Mylton, next Gravesend
An Archdeaconry will from Rochester
Written July 1535
Proved 7th September 1543
Daughter MARGARET, received all the moveable goods and was to give at her own pleasure such as she felt was a fair share to her brother WILLIAM and also to a Master John Graves, Baker and cytezyn (sic) of London.
Of Birling
An Archdeaconry will from Rochester
Proved 7th September 1626
Of Woolwich
Written 10th September 1688
Proved 27th April 1689
He bequeathed to his father RICHARD FEATHERSTONE 5/-, to his brother PHILLIP 2/6d and the remainder of his goods and estate to his wife SUSANNA. He is recorded as being sick in body, but sound of mind and memory.
Blacksmith, of Woolwich
A Prerogative Court of Rochester will.
He bequeaths to his son JOHN’s widow ELIZABETH 5/-, to his friend Mr. Thomas Broughin 10/- and the remainder of his estate to be divided equally between his very dear friend Sarah Shearman, wife of William Shearman, builder of Woolwich, and Mr. Roger Davies. These latter two also to act as executors.
Written 4th January 1701/2
Proved 16th March 1701/2
Widow, of Birling
A Prerogative Court of Rochester will.
She bequeathed to her son EDWARD 5/-, the remainder of her estate to be divided equally among her four sons, THOMAS, WILLIAM, RICHARD and ARMIGILL. The estate consisted mainly of a messuage in the parish of Burling (sic), presently occupied by Johns Gales, the younger. WILLIAM, RICHARD and ARMIGILL were currently bachelors and if any were to marry prior to their mother’s decease their portion of the property was to be divided equally among the others and they were to be disinherited. The four younger sons were also named as executors, although only Thomas and William were named at the prooving.
Written 2nd August 1706
Proved 10th October 1706
Vintner, of Chatham
A Prerogative Court of Rochester will.
His 5 messuages were bequeathed to his daughters ANNE and MARGARETT, to be divided equally between them on their attaining the age of 21 or their marriage. If either were to die the other would inherit the whole. If both were to die the bequest was passed to the testator’s sister SARAH LEERESK (?). Otherwise the bequest passed to his brother EDWARD, who was also named as executor of the will and guardian of the two girls during their minority. Also bequeathed to the two daughters all their mother’s clothes, both linen and woollen, one sapphire ring marked S.F, and two plain gold rings. To the wife of EDWARD, Mary was granted ‘one stone ring’, to JOHN’s daughter MARY MAPLEDON, wife of Thomas, 1/-. To Thomas Mapledon, his son-in-law ‘my silver headed cane’. The residue of any estate was to be held in trust for his 2 daughters ANNE and MARGARETT until their attaining majority, or marriage.
Proved 15th May 1713
Yeoman, of Brenchley
A Prerogative Court of Rochester will.
Proved 1752
Of Chatham
A Prerogative Court of Rochester will.
Bishop’s Transcript.
He held ‘3 messuages or houses together with their lands, gardens, yards and any other appurtenances thereunto’ (this phrase is repeated throughout the will). The ‘upper’ house was bequeathed to his daughter REBECCA BOULDER, wife of John. The ‘middle’ house, then occupied by John, his daughter MARY and his son WILLIAM was bequeathed to his daughter ANN, wife of James Wickendon. His son and daughter, MARY and WILLIAM were to be given a perpetual tenancy until either both were dead or married. The ‘lower’ house then occupied by Joseph Wells and ? Podridge was bequeathed to his sons JOHN and GEORGE to be divided equally. The residue of any estate including furnishings, on all 3 messuages were to be divided equally between MARY and WILLIAM. At the proving this estate was valued at £20. The executors were the testator’s son JOHN FEATHERSTONE and son-in-law John Boulder.
Written 7th September 1832
Proved 31 January 1835