Aspects of Kentish Local History

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

John BUTLER  1728

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN
I John Butler of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being aged but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner forme following that is to say in the first place I commend my soul to Almighty God the creator thereof in and through the merits & mediation of Jesus Christ my Savoiour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buryed at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named and as to my wordly estate I dispose thereof as followeth item I give and bequeath unto my son John Butler one shilling only he being to have and enjoy some reall estate after my now wife's decease which was left him by his uncle Thomas Shaw and which will make my said son John equall with what I shall leave to and amongst my other children item I give and bequeath unto my son Robert Butler one shilling only he my said son Robert being likewise to have and enjoy some reall estate after my decease which was left him by my brother Robert Butler and which will make my son Robert equall with what I shall leave to and amongst my other children item I give devise and bequeath unto my son Henry Butler all that my messuage or tenement washouse yard and garden with the appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying in Middle Street in Brompton in Chatham aforesaid now in the occupation of my son in law John Follander his assignes or undertenants to have and to hold unto my son Henry Butler his heires and assignes for ever he and they from time to time paying the annuity or other payments charged on the same in and by the last will & testament of my said late brother Robert Butler deceased item I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Katherine Butler all that my messuage or tenement washouse yard garden and appurts. thereto belonging situate lyeing and being in Middle Street in Brompton aforesaid now in my own possession or occupation to have and to hold unto my said wife for and during the terme of her naturall life she my said wife keeping the same in good repair and from and after her decease I give devise and bequeath the said last mentioned messuage and premisses unto my said son Henry Butler his heires and assignes for ever item all and every the rest and residue of my ready money pay wages debts creditts money at interest or due to me on bill bond mortgage judgment or otherwise and all and every my plate rings household goods chattells and personal estate whatsoever that shall be any ways due oweing or belonging to me at the time of my decease (after my debts funeral expences and charges of proving this my will are paid and satisfied) I give and bequeath unto my said wife Katherine Butler hereby requesting and ernestly desireing my said wife from and after her decease by will or otherwise to give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Follander such of my said personal estate as my said wife shall dye possessed of and of this my will I doe nominate and appoint my said wife sole executrix and do herby revoke all former wills by me at any time made spoken or published before the publishing of these presents in witness whereof I the said John Butler the testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to each sheet thereof have sett my hand and seal this thirtieth day of October in the first yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord George the Second by the grace of God of Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc. anno dom. 1727 the marke of John Butler signed sealed published and declared by the said John Butler the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto Clem. Johnson Katherine Britcher Thos. Johnson

Proved 25th June 1728