Aspects of Kentish Local History

Some Kentish Gravestones & other notes

The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rochester
Some M.I.s with related concise wills, noted and photographs with and Index at end

 Some Monumental Inscriptions (M.I.s) of Rochester Cathedral compiled by D. E. Williams 2019

Acknowledgements: I am grateful to Mr Jacob Scott of Rochester Cathedral for the use of his excellent photographs of the Cathedral ledger stone inscriptions and for some translations from the Latin, from the same source. See also a paper in Arch Cant featuring arms on monuments in Cathedral, which is, Rochester Cathedral Heraldry Before A. D. 1800 by A. W. B. Messenger, Archaeologia Cantiana, Vol. 39, 113-129 1927. also my thanks to Ted Connell for hosting this work, attaching the photographs and for compiling the index.

Rochester Cathedral from the North West 1818

ALDBOROUGH see HENNIKER

1. Gothic Tablet North Wall of Nave  (Baker is actually buried in St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham)

SAMUEL BAKER 1836

To the Memory of
SAMUEL BAKER, Esquire
Many years a Magistrate of this City
This tablet is erected by his Friends and fellow Citizens
in testimony of their Respect and Esteem
The whole course of his life was marked
by talents and energy,
which raised him to eminence in his profession
by Integrity and Kindness
which endeared him to all who knew him,
and by true Christianity
which was best evinced by his benevolent action,
the improvements of this his native City
and the promotion of the welfare of it's inhabitants
were objects which he ardently pursued,
zealous in whatever he undertook,
yet prudent in the choice of means,
his efforts were crowned with success
and his liberality diffused,
what his industry had won,
his fellow Citizens envied not the wealth
which was often the prop of humble merit
and the resource of the unfortunate.
Died November 6th 1836 Aged 75 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th June 1833
Samuel Baker of Boley Hill. Esquire
Directs he is to be buried with his late wife in the north chancel of St. Mary Magdalene, Gillingham.
His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid from his personal estate, any deficiency from his real estate.
    To his friend Sir Robert Smirke* his two large china jars and best china desert set as a small token of esteem and friendship.
   To his son, George, his silver tureen presented to him by the Kent Fire Office for services rendered, also his old silver tankard which he kept as a remembrance of his grandmother, Sarah Fox, his best and oldest friend in early life.
   To son, Thomas, his Encyclopaedia Britannica and silver pint jug which was his father's.
   To each of his daughters and son William, all of his writing in remembrance of his wife and to each a set of books in remembrance of him.
   To son, William a golden piece of the      ?      of 5 guineas which was his grandfather's.
   To grandson George, son of George, Britain's Antiquities and all books and papers left by his late son Robert.
   To sister Ann Baker £500
   To Mary Baker, widow of his late brother, Robert, £100.
   To nephew, Samuel Baker, £200.
   To his trusty servant, Richard Waterhouse, £100.
   To son, William, £2,000; he had given to each of his children, upon marriage, £2,000.
   To sons, George and Thomas, £1,000 each for their trouble as his trustees and £6,000 upon trust,to invest in Government or Real stock and divide equally among the 4 children of his late son Samuel, at 21 years of age.
Also to sons, George and Thomas, £6,000 upon trust, to invest in same manner for the benefit of his two grandchildren, children of his late daughter, Sarah Dick.
   To his sister,    ?     Baker, an annuity of £120 for life.
   To Mary Baker an annuity of £50, for life.
   To Richard Waterhouse and his wife Sarah an annuity of £50 for life.
   To Mrs Rebecca Rogers, sister of Sarah Waterhouse, an annuity of £20 for life.
   His Manors, houses and lands, freehold, leasehold, personal estate not before give, to sons, George and Thomas, also estate vested in him as trustee and mortgagee, upon trust, to sell.
Rest and residue of the above, upon trust, for his children, George, Thomas, William, Katherine, wife of Peter Gunning, Esquire; Ann wife of Edward Burton, Esquire and Elizabeth, wife of Edward Day, Esquire, equally divided.
   He and son George have for some years carried on business as timber merchants and builders in partnership. He has considerable capital in the partnership, there now follows how George will reimburse his investment and rate of interest.
   Witnesses: James Simmons, Solicitor, Rochester, Edward Birch and Edward Brooks, his Clerks

Codicil,10th February 1836
Concerning £2,000 of the £6,000 left to his 2 grandchildren, Sarah and Thomas Dick, their father Captain Dick to receive the interest, for life, in addition to the £100 annuity. After his death, the principal to be divided equally between his children.
   £500 left to his sister, Ann, is revoked and her annuity increased to £160.
   £50 to be paid to his servants Ann Desborough and William Marsh, in addition to wages due, as a token of his regard for their service.
   Witness:Edward Burton

Codicil 30th August 1836
He has given sons, George and Thomas, £6,000, upon trust, to benefit his 4 grandchildren, children of late son, Samuel. He now wants to make provision for Samuel's wife, Sarah, who is now wife of William Pitman of Lewisham, Esquire, a Captain in the Royal Navy. His trustees are to pay, from the £6,000, an annuity of £100 to Sarah, for life; she is not to sell or mortgage to annuity, nor is it to be liable to husband's interference.
   He revokes the bequest of £6,000 and interest given to his trustees and gives his trustees, £3,000 for the benefit of grandson, Thomas Dick, subject to the payment of an annuity of £50 to his father (who lives in Greenwich and is a Post Captain in the Royal Navy).
   If Thomas Dick, Junior, dies under 21 years, the £3,000 will go into testator's residuary estate.
   To his trustees the £3,000 will be used to purchase Government Stock and after paying the £50 annuity to Captain Dick, they will pay the dividends to testator's grand daughter, Sarah Georgiana Dick, another daughter of his late daughter, Sarah Dick, for life.
After the death of the latter grand daughter, the dividends to the benefit of her children at 21 years of age....................
   Witnesses: Charles May Simmonds, Solicitor, Rochester, William W    ?    , his Clerk and William Marsh, Servant to Mr Baker

Affidavit 22nd November 1836
George William Baker of Montague Place, Russell Square, Esquire, is sworn.
   He was well acquainted with Samuel Baker, late of Darland, Gillingham and Boley Hill, Rochester, Esquire. He has seen his write and knows his signature; he has carefully examined the will and believes the will and codicils are in his testator's and that additions are in his hand.
   Proved 29th November 1836

Smuel Baker was Mayor of Rochester in 1797 and 1802
*Sir Robert Smirke, R. A., Architect of the British Museum.

 

2.   Ledger in the Nave

MARY Wife of
RALPH BANKS
died January 18th 1834
Aged 63
Mr RALPH BANKS
departed this life on the
20th day of September 1841
in the 74th Year of his Age
having been Organist
of this Cathedral Church
nearly fifty years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th February 1834
I Ralph Banks Organist of the Cathedral Church of Rochester do make this my last Will and Testament I give and bequeath unto my dear daughter Rebecca Banifold Widow of the late John Benifold after my just debts & funeral expenses are paid all my Property and Effects whatsoever and where soever and all sums of money due to me or may be due to me at or after my decease And I appoint the above named Rebecca Benifold sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament Witness my hand this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty four Ralph Banks Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us Jos Benifold John Butcher Proved 11th October 1841

 

3.   Marble Tablet on North Wall of Nave, formerly attached to a Pillar

Francis BARRELL 1679

M.S.
FRANCISCI BARRELL
Quem vel ablque nominaese
Satis ad Elogium ubi ipsemet notus
Ubi ignotus vereor ne quid Satis
Parem nempe est
Quod inter jervientes ut aiunt ad Legem
Nemo peritior juris amantior
Cautior in coneiliis aidatior in Fero
Sed
Non inter humanus leges divinorum oblitus
Sibi apud Deum
(Non minus quom aliis apud homines)
Vehementissimus Orator
Justitiom pietate confecrabat
Hinc illa vivi boni aeque ac justi Opino celebris
Hinc illud undequaque negotiorum agmen
Et pondus
Solis istis non impor humeris
Nom praetor clientes fere innumeras
Etiam civitatis hujus acc Eccleaiae
Judicrali curavit omnia
Multo majoru statim curaturum
Jam enim Nationlibus Comitiis accingebatur
Recens Electus
Cum
Aeternum electus as meliora
In caelis aeternum celebranda
Eo (urgente marbo) properavit
Aetatis suae 52
                                              Anno
Salutis humanae 1679

Francis Barrell was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1651 and was Recorder of Rochester, 1673-79 and of Dover, 1676-79; he was Member of Parliament for Rochester in 1679.

 

4.   Ledgers in the Nave

Here lyeth interr'd the Body of
FRANCIS BARRELL Sargeant at
Law and Recorder of this Cittie
who dyed the 15th of September
1679 Aged 52 Years

 

4b.   

Here lies
the Body of
ANN BARRELL
the Wife of
FRANCIS BARRELL
Sergeant at Law
who dyed ye 14th of January1707

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th September 1678
(Some parts of this will are difficult to read)
Francis Barrell of Rochester, Sergeant at Law.
   He has enjoyed his estate by God's blessing, which has exceeded what he deserved. He talks of his sickness, losses and troubles he has undergone in the world.
   He gives his estate to his wife and children. His wife is his executor.
   He gives to his executor, in trust for his two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, his lease of one ?????? he holds of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, London. This to be sold when daughter, Katherine is 18 or sooner if daughter, Elizabeth desires the same, the proceeds to be equally divided between them.
   If unsold the rents to their benefit?
   From residue?, for Elizabeth, £40 per annum for maintenance and education, until her sister, Katherine is 18 or Elizabeth married. (this last portion is not clear).
   If Elizabeth marries before Katherine is 18, she will have the whole residue until Katherine is 18.
   After Katherine is 18 the daughters to have the whole interest and benefit of the lease, equally shared.
   To daughter, Elizabeth, an extra £50 on her day of marriage, if she marries with the approval of his executor.
   To daughter, Katherine, £200 on day of her marriage, if she marries with her mother's consent. This money to come from his personal estate at the first fall and selling of wood on his ground called Park Wood, part of his Manor and farm of Ashenfield?
   The interest from the money until she marries to go to the maintenance and education of his youngest children, as he wife thinks fit.
   If his wife dies before the marriage of his daughters, the money to be paid to his daughters within six months
   If either daughter dies unmarried, then her portion to be equally divided between his youngest children.
   He gives his wife, whose love to him he can never enough acknowledge and is unable to requite, all the jewels by her ????????????, broad gold and old gold by her usually kept as her own.
   To his eldest son, Francis, who is a resident of the Inns of Court and applies himself to the study of law, all his law books and as many of his other books, to the value of £20 he may choose, with the assistance of someone of judgement.
   He gives and forgives his brother, George, £50 of the principal money he owes on bond and all other money owed.
If God shall enable him, he to pay the residue of the bond to daughter, Elizabeth as a further increase in her portion,
   Executor to give the poor of Rochester, £5, and to the poor of Maidstone, where he was born, 40 shillings; to the poor of Bridgewater in Somerset, where his father was born, 40 shillings.
   To each of his servants, besides the Clerk and Katherine Evans, 20 shillings each over and above their wages.
   To his Clerk and Katherine Evans, 20 shillings and mourning.
   After his debts and funeral costs are paid. The residue of his goods and personal estate ???????????
   Son Francis to be executor after his wife's death.
   ??????????????????????????????????????????????
   To eldest son, Francis and his male heirs the Manor and farm called Ashenfield?, in Wye, Crundale and Hastingleigh. In default of male heirs then to his other sons in seniority and their male heirs, Robert, Henry, and Edmund, in default of male heirs from all his sons, then to his own right heirs.
   To his wife, ????????, on condition of her Jointure and in lieu of her Dower Rights, several pieces of land in Egerton, Pluckly and ????????, which he purchased from John and Richard Burlmy?, now occupied by John Barnard; also a piece of land he purchased from from John and Robert G???   in Egerton and intended to let with Stonehouse Hill farm, for her lifetime. Also Stonehouse Hill and Brownes, ?????, with his hop garden in Egerton.
   After the death of his wife, this estate to his son Francis and his male heirs, in default of male heirs, then as above, through his brothers. Again if there are no male heirs, to his own right heirs.
   Gardener, late occupied by Edmund Cozens?. Also land he holds on lease from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, purchased from Christopher Denman, and another parcel occupied by Widow Middleton, other land also occupied by Widow Middleton next to Brompton, next to the lane leading from Frindsbury to Cliffe, now a parcel of Widow Middleton's farm, ????? used with Brompton Farm. She to keep property in good repair and lease renewed. After her death, to son Francis and his male heirs, in default of male heirs, to his own right heirs, as above.
   To son Robert, his Manor and farm called Merriams in Leeds and Langley, occupied by John Evenden.
   To son Henry, his Manor or reputed Manor of Goddington (at Frindsbury) and land except three pieces occupied by Widow Middleton, and not Gavelkind?
   To son Edmund, his houses or cottages, lands and woods in St. Margaret's, Rochester and Chatham; at Borstal and Little Horstead, occupied by [         ] Ward, John Wooden and [       ] Paulin.
   His wife has power during her life and minority of his of sons, Henry and Edmund to sell the houses and lands, or part, to his two youngest sons, if she thinks it best for their advantage and benefit. To his wife, while his three youngest sons are under 21, the rents for their maintenance and education.
   To son Henry, from after his mother's death, an annuity of 20 Marks, for life, from his land at ?????? in Egerton, Pluckley, Little Chart and P???????, which he has power to charge by levying a fine.
   To son Edmund, after his mother's death, an annuity of 20 Marks from the same land.
   Witnesses: Elizabeth Head, Samuel Woodroue?, and John Holmden?
   Proved 10th May 1680

 

5.   Marble Tablet, North Wall of the Nave, formerly attached to Pillar
         This monument was made by Robert Taylor c. 1690-1742

FRANCIS BARRELL 1724

Inter suos prope jacet
FRANCISCUS BARRELL Amiger
Natus 26th Jan 1662
(Cum uxor clarissimo ilia ANNA ex KITCHELLORUM
Et LOVELACEORUM familia
Paternorum ille virtutum aeque
Nominis ac officii
Haeres nequaquam degener
Amabile quidem posteris exemplar
Perfecte expressit
Morum sanctitate vitae piete
Celestium appetitu
Terrestrium (quorum diu pertasum suit)
Conteptu
Praecipue autum mirisico quodam pudore
Quern ita feliciter temparavit
Ut viri probi modestiae
Strenui oratoris (Greek) ?ΓІάξξπόϳϲϲ?
                                                        
Non officeret
Gabdia tandem maxime exoplate
Comlexus est
Obiene 11th June 1724

Francis Barrell was educated at Eaton and Brasenose College Oxford; he was called to the Bar; the Middle Temple in 1685. He was Recorder of Rochester 1692-1724 and Member of Parliament for Rochester 1701-02

 

6.  Ledger in Nave, from Latin

He died             She died
1724                 1717
Aeatat 62         Aeateat 50
Look Traveller on another Couple
FRANCIS BARRELL and ANN
That most special Woman
who springing from the KITCHELLS and the
illustrious family of LOVELACE
Stood as most Worthv
to be received into the Family of BARRELL
And into this Choir of Excellent Ashes
Yet as to have she conducted herself
Towards the Needy, her Neighbours and her Relations The
general grief of her mourners clearly show
As as to those she treated her most delightful Children
The Witnesses are Five most Dear Tokens
FRANCIS
ANN, CATHERINE, FRANCES and ELIZABETH
The sweet Remains and the Picture of their beloved Mother
How she was to her most loving Husband can hardly be told
His tears, his sighs, his unspeakable grief all confess it
How she conducted herself towards God indeed
the Angels who applaud her know very well
Such a one as her so loaded with Virtues
Her Husband miserably bereft, alone, without her
Owned her properly beloved while alive
And he bewailed her death inconsolably
He destines his own Ashes too
to this marble and this common urn?
So that he may sleep peacefully
together with the faithful Consort
of his Cares and Virtues
may rise again and
may receive the Last Hurrah!

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 17th June 1723
Francis Barrell of Rochester, Esquire.
   To his eldest daughter, Anne, his two farms and land at Biddenden or adjacent parishes, which he purchased from the heirs of Messrs Adderley and Luckhurst, one of which is let to Willard at £70 4s ?d and the other to Marchant at £25 10s 3d; also his share in the Parsonage of Charing and Egerton, for ever. He also gives her the arrears of rent from the above due at his death.
   To each of his daughters, Katherine Frances and Elizabeth, £1,500; they to have interest at 4% until the principal is paid to them.
   To daughter, Katherine, the furniture of her own closet and of his bedchamber, except only his? plate and plate case.
   To daughter Anne, the furniture of her closet and bedchamber.
   To son, Francis at 23 years of age, his manors and lands, for him and his heirs, in default of heirs, to testators own right heirs, for ever, subject to a charge of £2,000 for daughter Anne's benefit, over and above all her other shares of his estate.
   on Francis to be allowed, for his maintenance and education, £80 per annum, until he is 20 and from that age, £100 per annum until he is 23, when he will take the estate.
   He appoints his brothers, Henry and Edmund and daughter Anne as his executors and trustees; to enable them to pay his legacies, he gives them the rents and profits of his real estate, except that given to daughter Anne, until son Francis is 23.
   His personal estate, woodland and timber to his trustees, in trust, to pay his debts and legacies; trustees to have power to invest any part of his personal estate of any farms or land, at their discretion.......................
   To his brothers, 25 guineas each, for mourning. If son Francis dies, he gives his case of books to his two brothers, Henry and Edmund, he does not want them sold but to continue in the family.
   If any of his three daughters dies unmarried, without disposing of any part of their legacy, then that legacy to son Francis, he paying the surviving sisters, £200 each.
   His two youngest daughters shall not marry without the consent of his brothers, or one of them, or lose their fortunes; in such case their fortune to be divided between the siblings, as his brothers direct.
   His executors to dispose of his two South Sea Bonds of £100 each for the benefit of Mrs Elizabeth Cameldon, in such manner as they and Mr John Baynard think fit, forgiving and releasing her of any money she may owe him.
   He gives his brother, Henry, the use of the rooms in his house which he now uses.
   In case his brothers die or omit to prove his will, he makes son Francis executor along with his sister, Anne.
   To each of his children, £10 each for mourning.
   To the poor of St Margaret's parish, Rochester, £5,  to such of his servants with him at the time of his death, 40 shillings each.
   He desires his son to contribute to the Charity School in St. Margaret's.
   Witnesses: T. Baynard, John Baynard and Jane Baynard. 
   29th April 1724: He republishes the will having made some small alterations in legacies and executor-ship.
   Witness: William Prat
   Proved 21st October 1724

 

7.   Ledger in the Nave

Let the Piety
Worth and Goodness
of Mr HENRY BARRELL
be in lasting remembrance
He was the son of FRANCIS BARRELL
Serjeant at Law
He was Chapter Clerk
of this Church thirty five - years
and died 10th September 1754 Aged 83
This stone was laid
in Grief and
Much Brotherly Love
by E.B.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th May 1745
Henry Barrell of Rochester, Gentleman.
   He has left a paper with instructions for his funeral.
   To nephew, Francis Barrell, his third share in Merriam's Farm in Lees and Langley, which came to him from his late brother, Robert and is now occupied by John Evenden; for ever.
   Also to Francis, his manor and farm at Frindsbury and Stood, given to him by his father, also a small piece of land in the middle of a field on the farm which he bought from Alderman Bryan, late occupied by Widow Hunt, this to Francis and his lawful heirs of his body, in default of heirs then to testator's niece, Catherine Marshall, wife of Joshua Marshall, Esquire, for ever.
   Also to nephew, Francis, all the furniture in the bed chamber and little parlour that he uses in his house and £50 for mourning for him, his wife and children. Also £100, in trust, for the support of the Charity School in St. Margaret's, for teaching poor children of the parish to read.
   To niece, Ann Barrell, eldest daughter of his late brother, Francis, all his share in the Parsonage of Charing and Egerton, held on a lease from the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's London. And all his share in the ship, Speedwell , for ever and £100 and £10 for mourning.
   To niece, Catherine Marshall, £200 from his personal estate; to nephew, Joshua Marshall, £50 for mourning for himself his wife and children; to niece, Frances Page, £300 and £20 to nephew, John Page, for mourning for himself and his wife; to niece, Elizabeth Lowth, £300 and to nephew, William Lowth, £20 for mourning for himself and his wife.
   To each of his nieces, Ann Charlton, Jane Faunce and Mary Barrell, daughters of his brother, Edmund, £100 from his personal estate; to nephew, Thomas Faunce, £10 for mourning.
   To the servant with him at his death, £10 over and above wages due.
   All ready money, mortgages in fee or terms of years, other securities and interest, his rights, titles and interest in his manors, houses and land in the above mortgages and securities, with rest and residue of his real and personal estate, to his brother Edmund, for ever, subject to payment of his debts, legacies and to observe the conditions of the mortgages, etc. Brother, Edmund is his executor.
   Witnesses: Joseph Brooke, William Yates and William Twopeny

Codicil 17th April 1746
He gives Catherine Marshall the furniture of his bed chamber in her house and, to nephew, Edmund Marshall, all his books, when his parents think fit.
   Witnesses: Ann Barrell and T. Duck
   Proved 24th September 1754

Note in margin dated 11th August 1813
Henry Barrell was late of Chislehurst. His will not administered by Edmund Barrell, was granted to Christopher Bedingfield of Gravesend, Gentleman on behalf of Sarah Smith, of Rochester, Spinster, concerning rights to the advowson of the Vicarage of St James, Grain, with remainder of term of 1,000 years, granted by an indenture dated 14th February 1739.
   Jane Hay, formerly Faunce and wife of William Hay, Esquire, was the executor of Edmund Barrell, but did not administer the will of Henry Barrell, as she could as Edmund's executor, she died intestate, so Henry's will no longer had a legitimate administrator until Bedingfield applied in 1813, 59 years after Henry's death.

 

8.   Ledger in nave

The ledger of Henry's brother, Edmund Barrell, is taken up with a long, florid Latin tribute to his wife, Mary, who died 2nd July 1710, while giving birth to their 5th child. She was born in 1674 and was the daughter of William Upcott of Devon. Edmund Barrell's name is squeezed into a space at the bottom of the ledger, just big enough for one line and tells us he died 16th March 1765.

Edmund Barrell was educated at Brasenose, Oxford and was ordained in 1700. In 1702 he was appointed General Receiver of Norwich Cathedral and Treasurer in 1703. In 1705 he was appointed Prebendary at Rochester Cathedral and Vicar of Sutton at Hone; in 1720 he also became Vicar of Boxley. He resigned from Sutton at Hone in 1762 and his grandson, Edmund Faunce succeeded him.
   Two of Edmund Barrell's scientific papers were published, in 1717, in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, "An Account of two late Northern Auroras, as they were observed at the Vicarage of Sutton at Hone, Kent by the Reverend Edmund Barrell, Prebendary of Rochester" and in 1753, a letter to Sir Hans Soane, concerning the Shock of an Earthquake felt in the neighbourhood of Sutton; Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th August 1760
Edmund Barrell, Prebendary of Rochester and Vicar of Boxley.
    He desires to be buried in the Cathedral in the grave of his late wife, (Mary); his funeral not to cost more than £20.
   The picture of the Rev Thomas Spratt, late Archdeacon of Rochester and Vicar of Boxley, drawn by the eminent painter, Mr Dahl, to remain, if possible, in the Vicarage (at Boxley), for a memorial of him; Spratt built the Boxley Vicarage; it was given to the testator by the late Richard Wyatt Esquire, for that purpose.
   The great seat in the garden, the marble table in the arbor, the "stout" pedestal of the dial with brass dial plate and the great stone roller; the pipes laid in the garden and court yard, all in the Vicarage, to be left and remain in the manner they are now and are to the use of his successor, Vicar of Boxley, (except the ? pipes ? water is laid into his house, now employed by Edmund Alexander), which he hopes future Vicars will suffer to remain there for the same use, provided the Vicars, at their own expense keep the same repaired.
   To his successors at Boxley, all the books and papers relating to the Tythes and profits of the Vicarage, also his books in the study, excepts those his grandson, Edmund Faunce, wishes to take for himself, and the great quarto bible to grand daughter, Jane Faunce.
   Also to his successors, ? drawers and frames ?, and boards once belonging to Archdeacon Spratt; the table of the sideboard in the parlour, the dresser in the kitchen and pantry in the Vicarage, not to be taken or uncovered ?, from there.
   A lease of the barns, stables, etc., made by the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, to his late brother, Henry for a term of three lives and the peppercorn rent of 1 shilling and 6 pence, to be given up and conveyed to his successor at Boxley, free of charge.
   His house in Boxley, held on a lease from the same Dean and Chapter, to his daughter, Mary, wife of James Young, for ever. If his daughter survives her husband, she to have an annuity of £15 form his freehold and personal estate.
   All his manors, houses, lands, ready money, securities for money, debts, goods, chattels and personal estate, subject to payment of his daughter's annuity and funeral costs, to grand daughter, Jane Faunce, for ever; she is his executor.
   Witnesses: William Gates, William Gates, Junior and William Baker.
   Proved 30th March 1765

 

9.   Mural Heart Shaped Tablet, North Wall of Nave

FRANCIS BARRELL 1772

To the Memory
of FRANCIS BARRELL Esq
the last male heir of a Family truly Respectable
as well for their Virtues as for the Station which they held in Society
He first married
ANN Daughter of THOMAS PEARSE Esq
by whom he left issue only two Daughters
who married two brothers
the Sons of JOHN DODSWORTH Esq of Yorkshire
His second Wife was FRANCES
Daughter of THOMAS BOWDLER Esq
His third Wife was FRANCES
Daughter of WILLIAM HANBURY Esq of Herefordshire
His Virtues were many
His Charity to the Poor
His steady attachment to his Friends
His Tender Regard to his Family
Made him Beloved when living
and his death to be greatly regretted
He died the 23rd Day of February 1772
Aged 65 Years
To the Memory also
of the above mentioned
FRANCES HANBURY his Widow
who died universally regretted
the 21st Day of January 1786
Aged Seventy Nine Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th July 1770
Francis Barrell, formerly of St. Margaret's Parish, Rochester, now of Upper Grosvenor Street, St. George, Hanover Square, Esquire.
   By an indenture of lease and release, dated 10th and 11th of July 1760, he has conveyed and settled all his freehold and leasehold estate, in Brompton, Strood and Frindsbury, formerly occupied by Andrew Long and his executors, now or late occupied by John Boghurst, to his daughter, Catherine Barrell, for ever; also to Catherine all the arrears of rent due from the above.
   To his good friends, Joseph Brooke, Esquire of Boley Hill, Rochester and George Sayer, Esquire, of Pett, Charing, his Manor of Ashenfield and all his houses, farms and land in Wye, Waltham and Crundale; also houses and land in Brompton, not before given, late occupied by Richard Ironmonger, Harbledown, Egerton, Smarden, Biddenden,    ?    , Leeds, Newnham, Wychling, Shorn, Higham, Hoo, Seasalter, Frindsbury, Hollingbourne, Rochester and his house in St. Nicholas, Cole Abbey, London, upon trust, for benefit of his wife, Frances, for her lifetime.
   After her death, his estate in Smarden, Leeds, Newnham, Wychling, Shorne, Hoo, Higham, Halstow, Hollingbourne and Rochester, to son in law and daughter, Rev Francis Dodsworth and Ann, and the survivor, for their lives, to receive the rents and profits.
   After their deaths, to their first son, in default, then to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th son, etc., if the next son or sons die before they are entitled to inherit. In default of any son surviving, then to their daughters equally shared and their heirs. In default, to his daughter, Catherine Barrell, for life. After he death, then as in the above manner to her children but in default of any surviving children, then to his nephew, Rev, Edmund Marshall Vicar of Charing, for ever.
   His Manor of Ashenfield and land in Ashenfield and Waltham and Crundale, Houghton, Harbledown, Egerton and freehold estate in Brompton, occupied by [        ] Denton and Frindsbury , occupied by William Wilkins; woods in Biddenden and his house in Distaff Lane, St. Nicholas, Cole Abbey, occupied by John Horton, Sugar Baker and all houses, lands, woodlands, not before given, after the death of his wife, to daughter, Catherne Barrell, or ever.
To his sisters, Ann Barrell and Catherine Marshall, £50 each for mourning.
To his trustees, 20 guineas each as a token of his love and esteem.
To Rev. Edmund Marshall, £50 for mourning.
To Rev. Francis Dodsworth and Ann his wife, £500
To daughter Catherine Barrell, £1,500 and his diamond ring, "with her dear brother's hair".
To William Ashley and Elizabeth Farley, his two upper servants, 20 guineas each, if with him at his death.
   Rest and residue of ready money, securities for money, plate, rings, jewels, watches, books, household goods, shares in the Public Funds or other securities, rents, arrears of rent and other money owing to him, after payment of his debts, funeral costs and legacies, to his wife, Frances, for ever. His wife is his executor.
   Witnesses: Charles Castel, Senior, William Mogers and Charles Castel, Junior.
   Proved 5th March 1772

 

10.   Ledger in the Nave

Here lyeth the Body of
SAMPSON BOURN Gent
formerly Mastr. Attendant of
his Majts. Yard at Chatham
who departed this life the 16th
of September 1724 Aged 85
As also JUDITH his Wife who died
August the 5th 1727 Aged 85
Here lie the Remains of ANN the Wife of
JAMES BOURN Gent who departed
this life on the 29th day of Novr. 1728
in the 47th Year of her Age In the same
grave is interred the Body of JAMES BOURN
who died the 22nd of Jan 1732* having
lived about 40 Years
* Date in Julian calendar, 1733 in modern calendar

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 13th August 1724
Sampson Bourn, Gentleman of St. Margaret's Rochester.
   He is "ancient" and "infirm in body"
   To his wife, Judith, for her lifetime, and for as long as she remains his widow, all of his real estate. She to keep it in good repair and in letting condition.
   After her death or remarriage, the property to his son, James and his heirs, for ever.
   To his daughter, Constant Guppy, £50, one year after his death, if she is not living then, the £50 to be equally shared by his executors.
   To his daughter, Elizabeth Randall, wife of Richard Randall of Gravesend, Shopkeeper, £50, within one year of his death. Also to Elizabeth, £10 for mourning for her and her husband.
   To son James, £10 for mourning for him and his wife.
   To each of his three grandsons, James, Sampson and Lother, sons of James and to grand daughters, Anne, Judith and Martha, daughters of James, £20 each at their respective ages of 21 or day of marriage if earlier for the girls.
   To grand daughter, Esther Bourn daughter of his late son, Sampson, £10 within a year of his death.
   To grand daughters, Constant Guppy, Katherine Guppy and Judith Guppy, £20 each within a year after his death.
   To grandchildren, Michael Randall, Esther Randall and Judith Randall, £20 each, within a year of his death.
   To grandchildren, Sampson and Sarah Ward, £10 each within a year of his death.
   His legatees to be released from any debts they owe him, on condition that they withdraw ant claims against him they may have entered into.
   To cousin, Sarah Gourney, £5, within a year of his death.
   Rest and residue of money, goods, chattels, rights, credits and personal estate, after his debts, legatees, funeral and probate costs are paid, to his wife and son. James, equally shared; they are his executors.
   Witnesses: Sarah Dawsett, Richard Mitchell and Francis Warner

Codicil 14th August 1724
He had bequeathed his daughter, Elizabeth, £50, he now revokes this.
   Witnesses: Mary Mayer, Mary Mayer, Junior and Francis Warner
   Proved 24th December 1724 Power reserved to Judith Bourn
   
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 18th September 1732
James Bourn, of St, Margaret's, Rochester, Gentleman.
   Desires to be buried in the Cathedral near the bodies of his parents, cost of his funeral not to exceed £50.
   To his wife Mabell, £10 for mourning.
   To his six children, Anne Warner, James. Sampson, Leader, Judith Bourn and Martha Bourn, £10 each for mourning.
   To his executors, £10 each for their trouble.
   To his three sons, £100 each at 21 years, if any die before they are 21, his legacy to be equally shared by his other children at 21 years of age.
   To his two daughters, £300 each at 21 years of age, if one dies before then, her share to the survivor
but if both die before they are 21, their legacies to his daughter, Anne and his sons at 21 years of age.
   Rest and residue to daughter, Anne, if she is dead at time of his death, then to the other children, equally shared.............................
   Appoints son in law, Rev Ferdinand Warner and William Mason of Watling Street, London, Gentleman, his executors.
   Will was not witnessed.

Affidavit 16th February 1733
Henry Storker of Exchange Alley, London, Watchmaker and Samuel Herring of St. Edmund the King, London, Woollen Draper, are sworn.
   They state they were well acquainted with Bourn, late of Sheerness, for several years and had seen him write and were well acquainted with his writing. They have carefully examined the will and believe it is in his hand and bears his signature.
   Proved 5th April 1733
   Granted to Ferdinand Warner, William Mason having renounced executor-ship.

BROOKE see WATTS

 

11.   Ledger in the Nave

Mrs CAROLINE BOWDLER
Widow of JOHN BOWDLER, Esq.
(Many years a Captain
in the Royal Navy)
Died 21st of May 1787
in the 54th Year of her Age
and
is interred
beneath this stone
Also
her Daughters
CAROLINE JANE
and
ANNE BOWDLER

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th December 1786
Caroline Bowdler of Rochester, Relict of John Bowdler, Esquire.
   She is infirm in body. Directs she is to be buried in the Cathedral as near her late daughters as possible and a "plain and substantial monument to be erected".
   Her debts and funeral expenses to be first paid.
   She is entitled, as administrator of her late husband's estate and representative of her late daughters, Caroline and Anne, to £4,000 Capital Stock in the 3% Annuities in the Public Stocks, by an indenture, dated March 28th 1749; she respects the indenture and the High Court of Chancery will decree what her rights are.
   She gives her sister, Ann Hicks, wife of Richard Hicks, £30 per annum charged on £1,000 of her Capital Stock, for life; the reversion of the annuity, after her death, to her son, George Hicks, for ever.
   To her servant, Eliza Spillett, as a reward for her long and faithful service, £30 per annum, charged on £1,000 of the above stock, for life. After Eliza's death, the principal and annuity of the stock, to testator's brother, Dr. George Hicks, if he is then dead, then to his next male heirs, for ever. These annuities to be paid after settlement in the High Court of Chancery and not before, except the annuity to Eliza Spillett. Also to Eliza Spillett, £5 for mourning and £5 for a ring?
   To brother, George Hicks, £700, £100 for his own use and the remaining £600, in trust, for his sons, George and William, towards their maintenance and education.
   To her sister, Jane Falrouse?, £10 for mourning.
   If the costs of the Court of Chancery and her debts, exceed £300, the difference to be made good by brother George Hicks, sister, Anne Hicks and nephew, George Hicks, (her residuary legatees), in equal portions.
Brother Dr George Hicks and nephew, George Hicks of the Navy Office are executors.
   To nephew, George Hicks, all the residue of her effects, subject to her debts and incidental charges being first paid.
Witnesses: Ann Elvy, Richard Pullen and Matthew Elvy.
Proved 10th July 1787

BOWDLER see BARRELL

12.   Large Marble Tablet above Steps, South Wall, South Aisle of Choir

Ipse CAESAR 

Quod fuit mortale heic juxta
Situm est
Hoc etiam Augusto major
Quod in humani generis salumtem
Tantummodo vixerit
AUGUSTINUS
Nec JULIO minor
Morborum enim turmas aiis inexpugnabilles
Veniens Videns
Vicit
Victor medicus
Nunc Durobrovis luge
Luge Cantium
Nunc exuktate febrres
Et dim malorum cohors
Agite triumphos
Qui vos cohibere potuit
Captivus duxit
Ex humanis cum (Greek) ΈΥΌΑΝΆΣΙΑ demigravit
                       
Divorum numero jam adscriptus
Ipse CAESAR
Aetatis anno
LXXV
Reparatae salutis
MDXXVII
Haec ne neccias viator
Conjugii memor
Curavit pientissima conjus
ALICIO
(Ex illustri DERINGORUM familia oriunda)
Charierimi mortis confortium
Inter coetesles animas
Anhelans
Valete posteris
Ego quidem valeo

 

13.   Ledger in North Transept, below where preceding monument once hung

Non Rex Sed Me[    ] Loc Mamore Cae[sar]
Gloria Paec[    ]Artis Honos
Hippocrates Caesar [    ] Tande Ossa Dedetre
Jam Medicina [    ] Que Viviator Obi

 

14.   Ledger in North Transept

Memoriae Sacrum
AUGUSTINI CAESARIS Medicinae Doctoris Qui Anno
Dom MDCLXXXIII Augusti Die VII Mortatitate Valedixit

Probably the nephew of the above, who is mentioned in his will (below)

Consistory Court of Rochester Will Dated 10th September 1677
Augustin Cesar, of Rochester, Doctor of Physic.
He is aged and weak in body.
   All his house and farm called West Court in Gillingham and Chatham; also the house and land now occupied by George Sterlng, in Hartlip and the house and land in Upchurch and Halstow, occupied by Thomas Hooper, Esquire and Francis Pope; also his house in Rochester, occupied by Ann Willmott, Widow, to his wife, Alice, for life. After he death, he gives West Court and the other estate to the eldest son, Augustin, of his late brother, Joseph, and his heirs by his now wife, Alice.
   If Alice outlives his nephew, he gives her West Court for life. If they die leaving no heirs, he leaves the estate to brother Joseph's other children, Julius, Tiberius, Elizabeth and Catherine Cesar, equally shared.
   To Robert Aldridge grandson of his late sister Elizabeth Aldridge, Widow, £100, also 5 years rents of his house in Rochester, occupied by Ann Willmott, after the death of his wife or £50 in lieu of the 5 years of rent.
   To Mary Browne youngest daughter of his sister, Margaret Fludd, 3 months after his wife's death,£100. If Mary Browne dies with no lawful issue, then the £100 to be equally shared by Julius, Tiberius, Elizabeth and Catherine Cesar,
   To Mary, wife of Cornwell ? Bradshaw and to Christian wife of Laurence Raynes, the money he borrowed from them on behalf of his sister, Elizabeth Aldridge, £150, 3 months after his wife's death; £50 of which for Mary Bradshaw is in the hands of her husband.
   His sister, Margaret Pimm is indebted for £50 for the security of which, there is is a mortgage ?, he gives the £50 after the death of his wife, to Alice, wife of his nephew, Augustin and her children by him.
   There is £160 owed to him by Abel Beeching of Langley near Maidstone, £60 of which was the money of Christian Raynes, when she was unmarried so the £60 to her.
The other £100 due from Beeching, after the death of testator's wife, to cousin Merrit Head, son of Sir Richard Head, Baronet, on condition that he ?    ? collects the full sum of £160, pays the £60 to Christian Raynes and keeps the £100 for himself and his children.
   To nephew, Augustin Cesar, all his Greek and Latin books of Divinity, Logic, Mathematics, Histories and Grammar, except 6 folio volumes of Grotius* and the works of Bronius* in one volume, which he gives to Laurence Raynes, To his nephew, Augustin Ceasar, all English books, except those his wife chooses to keep.
   To Ann Willmott, £13 for mourning for her and her children.
   His wife, Alice is sole executor; his wife to have the rest and residue of his estate, after paying his debts, legacies and funeral costs.
   Witnesses: Robert Dixon, Elizabeth Dixon and James Dixon.
   Proved 22nd January 1678

* Hugo Grotius, 1583-1645, a Dutch legal scholar, who helped to lay the foundations of International Law base on "natural law".

* Maybe, Caesar Baronius, 1538-1607, Cardinal and Historian of the Christian Church, Annales Ecclesiatici.

CHANDOS see HENNIKER

 

14A.   Ledger in North Transept

Captain WILLIAM CAYLEY
of H. M. Navy
died 3rd January 1801
Aged 58 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 11th March 1796
William Cayley, Captain, Royal Navy.
To his brother John, of Brompton, Yorkshire, Esquire, £3,000, upon trust, to invest in Government or Real Securities and pay the dividends to Mary Leibenwood?, of London and his three "natural" children, by her, Frances, Caroline and William, in equal shares during their mother's lifetime, and after her death, the capital to his children, equally shared.
   To brother John, £400, upon trust, to invest as above and pay dividends towards the maintenance and education of his "reputed" sons, Thomas Allen and William Miller by Dinah Allen and Elizabeth Miller. When they are 18, they will equally share the £400. If they both died before then, the £400 goes into the residuary personal estate.
   To brother John for his trouble as Trustee and Executor, £100.
   Residue of real and personal estate, to his brothers, Arthur, Digby and John and sisters, Dorothy and Frances Cayley, equally shared.
   Witnesses: John Rood of Portsmouth, Wine Merchant, C. Buttesworth of Portsea, Attorney and C. J. Hector of Portsmouth, Attorney.
   Proved 10th January 1801

 

14B.   Ledger in North Transept

Here lyes the Remains of
Mrs MARY DAVIDGE
who dyed
February the 5th 1741*
Aged 70 Years

*1742 in Modern Calendar

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd December 1741
Mary Davidge of St Nicholas, Rochester.
   To Anne Richards of Compton Beauchamp, Berkshire, £50; to cousin, Susannah Davidge, £50; to brother in law, Robert Bayley, £30; to brother in law, John Poynton, £20; to God son, Thomas Langley, £5; to Jane Bouckhorn, £5.
   To the poor of St Nicholas, Rochester, £5, to be disposed of by Robert Bayley, if he is dead, then by the Minister and Churchwardens of St Nicholas.
   Residue of her personal estate, after legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to her sisters, Mary Bayley and Margaret Poynton, they are her executors.
   Witnesses: William Stubbs and the mark of Ann Filkin
   Proved 9th March 1741 (1742)

DERING see CAESAR

DODSWORTHY see BARRELL

ELIZABETH, QUEEN see WATTS

 

15.   Diamond Shaped Ledger in South Transept

Mrs
ELIZABETH EVANS
Died the 28th of November 1804
Aged 75 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 6th March 1799
Elizabeth Evans of Rochester, Spinster.
   She appoints David Jones the Elder, Esquire, of Barton Street, Westminster her executor. She gives him £50, 4% Bank Annuities, part of her stock, and to Bridget, his wife, her first cousin, £50 of the same stock.
   To Thomas Evans, son of Dr John Evans of Shrewsbury and grandson of her first cousin, John Evans, £100 of the same stock. This legacy to go to Dr Evans, in trust, for Thomas.
   If Thomas dies before he is 21, then the legacy to his father.
   To her first cousin, Thomas Wilkinson, £50 of the same stock and she gives and forgives him the money he may owe to her.
   To her friend, Mrs Frances Fairway, of Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, Widow, 5 guineas.
   To her servant, Mary Jeffery, if with her at her death,, 10 guineas.
   If any of the legatees die in her lifetime, their legacy, except that owed by Thomas Wilkinson, shall fall into the residuary of her personal estate. If Wilkinson dies in her lifetime, she gives to his executors all money he may owe her.
   Rest and residue of ready money, securities for money, money in Public Funds, leases, debts, goods, chattels and personal estate, not before given, after her debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to Susanna wife of Edward Soan Twopenny of Rochester, Gentleman, daughter of her first cousin, Bridget Jones.
   Witnesses: D. B. Lewis and [  ?  ] Wickham

Codicil 27th January 1803
She had appointed David Jones, Senior as her executor. He has since died. She now appoints his son, also David and gives him his father's legacy of £50 4% Bank Annuities.
Rest of will ratified.
   Witnesses: As for will
   Proved 15th December 1804

FAUNCE see POLEY

 

16.   Ledger in the Nave

Here lyeth the Body of
CHRISTOPHER FOGGE Son of
RICHARD FOGGE of Temeridsone
in this County, Esq who after commanding
severall of her Maties Ships of War dyed
in her Service the 24th day of November
1708 in the 58th Year of his Age being then
Capt of the Rupert
Here lyeth also interr'd MARY
the Relict of the said XPHER FOGGE
who departed this life ye XXIII day of June
A.D. MDCCXIV

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 2nd May 1695
Christopher Fogge of Tilmiston, Mariner, Commander of H.M.S. Oxford
   To his wife, Mary, all ready money, debts, jewels, household goods, rights, credit, goods, chattels and estate. His wife is his executor.
   Witnesses: Edward Searle, Roger Catherall and Elizabeth Catherall
   Proved 27th November 1708

 

17.   Classical Tablet with Fine Profile Relief, South Transept
           This monument was made by William Brisley of Rochester, 1793-1855, see St. Margaret, Rochester,
           on this website.

JAMES FORBES

Sacred to the Memory
of JAMES FORBES, Esq M.D.
Inspector General of Army Hospitals
After a service of nearly thirty five years
in almost every quarter of the Globe
this Able and Distinguished Officer returned from Ceylon
exhausted by his Able and Zealous Discharge of Duty
to his King and Country
and died the following year lamented
as he had lived respected throughout the British Army
His Remains are deposited within the walls of this Cathedral
and in the vicinity of the Military Hospital
which he had superintended for several years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th November 1836
James Forbes, M.D.
He appoints Sir James McGrigor, Bart., Inspector General of the Army Medical Board, Duncan Davidson of Tillyrhetly?, Advocate of Aberdeen, John Chalmers, Esq., of London, Stock Broker, Patrick Davidson and Alexander Davidson , sons of Duncan Davidson, as his trustess.
   He mentions several land holdings in Perthshire but gives no indication of size.
   Trustees to pay £1,000 to Jane, Janet and Margaret Chalmers daughters of the late John Chalmers of Westfield; £500 to Miss Jean McGrigor daughter of Sir James McGrigor and £100 to each trustee.
Residue to be laid out by trustees on security in Government stocks for the benefit of is only child, Elizabeth Ann Forbes, she to have the interest for life, on condition that if she marries, the interest is to be secured by deed, so the stock and interest will not fall under her husband's influence.
   After his daughter's death, the stock or principal to be equally divided among her children at 21 years of age. If she dies unmarried or leaving no childless who live to 21, trustees to pay the Chalmers' sisters, £6,000; Sir James McGrigor, £1,500; to John Chalmers, £1,000; to Captain David Forbes, son of the late Robert Forbes of Castleton, £1,000; to James Forbes Thomson and £500 to Margaret Thomson.
   £100 each to Duncan Davidson, Patrick Davidson and Alexander Davidson; £200 to Agnes Forbes, widow of the late William Forbes, Esq., of Callendarond; £100 to Elizabeth Forbes, widow of Robert Forbes; £100 to Janet Igre?, Forbes daughter of Robert Forbes; £500 to James Forbes son of Robert Forbes. In case of any of their deaths, the residue to the Chalmers' sisters.
   He appoints his trustees his executors.
   Witnesses: John Anderson, Writer in Aberdenn and John Whyte, Writer in Aberdeen

Codicil 31st October 1837 at 5 Maddox Place, London
Trustees to pay on the first Whitsun or Martinmass after his death, £500 to Jane, Janet and John Chalmers, children of John Chalmers of Westfield
   £1,500. to Jane, Janet and Margaret Chalmers

Codicil 31st October 1837
If his daughter dies with no children and under 25 years, then after payment of his legacies the residue to be paid to Jane, Janet and John Chalmers. If Jane and Janet die unmarried and childless their legacies to go by their will to other descendants of their late father, John and his wife Agnes.
   If Jane and Janet marry they can have absolutely the disposal of 1/3 of their share.
   Witnesses: Theodore Gordon and James Davidson

Codicil 31st October 1837
If his daughter marries and pre deceases her husband the trustees to make some provision for him, either an annuity for life or a cash payment. He confirms the will.
   Witnesses: Theodore Gordon, M.D., 5 Duchess Street, Cortland Place, London and James Davidson 2 Montague Street, Russell Square.

Codicil 3rd November 1837
To Sir James McGrigor, £500 and another should his daughter die unmarried or before she is 25.
   To Captain David Forbes of the 91st Regiment and £200 to his brother, Lieutenant James Forbes of the 11th .
   His executors to arrange "handsomely" by money, plate or otherwise with his medical friends , including Dr Forbes and Dr Kamus of Ceylon; he has made no use of the Ceylon subscription and it may be applied to a different purpose?
   The same applies to the Benevolent Institution attached to the department; a few pounds for rings may prove acceptable to some friends. He dies in peace with all mankind.
   No witnesses.

Codicil 4th November 1837 5 Maddox Street,
Appoints Dr Theodore Gordon of Fuchen Street ?, Regent Street, a trustee and executor, jointly with the others.
   Witnesses: William Fitch, 5 Maddox Street and James Boys of London, Gentleman.
   Proved 8th January 1838. Power reserved to Duncan, Patrick and Alexander Davidson

 

18.   Marble Bust on Marble Pedestal, South Transept
           This monument was made by Samuel Joseph, 1791-1850

GULIELAI FRANKLIN 1833

GULIELAI FRANKLIN
Equitas Aurati
Coll apud Edinbi Regal Medicorum
Necon Chirurgorum
Socii
M.D., F.R.S., K.C.H..
Princip Exercitus Britannici Medic Inspectoris
Haec Effigies Memorle
Sacra
Vitam quidem variis in orbis partibus Regis patrleque
Servus degebat medicus inter milites tam in belli
Congressu promptus quam in valeludinario peritus
Postquam aliis domi forisque muneribus
Perfunctus erat locum in medicorum
Concilio militari secundum gessit
A quo
Tantum amicis sociisque boni
Protulit quantum sibi
Honoris patrlaeque commodi
Moribus integer animo facilis urbanusque veri atque
Justitlae tenax istor sibi amicos quamplurimos
Comparavit qui uno animo moerentes
Hoc Marmor
Posuerunt
Natus A.D. 1767 Mortem Obiit A.D. 1833

Sir William Franklin was appointed as Third Mate to the 43rd Regiment of Foot in 1787 and Surgeon to the 15th Regiment of Foot in 1790. In 1794 he was appointed Apothecary to H. M. Forces in the West Indies and in 1795 award degree of M.D at King's College, Aberdeen. In 1796 he became an Assistant Inspector of Army Hospitals.
   1799 saw him embarked on the Duke of York's Helder Expedition, the following year, he was Assistant Inspector General of Army Hospitals. In 1801 he went to Egypt and was appointed Head of the Medicine Department in Malta, where he was a Member and President of the Malta Board of Health. Much of the next years he was in Malta, in 1804 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. In 1806 he married Concetta Tricanji in Sicily.
   In 1810 he was appointed Principal Inspector of the Army Medical Department. He was one of two Principal Inspectors on a salary of £1,200 per annum. He served under Sir James McGrigor (see the will of James Forbes).
   In 1830 he was appointed Principal Inspector General of the Army Medical Department and President of the Army Medical Officers Benevolent Society.
   In 1833 he retired on half pay and following the death of his wife, he lived with his daughter, Mary Concetta and her husband the Reverend William James Early Bennett. He died in 1833, apparently from apoplexy.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th April 1831
Sir William Franklin, Inspector General of British Army Hospitals, of Charlotte Street, Portland Place, St. Marylebone.
   To his eldest son, William Richard, his freehold house on the east side of Church Street, Greenwich, leased to Charles Speare Foswill, Chemist and Druggist and his leasehold house, 24 Charlotte Street, now in his own occupation.
   Also to son William, the silver vase and pedestal and large silver waiter, which were presented to him by the Medical Officers of the British Army, in case his son dies with no male issue, the bequest of the vase to go to his second son, Henry Francis and his male issue; if there are no male issue, then to his fourth son, Charles Creganne?, or his male issue. If son William dies with no male issue, the waiter to go to his brother, Robert Moss but if Robert dies in William's lifetime, with no male heirs, then to son Charles,. The waiter should stay in the male branch of the family for as long as possible.
   To son, William, his gold chronometer by Grant.
   To his daughter, Mrs Mary Concetta Bennett, £800 stock of the 3% Bank Annuities.
   To Sir James McGrigor* of Camden Hall, Kensington and his son in law, Rev William Early Bennett of Devonshire Street, Portland Place, £9,000 in the 3% Reduced Bank Annuities, upon trust; when each of his sons is 21, they to share equally £7,000 of the stock and when his daughter Frances Concetta is also 21, or on her day of marriage, they to transfer the residue of £2,000 of the stock to her.
   In the meantime the interest on this stock to go to his children's maintenance and education. Trustees can use up to £500 to pace any of his sons in a profession or advancement in the world, this to be taken as part of their legacy.
   He may not have the gross sum of £10,000 at his death in Bank Annuities, if so the amount to be made up from his personal estate.
   He gives £50 each to his trustees as a small acknowledgement for their troubles.
   Rest and residue of his personal estate to son William.
   He appoints son William a trustee and executor when he is 21.
   Witnesses: Samuel Weld, of Saville Place, Francis P Hooper and J Dawson.

Codicil 7th March 1833
To son Henry Francis, all his medical books and his silver tea pot made in Malta.
   To son Robert Moss, his silver coffee pot and to son Charles his silver ewer and milk jug.
   To daughter Frances two small silver waiters.
   No witnesses.

Affidavit 28th December 1833
Thomas Tanner of the Army Medical Board Office, Berkeley Street, Berkeley Square and George Somers Clark of the same place, Gentlemen, are sworn. They were well acquainted with Franklin, late of Devonshire Street, Portland Place, Knight Commander of the Royal Hanoverian Order. They were familiar with his handwriting and signature. They have carefully examined the codicil and are confident it is in his hand.
Proved 31st December 1833

* Sir James McGrigor, see James Forbe's will

 

19.   Ledger in South Transept

[In] Hope of a Joyful Resurrection to Eternal
Glory
Here lye interred ye Body of EDWD GREGORY
of Rochester, Gent younger Son of EDMOND
GREGORY whilst he lived of Bagington in the
County of Warwick, Esq and of ANN his loving
and beloved Wife Daughter of ROBERT ROBSON
whilst he lived of Little Chilton in ye County
[Palan]tine if Durham, Esq they has issue two Sons
and three Daughters, viz HENRY, EDW, KATHERINE
ELIZABETH & ANN
whereof only the said EDW now survives She
dyed first the 26th October 1678 and he dyed
the 20th November 1682
"Pietas ergo posuit hoc illoium observantissimus filius"
Here lye interr'd Mrs ELIZABETH
GREGORY Wife Of Mr EDW GREGORY
who departed his life the 8th of
December 1728 Aged

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th October 1682
Edward Gregory the Elder, of Rochester, Gentleman.
   He desires to be buried in the Cathedral as near as possible to his late wife.
   His estate has been diminished by the "late dreadful fire in London" and other considerable losses.
   To grandson and God son, Edward Gregory, , "the possible prolonger and supporter of my name and family", £300 at 22 years of age.
   Fulfilling his promise when his God daughter, Anne Gregory was born, he gives her £500 at 21 years or day of marriage, if sooner.
   To his grandchildren, Sarah and Elizabeth Gregory, £150 each when they are 21 or their day of marriage, if sooner. If any of his 4 grandchildren die before they can inherit, their share to be equally divided between the survivors; he includes Mary, wife of Jeremy Gregory, he has not named her before because he has already provided for her.
   To each of the 3 children of his niece, Mary Erule ?, as attain 21 years, £10.
   To God nephew, Thomas Robson, £5 for a ring or anything else he wishes to keep in remembrance of testator.
   To his nephews, Francis Gregory, Rector of Hamilton, Abraham Gregory, Prebendary of Gloucester and Lincoln, Thomas Gregory of Rochester, ( the latter?, sons of late nephew, John Gregory, Archdeacon of Gloucester ), John Gregory, Rector of Hampstead?, Francis Gregory and William Gregory and his respected friends, Sir John Godwin, Captain Lawrence Wright, Captain Thomas Manley, Henry Sheafe and John Bonny, 20 shillings each to buy a ring in remembrance of him.
   To the poor of St Margaret's parish, Rochester, £3, to be used by the advice of Churchwardens and Overseers of the poor, within 10 days after his death.
   To his servant, if with him at the time of his death, 20 shillings over and above her salary.
   Rest and residue of money, goods, chattels and personal estate, to his son, Edward, who is his executor.
   Witnesses: nJames Axe, John Wymshurst, George Russell and James Thurston.
   Proved 8th January 1683

HANBURY see BARRELL

 

20.   Fine Marble Wall Hanging with Bust, South Transept
           This monument is generally accepted to be the work of Grinling Gibbons, 1648-1721

RICHARDUS HEAD 1689

RICHARDUS HEAD Baronettus
Juxta situs est
Obiit 18th die Septembris Anno Salutus 1689 Aetat 80
Haec urbiam antiquissima cunos ei dedit et tumulum
Hinc ad Parliamentariam saepius comitia missus
Regi et patriae summa fide diliqentia
Inteqritate inservit
Corus omnibus benignus et huma
Conditione tactus panperibus sublavandis
Plurima elargitus est
Tres duxerat uxores satis elegantes
Duas bebe faecundas ex quibus nemerosam prole
Undecim liberos foelix pater a se progenitus viait
Et retos natorum
Quorum princeps a primogenenito nepos
Hoc sepulchrale marmor avi memoriae sacrum
Posuit
FRANCISCUS HEAD, Baronettus

Sir Richard Head, a Lawyer, was Member of Parliament for Rochester,1667-78. He is best remembered for hosting King James II, when he fled England from Head's house in Rochester after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. The King presented Head with an emerald ring as a token of gratitude. The house still exists as number 69-71 High Street has a later stockbrick frontage, there is a plaque on this building to mark the event.
A recent City of Rochester Society newsletter, carried an illustrated article about some surviving wall paintings from the 17th century in the house. The house has a plaque commemorating King James the Second's departure out of England from the house in 1688.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 10th September 1689
Sir Richard Head, Baronet of Rochester.
   Desires to be buried in the Cathedral or St. Nicholas in Rochester; £3 and 40 shillings in bread for the poor of St. Nicholas on the day of his burial.
   To Thomas Barton, William Laughton and John Moyse, a gold ring of 20 shillings value each, they were his servants and his butler.
   Also to John Moyse, £23 for writing his will and a bedstead and bed????? and chest of drawers in John Moyse chamber in Clifford's Inn, London.
   To his servant Rebecca Gay, £10 and to other servants with him at his death, 40 shillings each besides wages due.
   To his grandson, Richard Head, son of his late son, Henry, all his law books.
   To his brother in law, Sir George Ent????mart, his wife and Lady Prise, relict of his late brother in law, Sir Herbert Prise; to sister Dixon, sister Needler, cousin and friends Thomas Morton, Esq., Philp Bartholmew and his wife, Samuel Franklin Esq and his "good and virtuous" wife, a gold ring each to the value of 20 shillings.
   To his brother Samuel Head, £20, he has settled houses and land on him, producing an income of £20 per annum, for life.
   To cousins, Austen Head and William Head, sons of his late brother, William, of London, Woollen Draper, £20 each and to the children of his late brother, John, £10 each; to his sister, Susan Young, £20, to her sons and those of late sister Ann Vallance and daughters of sister Young, £10 each, one year after his death.
   To Lady Barrell, relict of his late eldest son Francis and to Elizabeth Head, relict of his late son, Henry and Elizabeth Head, relict of his late son, Merrick, Doctor of Divinity, £20 each to buy each a piece of ?
   To son in law, Thomas Poley, £20 "to show the world that he is in charity with him, although he has in many respects disobliged me".
   To William Boys and his sister, Samaris Alexander and her husband, William, £10 each.
   To his "pretty" grand daughter, Sarah Lynch, £20; he has given his bond to pay her £500 within a year after she is 21 or 4 years after her marriage. To her husband John, as a testimony of respect to him, £20. To great grandson, Elmore Lynch, £100, 3 months after his marriage or after he is 21, which ever happens first.
    To grandson, Richard Head, son of his son, Henry, £400, 6 months after he is 21.
   To "pretty" grandchild, Elizabeth Head, daughter of his late son Merrick, £400 3 months after her marriage or at the age of 21 whichever is sooner.
   To grand daughter, Elizabeth Wilford eldest daughter of Sir Robert Faunce, £20, he has given her on her marriage £200; to her husband Robert Wilford, as a testimony of respect, £20.
   To great grandsons, Robert Wilford and Edward Wilford, £50 each, 3 months after his death or day of marriage, if earlier.
   To his daughter Jane Boys, £1,500 and to her husband, John, £1,000; to their children, John and Ann, £400 each at 21 years. Until then they both to have £20 per annum for their maintenance and education If they both die before they inherit, the £800 to his daughter Jane Boys.
   To "pretty" grand daughter, Elizabeth Pris daughter of his daughter Jane Boys, relict of Herbert Pris, Esq £800 3 months after her marriage or at 21 years, whichever is earlier. In the meantime, her mother to have £40 per annum for her maintenance and education. If Elizabeth should die before she inherits, then £450 part of the £800, to his daughter, Jane Boys, if living, The £350 residue to grandson, John Boys, but if he is dead, then the £350 to his daughter Jane.
   To grandson, Richard Head and son in law, John Boys, in trust, for the benefit of his daughter, Frances Poley, an annuity of £60 for life. From his personal estate.
Also to Frances Poley, £300, within one month of the death of her husband Thomas, for her maintenance and her "pretty" daughter and her sons. If Frances dies before her husband, then to William, Elizabeth and Bridget Poley, his grandchildren, £100 each, that is the above £300 intended for their mother, 3 months after their marriage or at 21, whichever is earlier.
   To Richard, Elizabeth, William and Bridget Poley, £200 each, 3 months after their marriages. Or at age of 21 if earlier. Also £15 each per annum during the life of their mother and after her death, £5 more making £20 each for their clothing, eduction and maintenance.
   To his wife, Dame Ann all rents and arrears of rent due at his death, from his estate near Canterbury, his coach horses and their fittings, her set of plate, 1 silver comb box, 2 silver powder boxes, 2 silver patch boxes, 2 little silver greasing? pots, 1 silver pin cushion, 2 little silver candlesticks, a looking glass with silver frame, 2 silver brushes, 1 silver comb brush; also all wine, beer, ale, corn, hay and other provisions, horse meal. She is to have the use of his house, outhouses, barns, yards and gardens, all his plate, hangings, bedding, pewter, brass, linen, woollen and all other household stuff, while she remains his widow. After her death or remarriage or departure from the house, then all the property and it's lease to son in law, John Boys and daughter Jane Boys. Also all plate except that given to his wife, household furnishings, utensils, etc., to daughter, Jane Boys and her daughter, Elizabeth Prise, equally divided.
    To grandson Dawes Head, son of his son, John, £300 at 21 years of age; also the lease and estate and interest in his house in St. Swithin's Lane, London, purchased from Thomas Manley, rent free, during remainder of the lease, (about 40 years). Also the lease of 2 houses near Rochester Bridge , now or late occupied by William Lavender; also the new stables of the latter.
   In case Dawes dies before he is 21, his legacy to grandson, Richard Head son of late son Henry, he paying yearly rents. Dawes to the custody of his wife during his minority.
   To his wife, Dame Ann, his watch and emerald ring.
   To grand daughter, Elizabeth Head, daughter of late son John the annual rents of "The Dolphin" at Milton near Gravesend by the quay called Town Quay, and a house near there leased to James Bennett for 99 years, for her maintenance until she is 21 or married if sooner. If she lives to 21 or marriage, he gives her these properties, she paying rents and to observe covenants; if she dies before then her legacy to his daughter, Jane Boys and her husband.
   To grandchild, Francis Head, only surviving son of his late son. Francis, the lease of his Manor of Nashenden in the parish of St. Margaret's, Rochester, Wouldham and Burham; also the lease of his Manor of Courtlodge at Stoke and the Mill House and wharf; also the lease of his house called "The Lyon" and his portion of the tithes called Malmes Porron in Stoke and a house and land in Allhallows and Stoke late occupied by John Cutter; also the lease of three houses in Borstal, St. Margaret's, Rochester, some late the inheritance of Thomas Nicholls and mortgaged by him to Mrs Jane Needler, and then conveyed to testator. Also the Rectory and Parsonage of Denton near Gravesend and all the glebe land, tithes and profits, on condition that he pays the yearly rent due under the lease.
   There were several debts, some considerable to him by mortgage of several houses and lands made to him by several persons, some by lease and some by conveyancing. He gives all the mortgages and securities and houses and land, except those already given, all ready money, arrears of rent and debts owed to him by bond, to grandson, Francis Head. He or his executors to pay the legacies, his debts and as his executor to pay for his funeral and to erect a monument to him, his wife and children's memory in Rochester Cathedral or St. Nicholas church; pay for mourning and give gold rings to those he has recorded on paper. Any surplus to grandson, Francis; he calls upon God to bless his family.
   To his wife, for life, in lieu of her jointure and dower rights, an annuity of £150, from his new built house, farm and land and marshes at Allhallows, occupied by John Gauntbridge; and from his house, salt marsh and land at Stoke, St. Mary Hoo, Allhallows and West Cliffe, now or late occupied by John Goodwin; also houses and land , which on his marriage were conveyed by him to his wife, for life, for her jointure; also from his house and land at Northfleet, Gravesend and Milton.
   He gives his house and land at Higham Ridgeway and part of marshland at Chalk, 2 cottages and grounds in same place, to is executors and son and daughter Boys and daughter, Frances Dawes Head for ever, upon trust; they to use rents to repair properties and use residue to provide "good and wholesome wheaten household bread" every Lord's Day after the evening service and distribute it in St. Nicholas church, Rochester, to such poor parishioners in the greater need and necessity as the Mayor, Aldermen and Churchwardens and Overseers think fit, by 2 shillings per week; any surplus of the rents to be divided equally among 8 of the most ancient poor men and women.
   He gives his 2 pieces of land in Gillingham, now or late occupied by William Jarvis and his house, barn and cherry garden called Mill Hill in Denton and the "White Horse" in St. Nicholas, Rochester, house and stables adjoining Paynter's Lane, house and land near Spittle Hill in Strood, lately leased to Thomas Rugg and Matthew Marshall, house and land in Hoo now or lately occupied by Thomas Osmer and all land called Wicox Corner and meadows adjoining near, Hoo Common, now or lately occupied by John Hasling; house, barn and farm in St. Mary Hoo, now or late occupied by John and Andrew Richards, to grandson, Richard Head.
   His son in law, Thomas Poley and his wife have been lent £300 to purchase an annuity 53 shillings and 4 pence and a portion of tithes from his land of    ? ,at Hordon on the Hill, Essex, with Poley's consent he took the conveyance in his own name, he has agreed to convey the same to Poley and his heirs if he and his heirs pay testator's executors £300, 2 years after the money was lent and £80 per annum for interest in meantime.
   Since he lent the money, he has discovered Poley is in a low condition, so he fears his £300 will never be paid back. So he gives the rents, lands, houses and tithes and all the land to his executors and son in law, John Boys and his wife Jane, in trust, for Poley's daughter and heirs of her body. For their maintenance, he gives his Manor of Windhill and house and land at Allhallows, houses, land, salt marsh and fresh marsh at Stoke, St. Mary Hoo, West Cliffe and St. James, Grain, not before given. Also houses in Northfleet and Gravesend lately the inheritance of William Childe; "The Ship", "Saracen's Head" and "Black Boy"; stables, houses, land and yards at Milton near Gravesend; houses conveyed to him by the late John Wild in Gravesend and Milton; 3 houses in Chapel Lane, Gravesend; house and land in Frindsbury, which has been settled upon his wife, for life, for her jointure.
   All his land , arable and pasture in Hoo, near the Four Elms, now or late occupied by Studly Middleton; house, land and woods at Stockbury and Aylesford; houses and land at Cliffe conveyed to him by the late Thomas Kempton; houses and land in Rochester High Street, now or late occupied by John Wymshurst, Charitie Rogers, Widow, Francis Luxford and John Jones; also house in the High Street, adjoining John Wymshurst; house behind those of Luxford and Jones, much of it the inheritance of John Wilde; house and land at Isle of Candie or Canvee, North Benfleet, Essex.
   These properties charged with the annuity to his wife, the remainder and reversion of the property to his grandchildren and sons, Francis, Henry and Merrick on their marriages, to his grandson, Francis Head, for life and after his death to his first son, in default then to each successive son in priority of birth.
   Grandson, Francis can appoint to any woman he marries, for life, property he thinks fit as a jointure, chargeable with the annuity to testator's wife. In default of heirs of Francis, then to grandson, Richard Head for life and after his death, to his sons in order of seniority as above. Richard can appoint his wife, for life, over the property; in default of any heirs of Richard, to the testator's own right heirs.......................
   Witnesses: Christopher Yeo, Ben Jobson, John Moyse, Robert Allen, John Bigg and Richard Sheafe
   Proved 28th September 1689

HEAD see POLEY

 

21.   Grandiose Monument with figures of Eternity and Time, in Coade Stone, South Wall of Nave
           Made by Thomas Banks, R.A., 1735-1805

Ann HENNIKER 1792

"Deus Major Columna"

In a vault
near this Monument
is deposited all that was Mortal of
Dame ANN HENNIKER
Late the affectionate Wife of
Sir JOHN HENNIKER of Newton Hall
and Stratford in the County of Essex, Bart.
He represented Sudbury in the first Parliament
of his present Majesty and in two successive
Parliaments, the Town and Port of Dover
in this County
She was the eldest Daughter of Sir JOHN MAJOR, Bart
of Worlingworth Hall in the County of Suffolk and Member for Scarborough
and Coheiress with her surviving Sister ELIZABETH Dowager Duchess
of HENRY Duke of Chandos
two Sons JOHN late Member for New Romney
and BRYDGES TRECOTHICK Lieutenant Colonel of his
Majesty's 9th Regiment of Dragoons
and one Daughter ANN ELIZABETH Countess of Aldborough
are left with the disconsolate and much afflicted Husband to mourn her loss
who after 45 years of conjugal felicity in the practise of every virtue
resigned her soul to God at Bristol Hotwells the 18th of July 1792 aged 65
Her second Son MAJOR, Merchant of London died the 3rd of February 1789 and lies
buried at Streatham He left five children viz JOHN MINET, MARY ANN
MAJOR JOES, ELIZABETH DALL and BRYDGES JACKSON all infants now living

 

22.   Ledger, near above

Here rests in Peace
All that was mortal of
Dame ANN HENNIKER
late Wife of Sir JOHN HENNIKER, Bart
of Newton Hall in the County of Essex
She departed this life the 18th of July 1792
Aged 65

 

23.   Large monument, with figures and Medallion profile of Henniker, similar in scale to the latter,
           South wall of Nave.  Made by John Bacon, Junior, 1777-1859

JOHN HENNIKER 1803

The Remains of
the Right Honourable JOHN LORD HENNIKER of an ancient family in this County
are placed here by his desire in the same vault with those of his beloved Wife Dame ANN HENNIKER
He succeeded to the dignity of BARONET by the original patent
on the decease of Sir JOHN MAJOR in February 1781
and was created by the BEST of SOVEREIGNS, BARON HENNIKER
of STRATFORD UPON SLANEY in the Kingdom of Ireland in July 1800
Humble to his GOD loyal to his KING, Kind to his relations, Benevolent to all
at the age of seventy-nine in steadfast HOPE of Immortality
he completed his life of unbroken Integrity the 18th day of April 1803
"Piety was in him blessed with Prosperity
Virtue crowned by Honour"
This Monument was created to his Memory by his two surviving and affectionate Sons
JOHN HENNIKER MAJOR, LORD HENNIKER and the Honourable GENERAL BRYDGES TRECOTHICK HENNIKER

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 6th January 1803
John, Lord Henniker, Baron Henniker of Statford upon Slaney, Ireland and Newton Hall and Stratford House, Essex.
   Desires that his funeral is decent but no pomp or ostentation or that he "lies in state", nor any   ?   hung with black cloth and wishes to be conveyed in an hearse hung on springs to the Cathedral.
   His remains to be laid as close as possible to his late wife and a "slip of stone" be put under both coffins, so that when those wooden coffins, now under his wife's, rot, his and his wife's coffin will be supported.
   To his son the Honourable John Henniker Major, his house, numbered 1, at Broadstairs and all the furniture and domestic articles, coach house, stables, gardens, also the   ? , south of the village leading from the Ramsgate Road to the cliff; summer house at    ?    Castle and grounds and land on which it stands, for ever.
   His house, number 2, adjoining on the south to number 1, at Broadstairs and all furnishing and domestic articles and land, north of St Peters, Broadstairs, to his son the Honourable General Brydges Trecothic Henniker and his heirs, for ever.
Also to Brydges and his heirs for ever, his share of a farm at Moulton in the Isle of Thanet.
  His Manors, houses and farms in Suffolk, to son, John and his heirs for ever; also to John, his copy-hold house, called Stratford House, where he now lives, also furniture, carriage house, linen. China, wines and other domestic articles (except plate and gilt dishes and plates) and his leasehold Manor called Westham in Essex, subject to payment of rent and observance of covenants.
   To son, Brydges, his Manor of Newton Hall in Essex and Moat House Farm, Thaxted Road, let to [       ] Barfield with timber and woods in Great Dunmow and High Easter belonging to farm already given to him by deed of gift.
   To grandson, John Minet Henniker his farm called Woodridden and woods and a field let to Matthew Prior; also his share of the tontine he purchased in his grandson's name, for ever.
   To grand daughter Mary Ann Sykes, formerly Henniker and Elizabeth Dale Harcourt, formerly Henniker, all his share of the tontine, which stand in their names.
   Also to son, Brydges and grandson, Major Jacob Henniker, two shares of the tontine standing in their name.
   To his sister in law, Dowger Duchess of Chandos, his gilt cup and cover, two ewers and dishes, gilt desert dishes, plates, knives, fork and spoons. All other plate to son, John.
   Also to John, his Manors at Chobham?, Essex and Compton Martin and Chairot, Somerset; also his farms, Landwick Olberry and Jacques in Rochford and Wakering, Essex, after John's death then to his children.
   If son dies leaving no lawful children, then the last bequest to his brother Brydges.
   To son, Brydges, his Manor of Grindon?, Staffordshire and all land in that county, for life; after his death, to his lawful children, if he leaves no children, then to the right heirs of Brydges.
   His leasehold Manor of Romvill?, held of the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, London, in Essex, to son Brydges, subject to payment of rent and observance of covenants.
   To son, John, his Manors of Eastham and estates in West Ham, in Essex, for ever.
   To nephew, John Nicholson the Elder, £20; to Abel Chapman?, Isaac? , Sir Philip Stephens?, Benjamin Fouls,    ?, and Stephen Parker of Broadstairs, a ring each.
   Executors to purchase out of his personal estate, £1,000 of 5% Bank Annuities in their names and dividends to the education of grand daughter, Ann Henniker until she is 25 or married, with her father's or mother's consent, when the £1,000 will be transferred to her. If she dies without leaving lawful children then the money goes into the residuary of his estate.
   Executors to purchase £2,000 of the same stock in the name of his daughter in law, Mary Henniker, widow of his late son Major Henniker and pay her the dividends for life or remarriage. After her death or remarriage, the £2,000 to go into his residuary of his estate.
   Executors also to purchase £2,000 of the same stock and pay dividends to Madam the Countess de Castelbury, wife of the Count de Castelbury, for life.
   Executors to purchase £400 of the same stock and pay the dividends to Ann Garrett of Bethnal Green, Spinster, for life, but if she marries the payment will cease and fall into his residuary estate.
   Executors to purchase £1,000 of the same stock, and pay the maintenance and education of Charles, son or reputed son of Ann Garrett, who is known by the name Charles Robinson and is about 12 years old, until he is 25, when the executors will transfer the £1,000 to him. If he dies before he is 25, the money to go into testator's residuary estate.
   To Paul Fraser and all male and female servants who have been with with him for 3 years and upwards, a year's wage over and above wages due. To his boy, William Taylor, £20.
   Rest and residue to sons John and Brydges, equally shared .............................
   Witnesses: Hugh Bantock, Robert Mogger, both of Stratford and J. Bugg, New Broad Street, London

Codicil 19th February 1803
Son Brydges has an account interlined in testator's ledger; whatever the balance maybe , he is forgiven of whatever sum the balance is in testator's favour, he also gives him his diamond ring.
   He gives Mrs Brand, alias Chalice, his servant, £20, more than expressed in his will, i.e., a years wages. To his sister's servant, Hannah, £10.
   March 4th 1803
   Republished and witnessed by Hugh Bantock, Robert Mogger and Thomas Oliver
   Proved 14th May 1803

 

24.   Mural Monument, South Wall of Nave

 ROBERTUS HILL

A latere DANIELIS et FRANISCAE
A.S.E. Filius natu tertius ROBERTUS HILL
Ciu virtutes quare in utroque summae gravitet asmulantis
Diuturnius exercendi tempus unice defuit
Vixit annos XLII menses IX sibi sans suis parum
XIII kal Decembres A.D. MDCCXXIX
Dolentibus etsi non (Greek) άνλҭίϭωѕ amicus diem obiit supremum

Bene de omnibus optime de se meriti fratris
Ne cum corpore interiret itidem et nomen
Hoc (Greek) ?μηρϭσννον F. C. monmentum et pignus amoris
                                
THOMAS haeres ex semisse
"Aeternum salve frater savete porete Quern quondam assidue yivi coluistis honore
Quos tenet in sancto subdita terra sinu Defunctus logum protegat iste locus"

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th November 1729
Robert Hill, of Rochester Cathedral Precincts, Gentleman
   He is the youngest living son of Dr Daniel Hill, late Prebendary of Rochester, deceased.
   To his brother, Frederick Hill, £500 from his personal estate.
   To his eldest brother, Thomas Hill and friend, John Sheafe of Chatham , Gentleman, £500, upon trust, to invest out at interest and pay the dividends to his brother in law, Robert Rogers and his wife, Elizabeth, sister of testator, for their lives. After both their deaths, then on trust, to go to his niece, Frances Rogers, their daughter. If Frances dies before his sister, the £500 to her mother.
   To Thomasine Hill, widow of his late brother, Henry, £100.
   To Elizabeth Sheafe, eldest sister of John Sheafe, £400 and to John Sheafe, 10 guineas.
   To Elizabeth Burr, his servant maid, his ? bed and everything belonging, all his clothes and linen, when she demands it.
   To his man servant, John Hiles, his lead coloured suit, when he demands it.
   His third part of several freehold houses given to him by the will of his late father, rest and residue of his personal estate, goods and chattels, to his brother, Thomas, he to pay his debts, legacies, funeral and probate charges.
   Brother Thomas and John Sheafe are executors.
   Witnesses: Mary Ives, Caleb Parfect and Richard Sheafe.
   Proved 3rd December 1729

 

25.   Ledger in Lady Chapel

Sacred
to the Memory of
FREDERICK HILL Gent
who
Anno Domini 1729 married the Widow of
his bosom friend
THOMAS KNACKSTON
To whose children
Two Sons and three Daughters
His Conduct
was
Affectionate and Bountiful
in the most tender
parental sense
In his Publick Trust
of providing for is Majesty's sick and wounded
at this Port,
so fair,
so just
such his care for them
was one
solely observant of

(Image of Good Samaritan)

"Abi Fac Simile"
(The Seal of his Office)

that thought for
or Justice to
himself
was his last as well least concern
He departed this life the 20th of May 1759 Aged 74 Years
much regretted as greatly belov'd by all who knew him
being a kind Neighbour, sincere Friend, in disposition
above guile and in practise an exemplary Christian

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th November 1758
Frederick Hill of St. Margaret's, Gentleman.
   Appoints his "son and daughter in law", Captain Thomas Knackston and Mary Knackston, Spinster,executors.
   They, in the space of one year of his death, to sell his real estate in Southfleet and Brompton in Gillingham and Chatham or elsewhere in Britain.
   The money from the sale to be equally divided between his daughter in law, Hannah Beckwith , wife of Edward Beckwith; Mary Knackston; Thomas Knackston and Frances Powney, wife of Robert Powney, and his grand daughter, Frances Flight, wife of Major Thomas Flight.
   To Mary Knackstone, the remainder of years left on lease of his house, with the use of his plate, household goods, pictures, china, books and furniture, for life, as long as she resides in the house.
   In case of her death or not wanting to live in the house, before the lease expires, then the remainder of the lease and contents, to Hannah Beckwith, for life.
   If Hannah dies or declines to take the house, then to Thomas Knackston, for life. If he dies or declines to take the house, then to Frances Powney for life. If she dies or declines the house, then to Frances Flight,
   At the end of the lease, all his plate, goods, pictures, china, books and furniture, to be sold and the proceeds to be equally divided between Hannah Beckwith, Mary Knackston, Thomas Knackston, Frances Powney and Frances Fligh.
   To his niece, Frances Soame, wife of [            ] Soame, £200.
   To God daughter, Henrietta Soame, daughter of Frances, £50.
   To God daughter, Elizabeth Page, £20 at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if sooner.
   Also to Hannah Beckwith, one of his diamond rings, she chooses.
   His gold repeating watch to Thomas Knackston.
   To Frances Powney and Frances Flight, 5 guineas each for a ring.
   After payment of his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs, all the rest and residue of ready money, money on mortgage or in Public Funds and personal estate to be equally divided between Hannah Beckwith, Mary Knackston, Thomas Knackston. Frances Powney and Frances Flight.
   Witnesses: J. Soan, B. Graydon and William Stubbs.
   Proved 6th June 1759

 

26.   Ledger in South Transept

"Resurgam"
Here Lyeth
in Hope of a Joyfull Resurrection to Eternal
Life the Body of Mr JOHN JOLLY
who dyed ye 5th day of May

Domini 1700
Anno
Aetatis 32

"Ego hodie tu cras
Memento Mori"

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 3rd May 1700
John Jolly of Rochester, Gentleman.
He is weak in body.
   To Walter Edwards of St. Dunstan in the West, London, House Carpenter and Agnes his wife, £10 each for mourning.
   To Thomas Jolly, his kinsman, £10 for mourning and £10.
   To his wife, Dorothea, for ever, all the rest and residue of ready money, debts, credits, goods, chattels, plate, household goods and personal estate, after his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid. Wife, Dorothea is his executor.
   Witnesses: Prudence Lock, Mary Johnson, T. Trembley and Richard Sheafe.
   Proved 8th May 1700

KNACKSTON see HILL

LOVELACE see BARRELL

MAJOR see HENNIKER

 

27.   Ledger in North Transept

Sacred to the Memory of
Mr SAMUEL NICHOLSON
one of the Aldermen of this City
who died the 25th day of May 1805
in the 73rd Year of his Age
Also of Mrs KATHERINE NICHOLSON
Wife of the above
who died the 21st day of October 1807
in the 74th Year of her Age
Also of Mr THOMAS NICHOLSON
fifth Son of the above
SAMUEL and KATHERINE NICHOLSON
Attorney at Law and Deputy Clerk of the [Justices ?]
of this County
who died the 21st day of November 1810
in the 35th Year of his Age
Also of Mr SAMUEL NICHOLSON
third Son of the above
SAMUEL and KATHERINE NICHOLSON
one of the Aldermen of this City
who died the 22nd day of October 1833
in the 67th Year of his Age
Also of Mr WILLIAM NICHOLSON
eldest Son of the above
SAMUEL and KATHERINE NICHOLSON
who died the 17th day of February 1832
Aged 88 Years

William Nicholson was Mayor of Rochester, 1805 and is buried in St. Margaret's churchyard. See St Margaret's Church, Rochester, on this site. Samuel Nicholson, Junior was Mayor of Rochester in 1820.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated
Samuel Nicholson of Rochester, Gentleman.
First, all his debts and funeral costs to be paid.
   His house in St. Margaret's Street, Rochester and use of his household goods, furniture, plate, linen, china, books, pictures, prints and other things, to his wife, Catherine, for life; he recommends her to sign an inventory and deliver it to his executors. She to live in house, rent free.
   After her death, the property to his son, John for remainder of lease.
   The furniture, articles and things in the house, after his wife's death, to his children and grandchildren, as his wife shall direct in writing; in default of direction, then to be divided between his children.
   His 2 freehold houses in Rochester High Street, occupied by Mrs Hodson and Mrs Dixson, to his wife for her lifetime and after her death, Mrs Hodson's house to son Samuel, for ever. Mrs Dixson's house to son, John, for ever.
   His house in    ?    Road, Rochester and the unfurnished house in the same road, occupied by Mr     ?      , to his wife, for the years left on the lease, after her death, to son, William. A piece of ground near the latter house, to son Samuel, for remainder of lease.
   A house in New Road, Rochester, occupied by Mr Belson and Mr Farquhar, with a right of way for a carriage and horses into New Road and Nag's Head Lane.
   To son William, water works in Rochester, held on lease from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester and houses in Bull Lane and a small house on the Common held on lease from the City of Rochester, subject to rents and covenants.
   The house occupied by Captain Belson and a house in Nag's Head Lane occupied by his son Samuel Nicholson, to Samuel for remainder of term.
   A house in St. Margaret's Street, where his brother in law, George Woodriffe resides, to George Woodriffe, for remainder of lease. After the death of George, to his sister Elizabeth Woodriffe, after the deaths of both the Woodriffes or in case they leave the house, then to son, John.
   During the lives of the Woodriffes, son John to pay the rents.
   His houses in Love Lane and St Margaret's Street, subject to the estate, before given to his wife, for life and the Woodriffes, to son John for remainder of term left in lease.
   Three pieces of land at Upnor with buildings upon them to son William, on condition that he pays his executors within 7 years of his death, £300. If William does not pay , then the land to his executors, upon trust, to sell, the proceeds to be held, upon trust.
   To his executors, £1,000 in the 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities, upon trust, they to pay the dividends to his brother in law, George Woodriffe, for life and after his death, pay them to his sister, Elizabeth, wife of George Woodriffe, for life; after her death, the £1,000 to his son Samuel.
   To daughter, Catherine, wife of Samuel Baker of Rochester, £200 as a token of his affection and regard, she has been amply provided for.
   To brother, John, £50 and to niece, Sarah Woodriffe, £100.
   To nephew, William Brand, £50 and to niece, Betsy, late Betsy Brand, £10.
   The rest and remainder to sons, William, Samuel and John, upon trust, that part of his estate not consisting of money, to be sold and the money invested in Government or Real securities, the annual interest to be paid to his wife, for life. After her death, they to raise £5,680, upon trust; the sum of £2,600 to be invested as before, for the maintenance and education of his 3 grandchildren, Ann, Catherine and Edward Batten children of his late daughter, Ann, until the two girls are 21 or married, if earlier, with the consent of his trustees and Edward is 21.
   If they all die before they can inherit, then the fund to his 4 children, equally shared.
   Trustees can use fund to place Edward into any trade, profession or business.
   If they all survive, the income from the fund to his daughter Sarah, free from her husband's control. After her death, the fund to be paid to her children as directed by her will at 21 years of age or day of marriage for the daughters, if earlier. If the children die before they can inherit the fund to his children and and Batten grandchildren, equally shared.
   From the £5,680 he gives £5 to son William, £200, to son Samuel and £230 to son John. Surplus of his estate and effects to his children and Batten grandchildren, shared equally.
   Executors to make the house in New Road complete and habitable, provided son William is not called upon to pay the £4,000 to testator by a bond until 4? years from testator's death, provided William pays the interest.
His wife can let any of the properties left to her for a term not exceeding 5 years.
    He appoints his sons as executors.
    Witnesses: Mary Toftie, Ordnance Hotel, Westminster Bridge, Edward Robinson and Christopher Lee, Lincoln's Inn.
   Proved 10th June 1805

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th November 1809
John Nicholson of St. Margaret's, Rochester, Gentleman.
   To his dear friend, Rebecca Tempest, Spinster, now lodging with Mr Roafe in Dale Row, Chatham near Fort Pitt, his house in Rochester High Street, occupied by Robert Dixson, for ever.
Also his half share in a house in Cross Street, The Brook, Chatham, occupied by [       ] Cameron.
   His library to be sold by auction, from the proceeds, £100 to Rebecca Tempest; the rest to his residuary legatee.
   His house in New Road, Rochester, to be sold by auction and his debts paid from the proceeds and residue to his brothers and sisters, William, Samuel Katherine Baker and Sarah Batten, equally shared.
   To his brothers his leasehold houses in Love Lane in St. Margaret's.
   To Rebecca Tempest, his leasehold buildings with stables, in Rochester High Street, occupied by himself and others.
   Rest and residue, subject to payment of any of his outstanding debts, to his brothers and sisters, equally shared; any dispute to be settled by his friend, the Recorder of Rochester, whose decision will be final, the parties involved to pay expenses.
   He appoints his brothers and sisters executors" in full confidence from their known integrity and talents".
   Witnesses: The mark of Sarah Case, J. Barnard, Clerk to testator and Charlotte Case.
   Proved 14th December 1810

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th September 1833
Samuel Nicholson, of Rochester, Gentleman.
   He desires to be buried in Rochester Cathedral, if the cost, in the opinion of his executors, is not too great. His funeral to be a walking one, with no hearse or coach and as plain as possible.
   His freehold house with outbuildings, yards and garden in Rochester High Street, lately occupied by George Gammon, to his brother, William, nephew, William Henry Nicholson and nephew, George Stewart Nicholson, upon trust, during the life of his reputed niece, Rebecca Tempest, now or lately residing at Putney Heath, Surrey, to pay half the rent from the house, free from the influence of any future husband.
   In case of her death in the lifetime of his housekeeper, Barbara Whiffin, then upon trust, to go into the residuary of his personal estate, upon further trust, during the life of Barbara Whiffin, for her use and benefit, independent of any future husband.
   After her death, in case Rebecca Tempest survives her, then upon trust, for the benefit of Rebecca Tempest. After the deaths of both women, the house to be sold.
   To Barbara Whiffin, all his clothes, bed, bedding and furniture of his bedroom; 2 of his best silver table spoons; 4 of the best silver tea spoons.
   To Rebecca Tempest, the portrait of his late brother John. The several drawings and pictures by Rebecca Tempest and frames are her property and are to be given to her.
   The portrait of his late brother, Thomas is to be destroyed.
   To friends, John Dudlow of West Malling and his daughter, Ann Dudlow, £5 each; to George Mann Burrows of Montague Street, Russell Square, Doctor of Physic and his son, Henry Nicholson Burrows, £5 each; to Robert Taynton of Bromley, Surgeon, £5; to Miss Elizabeth Maudsley of Putney Common, Surrey, £5.
   To Barbara Whiffin, £25 and £15 for mourning.
   To his servant, Hannah Sole, £7 and £10 for mourning.
   His leasehold house and garden at Nile Terrace, Rochester, occupied by by George Belson and all his leasehold houses, to those entitled to them at his death, subject to payment of rents and observance of covenants.
   Ready money, securities for money, goods, chattels, personal estate, after payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs and legacies, to his trustees, upon trust, to sell his residuary personal estate, other tan his leasehold estate and call in all debts and invest the money in Public Funds or Real securities.
Barbara Whiffin to have half the income from the investment and from his personal estate, for life.
Rebecca Tempest to have the other half during their joint lives.
After the death of Barbara Whiffin, if Rebecca Tempest survives her, she to have the whole income.
After they have both died, trustees to transfer the funds as follows:
   A quarter to his brother, William; a quarter to the living children of his late sister, Katherine Baker, equally shared; a quarter to the living children of his late sister, Ann Batten, equally shared; the remaining quarter, to the living children of his late sister, Sarah Batten, equally shared.
   Concerning his niece, Katherine Maddocks, daughter of his late sister, Ann Batten, her share to be paid to her for benefit, free from the influence of any future husband.
   If the legacy to Barbara Whiffin does not come to £52, the deficiency to be made up from the other half of the fund but income not to exceed that sum.
    Appoints William Nicholson, William Henry Nicholson, George Stewart Nicholson and Rebecca Tempest, executors.
   Witnesses: D. B. Lewis, Solicitor, Rochester, James Lewis of Rochester and Charles Dorrett of Rochester.
   Proved 25th November 1833. Power reserved to Rebecca Tempest

 

28.   Ledger in South Transept

MARCEY PARKER
died June 18th 1812
Aged 87
ROBERT PARKER
Son of the above
died March 27th 1837
Aged 88
ROBERT PARKER 1760

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 21st April 1755
Robert Parker, of Rochester, Gentleman.
   All of his estate to his wife, Mary, his debts to be paid wholly or in part, according to his circumstances,
His wife is his executor and is to take proper care of his only child, Robert, a minor and see to his education.
   Witnesses: Robert Hardy, John Blackhall and William Pearcy
   Proved 20th November 1760

 

29.   Railed Monument shaped as a Sarcophagus, East Wall of North Transept

John PARR 1792

Near this Place lie the Remains of
JOHN PARR, Esq.
Store Keeper of the Ordnance at Chatham he passed between 50 and 60 years of his life in his Majesty's
Service and Discharged his Several Engagements in it at Home
and Abroad with the Greatest Assiduity, Integrity and Honour
He died the 21st of March 1792 Aged 76 Years
Mrs MARY PARR caused this Monument to be Erected as a
Tribute of Affection to the Memory of a Much Respected Brother

 

30.   Ledger in North Transept

JOHN PARR, Esq.
Ordnance Storekeeper at
Chatham 32 Years
Born the 3rd of September 1716
Died the 21st of March 1792

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th May 1784
John Parr of Chatham, Storekeeper of His Majesty's Ordnance.
   To his brother, Thomas Parr, his estate of land at Whitley near Reading; also his house, garden and oast houses at London Street, St. Giles, Reading, also his house at Bury Street, St James, Westminster and his stock in the Bank Consolidated Long Annuities, which is £200. In case his brother dies, then the real estate and stock to his sister, Mary Parr.
   Also to Mary, £12,000 in the Bank Reduced Annuities Consolidated 3%; in case his sister dies, the £12,000 to his brother.
   Rest and remainder, after payment of his debts, to his brother and sister, who are his executors.
   Witnesses: William Saltonstall, Clerk of the Cheque to the Office of Ordnance, Chatham, William Akid, Clerk of the Cheque to the Office of Ordnance, Chatham.

Codicil 16th September
His brother, Thomas has died since the will was made, so his sister, Mary is sole executor.
His body to be put in a leaden coffin and he desires to be buried in Rochester Cathedral in any vacant place. A stone to be placed over the grave with this inscription :
"John Parr, Ordnance Storekeeper at Chatham, Died the [  ] day of [     ] 17[  ], Born the 3rd day of September 1716 Aged [   ] Years"
   His funeral to be decent, without pomposity and he wishes to be buried during Divine Service in the morning; the usual fee and compliment to the church and officiating clergyman and rings for friends.
   No witnesses.

Affidavit 31st March 1792
William Akid and Thomas James Rudyard, both of Chatham, Gentlemen, are sworn.
They state they knew testator and were well acquainted with him for several years, having seen him write and make his signature. They have carefully examined the will and codicil and are certain they are in his hand and his signature is his.
   Proved 3rd April 1792

PEARSE see BARRELL

 

31.   Ledger in the Nave

Under this Stone
lies interr'd the Body of
Mr RICHARD PICKERING
who died 17th of November

Domini 1718
Anno
Aetatis 51
ELIZ. PICKERING Obt Novr ye 15th 1744 Aet 74

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th July 1710
Richard Pickering of Rochester Cathedral Precincts, Gentleman.
   He desires his funeral to be conducted with convenient frugality and that none but his particular friends be present. He leaves the place of interment to his wife, Elizabeth, who is his executor.
   To Rose Fielding, wife of [         ] Fielding of Clerkenwell, Butcher, his cousin germain on his mother's side and next of kin he has living, one broad piece of gold commonly called a Jacobus, and to her daughter, Rose Fielding, if living, another Jacobus.
   To his good friend, Richard Head of the Precinct of the Cathedral, Gentleman, his silver watch and chain and £5, he desires him to assist his executor and give her his advice.
   Rest and residue of ready money, goods, chattels, plate, mortgages, bonds, bills and personal estate, after his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, to his wife, Elizabeth, for ever.
   Witnesses: John Baynard, William Furner and John Jackson
   Proved 16th December 1718

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th April 1741
Elizabeth Pickering, late of Rochester, now of Wouldham, Widow.
   Her burial to have no pall bearers and to be in the Cathedral in the same grave as her late husband. An addition to be made to the gravestone of her age and day of death.
   To Mary Dixon daughter of George Dixon of Rochester, Joiner, by Elizabeth his wife, who was one of her friends and formerly Elizabeth Withers, £150 of South Sea Annuities, at 21 years of age but if she dies before then, the £150 to her friend, Mary Dennis wife of Rev   ?    Dennis, Rector of Cobham, if she is then living.
Interest on the £150 stock to Mary Dixon from the testator's death.
   She gives her clothes to Mary Dennis, also her silver tankard and £100; to her brother, Francis Withers, £5; to the Rev George Pickering, £10; to his sister, Barbara Pickering, £5; to her three God daughters, Elizabeth Sheafe, wife of Henry Sheafe of Strood, £5; Elizabeth Hawkns, £5; Elizabeth Edwards, late Orton, £5, if they are living.
   Rest and residue, of money, goods, chattels and personal estate, after her legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid and an inventory exhibited, to Sir Walter Roberts, Baronet.
   Rev Thomas Pickering is sole executor.
   Witnesses: Walt Roberts and Mercy Miller

Codicil 15th September 1744
She has erased in the will "Dame Elizabeth Roberts, wife of" and changed it to the name of her husband, Sir Walter Roberts.
   Witnesses: Mary Trevor and Ann Goodsall

 

32.   Ledger in the North Transept - Translated from Latin

Underneath are placed the Remains of
Sir RICHARD POLEY M.A. From Queen's College,
Cambridge and Fellow of the Royal Society also
one of the Gentlemen of the Antechamber to Kings
George II and George III
"Reader, if you chance to know his Family, you will find that
he was the eldest Son of THOMAS POLEY of that Ancient and
Landed Family of POLEY OF Boxted Hall in Suffolk
(which had come in more distant times from Meison in
Saxony) and of FRANCES his Wife, Daughter of Sir
RICHARD HEAD, Baronet
Also placed underneath are the Remains of his Wife
ELIZABETH Posthumous Daughter of Sir ROBERT
WILFORD, Naval Captain, Strung from that Ancient and
Landed Family of WILFORD from
Illden in the Eastern part of Kent and [Daughter] of
ELIZABETH
his Wife and eldest Daughter of Mr ROBERT FAUNCE of
Maidstone, that Splendid Gentleman from whom he
received
two Daughters only the elder of whom, ELIZABETH
survived her Mother
and remained the only Comfort to her Father
She died on the 20th day of May in the Year of Grace 1765 in
her
76th Year
and he died
(the last male heir of that Ancient Family)
on the 20th day of January in the Year of Grace 1770 in his
87th
Year
[                          ]
ELIZABETH POLEY
[                          ]
Nov 24th 1792
Aet 76

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th February 1758
Richard Poley, Esquire, of Rochester, Gentleman Usher, Waiter to his Majesty.
   He is of an advanced age (75th year).
   Wishes to be buried in a decent but frugal manner, funeral not to cost more than £50. The grave to be wide enough for 2 coffins abreast and deep enough for a 3rd coffin to be placed on top of the other two. He wants an handsome black marble stone with his own arms and those of his wife and the motto "Factior est Quise" and a "proper inscription".
   To his wife, Elizabeth, all the interest and dividends on his Old South Sea Annuities and capital in the Bank of England, with liberty to dispose of £200 of the principal.
   If his wife survives their daughter, Elizabeth, she dying unmarried and leaving no children by marriage, then his wife to have the liberty to dispose of £400 stock in the South Sea Annuities.
   Also to his wife, a gold medal of King Charles II and his Queen and $30 for mourning, free use of his plate, household goods and furniture during her life. After her death, then to their daughter and all South Sea Annuities and money in the Bank of England.
   To his sister, Weller, a gold ring of 1 guinea value; to his brother and sister Parfect, a gold ring each of the same value; to his brother Wilford, a gold ring, as above; to nephew and niece, Weller?, a gold ring each, as above; to nephew and niece, Childre, a gold ring each, as above.
   He appoints his wife and daughter as his executors.
   Witnesses: Fran. Dayley, Mary Faunce and Jno Sparkes
   Proved 23rd February 1770. His wife had died and daughter granted administration.

Note in margin dated 30th April 1821
The will was not administered by his daughter. So, administration granted to Rev. William Weller Poley. The executors of daughter, Elizabeth Poley, George Childre and Robert Wilford died intestate.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 9th October 1790
Elizabeth Poley of Rochester, Spinster.
She desires to be buried in the grave of her father and mother in Rochester Cathedral.
   To her cousin, George Children of Tonbridge, Esquire, £200, part of her stock in the South Seas Old Annuities.
   To Jane Whitehead, George De Passow and John De Passow, children of her late cousin, James De Passow, £100 each of the same stock.
   To her cousins, Jane Children and Frances Weller, widow of George Weller, late of Boxted Hall, Suffolk, Esquire, and the daughter and 2 sons of George Weller, a mourning ring each of the value of 1 guinea.
   To Mrs Mary Compling, niece of her late mother, £300, and to Robert Compling, her son, £300.
   Her late father desired to give Queen's College, Cambridge, £50 to buy books as the Master and Heads of the College choose, she now gives them this sum.
   To her friend, Mrs Elizabeth Brooke, wife of Joseph Brooke, Esquire, a pair of her silver candlesticks with her parents' arms engraved on them; and all her G ?????, tortoise shell snuff box inlaid with gold and a picture on the lid and tortoise shell box with gold rim and hinge.
   To Joseph Brooke, £20 for a piece of plate; to her cousin, Rev Thomas Lock, her large silver waiter, with her arms and to him and his wife, Ann ?, a mourning ring of 1 guinea value.
   To Mrs Frances Obrion and Miss Elizabeth East daughter of the late Robert East, Esquire, £10 each.
   To Mrs Amhurst, widow of John Amhurst of Rochester, Esquire, a pair of her silver candlesticks, engraved with her parents' arms.
   To Mrs Martha Parfect, her small silver Taper Candlesticks and a mourning ring of a guinea value.
   To Mrs Campbell Elizabeth Lill, grand daughter of Sir Richard Head, Baronet, her silver watch, with the family arms of Head engraved on it and the picture of Sir Richard and his two ladies.
   To Mrs Dampien, eldest daughter of Rev Doctor Law, Archdeacon of Rochester, her silver coffee pot; to Miss Frances Law, his second daughter, her ring set with one large and two small diamonds.
   To George Children, all her books.
   To her maid servant, Mary Martin, if with her at her death, £50 and the bed and furniture in the upper back chamber, except the contents of the chest of drawers, and 2 pairs of servants best sheets and pillow cases, white counterpane, her clothes, except her best laces and silver plaques which she gives to Jane Whitehead; also to the latter, all her plate and household linen, china and glass, not already given.
   To George Children and Robert Compling, £500 stock in the Old South Sea Annuities, upon trust, to pay the interest to Mary Martin, for life and after her death, or if she does not continue in her service or she dies before testator, to pay the £500, equally shared, between the 3 children of George Weller.
   To the maid servant who cooks in her service at time of her death, £6 over and above wages due.
   All her freehold houses, lands, ready money, securities for money, household goods, chattels and personal estate, after payment of her debts and funeral costs, shared equally between George Children and Robert Compling, for ever, they are her executors.
   Witnesses: D.A. Grayling, Elizabeth Mapletoft and John Sparkes, Attorney of Rochester.
   Proved 23rd March 1793. Robert Welsford Compland, was by mistake, called Compling in the will.

Note in margin dated 11th August 1819
The will was not administered by Children or Compland , administration granted to Rev William Weller Poley, a cousin germane. Children survived Compland but died intestate and
   Isaac Cook and David Taylor, executors of Children and John George Children, natural son and sole beneficiary of his father's estate, have renounced the execution of Elizabeth Poley's will.

 

33.   Ledger in South Transept

Here lyeth the Body of
THOMAS ROBSON Esq
of London
who departed this life
Oct 15th An Dom1692
in the 63rd? Year of his Age
and
MARY his Wife
deceased Oct 23rd An Dom 1702
in the 73rd Year of her Age

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th October 1690
Thomas Robson of St. James, Westminster.
   All his debts to be paid from his real and personal estate.
   After his debts have been paid, he gives his real and personal estate to his wife, Mary. He desires her to remember his relations when making her will. She is his executor.
   His kinsman, Edward Gregory, Esq., Commissioner of the Navy at Chatham, his brother, George Harris of Droitwich, Worcestershire, Gentleman, his friend George Mann of St. James, Westminster and Edward Milles of the Inner Temple, Gentleman, are overseers of his will; £10 to each of them to buy a ring.
   He desires his wife returns, by her will, his gilt cup and cover to the survivor of his cousin, Gregory's family, a legacy left to the testator by his uncle and Gregory's father.
   His funeral to be of least show and expense.
   Witnesses: Bartholomew? Harris, Richard Heton and Rachel Ruston.
   Proved 22nd October 1692

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th June 1700
Mary Robson, of St James, Westminster, Widow.
   First, all her debts and debts of her late husband to be paid.
   The Rev Dr Edward Maynard and friends, James Witterange of Lincoln's Inn and Edward Mills of the Inner Temple are executors.
   To her niece, Maynard, wife of Edward Maynard, her pendulum clock and great Indian chest at London and all her goods at Bodington?
   To her servant, Roberta Taylor, £5 for mourning, if she is still with her.
   Rest of her real and personal estate, to her executors to be sold for the performance of her will, and surplus, after her and her husband's debts and cost of her funeral are paid, to Thomas Robson, son of Christopher Robson, brother of her late husband, Mary Robson and Hannah Robson, daughters of Christopher Robson, Rachel Robson, Widow of Christopher, her nephew, Gowland Harris, nieces, Mary Hill and Prisilla Harris, nephews, George and John Mason, nieces, Elizabeth Parke and Mary Mason, nephew, Talbott Harris, nieces, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth Harris, sons and daughters of her late brother, George Harris, her sister, Abigail Holloway, daughter Maynard, Abigail Travener and her executors, each to have, except her servants, (smudged).
   Excepting Talbott Harris, if any die before they are 21 or before they receive their legacy, that share to her other legatees. Talbott Harris's share to his mother, Mary until he is 21, towards his education.
   Witnesses: Robert Hands and Jos Day
   Proved 1st December 1702

 

34.   Tablet on South Wall, South Transept

RONDEAU James 1768

Near this Place
are deposited the Remains of JAMES RONDEAU Esq
who departed this life on the 11th of February 1768
Also of ELIZABETH his Wife died the 24th of January 1739/40
together with one Son and eight Daughters
Likewise their Grandson and Daughter
JAMES and ELIZABETH ANN DE VAUN
This monument is erected in token of relative affection
by their only surviving Daughter Mrs AMELIA RONDEAU
of this City
Mrs AMELIA RONDEAU
died on the 3rd day of April 1812 in her 84th Year

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 3rd November 1761
(I must confess, I found this will not easy to follow and apologise for any lack of clarity)
James Rondeau of St. Margaret's, Gentleman.
   Two freehold houses in Sittingbourne and half of a small farm in Hoo, to his Daughter, Mary Devaux, Widow, for life and after her death, to her two children, James and Elizabeth. His Daughter can lease the houses for a term not exceeding 20 years.
   According to an indenture dated about 30th March 1710 between himself of the City of Canterbury, Merchant and Elizabeth, his then wife (since deceased) and Frances East of Canterbury, Widow of the first part; John Wheatley of London, Gentleman, of the second part and Edward Jacob of Canterbury, Surgeon of the third part, all that house and farm called King's Head and 40 acres of land in Strood and Frindsbury. The house known as King's Head with 30 acres of land in Sittingbourne and Milton, also the house and farm known as Eoametts?, with 70 acres of land in Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey; the house and farm called Redd (Rede) at Strood and Frindsbury and King's Head at Sittingbourne and Milton was for his use, for life, for the support of then his wife, Elizabeth and their children, to the benefit of his son.
   His farm at Eastchurch to his son and Edward Jacob, upon trust, to sell, they to purchase fee simple lands. If this purchase can be made, the money raised by the sale of the Eastchurch property is to be put out at interest until the purchase is made, in the Bank of England or other good security.
   If his wife Elizabeth died before him, leaving issue by him and he does not marry again, then his heirs or executors and administrators to lay out £4,0000 on the purchase of freehold land.
   His wife died many years since leaving, by him, 2 Sons and 8 Daughters, James and Thomas, Frances, Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Susanna, Rebecca and Amelia?, all of whom are now living.
   Around 1720 he sold land and property on the Isle of Sheppey, for £820, which as invested in Bank Annuities, which was put in South Sea Stock but he lost £537 in the crash of the South Sea Company, leaving £283. Since the making of the settlement?, he has laid out in form of an annuity from the estate called Rede, £250, this is part of the sum of £4,000 to be laid out after his death in freehold property; he has many children and thought it prudent to invest the residue of £10,000?, in freehold real estate for the advancement of his children in the world.
   King's Head farm is charge with an annuity of to 6 of his daughters, Ann, Elizabeth, Sarah, Susanna, Rebecca and Amelia, equally shared and from this annuity, £35 to his eldest daughter, Frances, for life. To the above 6 daughters, all stock, corn, hop poles, cattle, implements of husbandry at Strood and Frindsbury, equally shared.
   To eldest son, James, £2,733 part of the sum of £3,750, to purchase real estate; he has already advanced him £1,433 for his advancement in the world; for which he gave testator his bond. His executors to give this bond to his son and discharge him from the interest.
   He gives second son, Thomas, £700 for his advancement in the world?
   He has already advanced Mary Devaux, £600.
   To sons James and Thomas, all household goods, plate and linen, upon trust, they to permit his daughters to use this, while they are unmarried and content to live together. If they all marry they to share the same, equally.
   He charges his personal estate with payment of his debts and funeral costs, Funeral to be private and frugal as possible.
   What remains of his real and personal restate, except the revisionary interest of a considerable sum left to him by his late brother, Claudius Rondeau*, to his 6 Daughters equally shared. The money given to him by his brother Claudius, to all his children, equally shared.
   To his second daughter, Ann, her mother's gold watch and £50; to daughter, Sarah, his repeating gold watch and £50; to daughter Mary Devaux, £100 over and above what he has already given her.
   His late brother, Claudius left him £500 in 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities, 6 months after his death, his executors to transfer this to daughter Rebecca. If she does not claim any interest, executors shall release her from all her board and maintenance which he has provided and all money due to him.
   If any daughter dies in his lifetime, her share to be equally divided between the survivors.
   He appoints daughters, Ann and Sarah, executors.
   He recommends his daughters to be kind and affectionate to each other and that they cause no disputes over his will.
   Witnesses: William Gates, William Baker and William Gates, Junior.
   Proved 19th March 1768

*Claudius Rondeau, who died in 1739, (Monument in St. Dunstan's, Canterbury), was H. M. Resident at the Russian Court in St. Petersburg, from 1730.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated
Amelia Rondeau of Rochester, Spinster.
   She wishes to be buried with her family in the Cathedral.
   To William Bunce of Great Russell Street, Covent Garden, Upholder (Upholsterer), all the new furniture made by him and ordered by her late niece, Elizabeth Ann Devaux, 2 sets of curtains, 12 painted chairs and matching settee, cotton cased cushion and 2 cushions to window seats, pair of mahogany oblong card tables, chimney glass in burnished gold frame, hearth rug, all these in her back parlour.
   To her niece, Elizabeth Breese, Senior, of the Tower of London, Widow, her gold watch with chain and trinkets.
   To Ann Breese, daughter of the above, 2 pairs of high candlesticks, snuffers and   ?   .
   To Katherine Krull?, daughter of John Anthony Barnard Krull of Rochester, Surgeon, all her clothes, linen, rings and trinkets, except those with her watch.
   After payment of her debts, funeral and probate costs, £500 to William Bunce; £50 to William Carter of Charing Cross, Stock Broker and Letter Office Keeper; £200 to Katherine Krull; £20 to Ann Teaite wife of George Teaite of Rochester, Gentleman; £20 to Mary Krull, wife of John Anthony Barnard Krull; £20 to Joseph Kemp of Strood for his long and faithfull service; £20 each to Captain George Bunce of H.M. 24th Regiment of Light Dragoons and Lieutenant John Bunce of the same regiment.
   To each of the following £400; nephew James Rondeau, niece, Elizabeth Breese, nephew, William Rondeau, now abroad, niece, Ann Holgham wife of Thomas Holgham of Kenninington, Surrey, niece, Susanna Saunders of Kennington, Widow, and niece, Kitty Shillito wife of [       ] Shillito of Kennington.
   Her executors to invest £400in 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities, upon trust, and pay dividends to nephew, George Rondeau, now of London, for life, and after his death, upon trust, to pay the dividends to his wife, if she survives him, for life. After the death of the survivor, upon trust, to pay the £400 or the stock to their children then living in equal shares.
   By reason of the death of her great nephew, Jacob Quarrill Breese of Gould Square, London, Gem Factor, in the lifetime of her late niece, Elizabeth Ann Devaux, the third part of the residue of the latter's personal estate and effects, by her will, left to Jacob Quarill Breese, subject to the life interest of herself, Elizabeth Breese and William Bunce, developed upon and became vested in the testator, (Amelia Rondeau), as only next of kin to Elizabeth Ann Devaux.
   So, she now gives all title, interest and share to Clara Breese, daughter of Jacob Breese and another, posthumous child at 21 years of age.
   In case of the death of either of them, before they are 21 that share to the survivor. If both die under 21, then the estate to Hannah Maria Christopherson, wife of [        ] Christopherson and her sister, Susanna Saunders, Spinster, equally shared. If either die leaving no child, their share to the survivor; if both die leaving children their shares to their children, then living. In meantime executors to invest Jacobs estate in Government Stocks or Real estate, upon trust, for above stated purpose.
   The sum of £784 6s 3d in the 3% Bank Annuities, purchased by testator before Elizabeth Ann Devaux's death, in the latter's name, to prevent any doubts, this was intended as a gift to Devaux, in consideration of love and affection for her and subject to her will and is part of her residuary property bequeathed.
   Her servants to be given mourning at direction of her executors.
   William Bunce and Henry Robinson of Cooper's Row, London, Surgeon, executors, to have £50 each for their troubles.
   They to have the residue of her personal estate and effects equally shared.
   She desires them not to dispose of her furniture which comes to them.
   If her personal estate is not sufficient to meet her money legacies, she wishes those legacies to be scaled down to match that given to Jacob Breese's children.
   By a Deed of Settlement dated about 30th August 1799 between her late sister, Susanna Rondeau, Spinster, of the first part, her late sister, Rebecca, Spinster of the second part, herself of the third part and Elizabeth Ann Devaux, Spinster and William Breese, both since deceased, of the fourth part, certain freehold and personal estates and effects of herself and her late sisters were settled or agreed to be settled, in trust, for the benefit of several persons, subject to the life interest of herself and her sisters.
   There are now, in her name in the Bank of England, £2,162 of the 3% Annuities and £525 of the 3% 1726 Annuities, subject to the Deed, except household goods, plate and furniture in the house at Rochester at the time of the Deed, settled upon Elizabeth Ann Devaux, except the painting of The Continence of Scipio, settled on James Rondeau.
George, James and William Rondeau, William and Elizabeth Breese, Ann Holgham, Susanna Saunders and Kitty Shillito, need to claim their entitlements.
   Witnesses: S. Doorne, Gentleman of Rochester and John Kidwell, Upholder of Rochester
   Proved 2nd May 1812. A larger vale of the estate re-sworn by executors in November 1812

 

35.   Ledger in the Nave

In Memory of
Mrs MARY RUFFIN
(late of Deal)
who died the 14th day of June
1796
Aged 78 Years
Also
WILLIAM LOVELL RUFFIN
her Son (late of Rochester)
Surgeon
who died the [   ] day of July
1812
Aged 67 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 18th November 1804
William Lovell Ruffin of St. Margaret's, Surgeon
   To the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Members of the Society for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Medical Men in the County of Kent, £100.
   To the Treasurer of the General Kent and Canterbury Hospital, near Canterbury, £100, upon trust, for the charitable uses of the hospital.
   After payment of his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs, his goods, chattels, money and securities for money, debts owing, plate, household goods and personal estate, to his wife, Elizabeth, she is his executor.
   Witnesses: J. Simmons of Rochester and William Bathurst, his Clerk.
   Proved 22nd October 1812

 

36.   Ledger in Lady Chapel - From the Latin

Under this Marble repose the Remains of
RICHARD SHEAFE, GENTLEMAN
who, filled with the Happiness and Hopes (would that it had been
of days} quietly yielded to hastening Death
on the 3rd November 1728
What limit in shame could be set
To the longing of such a dear one?
Yet it let it not shame anyone to go through his Virtues, so that
they may decorate his Tomb in whatever way,
They that adorned his Life so conspicuously
Therefore, let this Stone Commemorate his unsullied and
immaculate sense of Duty
His supreme Honesty and wondrous Kindness
He was of the Glory of the Bar, once he attained it.
This he constantly and splendidly Embellished
With famous Character, unique Industry and
Traditional Good Faith
But what more need be said?
Friends, Dependants, Relatives keenly lament is Death
As they venerate his Ashes, believe the Man himself most
Worthy of every Praise
Him who always did everything Praiseworthy
His most Dear Wife and most beloved Children
Dutifully Consecrate this Stone

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 25th January 1724 (1725)
Richard Sheafe of Rochester, Gentleman.
   He desires to be buried in the Cathedral.
   All his law books to be divided between his sons, John, Henry and Richard. All his divinity and history books to be divided between his wife and 6 children.
   Ready money, debts and credits, arrears of rent, plate, linen, household goods, chattels and personal estate to his wife, Frances, to have free use while she is his widow, for her support and of their unmarried children.
   After his wife's death, or remarriage, the above estate to his 6 children, John, Henry, Richard, Elizabeth, Frances and Sarah, equally shared. He requires son, Henry, who is already married and others who may be married during his life or that of their mother, , to bring back in "hotch potch" all money and other things advanced by their mother to them when married, in order to make all 6 children to have equal shares in his personal estate, after the death or remarriage of their mother.
   He appoints his wife and sons, Henry and Richard, executors, desiring them to be loving and kind to each other and their brother and sisters.
   They should apply any part of his personal estate that his wife thinks fit, for the marriage of his single children. Such children advanced in marriage to abate so much as they share of his personal estate, when it is distributed among them after the death of remarriage of his wife.
   After his funeral his executors to make an inventory of his goods, chattels, debts and credits.
   For the further support of his wife and unmarried children, he recommends and desires that his sons, John and Richard will live with their mother and unmarried sisters and carry out the profession and business of attorneys at law that he had carried out in, partnership, that they may assist in the support of their mother and sisters, while they are single.
   His house at Lower Halstow, occupied by John Barnes, with adjoining house occupied by John Adsley, with orchard and salt marsh or reed ground, also?, occupied by John Pemberton, the Fruiterer; his house, barns, stables, cart lodge, gardens, orchard and 30 acres in Hoo, occupied by Goodman Cheeseman, and ground and wharves in Frindsbury occupied by the Officers of his Majesty's Ordnance at Bird's Nest Fort and all other houses and land in Kent and elsewhere, to his wife and his 3 sons, upon trust, to sell all or as much as they think fit and pay his debts and £10 per annum to his wife for life, according to the will of John Wymshurst, Gentleman, her late father. He has already paid the £40 each given by his will to the 2 daughters of his brother in law, Joseph Wymshurst. Any surplus to be equally divided among his 6 children after the death of his wife.
   His wife to have the interest of the income. His real estate to be sold to pay his debts if his personal estate is not sufficient; if his real estate is sufficient, any surplus, after his debts are paid and the annuity to his wife is arranged, the surplus to his children in equal shares after the death or remarriage of his wife. He wife to have the interest of such surplus for the better maintenance of herself and their unmarried children, during her widowhood.
   Rents from his real estate, until sold, to his wife and unmarried children, during her widowhood. After her death or remarriage, the rents equally shared between all his children.
   Witnesses: Mary Burgis of St Margaret's Bank, George Warner of Chatham Key, Hoyman and Thomas Johnson, Attorney of Chatham.
   Proved 28th January 1728 (1729)

 

37.   Ledger in the Nave

I.W. SMITH Esq
M.D.
Died February 15th
1833
Aetatis 49 Years
Mrs MARY SMITH
Widow of the above
died 20th June 1852
Aetatis 72 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23rd April 1828
John William Smith of Rochester, Doctor of Physic.
   His freeholds in Kent, Middlesex and Hampshire or elsewhere in England, to his wife, Mary, for ever.
   His household goods, furniture, plate, linen, china, money, securities for money, rights, credits and personal estate and effects to his wife, absolutely; she is his executor.
   Witnesses: J. Gibbs, Solicitor of Strood, George Shaw and Thomas Pryer, Clerks to Mr Gibbs.
   Testator signs will again with the following witnesses: D.B. Lewis, Attorney of Rochester, D.B. Lewis and James Lewis, his Clerks.
   Proved 14th March 1833

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th May 1852
Mary Smith, formerly of St Margaret's, Rochester, now of Bedford Square, Brighton, Widow.
   Her body to be enclosed in flannel and lead and buried in the Cathedral in the same vault with her late husband, Dr John William Smith.
   To her cousin, Maria Matilda Tilson of Brixton, Widow, her silver candlesticks, 6 silver fish knives and 4 knife rests, as an acknowledgement for her kind attention to her during her illness.
To Maria, wife of her friend, Thomas Tilson,  ? , her small silver tea pot and   ?   ring as a mark of her friendship.
To Thomas Tilson, of Coleman Street, City of London, Solicitor, 18 shares in the London Joint Stock Bank and other shares there at her death and dividends due.
   To Lucy Hammond Bayley of Landsdowne Villa, Notting Hill, Kensington, Spinster, £1,056 Royal Exchange Stock or whatever sum there at her death and dividends due.
   To Maria Dance Bayley, at present living at Notting Hill, Widow and Thomas Tilson £1,056 in the 3% Annuities and dividends due, upon trust, to continue the same investment and invest the dividends in Government or Real securities and pay the returns to Elizabeth Mary wife of Francis Rodd, now living at Whipton, near Exeter, for her lifetime. After her death, the stock in trust, for her children at their respective ages of 21 or day of marriage for girls, if earlier, in equal shares.
   In meantime dividends towards their maintenance and education. If they die before then, the tock goes into her residuary estate.
   All her freeholds and leaseholds at Frindsbury to Frederick Lee son of Henry Lee of Balham, Esquire.
Her freehold house in Bethnal Green, Stepney, to John Baker, eldest son , now living, of Jane, wife of [         ] Baker of [            ] , for ever; before her marriage she was Jane Barnett, Spinster, cousin of her late husband.
   All other freeholds in Middlesex and leaseholds and land in Middlesex, to Mary Ann Stirling daughter of the late John Stirling of Wellclose Streeet, Middlesex, Surgeon, at 21 years of age, in meantime, until Frederick Lee and Mary Ann Stiring are 21 the income to their maintenance and education.
   Rest and residue of real and personal estate, after payment of her debts, funeral and probate costs, to Maria Dance Bayley; she and Thomas Tilson are trustees and executors.
   The will was signed Mary Smith by Augusta Marla Narchess?, of ?????field Road, Clapham Road, Surrey, Spinster ,by testator's direction and in the presence of testator and acknowledged by her in the presence of the witnesses, Phoebe Herbert, Servant to Mr Tilson, of Brixton and Jane Brown of Brixton.
   Proved 19th July 1852 Power reserved to Thomas Tilson.

 

38.   Architectural Marble Tablet, South Wall of Nave

Richard SOMER 1692

Pice Memorior Sacrum
Neer unto this place lyeth ye Body
of RICHARD SOMER, Gentleman
descended from ye antiente family of
that name in this County

He was exemplary for Piety in his
life and dyed ye death of ye Righteous
having his last and like His

He married ELIZABETH the only
Daughter of JOHN WALLER of ye
same County, Gent by whom he
left issue JOHN & WILLIAM, ANN,
ELIZABETH, SARAH & FRANCES

This Monument was erected by
JOHN his eldest Sonn in Memory of
his most dear Father who deceased ye
26th of January in ye 78th Year of his Age
Anno Domini 1682*

(* 1683, in Modern Calendar)

 

39.   Ledger in the Crypt

The Body of
RICHARD SOMER
Gentleman buryed
he ye 6th day of
Feb MDCLXXXII

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th June 1679
(Some words are not clear and several lines have been crossed out)
Richard Somer of Clifford's Inn, Gentleman.
   He has settled upon his son, John, part of his lands, upon his marriage. After the death of testator and his wife, he gives John the rest of his real estate in the Manor of Kidwelly, Carmarthen, Wales
   To son, William and his male heirs, for ever, 8 pieces of land, called Poundfield, of about 67 acres and buildings in Milton near Gravesend, except Pholyfied?, which he bought from Sir? Firby?, at Broad Street and land at Chelsfield , in default of heirs, to the succeeding male heirs, if any die before they are 21 until one survives to 21. Eight pieces of land called Poundfield and cottages and barn, to son John, who is to pay £800 to the female issue of William, if more than one, equally shared. If John refuses to pay, then Poundfield to his daughters and their sons, foe ever.
   To son William a barn in Broad Street, Hoo and land belonging, for ever.
   He has "disposed" of his 4 daughters in marriage and given them their marriage portions.
   To daughter Barrell, he gives one of the two sums of £500 due to him on several bonds from several persons called bankers in Lombard Street, London, in his executors' hands. The other £500 to his 5 God children and grandchildren, Katherine Barrell, Richard Adderley, Richard Head, Richard Aires and Richard Somer, that is £100 each.
   To son, William, £140 over and above the £100 and real estate?, he is to pay his debts with. Also to William, silver plate, a tankard, a trencher with his arms engraved and 3 silver spoons.
To his grandchildren and daughters, 50 guineas and? 20 pieces?, in his great chest
To daughter Somer, 20 guineas.
To the poor of High Halstow, £10, the Churchwardens to share among the most needy poor.
To his maid, Anne Deingham?, £20 for her good service.
To his 2 sons in law Sergeant Barrell, Sergeant at Law and Edmund Aires, Esquire, £20 each.
To grandson, Richard Adderley, £20.
Rest of goods, leases, bonds, bills, debts, household effects, not before bequeathed, to son, John, who is his executor.
Witnesses: John Saunders, R? Hart, Christopher Smith and Francis Bell, all of Clifford's Inn.
Proved 5th May 1682?

 

40.   Large Marble Tablet, North Wall of the Nave

Ann SPICE 1792

Mrs ANN SPICE
died January the 9th 1795
in the Sixtieth Year
of her Age
WILLIAM SPICE, Esquire
died January 27th 1800
in the Seventy Fifth
Year of his Age

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 4th September 1799
William Spice of Rochester, Esquire, Senior Alderman and Mayor, 5 times. Was a Tallow Chandler
and judging by the will involved in river transport.
   His household goods, furniture, plate, linen, china, wines, liquors, vessels, barges cash, banknotes, to his housekeeper, Catherine Paine, who lives with him, absolutely.
   Thomas Hyde of Rochester . Arthur Manclark and Catherine Paine are his executors. Manclark to have custody of his deeds, manuscripts and securities.
   His freehold house in Rochester High Street, where he lives, (adjoining the Guildhall), to Catherine Paine, for life. She not to let or alienate it to her sister ?
   If she marries, she can remain there for 12 months and after the 12 months have expired or after her death, if sooner, or if she lets or attempts to sell the house, then in such a case, he gives the house to Thomas Hyde of St. Margaret's Bank, Rochester and his heirs, for ever.
  He gives £100 in the 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities to the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Assistants of the City of Rochester, within 3 months of his death, upon trust. From time to time, they to use income from this, towards the defraying of the cost of a surgeon and his assistant for the aiding of poor people who are injured in an accident falling from coaches or carriages or other injury in the streets or lands in Rochester High Street or Strood or Chatham. The fee not to exceed £3.
   The Mayor and trustees to pay any surplus over £9 to the Master of the School funded by the Sir John Hayward Charity and Voluntary Contributions, Christopher Past?, is the present Headmaster.
All his other money, in funds, mortgages, bonds and other securities; rest and residue of his estate and effects, to Arthur Manclark and Thomas Hyde, upon trust.
   They to collect all money due to him and pay his debts, funeral and probate costs and legacies.
   They to pay Mary Clegg, eldest daughter of Ralph Clegg of Rochester, Butcher and Jane Leader, daughter of Francis Leader the Elder of Lambeth, Gentleman, £200 of the 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities, each.
   Trustees to pay Jane Fowle, Spinster, second daughter of Edward Fowle of Cobtree, (Aylesford), Farmer, £50 and to George Owlett, son of John Owlett the Elder, of Leeds, (Kent), Farmer, £50; to Alfred Pryor, eldest son of Thomas Pryor, of Rochester, Tallow Chandler, £100 of the same stock; to Ann Batten daughter of John Batten of St. Margaret's Bank, Rochester, Auctioneer, £200 of the same stock; to John and Ann Wood, son and daughter of Ann Wood of Eastgate, Rochester, Widow, £30 each; to James Leader son of Mary Leader, deceased, now apprentice to William Page of Strood, Fisherman, £30, 12 moths after they are 22, they to give 3 months notice in writing.
   Trustees to pay John Penny of Canterbury, Coachman, £50; to Catherine Nicholson, wife of Samuel Nicholson the Elder of Rochester, Bricklayer, £200 of the same stock, as above; to William Nicholson of Rochester, Bricklayer, £400 of the same stock and to his wife, Isabella, £100 of the same stock; to Catherine Baker wife of Samuel Baker of Rochester, House Carpenter, £100 of the same stock; to Samuel Nicholson, of the Office of Ordnance, Chatham, Gentleman, £200 of the same stock; to John Nicholson, of Rochester, Attorney, £100 of the same stock; to Reverend William Philip Mezies of Minor Cannon Row, of the Precincts of Rochester Cathedral, £100 of the same stock; to William Jefferys of Maidstone, Artist, £100; to Mary Puxtey wife of Alexander Puxtey of Town Malling (West Malling). Gentleman, £20.
   To William and Robert Penn, sons of William Penn of Rochester, Ironmonger, £50, shared equally; to Ann Howse, late maid to to William Nicholson, £5 and to William Nicholson, £5; to Mary Dunmill, late maid to William Francis of Rochester, Hairdresser, £5.
   To Francis Leader the Elder of Lambeth, Gentleman, £30; to William Leader son of Francis, £30; to Francis Leader, youngest son of Francis Leader, £30; out of money owed testator from the estate of Richard Hodsham late of Rochester, Tailor and Draper.
   To Francis Leader of Chatham, Victualler, £30; to Daniel Leader of Strood, Tailor, £30; to Mary Astor, wife of William Astor of Rochester, Butcher, £30; to Catherine Bishop, wife of George Bishop of Grays, Essex, Soap Maker, £30; to Jane Saffron, wife of [             ] Saffron of Queen Street, Southwark, Tallow Chandler, £20; to William Tranah , Waterman, who lately lived with Arthur Manclark, £10, these legacies to be paid within 3 years of his death.
   To Ann Wood of Eastgate, Rochester, £30 at 1½ guineas every 3 months after his death, starting in first November after his death; to John Crump of Rochester, House Carpenter, £10; to William Audly of Rochester, Bricklayer, £10; to John Leith of St Margaret's Bank, Auctioneer, £10; to Richard Levene of Chatham, Turner, £10; to Mary Alston wife of William Alston, interest of £300 in 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities, for life. After her death, the £300 stock to William Alston, their son, if living at time of her death, if he is dead, then to the second son but if he is dead, then equally shared between all their living children at 21 years of age
   To his nephew, Thomas Baker of Hollingbourne, Husbandman, an annuity of £7 16s, for life after he is 21, he not to sell or mortgage the annuity.
   If any legatees die before they are entitled to the money, their legacy to go into the residuary of his personal estate.
   To the Treasurer of the Bath Hospital, £200 of Consolidated Bank Annuities to use the dividends for the benefit of the hospital.
   His trustees, with the consent of the Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral, to lay out £400 for the repair of quoins, buttresses, piers and other work on the north side of the Cathedral under the direction of William Nicholson, in May, June and July, each year. But if William Nicholson dies before the £400 is expended, his family will carry on the works.
   To his trustees, £100 for their troubles.
   To Catherine Paine for life, as long as she remains single, a £30 annuity, she not to sell it or it will cease; if she dies unmarried, his trustees will transfer £600 of the 3% Consolidated Bank Annuities to Edward Fowle of Cobtree (Aylesford), Farmer and £600 of the same stock, to Thomas Fowle of Fant near Maidstone, Farmer and £600 of the same stock, to George Fowle of Boxley, Farmer and John Fowle of Rainham, Farmer. In case of the death of any of these Fowles, his legacy shared equally between his children at 14 years of age
   Witnesses: Jno Prall, William Short and Robert Dixon.
   Proved 12th February 1800

Note in margin dated 30th March 1840.
Catherine Paine broke the terms of the will by leaving the house about 1818 and her sister, Hannah Hyde moved in. The house became rather dilapidated and by 1838 Thomas Hyde sold the house to the City of Rochester, who then obtained a court order to eject Hannah Hyde. The house then served as extra office space for the Guildhall

Death Notice Gentleman's Magazine 1800
"At Rochester, Mr William Spice, an
opulent and respectable tallow chandler in
that City. He was the Senior Alderman of
that Corporation, and had six times served
the Office of Mayor"

 

41.   Obscure Ledger in the Chair Store

[                            ]
ELIZABETH STARKE
[               ] ELIZABETH [       ]
who departed this life the 8th
of April 1810 Aged 59 Years
Also
the Remains of Mrs FRANCES STARKE
Sister of the above who died Nov 4th 1820
Aged 69? Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th January 1806
Elizabeth Starke, Spinster, formerly of Rochester, now of Tovil, near Maidstone.
   To her sister, Frances Starke, Spinster, all of her real and personal estate, for life. She requests Frances, if she survives her, to leave £400 to their sister, Ann, wife of Benjamin Fagg, for her lifetime. The money to be shared equally between her children after her death.
   The residue of her property to be divided between Francis Mallett Spong and Maria Spong, children of her late sister, Catherine, wife of the late Stephen Spong.
   She appoints sister, Frances her executor.
   Witnesses: George Phillpott, William Tugwell and J. Harmner? Peauman?

Affidavit 28th June 1810
Elizabeth Fagg of Wouldham, Spinster and Frances Fagg also of Wouldham, Spinster, are sworn.
   They were well acquainted with deceased and familiar with her handwriting and signature. Having carefully examined the will, they are confident that it is in her hand.
   Proved 5th July 1810

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th March 1820
Frances Starke, Spinster, formerly of Rochester, now of Long Ditton, Surrey.
   In pursuance of the request in the will of her late sister, Elizabeth, to the 6 children of her late sister, Ann Fagg, Francis, Elizabeth, , Frances, Benjamin, Filmer and Lydia, £400 shared equally.
   To nephew, Francis Mallett Spong and his heirs, her house in Rochester, now leased to the Board of Excise, upon trust, to sell when he thinks fit, in the meantime to let on lease and be possessed of the proceeds before the sale, taking half for himself and half in trust, to pay to his sister, Maria, wife of Charles King.
   To Francis Mallett Spong, all her furniture, plate, linen and china, except any articles she disposed of by a codicil, and all her residuary personal estate, subject to the paying of her debts, funeral and probate costs. Francis Mallett Spong is her executor.
   Witnesses: William Davis, Surgeon, Hain Common, Surrey and Frances Lettice Philips, Long Ditton.
   Proved 14th November 1820

 

42.   Ledger at the West end of Nave, adjacent to Unitt Ledger, both laid North to South

Here lieth interr'd the Body of
EDMUND STRANGE Esq
who departed this life
the 9th day of December 1756
Aged 58 Years
Also the Body of MARY the Wife
of EDMUND STRANGE
She died the 16th of June 1763?
Aged 54 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th September 1755
Edmund Strange, of Rochester, Esquire.
   His freehold real estate in St. Nicholas, Rochester, Allhallows and Birling and elsewhere in Kent, to his wife, Mary, for life, after her death, to their only child, Elizabeth Strange and her lawfully begotten heirs. In default of heirs, then as follows: his dwelling house in St,. Nicholas and real estate in Allhallows and Birling, to his niece, Elizabeth Button, daughter of his sister in law, Elizabeth Maynell, Widow and her heirs, for ever.
   Any other of his freeholds in Kent, to his nephew, Robert Hales, son of his brother in law, Winson Hales, and his heirs, for ever.
   His ready money and securities for money, debts, plate, linen, woollen, pewter, brass, beds, bedding, household stuff, goods, chattels and personal estate, after his debts and funeral costs are paid, to his wife, Mary, for ever.
   He appoints his wife and sister in law, Elizabeth Maynell, guardians of his daughter and to have the care, custody and education of her until she is 21 or married, if earlier.
   His wife is executor.
   Witnesses: Elizabeth Cook, B. Graydon and William Twopenny
   Proved 19th January 1757

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 16th December 1758
Mary Strange, of Rochester, Widow.
To Elizabeth Cooke, Widow, who lives with her as part of her family, £20.
To her servant, Margaret Taylor, if she is with her at her death, £5.
All of her real estate to her daughter, Elizabeth Strange, for ever.
   After her debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, the rest and residue of ready money, securities for money, debts, plate, linen, woollen, pewter, brass, beds and bedding, household stuff and implements, goods, chattels and personal estate, to her daughter Elizabeth, for ever.
   Her sister, Elizabeth Maynell, Widow, to be executor until daughter, Elizabeth is 21, when she will be sole executor.
   Witnesses: Charlotte Twopenny, William? Twopenny and Edward Watts.
   Proved 17th November 1763. Daughter Elizabeth is now 21 and executor.

 

43.   Tablet with Headless Figures, South Wall of Nave

William STREATON 1609

WILLIAM STREATON 9 tymes Maior of this Cyttie and an
especial benefactor of commendable for his zeale
to God, lyberalitye to the poore and managinge of his place
having lived 50 yeres with ALICE his beloved Wyfe
at the age of 72 yeres departed this life in blessede
memorie 4th of June An Dom 1609 for whom his said Wyfe
caused this monument as a pledge of her love to be erected

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 30th June 1609
William Streaton, one of the Principal Citizens of Rochester. Brewer
He is sick and weak.
He desires to be buried in the Cathedral, towards the east door.
To the Petty Canons and Clerks of the Cathedral, 40 shillings.
To the poor of Rochester, 40 shillings.
To Mr James Dyer, 10 shilling for a sermon and 20 shillings for all other ?
To his kinsman, William Streaton, now servant of [             ] Acton of London, Cook, £10.
To kinsman, Roger Charrgyonge, £10 and to his brothers, John and William, £5 each.
To the children of his kinsman, Robert Streaton, £10 divided equally between them.
To the children of his kinsman, William Streaton of Eastgate Street, after the death of testator's wife, Alice, the lease of the house in Eastgate Street, where Thomas Hartropp lives.
He owes John Fowle, £5, so gives him £5 more and all the beer he has had of testator.
To his servants, Nicholas Jones, Mercie Underhill and Alice Derbie, 20 shillings each over their wages due.
To Christopher Pickett, his brewer, 20 shillings, besides wages due.
To Henry Vanse and his wife, 20 shillings each besides their wages and to their children, 5 shillings each.
To all other servants, besides their wages, 5 shillings each.
To William Flowers, Senior, £5.
To George Maplyden, now serving him, 20 shillings.
To Thomas Butt, 20 shillings of the £3, he owes testator.
   To Alice, his wife, the lease of the brew house which he occupies in Eastgate Street, with the house adjoining, where Widow Patche and Thomas Henies?, lives, with the land in the same lease about, G??anders Hill and all brewing vessels and brewing implements., hops, wood, ceales?, ales and casks. Also his cattle, beasts, hogs, corn in the storehouse and elsewhere , all his dray horses and ?????? horses.
   Also to Alice, leases of his dwelling house and John Fowles adjoining house, held from Sir William Sedley. Also the house where Thomas Hartropp lives, for her lifetime.
Also to her, his goods, household stuff, plate and utensils in his dwelling house.
Also the lease of the house at the end of Bonny? Lane by the pound ????? pond, for life.
   After his wife's death, his house on Bull(y)) Hill, near the city, occupied by Mrs Monnox, widow and Richard Blithe, to his kinsman, Roger Charrgyonge, for ever, he to paying yearly, from the house, for ever, a preacher to preach every year on the day of his death, 40 shillings and 40 shillings more per year to a preacher for a sermon each year on the day of his wife's death.
   Residue of his goods, chattels and debts owed, after his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, to his wife. She and cousin, John Somer and Robert Cosen?, are executors. To the latter two, £5 each.
He ordains Robert Masters , Doctor of Civil Law, Overseer of the will and gives him 40 shillings.
Also, to John Fowle 40 shillings for writing the will.
   Witnesses: Thomas Faunce, Thomas Rock?, and John Ceastes?
   Proved 27th July 1609 granted to John Somer and Robert Cosen?

 

44.   Ledger at West end of Nave, adjacent to Strange Ledger, both laid North to South.

Her lieth interr'd the Body
of Mr ROBERT UNITT
who departed this life the 5th
day of June 1738 Aged 63 Years
and also ELIZ his Wife
who departed this life
the 28th day of Feb 1739*
Aged 59 Years
Also ROBERT UNITT, Jun
Obj 19th May 1754 Aged 46 Years

*1740 in Modern Calendar

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Date 24th March 1729/30
Robert Unitt the Elder of Rochester, Gentleman, Alderman of the City, Mayor in 1713
   To his daughter, Mary Unitt, his house in Rochester, occupied by by his sister in law, Mary Bevis, for ever.
   All his freehold and leasehold houses and land, to his wife, Elizabeth, for life, she keeping them in good repair; after her death, then to his son, Robert, for ever.
   His wife to keep the leases renewed. Neither his wife or his children, Robert, Elizabeth and Sarah, to obstruct his daughter, Mary and her heirs from holding the house occupied by Mary Bevis or claim any right or title, regardless of the settlement made by his late mother in law, Mary Bevis. If there is any obstruction, his wife and the three children will have no benefit under his will.
   His son, Robert and his heirs, after his mother's death, to hold the several leasehold pieces of ground and the stables and buildings erected on them, now used with the house called The Bull in Rochester, now occupied by Widow Pordage, during remainder of of the leases, without any obstruction from testator's other children. If any of them do so, by virtue of any settlement, they will lose all benefit under his will.
   He is executor of his late mother in law, Mary Bevis, she had left £100, each, to his four children but, after his death, they should not make any demand of the £100 legacies but take what he has left them.
   To son Robert, £100; to daughter, Mary, £500; to daughter, Elizabeth at 21 years, £500; to daughter, Sarah, at 21 years, £500. Interest from the latter two, to his wife while his two daughters are minors, towards their maintenance and education.
   After his wife's death, to daughters, Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah, £1,000 each.
   If daughter Elizabeth marries during her mother's lifetime, without her mother's consent, she loses the £1,000, which will be divided between her sisters, Mary and Sarah.
   If his wife marries again, then the £1,000 legacies for his daughters and the £500 given to the youngest daughters, to be immediately paid to them after the marriage.
   After his death, his wife to maintain, board, cloth and educate his daughters until they marry.
Rest and residue of his goods, money, debts, credits, plate, linen, stock and personal estate, after his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to his wife, Elizabeth, for ever. His wife is sole executor.
   Witnesses: E. Pordage, Jno Sheafe and Robert Sheafe.

Codicil 23rd August 1731
He has bequeathed to daughter, Mary, £500 and £1,000, after his wife's death, since he made the will his daughter has married Edmund Strange, Gentleman and since then he has advanced Edmund and Mary upwards of £500, so he revokes her legacies of £500 and £1,000. Instead, after his wife's death, he gives £1,000 to son Robert and his friend, John Sheafe of Chatham, Gentleman, in trust, they, after his wife's death or remarriage, to lay out the £1,000 in the purchase of freehold houses, lands and woodlands in Kent or Essex or other counties in England and settle this on Edmund Strange, for life, then to daughter Mary for life and then to their lawfully begotten heirs, equally shared. If his daughter dies before her mother, leaving no lawful heirs and Edmund Strange survives her, he will receive interest from the £1,000 for life. After his death, the £1,000 to testator's other children, equally shared.
Rest of will confirmed.
   Witnesses: E. Pordage, Richard Sheafe and Samson Turner
   Proved 24th July 1738

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd September 1738
Elizabeth Unitt of Rochester, Widow.
Her body to be interred in the Cathedral in the place where her late husband lies.
   To her cousin, Anne Pluckwell the Elder, £10 for mourning but if she is dead, the £10 to her daughter, Frances Pluckwell.
   To sister in law, Mary Bevis, £10 for mourning; to Thomas Bevis her nephew, son of her brother Thomas and to James Hill, £5 each for mourning.
   All her clothes to her daughter, Mary Strange and Elizabeth Button, equally shared.
   To daughter, Mary, her largest silver salver.
   Rest and residue of goods, money, debts, credits, plate, linen and personal estate, after her debts are paid, to son Robert Unitt, for ever, he is her sole executor.
   Witnesses: Far ? Gibson and H. Edward Gibson

Proved 12th April 1740

VAUN, DE see RONDEAU

WARD see STRETCH

 

45.   Elaborate Mural Monument with Bust of Watts, South Transept

Richard WATTS 1579

"Archetypum Hunc Dedit"
JOS BROOKE de SATIS Arm

Sacred to,the Memory
of RICHARD WATTS Esq
a Principal Benefactor of this City who departed this life Sept 10th 1579 at
his Mansion House on Bully Hill called SATIS (so named
by Q. ELIZABETH of Glorious Memory) and lies
interred near this place, as by his Will doth plainly
appear. By which Will dated Aug 22nd and proved Sep
25th 1579 he founded an Almshouse for the relief of poor
people and for the reception of six poor Travellers
every night and for imploying the poor of this City

The Mayor & Citizens of this City in
testimony of their Gratitude & his Merit
have erected this Monument A.D. 1736
RICHARD WATTS Esq then Mayor

 

46.   Ledger in South Transept

RICHARD WATTS Esq
died September 10th
1579

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd August 1579
Richard Watts of Satis, Gentleman.
He desires to be buried in the Cathedral, near the steeple and stairs going to the Quire on the south side.
   The Curate of St Nicholas, with Peri-Canons, Clerks and singing children to accompany his body from his house to the Cathedral.
To the Preacher of his funeral service, 10 shillings.
To the Curate of St Nicholas, 3 shillings and 4 pence.
To the Peri-Canons at his funeral, 16 pence each, to the Clerks, 12 pence and to the singing children 6 pence each.
To the Sexton for ringing the knell and making his grave [          ].
To the repair of St Nicholas church, 20 shillings
To all the poor people at his burial 1 penny in bread, total sum to be £5 or more at executor's discretion.
    To is wife, Marian, 100 marks; she to use his leases, plate, goods, chattels, real and personal estate, as long as she remains his widow. His real estate is in St. Nicholas, Rochester, Chatham, Cuxton, St Margaret, Rochester, Shorne and City of London.
   Also to his wife an annuity of 20 marks out of his real estate in Chatham, St Margaret's, Cuxton and London for life.
   After her death or re-marriage, the Mayor of Rochester, at that time, William Streaton, William Hall and Richard Wilkinson, all principal citizens of Rochester, George Maplesden, and his brother in law, John Swamond of the Isle of Sheppey and John Nicholson the Elder of Wouldham, or their successors, to sell his house, called Satis or the house annexed where John Friar lives and the closes, orchards, gardens, all household stuff, furniture, plate, all of which is in an inventory he has made and all his leases.
   From the money raised, £100 to his brother, Edward Watts and his children and from the remainder, one portion to the Mayor and Citizens of Rochester, upon trust, to be invested at interest and the annual income for the perpetual relief, comfort and sustenance of an almshouse and poor people.
   The almshouse has already been erected besides the Market Cross in Rochester and is to be re-edified. There are 6 rooms with chimneys and 6 good mattresses or flock beds and furniture to accommodate 6 poor travellers, not common rogues or proctors, for one night, unless sickness delays them; they to have 4 pence and kept warm by the fire.
   Trustees to enlarge the house by felling timber growing on his lands in Chatham and other places and for maintenance and for furniture.
   To the Mayor and principal citizens, all his real estate, except Satis and John Friar's house, which he has ordered to be sold. The profits to be used for rebuilding?, and re-pointing the house by the Corner Cross, Rochester and for hemp, flax, wool and other stuff to set the poor of Rochester to work, according to the Statute of the 18th year of Queen Elizabeth, for relieving and setting the poor to work to avoid idleness
   The income of his real estate in Chatham is £13 6s 8d; in St Margaret's £5; in Halstow, 50 shillings; in Cuxton, 40 shillings; his windmill at Shorne, £6 and at Long Lane, London, £8: Total £6 16s 8d
   Trustees to have £5 towards their costs and troubles. They are to answer, every 4 years to his heirs, for the accounts of the charity he has set up
   His wife is sole executor; his brother in law, John Swamond and cousin, John Nicholson the Elder are Overseers of his will and also witnesses of the will ?
   Proved 25th September 1579 and 25th November 1580

Details of Watt's real estate
Three properties and arable and pasture land of about 40 acres in Chatham, occupied by Thomas Cannon, Husbandman, formerly possessed by the Priory of Charterhouse, London and purchased from John Prideax, Sergeant at Law.
   Ten acres called Finnacre in Chatham, purchased from Richard Lee of Maidstone, Esquire, half an acre in Chatham in a field called Bude purchased from Robert Deare, Gentleman, 9 acres in 3 parts in Chatham, late occupied by Richard Godden, purchased from John Smythe of Chatham, Husbandman.
   A house called Baxters, with garden and orchard in Chatham, late occupied by Robert Baxter
   A house, garden and orchard in Chatham, late occupied by John Homely, Boatswain.
   The latter two purchased from John Prideax.
   Also 1 acre and 2 perches of land with a windmill at Shorne Hill in Shorne, purchased from George Hickmot.
   A house and land in St Margaret's late occupied by John Woolgrave, purchased from John Littelane?
The Cock Inn in Long Lane, St Boltolph without Aldersgate, London, with adjoining 4 houses.

WATTS see WATTS

WILFORD see POLEY

 

47.   Ledger in North transept

Inn Memory of
LULLUM and ELIZABETH WOOD
who lived in Wedlock 40 Years and were
the Parents of ten Sons & four Daughters
He died the 26th of June 1724 Aged 63 Years
She died the 13th of Sept 1734 Aged 69 Years
Also
ANN HARRIS an infant their Grandchild
Daughter who died in March 1725
at the Age of fifteen Months

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 21st June 1724
Lullum Wood of Rochester, Gentleman.
He is weak in body.
To his wife, Elizabeth, all of his estate; she is his executor.
   Witnesses: D. Bertwell, Julius Wood and James Wood.
   Proved 4th August 1724

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 8th October 1730
Elizabeth Wood of East Greenwich, Widow and Executor of Lullum Wood, late of Rochester, Gentleman, Deceased.
She desires to be buried in the Cathedral as close to her husband as possible.
Her debts, funeral and probate costs to be paid from her personal estate.
   To her children, John, Julius, Lullum, Daniel, James, Elizabeth, Sarah, Martha Wood and Alicia Harris, £10 each for mourning.
   To her 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Sarah and Martha Wood, her houses in or near Rochester, held by lease from the Mayor and Citizens of Rochester and all other leaseholds in or near Rochester, for the terms left, in equal shares. Also to theses daughters, money due on mortgage on the leasehold properties, to her or their father. All household goods, implements of household, plate, linen, woollen, pewter, brass, beds, bedding, pictures, rings, china and books. Also £300 each.
   To sons, John and Julius, £50 each, to make them equal with brother James, he has £50 given to him by his late father before his death.
   To sons, John James and Julius, the rest and residue of her personal estate, after payment of her debts, funeral and legacies, if the costs do not exceed £750. But if they do, she gives her sons, £750 and the overplus. If there is a surplus after paying the above, her children to equally share it.
   She appoints her 3 daughters, Elizabeth, Sarah and Martha, her executors.
   Witnesses: Jane Baker, William Baker and John Tasker.
   Proved 16th October 1734

 

48.   Small Ledger West End of Nave? - From J. Thorpe's Registrum Roffenses 1769

Here lyeth interred the Bodies of
Mr DAVID WOODMESTON and BETHULIA his Wife
She died ?ber the 5th 1722 Aged 43 Years
He died 8ber the 9th 1723 Aged 58 Years

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 29th January 1722 (1723)
David Woodmeston of Rochester, Gentleman.
   All of his arable land, 50 acres of pasture, 6 acres of woodland and farm, belonging at Bredgar, Borden and Tunstall, formerly occupied by Thomas Hunt, now by John Chapman, to sons, John Martin and David Woodmeston, for ever, equally shared.
   This property is already settled on them by a deed dated 20th September 1706.
   Also to them, all arrears of rent due from the farm and lands., equally shared.
   To son John, his large silver tankard and a silver salver and pair of silver salts, at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier.
   To daughter, Bethulia Woodmeston, £400 at 21 years of age or day of marriage, if earlier. In the meantime, interest towards her maintenance and education. If she dies before she can inherit, the £400 to his two sons, equally shared at 21 or day of marriage, if earlier, respectively.
   To daughter, Bethulia, the small silver tankard and porringer and panniron?, and all teaspoons and her late mother's clothes., 2 pairs of best sheets, 4 pairs best pillow coats, all child bed linen and the stitched quilt made by her mother at 21 years of day of marriage if earlier.
   To son, John Martin, £200 at 21 years, in meantime, interest towards his maintenance and education , executors can apply as much of the interest as needed to place him in employment, profession or trade as he chooses. If John dies before he is 21, leaving no lawful child, the £200 or what remains, to daughter, Bethulia at 21 years or day of marriage or day of marriage, if earlier. In case of her death as a minor, then the £200 to son David at 21 years.
   Also to David, £200, interest to be used as above, until he is 21, executors can also use interest to place him out to employment. If David dies before he is 21, leaving no lawful child, the £200 to daughter Bethulia at 21 or day of marriage, if earlier. If she dies before then, the £200 to son John Martin at 21 years.
   To son, David, all the remaining plate at 21 years or day of marriage if earlier.
   To each of his executors, £5 for mourning.
   Residue of ready money, money out at interest, goods, chattels and personal estate, after his debts, legacies, funeral and probate costs are paid, to his sons and daughter, equally shared.
   He appoints his brother, John of Cork, Ireland, in case he comes to England upon notice of testator's death and his friend, James Hulkes of Strood, Baker and Robert Bayley of Rochester, Yeoman, executors and guardians of his 3 children and to make an inventory.
   Witnesses: Elizabeth Cuper?, Jno Sheafe and Richard Sheafe.

Codicil, same day as will.
To son John, all his clothes.
Witnesses: Same as will

Codicil 7th October 1723
He is indisposed of body.
He had given son John his large silver tankard, a silver salver and pair of silver salts. He now revokes this.
He had also given daughter, Bethulia, the small silver tankard, porringer, panniron?, and teaspoons, all her mother's clothes, sheets, pillow coats and child bed linen and quilt, this is now revoked.
He now gives her her mother's clothes, child bed linen and the quilt.
He had given son, David, the remainder of the plate, this is also revoked. He has also given John all his clothes, this is revoked. He now gives his clothes to both sons equally shared.
   All the plate and household linen to be sold and the proceeds shared equally between his children.
   In case his brother John shall think it fit to accept one piece of his plate to keep in memory of him, he is to have one piece.
   To his brothers, John, Richard, Daniel and William 1 guinea each to buy a ring to wear in memory of him.
Rest of will ratified.
   Witnesses: Thomas Johnson, Francis Dodson and Jno Sheafe.
   Proved 30th October 1723

 

 

APPENDIX - (ALL INTESTATE?)

49.   Ledger in the Crypt - Inscription reconstructed from John Thorpe's Registrum Roffenses,1769

Here lyeth the Body of
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN Gent who married
MARY the Daughter of
THOMAS BARHAM of Boughton Monchelsey
Gent by whom he had issue JOHN,
CHISTOPHER and MARY Also he had by
his Wife SUSAN the Daughter of
WILLIAM TONGE of Tunstall Gent
WILLIAM, JAMES and RICHARD

The Allen family seem to have come from Oad Street at Bredgar

BARHAM see ALLEN

BARRELL see FAUNCE

BARRELL see UPCOTT

CODDE see RUTTON

 

50.   Ledger in South Transept

Her lieth
the Body of GEORGE COLLINSON, Gent
who died the 25th of December
Anno Domini 1715
Aetatis 40
Here also lies interr'd
the Body of his Son GEORGE COLLINSON
who dyed ye 9th of March
Anno Domini 1716/17
Aetatis 1Mo
As also the Body of ANNE COLLINSON
Second Wife of the above GEORGE COLLINSON
who dyed the 22nd of November
Anno Domini 1727
Aetatis 45
Also ANNE COLLINSON Daughter
of GEORGE & ANNE COLLINSON
who died April 14th 1756
Aged 41 Years

 

51.   Ledger South Transept

Here lies THOMAS CUTHBERT
Armiger
Son of Lieutenant THOMAS CUTHBERT
whom London saw as a child and Cambridge while a
Young Man
who was a pupil of Christ's College and the Inner Temple
A devotee of Justice and most honest to his friends
He died on the 10th day of April in the Year of our Lord
1700 in his 32nd Year of his Age
Here also lies THOMAS CUTHBERT Military Governor the
above named who died the 15th September in the Year of
our Lord 1700 in his 62nd Year of Age

DERING see PYMM

 

52.   Ledger in the Nave

Here lieth the Body
of Mrs JANE FAUNCE
Wife of THOS FAUNCE Esq
and Daughter of the Revd Mr EDMUND BARRELL
Prebendary of this Cathedral Church
"A Woman who was a most eminent Pattern
of all the Private and Domestic Virtues
Adorned with the Grace of a Christian
A strict Observer of every part of her Religious Duty
A Faithful and most Affectionate Wife a Dutiful and Tender
Daughter
A Loving and Careful Mother,
a Relation and Friend
whom Wisdom and the best Temper rendered
the Contemplation of such an example should
in our Christian Course
when we see what a Pitch of Excellence
Human Nature with Religious Care can attain"
She died of the Small-pox
the 22nd of June 1759
in the 54th Year of her Age

 

53.   Ledger in the Nave

Consecrated to the Reliquaries of
Mr GEORGE GORDON
who departed this life
November 1st 1777
in the 59th Year of his Age
Mrs JANE GORDON
died May 22nd 1786
Aged 52

George Gordon was a Wine Merchant and Mayor of Rochester in 1755 and 1759

 

54.   Ledger in North Transept

In Memory of
MARY the Wife of
MATTHEW GRAIN
who departed this life
October 12th 1788
Aged 36 Years
Leaving issue one Son
Also the above MATTHEW GRAIN
who died the 17th of Jany
1813 Aged 64 Years

GRANT see OLIVE

 

55.   Ledger in North Transept

Sacred to the Memory of
ALICIA the Wife of WALTER HARRIS Esq
of the Parish of Wilmington
in this County
who
much Loved in her Life
died
Lamented by her Friends & Neighbours
on 17th of October 1744
Aged 40 Years and 6 Months
Here are also deposited the
Remains of MARTHA WOOD Sister
of the above ALICIA HARRIS
who resigned this life for a better
on the 17th July 1756 Aged 51 Years

 

56.   White Marble Sarcophagus Shaped Tablet, South Transept

Sacred
to the Memory of
Sir EDMUND HEAD Bart
who died 21st Novr. 1796
Aged 63
Dedicated
by his only surviving Son

Close by, Sir Edmund Head's name is on a vault lid, which may be the vault of Sir Richard Head?

 

57.   Ledger in Gundulph Tower

ANN JOLLY
1770

 

58.   Ledger in South Transept

JOHN LAW D.D.
Archdeacon
of
Rochester
1827

For a fuller inscription and Law's will see my St. Margaret's, Rochester, Inscriptions on this website.

 

59.   Ledger in South Transept , from Latin

P & F M
To the Pious and Faithful Shade of
that most Beloved and well Deserved Gentleman
THOMAS LOCK
who leaving to posterity the merit of a most
Honourable Renown was called from this mortal
Sink into the Company of the Heavens on the 3rd of
March Anno Dom 1705/6 in the 42nd Year of his Age
He sleeps quietly here in the Hope of
the Blessed Resurrection
PRUDENCE his most sorrowful Wife wrote this

At the moment, I do not know where Prudence is buried, she died in 1723, leaving a PCC will

 

60.   Ledger South Quire Aisle

Here lieth
the Body of HESTER late Wife
of THOMAS OLIVE
of this City
Gent and Daughter of the Rev
JOHN GRANT D.D & Prebendary
of this Cathedral
She died the 16th?, of May 1735 Aged 38 Years

Thomas Olive was eventually buried in St Nicholas Church and left a PCC will

 

61.   Diamond Shaped Ledger in the Nave

KATHERINE
Relict of MILBOURNE MARSH Esq
died 9th February A.D. 1801
Aged 78 years

 

62.   Ledger North Transept

Sacred to the Memory of
Mrs MARGARET PYMM
one of the Daughters of FINCH DERING of
Chearing (sic) in this County Esq
and Widow of JOHN PYMM Gent
Who exchanged this life for
a better on the 20th of March
Anno Dom 1683/4

 

63.   Ledger in Lady Chapel

Her lies interr'd the Body of
JACOB ROLT Gent who departed
this life the 25th day of Sept 1727 Aged
59 Years Also AGNES his first Wife who
departed this life the [  ]2 day of Novemr 1705 Aged
41 Years and FRANCES
their Daughter who departed this life
October the 24th 1708 Aged 14 Years

 

64.   Ledger in the Nave

Neer this stone lyeth the Body
of ISAACK RUTTON Gentleman and
under it MARY his Wife who had
issue by him 4 Sons, MATTHIAS, THO=
MAS, ISAACK and JOHN and two
Daughters MARY and ANNE and dyed
the Relict of JOHN CODDE Gentleman
and Alderman of this Cittie in the
Year of her Age 82 1665

TONGE see ALLEN

 

65.   Ledger in Nave

Here lyeth interred
the Body of JOHN TREVOR
only Child of
Capt JOHN TREVOR
who dyed May the
XXVIII MDCCXXX in the
XII Year of his Age
here lies the Body of MARY
TREVOR Mother of the above
JOHN TREVOR who died
June?, the 24th?, 1748? Aged 52

 

66.   Ledger in Nave

CATHERINE
Daughter of Sir WILLIAM UPCOTT
originally from Devon
A Girl who was Pious, Chaste and Speedy in the
Duties of Kindness
Eloquent and Fortunate in the
Commission of her Business
Born for the Family rather than for herself
and in the care of them, using both her Life and Spirit
Snatched away by the Plague in the Year 1727 She died
on the 15th of October
The Grand Daughters of that Unique Person, ANN, JOAN and
MARY and their Father, EDMUND BARRELL
set up this Marble Stone in their Grief

 

WOOD see HARRIS

Index of Names and Places from Gravestones only

If you have arrived on this webpage as a result of being directed following using a Search Engine, and the name you are looking for is NOT listed below, go to the top of the webpage and carry out a search for the name you are looking for, which may be mentioned in a wll, in the following manner. With you left hand holding down the "Alt" key, press the letter "E" with your right hand, followed by pressing the letter "F" and then type in the name you are looking for.