Whitchurch, William 1727 *

William Whitchurch of Little Keyford, esq. Dated 20 Sep 1726. To my loving wife L60 to buy mourning for herself and my 5 daughters. To my sons William, Robert and John L10 each to buy them mourning. To my wife L100. To my wife and daughter Elizabeth all my household goods and my plate, equally between them. To my daughters Elizabeth, Mary, Rebecca and Dorothy L200 each and to my daughter Ann L800. The bequests to Mary, Rebecca, Dorothy and Anne are to be paid as they shall be married to the good liking of my wife, or attain the age of 21. My trustees hereinafter named shall out of the estate herein to them given lay out as much as they shall think fit for the education and maintenance of my said daughters not exceeding L25 per annum till they are married or 21. To my nephews William Phelps and Edmund Phelps L100 each when they are 21. If both die before 21 the bequests to go to residuary legatees and in case Mr. John Phelps their father shall die in their minority  and leave no provision for their education etc. I empower my executors at their discretion to see that my nephews be put to school and placed apprentice to good Masters, clothed and treated as my near relations. To my good friends, my cousin Richard Champneys esq. and my nephew Robert Smith, esq. my manor of Berrow and all other my manors, messuage land etc. in the parishes and manors of Berrow, Burnham, Brent and Lympsham co. Somerset and all my personal estate except household goods and plate, in trust to pay my debts and legacies and such legacies made by the last will of my father William Whitchurch, etc. deceased as have not been already by me paid and discharged. I having already paid my said sons William and Robert their L500 apiece  given them and charged on said lands by my said fathers will and my son John shall still be entitled to his L500 given him by my said fathers will. The residue of my personal estate, manors etc. to be equally divided between my said sons Robert and John. Neither of my sons Robert or John shall be accountable for any other moneys I have given or lent to either of them. Said Richard Champneys and Robert Smith to be executors in trust. Mark and seal (heart pierced with crossed arrows).

Witnesses: Launc(?) Ring, William Smith, Will. Ring

Proved 11 Aug 1727 by oaths of Richard Champney and Robert Smith, executors.

Reference: Abstracted will transcription text, original document not unavailable – Archdeaconry of Wells 1727 no.55 Somerset Archives

Relation to Author: 6th great-grandfather of husband