Chelsfield - Parish Information
        Abstract of will from
        Chelsfield proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
        Geoffrey Copus.2005
        Mary Frith
        of Chelsfield dated 14 May 1812
        Abstract of the will of Mary Frith of Chelsfield
        widow dated 14 May 1812.
           To be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor to
        whom I give £5 for the trouble he may be put to on account of the same.
           I request that as soon as possible he will call in all
        monies and securities due to me, and after paying all debts and expenses
        he will divide the proceeds into two equal halves to pay one to my
        brother Thomas Brooks of Chelsfield and the other to George Brooks of
        Halstead, farmers. However, in case he shall not be able by any legal
        means to recover the whole sum of £140 due to me from my late brother
        William Brooks deceased that any deficiency shall not prejudice the
        bequest to my brother Thomas Brooks, it being my desire that Thomas
        shall have so much money as he would have received had the whole £140
        been fully discharged, any such loss being borne by the said George
        Brooks.
           If the said Thomas Brooks should happen to die before me
        then the whole of his legacy shall be disposed of in such manner as he
        has directed in his Will.
           I give all my wearing apparel and things belonging thereto
        unto the wife of the said Thomas Brooks.
           All residue of my property if such there be I give to John
        Brooks the son of the said Thomas Brooks and I appoint him as my
        Executor.
           Mary X Frith Witnesses, John Fuller, Wm. Hy. Colyer.
        Proved 22 January 1813 by John Brooks the nephew.      
        [PCC will PROB11/1540].
        Transcribed by Geoffrey
        Copus