The Will of Seth BANKS (1733-1769)

[Surname also spelt Bankes or Bancks]

Described as Clerk of Fordington - Actually Rector of All Saints Dorchester

Will dated 5th March 1769 - Proved 3rd May 1769
Copy held at Dorset History Centre, Ref Bc/W/B/25.
© Transcribed by Michael Russell OPC for Fordington January 2012


In the Name of God Amen : I Seth BANCKS of ffordington in the County of Dorset Clerk being weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:-


    My desire: is to be buried at Broadmayne in the chancel in a plain and decent manner without any paul bearers but to give six poor men five shillings each to carry me to church

    I give: to my cousin James BUTTER, Elizabeth BUTTER, and Mary BUTTER Twenty shillings each; and

    I give: unto Ann LESTER Spinster my servant twenty Guineas, and Ten Guineas for Mourning which Legacies I direct to be paid within six months after my decease

    All thr Rest: and Residue of my moneys securities for moneys goods chattles and other personal estate and effects whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my dear mother Elizabeth BANCKS Widow whom I make my whole Executrix

In witness: whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Fifth day of March one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine

Seth BANCKS

Signed Sealed published and declared by the above
named Seth Bancks the Testator as and for his last
Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his
presence and at his request have hereunto subscribed
our Names as Witnesses of his so doing

Joseph Bennett
John Davis

PROBATE: May the 3rd 1769:

The within written Will of Seth BANCKS Clerk deceased was proved by the Oath of Elizabeth BANCKS Widow the natural and lawful Mother of the said deceased and sole Executrix within named to whom Administration of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased was granted She being first sworn faithfully to adminster the same according to Law also to exhibit a true and perfect Inventory thereof into the Registry of the Bishop of Bristol and to render a just Account thereon when there unto required

Sworn before John HUBBOCK

Genealogical Notes:-

(1). Seth BANCKS (1733-1769) was the son of Seth BANKES of Bridport and actually Rector of All Saints church Dorchester. see link for more details of his life. His father had been Rector of Broadmayne from 1730 until his death in 1752.

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