Chelsfield - Parish Information
Abstract of will from
Chelsfield proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Geoffrey Copus.2005
Robert Allen
of Chelsfield dated 17 September 1761
Abstract of the will of Robert Allen of Chelsfield
yeoman dated 17 September 1761.
I commend "my poor and immortal soul" into the
hands of God, and my body to be buried in Chelsfield churchyard at a
frugal expense.
To my dear and loving wife Sarah I give an annuity of £35
per annum for her lifetime to be paid quarterly out of Hewitts Farm in
Chelsfield and Shoreham.
I also give her the furniture, goods and chattels belonging
to one room at Hewitts Farm House (except the kitchen) that she shall
think fit and make choice of, in full satisfaction of any Dower to which
she might be entitled, and I ask her to execute a release in law of any
such claims she may have, other than by this will.
I also give her the use of all my household goods and
chattels, and all farm stock, corn, cattle etc. until my daughter Grace
Allen shall attain 21, the better to enable my wife to bring her up.
I direct my wife at the instance of my friend George Brett
of Lewisham brewer, my brother Stephen Allen and my brother in law
Thomas Stringer, as soon as she can after my death to make a full
Inventory of all the said goods (except the furniture she has chosen)
and of all the stock etc. belonging to the farms in my occupation, and
she shall pay to my daughter Grace at age 21 such a sum as my said
appraisers shall think a reasonable allowance.
I give Hewitts Farm with the lands belonging and all
other my messuages, lands etc. and real estate whatsoever to my daughter
Grace and her heirs for ever, on condition that she execute a lease of
the premises for any term of years that my wife may choose, to be
determinable on her death, at the yearly rent of £35. The lease is to
be subject to the usual exceptions, provisos and conditions contained in
leases according to the custom and usual manner of letting leases in the
neighbourhood of Chelsfield.
If my daughter Grace die without issue in my wife’s
lifetime than I give all the said premises to my wife for life, and then
to my brother Stephen Allen and his heirs, subject to the payment of £100
to my sister Mary Allen, and £5 apiece to my brothers James, William
and Richard Allen and my sisters Elizabeth, Ann, Grace and Sarah.
If Stephen should inherit the premises but die
without issue, then on his death I give all the property to my brothers
and sisters named above and to their heirs equally, as tenants in
common.
I give to my wife and to the said George Brett, Stephen
Allen and Thomas Stringer the Guardianship of my daughter Grace in her
minority, and my wife shall take the rents and profits until Grace is
21, keeping the buildings etc. in good repair.
I give all residue of my personal estate to my wife for
ever and appoint her as my Executrix.
Robert Allen witnesses Will: Allen Will: Rice Tho:
Williams.
Proved 30 September 1761 by Sarah Allen widow the relict.
[PCC will PROB11/868]
Transcribed by Geoffrey
Copus