Aspects of Kentish Local History

Wills of 18th Century Chatham Shipwrights
Prerogative Court of Canterbury (P.C.C.) Wills 1706 - 1799)

Benjamin ATKINS - 1715

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN
The sixteenth day of November in the first year of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord George by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith anno domini 1714. I Benjamin Atkins of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in perfect? and bodily health and not knowing how it may please God to deal with me hereafter but considering the uncertainty of this present transistory life do make and declare these presents to contain my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping to be saved through the merritts death passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ my only Savoiour and my body to the earth I comit to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named item all and singular such wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever wherewith at the time of my decease I shall be possessed or invested or which shall then belong or of right appertain unto me I do give devise and bequeath unto my dear and loving wife Elizabeth Atkins her heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby make and ordain her my said wife Elizabeth full and sole executrix of this my present last will and testament and do revoke all former wills and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and do ordain these presents to stand and be for and as my last will and testament for ever in witness my hand and seal the day and year first above written Benj. Atkins signed sealed published and delivered in the presence of Wm. Hartroup Margaret Willes Edwd. Codd

Proved 8th February 1715 (1716)