Witnessed: Elizabeth Sams, Mary Thurgood and John Baker.
D/ACW 31/2/22 1759 15th June Elizabeth Hills of Henham in the County of Essex, widow bequeaths all her customary or copyhold estate, messuage, tenements and hereditaments where she now lives and the barns, outhouses, yards, orchards and gardens ..lying and being in Henham of the Mount to her daughter Phoebe Salmon for her natural life and after her death to Elizabeth's grandson George Salmon and to his heirs but if he dies without issue then to John Salmon his brother and his heirs. Elizabeth leaves £1 each to her sons Humphry and Obediah and daughter Phoebe. Phoebe also received all furniture, stock and ready money. Elizabeth appointed Phoebe and her son-in-law John Burr as joint executors. Signed 3rd Dec. 1757.
D/ACW 31/2/32 1759 24th Oct John Dennison of Henham, yeoman. In the name of God Amen I John Dennison of Henham in the county of Essex yeoman being at this time of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) All the rest and residue of my goods, chattels, cattle, farming stock, money, debts and personal estate whatsoever and wherever (after my debts, funeral expenses, probate of this my Will are paid and all other incidental charges) I give and bequeath unto Rebecca my wife and my six children namely John, Susanna, William, Thomas, George and Rebecca to be equally divided and parted between them share and share alike and I do hereby nominate, constitute my brother in law John Clarke of Hockril (Hockerill) in the county of Hertford, maltster and Rebecca my wife executor and executrix of this my Will to which said John Clarke I give the sum of five pounds for his trouble over and besides all the reasonable charges, expenses in the execution hereof And I do hereby revoke all former Wills and declare this to be my last Will and Testament. In witness thereof whereof I the said John Dennison testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty first day of September In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine. Witnessed: Mary Perry, James Perry and John Baker

The twenty fourth day of October 1759 John Clarke the Executor within named was sworn.. and.. to administer before me William Hodgson, Surrogate.

This Will was proved on the 24th day of October in the year of our Lord 1759 before the Revd. William Hodgson Clerk Surrogate by the oath of John Clarke Brother in Law of the deceased one of the Executors to whom Administration of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased was granted and permitted he being first sworn duly to administer power being reserved of making the like grant to Rebecca Dennison, widow the relict of the said deceased the other executor in the said Will named when she shall apply for the same.
D/ACW 31/4/24 1761 17th Oct Robert Stubbing of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman. In the name of God Amen. I Robert Stubbing of Henham in the County of Essex yeoman being of sound and disposing mind and memory (thanks be to God for the same) do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) I give and devise unto my daughter Elizabeth the wife of William Dixon and her heirs All That my freehold messuage or tenement called or known by the name or Sign of the Crown and all the outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards, lands, grounds and tenements thereunto belonging or therewith used with their appurtenances situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid and now or late in the occupation of the said William Dixon or his assigns To Hold the same unto my said daughter Elizabeth Dixon and her heirs and assigns forever Charged nevertheless and I do hereby Charge the said premises with the payment of the sum of eighty five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain unto my other daughter Ellen the wife of Thomas Rider, and also with the payment to her of the further sum of thirty one pounds sixteen shillings and seven pence, being the half part of the value of the household, goods and stock that my said son in law William Dixon had of me. And I do order the said two several sums to be paid to my said daughter Ellen Rider within six months after my decease And I Will that if default shall be made in payment of the said several sums or either of them or any part thereof at the time aforesaid Then it shall and may be lawful to and for my said daughter Ellen Rider, her executor, administrator or assigns into my said messuage or tenement, lands and premises hereinbefore devised or any part thereof to enter said the same, to hold and enjoy and the rents and profits thereof to receive and take until the said sum or sums so being behind and unpaid shall be fully paid and satisfied together with her or their just and necessary charges to be sustained(?) by reason of any such default of payment. Also I give and bequeath to my grandson William Dixon the sum of thirty five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid him within six months after my decease Also I give and bequeath to each of the three children of my said daughter Ellen Rider (by her former husband William Howlett deceased) namely Elizabeth, Mary and John the sum of fifty shillings of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid them by my executors herein after named within six months of my decease Also I give and bequeath to each of the six children of my said daughter Elizabeth Dixon namely John, Robert, James, Elizabeth, Mary and Ann the sum of fifty shillings of like lawful money to be paid to them by my said executors within six months after my decease Also I give and bequeath my bedstead with my featherbed and bedding and all belonging to it being in the chamber where I now lie and my hutch, my little table and my two elbow chairs, and three rush bottom chairs unto my said two daughters Elizabeth Dixon and Ellen Rider to be equally divided between them part and share alike All the remainder and residue of my moneys, household stuff, goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever after my debts and legacies paid I give and bequeath unto my said two daughters Elizabeth Dixon and Ellen Rider to be equally divided between them part and share alike And I desire to be buried in a private but decent manner And I Will that the charges thereof shall be paid equally by my said two daughters And that they shall at their equal charge cause a covering or tomb of boards to be put over my grave with an inscription of my name etc And I do make and appoint my said daughters Elizabeth Dixon and Ellen Rider joint executors of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand the first sheet thereof and my hand and seal to this last sheet the ninth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand and Seven Hundred and Sixty One.

Witnesses: Susanna Brand, William Wright and George William Robinson
D/ACW 32/3/13 1767 18th April Richard Oakman of Henham in the County of Essex, carpenter. Gives to his sister Elizabeth Ayley for the term of her natural life all his messuage or tenement in Henham with all the outhouses, yards, garden, orchards, backsides and appurtenances whatsoever once occupied by John Spiller and since of Richard Brooks and now Richard's occupation which he purchased some years ago from Joseph Bush of Colchester. Immediately from and after his sister's death it passes to his cousin James Camp the younger of Rickling in Essex, miller and his heirs subject to the payment of 12 guineas to Joseph Barker(?) late of Henham, singleman. Richard bequeaths one guinea each to the daughters of his cousin John Blakes the Elder of Stansted Mountfitchet, husbandman. The residue of his estate is bequeathed to his cousin William Blake (son of John the Elder and Joseph Barker to be divided equally. He appoints his two cousins James Camp and John Blake the Elder as executors and gives them two guineas each 'for their trouble'. Witnessed: Edward Monk, Nathan Nottage & John Baker. Dated 29th May 1765.
D/ACW 32/3/29 1767 1st Sept In the name of God Amen. I Samuel Wood of Henham on the Mount in the County of Essex, yeoman, being infirm of body but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, My eldest son Henry Wood being already sufficiently provided for after payment of my just debts and funeral expenses I give and devise all and singular my freehold and copyhold messuages, lands and tenements and hereditaments situate in the parishes of Henham aforesaid and Broxted in the County of Essex unto my loving daughter Ann Wood, spinster, now living with me, her heirs and assigns for ever. And all my goods, chattels, monies, credits and personal estate of what nature or kind ever and wherever. I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Ann Wood and I do hereby make, nominate and appoint my said daughter Ann Wood and Henry Bright of White Rooding in the county of Essex, yeoman, joint executors of this my will and hereby revoke all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made. I do declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said testator Samuel Wood have to this my said will set my hand and seal dated the fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty five. Witnessed: James Barker, Thomas Mash, William Jarvis and Edmund Sworder.
D/ACW 32/4/10 1768 15th Mar In the name of God Amen. I Richard Ward late of Bishop Stortford in the county of Hertford and now of Henham in the County of Essex, singleman, being at this time of sound, perfect and well disposing mind and memory thanks be to God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) To my sister Amy Eldred I give the sum of fifteen pounds. To my niece Amy Savill I give one guinea and to my nephew Hugh Eldred and his five sisters namely Elizabeth Choppin, Mary Fulstone, Ann Eldred, Hannah Eldred and Sarah Eldred I give and bequeath one guinea apiece. All which said legacies I will to be paid within three months next after my decease. All the rest and residue of my goods, chattels, monies, securities for monies, rights, credits and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever, after my just debts, legacies, funeral charges, probate of this my will and all other incidental charges paid and discharged, I give and bequeath to my sister Mary Bacon, widow, whom I make and appoint sole executrix of this my will and I do hereby revoke all former wills and declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said Richard Ward the testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty sixth day of September In the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and sixty six. Witnessed: James Brand, John Green and John Baker.
D/ACW 32/4/39 1768 20th Dec In the name of God Amen. I William Jarvis of Henham in the County of Essex, yeoman, being of a sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be to God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following (that is to say) I give and devise to Isaac Jarvis, eldest son of my nephew Isaac Jarvis who is son of my late brother Isaac Jarvis deceased, and to his heirs and assigns for ever, All and singular my freehold and copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever, situate and being in Widdington and Debden or either of them in the said county of Essex; And I do also give and bequeath to the said Isaac Jarvis (son of my said nephew Isaac Jarvis) the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him by my executor hereafter named within three months after my decease, in order to enable him to satisfy the times that will be payable on his Admission to the said copyhold premises. And I do also give and bequeath Isaac Jarvis (grandson of my said nephew Isaac Jarvis) the sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to him by my said executor at his age of twenty one years; And I will that in the mean time the said sum of one hundred pounds shall be put out and kept at interest by my said executor upon any mortgages or other securities, and the yearly interest and proceed thereof be applied and disposed for and towards the maintenance and education of the said Isaac Jarvis the grandson or otherwise for his occasions or benefit. Also I give and devise All my copyhold lands and tenements in Henham aforesaid with the appurtenances which I purchased of Henry Bacon, and all that my parcel of freehold land in Henham aforesaid, which I purchased of Ezekiel Dixon with the appurtenances, unto Susan Jarvis (daughter of William Jarvis the other son of my said nephew Isaac Jarvis) and her heirs and assigns for ever, And I give and devise All and singular other my freehold and copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments in Henham aforesaid unto my said grand nephew William Jarvis and his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and bequeath to my said grand nephew William Jarvis the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to him by my said executor within three months after my decease, for the better enabling him to pay the fines that will be due on his admission to the said copyhold premises hereinbefore devised to him. And I give and bequeath to the said Susan, and to William Jarvis her brother (the children of my said grand nephew William Jarvis), the sum of one hundred pounds apiece of like lawful money to be paid to them by my said executor at their several ages of twenty one years, and I will that in the mean time the said two several last mentioned sums shall be put out and kept at interest by my said executor on mortgages or other securities, and the interest and proceed thereof applied and disposed yearly or otherwise for and towards their respective maintenance and education, or otherwise for their respective benefits; And in case the said daughter of my said grand nephew William Jarvis shall die under the age of twenty one years without leaving any issue, then I give the said legacy or sum of one hundred pounds hereinbefore given to her unto her said brother William Jarvis. Also I give and bequeath to my niece Mary, the sister of my said nephew Isaac Jarvis, the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain, and to her daughter Mary the like sum of one hundred pounds to be paid to them respectively within six months after my decease. All the rest and residue of my monies, securities for money, credits, cattle, corn, farming stock, household goods and other goods, chattels and personal estate whatsoever (after my debts, legacies and funeral charges paid) I give and bequeath to my said nephew Isaac Jarvis for his own proper use: And I do make and appoint my said nephew Isaac Jarvis sole executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said William Jarvis testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand to the first sheet thereof and to this last sheet my hand and seal this thirtieth day of October In the sixth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third King of Great Britain and in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty five. Witnessed: John Stock, John Salmon and Thomas Bridge.

This is a Codicil to the last will and testament of me William Jarvis which bears date the thirtieth day of October One thousand seven hundred and sixty five which I do hereby clarify and confirm in all things not hereby altered And my mind and will is that in case my personal estate shall not be sufficient for payment of my debts, funeral charges and legacies in money which I have by my said will given and made payable thereout, Then all and every my pecuniary legatees shall make a proportionable abatement out of their respective legacies according to the amount thereof. In witness whereof I have to this codicil which I devise may be taken as part of my said last will and testament set my hand and seal the fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty eight.
D/ACW 33/1/23 1771 3rd Dec This is the last will and testament of me Richard Bush the elder of Henham in the County of Essex, carpenter, that is to say, I give, devise and bequeath all and singular the rea, chattel and personal estates with which it hath pleased God to bless me whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature and kind soever to my son Richard Bush the younger and his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever Upon those special trusts and subject nevertheless as follows (that is to say) Paying out of my personal estate all my just debts and paying and delivering likewise thereout all and singular the several specific and other legacies hereinafter directed to be paid thereout and also out of my real estate all and singular the several legacies hereinafter charged thereon and first of all I charge that parcel of my real estate which is the house wherein I now dwell to and for the use and benefit of my wellbeloved wife Ann That she shall have the incontrollable use, possession and enjoyment of two of the lower rooms therein called the hall and the parlour for the purpose only of her own dwelling therein with James my daughter's son herein after mentioned and with such friend or assistant as she think proper for and during all the term of her natural life or so much thereof as she shall continue single and unmarried after my decease in case she survive me and thinks fir to dwell therein and further I will that my said son, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns or some of them do and shall find, allow and provide unto my said wife a full and satisfying quantity to her of wood and other necessary fuel of whatsoever kind thereof she shall choose during such her dwelling there. And also I will that he my said son, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns or some of them do and shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my said wife or her assigns for and during the term of her natural life or so much thereof only as she shall be single as aforesaid the full and just clear annuity and yearly sum of ten pounds of lawful money of Great Britain which I will shall be paid to her by four even quarterly payments or portions tax free on the four most usual feast days of payment in every year during the continuance herein before directed of the first payment to begin on the first of such feast days which shall ensue next after my decease And which I hereby charge upon and will shall be issuing out of all and singular my real estates and for, and for the raising any arrears whereof and all and any arrears of the legacies herein after mentioned She and such legatees or the guardian of the aforesaid James shall have the utmost and most extensive power to seize for and recover by distress and sale of such distress or to enter upon and eject and evict from all or any such estates or any part thereof and hold, possess and enjoy such as entered on until all such arrear or arrears shall be entirely raised and paid together with all the most liberal costs incident to such remedy or remedies And also I will that in case of my decease before any fresh quantities of corn or grain shall be gathered in She my said wife shall have the overplus of all my already gathered in corn beyond what shall be wanted in the necessary uses of my said son's family And likewise I will that she my said wife shall have full and satisfactory furniture to her own liking for the said two rooms and which I will she shall have the power to dispose of whether she dwell therein or not. Item: also that my said son, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns do and shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto Agnes my daughter now the wife of Mr. Henry Bacon the sum of twenty pounds two years after the decease of my said wife. In case she be living at such two year end And in case she be then deceased then unto James the son of the said Agnes my said daughter And if he be then deceased Then to sink for the benefit of my said son And also do and shall in manner hereinafter directed after my decease well and truly pay or cause to be paid for the said James's use the sum of forty shillings yearly to my said wife for and towards the maintenance and education of the said James until he attain his age of fifteen years and no longer, and in case my said wife shall die at any time before the said James be fifteen, the said forty shillings a year shall cease; And also the sum of twenty pounds in case my said wife die before his age of eighteen and also the sum of twenty pounds more four years after the decease of my said wife In case he the said James be living at such four years and .. In case he be then deceased. Then unto my said daughter and In case of her being then deceased Then to sink for the benefit of my said son And as to the minority of the said James I will that the said Henry Bacon shall receive the same as guardian to him by way of annuity of five pounds yearly till the same be severally paid for the maintenance and education of the said James And lastly hereby revoking all other wills I do hereby make and declare this to be my only last will and testament and hereof I do appoint my said son sole executor and residuary legatee and devisee. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty. Witnessed: William Dennison, Thomas Dennison and John Usher.

I Richard Bush the elder of Henham in the county of Essex, carpenter, being of sound mind, do make this as a codicil to my will and testament before made, signed and sealed, that is to say, I will that my cottage and premises belonging to it, orchard ... case John Bush ... Wright .. mother the parish of Henham with the barn and the ground it stands upon joining to the foresaid cottage .. after my decease the property of my grandson James Bush the son of my daughter Agnes for his use and his heirs and assigns for ever. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of September in the year of our Lord 1771. Witnessed: Nathan Nottage, Henry Bacon and John Canning.
D/ACW 33/2/28 1772 14th Oct In the name of God Amen. I David Hardcastle of Henham in the County of Essex, wheelwright, being at this time weak in body, but of sound, perfect and well disposing mind and memory (thanks be to Almighty God for the same) Do make and ordain this my last will and testament in Manner following (that is to say) First I give and devise All that my tenement or cottage with its appurtenances situate and being in Henham aforesaid unto and to the use of George Gurson, an infant, his heirs and assigns for ever; At the age of twenty one years if he shall live to attain that age, and in case he shall not live to attain that age Then I give and devise the same premises unto and to the use of David Green, my late deceased brother George Hardcastle's daughter's son, his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and devise all that my other tenement or cottage with its appurtenances situate and being in the parish of Ugley in the county aforesaid unto and to the use and benefit of Elizabeth Gurson, also an infant, her heirs and assigns for ever, at the age of twenty one years, if she shall live to attain that age, Then I give and devise the same last mentioned premises unto and to the use of the said David Green, his heirs and assigns for ever; Also I give, devise and bequeath all those my true leasehold tenements or cottages with their appurtenances situate and being at Takeley Street in the parish of Takeley in the county aforesaid, unto and to the use, benefit and behoof of the said David Green, his executors, administrators and assigns for and during all the residue and remainder of the term or terms of years, which at my death shall be therein then to come and unexpired, he or they paying it out of the rents and profits thereof unto my niece Ann Gurson, widow, the sum of twenty shillings yearly and every year during so many years of the said term or terms or any thereafter to be renewed, term or terms as she shall live, also I give and devise all those my freehold tenements or cottages with their appurtenances situate at a place called Bush End in the parish of Hatfield Broad Oak in the county aforesaid, unto and to the use of William Hardcastle also an infant, his heirs and assigns for ever, at the age of twenty one years, if he shall live to attain that age, and in case he shall not live to attain that age, Then I give and devise the same last mentioned premises unto and to the use of the said David Green, his heirs and assigns for ever; subject nevertheless to the payment thereout unto the said Ann Gurson, widow, yearly and every year for and during the term of her natural life, of the sum of ten shillings which I will shall be paid by my executor herein after named out of the rents, issues and profits of the same lastmentioned premises to be by them received as hereinafter is mentioned, until such time as the said William Hardcastle shall have attained his said age of twenty one years if he shall live to attain that age, at which time the same annuity or yearly sum of ten shillings shall be paid by himself, his heirs or assigns out of the rents and profits as aforesaid, And in case the said William Hardcastle shall not live to attain his said age of twenty one years, then my mind and will is that the same annuity or yearly sum of ten shillings shall be paid by the said David Green, his heirs or assigns; Also I give and bequeath unto John Willett of Great Sampford in the county of Essex, farmer, the sum of ten pounds. Also I give and bequeath unto my God-sons and God-daughters, James Coe of London, Newman Turner Willett, an infant son of Newman Willett of Littlebury in the county aforesaid, farmer; and Mary Gurson, singlewoman, the sum of five pounds apiece; Also unto William Hardcastle the elder of Sawbridgeworth in the county of Hertford, cordwainer, the sum of two guineas, all which said several legacies or sums of money I will and direct shall be paid to each of the said legatees respectively: by my said executor out of the rest and residue of my personal estate given to them upon Trust hereafter mentioned, At the end of three years next after my decease: Also I give and bequeath all and every the rest, residue and remainder of my goods, chattels, monies, securities for money, debts and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever which I shall die possessed of or any ways entitled to. After paying thereout in the first place of my funeral expenses, just debts, the legacies at the respective times of payment thereof and herein before given and directed to be paid, and all other incident charges in and about the execution of this my will. I give and bequeath unto James Forster and James Newland both of Henham aforesaid, farmers, their executors, administrators and assigns, upon this special trust and confidence nevertheless that they or some of them, do and shall equally divide the same share and share alike to and amongst the said George Gurson and Elizabeth Gurson when and as soon as the youngest of them shall attain his or her age of twenty one years, If they shall be both then living: excepting my wearing apparel and shirts which I give and bequeath to David Green; And if only one of the said children be living at that time, Then that they the said James Forster and James Newland, their executors, administrators or assigns do and shall assign transfer and set over the whole residue to such survivor. And in case the said George Gurson and Elizabeth Gurson shall both die before such youngest of them shall have attained his or her age of twenty one years then that they my said trustees, their executors, administrators or assigns do and shall assign transfer and set over all and singular the said rest and residue unto and to the absolute use, benefit and behoof of the said David Green, his executors, administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby in that case give the same accordingly: Also I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint the said James Forster and James Newland joint executors of this my last will and testament; And also guardians of the said George Gurson and Elizabeth Gurson during their respective minorities: And I do give to each of them my said executors the sum of two guineas for the care and trouble they will have in and about the execution of this my will and the trust thereby in them expressed: And I do hereby devise, direct, authorise and empower them my said executors to have, hold and receive and take from time to time the rents, issues and profits of all and singular the aforesaid several and respective promises herein before given and devised to the said infants George Gurson, Elizabeth Gurson and William Hardcastle respectively in manner aforesaid: And also do and shall put place and continue out at interest all such sum and sums of money as I shall leave at my decease until such time as the same or any part thereof shall become due and payable by virtue of this my will, And my mind and will is that my said executor should not begin to pay and apply the same rents and profits and produce arising from such monies as aforesaid to the use of the said children until the full end and term of six years, first then after my decease and not any payment to begin or to be expended before, but to commence and begin at the end and term of the said six years expiration and so to be continued for and towards the respective maintenance, education and bringing up of them the said George Gurson and Elizabeth Gurson only until he or she shall severally attain their respective ages of twenty one years as aforesaid At which time or times I will and direct the principal monies and all the rents, issues and profits and interest if any am applied shall go and be paid to the person or persons respectively entitled to the same by virtue of this my will. And lastly I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by me hereforeto made and do declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I the said David Hardcastle have hereunto set my hand and seal the tenth day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Two. Witnessed: William Hayden, Michell Rud and Robert Baker.
D/ACW 33/4/7 1774 17th Feb In the name of God Amen I Edmund otherwise Edward Brand, butcher, of the parish of Henham in the County of Essex, being in bad state of health but of sound mind and memory and mindful of my mortality do this twenty second day January in the year of our Lord 1774 make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following. First I desire to be decently and privately buried in the church yard belonging to the parish in which I shall happen to die without any funeral pomp and with as little expense as may be .. I give and bequeath ten pounds to the son of my brother .. now living at Bishop Stortford, butcher which son of his is called either by the name of .. or Edward. The rest of my goods, chattels and effects and money with which it has pleased God to bless .. all and whatsoever I give and bequeath to my beloved wife to her sole and full disposal for ever after paying all my just debts, legacies and funeral expenses. And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife together with Mr. John Mumford of the parish of Elsenham my executrix and executor of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above mentioned. Witnessed: John Canning, John Mumford and Ann White.

Sarah Brand, widow and relict of the testator, and John Mumford the executrix and executor within named were duly sworn to the execution of the Will this 8th day of February 1774.
D/ACW 34/2/1 1779 2nd Jan In the name of God Amen I George Guyver of Henham in the County of Essex, gentleman, being of sound and disposing mind and memory (thanks be to God for the same) Do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following. I give and devise to Susanna my beloved wife, all that my messuage or tenement wherein I now dwell with all the houses, outhouses, buildings, yards, gardens, orchards and appurtenances thereunto belonging or with the same used or enjoyed as part or parcel thereof situate and being in Henham aforesaid, to hold the same to the said Susanna my wife for and during the term of her natural life, if she shall so long continue a widow, she maintaining and keeping the same in repair during the said time; And in case the said Susanna my wife shall be ensient of a child at the time of my decease, which shall be afterwards born alive and prove a son, then from and after the decease or marriage of the said Susanna my wife (which shall first happen) I give and devise all the said messuage or tenement and premises such after born son and his heirs and assigns forever; And in case the said child of which my said wife shall be ensient at the time of my decease shall be afterwards born alive and prove to be a daughter, then from and after the decease or marriage of my said wife (which shall first happen) I give and devise all the said premises to Mary and Ann my two daughters now living and such after born daughter to be equally divided between them part and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants, and to their heirs and assigns respectively; And in case the said Susanna my wife shall not be ensient of any child at the time of my decease, or there being any such after born child, he or she die under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue then living, then and in such case I do give and devise all the said premises to my said daughters Mary and Ann and to their heirs and assigns for ever equally as tenants in common and not as joint tenants, And if the said Mary and Ann my daughters and such after born child (if any be) shall all die under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue of their any or either of their bodies; Then I give and devise all the same premises subject to my said wife's estate and interest of and in the same to my nephew John Camfield and his heirs and assigns forever; And in case the said Susanna my wife shall be ensient of a child at the time of my decease, Then I give and devise all and singular other my freehold and copyhold messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatsoever situate, lying and being in Henham aforesaid and Debden in the said county of Essex or elsewhere in the same county, to the said Susanna my wife until she shall be delivered of such child, or shall die (which shall first happen), In Trust for the benefit of such child, when the same shall be born, And in case such child shall happen to be a son, then from and immediately after the birth of such son, I give and devise all the said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments last hereinbefore devised to such after born son and his heirs and assigns for ever; And if the said child of which my said wife shall be ensient at the time of my decease shall happen to be a daughter, then from and immediately after the birth of such after born daughter, I give and devise all the said last devised premises unto my said daughters Mary and Ann and such after born daughter equally to be divided between them part and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants, and to their respective heirs and assigns, and in case the said Susanna my wife shall not be ensient of any child at the time of my decease, or there being any such after born child, he or she shall die under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue then living, then and in such case, I do give and devise all the same last devised premises to my said daughters Mary and Ann and to their heirs and assigns for ever equally as tenants in common and not as joint tenants; and in case the said Mary and Ann my daughters and such after born child (if any) shall die under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue of their any or either of their respective bodies, Then I give and devise all the said premises last hereinbefore mentioned to my said nephew John Camfield and his heirs and assigns for ever - he now relentlessly and repeatedly goes on about an annuity, after born child etc etc and must have been a solicitor's dream when legal charges were calculated by the number of words to be written - And my mind and will is that the estate hereinafter devised to the said Susanna my wife for her widowhood of and with the said messuages, tenement with the appurtenances wherein I now dwell in Henham aforesaid .... the sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. Witnessed: Charles Clubbe, Thomas Clubbe and Nath. Clubbe


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