Essex wills – G

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Some wills have been transcribed in full, whereas others are a paraphrased transcription. If they are paraphrased, they contain the names of all those mentioned in the will, with the gist of what they were (or were not!) bequeathed, but to find the full details, such as the names of property, requests as to how they were to be buried etc., please contact the relevant archive.

Wills:

Gardiner, Henry of Great Bromley, yeoman, 1728

  • I give & bequeath to my sonn Henry Gardiner the sume of £150 to be paid him by my Executor within one yeare next after my decease.
  • Item: I give & bequeath to John Gardiner & Mary Gardiner children of my said sonn Henry Gardiner the sume of fourscore pounds a peice to be paid them at their respective ages of one & twenty yeares and that the said sums of fourscore pounds a piece be paid to my said sonn Henry by my Executor for their use within one year next after my decease.
  • Item: I give & bequeath to John [surname not given in the will] sonn of my daughter Anne Crooks the sume of £150 of Lawful British money to be paid him at his age of one & twenty years. But in Case he dyes before his said age of 21 yeares I give the same to be equally divided between all my Grandchildren who shall be living at the time of my decease. And my will is & I do hereby ord that my Executor do bring up and educate the said John Gardiner till be becomes shiftable & able to maintayne himself
    wthout being allowed any thing for so doing.
  • Item: I give & bequeath to William Crooks sonn of my said daughter Anne the sum of £45 to be paid into the hands of my said sonn Henry within one year next after my decease for the use of the said William & to be paid to him at his age of one & twenty years. And in Case he dyes before, my will is that the same be paid to his sister Lidia at her age of 21. And my will is that my sonn Henry do in the meane time bring up & educate the said William till he becomes shiftable without being allowed any thing for the same save the interest of his said Legacy.
  • Item: I give & bequeath to my said daughter Anne Crooks the sume of £41 to be paid her by my Executor at her maryage in Case she marryes with the consent & approbation of my Executor & my said sonn Henry. But in Case she does not marry, my will is that my Executor, In case he & my son Henry think she has occasion, Do pay her the said sume of £41 by monthly or weekly payments not exceeding the rate or sume of two shillings & six pence a week.
  • Item: I give & bequeath to Lidia Crooks daughter of my said daughter Anne the sume of £45 to be paid to her at her age of one & twenty yeares and that my Executor pay interest for the same to my said daughter towards her maintenance. But in Case she dyes before she attayne her said age my will is that the same be paid to her brother William Crooks at his age of one & twenty yeares.
  • And all the rest and residue of my personall estate whatsoever & wheresoever together wth my Lease of the farme & Lands I now hold after full payments of all my just debts, my funerall charges, the Legacies abovementioned, the pbate of this my will & other charges incident hereunto, I give & bequeath to my sonn John Gardiner whom I nominate & appoint to be my sole Executor Revoakeing all former wills, I declare this to be my last.

Written 22nd Apr 1728, proved 29 May 1728.

Note: there are several other documents relating to this will as the fair copy (which this is transcribed from) has no witnesses. John Eldred of Colchester, Henry’s attorney, who says he had known Henry “upwards of thirty years”, swore that Henry’s two sons and also William Dunningham, witnessed the will. William Dunningham swears in a similar document the same thing.

Note: in the rough copy of this will, Anne Crook’s son John is referred to just as “John” without a surname. By appearing in the fair copy of the will with the surname Gardiner, it suggests he was born before Anne’s marriage to William Crooks in 1723.

ERO ref: D/ACW 26/7/33

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Gardiner, Henry of Great Bromley, farmer, 1771

  • First I Give and Devise unto my Grandson Joseph Nunn & his assigns for and during the minority of my Grandson Henry Gardiner and until he shall attain his age of 21 years All that my Freehold messuage or Tenement with the yards, Gardens, Orchards, Rights, Members, Hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid, late in the several occupations of John Clarke and John Finch or their assigns. And also all that my Freehold Messuage or Tenement Cottage and Farm with the Houses, outhouses, edifices, Buildings, Barns, Stables, Yards, Gardens, Orchards & Lands, Meadows, pastures, Feedings, Woods and Hereditaments thereunto belonging, containing by Estimation 120 acres more or less, which I purchased of [no first name in document] East Esquire, situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid and Little Bentley in the said County and now in my own Occupation (save and except out of the same Lands, three acres part thereof laid to a field called Six Acres, part of the Copyhold Farm and Lands which I purchased of Robert Warren. And also save and except a Field called Hodges or otherwise, containing by Estimation Eight acres more or less other parcel of ? and freehold Farm and Lands which I purchased of the said [no first name in document] East). And also those my Freehold Lands called Hennyberrys, with the Hereditaments and Appurtenances thereunto belonging, containing by Estimation 20 acres of Land more or less, which I purchased of John Moore Esquire, lying & being in Little Bentley aforesaid, not in my own Occupation. The said Joseph Nunn keeping the said Messuages, Cottages & Buildings in all good and substantial Repair and committing no waste by felling of Timber or otherwise (save only such as shall be requisite for repairing the said
    premises).
  • And in case my said Grandson Joseph Nunn shall depart this Life before my said Grandson Henry Gardiner shall attain his age of 21 years living, my Son-in-Law Mr Joseph Nunn Then I give and devise unto my said Son-in-Law Joseph Nunn and his assigns for and during the minority of my Grandson Henry Gardiner, and until he shall attain his age of 21 years, All and every the said premises (save as aforesaid), he my said Son-in-Law Joseph Nunn keeping the said Messuages, Cottages & Buildings in all good and Substantial Repair and committing no waste by felling of Timber or otherwise (save as aforesaid).
  • And when and as soon as the said Henry Gardiner my Grandson shall attain his age of 21 years, Then I give all the said premises (save as aforesaid) unto the said Henry Gardiner my Grandson and his Heirs, Willing that if my said Grandson Joseph Nunn and said Son-in-Law Joseph Nunn shall both depart this Life before my said Grandson Henry Gardiner shall attain his age of 21 years, the Rents and profits of the said premises (save as aforesaid) shall be received by his Guardian to and for the use and benefit of my said Grandson Henry Gardiner.
  • But if my said Grandson Henry Gardiner shall depart this Life under the age of 21 years, Then notwithstanding my said Devise to my said Son-in-Law, immediately after the Decease of my said Grandson Henry Gardiner as aforesaid, I give and Devise all the said premises (save as aforesaid) unto my said Grandson Joseph Nunn & his heirs forever. Subject nevertheless and I do hereby charge all and every the said lands and Tenements from and immediately after my Decease with the payment of the yearly sums of £10 a piece Clear of all Deductions whatsoever to and for the use of my said Grandson Henry Gardiner and my Granddaughter Sarah Gardiner, by equal half yearly payments until they shall severally attain their respective ages of 21 years, for and towards their respective maintenance, bringing up and education.
  • And I also Subject and I do hereby charge all and every the said premises in Case my said Grandson Henry Gardiner shall depart this life under the age of 21 years (but not otherwise) with the payment of the sum of £400 to my said Granddaughter Sarah Gardiner at her age of 21 years. And in case she shall depart this Life under that age, Then I direct that the same sum of £400 shall Cease and be no Charge on the said Estate. And in Case the said yearly sums so charged as aforesaid or either of them or any part thereof shall be unpaid by the Space of 21 days next after the same shall become due and payable by this my will or if the said sum of £400 or any part thereof shall be unpaid by the space of 6 months next after the same shall become due and payable as aforesaid, Then in all or any of the said Case happening, it shall and may be lawfull to and for the person and persons intitled to receive such sum and sums of money so unpaid as aforesaid or their Guardian or Guardians or their assigns, and I do hereby impower him, her or them respectively into and upon all and every the said premises so charged as aforesaid, to enter and distrain for the same and the Distress and Distresses then and there found to detain, keep, appraize and sell in like manner as may be legally done in Case of a Distress reserved upon a Lease for years until he, she and they shall be fully satisfied and paid all such sum and sums of money as shall be so unpaid as aforesaid, together with the Costs and Charges of making, keeping, appraizing and selling such Distress and Distresses. And Likewise into all and singular the said premises so charged as aforesaid to enter and the Rents, Issues and profits thereof To receive and take until he, she and they shall therewith or thereby be fully paid and satisfied the said sum and sums of money so unpaid as aforesaid, together with the Costs and Charges occasioned by such Entry to be made as aforesaid.
  • Also I give and Devise unto my said Grandson Joseph Nunn All that my Freehold Messuage or Tenement and Wheelwright shop with 5 acres of Land more or less thereunto belonging and the Rights, Members and Appurtenances thereunto appertaining, which I purchased of Jacob Worrall and late in his occupation, situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid. And also all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Blacksmiths Shop and one acre of Land and all other the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid, now in the Occupation of Widow Lord, or her assigns. To Hold unto my said Grandson Joseph Nunn and his Heirs, Subject nevertheless and I do hereby charge all the said premises last mentioned from and immediately after my Decease with the payment of one annuity or yearly sum of £15 Clear of all Deductions unto my Daughter Mary Nunn and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural Life by equal half yearly payments. And in Case the said annuity or yearly sum of £15 or any part thereof shall be unpaid [same as above – to enter the premises etc].
  • Also I give and Devise unto the said Joseph Nunn, my grandson, all that my Messuage or Tenement and Farm with the Lands, Rights, Members and Hereditaments thereunto Belonging, which I purchased of Daniel Gardiner, situate, lying and being in Little Bentley aforesaid, now in my own occupation. And also all that my Messuage or Tenement and Farm with the Lands, Rights, Members and Hereditaments thereunto belonging, which I purchased of Robert Warren, situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid, now in the several occupations of me and John Garrood. And also 3 acres of Freehold Land (parcel of the said Freehold Farm & Lands which I purchased of the said [no first name in document] East) that is now laid to afield called Six Acres parcel of the said Lands last mentioned to be purchased of the said Robert Warren. To Hold unto the said Joseph Nunn, my Grandson, his Heirs and assigns forever.
  • Also I give and devise unto the said Joseph Nunn my Grandson and his Heirs forever, All that my Freehold Field called Hodges otherwise containing by Estimation Eight acres more or less (parcel of the said Freehold Lands which I purchased from the said […] East) adjoin to the Lands late of John Hazell deceased, also to the Lands late of Benjamin Blagg deceased, and likewise to the Lands which I purchased of the said Robert Warren.
  • Also I give and Bequeath unto my said son-in-law Joseph Nunn the sum of £400 to be paid unto him within 12 months next after my Decease.
  • Also I give and bequeath unto my said Grand Daughter Sarah Gardiner the sum of £400 to be paid at her age of 21 years. But if she shall depart this Life under that age Then I direct that the said £400 given to the said Sarah Gardiner shall Cease and fall into the Residuum of my personal Estate.
  • Also I direct that the sum of £5 shall be distributed in Bread within one month next after my Decease to the poor of the said parish of Great Bromley.
  • Also I give and bequeath unto the said Joseph Nunn, my Grandson, all my Farming Stock, Implements in Husbandry and all the rest and residue of my moneys, Goods and Chattells and person Estate whatsoever and wheresoever, after payment of my just Debts, Legacies and other Incident Charges.
  • And lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my said Grandson Joseph Nunn Sole Executor of this my will, and my said son-in-law Joseph Nunn supervisor thereof, requesting him to be aiding and assisting to my said Executor and Grand Children in and about the Execution of this my will. And revoking all others I declare this to be my Last.

Witnesses: William Dunningham of Great Bromley farmer, Samuel Wall, Tho. Dye.

Written: 22nd June 1769, proved: 7th May and granted and committed 16th July 1771 by the grandson, Joseph Nunn.

ERO ref: D/ACW 33/1/9

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Gardiner, John of Great Bromley, gentleman, 1772

  • Imprimis: I Give and Devise unto my Eldest son John Gardiner of Great Bromley aforesaid, farmer, All those my Freehold Messuages, Tenements, Farm Lands, Hereditaments and premises with all and every of their appurtenances as the same are now in the Occupation of him my said son John Gardiner or his Assigns situate, lying and being in Great Bromley aforesaid. To Hold to him, my said son John Gardiner and to his Heirs and Assigns forever.
  • Item: I also Give and Devise to my said son John Gardiner all and every my Copyhold Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments and Premises with all and every of their Appurtenances as Holden of the Mannor of Great Bromley aforesaid in the said County of Essex, and which are now in the Occupation of my said son John Gardiner and his undertenants or assigns, To Hold to him my said son John Gardiner and to his Heirs Assigns forever.
  • Item: I likewise Give and Devise to my said son John Gardiner All my Copyhold Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments and Premises, with all and every of their appurtenances Holden of the Mannor of Great Braxted in the said County of Essex, To Hold to him, my said son John Gardiner and his Heirs and Assigns forever.
  • Subject to and Charged and Chargeable never the less, And it is my Will and I do hereby Expressly Charge all and singular my said Freehold and Copyhold Estates and Premises hereby given to my said son John Gardiner, with the payment of all my and every my just Debts, both simple and Contract, of what nature or kind so ever, as also my funeral Expences and Charges of the Probate of this my will.
  • And also with the principal and interest due at the time of my decease to my late son-in-law James Chaplin, on a Bond given to him as a security for the portion of my Daughter Hannah – his then wife, on their marriage. I Likewise Charge all and singular the said Freehold and Copyhold Estates and premises so given to my said son John Gardiner with the payment of all Principal Moneys due or that shall be due at the time of my decease to my son-in-law Thomas Leak, on a Bond given to him on his Marriage with my Daughter Mary Gardiner, now his wife, as a security for her Marriage Portion.
  • Item: I Give and Devise to my son William Gardiner All and every my Copyhold Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments and premises with all and every of their appurtenances Holden of the Mannor of Great Clacton in the County of Essex aforesaid (which premises I have before resigned to him, my said son William), To Hold the same to him, my said son William Gardiner, and to his Heirs and assigns forever.
  • Item: All the Rest, residue and remainder of my Estate and Effects, whether real or personal whatsoever and whensoever to me in anywise belonging or appertaining at the time of my decease, I Give, devise and Bequeath the same and every part thereof to my said son John Gardiner and to his Heirs and assigns forever.
  • And Lastly I do hereby nominate, Constitute and appoint him, my said son John Gardiner, sole Executor.

Witnesses: Jeremh. Foaker, Jno Ambrose, Henry Cook.

Written 4th February 1772, proved: 11th April 1772.

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Gilberd wills

Ambrose, George and Jerome were three of the brothers of the famous Dr William Gilberd, Queen Elizabeth I’s personal physician, and the first person to describe electricity. The Gilberd School in Colchester was named after him.

Gilberd, Ambrose, gentleman of Harwich, 1604

  • To wife Jane: leases held with Mr Jonas Goldingham, gent, of Michelstowe, Bridgehall, Foulton Marsh, the moiety of tithes in Ramsey, and Oakley Mill. Provided Jane pays the children of John Marvin “such sums as they shall reasonably demand.”
  • Jane to pay her two daughters £300 each when 21, on condition that they shouldn’t marry without Jane’s consent. If they marry without Jane’s consent, their £300 to be divided between their other sister, and the testator’s youngest son, William, when 21.
  • Jane to keep son William at school or bind him as an apprentice. If she does, she will have lands and tenements called Keelers, Brookefielde, Ricadownes and Ridells for life. After her death to son William.
  • Plate, jewels, household stuff to Jane for life, putting in a surety with Jonas Goldingham. If she won’t put in a surety, Jonas is to have it, and Jane to have £100. The items to the people it’s later bequeathed to, as the testator is bound to Jane’s brother William Cole for £100.
  • Money to the poor of Dovercourt, Ramsey and Harwich.
  • Mr Hugh Brantham [rector of Harwich]
  • Money to bind Matthew Rowe as an apprentice
  • Godson William Gilberde
  • Goddaughter Sara Browne
  • Servant Parnell Boggas
  • Son Ambrose: certain pieces of plate. The rest of the plate to son William, after Jane’s death.
  • Mentions “my four children”, naming the three youngest as William, Jane and Margaret.

Executor: wife Jane

Supervisor: Jonas Goldingham

Witnesses: John Forber, clerk; Andrew Clerk; Edward Bridge; John Lufkin

Written 21 June 1604, probate 10 Dec 1604

Transcriber’s notes: Ambrose Gilberd was buried at Harwich St Nicholas on 19 July 1604. He had married Jane Cole at Markshall on 7th November 1588. Three sons were baptised at St Botolph’s in Colchester between 1594 and 1597: William (died 1596), Ambrose, and William.

Jane was the daughter of John Cole of Markshall, and Margaret Lightfoot/Clarke/Cole/Derehaugh. It’s possible that one of the witnesses, Andrew Clerk, was Jane’s half-brother. After Ambrose’s death, Jane married Robert Middleton of Colchester. Jane and Robert both died in 1610.

Jonas Goldingham’s will is below. Jonas is also mentioned in the will of Ambrose’s brother Jerome, below.

ERO

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Gilberd, George esqr, of Colchester, 1654

  • Make his will “considering the dangerous times wherein I live and finding the frail estate of this mortal life to be as a flower folding away”
  • To be buried in the church of Holy Trinity, Colchester
  • Wife Elizabeth
  • Godson George Gilbert Peirse esqr and Master George Sandford: the testator had sold some property to them
  • Godson George Gilbert son of my cousin William Gilberd the counsellor, deceased
  • Godson George Gilberd Torkington, son of Margaret Maulden alias Torkington, my cousin. And Margaret’s son Lawrence
  • Margaret Peirce, sister of my godson George Gilbert Peirce
  • Thomas Havens, my wife’s sister’s son, “my sister Havens”
  • Mary Wood, daughter of John Wood deceased, under 21 and unmarried.
  • Cousin Mowton
  • Daughter-in-law and cousin Gilbert, widow, and her eldest son, “my seal at arms”
  • Friend Master Waylett
  • Roger Mole
  • Friend Master Nicholas Beaton
  • “Mary Peters to be disposed of by my wife”
  • Tenant Master Outridge
  • Cousin Sandford

Executors: wife, and Sir Edmund Peirce, knight, Doctor-at-Laws

Witnesses: John Ward, Judith Everett, Margaret Everett

Written 15 Oct 1653, probate 6 July 1654

Transcriber’s notes: George must have been extremely old at the time of his death; he appears to have outlived all of his siblings. Margaret Maulden alias Torkington, “my cousin”, was in fact his niece – she is the daughter of George’s brother Ambrose, mentioned in his will above. His widow Elizabeth also left a PCC will.

PCC

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Gilberd, Jerome, of Dovercourt, 1594

  • Poor of Dovercourt, Ramsey, Harwich, Shotley, Holy Trinity Colchester, St James Colchester
  • Sister Margaret and her children, aged under 21
  • Leases taken jointly with Jonas Goldingham: manor of Michelstowe, Ramsey
  • Nephew William Harris, eldest son of sister Margaret, under 21
  • Brother Dr Gilberd
  • Goddaughter Elizabeth Barwicke
  • Nephew William Gilberd, godson, son of my brother Ambrose Gilberd, under 21
  • John Marvyn
  • William Seggs, Abraham Seggs, Margaret Seggs, all under 21, the children of my wife’s son, deceased
  • Adam Barwicke, Philip Barwicke, the children of Josan Sacke
  • Thomas Barwick, son of Adam Barwick
  • Cousin Hubard
  • William, George and Margaret Hubard
  • Wife’s sister Joane Manners
  • John Letton, servant of Mr Goldingham
  • My brother Westan (deceased), his children
  • Dorothy Westan and Elizabeth Westan
  • Brother WIlliam Gilbert the younger: silver goblet given me in my father’s will
  • Brother George Gilbert
  • Sisters Anne, Annis, Elizabeth, Prudence
  • Wife Margaret
  • Testator and Jonas Goldingham bound to pay money to Thomas Richmond, Thomas Spencer and Cicecly Spencer

Executors: wife, and brother Dr Gilberd

Supervisor: partner Mr Jonas Goldingham. Leaves him his ring with his seal of arms, his own to be effaced and replaced with Jonas’.

Witnesses: Adam Barwick, Thomas Clarke, Thomas Hales

Written 2 Feb 1593/4, probate 19 November 1594

Transcriber’s notes: Jerome mentions Jonas Goldingham – see Jonas’ will below. Jonas knew Jerome’s brother Ambrose too. He mentions Ambrose’s son William, his godson – sadly, this is the child who passed away in 1596.

PCC

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Gilbert, Henry of Chelmsford, gentleman, 1792

  • To be buried in Chelmsford churchyard in the same grave as my wife.
  • To my niece Ann, wife of William Cartnell [Cardinall] Wade of Tendring, wheelwright, for her natural life. After her decease, to be sold by my executors and the proceeds to be divided between Ann’s children: a freehold farm called Great Martins in Stow Maries, now in occupation of Thomas Jordan; a copyhold farm called Little Martins in Cold Norton
  • To my kinsman Henry Gilbert, son of my kinsman David Gilbert of Wix, yeoman: my inn called The White Hart in Chelmsford, now in the occupation of Robert [surname under corner of page] forever. If Henry dies under 21 without issue, my executors to sell the inn and the proceeds to be divided between the children of David Gilbert. Rents etc of the inn to be used towards Henry’s maintenance and education during his minority.
  • To Catherine Tanner of Woodham Ferris, widow, my farm in Woodham Ferris now in her occupation, for her natural life. After her death, to her son William Tanner.
  • To John Tanner, another son of Catherine Tanner: £50
  • All the rest of my tenements, lands etc to be sold by my executors, the proceeds to form my residue.
  • My executors to buy £200 in the 3% consolidated annuities, the interest to be paid to the Charity School in Chelmsford.
  • To my kinswoman Judith, wife of Cable of Oakley, Essex: £50
  • To my kinswoman Elizabeth, wife of Howard of Beaumont, Essex: £50
  • To Sarah Lewis, infant daughter of John Lewis of Stow Maries, farmer: £100 to be paid her when 21. Interest on the legacy to pay for her maintenance and education during her minority.
  • To my goddaughter Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Palmer of Bradfield, butcher: £20
  • To my kinswoman Susan, wife of Robert Snell of Heybridge, Essex: £50
  • To my kinswoman Mary Frost of Earls Colne, Essex: £50
  • To my kinswoman Rebecca Goodchild of Weeley Cross, Essex: £50
  • To each child of Charles Carnell [Cardinall] deceased, who was the grandson of my late aunt, who was the sister of my father Thomas Gilbert: £100
  • To each child of Mrs. Leapingwell of Snow Hill, London, widow of James Leapingwell, coachmaster, deceased: £50 when they reach 21.
  • To Mary Ann King, widow, my housekeeper: £10 and a picture of my dog Ball
  • All my household estate to be sold.
  • I forgive James Traylor the interest on £200 I lent him. After the death of Sarah, his wife, the £200 to be divided between her children. If she dies without issue, the £200 to be considered part of my estate.
  • Rest and residue to the grandchildren of my kinsman James Gilbert of Wix, son of my late cousin John Gilbert deceased, and to the children of my cousin Lot Gilbert of Beaumont, to be divided between them (except my kinsman Henry Gilbert, already mentioned).

Executors: John Tabrum of Margaretting and Robert Tindal of Chelmsford

Witnesses: Geoffry Taylor, Edward Kerrick, James Porter

  • Written: 4th November 1790

    Codicil: Whereas I bequeathed £100 each to the children of Charles Carnell [Cardinall] deceased, grandson of my aunt, sister of my father Thomas Gilbert, and whereas Mary Brown, one of Charles’ daughters has died, I give her legacy of £100 to Henry Salter of Great Oakley, farmer. [this might be Judith Brown, not Mary Brown]
  • I revoke the £100 bequest to Mary Carnell [Cardinall], another of Charles’ daughters. I give her £50 only.
  • I revoke the £50 legacies to Susan, wife of Robert Snell, and Mary Frost.
  • I revoke the £10 legacy to Mary Ann King, giving her instead an annuity of £10.
  • Dated: 26th February 1791
    [His signature is very wobbly compared to how it was written a few months earlier]
  • Codicil: Use of my silver spoons, plate etc to my niece Ann, wife of William Carnell [Cardinall] Wade of Tendring, wheelwright, for her life. After her death, to be divided between her children.

Dated: 20th May 1791. Henry Gilbert died on 2nd June 1791. Will proved: 5th March 1792.

ERO ref: D/ABW 111/3/21

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Gill, Moses, of Great Oakley, farmer, 1768

  • I give devise and bequeath unto my Daughter Elizabeth (who was born to me of Mary my former Wife) £500 to be paid unto her at her Age of 21 And I direct the same in the mean Time with all convenient Speed to be placed out at Interest upon Government or Land Security for her use and Benefit and if she shall happen to die before she shall attain her said Age of 21 years then I give devise and bequeath the said £500 unto my Daughter Mary (born to me by Sarah my present Wife) at her Age of 21 And I direct that the Interest thereof in the mean Time be also applied to her use and for her Benefit but in Case of my said Daughter Elizabeth shall survive my said Daughter Mary and afterward die before she my said Daughter Elizabeth shall attain her said Age of 21 years then I give devise and bequeath the aforesaid Sum of £500
    unto and among my Brother John and my Sister Mary and Hannah and their lawful Issue to be divided between them.
  • To my said Daughter Mary £500 to be paid unto her at her Age of 21 over and above any other Sum or Sums of Money unto which she may be initiated by or under any Contract Bond or other Provision made before my Marriage with her Mother my said present Wife Sarah and I direct my said last mentioned Legacy of £500 in the mean Time until she my said Daughter Mary shall attain her said Age of 21 to be placed out with all convenient Speed at Interest upon Government or Land Security for her use and Benefit but in Case my said Daughter Mary shall happen to die before she shall attain her said Age of 21 the I give devise and bequeath the said £500 unto and among my said Daughter Elizabeth and Thomas William Sarah and Rebecca Allen (Children of my present Wife by her former Husband) and the lawful Issue of them the said Elizabeth Thomas William Sarah and Rebecca to be divided in like Manner as among Tenents in Common.
  • Also I give and bequeath unto my said Wife Sarah the use and Wear of my silver pint Mug of my two silver Pepper Casters of my two silver salt Cellars of my silver Punch Ladle and of my silver quart Tankard for and during the Term of her natural Life And from and immediately after the Decease of my said Wife Sarah I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Elizabeth my said silver Pint Mug either of the said silver Pepper Casters which she shall chuse and either of the said silver Salt Cellars which she shall chuse and the said silver Punch Ladle as her own Property And I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Mary from and immediately after the Death of her said Mother the other silver Pepper Caster the other silver Salt Cellar and the said silver quart Tankard as her own Property Also I give devise and bequeath all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Goods and Chattels Rights Credits and Estate whatsoever and wheresoever real and personal of what Nature or Kindsoever which I shall die possessed of interested in or intituled (after Payment of my just Debts the Charges of my Funeral and proving this my Will and other incident Charges and the Legacies herein before given) unto my said Wife Sarah her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns
  • And I do nominate and appoint my Uncle John Gill of London to be one of the Executors of this my Will and Intendent of so much thereof as regards my said Daughter Elizabeth or wherein she hath or shall or may have any Concern or Benefit to see my Will performed on her Behalf
  • And I appoint him Guardian and Curator of her Person and Fortune until she shall attain her said Age of 21.
  • And likewise I do nominate constitute and appoint my said Wife Sarah to be Executrix of this my Will and Intendant of so much thereof as regards herself and my said Daughter Mary or wherein they have or either of them hath or shall or may both or either of them have any Concern or Benefit And I appoint my said Wife Sarah Guardian and Curatrix of the Person and Fortune of my said Daughter Mary.
  • And also I do nominate constitute and appoint my good Friend Mr Arthur Taylor of Harwich to be another Executor of this my Will and Supervisor to so much thereof as regards my said Wife Sarah and my said Daughter Mary or wherein they or either of them have or hath or shall or may have any Concern or Benefit and to see my Wife fulfilled on their Behalves or the Behalf of either of them
  • And in Case my said Wife Sarah shall happen to die during the Minority of my said Daughter Mary I will and appoint that the said Arthur Taylor shall then be Guardian and Curator of the Person and Fortune of my said Daughter Mary until she attain her said Age of 21.

Witnesses: Jos. Culpack, Mary Dagnett, B. Didier.

Written 11 November 1766, proved: 1st August 1768.

ERO Document Reference: D/ACW 32/4/25

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Gill, Sarah, of Great Oakley, widow, 1775

  • I give devise and bequeath all my Freehold Messuage or Tenement Farm and Lands situate lying and being in Toleshunt Knights otherwise Toleshunt Bushes in the County of Essex now in the Occupation of Charles Richardson or his under-Tenants, with the Barn, Stables, outhouses and Appurtenances thereunto belonging unto my Son Thomas Allen and is Heirs and his and their Assigns to the use and behoof of the said Thomas Allen and his Heirs and his and their Assigns forever.
  • Also I give devise and bequeath the Term or Terms which at the time of my Decease shall be to come and unexpired of and in the Farm wherein I now dwell and which I now hold called Great Oakley Hall in the County of Essex, and all the Stock and Crops, Corn, Hay, Cattle, Utensils and Implements of Husbandry thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining unto my said Son Thomas Allen his Executors or Administrators, upon this Condition and not otherwise, provided he my said Son Thomas doth and shall pay out of my Estate reall and Personal which I do hereby make chargeable for the said Purposes, the following Legacys herein after named in the manner herein directed, that is to say, provided he doth & shall pay to my Executors and Trustees herein after named £200, in Trust however for the sole use of my daughter Sarah the wife of Ralph Bull her Executors or Administrators within one year after my Decease.
  • Also provided he my said Son Thomas doth and shall pay to my Executors and Trustees aforesaid £450, in trust however for the sole use of my Daughter Rebecca Allen her Executors or Administrators within one year after my Decease. And I direct that during her minority & the interval between my Death & her receiving the said Legacy, she shall be maintained and provided with all necessarys by my said son Thomas his Executors or Administrators:
  • But in case my said Daughter Rebecca shall happen to dye before she attaineth the Age of 21 and shall leave lawfull Issue, then I give devise and bequeath the Legacy aforesaid to be equally divided between them, if more than One, at their respective ages of 21, and in the mean time she same to be placed out at Interest for his her or their Benefit:
  • But in case there shall be no such Issue or such Issue shall happen to dye before the age of 21, then I give devise and bequeath the said Legacy to be equally divided between the Brothers and Sisters of my said Daughter Rebecca their Executors or Administrators.
  • Also I give and bequeath unto my said Daughter Rebecca Two Silver table spoons, six silver Tea spoons, & one pair of Silver Tea Tongs to her own Use & behoof.
  • Also I give and bequeath all my wearing apparel to be equally divided between my Three Daughters Sarah Bull Rebecca Allen and Mary Gill to their several uses and behoofs:
  • Also I give devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my Goods and Chattels, Rights, Credits and Estate whatsoever and wheresoever Real and Personal which I shall dye possessed of, after payment of my just Debts Charges of my Funeral and the proving this my Will and other incident Charges and the Maintenance and Legacys herein before given and directed unto my said Son Thomas Allen and his Heirs Executors or Administrators and his or their Assigns, provided he gives no trouble by delaying or Litigation to my Executors & Trustees herein after names concerning the Provisos before mentioned.
  • And I do constitute and appoint my said Son in Law Ralph Bull and my cousin John Keable Executors of this my last Will and Testament, and my Mind is that my said Executors shall be Trustees and shall each of them be answerable only for his own Acts Receipts and Payments, and that he or they shall and may be saved harmless and deduct out of my Personal Estate or Moneys arising therefrom in his or their Management from time to time all such Costs and Charges as he or they shall pay sustain or be put to by reason of the Execution of this my Will or his or their Acting in Consequence thereof or any part thereof.

Witnesses: Francis Evans, Francis Clark, Francis Bowling.

Written 22 September 1771, proved on 24th October 1775.

ERO document reference: D/ACW 33/5/29

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Godwin alias Gorden, Susanna, widow of Wivenhoe, 1761

  • Grandson Thomas Arthy, under 23
  • Grandson Joseph Arthy, under 21
  • Friend Mr Daniel Blyth of Elmstead
  • Daughter Susanna Godwin, rest and residue, executrix

Witnesses: Sarah Whitley, Thomas Cutter, John Mason

Written 24 Jun 1759, probate 7 Nov 1761

ERO

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Goldingham, Jonas, of Ramsey, gentleman, 1615

  • Ralph Walker, vicar of Ramsey, my new horseman’s coat, for making a sermon at my funeral
  • Poor of Ramsey £3, and 40sh among the poor who come to my funeral
  • The children of Tunmer, deceased, my sister-in-law, 10sh each
  • Joane Barbram 10sh
  • The servants of my son Henry Goldingham 6sh 8d each
  • Granddaughter Ann Goldingham, daughter of my son Henry: copyhold in Walton, Suffolk, held of Walton manor
  • Granddaughter Abigail Goldingham, daughter of my son Henry: house in Harwich occupied by Hubbard
  • Granddaughter Frances Goldingham, daughter of my son Henry: copyhold in Little Oakley held of Little Oakley manor
  • Granddaughter Mary Goldingham, daughter of my son Henry: freehold in Ramsey
  • Granddaughter Sarah Goldingham, daughter of my son Henry: freehold in Monks Eleigh, Suffolk
  • Mary and Sarah are both under 21. To receive £5 each when 21 or married, whichever happens first
  • Grandson Henry Goldingham, my seal ring and all my books
  • Brother Henry Goldingham 10sh for a ring
  • Rest and residue to son Henry Goldingham, to have custody of the property bequeathed to his children while they are under 21 or unmarried.
  • Recognizance for £1,000 in the nature of Statute staple 25th April 1592 made and acknowledged to me by William Lewes late of Dedham deceased, before Sir Christopher Wray Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas: the statute was made in trust for the warranty of certain freehold in Dedham sold to my brother William Goldingham and myself by the said Lewes.

Witnesses: Jeromy Burges, Edward Lucas

Written 8 Nov 1615. No probate date.

Transcriber’s notes: This is perhaps the Jonas Goldingham who was baptised in Belstead, Suffolk, in 1547, the son of Christopher Goldingham and his wife Anne Rouse. He married Joan Goodwin, a widow, in Belstead in 1572. However, there are no baptisms for a brother called Henry in Belstead. Jonas’ mother remarried to Henry Reynolds of Belstead. After her death, Henry married Elizabeth Withypool, who, with her second husband, George Brooke, then swindled her son by Henry out of his inheritance. George’s daughter Mary was first married to William Brewse of Little Wenham, then to Clippesby Gawdey. See her 1629 will. Clippesby Gawdey was the son of Sir Thomas Gawdey by his second wife; his first wife was Audrey Knightley (a sister of Lettice Knightley, married to William Clippesby, then William Cardinall). Audrey’s nephew, John Clippesby, was Clippesby Gawdey’s godfather.

Christopher Burrough of Wix mentions his son-in-law Henry Goldingham in his 1605 will – his daughter may have married either of the two Henry Goldinghams mentioned in this will, but perhaps the younger, Jonas’ son, is the more likely candidate.

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Gurdon, Joan of Dedham, late the wife of John Gurdon of Dedham

  • To be buried in the churchyard at Dedham.
  • Money to the church at Dedham, the Grey Friars of Colchester, the nuns of Campsey Abbey, the hermit of Dedham “if so be that he be a priest.”
  • Granddaughters Johan Cradock and Alis Cradock, daughters of daughter Cristiane. Both unmarried.
  • Rest and residue to son John Gurdon.

Witnesses: John Bradshay clerke, Robert Cradokk, Robert Ayleward.

Written 28 Dec 1512

ERO

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