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Back to St Nicholas Church, Strood Introduction

Monumental Inscriptions of St Nicholas Church, Strood - recorded by D. E. Williams 2014

Section D   CHURCHYARD SOUTH WEST CORNER - 18th Century headstones These headstones, decorated with carved motifs,e.g. Putti, Urns, St. Michael, etc., have been saved from the destruction which took place, at some unknown date, in the last century, and re-sited in their present position. They were originally probably in the south part of the churchyard. They are mostly quite worn, one is completely eroded.


SOUTH WEST CORNER GROUP
WEST WALL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY        BATCHELLER         HOOD         STRUTFIELD

HOOD             PORTER                 ?                BAKER        

                         ROOTS          HOPPER            DAVISON  

MILLS            WELLARD      WELCH               HODGES

TURNER              BURR         HENMARSH          SKILLER

122.   [1]   Double Headstone


WILLIAM AND MARY BAKER

IN MEMORY OF
WILL. BAKER
DIED DEC. 22nd 17[ ?] 
AGED 44 ? YEARS
IN MEMORY OF
 MARY WIFE OF
WM. BAKER
 DIED APRIL 1st 17 [ ? ]
AGED 48 YEARS
ALSO SUSANNAH BAKER
DIED [FEB. ?] 16th 1745 ?
AGED 1 YEAR & 4
MONTHS

 123.   [2]   

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MR. WILLIAM BATCHELLER
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED THE 2nd OF NOVEMBER 1776
AGED 60 YEARS
ALSO ELIZABETH WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 21st ? OF MARCH 1781 AGED 68 YEARS
ALSO CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE
WILLIAM DIED 26th MARCH 1763 AGED 28 ? YEARS
ROBERT DIED [    ] 1763 AGED 18 YEARS
WATKIN DIED 15th ? [    ] 17[   ] AGED 16 YEARS
ALSO MRS. SARAH BRIDGE
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED [   ] MAY 1806 AGED 7[   ] YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 14th January 1765
William Batcheller
   To wife Elizabeth, all household goods, plate, linen, etc., To daughter, Sarah, his silver watch.
Wife is executor
   Witnesses: Nicholas Gill, George Parry and Henry Coward
   Proved 15th November 1776
At the bottom, endorsed with note "not to be registered", he wishes wife to have any money from lottery tickets he bought in 1773.
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will, dated 11th November 1805
Sarah Bridge, Widow
   By a deed of settlement prior to her marriage with Alexander Bridge, dated 8th March 1782, between herself, Alexander Bridge of Strood, Gentleman, Thomas Hulkes of Strood, Miller and Phineas Kite of Chatham, Tallow Chandler, South Sea stock in the names of Hulkes and Kite, £2,400 Old South Sea Annuities, established in or about 1751 and £750 New South Sea Annuities and another £400 in the same stock, purchased "during my coverture", plus £200 of Old South Sea Annuities, bought since she was widowed, in trustees names for her benefit. She now gives James Hulkes of Chatham, Esquire, John Snatt of Rochester, Esquire and John Gibbs of Strood, Gentleman, £2,400 Old South Sea Annuities, £1,150 New South Sea Annuities and £200 old South Sea Annuities, total £3, 750, upon trust. Within three months of her death, they are to transfer to John Puckle of Strood, Coal Meter, £1,000 of the new stock,plus £400 of the old stock. £500 of the same stock to Charlotte Taylor of Strood, widow, late Charlotte Puckle; to Frederick Puckle, a son of John and Charlotte Puckle, £500 old stock. To Mary wife of James Bridge, only son of her late husband by his first wife, £500 of same stock. To Mary and Frances Murton, daughters of the late Richard Murton of Chatham and Mary his wife, £600 of the same stock. £200 OF stock to Thomas Quarrington and £200 of stock to Robert Quarrington. £200 of stock to Frances wife of Thomas Clements ?, lately Frances Quarrington. Remaining stock to Elizabeth Bingham, her servant.
Residue of personal estate, after funeral expenses, etc., to James Bridge.
James Hulkes, John Snatt and John Gibbs are executors.
   Witnesses: George Streetin and M. Comport, Clerks to Mr Gibbs
Codicils dated 11th November 1805
   She had made bequest of £500 old stock, to Mary wife of James Bridge, she had empowered James Bridge to buy £100 of old South Sea stock, for herself on 11th November 1801. She has lately discovered that a further sum of £100 in this stock was purchased in the names of James Bridge and his wife, contrary to her wishes. James Bridge must alter the the bonds into her name. If he does not, in her lifetime, then she revokes his legacy given to Mary Bridge. In lieu of this she gives her £300 of the stock, "and no more". Rest of will ratified.
   Witnesses: George Streetin and M. Comport
   Proved 30th July 1806

124.   [3]    


JAMES AND ELIZABETH BURR

IN MEMORY OF
JAMES BURR OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED [    ] AUGUST 17[   ]
AGED 36 ? YEARS
ALSO ELIZABETH HIS WIFE
WHO DIED 27th ? OF JANUARY 1777
AGED 90 YEARS
ALSO SARAH THEIR DR. WIFE
OF WILL. GREGORY OF YS PARISH
WHO DIED YE 2nd OF JULY 1778
AGED 64 ? YEARS

I have not found James Burr in the Burial Register ?
Sarah Burr married William Gregory in the same year as her death
Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 25th June 1776
Elizabeth Burr, widow.
   All of her estate to her daughter, Sarah Burr.
   Witnesses: William Evans, Richard Russell, Salesman ? And Taylor, Strood and John Cook, Attorney, Rochester
   Proved 27th March 1777

125.   [4]   


GEORGE AND ANN DAVISON

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ANN FRANCES
WIFE OF
GEORGE JOHN DAVISON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE [    ] DAY OF [    ] [    ]
AGED 45 ? YEARS
ALSO THE ABOVE
GEORGE JOHN DAVISON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 14th ? DAY OF AUGUST [17]78
AGED 66 YEARS

George Davison not found in Register, nor at both Rochester parishes, St. Mary, Chatham or St Mary Magdalene at Gillingham

126.   [5]   


JAMES HENMARSH

IN MEMORY OF
MR. JAMES HENM[ARS]H OF
THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS
LIFE THE 9th OF JUNE 177[5]
AGED 87 ? YEARS

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will, dated7th June 1775
James Henmarsh of Gillingham*, Gentleman
   To Rebecca Sugden, wife of Thomas Sugden of this parish, Shipwright, all of his goods, money, securities, household goods, etc., for ever. Rebecca Sugden is sole executor.
   Signs will with a mark.
   Witnesses: William King, John Sommerton and Edmund Marcon
   Proved 10th June 1775
* In the Burial Register, Henmarsh is described as "from Chatham". It should be noted that the will was proved, in London, one day after his death and a day before the funeral!

127.   [6]   Headstone lying on ground


JOHN HODGES

IN MEMORY OF
JOHN HODGES OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE APRIL THE 11th ?
1789 AGED [    ] YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 5th August 1767
John Hodges, House Carpenter
   His two freehold house in the High Street, Strood, occupied by James Kidd and adjoining house, his own, and residue of money and interest, household goods, furniture, stock in trade, to wife Mary, for ever. She is sole executor.
   Witnesses: Richard Russell, William Burton and W. Stradwick, Attorney of Rochester
   Proved 22nd April 1789

128.   [7]   


WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH HOOD

TO THE MEMORY OF ELIZABETH
WIFE OF WILLIAM HOOD
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE OCTOBER
[                                          ]
WILLIAM HOOD [           ]
[                                    ]
[                                   ]

ALSO WILLIAM [                                    ]

129.   [8]   

[ IN MEMORY OF CHILDREN OF ?]
NATH. & H HOOD
NATH DIED [ SEPT. [    ] [1749]           RICH.? DIED [ APRIL [ ] 1752]
AGED [    ] YEARS          AGED 10 YEARS
     ANN HOOD          NATH. HOOD
DIED [JUNE] [    ] [1756]           DIED 1st JUNE 1774    
  AGED 10 YEARS          AGED 64 YEARS
ALSO ESTHER HOOD WIFE OF THE ABOVE
NATHANIEL HOOD DIED SEPTEMBER 7th 1798
AGED 85 YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 2nd April 1773
Nathaniel Hood, Blacksmith, Mayor of Rochester in 1771
   To Edmund, George and Frances Netherwood, sons and daughters of Edmund Netherwood of Strood, Fisherman and Frances, his wife, also to Nathaniel Watson, son of his nephew, Nathaniel Watson, £50 each. The legacies to Edmund and Frances to be paid after the death of his wife, Hester. Money to be paid to their father and invested during their minorities. The legacy to Nathaniel Watson to be paid to him at 21 years, and invested by his executor until his wife's death. To nephew Nathaniel Watson, £50; to Richard Pordage the Elder of Rochester, Baker, (one of executors) £10.
   Rest and residue, implements of trade, to wife Hester, upon trust, that she pays Lucy Watson, widow of his cousin Richard Watson, 40 shillings per annum, while Lucy remains a widow..
   Wife and Richard Pordage, executors.
   Witnesses: Elizabeth Wickens and Thomas Tomlyn
   Proved 15th July 1774
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will, dated 23rd August 1798
Esther Hood, Widow
   To Francis Barrow, Surgeon, her 8 houses in Strood, leased from the Dean and Chapter of Rochester, all ready money and investments, household goods, furniture and personal estate, upon trust. After paying debts and funeral costs, etc., and legacies left by her husband, to sell and invest. Half of the invested money to children of the late Edmund Netherwood of Strood, equally divided.
   The other half to be equally shared amongst the children of the late Nathaniel Watson, of Strood, at 21 years. Until then interest to their maintenance and education.
   To Elizabeth Stone, her maid servant, if still with her, £60 and 2 of her best tablespoons; to Frances Ann Netherwood, widow, £50; to Francis Barrow, £40; to Ann wife of George Potter, £5; to Thomas Netherwood, son of Frances Ann, her silver tankard which once belonged to the grandfather of Nathaniel Watson, a half pint silver can and silver pepper castor; to Mary wife of Thomas Austen, a pair of sheets and damask table cloth and six damask napkins, marked R.M.H. To Frances Ann Netherwood, her silver waiter, pair of silver salts and spoons, all her clothes, counterpanes and household linen. To Nathaniel Watson, his grandmother's wedding ring and to each of his children, Edmund, Joseph, Mary, John, Thomas and William, one silver table spoon. To Edmund Netherwood, a silver quart mug; to George Netherwood, a silver pint can and tablespoon; to William Netherwood, a silver punch ladle, marrow spoon and table spoon; to Frances Netherwood, a tea chest, six silver tea spoons, sugar tongs, milk pot and table spoon; to Ann Netherwood, silver milk pot and two teaspoons.
   She signs with a mark because she is almost blind and weak
   Witnesses: William Halfhaw and John Gibbs
   Proved 12th December 1798

130.   [9]   


JOHN AND MARGARET HOPPER

IN MEMORY OF
MR. JOHN HOPPER
WHO DIED MARCH
THE [    ] 1781
AGED 67 YEARS
 IN MEMORY OF
  MRS. MARGARET HOPPER
  WIFE OF
  MR. JOHN HOPPER
  WHO DIED [AUGUST]
4th 177[8]
AGED 56? YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 12th February 1781
John Hopper, House Carpenter of Rochester
   Friend John Ely of Rochester, House Carpenter and Edward Netherwood of Strood, Fisherman and Dredgerman, are executors; to each of them, £5.
   To Elizabeth Hopper of Frindsbury, widow of his brother, Thomas, £10; to sister Mary, wife of Thomas Burten of Lenham, Yeoman, £30; to Ann Hollands of Strood, Spinster, sister of his late wife, Margaret,£20;to John Hopper of Harrietsham, Moses Hopper of Lenham, both husbandmen, Mercy Hopper of Strood, spinster; Christian wife of James Martin of Strood, Husbandman; Hester wife of [      ] Golding of Frindsbury, husbandman, sons and daughters of his late brother, Thomas, £5 each. Rest and residue to niece, Mary Hopper of Strood, spinster, daughter of his late brother, Daniel.
   Witnesses: William Twopenny Jnr. And E. J. Twopenny
   Proved 21st March 1781. Note: Edmund Netherwood written by mistake in will, Edward

131.   [10]   

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY M[AY]* SISTER OF
ELIZ. WIFE OF HENRY LOFT
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED MARCH 14th 1761
AGED 48 YEARS
(*Wife of Robert May)

132.   [11]   

TO THE MEMORY OF
MARTHA SUTTON DAUGHTER OF
JOHN AND JANE MILLS OF THIS PARISH
HUSBANDMAN, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JANUARY [    ] 1759 AGED 21 YEARS
ALSO OF
MR. JOHN MILLS DIED 16th NOV.
1769 AGED 60 YEARS
[Half eroded verses]

(N.B. Husbandman is rather awkwardly placed, it refers, of course to John Mills)

133.   [12]   


WILLIAM AND HANNAH PORTER

IN MEMORY OF WILL. PORTER
OF THIS PARISH TAYLOR HE WAS DROWNED
AT WOULDHAM DIED 19th [DECEMBER 1773]
AGED [    ] YEARS
ALSO HANNAH HIS WIFE
WHO DIED THE 17th ? OF APRIL 17[76]
AGED [    ] YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 27th August 1765
William Porter, Taylor of Strood
   To wife Hannah all of his estate and effects, for ever.
   His wife, by her will, to give Hannah Robson, daughter of James Robson of Strood, Fisherman, and grand daughter of Hannah Porter, £100. His wife is executor
   Witnesses: Martha Mitton, William Boucher and Henry Mitton
   Hannah Porter renounces execution of will. Administration granted to three creditors, William Anderson of Eastcheap, Woollen Draper, Francis Starke of Rochester, Woollen Draper and Thomas Strover of Rochester, Taylor. They are bound by a bond of £800, to administer the estate.
Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 27th September 1775
Hannah Porter, Widow
   All her personal estate, after usual expenses, to James Robson of Strood, Mariner, for ever.
   Signs will with mark
   Witnesses: Richard Russell and John Witheridge
   Proved 10th September 1776

134.   [13]   



WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH ROOTS

IN MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH
WIFE OF
WILLIAM ROOTS
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED
AGED 39 YEARS
ALSO OF MARY
LATE WIFE OF
TOM RYNOLDS
OF THE PARISH OF
...................CHATHAM..  ground level
AND DAUGHTER OF
[WILL. AND ELIZ. ROOTS]
[WHO DIED JULY [    ] 1790 ?]
[AGED [    ] YEARS]
IN MEMORY
  OF WILL. ROOTS
  ?
  ?
 [AUG] [    ] 17[96]
WHO DIED AGED [    ] YEARS
OCT. [    ] 177[5]
Rear
TO THE MEMORY
OF JOHN ROOTS
WHO DIED NOVEMBER [    ] 1796 ?
AGED 62 YEARS

 135.   [14]   


WILLIAM SKILLER

IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM [S]KILLER?
[WHO DIED NOVEBER [ ][1795]
[AGED [50] YEARS]

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 11th July 1794
William Skiller, Dredgerman of Strood
   To daughter, Mildred, wife of William Newland, Blacksmith of Strood, 5 guineas. But if executor does not think it "proper" to pay this?
   To wife Anne, as long as she remains his widow, all furniture and household goods. Executor is to value all the latter after his wife's death. It then goes to William Friend of Strood, Sail Maker, upon trust, to distribute among testator's children, by his wife Anne, or if prudent, it can be sold and money raised, upon trust, to be shared among his children at 21 years of age.
   His dwelling freehold house in Strood, his two smacks, "Cassandra and "Resolution" and all other real and personal estate, to William Friend, upon trust. Friend can sell house and vessels and other estate as he thinks fit, to pay debts. Remainder of the money to be invested in Public Funds. Interest to his wife and four youngest children, Ann, Mary, Matilda Elias and Cassandra, as trustee thinks best.
   If his wife dies or re-marries, the interest to four youngest children until Cassandra is 16, if she dies then to the others at 16 years.
   If his estate amount to £600 or more, Friend will sell stock to raise £200 to be shared equally among his children, Susannah, William, Charles, John and Richard. If estate does not amount to £600, at time Cassandra is 16, then children have £10 each. If sun does not amount to £400 at Cassandra's 16th birthday, then interest to his wife and four youngest, until Cassandra is 21 or, if she has died, when youngest child is 21.
    If his wife dies or re-marries, then her share to four youngest children and the fund to children Susannah, William, Charles, John and Richard. Trustee can if he thinks fit, can use his vessels the fishing business and add income (rental ?) to his real and personal personal estate.
   Witnesses: Mark of Elias Armstrong of Kent Road, near the Halfway House, George Gammage of the same place and James Edmead Clerk to Mr Cross, Southwark.

136.   [15]   Double Headstone

IN MEMORY
OF
DAVID STRUTFIELD
OF THIS PARISH
DIED [    ] SEPT. 1771 
AGED [     ]
IN MEMORY OF
 SARAH WIFE OF
  DAVID STRUTFIELD
  DIED THE [          ]
AGED 7[   ] YEARS

ALSO [MARY] WIFE OF
JOHN BRADLEY DIED [FEBRUARY [ ] 1778 ]
AGED [ ] YEARS ALSO THREE CHILDREN
DAVID, JOHN AND SARAH

 Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 13th July 1771
David Strutfield, Yeoman ?
   To wife, Sarah, his real and personal estate, for life, she to keep real estate in good repair and insured. To daughter Mary, £100; to David Moore, son of John Moore, £5.
   After his wife's death, to daughter Mary his "now dwelling house" in Strood and another house, occupied by Mr Jarrett, in Stood; his half share in three freehold houses in Rivers Alley in Rochester, occupied by Mr Chapman, Henry Martin and Mr Smith; and another house, leased from the Mayor and Citizens of Rochester, occupied by William Charlton, for ever.
   After the death of his wife, to daughter, Susanna his half share in the freehold, "King's Arms" in Rochester, occupied by James Jeter, her husband, for ever.
   Also to daughter, Susanna, a house occupied by Widow Nash, for ever; and his half share in three houses occupied by Mr Dally, Mr Wilson and Robert Fowler, for ever; and the leasehold (from Mayor and Citizens of Rochester), occupied by John Shackleton, for ever.
   Wife Sarah is executor and to pay costs of funeral, probate etc.
   Signs will with initials and rest of name filled in for him.
   Witnesses: William Jarret ?, mark of John Barnes and J. Bowes
   Proved 22nd October 1771

137.   [16]   


RICHARD AND ELIZABETH TURNER

IN MEMORY OF
RICHARD TURNER
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 12th OF JULY
1767 AGED 86 YEARS
ALSO ELIZABETH HIS WIFE
DIED YE 20th OF MARCH 1765
AGED 82 YEARS

Consistory Court of Rochester Will, dated 17th February 1761
Richard Turner, Fisherman and Dredgerman of Rochester
   Funeral costs, etc. , from his real and personal estate.
   To wife Elizabeth his leasehold dwelling house and wharf in Haven Key, in Rochester, leased from the Mayor and Citizens, and for freehold houses in Strood, occupied by Nathaniel Hood, Dinah Jackson, widow, Edward Streater and [    ] Williams, plus his share of Captain's Creek and the oysters, mussels and fish therein; all his ready money and invested money, households goods and furniture, for life.
   After his wife's death, the four freeholds in Strood, to grandson Turner Benfield, of Rochester, Fisherman and Dredgerman, for ever. The leasehold at Haven Key and part share in Captain's Creek, plus £100, to son in law, John Day of Rochester, Fisherman and Dredgerman, and his wife, Alice, (testator's daughter), foe ever.
   To Alice Benfield, daughter of his daughter, Alice, wife of John Day by her former husband, Deering Benfield, deceased, late of Rochester, Fisherman and Dredgerman, and to Martha Day and Ann Day, two more of their daughters, £50 each.
   Top his daughter, Ann wife of Thomas Taylor of Rochester, Husbandman, £150; to their daughter, Elizabeth Manclark whom she had by former husband, Arthur Manclark of Rochester, Mariner, £50.
   Rest and residue of personal estate, to daughters, Alice Day and Ann Taylor, equally shared.
   Wife Elizabeth and John Day are executors.
   Signs will with a mark.
   Witnesses: R. Pordage, Wittam Kennett Junior and Richard Bristow
   Proved July 21st 1767, granted to John Day January 11th 1770, granted to Alice Day, widow of John Day, who did not administer will.

138.   [17]   


HENRY WELCH, ETC.

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MR. HENRY WELCH
[WHO DIED MAY [    ] [1783]
[AGED 42 ? YEARS]
ALSO [      ] OF HIS CHILDREN
DIED IN THEIR INFANCY
[    ]
[       ] WELCH [     ] BROTHER
177[   ] AGED [    ] [YEARS]
ALSO [ SUSANNAH ] THE WIFE OF [ HENRY]
WELCH LATE WIFE OF [      ]
[    ] WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECEMBER 4th 1789? AGED 49? [YEARS]
MR. JOHN WELCH DIED JUNE 1Oth 1830
IN THE SIXTY THIRD YEAR OF HIS AGE
AND FIVE OF HIS CHILDREN WHO DIED
IN THEIR INFANCY

Rear
IN MEMORY OF
ANN WIFE OF
JOHN WELCH
WHO DIED MARCH [ ] 1833
AGED 62 YEARS

139.   [18]   


JOHN AND MARY WELLARD

IN MEMORY OF
MR. JOHN WELLARD
[WHO DIED AUGUST [ ] 1776]
[AGED [ ] YEARS]
[ALSO]
MRS. MARY WELLARD
WIFE OF THE ABOVE WHO DIED 4th ? DEC. 1811
AGED [74] YEARS

END OF SOUTH WEST SECTION OF CHURCHYARD

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