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Chelsfield - Parish Information

Abstract of will from Chelsfield proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury Geoffrey Copus.2005

Rev George Smith of Chelsfield dated 18 February 1645

Abstract of the will of George Smith, Rector of Chelsfield (describing himself as " Preacher of God’s word at Chelsfield") dated 18 February 1645.
   My body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors.
   To the poor of Chelsfield £3 and to the poor of Farnborough £2 on the day of my burial.
   To Thomas Pyke, preacher of God’s holy word at Keston, whom I appoint to preach my funeral sermon, 20s.
   To my eldest son George Smith and to my sons Edward and Francis Smith all my books equally except the English books which my wife is to have and to take her choice.
   To my son George £50, my son William £300, my son Edward £250, my son Henry £200, my son Francis £200, all to be paid at their ages of 21.
   To my daughter Mary Tray 20s. besides the portion she hath had already.
   To my daughter Elizabeth Smith £400: to my daughter Ann Smith £30 – both legacies to be paid one year after my death or on their marriages, whichever shall come sooner.
   To my sister Elizabeth Mills for a remembrance of my love unto her 10s. to buy her gloves.
   To my sister Hannah Norgate £10. To my niece Mary Felton 50s.
   To every one of my children excepting my daughter Mary a featherbed with two pairs of sheets, two blankets, a bolster and a coverlet, at the discretion of Mary my wife.
   To my eldest son George all my lands in the parish of Iwade for ever, he paying £15 per annum to his mother out of them for her lifetime, she to have power to distrain and enter if the annuity is unpaid.
   After my wife’s death, I leave to my son William and his heirs the said £15 per annum; provided he continue to pay this annuity, my son George is to have these lands for ever.
    To my son George two acres called Whiteheads Springe in Chelsfield.
    To my wife Mary for life my mansion house and all lands in Borden and one cottage and orchard in St. Mary Cray in the occupation of William Partridge. After her death they are to remain to my 3 sons Edward, Henry and Francis equally.
    I leave another cottage in St. Mary Cray in the occupation of one Pearson to my wife for life, and after her death she is to leave it to any of her children as she shall think fit.
   My wife to be Executrix, and to have all residue. My sons George and William to be Overseers and for their pains and fidelity therein I give them 20s. apiece.
    [ signed - George Smith parson of Chelsfield ]
    Witnesses, Robert Wright, Thomas Pyke.
Proved 6 April 1647 by Mary Smith widow the relict.      [PCC will PROB11/200]

Transcribed by Geoffrey Copus

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