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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