Aspects of Kentish Local History

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

William FOX  1730

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN
I William Fox of Chatham in the county of Kent shipwright being in bodily health and of sound and disposing memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and other uncertaitys of this transistory life do for avoiding controversys after my decease make publish and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say first I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body I commit to the earth or sea as it shall please God to order and as for and concerning all my worldly estate I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth that is to say I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Fox my loving wife of Chatham aforesaid and to her heires of my body all and every my pay wages sume and sumes of money lands tenements goods chattles and estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I do give devise and bequeath the same unto the aforesaid Elizabeth Fox and her heires for ever and I do hereby nominate and appoint the said Elizabeth Fox executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former and other wills testaments and deeds of gift by me at any time heretofore made and I do ordain and ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my only last will and testament in witness whereof to this my said will I have set my hand and seal the twelth day of July anno dni. 1723 and in the ninth year of the reign of His Majesty King George over Great Britain etc. W. Fox signed sealed and published in the presence of us Nichs. Ardrin E. Rowe Mich. Doyle

Proved 3rd February 1729 (1730)