The
Monumental Inscriptions (M.I.s) in the churchyard of St
John
the Baptist, Bredgar, Kent Transcribed
by D. E. Williams 2021 with Index of
names
St John the Baptist Church,
Bredgar from the South, 2004
I am very
grateful to Mr Tim Ford, Churchwarden of Bredgar, who, at very
short notice, was kind enough to open the church for us and
roll up the carpets to expose the ledger stones in the aisles,
so that I missed nothing out; he could not have been more
helpful.
I am also grateful to Ted Connell for hosting
this work and for compiling the index.
The staff of the County Archives at Maidstone,
were at their usual best, having the films of the wills ready
and waiting for me and always willing to help smooth out any
problems which may arise. Finally, my thanks to my wife,
Beverley, for her assistance photographing the
monuments. D. E. Williams, Borstal, 10th October 2021
INTERIOR
1.
Black Ledger, with Armorial Crest,
0North Aisle
Here Lyeth Interred the Body
of ELIZABETH ALDERSEY the Wife
of TERREY ALDERSEY Gent who
departed this life September 22nd 1658
2.
Large Tablet, North Wall of Chancel
Terry ALDERSEY 1670 - Photo Find a Grave
The scholarly Latin inscription praises Aldersey in the usual
hyperbole
of such monuments and tells us that he died on the 6th of July
1670 in his 52nd year
I wonder if this "Death's Head", in a shroud, is
actually a likeness of Aldersey?
It is a rather realistic image and Aldersey's age at death, 51,
would fit this image.
Archdeaconry
Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th January 1668 (1669 in the Modern Calendar)
In the Name
of God Amen I TERREY ALDERSEY
of Bredgar in the County of Kent Gent (renouncing all former
wills whatsoever) doe make this my last will and testament as
followeth
Imprimis I bequeath my Soule to my Lord god that gave it
trusting most assuredly to be saved by the all sufficient death
and passion of my lord and saviour Jesus Christ and my body to
the earth
Item I give to the poore of the parish of Bredgar in Kent
five pounds
Item I give to the poore of the parish of Biddenden in Kent
five pounds both which legacies shall be paid within one yeare
after my decease by my executor and by ?
? Parish as he shall be
? to stand in most need in
both parishes
Item I give unto my brother Mr FARNHAM ALDERSEY
of Maidstone and to his wife and his daughter ELIZABETH ALDERSEY
and to my sister Mrs ELIZABETH STREETE to each of
them twenty shillings to buy them ringes
Item I give unto my daughter MARGARET ALDERSEY
one thousand pounds to be paid her by my executor within three
yeares after my decease and for a maintenance for her till the
three yeares be expired my Will and meaning is that my executor
hereafter named shall pay ? fifty
pounds a yeare without deducting anything for taxes and in case
she shall depart this life before the money shall be due to bee
paid my [Will] and meaning is that it shall be paid to her
heires or assigns in writing under her hand and Seale
Item I further give and bequeath unto my daughter MARGARET
ALDERSEY all my lands and tenements in Newington Rainham
Upchurch and Halstow (now or late in the occupation of ARTHUR
[ ? ] and the widdow LAW ?) to her and her heires
for ever and my will and meaning is that if my three Sonnes THOMAS
HENRY and WILLIAM or either of them shall trouble
her about this land in any of her tenants then I doe give her an
annuity of fourteen pounds a yeare for ever to be paid out of
one of their lands which shall trouble or ?
her ? or else ? they shall pay her two hundred pounds
apiece which she shall like best of
Item I give unto my Sonne HENRY ALDERSEY my
house and all the lands and all edifices thereupon now in the
tenure and occupation of RICHARD BEALE or his
assigns lying in the parish of Biddenden and my mansion house
called Standen with all the edifices thereunto belonging late in
the tenure and occupation of one ROBBINS and now called
Robbins his house and all my lands lying on that side of the
Street the two houses stand on [ ? ]
meadow pasture arable or woodland and one other piece of
meadow land containing by estimation 4 acres more or less lying
on the other side of [ ? ] street [
? ]
against ye house and called the Hall court field which
land ly in the parish of Biddenden and Smarden and are now in
the tenure and occupation of RICHARD BEALE and Mr TERREY
ALDERSEY all which lands I give to my Sonne HENRY ALDERSEY
his heires and assigns for ever Provided he shall seale agree a
general release to his brother THOMAS ALDERSEY
(within 3 months after he shall attain to the age of one and
twenty yeares or when it shall be demanded) of all his right or
title in any lands that I shall dy possessed of in Bredgar
Wormshill and Bicknor ? and in case he shall refuse to doe it
then I give him five shillings to be paid to him by my executor
or his assigns and the lands and tenements which which are
bequeathed unto him I give unto my Sonne THOMAS ALDERSEY
and his heires for ever
Item I give unto my Sonne WILLIAM ALDERSEY
those 6 pieces of and called Hartsrops ? land & one peece of
land called Kellsden field all which I now use and all the rest
of my lands whether meadow arable pastures & woodland and
tenements whatsoever lying in the parish of Biddenden and not
before bequeathed to him and his heires for ever Provided he
shall seale agree a general release to his brother THOMAS
ALDERSEY (within 3 months after he shall attain to the
age of one and twenty yeares or when it shall demanded ) of all
his right and title in any lands I shall dy possessed of in the
parishes of Bredgar Wormshill and Bicknor? in case he shall
refuse to doe it then I give him five shillings to be paid to
him by my executor or his assigns and all the lands and
tenements which are bequeathed unto him I give to my Sonne THOMAS
ALDERSEY and his heires for ever and I doe appoint my
Sonne THOMAS ALDERSEY to be guardian to my Sonne WILLIAM
ALDERSEY till he shall be of yeares to choose a guardian
Item I doe give unto my Sonne THOMAS ALDERSEY
the Parsonage house of Bredgar wherein I now dwell and the corn
tythes of the parish of Bredgar together with the advowson of
the Vicarage of Bredgar and all my lands and tenements in ye
County of Kent what ? not before disposed of in this my last
will and testament to him and his heires for ever Provided that
he shall Seale a general release to my two Sonnes HENRY
and WILLIAM of all his right and title he hath unto any
of my lands or tenements before given unto them lying in the
Parishes of Biddenden and Smarden in the County of Kent
All of my household stuffe plate ready money goods and
chattels whatsoever and wheresoever my due debts and legacies
and funerall expenses being discharged I give and bequeath unto
my Sonne THOMAS ALDERSEY whom I doe appoint Sole
executor of this my last will and testament and in case of my
goods and chattels will not amount to so much as will pay my
debts and legacies then my will and meaning is that my Sonne THOMAS
ALDERSEY shall sell so much of that land which is given
unto him as doth discharge all my debts and legacies
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seale
the thirtieth day of January 1668
(No witnesses)
Proved 3rd August 1670
3. Black Ledger with Armorial Crest
North Aisle
To the Memory of MARY the Wife
of HUGH ALDERSY of this Parish
Gent who died July the 6th
1760 Aged 68 Years
Also of the said HUGH ALDERSEY who died
Novr. 5Th 1762 Aged 64
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 13th April 1761
In the Name of God Amen
I HUGH ALDERSEY of Bredgar in the
County of Kent Gentleman do publish and Declare this my last
Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)
I give and Devise to my Sister ELIZABETH JACKMAN
Widow now or late of [
] in
Maryland in North America One Annuity or Yearly Rent Charge free
and Clear of and from all Taxes Charges and
[ ] whatsoever to be Issuing out of all that my Messuage
or Tenement Farm and Lands thereunto belonging with their
Appurts Situate lying and being in Biddenden in the said County
of Kent and now in the Tenure or Occupation of WILLIAM WATTS
or his Under tenants To have hold [ ?
]
and take the said Annuity or Yearly Rent Charge the
[Sum?] of Twenty pounds Clear of all deductions as
aforesaid [unto ?] my said Sister ELIZABETH JACKMAN
and Her Assigns during the Term of her natural Life by four
Equal Quarterly payments on the Fifth day of January the Fifth
day of April and the Fifth day of July and the Tenth day of
October the first payment thereof to begin and be made on the
first of the said Four Quarterly days which shall happen next
after my decease And I do Will and Grant that if the said
Annuity or Yearly Rent Charge of Twenty pounds or any part
thereof shall be behind and Unpaid by the Space of Twenty Days
next after either or any of the said Days whereof the sums ought
to be paid as aforesaid It shall and may be lawful to and for
the said ELIZABETH JACKMAN and her Assigns into
the said Messuage or Tenement Farm and Lands thereto belonging
or any part thereof with the Appurts to Enter and Distrain for
the said Annuity or Yearly Rent charge and all arrears thereof
and to Carry away and to Impound Detain and Keep the same or
otherwise to Sell and Dispose of the same until She the said ELIZABETH
JACKMAN and her Assigns shall be fully paid and Satisfied
for such Annuity or the Arrears thereof to be
[ ? ] and unpaid together with all Costs and charges of
taking Keeping and Selling such Distress or Distresses according
to the true Intent and meaning of this my Will
I give and devise all that my Messuage or Tenement Farm
and Lands thereto belonging in Biddenden aforesaid Subject
nevertheless to and charged of Twenty pounds in manner as
aforesaid unto THOMAS TONGE of Milton next
Sittingbourne in the County aforesaid Surgeon and the heirs of
his Body lawfully to be begotten
But if the said THOMAS TONGE shall happen
to Dye without such Issue of his Body living at the time of his
Decease Then I Give and Devise the same Messuage or Tenement
Farm and Land thereto belonging in Biddenden aforesaid Subject
nevertheless and chargeable with the said Annuity of Twenty
pounds in manner as aforesaid unto THOMAS THURSTON
of Willesborough in the County aforesaid Yeoman the only
Surviving Son of MATTHEW THURSTON late of Milton
aforesaid Surgeon deceased and to his heirs and Assigns for ever
I will and bequeath to the said THOMAS THURSTON
and to his two Sisters namely MARY the wife of THOMAS
WILLMOT Gentleman and JANE THURSTON and to
each of them the Sum of Two hundred pounds apiece to be paid to
them respectively in Twelve Months after my Decease
If my said Sister ELIZABETH JACKMAN shall
happen after my Decease to come to England I give her Twenty
pounds It's my Desire that the said THOMAS THURSTON
shall have the Option to be made in two Months after my Decease
of a Lease and Term of and in the Farm wherein I now live the
Michaelmas after my Decease or without an Income or Goodwill for
the same if he shall choose the residue therein and Occupy the
same himself but not otherwise and if he shall choose to reside
thereon I make him the said THOMAS THURSTON
Executor of and for the Lease and Term only
EDWARD BRENCHLEY of Bredgar aforesaid Yeoman is
Indebted unto me in Two hundred pounds principal Money and some
Interest on Bond and a Bill of Sale of his Stock Crops and
Effects on and belonging to his Farms in Bredgar aforesaid Now I
do Will and Desire that upon the said EDWARD BRENCHLEY'S
duly paying the Interest of the said Two hundred pounds to the
Executor of this my Will he the said EDWARD BRENCHLEY
shall have time by the space of Seven years from the time of my
Death (if he the said EDWARD BRENCHLEY shall so
long live but not otherwise) to pay the said principal Sum as he
can Spare it so that no one payment towards the said Principal
Sum be less than Twenty pounds
I give unto MARGARET ALDERSEY the Daughter
of my Sister in Law MARGARET GRAYLING the Sum of
Fifty pounds at her Age of Twenty one Years or Marriage
I give unto the Two Children of my Sister in Law FRANCES
by [
] POTTER her husband
Twenty five pounds apiece at their respective Ages of Twenty one
years or Marriage
I give ANN STROVER a Young Servant Girl now
living with me Ten pounds at her Age of Twenty one years or
Marriage
All the Rest residue and Remainder of all my Goods
Chattels Rights and Credits and Generally all my personal Estate
I give and bequeath to the said THOMAS TONGE to
Dispose of at his pleasure
And I Name and Appoint the said THOMAS TONGE
Executor of this my Will
I revoke all former Wills and Testamentary Dispositions by me at
any time heretofore made
In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and
Testament set and Affixed my hand and Seal this thirteenth day
of April in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and
Sixty one HUGH ALDERSEY This Writing
was Signed and Sealed by the said HUGH ALDERSEY
the Testator and was by him Published and Declared as and for
his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his
presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto
Subscribed our names as Witnesses to the due Execution of this
his Will
EDWARD WILDISH WILLIAM HUNT MARY SHARP
Proved 1st March 1763
ASHLEY see BRENCHLEY
4. Tablet
In a Vault on the South Side of
This building are Deposited the Remains of
Mr THOMAS BRENCHLEY
of this Parish who died the 16th of July 1818
Aged 76 Years
Also HANNA Wife of the above
who died the 30th of December 1841
Aged 94 Years
Also of Mrs ANN COLLEY Daughter of the above
who died the 12th of March 1817 Aged 27 Years
Also of ELIZABETH ASHLEY Daughter of the above
who having for 35 years faithfully and affectionately Fulfilled
the duties of a wife departed this life 31st of October 1839
Aged 62
After a lingering illness of several years which
She bore with Christian fortitude
Near the Same Place lie Interred Eleven Infants
Children of THOMAS and HANNA BRENCHLEY
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th
May 1818
Thomas Brenchley of Bredgar, Yeoman
To his wife HANNAH all his freehold real estate for her
lifetime.
After her death, the real estate to JOHN BRENCHLEY
of Maidstone, Brewer and CHARLES TOWNSON of
Chatham, Bookseller and Stationer, upon trust, for the benefit
of his daughter, ELIZABETH, wife of JOSEPH ASHLEY
of Chatham, Wine and Spirit Merchant, during their lifetimes and
after the death of the survivor, then to the testator's own
right heirs, for ever.
His ready money and securities for money, money in the public
funds, bonds, bills, notes and debts, household goods and
furniture and implements of household, plate, linen, china and
glass. Rest and residue of his personal estate and effects,
subject to payment of his debts, funeral expenses and probate
charges, to his wife, HANNAH, JOHN BRENCHLEY
and CHARLES TOWNSON, upon trust, they to convert
that not consisting of cash, into money which they will invest
in Government Bonds or other secure investments and from time to
time, as it becomes payable to pay the interest arising to his
wife, HANNAH, for life. After her death, upon trust,
transfer the principal to such person or persons as laid out in
the will of his daughter, ELIZABETH ASHLEY.
Rules and Conditions of the trusts follows
His trustees are also his joint executors.
Witnesses: RICHARD WOOD of Bredgar, Butcher, STEPHEN
WOOD of Bredgar, Grocer and WILLIAM JEFFERYS,
Attorney at Law, Chatham.
Proved 24th December 1818
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will
This is the last Will and Testament
of me HANNAH BRENCHLEY of Bredgar in the County of
Kent Widow
I direct the payment of all my just debts funeral and
Testamentary expenses
I give devise and bequeath all and singular my freehold and
leasehold Estates whatsoever and wheresoever and all and every
my household furniture plate linen china hops stock on the farm
live and dead stock effects and all other my Estate and Effects
whatsoever and wheresoever unto JOSEPH ASHLEY of
Chatham in the said County of Kent Gentleman his heirs Executors
Administrators and Assigns absolutely and for ever confidently
relying upon his disposing thereof in a suitable manner And I
appoint the said JOSEPH ASHLEY Sole Executor
In Witness whereof I the said HANNAH BRENCHLEY
have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September one
thousand eight hundred and forty one the mark of X
HANNAH BRENCHLEY Signed by the said HANNAH BRENCHLEY
as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who
in her presence and in the presence of each other all being
present at the same time have hereunto subscribed our names as
witnesses the Executor having been previously interlined
GEO. COBB ELIZA COBB
Proved 4th February 1842
CHAPMAN see MARSH
5. Large Tablet
Humphrey
CLARKE als Woode
CHURCH 1608
Photo Find a Grave
Neere this place lyeth interred the
cov's of HUMPHREY CLARKE als WOODE
CHURCH late of this parish Esq who
departed this life the second day of
March Ao Doni 1608 leaving his wife
MARY the daughter & heire of ABRAHAM
MARKEHAM late of Astwood in the County
of Worcester Esq by whom he had issue
two sonnes FRANCIS & HUMPHREY & foure
daughters viz LETTICE DOROTHY SUSANNA
& ELIZABETH whereof HUMPHREY & LETTICE
dyed young DOROTHY marryed to
GEORGE HOW of Barwick St Leonard in
the County of Wiltes Gent SUSANNA
married to RICHARD LONG of Lyneham in
the said County of Wiltes Esq &
ELIZABETH who first married to
WILLIAM TONGE late of Tunstall in
this County Gent deceased & since
to JOHN BEST the Youner of Allington
Castle in this County Esq
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will
In the name of God Amen
the fowrth day of January 1652* I MARY CLARKE
of Bredgar in the County of Kent widdow being sicke in body but
of perfect memory Doe make this my last will and Testament in
forme following
First I committ my Soule unto Allmightie God and my body to be
buried by my loveing Sonne in law GRABHAM HOWE
Esquire in the parish church of Barwick St. Leonard**
And as for my worldly goods I give and bequeath the same as
Followeth That is to say
Fist I give unto my loveing sonne FRANCIS CLARKE
that Annuitie of one hundred pounds a yeare which my sonne BEST
is lyable to pay to me And I alsoe give and bequeath unto him my
silver bason and ewer and one hundred pounds of good and lawfull
money of England to be paid unto him within halfe a yeare after
my decease
Item I give unto my Grandchild MARY BEST tenn
pounds to buy her a ringe and all the things of myne that are in
her Father's house at Maidstone
Item I give unto my Grandchild JANE BEST Five
pounds
Item I give unto my Grandchild SUSAN LONG Two
hundred pounds and all the bonds that are in my hands due from
Mr RICHARD LONG her late Father and likewise from EDWARD
LONG her brother
Item I give unto my Grandchild HUMPHRIE LONG
twentie pounds unto him when he shall accomplied the age of one
and twentie yeares And if he happens to dye before hee attaine
the said age my will is that the said twentie pounds be paid
unto my said Grandchild SUSAN LONG aforesaid And
further my will is that if my said Grandchild SUSAN LONG
shall happen to dye before her day of marriage or before she
attaine the age of Eighteen yeares then the aforesaid two
hundred pounds which I have given to her shall remayne to her
brother HUMPHRIE LONG
Item I give unto the parish of Bredgar aforesaid the land which
I bought of the Lord WOTTON to be imployed for the
benefit of the poore of that Parish for ever and I desire the
Churchwardens Church [ ? ] and
Overseers of the poore aforesaid for the tyme being and that
hereafter shall be to have a special care that the land be not
lost
Item I give to the poore of Barwick aforesaid twentie shillings
Item I give unto the poore of Hendon*** twentie shillings
Item I give unto ANNE GOLDESBOROUGH my servant
Five pounds
Item I give unto JAMES DEANE of Barwick and DOROTHY
his wife two pounds
Item I give unto the Minister that shall preach my funerall
Sermon twentie shillings
And as concerning all other things of myne which are not
mentioned in this my will I leave them whollie to my loveing
daughter DOROTHY HOWE whom I doe make and [
? ] to
be my Sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament to give
and bestowe them on whom shee shall thinke fitt
And I Further [desire?] my two Sonns in law JOHN STILL
and GEORGE GRABHAM HOWE Esquires to see
this my last will and Testament performed and for theire care
and paynes herein my will is that my Executrix shall give each
of them a gold ring with death's head in it MARY CLARKE
Signed and Sealed in the presence of THOS. DIBBIN
JAMES DEANE
Proved 23rd November 1655
*1653 in the modern calendar
**Berwick St. Leonard, Wiltshire
***Hindon, Wiltshire. Mary Clarke's son in law, Sir George Howe,
first Baronet, was M.P for Hindon.
6. Tablet
Near
this Place
are deposited the
Remains of TIMOTHIA Wife of
GEORGE GEREE ELWICK
of this Parish Gent
"A Pious Good Woman and Affectionate
and Obliging Wife and Sincere Friend"
She departed this Life the 27th April 1780
Aged 84 Years
Also
the said GEORGE GEREE ELWICK
who departed this Life the 27th May 1780
Aged 78 Years
"He was Faithful Man and feared God
above many" Nenemiah 7.2
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated
10th May 1780
GEORGE GEREE ELWICK of Bredgar, Gentleman
Starts with a pious preamble.
Sometime before 28th September 1770, he settled on the marriage
of his nephew, GEORGE JENNETT of the City of
London, with MARY CURTEIS, Spinster, daughter of EDWARD
CURTEIS of Tenterden, Gentleman, his copyhold house,
lands and premises in Ashford, occupied by himself, and 2 pieces
of fresh marsh on Romney Marsh, then occupied by ADAM COATS,
and about the same time, gave a bond to GEORGE JENNETT
to secure the payment of £200 to complete the settlement, which
takes effect after testator's death and that of his wife. His
wife has pre-deceased him, so this is to be paid and the bond
cancelled on his death.
On or about 14th May 1778, he made another settlement on the
marriage of his nephew, WILLIAM JENNETT of
Ashford, Gentleman, with ELLEN MUNN of Ashford,
Spinster, niece of JOSIAS PATTENDEN of Ashford,
Gentleman. His mansion house, called Brick House, 3 cottages,
land and gardens in Bredgar, then in his occupation and that of WILLIAM
HANDEN and RICHARD HUGHES; also his half
share of of a fresh marsh called the Manor of Orgar in Lovell,
Romney Marsh, then occupied by WILLIAM JENNETT;
also his half share of of a house and lands called Crow's Hole
Farm in Charing and Stalisfield , then occupied by JOHN ASHBEE.
This settlement to take effect after his death and that of his
wife, as before this to take effect immediately after his death.
The remainder of his real and personal estate to his 2 nephews, GEORGE
and WILIAM JENNETT, equally shared, he appoints
them his executors.
To his sister in law, ELIZABETH ATKINSON of
Ashford, Widow, £5 for mourning and an annuity of £5 out of
his Stockbury estate or that of Hartlip, occupied by THOMAS
KITNEY, for her lifetime.
To his maid servant, and his male servant with him at his death,
£3 each for mourning; to his male servant, his coats,
waistcoats and breeches. To MARTIN WALTER of
Bredgar, Bricklayer, all his hats, wigs, boots, shoes and
stockings.
He gives 20 shillings each, in bread to the poor of Ashford,
Bredgar and Stockbury
To his nieces, MARY wife of RICHARD CURTEIS, Gentleman
of Tenterden, JANE wife of JEREMIAH CURTEIS, Gentleman
of Rye and ANN wife of PHILIP SLATER, Gentleman
of London, £300 each.
If any of them die before they inherit it, then to their
children, equally shared.
To nephew and Godson WILLIAM DYNE of Milton next
Sittingbourne, Gentleman and niece, SARAH DYNE, of
Rolvenden, Spinster, £100 each.
To his nephews, JOHN DYNE of Tenterden, Gentleman
and EDWARD DYNE of Rochester, Gentleman, £10
each.
To nephew and Godson, GEORGE JENNETT, £400, in
trust, for his son, GEORGE ELWICK JENNETT
at 21 years of age, if he dies before that, then to his father.
To WILLIAM JENNETT, his house and land called West
End and lands called Southern, with 2 cottages and gardens at
Yelsted in Stockbury and Hartlip, occupied by THOMAS KITNEY;
also 10 small pieces of woodland belonging to West End and
Southern. Also to WILLIAM JENNETT, his half share
of 2 pieces of woodland called Crow's Hole Wood and Fleet Wood
in Charing and Stalisfield, occupied by THOMAS AMES;
also his half share of Fleetwood House and field belonging, in
Charing, occupied by THOMAS SHERLOCK and his half
share of 5 pieces of meadow and pasture called Raywood in
Charing occupied by JOHN HARRISON and his half
share of a house and land called Falron in Leaveland and
Badlesmere, occupied by FRANCIS WATERMAN, for
ever, but subject to making up any deficiency of testator's
personal estate to pay all the legacies, his debts and funeral
costs.
To SUSANNAH READE, Widow of his greatly respected
friend, JAMES READE late of Lombard Street,
London, Esquire and to her brother, JOHN TYSOE of
Tenterden, Gentleman, a gold ring each, of 1 guinea value.
He has been at less expense in the education and bringing up WILLIAM
and GEORGE JENNETT and for both he has an equal
value and affection, so after payment of his debts, legacies,
funeral and probate costs, he makes WILLIAM JENNETT
residuary legatee.
His executors can deduct their reasonable costs and charges
sustained .
Witnesses: P. STEELE THOMAS JAMES REBECCA
JAMES
Proved 12th June 1780
7. Ledger, North Aisle
Here Lyeth the Body of THOMAS
FEARNE Gent [of this Parish]
[who departed this Life]
[January] [ ] 1663
[Aged] 44 [Years]
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN The Sixth day of January in
the yeare of our Lord One Thousand and Six Hundred Sixtie and
Three* I THOMAS FEARNE of Bredgar in the County of
Kent gent being sick in body but of sound & perfect memory
praysed bee god doe make and declare this my last will and
Testament in manner & forme following Revoking and adnulling
by these presents All and every Testament and Testaments Will
and Wills heretofore by mee made and declared either by word or
by writeings And this is to bee taken onely for my last Will and
Testament and noe other
And first being penitent and sorry from the bottome of my hart
for my sinnes past most humbly desiringe forgiveness for the
same I comitt my Soule unto Allmighty god my Creator Stedfastly
believing to have remission & forgiveness of all my sinnes
through the merritts of Jesus Christ my saviour & blessed
redeemer And my body to bee buried in such place where it shall
please my Executor hereafter named to appoint
And now for the setling of my temporal estate and such goodes
chattels & debts as it hath pleased god to bestowe upon mee
I do order give & dispose of the same in manner and forme
following
Item I give unto the poore of the parrish of Bredgar Forty
Shillings to bee paid within a moneth after my decease
Item I give and bequeath unto my eldest sonne JOHN FEARNE
and to his heires for ever One messuage or Tenement one Barne
one stable one outhouse and all the Lands thereunto belonging
& apperteyning which I late purchased of RICHARD ALLEN
of Rochester esquire situate lying and being in the parrishes of
Bredgar & Milstead in the said County of Kent
Alsoe I give & bequeath unto my said sonne JOHN FEARNE
and to his heires for ever two pieces of arrable land which I
late purchased of my cozen THOMAS TONGE of Norton
gent called or knowne by the names of greate Milstead fields and
little wyoletts lying and being in the parrish of Milstead
aforesaid Abutting and bounding to the King's highway South To a
parcell of woodland late THOMAS TONGE'S north To
the lands of WILLIAM TILDEN gent towards the East
And to the lands of the said THOMAS TONGE west
Item I give and bequeath unto my loveing wife ELIZABETH
for & during the terme of her naturall Lyfe one yearely
Annuity or rent charge of one & Twenty pounds a yeare to bee
issuing and goeing out of the aforesaid messuage or Tenement
Barne Stable Lands & premisses above bequeathed unto my said
sonne JOHN FEARNE situate lyinge & being of
the parrishes of Bredgar & Milstead aforesaid To bee paid
Att the Church Porch of Bredgar aforesaid Att the Feast of the
Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary and St Michaell the
Archangell or within one and Twenty dayes next after either of
the said Feasts by even and equal portions The first payment of
which said Annuity shall bee made and begin at which of the said
Feasts shall first ensue & come next after my decease
And I further will that my said wife ELIZABETH or her
assignes shall & may lawfully from tyme to tyme distraine in
and upon the foresaid messuage or Tenement Barne Stable Lands
& premisses above bequeathed unto my said sonne JOHN FEARNE
or upon any part thereof for any the arrearages of the said
Annuity or yearely rent of one & twenty poundes or any part
thereof
Item I give and bequeath unto my sonne THOMAS FEARNE
and to his heires forever One messuage or Tenement one barne
with the outhouses ediffices & buildings and all the Lands
thereunto belonging & apperteyninge (two pieces of land
called or knowne by the name of greate Milstead field &
little wyoletts above bequeathed unto my sonne JOHN FEARNE
onely excepted) which I late purchased of my cozen THOMAS
TONGE of Norton gent situate lying & being in the
severall parrishes of Milstead Tunstall & Sittingbourne in
the County of Kent aforesaid
Item I will & bequeath unto my loveing wife ELIZABETH
for and during the Term of her naturall lyfe one yearely Annuity
or rent charge of seaven poundes a yeare to bee issuing &
goeing out of the foresaid messuage or Tenement Barne Lands
& premisses above bequeathed unto my said sonne THOMAS
FEARNE situate lying & being in the severall
parrishes of Milstead Tunstall and Sittingbourne aforesaid To
bee paid at or in the Church porch of Bredgar aforesaid Att the
Feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary & St
Michaell The Archangell or within one & twenty dayes next
after either of the said Feasts by even & equall portions
The first payment of which said Annuity shall bee made &
begin at which of the said Feast dayes shall first ensue &
come next after my decease And I further will that my said wife ELIZABETH
or her assignes shall & may lawfully from tyme to tyme
distraine in & upon the aforesaid messuage or Tenement Barne
Lands premisses above bequeathed unto my said sonne THOMAS
FEARNE or upon any part thereof for any the arrearages of
the said Annuity or yearely rent of seaven poundes or any part
thereof
Item I give & bequeath unto my sonne JAMES FEARNE
and to his heires for ever Two messuages or Tenements on
brewhouse one malthouse two Barnes one dovehouse & all other
outhouses to the said messuages belonging and Two Cherry gardens
conteyning by estimation Four acres more or lesse with the
appurts situate lying and being in the parrishes of Faversham
& Preston in the County of Kent aforesaid which said
messuages lands & premisses with the appurts were given
& devised to mee in and by the last will & testament of
my uncle JOHN FEARNE
Alsoe I give and bequeath unto my said sonne JAMES FEARNE
and to his heires for ever Two pieces or parcells of pasture
Land called or knowne by the names of Cromp's Croft & Long
Croft conteyning in the whole by estimation Foure acres more or
lesse with the appurts lying & being in the parish of
Minster within the Island of Sheppy in the County aforesaid
Item I will and bequeath unto my loveing wife ELIZABETH
and during the Term of her naturall life one yearely Annuity or
rent charge of eleaven pounds a yeare to bee issuing &
goeing out of the aforesaid messuages or Tenements lands &
premisses above bequeathed unto my said sonne JAMES FEARNE
situate lying and being in the parrishes of Faversham &
Preston and Minster aforesaid To bee paid Att or in the Church
porch of Bredgar aforesaid Att the Feasts of the Annunciation of
the blessed Virgin Mary & St Michaell the Archangell or
within one & twenty dayes next after either of the said
Feasts by even & equall portions The first payment of which
said Annuity shall bee made & begin at which of the said
Feasts shall first ensue & come next after my decease And I
further will that my said wife ELIZABETH or her assignes
shall and may lawfullt from tyme to tyme distraine in & upon
the aforesaid messuages or Tenements lands & premisses above
bequeathed unto my said sonne JAMES FEARNE or upon
any part thereof for any the arrearages of the said Annuity or
yearely rent of eleaven pounds or any part thereof
Item I give & bequeath unto my sonne CHARLES FEARNE
I give & bequeath unto my sonne CHARLES FEARNE
& to his heires for ever One messuage or Tenement one Barne
& all the lands to the said messuage ot tenement belonging
situate lying & being in the parrishes of Bobbing &
Milton als Middleton in the County aforesaid which said
messuages lands & premisses give & devised to mee in
& by the last will & Testament of my father HENRY
LESTON
Alsoe I give & bequeath unto my said sonne CHARLES
FEARNE and to his heires for ever one cherry garden
conteyning by estimation seaven acres more or lesses with the
appurts lying & being in Faversham aforesaid lately given
& devised to mee in and by the last will & Testament of
my said uncle JOHN FEARNE
Further I give & bequeath unto my said sonne CHARLES
FEARNE & to his heires for ever ymmediately from and
after the decease of my uncle TYMOTHY MILLEN Two
messuages or Tenements with the outhouses ediffices &
buildings & one acre of arable land more or lesse with the
appurts thereto belonging situate lying & being at a
certaine streete called Lyfferton streete in the parrishes of
Lenhanm & Boughton in the County aforesaid
Item I will & bequeath unto my loveing wife ELIZABETH
for and during the Terme of her naturall lyfe one yearely
Annuity or rent charge of eleaven pounds a yeare to bee issuing
& goeing out of the aforesaid messuages or Tenements lands
& premisses above bequeathed to my said sonne CHARLES
FEARNE situate lying & being in the severall
parrishes of Bobbing Milton als Middleton Faversham Lenham &
Boughton aforesaid To bee paid Att or in the Church porch of
Bredgar aforesaid Att the Feasts of the Annunciation of the
blessed Virgin Mary & St Michael the Archangell or within
one & twenty dayes next after either of the said Feasts by
even & equal portions The first payment of which said
Annuity shall bee made and begin at which of the said Feasts
shall first ensue & come next after my decease And I further
will that my said wife ELIZABETH or her assignes shall
& may lawfully from tyme to tyme distraine in and upon the
aforesaid messuages or tenements lands & premisses above
bequeathed unto my said sonne CHARLES FEARNE or
upon any part thereof for any the arrearages of the said Annuity
or yearely rent of eleaven pounds or any part thereof
Item I give & bequeath unto my said eldest sonne JOHN
FEARNE Fifty pounds of lawfull money of England to bee
paid unto him at his age of Fifteene yeares
Item I give & bequeath unto my said sonne THOMAS
FEARNE Fifty pounds of lawfull money of England to bee
paid unto him at his age of Fifteene yeares
Item I give & bequeath unto my said sonne JAMES
FEARNE Fifty pounds of lawfull money of England to bee
paid unto him at his age of Fifteene yeares
Item I give & bequeath unto my said sonne CHARLES
FEARNE Fifty pounds of lawfull money of England to bee
paid unto him at his age of Fifteene yeares
Item All the residue of my goods and Chattels not given
& bequeathed (my debts & Legacies being paid and
funerall expenses discharged) I give and bequeath unto my
loveing wife ELIZABETH whome I doe make and ordaine sole
executrix of this my last will and Testament
In Writting whereof that this is my very last will
and Testament I have hereunto sett my hand & seale dated the
day & yeare first above Written
Signed sealed & delivered THO. FEARNE
in the presence of us
JOHN CHALCROFT, JOSHUA DIX Junr.
JAMES MOWTING
Proved 2nd March 1663*
*1664 in the modern calendar
8. Ledger, with Armorial Crest
Here Lyeth Interred ye
Body of JOHN FEARNE
of Baxton in this Parish
Gent who departed this
Life in assurance of
Joyful Resurrection
on ye 22nd day of September
1713
Having left issue
Surviving him 4 Sons
JOHN, THOMAS, CHARLES
& WILL & one Daughter
SARAH
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th
January 1712 (1713 in Modern Calender)
As well as London, he will was also proved at
Bredgar and the original copy is in the Kent Archives at
Maidstone
JOHN FEARNE of Bredgar, Gentleman
Usual religious pre-amble.
To his wife, MILDRED, an annuity of £24, charged on his
mansion house, where he is living, his malthouse and lands and
tenements in Bredgar, for her lifetime.
His wife is to, within 2 months after his death, renounce all
her dower rights and title, in return for the annuity. If she
refuses she will not received any payments.
He gives her the use of his best chamber and the best bed and
furniture, 4 pairs of bed sheets and use of his best parlour
and household goods according to the judgement of 2 people
"indifferently" chosen and consent of his wife and
executor. She can also use his kitchen garden and flower garden,
for life, in consideration of her these legacies, his wife
should renounce her dower rights. Again, if she refuses, he
leaves these legacies to his executor.
To sons JOHN and THOMAS, £150 each from land and
houses in Bredgar within 12 months of the death of his wife but
no more.
To his daughter SARAH, £50 and £100, £50 within 6
months after his death and £100 within 12 months.
To grandson, CHARLES son of THOMAS FEARNE,
£30 to bind him apprentice when he is 14.
To son WILLIAM and his lawful heirs, for ever, an annuity
of £5 out of his property at Bredgar and Milstead. If WILLIAM
has no heirs then the £5 annuity to son CHARLES and his
heirs for ever.
Also to son WILLIAM, and his heirs another annuity of
£3, if he has no heirs then to son CHARLES and his heirs
for ever.
To son CHARLES and his lawful heirs, or in failure of
such heirs, then to son WILLIAM and his lawful heirs, all
his real estate at Bredgar and Milstead.
Son CHARLES is his sole executor.
Witnesses: P? ELWICK WILLIAM ALDERSEY
THOMAS HANDFILL
Proved 3rd February 1713 (1714)
9. Ledger, North Aisle
Here Lyeth the Bodie of
JOHN HATCH Son of
WILLIAM HATCH of Bredgar
Aged 48 who dyed the
8th of October 1644
JEFFERY see MARSH
10. Ledger, Centre Aisle
[
]
Aetatis Suae 53
LANCELOT LOE Gent.
the 7th of July 1641
Hoping by the Merits and
Passion of my Blessed
Saviour and Redeemer to
be Received in the Life
Everlasting
There is an inventory for Loe or Lee
in the County Archives at Maidstone
Reference PRC\11/9/28, Gentleman of Lynstead
11.
Large Marble Tablet
Near
this Place
Lie Deposited the remains of
the Revd. WILLIAM MARSH
Rector of Bicknor and Murston in this County
who departed this Life the 2nd of January1814
Aged 96 Years
Also the Body of MARY Wife of
the aforesaid Revd. WILLIAM MARSH
who died the 27th of March 1783
Aged 58 Years
Likewise FRANCES CHAPMAN Daughter
the above Revd. WILLIAM MARSH and
MARY his Wife who died the 26th of Feby. 1781
Aged 26 Years
Also MARTHA Daughter of
THOMAS WHITTAKER JEFFERY and MARY
his Wife who died the 20th of October 1801
Aged 7 Years
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 18th July 1805
Reverend WILLIAM MARSH of Murston, Clerk
Devout religious pre-amble as fits his vocation.
He is in good health and wishes to be interred at Bredgar in a
brick vault near to his family pew where his daughter FRANCES
CHAPMAN and his wife, MARY, formerly CURTOIS,
are buried.
His Manor or reputed Manor house and farm called Grand Acre,
barn, stables, buildings, land, and, woodland at Waltham and his
land where a house formerly stood called Wolfinch with the yard
or garden orchard and land belonging called Hempland or Hempland
and 3 pieces of land in Waltham occupied by JOHN BROWNING,
subject to an annuity of £100 for his present wife, MARY,
late MARY BERNARD, for her lifetime and the
payment of a mortgage of 25 shillings or a sack of wheat.
NAll other real estate in Kent (except his house in Bredgar) to
his daughter MARY wife of THOMAS WHITTAKER JEFFERY
of Yalding, Gentleman and her children, for ever.
His house, barn, stables , yard, garden in Bredgar late in his
occupation but now of ROBERT CAREY , to his
Grandson, EDWARD WILLIAM JEFFERY, son of THOMAS
WHITTAKER JEFFERY and MARY. If EDWARD
dies without lawful issue, or under the age of 2, then the
Bredgar property goes to his brother, JOHN JEFFERY
and his lawful heirs but if he dies, as above, then to the sons
of his daughter MARY, in order of birth.
His Manor or reputed Manor of Grand Acres Farm in Waltham
charged with the annuity of 25 shillings or a sack of wheat at
the market price yearly, for ever, the Minister of the parish to
receive this to teach as many poor children of St Mary, Romney
Marsh, Bicknor and Tonge, whose parents are unable to do it
themselves. Each of the parishes to receive the annuity for 2
successive years, St Mary, Romney Marsh to have the first 2
years, then Bicknor, then Tonge, in that order, for ever.
He gives £30 to buy 200 books of the "Whole Duties of
Man" for such poor people unable to buy it for themselves
in the parishes of St Mary, Romney Marsh, 9, Bicknor, 9, Tonge,
20, Bapchild, 40, Bredgar, 40, Wychling, 20, Murston, 20 and St
Peter, Canterbury, 42.
If there are any left over the executors can give them to other
parishes as they think fit.
He appoints his good friends the Rev RICHARD COOKE,
THOMAS? PATTISON of Surrenden, Biddenden, Clerk, JOHN
BAKER of Margate, Esquire and his son in law, THOMAS
WHITTAKER JEFFERY if Yalding, trustees of his
will.
There are Articles of Agreement dated on or about 6th August
1744 entered into by himself and his late wife MARY ,
daughter of DANIEL CURTOIS of the 1st part and MARY
CURTOIS, Widow, executor of DANIEL CURTOIS,
by which the testator was to become entitled to a legacy in
right of his wife of £900.
He was to purchase in fee simple, with the £900, houses or
lands in Canterbury, he now directs his trustees within 3 weeks
after his death to lay out the £900 in such property.
The marriage settlement concerning his marriage to his present
wife, MARY, dated 29th of last December, settled on her,
if she survives him, an annuity of £100 from Grand Acres Farm.
He gives her £5 for mourning.
To his trustees all Manors he possesses at his death; his old
South Sea Annuities and Bank of England stock and all other
public funds, upon trust. They to stand possessed of £1,000,
part of this stock. They to pay dividends to his Grand daughter,
MARY CHAPMAN, for her lifetime. After her death,
then the £1,000 to her lawful children, equally shared,
respectively at 21 years of age. In the meantime interest to
their maintenance and education. If MARY dies leaving no
children, but leaves a widower, he to have that money. After her
and her husband's death, upon trust, to pay the income to her
father, ABRAHAM CHAPMAN, for life. After his
death, then to his daughter, MARY wife of THOMAS WHITTAKER
JEFFERY , for life. After her death, then the principal
to her children, equally shared, respectively at 21 years of
age.
His trustees to stand possessed of the residue and remainder of
the investments, after deducting the £900 before mentioned. His
daughter, MARY JEFFERY, to receive the income from
this. After her death, then to her children, equally shared at
21 years of age.
Trust details Follow
Concerning his goods, chattels, land, houses, rights, credits,
real and personal estate and effects, after payment of his
debts, funeral and probate costs, they to daughter MARY JEFFERY
but id she dies in his lifetime, then equally shared amongst her
children. He appoints his son in law, THOMAS WHITTAKER
JEFFERY and grandson, EDWARD WILLIAM JEFFERY,
executors.
Witnesses: ANNA MARIA FAUSSET BR. FAUSSET,
Attorney at Law, , Sittingbourne A.B. CHITTENDEN
his Clerk
CODICIL dated 28th July 1812
He revokes appointment of his trustees and now appoints THOMAS
WHITTAKER JEFFERY, JAMES GARDENER JEFFERY
and JOHN JEFFERY, trustees.
If his wife survives him, he gives her £30 a year for life.
After her death, the £30 a year to his daughter, MARY JEFFERY
and her children, in equal shares.
Witnesses: JOHN CLIFFORD MARY ANN HUMPHREY
Proved 23rd May 1814
12. White Oval Marble on Black Base
Sacred to the Memory of
MARY Wife of WILLIAM MURTON
of this Parish Yeoman who departed
this Life the 6th day of July 1791
Aged 50 Years
Also the above WILLM. MURTON
who departed this Life
11th day of August 1804
Aged 68 Years
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd
November 1800
WILLIAM MURTON of Bredgar, Yeoman.
Usual religious preamble.
To his son, THOMAS, £400 within 12 months of testator's
death and a further £300 free of any interest for 4 years from
the date of the will.
All the rest and residue of his real and personal estate to his
children and the children of his late daughter, SARAH SPONG,
they to have their mother's share.
If he survives a few years longer, he desires that his two sons,
GEORGE and THOMAS shall have each of them their
own businesses and share equally testator's own business.
He appoints his sons, WILLIAM, GEORGE and THOMAS,
executors.
Witnesses: JO. STEELE WM. WISE MARY DODGE ?
Codicil Dated 1st June 1803
He had bequeathed his grandchildren, SARAH, WILLIAM,
AMBROSE and GEORGE, children of his late daughter,
SARAH SPONG, an equal share of his property, that
is one sixth part. He now directs his executors to pay interest
of the property to Mr AMBROSE SPONG, until the
children are respectively 21, when they shall receive their
legacies. If they all die before then, the property goes to Mr AMBROSE
SPONG, for ever.
He had left his business, equally shared to his sons, GEORGE
and THOMAS. Since then several of his buildings have been
burnt down, which have been replaced at considerable expense.
His executors to pay one half of the costs out of his property
but this not to be charged to sons, GEORGE and THOMAS.
Witnesses: A. WALKER WM. WISE ROBT.
SEAGER
Proved 7th September 1804
13. Square White Marble on Grey Base
Sacred to the Memory of
SARAH Wife of THOMAS MURTON
of this Parish who died the 26th of May 1811
Aged 36 Years
Also of SARAH their Daughter
who died the 4th of October 1811 Aged 9 Years
Also the above named
THOMAS MURTON
who died the 13th of February 1852 Aged 76 Years
14. Ledger, South Aisle
Here Lyeth Interred ye Body
of Mrs MARY READER Daughter
to Mr RALPH READER of this
Parish & ANNE his Wife who
departed this Life March ye
10th Anno Dom. 1702 in ye 23rd
Year of her Age
15. Ledger, near North Door, very worn.
Lying North- South so, not original position
Here Lieth the Body of
[Mr.] RALPH READER
who departed this Life
March [ ] 1705 Aged 68 Years
Left Issue One Son
JOHN?
16. Ledger with Armorial Crest, North
Aisle
Here Lyeth Buried the Body of
JAMES the Sonn of JAMES TONGE
of Tunstall Gent who died
the 10th day of Aprill
Anno Dom. 1658
Aetat 73
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th
September 1654
JAMES TONGE, Gentleman.
To the poor of Bredgar, Tunstall and Milstead, 40 shillings for
each parish; to the poor of Teynham, 20 shillings.
To his wife, JOANNE, half of his household stuff,
utensils and 6 of his best geldings or mares, 6 cows, all his
swine, all his sheep on his land in Bredgar, Tunstall and
Milstead; also all his corn, all the and and all grain and hay,
all the wood in his yards or closes, carts, tumbrils, ploughs,
harrows, horses, harness and implements of husbandry
Also to JOANNE, his Mansion at Baxton Street, with the
barns, stables and buildings, arable lands, pasture and woods at
Bredgar, Tunstall and Milstead, (except a parcel of land called
Benhill?, now planted with cherry trees by Milstead; also 1
piece of woodland at Backland Woods at Milstead; also excepting
4 pieces of woodland, one called Burke's Wood the other Eagth?
Wood), for her lifetime.
To ELIZABETH FEARNE, his only daughter, wife of THOMAS
FEARNE, the land at Benhill and woodland at Backland Wood
at Milstead, for her lifetime. After her Death, then to her
second son, THOMAS FEARNE, for ever.
All his real estate, not before given, to his only son and
heirs, JAMES, for ever.
Residue of money, jewels, plate, household stuff and chattels,
after his funeral costs, debts and legacies are paid, to son, JAMES,
who is his executor.
Witnesses: THOMAS HENROLAN? CHARLES SLAYOR
Proved 26th April 1658
CHURCHYARD
SECTION A Section A is South of the Church and North of the Path and
to the East boundary of the churchyard and to the North boundary
of the churchyard in line with the East Wall of the Chancel.
17. Headstone, Close to Porch
In
Memory of SARAH Wife
of JAMES FOORD of this
[Parish] Yeoman who died
June the 10th 1733
[Aged] [ ] Years
(Buried with an infant, Parish Register)
18. Double Headstone, next to above
Here Lyeth
ye Body of
ANN Wife of
WILL. FILMER
who died
[ ] November 1728 |
Here Lyeth
the Body of
WILL. FILMER
[ ] 1725 |
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will.
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN
I WILLIAM FILMER of
Bredgar in the County of Kent, Yeoman, being of sound sense
perfect in my understanding & Memory (blessed be God for it)
though weak in body do make this my last will & Testament in
manner & form following
Imprimis I committ my soul into the hands of Almighty God firmly
trusting in his mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of all my Sins my Body I leave to be buried at the
Discretion if my Executrix hereinafter named
Item I give & Bequeath to my several Children and to each of
them that is to say to my son WILLIAM and to my three
daughters MARY SARAH & ANNE & to
each of them severally & respectively the summe of twenty
pounds of Lawful money to be paid unto them after the term of
thirteen months (reckoning from the day of my Decease) is fully
expired compleat & ended
Item as a Token of my affection to my Loving son THOMAS I
give & bequeath the sume of ten shillings to buy him a ring
he having already had his share of my effects upon his being
settled in his farm
Item in Case any of my above named Children that is to say WILLIAM
MARY SARAH or ANNE shall happen to be
deceased before the full term of thirteen months after my
decease be compleat & ended then I do hereby order that the
said several summs of twenty pounds intended & hereby
bequeathed to each of them shall remain & be to the sole use
& behoof of my Executrix hereinafter named
Item I do hereby leave give & Bequeath to my Loving Wife ANNE
FILMER in consideration of that sincere Love & hearty
respect which I do bear unto her (my Debts & funeral
expenses being first paid) All my personal estate Goods Assetts
& Effects whatsoever (except what is herein otherwise
disposed of)
And I hereby ordain constitute & appoint my said Loving wife
full whole & sole Executrix of this my last will &
Testament by me made this twenty fifth day of October in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & twenty five
hereby revoking all former wills & Testaments whatsoever at
any time heretofore by me made as witness my hand WILLIAM
FILMER Signed Sealed published & declared to
be the last Will & Testament of WILLIAM FILMER
the within written Testator by himself in the presence of us R.
TYSOE CHARLES EDMONDS
The Mark X of ELIZABETH MILLGATE
Proved 6th December 1725
19. Headstone by Porch
In Memory of
THOMAS FILMER
of this Parish Yeoman
who died April 12th 1758
in the 36th? Year of his Age
20. Stone on East Wall of Porch
Near this
[Place]
[Lies the Body]
of
WILLIAM FILMER
of the Parish
of Lenham who departed
this Life the 20th day of June
1783
Aged 72 Years
"Afflictions Sore long time I bore,
Physicians were in Vain,
Till God did please Death should ?
to Ease me of my Pain"
21. Headstone
To
the Memory of
GEORGE JENNER
Wheelwright of this Parish
who departed this Life
Feb 24th 1851 Age 57 Years
Also WILLIAM Son of
the above GEORGE and
MARY JENNER
who was accidentally Drowned
at Sea on his Passage to
Australia April 6th 1849
Aged 27? Years
22. Headstone
In Memory of
MARY Wife of RICHD. KELCEY
(Late of the Parish of Bapchild)
who died 8th Sept 1820
Aged 54 Years
(Eroded Verses)
23.
Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
ELISHA THOMAS
Son of THOMAS and
SARAH BENSTED
of this Parish
who died the 30th January 1845
Aged 18 Years
Also RICHARD OTTO
who died the 26th June 1848
Aged 11 Years
24. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
JAMES BENSTED
of this Parish Yeoman
who departed this Life
the 24th of March 1837
Aged 89 Years
Also
ANN Relict of the above
who departed this Life
the 18th of Sept. 18th 18[ ]
Aged [ ] Years
Likewise ELIZABETH
Daughter of the above
who departed this Life
the 16th of May 1809
Aged 17 Years
Also [
]
who died [
]
[
]
Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th July
1823
JAMES BENSTED of Bredgar, Yeoman.
First all his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.
To his wife ANNE all ready money in the house.
All his estate and effects, real and personal, to his son JAMES
and son in law, RICHARD SNOAD of Milton next
Sittingbourne. Miller and SARAH, his wife, upon trust.
They to pay the annual rents, interest and dividends to his
wife, ANNE for life. After her death, upon further trust, to
sell, either together or in parts (except his household
furniture) and hold the proceeds, upon trust and pay £200 to his
son STEPHEN within 12 months of the death of his wife.
Also to invest £1,400 in Government or Real securities as they
think fit. They to pay interest half yearly on £500 to his
daughter, SARAH wife of RICHARD SNOAD, for
life. Her husband not to intermeddle with this money or have any
control of it.
After her death, the principal sum of £500 to be divided
equally between her children as they respectively attain the age
of 21.
Interest on the sum of £450 to be paid half yearly to his
daughter, MARY, wife of THOMAS NORRINGTON
of Doddington, Carpenter, for life, as before her husband to
have no control of the money. After her death the principal sum
to be equally shared between her children at 21 years of age.
Interest from another £450 to be paid half yearly to his
daughter, ANN wife of JAMES JOHNSON of
Doddington, Farmer, for life, same rules concerning her husband
apply. After her death the principal to be shared equally
between her children at 21 years of age.
The rest and residue of money from the sale to be equally shared
by his children, MARY NORRINGTON, STEPHEN BENSTED,
THOMAS BENSTED, ANN JOHNSON , JAMES
BENSTED and SARAH SNOAD. Any of his
children to whom he has advanced or may advance money, to pay
Executors interest of 5% during the life of his wife and his
executors can at their discretion deduct the sum advanced from
the legacy.
To his wife, ANNE, for life, the use of his household
goods and furniture , plate, linen, china and all other effects.
An inventory to be made of the latter; his wife can exchange or
dispose of what she thinks proper. After her death, the effects
to be equally divided between his children; if they can not
agree on the distribution, the effects to be sold and the
proceeds to go into his residuary personal estate.
He appoints son JAMES and daughter, SARAH and her
husband, RICHARD SNOAD, executors.
Witnesses: MARY BATHURST RICHD. BATHURST H? DRAWBRIDGE
Proved 14th April 1838
Son JAMES BENSTED is a Farmer of Ulcombe, RICHARD
SNOAD is a Farmer of Borden.
The value of the goods, chattels and credits less than £1,000.
25. Headstone
To
the Memory of
THOMAS PYE of this Parish
Yeoman who departed this Life
the 3rd of June 1786 Aged 73 Years
Left issue One Son and 3 Daughters
Viz ELIZABETH, MARY, MARTHA and THOMAS
Likewise SUSANNA Wife of the above
who departed this Life
31st of December 1788 Aged 60? Years
Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th
November 1783
THOMAS PYE of Bredgar, Yeoman.
He is sick and weak.
Religious preamble follows.
He charges his estate, both real and personal, with the payment
of £20 a year to his wife, SUSAN and the payment of his
debts, funeral and probate charges.
He gives his daughter, ELIZABETH wife of WILLIAM ROBERTS
of Borden, £190.
To his daughter, MARY PYE, £250.
To his daughter, MARTHA, wife of JAMES TYLDEN,
Butcher of Milton (next Sittingbourne), 5 guineas.
Also to MARTHA TYLDEN, in trust, for her 2
children, SUSANNAH and WILLIAM, the house she now
lives in at Milton, and other house, with the slaughter house
and garden.
To his son, THOMAS, all the rest and residue of his real
and personal estate , after payment of his debts, legacies
funeral and probate costs. Son THOMAS to pay the £20 per
annum to his mother for her lifetime. Wife SUSAN to have
the bed, bedstedle, bolster, pillows, blankets, sheets and all
furniture belonging and all household furniture in the bed
chamber. She can continue to live in the house with her son, THOMAS,
rent free.
If son, THOMAS dies without legally begotten heirs, then
all the real and personal estate to go to daughters, ELIZABETH,
MARY and MARTHA, in equal shares.
He appoints his wife, SUSAN and son THOMAS,
Executors.
He signs the will with his mark, O.
Witnesses: P. STEELE PETER READ WILLIAM GREENSTEAD
Proved 30th June 1786 Value of effects less than £600
26. Headstone
[
]
THOMAS PYE
of this Parish
who departed this Life
the 18th of July 1824
Aged 70 Years
Also JANE
Wife of the above who died
the 20th of October 18[ ]
Aged 83 Years
Had issue by JANE
Eleven Children Viz
THOMAS, WILLIAM, JOHN, RICHARD,
JANE who died on the 5th March [
]
ELIZABETH, MARY, HENRY [
]
[
]
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 19th
January 1819
THOMAS PYE of Bredgar, Yeoman.
His house, stable, slaughter house, garden and orchard in
Bredgar, now or late occupied by JOHN WHITE, to
his wife, JANE PYE, for life. After her death, to
his 2 sons, JAMES and GEORGE, for ever, equally
divided.
To his wife, JANE, after his son GEORGE is 21, for
life, an annuity of £100, payable from his real estate, except
that already left to her.
To his daughter, MARY wife of CHARLES SIMMONS
of Maidstone, Tailor, for her life, an annuity of £40, payable
from his real estate, her husband or any future husband to have
no control of it.
His sons, RICHARD and JOHN are indebted to him by
a promissory note, they are to pay the debt to his executors,
within 12 months of his death.
To his son HENRY, £2,000, within 12 months of his death,
he can be advanced money and this money to be considered part of
the £2,000.
To sons, THOMAS, WILLIAM, JOHN, RICHARD
and HENRY, £5 each.
To daughter, ELIZABETH STROUTS?, wife of EDWARD
of Kingsdown, Yeoman, £400.
To his 3 grandchildren, RICHARD, SUSAN and JANE
RATCLIFFE, £200 each at their respective ages of 25, if
they all die under 25 leaving no lawful heirs, the money to go
into his residual personal estate.
His other real estate, charged with the annuities of £100 and
£40 and payment of his debts and legacies, to sons JAMES
and GEORGE, for ever, equally shared..
To wife JANE, after his youngest son is 21, so much of
his household goods, plate, linen and china as she may choose,
absolutely.
His good friend, STEPHEN ROPER of Hollingbourne,
Yeoman, will carry on his farming and grazing business, until
his son, GEORGE PYE is 21, and support and educate
his children until they are all 21.
his wife to live in his dwelling house, with free board and
maintenance and £20 annually from the business.
Rest and residue of his personal estate and effects , farming
and grazing stock and investments not before given, to sons JAMES
and GEORGE, equally shared.
If any of his sons die under the age of 21 then his share to the
surviving sons.
He appoints his wife, JANE and STEPHEN ROPER,
guardians of his sons, JAMES and GEORGE until they
are 21, they will also be his executors when they are 21.
Witnesses: ROBT. HINDE Junior ANN HINDE
ALFRED MATSON
Codicil 26th June 1824
He gives, immediately after the death of his daughter, MARY
SIMMONS, £1,000 to all her lawfully begotten children,
equally shared at 21 years of age. In the meantime, interest
from the £1,000 towards their maintenance and education . He
charges his real and personal estate with the £1,000 bequest.
His leasehold houses and land, to sons, JAMES and GEORGE.
Real estate vested in him as mortgagee or trustee to the latter
sons.
Rest of will confirmed.
Witnesses: ROBT. HINDE Junior JNO. HINDE
WM CASTLE
Proved 28th August 1824 Granted to sons, JAMES and GEORGE,
they having attained the age of 21.
27. Headstone
In Memory of
THOMASIN Wife of PETER READ
who departed this Life
the 24th of November 1785
Aged 53 Years
"In Pain I Lived in Pain I Died
I Hope in Christ for [
]"
Also the above PETER READ who
departed this Life the 13th of October
1790 Aged 61 Years
(Eroded Verses)
Left Issue 4 Sons and [ ] Daughters
[
]
[
] JOHN
Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th
September 1790
PETER READ of Bredgar, Blacksmith.
He is sick and weak in body.
Short religious preamble.
First, his debts, funeral and probate costs paid from his
personal estate and effects.
To his son, PETER, for ever, his dwelling house with yard
and garden, stable, his forge or blacksmith's shop with the
anvils, hammers, bellows, iron, coals, etc. His son to pay his
other children, £40. He also gives PETER the horse known
by the name of Badger or one of his cows, as he may choose.
To his three sons, THOMAS, WILLIAM and JOHN,
in equal shares, his little farm in his occupation, consisting
of a house, barn, stable, garden, orchard and several pieces of
arable at the lower end of Bredgar Street, also his mare and two
colts and all the utensils of husbandry and the grain and corn
harvested or growing.
To his four daughters, THOMASIN, ELIZABETH wife of
EDWARD SCOONES, FRANCES and MARTHA,
£30 each as they respectively arrived at the age or 21.
After his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid,
the remainder of his estate, to his children, equally shared.
He appoints his sons, PETER and THOMAS, executors.
Witnesses: P. STEELE JOHN WHITE RICHARD SHIRLEY
Proved 20th October 1790 Value of goods, chattels and credits
less than £300
28. Headstone
[
]
SUSANNA Wife of
RICHARD BATCHELOR
and Daughter of THOMAS and JANE PYE
of this Parish
who died the 7th of February
1840 [
]
29. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
JANE Daughter of
THOMAS and ANN PYE
of this Parish
who departed this Life
the 5th of March 1814
Aged 21 Years
(Illegible Verses)
30. Headstone, Very Worn
Sacred
to the Memory of
RICHARD PYE
[
]
[
]
June 1833
Aged 41 Years
(Brought from Teynham, Register)
31. Small Headstone
Here Lyeth
the Body of
MARY ye Daughter
of ISAAC DANE
[
]
who died October
ye 9th 1702
[
]
32.
Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
JOHN BONNY
of this Parish
who departed this Life
March 21st 1857
Aged 59 Years
[Also] ELIZABETH Wife of the above
JOHN BONNY
who died in London
[
] 1871 Aged 71 Years
1851 Census
Living in the High Street, Sittingbourne, a Butcher
33. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
Mr ARTHUR WILLIS
Late of Newgate Street, London
who departed this Life
October 21st 1857
Aged 61 Years
"Thou art Gone to the Grave, We no longer behold
Nor tread the rough Path of the World by thy side,
But the wide arms of Mercy are spread to enfold thee,
And Sinners may Hope since their Saviour hath Died"
Also ELIZABETH
Relict of the above
who departed this Life
February 6th 1875
In the 75th Year of her Age
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th May 1850
ARTHUR WILLIS of 8 Newgate Street, London, Stationer.
First, all his debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid.
All household furniture, plate, linen, china, clothes, books and
pictures, horses, carriages and carts, to his wife, ELIZABETH,
for life or her widowhood. After her death or remarriage, the
above to be part of his residuary personal estate.
During the minority of his nephew, ARTHUR MESSENT,
his executors and trustees to stand possessed of his business as
a Stationer with the stock, fittings and implements, upon trust,
to carry on the business and pay the net profits to his wife ELIZABETH
during her life or widowhood. When nephew ARTHUR MESSENER
either for a fixed sum or an annuity of £100 to be paid to his
wife for life as long as she remains his widow.
If nephew, ARTHUR dies before he his 21, then the
trustees will stand possessed of the business, stock in trade,
fixtures and implements and the lease and money in his house or
due to him, money in the public funds, securities for money,
book debts, bods, bills, notes, his estate and effects, real and
personal, upon trust. His wife to receive income from his estate
for life or widowhood . But if she remarries or dies in the
lifetime of nephew ARTHUR, , then his residuary estate
goes to ARTHUR at 21 years of age. In the meantime, the
interest from his estate towards ARTHUR'S maintenance and
support. But if he dies under 21, leaving lawful children or
child then he bequeaths, after the death or remarriage of his
wife, the above to that child or children, equally shared.
During their, his or her minority, the interest from the estate
towards their, his or her maintenance and education.
If ARTHUR MESSENER dies leaving no children before
he is 21, , then he bequeaths his estate and effects after the
death or remarriage of his wife, to the brothers and sisters of ARTHUR
MESSENER, equally shared.
He appoints JESSE VINCENT WATKINS of 309
Holborn, Newspaper Agent and his wife, ELIZABETH WILLIS,
executors and trustees. They can reimburse themselves for any
costs they incur which comes into their hands as his executors
and trustees.
Witnesses: THOMAS CHIPPERFIELD SAMUEL FULLER
Proved 27th November 1857. JESSE WATKINS has
renounced his roles as executor and trustee.
34. Double Headstone
| Sacred to the Memory of |
MARY Wife of
JOHN RATCLIFFE
of this Parish who
departed this Life
the 29th of May 1824
Aged 96 Years |
Also
JOHN RATCLIFFE
who departed this Life
the 3rd of April 1833
Aged 91 Years |
35. Headstone
[
]
SUSANNA Wife of
RICHARD RATCLIFFE
and Daughter of
THOMAS and JANE PYE
of this Parish
who died the 7th of February
1810 [
]
[
]
36.
Ledger
In Memory of
RICHARD RATCLIFFE
died June 12th 1854 Aged 77 Years
Also
DANIEL Son of the above
died Jan 10th 1880? Aged 34 Years
1841 Census
Richard Ratcliffe, Farmer of Bexon Farm
37. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
MARTHA Wife of
THOMAS SHERLOCK
of Millsted
who departed this Life Sept. 29th 1842
In the 64th Year of her Age
Left surviving one Daughter and three Sons Viz
ELIZABETH, JOHN, WILLIAM and THOMAS
"Faithful Friend & Mother Dear, an Affectionate Wife
Lies buried Here"
38. Headstone
Here Lyeth Interred
the Body of ELIZABETH
the Eldest
Daughter of WILLIAM [MARSHALL]
[of this Parish]
who departed [this Life]
In the last day [of]
August 1666
[
]
39. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
SARAH the beloved Wife of
JOSEPH G. HODGES
of this Parish
who departed this Life
February 13th 1852
aged 46 Years
Leaving Four Sons and
Four Daughters
JOSEPH GILBERT HODGES
who died December 4th 1875
In his 69th Year
"His End was Peace"
Also CHARLES youngest Son
of the above named
who died November 20th 1873
Aged 26 Years
1871 Census
Joseph Hodges, at Borden, a Bricklayer, employing 4 men
40. Headstone
In
Affectionate Remembrance of
WILLIAM
Eldest Son of the late
SEPH HERBERT & SARAH HODGES
of this Parish
who died the 19th September 1890
Aged 39 Years
(Illegible Verses)
WILLIAM WALTER Son of
JOSEPH & MARY ANN HODGES
[of] [
] Street in this Parish
who died July 4th 1878
Aged 5 Years & 2 Months
41. Pedestals and Cross
In Memory of
JAMES LINDSEY TRAVERS
Born Dec 1848
Died at Bredgar House 1924
and of EMMA LOUISE TRAVERS
his Wife
Born May 1857
Died at Bredgar House Oct. [ ]
….........................
And in Memory of
JAMES LINDSEY
TRAVERS
their eldest Son
Born 8th Nov 1882
Killed in
Experimental Flying
14th Feb 1924
…...................
Also
their youngest Daughter
ALICE BORGSTROM TRAVERS
Born 17th September 1893
Died 27th January 1970
Churchwarden
1939 of this Parish 1952
…......................
Also their
Second Daughter
JESSIE TRAVERS
Born 25th April 1886
Died 8th May 1971
James Lindsey Travers, died 1924
In the 1911 Census, the Travers family were living at
Worlingham, Surrey in their house called "Horton".
James, Senior was a retired Merchant. John Travers, Junior was
described as an Aircraft Mechanic and had his own aircraft
business.
John Travers , Junior, O.B.E., Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., Mechanical
Engineer, was born in Kensington and educated at Wellington
College and King's College , London.
In 1909-1910, he was working on experimental aircraft and aero
engines at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey and from 1911-1912,
worked for the Short Brothers, at this time he obtained his
aviator's certificate at Hendon.
In 1913, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, Naval Wing and was
occupied with experimental work on Naval aircraft and engines
until 1919, at the Test Depot on the Isle of Grain, which he
managed.
By 1922 he was also an Associate Member of the Institution of
Automobile Engineers, Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
and a Member of the Royal Aero Club.
He was killed at Croydon Aerodrome
42. Headstone
In Memory of
THOMAS READ
Late of this Parish
Died October 28th 1878
Aged 77 Years
(Illegible Verses)
Also SARAH Wife of the above
Died [ ] 18[
]7
[
]
1871 Census Thomas Read, a retired Publican, who was born at Bredgar,
was living in St. Margaret's parish, Rochester
43. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
WILLIAM REED
of this Parish Farmer
who departed this Life
the 27th of September 1845
Aged 72 Years
Also
MARY Wife of the above who
departed this Life [
] April 1861
Aged 73 Years
Also MARY Wife of
JOHN CORN[WALL]?
Of Green Street and Daughter
of the above who departed this Life
28th of September 18[ ]5
Aged 41 Years
(Eroded Verses)
44. Headstone
To
the Memory of
GEORGE JENNER
Wheelwright of this Parish
who departed this Life
[
] 1851 Aged 57? Years
Also WILLIAM Son of
the above GEORGE and
MARY JENNER
who was accidentally drowned
at sea on his passage from
Australia April 6th 1848?
Aged 27 Years
45. Headstone, Pedestals and Cross
Headstone
In Memory of
SAMUEL JAMES
Eldest Son of
SAMUEL ROTTON and
CATHERINE ELIZABETH PIGGOTT
Vicar of this Parish
A Noble Youth of Promise,
His Friends Indulged the Pleasing Thought
that when he grew to Man's Estate
he would possess all the Honors sought?
He was drowned while bathing in
the Swale near Sittingbourne
August 13th 1857 Aged 19 Years
"Childhood and Youth [
]"
Pedestals
In
Loving Memory
of
SAMUEL ROTTON
PIGGOTT M.A.
Curate and Vicar
of this Parish for 55 years
Died August [ ] 1892
Aged 83 Years
…..................
Also of
SARAH
his Sister
Died June 7th 1881
Aged 74 Years
…..................
Also of
his beloved Wife
CATHERINE
ELIZABETH
who died November 9th 1889
Aged 81 Years
46. Headstone
In
Loving Remembrance of
HENRY CAMPON
the Eldest Son of JOSEPH & ELIZABETH GOATHAM
of Bredgar
who was drowned whilst bathing in
Catalan Bay, Gibraltar, July 27th 1889?
Aged 22 Years
Interred at North Front, Gibraltar
"In the Midst of Life we are in Death"
Also NELLIE the only Daughter of
the above J & E GOATHAM
who died March 6th 1878 Aged 6 Years
Also NORMAN GOATHAM
who died March 15th 1882
Aged 1 Year and 9 Months
47. Headstone
Here
Rest the Remains of
JOHN HEMSLEY
who died Sept. 27th 1850
Aged 78 Years
"Blessed are they who died in the Lord"
The Master in whose Family [he]
Worked [
] Part of a
Long life [
[erected] this stone in
Testimony of [
] Character
and of his own [
] for his
Memory
In adjoining graves lie his Wife
SARAH who died August 1842
Aged 69 Years and her Sister
SUSAN STYLES Spinster
who died Dec 18[44] Aged 76
1841 Census John Hemsley was a Labourer at Bexon
48. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
FRANCES Wife of
THOMAS WHITEHEAD
of this Parish
who died July 7th 1865
Aged 79 Years
"Blessed are the Dead which die in the Lord"
Also the above named
THOMAS WHITEHEAD
who died Sept. 3rd 1878
Aged 82 Years
Also WILLIAM Son of the above
who died Feby. 10th 1888
Aged 73 Years
49. Headstone
JHS
In Affectionate Remembrance of
RICHARD WOOD
who died Oct 22nd 1886
Aged 81 Years
Also of
ANN
Wife of the above named
who died Jany 1st 1877
Aged 65 Years
"Make me to hear Joy and Gladness that
the Bones which thou hast Broken may Rejoice"
Also of DEBORAH
Daughter of the above
who died Augt. 12Th 1871
Aged 22 Years
"Prepare to meet thy God"
[
]
Leaving Four Sons and Two Daughters
viz. RICHARD, EDWARD VINSON, GEORGE
VINSON, HENRY, ANN ELIZABETH
[
]
50. Headstone
In
Loving Memory of
ANN ELIZABETH HUDSON
who died at Canterbury
May [ ] 1890
Aged 13 Years
(Eroded Verses)
51. Headstone
In
Memory of
HENRY WOOD
who departed this Life
August 16th 1897
in the 44th Year of his Age
1891 Census Henry Wood was a Farmer of Bexon Lane
52. Headstone
In Affectionate Remembrance of
CHARLOTTE and [W]ILLIAM
the beloved children of
REUBEN & HANNAH MILLER
of Bexon, Bredgar
CHARLOTTE
died October 12th 1878 ?
Aged 3 Years & 6 Months
WILLIAM
died October 19th? 1878?
Aged 1 Year
53. Headstone
In
Ever Loving Memory
of
EDITH LOUISA GOODHEW
Wife of GEORGE GOODHEW
who peacefully passed away
Sept 1st 1905
Aged 31 Years
"For Ever with the Lord"
54. Tablet, South Wall of Chancel
In Memory of
ASHLEY RUCK
Born June 18th 1815
Died Oct 13th 1870
Also of
MARY ANN his Wife
Born Aug 19th 1807
Died Aug 6th 1879
1861 Census Ashley Ruck was a Fund Holder of Bredgar Street
55. Pedestal, behind railings by Porch
In Memory of
MARIAN JESSIE
Wife of CMYN CHING
died April 2nd 1888 Aged 37 Years
Also of Two Infant Children
Also of the above
COMYN CHING
died April 20th 1890 Aged 56 Years
56. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
JOHN CROWHURST
[of this Parish?]
who departed this Life the 9th
of December 1806
Aged 68 Years
(Eroded Verse)
57. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
STEPHEN ROPER
of Hollingbourne
formerly of Bredgar
who departed this Life
the 22nd of December 1827
Aged 76 Years
Concise Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th March
1824
STEPHEN ROPER of Hollingbourne, Yeoman.
He is sick and weak in body.
To his brother, BATCHELOR of Hollingbourne, Yeoman and
his heirs, his leaseholds or copyholds and his personal estate,
in trust. From this estate, BATCHELOR is to invest £500
in Government or Real securities and to pay his sister, MARY
EARLE, wife of JOHN EARLE of Bredgar,
Wheelwright, the interest half yearly, free of tax, for life.
After her death, he gives to her children, JOHN, BATCHELOR
and MARTHA wife of MOSES DUSTNAL?, all of
Bredgar, £100 each, part of the £500, within 3 months of their
mother's death. The residue of the £500 to be part of his
residuary personal estate.
BATCHELOR to invest another £500 and pay interest to his
sister, MARTHA BEAVAN?, of Teynham, Widow, for
life. After her death, the £500 to be equally shared by her 5
children, MARY MONK wife of WILLIAM MONK
of Doddington, Butcher, THOMAS BEAVAN of Teynham,
Servant and CATHERINE COPPING wife of JOSEPH? COPPING of Newington next Sittingbourne, Servant in
Husbandry.
BATCHELOR is to invest £200 in the same way as before
and pay his sister ANN ROPER of Bobbing the
interest for life. After her death, the £200 to go into his
residuary personal estate.
BATCHELOR is to invest another £200 in the same way and
pay interest towards the maintenance and education of the 4
children of his late niece, MARY BOND?, wife of JONATHAN
BOND?, of Chatham, Publican, ANN, MARY, JONATHAN
and STEPHEN, until they are 21 when they to have £50
each.
To his niece, ANN BING wife of THOMAS BING
of ?worth, Kent, Yeoman, £100; to nephews, WILLIAM ROPER,
of Teynham, BATCHELOR ROPER of Hollingbourne, JOHN
ROPER of Hollingbourne, JOHN EARLE and BATCHELOR
EARLE, £100 each.
To niece MARTHA DUTNAL wife of MOSES DUTNAL
, £100
To nephews, STEPHEN EARLE of Hollingbourne and THOMAS
EARLE of Hollingbourne, £10 each, WILLIAM ROPER
of Newington, Victualler, £20. To the latter 3 nephews he has
already given them considerable sums.
To nieces, ANN PACK wife of WILLIAM PACK
of Bobbing and SARAH? wife of ROBERT? of
Bobbing, £200 each.
Rest and residue of his estate to brother BATCHELOR, who
is also his executor. But if BATCHELOR dies before he can
execute the will, then BATCHELOR'S executors can act.
Witnesses: ROBERT COBB WILLIAM JENNER
Hollingbourne WILLIAM PECKHAM Harrietsham
Proved 7th February 1828
SECTION B
Section B is South of the Path to the South and West Walls
of the Churchyard, to the entrance on the South and the Main
Entrance on the West side.
58. Small Headstone
Here
Lyeth Interred
the Body of
THOMAS BONE of
this Parish Wheel
wright Nov ye 5th who
Exchanged this Life
for Heaven Above
1703 Aged 71 Years
Left issue one Son
& one Daughter
59. Headstone
In Memory of JOHN FRYER
and MARY [his Wife]
He was born at Boxley in 1695 & died
at Sittingbourne Jan [ ] 1755 She
was Dr
of THOS & MARY STANLEY of this Parish
born in 1698died at Sittingbourne
April [ ] 1754 Also 2 of their Sons
JOHN and GEORGE who died Infants
Erected by their Son WILLIAM
John Fryer left no will but his father in law Thomas Stanley
left an Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury will. Thomas Stanly was
a Yeoman of Bredgar, as was John Fryer of Tonge. Stanley gives
£80 each for his grandsons, Thomas and William Fryer, when they
are 21. Stanley leaves the bulk of his estate to his son, also
Thomas, a Yeoman of Tunstall, for life and after his death to
his lawfully begotten heirs for ever. If son Thomas dies without
lawful heirs, then the estate goes to grandsons, Thomas and
William Fryer.
To prevent any embezzlement of his estate an accurate inventory
is to be made and his son Thomas is to give a sufficient bond to
John Fryer, " as will be judged proper by legal
council"
Son Thomas is his sole executor.
Witnesses: Edward Longford, Thomas Barber and Isaac Turner.
Proved 14th April 1743
60. Headstone
In Loving Memory of
ELIZABETH
Wife of HENRY KEMSLEY
who died July 8th 1902
Aged 51 Years
"Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him"
61. Headstone
Here
Lyeth ye Body
of JOHN ye 3rd Son
of WILL and ANNE ?
BOWELL
of this Parish
who died ye [ ]
of Feb 1705?
Aged [ ]
62. Headstone
In
Loving Memory of
ROBERT ARTHUR RICCOMINI
who died October 26th 1920
Aged 78 Years
1911 Census A Grocer and General Shopkeeper, born at Tonbridge
63. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
SUSAN Wife of
HENRY JARRETT
who died the 18th of Feb 1847
Aged 42 Years
[Also] HENRY JARRETT
Husband of the above
who died Jany 10th 1853 Aged 59 Years
Buried at [
] Stafford
HENRY BOWRING JARRETT
Son of the above
died Jany 15th? 1868 Aged 36 Years
Buried at Ilford Essex
SUSANNAH BOWRING JARRETT
Daughter of the above
died [
] 1874 Aged 32 Years
Lies buried here
64. Headstone
Sacred to the Memory of
STEPHEN WOOD
of this Parish Yeoman who departed
this Life the 13th of November 1827
Aged 52 Years
Also of MARY WOOD
Wife of the above
who died [
]
[
] 1817? Aged [ ] Years
Also STEPHEN Son of the above
who died the [ ] of June 1807
Aged [
]
Likewise THOMAS who died the
[ ] of October 1817 Aged 19 Years
Also JAMES who died the
[ ] of July 1823 Aged 20 Years
Left a widow [ MARY and issue 8 Children ]
Viz RICHARD WILLIAM MARY JOSEPH
ELIZABETH EDWARD SUSAN
[ and ] [ANN] MARIA
Concise Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 6th
November 1827
STEPHEN WOOD of Bredgar, Yeoman.
No religious preamble.
To his wife, MARY, an annuity of £40 for life, he
charges his real and personal estate with payment of the
annuity. Also to his wife, for life, his house and garden in ¾
of an acre, called the "Cottage" in Bredgar.
All his freehold and leasehold houses, farms, lands and real
estate and his share in properties in Kent or elsewhere, subject
to the above annuity, equally shared between his eight children,
RICHARD, WILLIAM. MARY, ELIZABETH, JOSEPH,
EDWARD, SUSAN and ANN MARIA WOOD,
for ever. If either of them died under 21 years, with no lawful
issue, then their share to the survivors.
The annuity to his wife and other provisions previously made are
in lieu of her Dower rights.
All his ready money, securities for money, goods, chattels,
personal estate and effects, not before bequeathed , to his wife
and son RICHARD, upon trust, to sell as soon as possible
and pay his debts, funeral and probate costs and the £40
annuity. They are to invest the residue in Government or Real
securities until it is time to pay out to his children at 21
years of age respectively or day of marriage for daughters if
sooner. During the minority of his children, the interest to go
toward their maintenance and education.
To his trustees all real estate vested in him as mortgagee to
enable to recover the money secured on the mortgages and also
real estate vested in him as trustee.
He nominates his wife and son RICHARD, guardians of his
children during their minorities and executors of his will.
Witnesses: JNO. HINDE GEO. WOOD HY. SCOONES
Proved 28th April 1828 Value of goods, chattels and credits,
less than £1,500. Son RICHARD is a Grocer of Bredgar.
65. Headstone
In
Loving Memory
of
Our Dear Mother
OLIVE GOATHAM
who died May 27th 1915
Aged 81 Years
"Here have we no continuing City,
But we seek one to come"
66. Headstone
In Affectionate Remembrance of
MARY
Wife of
ROBERT JAMES WYLES
of Dean's Hill
died December 8th 1878
Aged 72 Years
Leaving 3 Daughters
MARY ANN DUNFORD, ELIZABETH
DUNFORD, FRANCES MARIA WOOD
Also the above
ROBERT JAMES WYLES
who died April 11th 1882
Aged 76 Years
(Partly eroded verses)
67. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
THOMAS WYLES
[of this Parish?]
[
] 1833
Aged 81 Years
Also ANN
who died
[
] 1834?
[Aged] 8[ ] [Years]
[Left issue 6 Sons & 5 Daughters]
ROBERT, JAMES, JOHN, EDMUND,
THOMAS BARNS, WILLIAM, MARIA,
ELIZABETH, FRANCES, MARY
and LITITIA CHARLOTTE
[
] MARY
[
]
[
]
ELIZABETH [
]
68. Headstone
In Affectionate Remembrance of
EDWARD SCOONE
who died Feby. 25th 1864 Aged 57? Years
Also ANN Widow of the above
who died Feby 13th 1874 Aged [ ] Years
Also EDWARD Son of the above
who died Dec 7th 1860 Aged 27 Years
Also THOMAS Son of the above
who died Aug. 12th 1863 Aged 28 Years
Also CATHRINE
Daughter of the above
1861 Census Edward Scoone, a Master Shoemaker,
Thomas Scoone, of Borden, a Fruitereer
69. Voluted Stone
In Loving Memory of
HENRY JAMES GOODHEW
who died October 23rd 1920
Aged 68 Years
Also CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH
the beloved Wife of the above
2ho died December [ ] 1900 ?
Aged 48? Years
70. Headstone
In
Loving Memory of
THOMAS GOODHEW
who departed this Life
March 3rd 1908
Aged 64 Years
Also MARY ANN Wife of the above
who departed this Life Jan. 18th 1887
Aged 45 Years
and CEPHAS VICTOR
the infant Son of the above
"He giveth his beloved Sleep"
Also THOMAS Son of the above
and beloved husband of
DEBORAH WOOD GOODHEW
who was called to higher service
Jan. 2nd 1949 Aged 74 Years
"Thy Will be Done"
Also DEBORAH WOOD GOODHEW
who departed this Life
April 14th 1963 Aged 90 Years
1901 Census Thomas Goodhew, a Farmer of Swanton Court Farm
71. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
EMMA Daughter of
BENJ and CLARA ACRES
of the Parsonage Farm on
this Parish
who departed this Life
December 9th 1858
Aged 1 Year and 8 Months
"Mourn not because my feeble Breath
was stopped as soon as given
There's nothing terrible in Death
To those who come to Heaven"
72. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
WILLIAM WYLES
of this Parish
who departed this Life
the 20th of February 1829
Aged 50 Years
Also MARY Wife of the above
who departed this Life
the [ ] of October [1843]
Aged [7]0 Years
Likewise RICHARD Son of
WILLIAM and MARY WOOD
and Grandson of the above
who died in Infancy
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 17th February 1829
WILLIAM WYLES of Bredgar, Yeoman.
All his debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.
HE gives his wife, MARY, all household goods, furniture,
ready money, money in the public funds, debts on mortgages and
simple contract, bonds, bills, specialities, plate, linen,
china, books, clothes, watches, jewels, trinkets, glass, wine,
liquors, live and dead stock, crops and personal estate.
To his son, JOHN VINSON WYLES of Borden,
Farmer and JAMES TAFFS of Chatham, Carpenter, his
real estate, upon trust for the use of his wife, for her
lifetime. She is to receive the annual rents and profits and
after her death, this to be paid to his daughter, MARY WYLES,
for life. After her death, then to her lawfully begotten
children, equally shared. If there are no children of his
daughter, then to his own right heirs for ever.
He appoints son JOHN and JAMES TAFFS,
executors and trustees.
Witnesses: JOHN KENNETT, Vintler ?, Gillingham , JAMES
WYE, Farmer, Bredgar
Proved 11th May 1829 JAMES TAFFS is a nephew.
73. Headstone
In Memory of
FRANCES MARDEN
Died Nov. 2nd 1858
Aged 76 Years
74. Voluted Stone
In
Loving Memory of
MARY Widow of the late
WILLIAM WOOD
who entered into rest
March the 8th 1891
Aged 74 Years
Also WILLIAM WOOD
Eldest Son of the above
died October 11th 1914
Aged 79 Years
75. Headstone
In Memory of
ROBERT SMITH
late of Rowley Works? [ ]
who died January [ ]
in the 68th? Year of his Age
76. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
WILLIAM GOODHEW
of this Parish
who died December [27th] [1852 ]
Aged 78 Years
Also MARIA Wife of the above
who died January 16th [1879] ?
Aged 70 Years
Leaving three Sons and three Daughters
MARY [FRANC]ES? WILLIAM
[
]
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Date 6th October 1852
WILLIAM GOODHEW the Elder ,of Oak Gate,
Bredgar, Wood Dealer.
His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.
He appoints good friend, WILLIAM SOLOMON if
Bredgar, Farmer and son, JAMES GOODHEW of Bredgar,
Wood Dealer, executors.
His freehold land at Oak Gate to his executors, upon trust, to
pay the net rents to his wife MARIA, for life, as long as
she remains his widow. After her death or remarriage, the land,
upon trust, for his sons and daughter, MARY wife of WILLIAM
GOODHEW of Bredgar, Labourer, JAMES of Bredgar,
Wood Dealer, WILLIAM THOMAS of Bredgar, Wood
Dealer, GEORGE of Bredgar, Wood Dealer, ANN MARIA
GOODHEW, Spinster and JANE wife of JAMES INCHCOMBE
of Rainham, Wheelwright. If any died in his lifetime or lifetime
of his wife, leaving lawful issue, then the share of the parent
dying to be equally shared between his or her children, if more
than one.
All his household goods, furniture and annual income from his
personal estate to his wife for life or widowhood. After her
death or remarriage, then his household furniture, book debts,
money and securities for money and money he is entitled to from
any ? or Benefit Society, to his children, equally shared.
He signs the will with his mark X
Witnesses: WILLIAM SOLOMON, Bredgar, GEORGE
CRUMP , Sittingbourne
Codicil 6th October 1852
He appoints PHILIP GOODHEW of Borden, Fruiterer,
as trustee and executor in place of WILLIAM SOLOMON.
Same witnesses as for the will.
Proved 13th December 1853. PHILIP GOODHEW is
brother of testator. Value of goods, chattels and credits, less
than £200
77. Headstone
In
Loving
Memory of
Our Dear Parents
WILLIAM and ELIZA GOODHEW
died Nov 26th 1899
"The Memory of the Just is Blessed"
Also of ARTHUR
Eldest Son of the above
78. Fallen Headstone
[
]
JANE
Wife of EDWARD WILLIAM SWAN
died 16th October 1908
Aged 61 Years
Also the above
EDWARD WILLIAM SWAN
died 15th September 1914
Aged 67 Years
"At Rest"
1901 Census
Edward Swan. A Police Constable of Primrose Lane
79. Coped Stone
In Loving Memory of
THOMAS STEPHEN WOOD
…........................................
In Loving Memory of
MARY ANN
the beloved Wife of THOMAS STEPHEN WOOD
who entered into rest January 8th? 1892
Aged 87 Years
80. Coped Stone
In Loving Memory of
WILLIAM THOMAS GOODHEW
[of] [the] Manor House Bexon
who died February 17th 1885?
Aged 73 Years
….............................
In Loving Memory of
MARY the beloved Wife of W.T. GOODHEW
who died May 1[ ] 1892
at Manor House Bexon Sittingbourne
Aged 78 Years
81. Coped Stone
In Loving Memory of
GEORGE GOODHEW
of Wren's Farm Borden
who died March 13th 1906
Aged 84 Years
…......................
In Loving Memory of
the beloved Wife of GEORGE GOODHEW
who died December 1st 1908
Aged 87 Years
82. Voluted Stone
In Loving Memory of
EMILY
Wife of EDWARD L. FEATHERSTONE
who died September 2nd 1915
Aged 58 Years
"God's Finger touched her and she Slept"
Also EDWARD L. FEATHERSTONE
died May 11th 1933 Aged 78 Years
1911 Census
Edward Featherstone, a Wheelwright at Hollingbourne
83. Voluted Stone
In Loving Memory of
ALBERT RICHARD FEATHERSTONE
late R.N.
Who died October 12th 1909
Aged 28 Years
"Take ye Heed , Watch and Pray
for ye know not when the
[
]"
84. Coped Stone
In Loving Memory of
AMOS GOATHAM
died March 9th 1917 Aged 84 Years
"Rest in Peace"
1891 Census
A Gate Maker of Bexon Lane
85. Voluted Stone
In Memory of
JOHN BARNARD
died 9th Sept. 1907
Aged 81 Years
Also ESTHER BARNARD
died 9th Nov 1921
Aged 91 Years
1881 Census
John Barnard, a Game Keeper of of Bexon Lane
86. Very Eroded Headstone
In Memory of
STEPHEN Son of
STEPHEN and [ ] WOOD
of this Parish
who departed this Life
June [ ] 1807
Aged [
]
87. Pedestal and Obelisk
In Memory of
ALFRED MILLEN
Son of GEORGE & ROSEANNE GOATHAM
of this Parish
died 11th January 1857
Aged 9 Months
In Loving Memory of
GEORGE GOATHAM
who departed this Life
November 16th 1901 Aged 72 Years
"Thou, before whose great White Throne,
All our Doings must be Shown,
Pleading now for us thine Own,Hear us Holy Jesu"
…..................................
One of the 1st Bt. H.M. 24th Regiment
This Monument is erected to the Memory of
ASHLEY THOMAS
Son of GEORGE & ROSEANNE GOATHAM
of this Parish
who was killed in action on the 22nd
day of January 1879
in the Battle of Isandula
Aged 24 Years
"They stood their ground as ?
&
bold
on that disastrous day
and fought like warriors we are told
Till all were cut away
In Memory we shall sacred keep
the men that fell that day
Tho' for in Zululand they sleep
Their souls have soared away
upon the golden crown
gazing with eager breath
We fought as one who ? would die
and ? Conquered"
…...............................
ADA ELIZABETH SEWELL
the beloved Wife of
HENRY SEWELL
who died May 7th 1893
Aged 39Years
"Her Trust is in the Lord"
…..................................
SECTION C
Section C is the small area west of the church between the
west wall of
the churchyard and eastern end of the church to the north wall
of the churchyard
88. Headstone
In Memory of
RICHARD ELLIOTT of this
Parish who departed this
Life the 6th of May 1810
Aged 67? Years
[
]
[
]
WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 15th
September 1807
RICHARD ELLIOTT of Bredgar.
He is physically weak.
Short religious preamble.
To his wife, MERIAH, all of his estate, money, goods, and
furniture, all live and dead stock on the farm occupied by him
by lease, in Wormshill. He desires his wife to hold the farm for
the rest of the lease for her support.
To his eldest son, ELIAS, his best gun.
To son, WILLIAM, his watch and all his clothes, to be
given to him at the discretion of his mother, she to see there
is no waste.
After his wife's death, and after her funeral costs and debts
are paid, the money, goods and effects to go as follows.
In equal shares to his four children, ELIAS, ELIZABETH,
wife of RICHARD WOOD, Butcher, MERIAH, wife
of STEPHEN TREANY ?, Butcher and WILLIAM .
He appoints his wife and MARTIN TOWN, formerly of
Bredgar, executors.
He signs the will with his mark X.
Witnesses: EDWARD SHERWOOD ROBERT SEAGER
MARTIN TOWN.
Proved 28th June 1810 Power reserved to MARTIN TOWN.
Value of goods, chattels and credits, less than £200
89. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
HARRIET Wife of
GEORGE WOOD
of this Parish
who died the 11th day of Aug 1837
Aged [29] Years
Also 2 Sons of the above
EDWIN died April 25th 1835
Aged 7 Years
EDMUND died Jan 20th? 1838
Aged 10 Months
90. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
DEBORAH Wife of RICHARD ATWATER
of this Parish who died 6th of May 1831
Aged 61 Years
91. Headstone
Sacred
to the Memory of
JANE MARY
the beloved Wife of
WILLIAM THOMAS
of Bredgar
who died July 9th 1878
Aged 24 Years
"Rest weary Soul,
the Penalty is borne the Ransom paid,
for all thy Sins full Satisfaction made,
Strive not thy self to do what Christ has done,
Claim the free Gift and make the Joy thy own,
No more by Pangs of Guilt and Fear distressed,
Rest Sweetly Rest"
SECTION D
The narrow strip north of the Church
92. Headstone
In Memory of
HENRY READ
of this Parish
died December 25th? 18[7]2
Aged 81 Years
Also
MARY
Wife of the above
died December 5th 1878
Aged 81 Years
Also
HENRY
Son of the above
died January 22nd 1847
Aged 23? Years
Also
MARY
Daughter of the above
died December 8th 1855
Aged [28] Years
1851 Census
Henry Read, a Master Blacksmith of Bredgar Street
Index
of names Upper
Case names mostly from gravestones, lower case names mostly from wills etc