Aspects of Kentish Local History

Wills of 17th Century Chatham Shipwrights
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1603 - 1699)

William PETT - 1679

In the name of God amen the one and twentieth day of February in the one and thirtieth yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. annos dm 1678/9 I William Pett of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being at present sick and weake in body but of good sound mind memory and understanding (praised be Almighty God for the same) and calling to mind the frailty of this mortal life doe therefore and for avoiding and preventing all future strife and      ?      which shall or may happen to arise after my decease amongst my surviving relations touching such the temporal estate which with it hath pleased God of his mercy to blesse mee and for the quieting of my mind and for the disposing of the same temporal estate according to my mind doe make publish and declare this to be my last will and testament in writing in manner and forme following (that is to say) first and principally I comend my soule to God that gave it and my body to the earth to be decently interred according to the discretion of my executorix hereafter named and as to my temporal estate being all of it personal I give and bequeath in manner following first I give and bequeath unto my loving brother Mr Samuel Pett now belonging to the Navy Office one ginney piece of gold of the value of one and twenty shillings and sixpence in silver to buy him a ring to wear in remebrance of mee and all and every other my goods chattels household stuffe plate ready money leases securities for money debts and personal estate of what nature or kind soever the same to be or consist of (after my debts and funeral expences first paid and discharged) I give devise and bequeath unto my deare and loving wife Elizabeth Pett whom I hereby nominate ordaine and appoint to be sole executorix of this my last will and testamt. hereby revoking annulling and making void all former and other wills by me made or published att anytime before this day and yeare first above written in witness whereof I the said William Pett have hereunto put my hand and seale the day and yeare first above mentioned 1678/9 William Pett signed sealed published and declared by the above named William Pett the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of Anna Pett Frances Usher Hen. Sheafe.

Proved 3rd July 1679