Chelsfield - Parish Information
Abstract of will from
Chelsfield proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Geoffrey Copus.2005
James Burton
of Chelsfield dated 14 February 1740
Abstract of the will of James Burton of Chelsfield
yeoman dated 14 February 1740.
To be frugally and decently interred in Chelsfield Parish
Church.
I leave all my farm called Lillys with the house, garden,
lands, woods and appurtenances in Chelsfield now in my own occupation;
all that my messuage or tenement now in the occupation of John Winson in
Chelsfield; all that platt of ground in Chelsfield called The Plantation
now in the occupation of the Rev. Mr. Petty; all that woodland situate
in the parish of Lullingstone or Lullingstein, in both or one of them,
now in my own occupation; and all that my arable land in Cudham now in
the occupation of Richard Glover, with all my other real estate
whatsoever to Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child, both of Chelsfield,
yeomen, In Trust -
to receive the rents etc.of my real estate and to pay them
to my wife Susannah for life (after the deduction from time to time of
the interest due on the mortgage now lying on Lillys Farm) but subject
to the conditions hereafter mentioned.
After her death, they are to pay half of the rents etc. to
my daughter Mary King, wife of John King, during her lifetime, for her
sole and separate use. After her death my Trustees shall stand seized of
the said moiety of my real estate for the use of all the children of the
said Mary King and their respective heirs at age 21.
After my wife's death, my Trustees shall pay the other half
of the rents etc. to my daughter Barbara Judd, wife of Thomas Judd,
during her lifetime, then to her children and their respective heirs at
age 21. If the said Barbara have no surviving children, then at her
death the profits of the whole estate shall be paid to my daughter Mary
King [ and further provisions, not taken.]
I leave to my Trustees all the stock on my farm, goods,
chattels etc., except for my household goods, plate, linen and
furniture, which I give to my wife Susannah. They are to sell all the
stock etc. to pay my debts, funeral expenses etc. and then to apply the
proceeds to reducing the principal sum due on the said mortgage. If this
should prove deficient then they are to fell and dispose of all such
timberlike trees and pollards as they in their judgement and discretion
shall think fit, now growing on any part of my estates, and to apply the
proceeds to further reducing the mortgage.
If this can still not be paid off then my Trustees are to
sell my before-mentioned parcel of arable land in Cudham and also the
before mentioned parcel of woodland in Lullingstone or Lullingstein, to
pay all the principal and interest.
But if all these my methods herein prescribed should prove
insufficient, then my Trustees shall on my wife's death accrue the rents
etc. of my estate for the absolute payment of the said Mortgage, and in
that case during that time the rents shall not be paid to my daughters
or their heirs.
If the sale of the lands should prove necessary and my wife
refuse to join in it then she is to lose all benefit of my will.
I leave £10 each to Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child if
they prove my will and undertake the Trusteeship.
I leave all residue of my personal estate to my wife
Susannah " and it is my will and intent that she may live rent free
in the said Lillys Farm House and have the use of a Bed Room and the
fore Parlour therein during her life if she so pleases."
I appoint the said Thomas Whiffin and Thomas Child as my
Executors.
Witnesses Edward Mace, John Cressey, Henry Nurse.
Proved 6 March 1741 by the Executors named. [PCC
will, PROB 11/716]
Transcribed by Geoffrey
Copus