Note: Prefix BPC = Index to Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Probate Registry at Blandford, Dorset: -- Prefix DHC Copy held at the Dorset History Center Dorchester most of these are now (Oct 2012) available to members of ancestry.com -- Prefix P = Wiltshire & Swindon Archives and are increasingly available on line follow link-- Prefix PCC= Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Prefix PROB = Wills available on line at the National Archives -- Prefix SPC = Calendar of Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Salisbury Probate Court:

Note: The dates given are likely to be the date of probate or when administration was issued rather than date of death. As such deaths are likely to be in that year or the year before, but can be many years earlier. I have also carried out a quick check against surviving Parish Burial Registers for a couple of years before the year given below and commented accordingly. Many of these Wills & Administrations have been indexed separately by Dorset and Wiltshire Record Offices so they will show the SPC as well as P reference numbers. These indexes are not identical. Wiltshire for example tends to include the persons trade.

Note: Some Wills are listed here for years where no parish register has survived and may be an indicator that they died recently in the Parish. The Wills themselves or comments made on the bottom or reverse of the will may reveal more detail about actual date and place of death and of course hopefully family relationships. Where wills are available on line I have tried to scan them and list beneficiaries and other important facts mentioned in the wills. This is not possible where the wills are at the National or Wiltshire Archives as they have to be purchased individually. The fact that someone was from Dorchester does not necessarily mean that they died there & may account for there being no entry in Dorchester's Parish Registers.

NOTE: If you have a copy of any of these wills (which are often difficult to read) I am willing to transcribe it properly for you in exchange for permission to display the transcription on this site. Please make contact by email at-- Mikeatstrayleaves[insert the @ symbol here]yahoo.com -- please state "OPC Dorchester/Fordington" in the subject line.

Will of [Edvardi] Edward DAMAR, Clerk of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Camb Alumni:- Educated Christs college Cambridge sizar (age 18) at CHRIST'S, July 1, 1650. S. of John (Damony or Damer). B. at Godmanstone, Dorset. School, Bridport (Mr Hallet).
Matric. 1650; B.A. 1653. R. of Wyke Regis, Dorset, 1658-62. Chaplain to Jersey Garrison; ejected, 1660. Afterwards at Dorchester, preaching occasionally. Steward to Denzil, Lord Holles. (Peile, I. 538; Hutchins, Dorset, II. 856, and IV. 387.) ]

[Note:- Link to more information about the life of Rev. Edward DAMER (1632-1703) ]

Will Dated 1st May 1701

Probate 08 May 1703

PROB 11/471

Probate: of this written testament was granted at London --- 8th day in the month of May 1703 granted to Thomas PITMAN executor named in the testament of deceased

Note:- Side line entry written in Latin dated 8th day of Sep 1722

Will: Being in the 71st [year] of my age: - - - -As to the house I now dwell in I hereby give and bequeath the same unto my Cousin John TREVILLIAN, my son-in-law Thomas PITTMAN and Joseph DAMER the son of my brother George DAMER jointly in trust for the use and behoof of Edward DAMER my Grandson when he shall attain the age of twenty one years or is married by the consent of the said trustees for his life and the issue male of his body lawfully to be begotten ;

AND failing such issue I give and bequeath my said house to my said trustees and the survivor of them to the use and behoof of my grandson Edward PITTMAN in like sort and to the heirs male of his body lawfully to be begotten

AND failing such issue I give and bequeath my said house to mysaid trustees to the use of my grandchild Joseph the son of my son Joseph DAMER deceased and to the issue male of his body lawfully begotten

AND failing such issue then to the use and behoofe of my right heirs forever

Item: I give unto my sister Mary YEAT 20 shillings per annum to be oaid to her during her life

Item: To my cousin Samuel DAMER and my Cousin Robert COLMER to each of them £5

Item: To my sister-in-law Joan JEFFERYES £4 to be paid within 1 yearafter my decease

I give to be disposed of at the discretion of executors in trust to and amongst the poor of the parish I now live in £3 and to and amongst the poor of the parish of Godmanstone and of Wyke Regis to each parish 40 shillings

To each of my brothers and sisters to my cousin Trevillian and his sister Seely and to my daughter PITTMAN and to each of my daughters-in-law and to each of the children of my brother George DAMER to each of these last mentioned relations a broad Jacobus peice of gold

To grandchild Ann DAMER £20: To my grandchild Elizabeth DAMER £50 and to my grandson Joseph DAMER £100 at age 21 ---etc

To daughter PITTMAN £50 [Note:- Rebecca DAMER wife of Thomas PITMAN]

To son John DAMER on condition that he makes payment of £200 to my executors in trust within the space of 2 years after my decease and doth release them of all claims and demands that he might make by reason of any articles or agreements entered into between his father-in-law ANSTICE [or AUSTICE?] and myself I do Then hereby discharge to him and his executors all monies that I have lent to him and paid for him at anytime since Michinass 1693.

I give to him my household goods bedding and woollen, pewter, and brass, plate, and spoons Also the debt of £100 due to me on the mortgage on Mr Gilbert's Lands in Wyke Regis , he and his father ANSTICE? performing the condition aforesaid to my executors but on his refusal or failure in performance of the said condition then its my will that all the said debts I have paid to his creditors and the money I have at anytime lent to him since Michinass 1693 and what monies I have laid out for him in buying a tenement in Loders and for his and families since Michinass 1965 be all repaid to my said executors

Lastly I give unto my servant dwelling with me at my decease 20 shillings

As to all the rest and residue of my estate not hereby given and bequeathed I give and bequeath the same to these executors in Trust: Vitz My son-in-law Thomas PITTMAN, my brother Georges DAMER, my cousin John TREVILLIAN and to my good friends Thomas GREEN and Luke MEECH his brother and to the survivor of them and to the executors of the survivors of themonly in trust for the use and benefit of my grandchildren Edis? DAMER; Thomas PITTMAN; Edward PITTMAN; to be equally divided amongst them when they attain the age of 21 years And its my will that my said executors in trust do agree amongst themselves to buy an estate or dispose of moneys to the benefit of my said grandchildren last named And that each of my said executors do account for no more than what they can legally receive and recover And I hereby give to my said executors to each of them £10 and a mourning ring Also a mouring ring to my good friend Mr Simon ORCHARD -And I hereby make void all former wills and do ordain this to be my last will written by my own hand writing Witness my hand and seal May the first 1701

Signed etc in presence of Baruch NOWELL; William TUCKER and Thomas CHANNING

In the name of God Amen. The twenty first day of January in the year of Our Lord God 1701/2, I Sarah DRYE Widow of Dorchester in the County of Dorset being of perfect Memory and understanding (praised be to God) do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament That is to say

Impremis: I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it, and for my Body I commend it to the Earth, to be buried in a Christian like manner, at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named hoping at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching such worldly goods wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form--

Item: I give unto my son-in-law John COUSINS two pounds of good and lawful monies &

Item: I give unto Sarah HOLLAND my daughter forty shillings

Item: I give unto William COUSINS; Elizabeth COUSINS; Robert COUSINS; Mary COUSINS and John COUSINS his sons and daughters each twenty shillings

Item: I give unto my daughter-in-law Sarah DRYE of Fordington forty shillings

Item: I give unto my grandson Robert DRYE two silver spoons and one silver baker [beaker]

And whereas I am possessed of and interest in one messuage or tenement in Dorchester aforesaid now in the possession of Sebastian HUNT I do hereby give and devise the same unto my well beloved son Henry DRYE to hold to him and his assigns for his life if the estate now being in the premises shall so long continue And if the said estate shall not issue in his liofe time then to the right heirs of the said Sarah DRYE for the residue of the term which shall be then come & unexpired in the premises

Item: All the rest residue and remainder of my goods and chatteells personal after my debts legacies and funeral expenses shall be paid & discharged I give and bequeath unto my two sons William DRYE and Henry DRYE to be equally divided amongst them whom I make my joint Executors of this my last will and testament and revoke and disanual all former wills by me made Witness may hand and seal trhe day and year first above written.

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Sarah DRYE to be her last will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses Peter Grey, Mary Smith, the marks of Jane Brown and the mark of Jone Squire

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Henry MICHELL of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Victualler being sick and weak in boby but of sound and perfect memory (thanks be to God) First I give to my daughter Mary HUNT one red petticote of my late wives and one shilling. Item I give to my grandaughter Mary HUNT my said wives wedding ring and a cotton whittle All other goods chattles and personal estate whatsoever I give bequeath unto my son Stephen MICHELL whom I herewith constitute & make sole executrix of this my said Testament Revoking all former wills &Testaments by me made In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the seventeenth day of July One Thousand seven hundred and six. Signed Henry MICHELL [his mark H] Signed sealed published and declared in the presence of Mell COX and Morgan HARBIN

Will & Inventory of John HARRIS Hellier of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Buried at All Saints Church Dorchester 1st Oct 1707]

Will:-The Last Will and Testament of me William COLLINS of Dorchester in the County of Dorset yeoman being weak in body but of perfect memory(thanks be to God)

First: I give and bequeath unto my daughter Jane COLLINS all such sum and securities of monies are or shall be due and owing unto me from any person or persons whatsoever on any Bill or Bond by such person and persons entered into in my name and to me made and executed (Except one Bond so entered into by Richard HUTCHINS Clerk and others in the penal sum of £60 for payment of £30) Item: I further give and bequeath unto my said daughter my silver tumbler and 5 silver spoons my great hair trunck with the desk therein enclosed with all the linen in the same trunk also one oaken chest with all the pewter and other things therein contained one small cabin coffer with all the linen therein etc etc ----------------

Dated 14 Apr 1710

Proved 05 August 1710

Will of William LAMBERT, Cordwainder of All Saints Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Samuel the son of William LAMBERT was baptised at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 30th Jan 1675/6 and was therefore by his previous wife

[Note:- William LAMBERT's previous wife was buried at All Saints Church on 20th Apr 1699 but not named

[Note:- William LAMBERT married Alice nee ANDEVER at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 24th Jan 1699/1700.

[Note:-William LAMBERT was buried at Holy Trinity Churxh in Dorchester on 18 Mar 1708/9 as instructed in his will opposite

[Note:- Alice LAMBERT a widow was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 4th May 1711]

Dated 16 Jan 1708/9

Proved 27 Oct 1710

PROB 11/517

Ancestry.com image

244 of 394

London Metropolitan Archives

Dated 21 Jan 1707

Proved 05 July 1711

Dated 18 May 1711

Proved 20 July 1711

Dated 3rd Jan 1711

Proved 17 July 1712

Dated 5 1710

Proved 17 Dec 1712

Will:
The last Will and Testament of me Jane MEADER of Dorchester in the County of Dorset widow :
Impremis: I give unto my son Thomas MEADER one large kettle and one of the largest pewter dishes and one brass crock and one small kettle during his life and after his decease I give and bequeath the large kettle to his son John the pewter dishes and brass crock small kettle to Chambers MEADER one other son of the said Thomas MEADER
Item: I give unto my son Charles MEADER one shilling
Item: I give unto my daughter Jean GUEST one shilling.
Item: I give & bequeath unto my grandaughter Jane MEADER daughter of my son Samuel MEADER the best pair of doggs four pewter dishes & one kettle two pairs of sheets and one dozen of [damaged missing] napkins [rest of line damaged missing] clothes & the low room on the south side of the house wherein I now live & a small garden plott according to the substance of the ground & the cork fewel house in case she pleases her father in matrimony
Item: I give unto my daughter-in-law Ann MEADER the chamber over the room I give unto her daughter together with some part of the outhouseand garden thereunto belonging according to the proportion of ground given unto her daughter but in case the said Jane MEADER my grandaughter dies before marrying then I give the goods and rooms and garden plotr unto my son Samuel MEADER.
All the Rest residue and remainder of my goods and chattles I give and bequeath unto my said son Samuel MEADER whom I make constitute and appoint my whole & sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby rovoking all other Wills by me made
In Witness whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal the 8th day of June in the year of our Lord 1715
Signed sealed and published and declared to be my last will and testament in the presence of :- The mark of Sarah HOLLAND; The mark of Joan FOY; and signature of Thomas KNAPTON Junior
Proved 17th October 1715 administration granted to the Executor Thomas Riley Surrogate

Will of Elianor HUTCHINS, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset [Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 24th July 1716]

[Note:- Alice HUTCHINS was the daughter of John and Elizabeth HUTCHINS, and had been baptised at All Saints Church in Dorchester on 1st May 1690. She married c.1710 to George BARTLETT (1687-1731) ]

Beneficiaries: Kinsman John CHALDECOTT Senior of Dorchester; Mary his wife; their children John the younger; Samuel; Mary now the wife of John RUTTER & Martha CHALDECOTT sons and daughter of John Chaldecott; Kinswoman Elizabeth dau of said John Chaldecott the elder ; Benjamin CHALDECOTT of Dorchester a taylor and Hannah his wife; Hannah ROGERS widow the relict of Joseph ROGERS deceased; Son-in-law Leonard HUTCHINS, and his wife Mary, and their children Elianor, Mary, William, Martha and Diana:: Son-in-law John BATTON and his wife Margarett, and their children John, Matthew, Frances, Elianor:: Item I give unto Alice daughter of John HUTCHINS Deceased now wife of George BARTLETT the sum of £10 to be paid her three years next after my decease. My Son-in-law John Batton profits from my leasehold Property mentioned in Pease Lane Holy Trinity Parish. Item I hereby give unto the Said Alice BARTLETT from 3 years after my decease the Annual sum of Ten Shillings which I hereby charge the said Tenement & Premises with and to be yearly paid her out of the issues & profits thereof on the five and twentieth day of December in each year etc etc about who pays it and her right to distress the premises if in default of payment

Give the shop leased from corporation in Butchers Shambles to Matthew Batton . Rest to John Batton made executor; Friend Thomas HAVELAND Trustee: WitnessesLeonard Hutchins: Charles Young and Morgan Harbin

Will of John BELLMAN, blacksmith of All Saints Parish Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- John Bellman was buried at St Georges church Fordington on 8th Jan 1716]

Will:

Beneficiaries each of his grandchildren 1s each; To his wife Susannah Bellman.all my messuages burgages and tenements with the appurtenances thereto belonging where I now dwell within the Borough of Dorchester for the remainder of the Leasehold estate and tenure I have therein yet to come and unexoired with all the household goods and implements belonging to my trade and lastley I hereby constitute and make the said Susannah my sole executrix in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the ninth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eight. Witnesses Benjamin BELLMAN; Morgan HARBIN

Will of Thomas PITMAN, Grocer of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Link to an Account of the life and family of Thomas PITMAN (d.1717) widower of Rebecca PITMAN nee DAMEN who had been buried at Godmanstone in 1703]

Dated 27 May 1717

Proved 18 Nov 1717

Will: To be buried at Godmanston by the corpse of my late wife and that a tombstone may be set over my grave of the value of £10: Item I give to my loving wife £50 --to buy her mourning: Item to son JOHN PITMAN £50 : to nephew James SALMON £100. Item to Baruch NOWELL of Dorchester £10 [Note:- Rev Baruch NOWELL     (1689-1739) ]: To wife a mouring ring of a guinea; I give to Baruch NOWELL, my brothers John PITMAN, and Samuel PITMAN, my sister SALMON, her son James SALMON, my Cousin Samuel WALTER, my sister Elizabeth DAMER, my Cousins:- John Trevillian, Melliscent Ceely, Joseph Damer of Dorchester, and Elizabeth Damer his sister, to each of them a mourning ring of 14 shillings; Item;

Whereas the house I now live in is and stands settled upon myself for life, remainder to my son Thomas in tays [entailed], remainder to my son Edward entailed with remainder over, my will is that any house adjoining thereto commonly called the 'BELL', one part whereof is now a Warehouse, and the other part a Malthouse, shall be held and enjoyed by such person or persons as shall during the term which I have therein be seized of the inheritance of the said house which I now live in, To which end I give and bequeath the said house called the ''BELL'' together with the leaden cistern therein AND all and singular other the appurtenances to the said last mentioned house belonging to the said Buruch NOWELL, Joseph DAMER and Samuel PITMAN their executors and administrators during the remainder of my term therein In Trust that they from time to time during the reminder of the said term shall permit such person and persons as shall from time to time be seized of the inheritance of the said house to hold and enjoy the said house called the BELL together with the said Cistern and other the appurtenances to his and their own use

I give all my plate and household goods (except such goods as belong to my Trade to Elizabeth my wife and my sons Thomas PITMAN, and Edward PITMAN to be equally divided between them. Item I give to Mr Thomas COOPER the elder a Mourning Ring of fourteen shillings value;

I give the rest and residue of my goods chattels rights and credits to my said two sons Thomas PITMAN and Edward PITMAN and do constitute and appoint the said Thomas PITMAN and Edward PITMAN to be joint executors . Signed by Thomas PITMAN in presence if George DAMER Rlias DAMER Thomas SWAFFIELD

PROBATE of this written testament was granted at London before Venerable Rev Charles PINFOLD Doctor at Law surrogate of John Bettesworth Dr of Law of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury etc ----etc administration granted to Thomas PITMAN son of the deceased dated 18th day in the month of November 1717

Dated 4 Dec 1716

10 August 1720

Will: Bequests to kinsman Edward CLAVEL lands and hereditaments at Orchard Dorset + £500;
To his daughter Martha CLAVEL £100 to be paid to her father for her use;
To neice Mrs Dorothy MILDMAY all lands etc on Isle of Wight; Charge on my lands at Bradpole and Pymore? Dorset
Payment of £150 to 2 children of my late neice Elianor STEVENS
Sum of £150 unto Elizabeth daughter of my neice Ann CROWE being the legatees given them by the last will and testament of my neice Anne SWAYNE deceased etc ;
My dwelling house in Dorchester with the outhouses unto my neice Elizabeth SWAYNE + £1000 + all my household goods;
All my bank annuities and other monies in public funds to my kinsman Thomas ROYCROFT and his sister Jane ROYCROFT
To Elianor and Frances the 2 children of my late neice Elianor STEVENS £200 at 21 or marriage
To Thomas son of Neice Grace JACOB £200 [Note:- Thomas Jacob (1720-1724) son of Vicar of Fordington]
To Thomas son of cousin Thomas BROOMFIELD £100
To Amy wife of Thomas HODGKINS £50
To Widow ROBINSON of Dorchester £40
£400 to a charity school within the Borough of Dorchester
To Nephew Robert SWAYNE ten shillings weekly for life
To Neice Elizabeth SWAYNE my gold watchand all my Jewells
To the wife of Mr Peter TEMPLEMAN 20 guineas to buy a diamond ring in rem of me
To the poor of each of the three parishes in Dorchester £10
To each servant living with me at my death £10 each
All my wearing apparel to my maid
All Rest of my Estate Real and Personal to my Neice Mrs Dorothy MILDMAY also made sole executrix

Signed Anne CHURCHILL

CODICIL: Whereas since execution of Will --entered into deed relating to the marriage of my Neice Elizabeth SWAYNE with Mr Richard SAMWAYS and already made ample provision for her -- therefore the £1000 previously left her is revoked.
Re £400 to charity School in Dorchester to be taken out of the money due from my Brother [i.e. Brother-in Law] CHARLES CHURCHILL + many other smaller changes to her will Signed 17th June 1722

The Last Will and Testament of me Sebastian HUNT of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Sergemaker being of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be to God

First: I give unto my Brother Thomas HUNT one shilling and all my wearing apparel both woollen and linen

Item: My will is that Mary my now wife shall forthwith from the time of my decease during the term of her natural life hold and enjoy receive and take to her own proper use the rents issues and profits of all those my four messuages brugages or dwellings houses outhouses and gardens with the appurtenances situate and within the parish of All Saints in Dorchester aforesaid whereof one of the said Messuages now in my actual possession one other of them is in the tenure of John DOWLE one other of them in the tenure of Jane SAUNDERS Widow commonly called the 'Chequer Inn' and the other inhabited now last in the tenure John ABBOTT commonly called 'The Old Goale' which said several messuages and premises late were the homes of William HAYWARD of Dorchester aforesaid Cutler and by me purchased of John OLIVER of the City of Bristol Ironmonger and from and after my decease of Mary my said wife I give and devise unto my Nephew Robert HUNT son of the said Thomas HUNT his heirs and assigns forever all that my said Messuage Burgage or Dwelling House and garden with the appurtenances now in the house of the said Jane SAUNDERS.

Item: from and after the decease of my said wife I give and devise the said Messauge Burgage or Dwellinghouse and garden now in my possession also the Messuage Burgage or dwelling house and garden now in the tenure of the said John DOWLE together with the other Messauge Burgage or Dwellinghouse late in the tenure of the said John ABBOTT with all and singular the appurtenances unto the said respective Messauges and premises belonging unto my neice Grace HUNT Spinster daughter of the said Thomas HUNT to hold to her the said Grace HUNT her heirs and assigns forever provided nevertheless and my Will is hereby further declared that if the said Robert HUNT or Grace HUNT or either of them shall happen to die leaving no issue of his or her body lawfully begotten then and in such case I do hereby give and devise the fee simple of the premises hereby given unto him and her severally to the survivor of them the said Robert and Grace HUNT to hold to such survivor of them his or her heirs and assigns forever anything herebefore contained to the contrary notwithstanding

Item: I give unto my nephew John EAMES (Son of Mark EAMES) all that my Leasehold dwellinghouse and garden with the appurtenances situate Mill Street within the parish of Fordington in the said County of Dorset now in the land of Churchill ROSE Gentand in the tenure of John DIFFEY and others to hold to him the said John EAMES his executors and assigns immediately from and after my decease for the remainder of my estate and term therein then to come and unexpired

Item: I give unto Mary my said wife the full and whole profit benefit use and advantage of all the monies returns and other effects that shall arise and accrue out of the trade of late making which she now useth or shall exercise at the time of my decease

Item: All my claim title and interest to the Testamentary estate of Gilesa BULLOCK late of London Woollen Draper deceased in right of Deborah my late deceased wife together with all other my real and personal estate whatsover I herebu give unto Mary my said wife and the said Grace HUNT whom I hereby constitute and make joint executors of this my said last will and Testament In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the thirteenth day of October in the eleventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Anne over Great Britain etc Anno Domini 1712 [Signed Sebastian HUNT]

Signed sealed published and declared to be the last Will and Testament of the said Sebastain HUNT [in the] presence of us who subscribed in his presence Edward GRACE the mark of John WILCOX, Morgan HARBIN

 DHC: Ad/Dt/W/1724E/Rec: No. 9.

Will of William JACOB, the elder Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- William JACOB married Elizabeth MARTIN late of Bere Regis in Charminster Dorset on 16th Oct 1683. He was buried St Peters Church Dorchester 10 Feb 1724/5]

Bequests: To my truley well beloved Friends Baruth NOWELL of Dorchester Clerk and Edward VINCENT the younger of the same place Victualler their heirs and assigns forever All That my Messuage Burgage or Tenement with the appurtenances situate within the parish of Holy Trinity in the Borough of Dorchester aforesaid on the North side of High west Street there which messuage and premises I heretofore purchased of Elianor PERKINS Widow and from John PERKINS her son, both In Trust for Elizabeth my now wife for her life then after her decease the son John JACOB ; for life subject to yearly payment out of the rents etc of 40 shillings to my son William JACOB; and to pay unto my daughter Elizabeth now the wife of Thomas EAMES of like sum of 40 shillings for her own separate use etc;

Item: To son John Jacob £300 part of a £600 bond within 1 year;

Item: To son Wm and Son in Law Thomas EAMES £150 each within 1 year after his decease:

Item: To my grandson William Jacob and grand daughter Elizabeth, children of my son Wm £50 each at age of 21 (to be paid to the father within 1 year) , if one dies before 21 share goes to the other ;

Item: To grandsons Thomas EAMES and Jonathan EAMES £50 each at age of 21 (to be paid to the father within 1 year) , if one dies before 21 share goes to the other ;

Dated 19th day of June 1723;

[Note:- Thomas EAMES of Fordington married Elizabeth JACOB at St Peters Church dorchester on 28th Jan 1718/9. Link to transcription of her husbands Will ALSO Baruth Nowell was Minister of the Protestant Dissenters Church in Pease Lane].

PROB 11/615

Will:- Whereas indebted to my Daughter Sarah CHANNING in the sum £60 given her by the Will of William CHANNING my late husband the said sum of £60 to be paid to her: To my daughter Jane CHANNING £60; to my daughter Elizabeth the wife of James WOODSFORD £50; To grandaughter Jane WOODSFORD £10; To grandaughter Mary BROOKS the sum of £20; Grandson Thomas CHANNING to be placed out as apprentice for which £10; To grandaughter Hannah CHANNING £10 to be paid aged 21; To grandchildren Gundry Elizabeth William Gundry Joseph Gundry and Rebecca Gundry the children of my daughter Rebecca Gundry £10 each at respective agfes of 21 years; REST of his estate to my 2 daughters Sarah CHANNING and Jane CHANNING both executrixes. WHEREAS I have given to my grandchildren William Gundry Joseph Gundry Elizabeth Gundry and Reebcca Gundry the sum of £10 each I now revoke these legacies. I give to my grandaughter Mary BROOKS the sum of 8 pounds more than the twenty pounds mentioned . To som William CHANNING and Ann Channing his wife the sum of £10 each. to buy them mourning Codicil dated 4th Jan 1728 PROBATE Will and codicil proved 12th Feb 12 Feb 1729/30

Know all men by these presents that Ebet Bartlett of Dorchester in the County of Dorset widow , John Bartlett of the same place Maltster & s Samuel WINZAR of the same place Blacksmith. are firmly bound unto Reverend Dr Robert COOPER --etc etc dated 9th day of October 1731

The condition of this obligation is that if the above bound Ebet BARTLETT Relict & Widow and also Administratrix of all and singular the goods chattles ans credits of George BARTLETT late of Dorchester aforesaid Shoemaker deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods--- etc etc --- Signed with the mark of Ebet Bartlett and John BARTLETT in the presence of Elizabeth BARTLETT and Robert LODER by the oat of Ebet Bartlett taken before me

[Note:- George BARTLETT married Ebett HUMAGE at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 26th Oct 1717. The John BARTLETT Maltster of Dorchester who was also bound with her was buried at All Saints Church Dorchester on 7th Jan 1753 and left a Will dated 10th Aug 1752 which was proved 18th Jan 1755]

Administration with Will annexed for Jacob HITCHCOCK of Dorchester Cordwainer

[Note:- DHC records as of Dorchester but buried as 'Jacob HITCHCOCK Churchwarden' at Fordington St Georges Church 1st March 1732. Also in 1732 Fordington Church Vestry Accounts for 1732 and not later but see Will dated 1734?]

D/DOR/T17

Bristol Consistitory Court Ref Bc/Rerur/H Event Record 144

Letter of Administration for the estate of Richard BRICKLE, late of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Richard BRICKLE was buried at Shaftsbury Dorset on 26th May 1732]

Granted to Anne BRICKLE the relict and administrator of the deceased also bound is Thomas JAMES of Shaston Gent & Thomas SHERRINGTON of Dorchester

[Note:- Husband of Anne Brickle nee Sherrington whom he married at Tolpuddle Dorset on 19th April 1730]

Will Elizabeth. JACOB Widow of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Buried at St Peters Church 6 Apr 1733]

Dated 27 Aug 1729

Proved 18 May 1733

The Last Will and Testament of me Elizabeth JACOB of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Widow being aged and infirm in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory (thanks be given to God Almighty)

Impremis my will and meaning is hereby declared to be that from and after my decease my son John JACOB shall have the free use and disposition of the sum of £100 of my monies during the term of his natural life which sum from and after his decease I give the same unto his 4 sons John, Thomas, William and Samuel JACOB or the then survivors of them or the survivor share and share alike.

Item I give unto my said son John JACOB the bed I now lie on with all the furniture and appurtenances thereunto belonging

Item all other my Goods Chattels and personal estate whatsoever I give and bequeath the same unto my other son William JACOB and daughter Amey whom I hereby make and appoint joint executors and residuary legatees of this my said last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills and testaments by me made In Testimoney whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 27th day of August in the year 1729. The mark of Elizabeth JACOB

Witnesses Malachi Blake; Joan Lack; Mary Ann Harbin: ----May 18th 1733 Elizabeth AMEY one of the executors below named was sworn before me John BROKE Surrogate ---- 18th day of May 1733 This will was proved at Bladford Forum in the County of Dorset and Diocess of Bristol by William JACOB and Elizabeth AMEY the executors therein named To whom administration of All and Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of Elizabeth JACOB deceased was granted by Barie Reynold Doctor in Divinity Vicar general and principal official of the revd father Charles Lord Bishop of Bristol

Beneficiaries: daughter Edeth Gape £190; of which £100 within 3 months and & remainder in 15 months; To daughter Betty Gape bond obligation from John BURGE of Frome Zelwood Somerset Clothier and John HARRIS a dyer of the same place in sum of £200 to secure payment of £100 plus interest ; To wife Mary GAPE during her widowhood and as long as she remain unmarried as maintenace and support of my 3 children my dwelling house in Dorchester and after her death I bequeath the goods equally between my 3 children Betty Gape, Thomas Gape and John Gape. And after her death I give one 4th part of my dwelling house consisting of one celler now in the occupation of Elizabeth BUNN and one shop in possession Henry EVOMY, two chambers and three garrets over the said shop and celler unto my son John GAPE and default of issue to daughter Betty; I give the remainder of my house to my son Thomas Gape vizt one parlour, one kitchen, one celler, two ships, four chambers and one garret on condition that he suufer his sister Edith Gape to have use of the red room; in default of issue to accrue to Edith; To my sons Thomas and John Gape after death of my wife Mary Gape my pump and garden belonging to the dwelling and the brewhouse with its utencils; Rest and residue in Trust to friends Thomas TAPP cooper of Dorchester and Andrew WAKE of Dorchester brewer. Witnesses John Wells; John Lilly and H Carter

DHC: Ad/Dt/W/1737 E/Rec No.: 25.

Will of Baruch NOWELL, Clerk of Dorchester, Dorset

[Note:- Buried St Peters Church Dorchester 10th Sep 1739]

PROB 11/698/289

[Note:- Image of his Will at PCC available on ancestry.com image 233 of 299 - PROB 11: Will Registers 1737-1743]

Will: Beneficiaries: Various only following in Dorchester: Mr Peter Templeman of Dorchester £30; Mr William CHANNING of Dorchester £20; £10 to the poor of Dorchseter

[Note:- Rev Baruch NOWELL (d 1739) Minister of the Potestant Dissenters Chapel in Pease Lane Dorchester for 50 years from 1689 to his death from smallpox in 1739. Record of a marriage at Bishop Hull Somerset between Baruch Nowell of Fordington in Dorset & Joan Marshall of Wilton in Somerset 14th May 1696. Trustee under the Will of William JACOB the elder of Dorchester dated 19th June 1723 proved 21 Sep 1725. Also deed held by Surrey Archelogical Society Ref G16/20 dated 22 Apr 1727 Between Baruch Nowell of Dorchester and Gregory Syndercombe of Askerwell and Robert Henley of Glanville Wootton Dorset. ; Beneficiary under the will of Mary Mitchell of D dated 10th Aug 1733 proved 9th Feb 1733/4.]

Sources:- Note:- Listed in the Charles Surman Card Index of Dissenting Ministers:

Dated 21 Jan 1731

Proved 17 Feb 1741

Will: £q0 to parents to buy mourning : To brother Robert ALDER and to his two sons Jeremiah ALDER and Henry ALDER £10 each to buy mourning: To sister Thomasin Alder £10 and to my neice Elizabeth ALDER £10 to buy mourning. To Mr William TEMPLEMAN of Dorchester and Elizabeth his wife and unto each of his four children and also unto Mrs. Susan TEMPLEMAN unto each of them one guinea to by them a mourning ring: Rest to to my wife also make executrix.

14th Feb 1740 Appeared Robert WILLIS of Dorchester Gent attested to his handwriting in the Will: Administration granted to his widow Elizabeth ALDER 17 Feb 1741

Will of John DAMER alias BLANDIMORE of Dorchester a Taylor

[Note:- Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 27th Nov 1724]

Dated 22 Nov 1724

Proved 28 Mar 1741?

Will: First: Concerning all that tenement with the appurtenances wherein I now Dwell situate in the High South Street within the parish of St Peters in the Borough of Dorchester aforesaid which I hold by virtue of a lease bearing date t21 October 1691 granted by Thomas ROSE late of Dorchester aforesaid Gent and Elizabeth his then wife both deceased to me the said John Damer alias Blandamer my executors administrators and assigns for the term of 99 years from the daye of the said lease in case I the said John DAMET etc , Hugh Gillam and William Gillamsons of Hugh Gillam of Benuile in the county aforesaid Taylor or either of them shsould so long live under several rents reversion covenants and agreements therein conveyed - I give devise & bequeath the same to my loving wife Elizabeth DAMER for and during so long time of the said term as shall accrue and run out in her lifetime and after her decease to my son Robert DAMER for and during so long time of the said terms as shall acrue and run out during his lifetime Upon this consideration and terms that he the said Robert DAMNERshall pay unto his two sisters Elizabeth DAMER and Margaret DAMER the sum of £8 each in one year after he enjoy it if he the said Robert DAMER shall refuse to comply and agree with my will than I give the house to my Dear daughter Elizabeth DAMER upon this condition and consideration that she the said Elizabeth DAMER shall pay the aforementioned sums of £8 to her brother Robert DAMER and Margaret DAMER her sister £8 as above said -- if Robert Die to my elder daughter Elizabeth -- if she die to Margaret.

I give to my well beloved wife Elizabeth DAMER all my money and moveable goods in my house to her during her natural life and to her disposing as she shall think fit by her freely possed and enjoyed during her natural life - also appointed sole executrix -- dated 22nd Nov 1727 (or 1729?) Witnessed John Carrington; William Rutherford: William Grant?

Will of William WILLIAMS, Woollen Draper of Dorchester , Dorset [Note:- Buried at St Peters Church Dorchester 18 Jan 1742/3]

Will of Robert ALDER of Dorchester Bailiff dated 4th November 1745

[Note:- Robert ALDER was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 18th April 1746 -- See Letter of Administration granted to daughter Avis LAKE dated 1st June 1746]

[Note:- His daughter Avis ALDER married Henry LAKE at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 24th Feb 1717/18]

[Note:- His daughter Susannah ALDER remained a spinster. She wrote her Will on 11th Apr 1745 and it was proved on 7th July 1746]

Dated 04 Nov 1745

Admin 01 Nov 1746

Will: This is the Last Will and Testament of me Robert ALDER of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Bailiff made and published this fourth day of November in the year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Five.

Firset I give unto Robert WILLIS and Mr Robert SMITH both of Dorchester aforesaid Gentlemen my house on Glipath Hill called Drewers House with the Appertenances during the estate and interest I have therein In TRUST that they or the survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivor do pay such clear rents Issues and Profits thereof which they or either of them shall from time to time receive unto my daughter Susanna ALDER for so long time as she shall live unmarried [And] after the death or marriage -----[rest of line damaged and missing] ----- pay such clear rents Issues and Profits unto and amongst such children of my daughter Avis as shall be then and from time to time living share and share alike and to the survivor of them and after the decease of the survivor of them then to the executors and administrators of such survivor

Also it is my Will that in case my said daughter Avis LAKE shall survive her husband Henry LAKE that my said trustees do permit and suffer my said daughter Avis to live in the back part of the said dwelling house during her life and to allot her such part of the garden and other conveiniences as they or the survibvor of them or the executors or administrators shall think proper Also all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate whatsoever I give unto my daughter Susanna whom I make sole executrix of this my Will but my Will and meaning is that my said daughter susanna is only to have the use of my silver tankard Silver Pottinger four silver spoons and my Gold Ring during her life and after her decease I give the Silver Tankard to my Grandson Robert Wentworth LAKE, the Silver Pottinger and one silver spoon unto my grandaughter Susannah LAKE The Gold Ring unto my grandaughter Betty LAKE and unto my grandsons Henry LAKE and Richard LAKE a silver spoon each. Witness my hand and seal :

Signed Robert ALDER

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator for and as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us -- Tamey ALDER; [Damaged missing] RAMSEY

Letter of Administration granted for the estate of Robert ALDER, Bailiff of Dorchester [See his will above dated 4th Nov 1745] to Avis LAKE his lawful daughter

[Note:- His daughter Avis ALDER married Henry LAKE at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 24th Feb 1717/18]

Bound Henry LAKE of Dorchester Joiner Thomas KAINES [CAYNES] of the same place gunsmith and David HAYDON of the same place Victualler. Witnesses Joseph GAYLARD and Wm NEPPRED Junior

Note:- Robert ALDER was buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester on 18 Apr 1746

Will of Susanna ALDER of Dorchester Spinster

Susanna ALDER was buried at Holy Trinity church Dorchester on 14 Jan 1745/6 - [Note:- Robert Wentworth was the son of Henry Lake baptised at St Peters Church Dorchester on 1st Sep 1723]

Dated 24th Dec 1745

Proved 7th Jul 1746 in Diocess of bristol

The Last Will and Testament of me Susanna ALDER of Dorchester in the county of Dorset Spinster made and published this trwenty fourth day of December in the year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven Hunderd and Forty Five :
First I give unto Robert WILLIS and Robert SMITH of Dorchester aforesaid Gentlemen - All such sum and sums of money as I shall die possessed of or which shall be due unto me on any security or securities or otherwise howsoever at the time of my death "IN TRUST" that they the said Robert WILLIS and Robert SMITH and the survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor do pay thereout within twelve months after my decease unto my Nephew Robert Wentworth LAKE the sum of sixty pounds and do also pay thereout unto his sister and two brothers Elizabeth, Henry and Richard LAKE Thirty Pounds each at their respective ages of twenty one yearswith such interest as my said trustees or either of them shall receive for the several and respective sums by placing the same or any part thereof out at interest on the best security or securities which can be got for the same -- AND in case any or either of them the said Elizabeth Lake, Henry Lake and Richard Lake shall die before the attainment of such age, then it is my will that the sum or sums herein before directed to be paid to him her or them so dying shall be paid unto the survivor and survivors of them as also unto my said Nephew Robert Wentworth LAKE and Susanna -----(damaged section missing) ----- alike - AND also that my said Trustees do pay the residue and remainder of all such sum and sums of money (after deducting thereout my debts, funeral expenses, and all such cost charges and expenses which they or either of them shall be put unto or sustain in or about the execution of this Trust) unto my said neices Susanna LAKE when she shall attain to the age of twenty one years with such interest as shall arise from the same, but in case the said Susanna LAKE shall not live to the said age of twenty one years then it is my will that the money to which she would be hereby entitled to shall be equally divided and paid unto such of them the said Robert Wentworth Lake Elizabeth Lake Henry Lake and Richard Lake as shall be living at the times and in manner as the sums hereinbefore directed to be paid them are respectively made payable AND Whereas I have advanced the sum of Eight pounds unto John FRAMPTON of Dorchester aforesaid Gentleman on a bargain and sale of some plate It is therefore my Will that in case the said John FRAMPTON shall not redeem such plate within 12 months next after my decease that the said trustees do sell and dispose of the same and do apply the money arising by such sale towards the discharge of the several and respective sums above mentioned, but in case more money shall arise by such sale then shall appear to be due for Principal and money with it's lawfull interest as also the charges attending such sale it is my Will that the Overplus shall be paid unto the said John FRAMPTON his executors or Administrators ALSO I give unto my said neice Susanna LAKE all my wearing apparel of all kinds whatsoever as also all my plate vitz a pair of salts, a little tankard, a set of casters, one dozen of large spoons, one dozen of tea spoons, p[unch ladle and Cream Cup, and also all my books and china wareALSO I give unto my father all such beer and ale as shall be left at the time of my decease as also all such household goods which were purchased by me ALSO it is my will that my said Triustees shall not be answerable for any bad or insufficient security or securities by them or either of them taken in the placing out at Interest the money to them hereby given for the purposes before mentioned or any part thereof, neither shall either of them be answerable for the act or deed of the other but each for his own separate act and deed AND LASTLY I Do hereby make and appoint the said Robert WILLIS and Robert SMITH executors of this my Will In Trust to perform as aforesaid Witness my hand and seal. The Mark of Susanna ALDER : Witnesses Tamsey ALDER: William NEPPRED Junior

Beneficiaries: Mother Sarah HIDE, brother Samuel HIDE also Sarah LOCK (left £10) and Eabey BARTLET (left 5 shillings) my servant Chaterne [Catherine] POEEL; James MOULLAM; Robert MILLER ; Executrix Ann HIDE my sister [In 1738 now 1747 Ann wife of William PARSONS; witnesses Thomas POOK and Philip ELIOTT

[Note:- Eabey BARTLET is almost cartainly the Ebett HUMAGE who married George BARTLETT at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 26th Oct 1717. ]

Will of George DAMER Esquire of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 07 Aug 1754]

Dated 4th Mar 1752

04 April 1752

Will of William LEIGH, Doctor in Divinity of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- Rev William LEIGH BD DD (1678-1752) Rector of Dorchester Holy Trinity 1707-1752, and of Lytchett Matravers in Dorset, Buried Holy Trinity 4 Jan 1752. See link for a short account of his life]

In the name of God Amen I William LEIGH of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Doctor in Divinity do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following.

First I give and devise unto Robert HENLEY Esquire and the Reverend Timothy COLLINS Clerk their executors , adminisrators and assigns all my terms estates interest and property of and in all my half part of the Capital Messuage and Lands in Piddletrenthide in the siad County together with the impropriate tythes and all other the appurtenances thereto belonging which premises I hold in common with my Nephew John JENNINGS Esquire by leases from the College of Winchester and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever (except what is hereinafter specifically given) In TRUST that my wife Mrs Elizabeth LEIGH and her assigns shall from and after my decease every year duringher life receive and take an annuity or yearly rent charge of two hundred pounds clear of all deductions to be issuing and payable out of and from my said half part of the said Capital Messuage Lands Tythes and Premises in Piddletrenthide aforesaid by four equal quarterly payments at Lady Day, Midsummer, Michaelmas and Christmas Days each year the first payment thereof to be made on the first of such days as shall happen next after my deceasewith power of distress on nonpayment thereof asaforesaid as in cases of distress for Rent AND after payment of the said Annuity or yearly rent charge as aforesaid and subject thereunto :-

In further TRUST that all the remainder of my said Leasehold premises in Piddletrenthide aforesaid and all other my personal estate and effectsexcept as aforesaid ) shall stand charged with the payment of all such sumsand to such persons and places and by such shares at such times and in suchmanner as I now have by schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed directed and appointed or as I shall hereafter by any other schedule so to be annexed and subscribed or by alteration of or addition to this present scedule direct and appoint as and for Legacys and Charitus which schedules shall be taken as part of this my Will and as fully observed as if herein contained AND

in further TRUST that after all my Legacys Charitys funeral expenses and debts are fully paid and discharged and after all the direcctions in this my Will are duly observed The Then Remainder of my said Leasehold premises in Piddletrenthide aforesaid and of all other my personal estate and effects (except as aforesaid) so vested in my said Trustees shall be assigned over by them and the survivor of themhis executors and administrators unto my two Nehews Barnabas EVELIGH LEIGH and John LEIGH Esquires their executors administrators and assigns share and share alike provided nevertheless that for the better securing the payment of such annuity legacys and charitys as aforesaid my said Trustees //

Will of John BARTLETT maltster of Dorchester together with a Letter of Administration granted to Lucy Bartlett his widow

[Note:- John BARTLETT (bur.1753) married Lucy BENNETT at Wyke Regis on 17th Nov 1709. Follow link for more information.]

[Note:- buried at All Saints church Dorchester on 7th January 1753]

Will of Edward COZENS, Clerk of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- The Rev Edward Cozens was buried at St Peters Church on 10th December 1753. - See also will of his daughter Mary dated 17 Oct 1768 proved 3rd May 1769 - also son John LA dated 14th Nov 1769 and widow Ursula dated 28th Nov 1769 proved 24 Mar 1775]

Rev Edward Cozens MA (1690-1753) Master of the Free School in Dorchester 1736-1748 follow link for more information about him and his family of six children.

WILL: Wife named as Ursula Cozens - Bequests Friend William RODBARD of Norton Somerset Esq; Rev Mr Richard BLACKMORE and the Revd Mr John LEETH £900 in trust for his 3 daughters Ursula, Mary and Elizabeth - Ursula £200 at 6 months after his death + £100 six months after the death of his wife; £200 each to Mary & Elizabeth at 21 or sooner with agreement of executors and wife + £100 each six months after the death of his wife. Also to daughter Ursula house and garden in south street in St Peters Dorchester; son John £5 as he cost a lot for his apprenticeship and living in London + moiety etc situate in Hazelbury Bryan; Son Edward Cozens £200; Son Richard 1 guinea as already provided for him; rest to wife Ursula who appointed executrix. Witnesses Ruth Harbin; William Enson and Nathaniel Stickland

Dated 28 Mar 1748

Codicil dated 14 Jan 1754

Proved 02 Mar 1754: [ On the 2nd day of March 1754 Samuel Meader the Younger the Executor named in the within Last Will and Testament of Jane GUEST deceased came before me and made oath that the last will and testament and the codicil hereunto annexed are as he verily believes the last will and testament and codicil of the said Jane Guest and that Samuel Meader the deceased brother died in the life time of the deceased, and that he the said Executor will well and truly perform the said will and codicil as the law directs John Hubbock Surrogate

This is the Last Will & Testament of me John HUNT of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Taylor made and published this 5th day of November in the year of Our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Five . I give unto my now children Gabriel HUNT; Mary HARRIS; and Anna HUNT 1 shilling each [usually indicates that they were provided for previously probably on marriage etc] All the rest and residue of my personal estate of what nature or kind soever I give and bequeath unto Frances my wife whom I make executrix. of this my will Witness my hand & seal the day and year first above written The mark of John HUNT. Witnesses ? Rake, Nicholas & Edith Stickland

On the Twenty Eight day of April in the year of our Lord 1756 This Will of John HUNT was proved by the oath of Frances HUNT the widow and sole executrix above mentioned to whom administration of all and singular the goods chattels 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 Court of the Archdeacon of Dorset and pass a just account thereon when thereto lawfully required. Sword before me John HUBBOCK Surrogate

Will of John JACOB the Elder of Dorchester Mercer

[Note:- John JACOB Senior was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 16 Dec 1759]

This is the Last Will and Testament of me John JACOB the elder of Dorchester in the County of Dorset, Mercer.

First I give to my son John and Rebecca his wife one guinea each, and

I give to my son Samuel and his wife Mary one guinea each, and

I give and devise to my Wife Sarah my Lands Tenements Goods Chattels Estates and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever TO HAVE and to enjoy the same and every part thereof to her and her assigns for the term of her life she remaining in my name. AND from after her decease or other determination of that estate I give and devise all my said Lands tenements Goods Chattels Estates and Effects to my son Samuel and the heirs of his body and in default of such Issue to my son John and his heirs for ever

And I direct that a true and exect inventory and account of all I shall die possessed of shall be taken in a seasonable time after my death and respectively delivered over to my said two sons that as they respectively come into possession thereof They may respectively assertained of their property thereinand of this my last will and testament Revoking all former I constitute and appoint my said wife Sarah sole executrix

In Witness wehere I have of herto set my hand and seal the third day of August in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty two.

Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator in the presence of us (who at his request & in his presence & the presence of each other have subscribed our names hereto Witnesses R Lumley Kingston; Edward Stephens; Thomas Channing

The within written Will of John JACOB the Elder deceased was proved by the oath of Sarah JACOB Widow the relict of the said deceased and sole executrix within named to whom administration of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased was granted She being first sworn upon the Holy Evangelists faithfully to administer the same according to Law : Also to make a true and perfect Inventory thereof and to exhibit the same into the Registry of the court of the Bushop of Bristol al the time assigned her by the bsaid Court and to render a just and true account thereon when thereunto lawhully required Sworn this 3rd day of September 1760 before me John HUBBOCK Surragate

Dated 1st Nov 1760

Buried All Saints 6 Jan 1761 as Samuel WINZOR

Proved 7th Jan 1761

Arch Court Dorset Wills & Admons Part 2:

Diocese of Bristol Ref 24/1761

Will bequests to Cousins:- John NELSON of Fordington; Patience NELSON his sister; John WELLS; James BUNN gentleman; James HUNT; Also Richard STEVENS son of his Cousin Grace STEVENS Widow also benificiary; Tools of his trade as a brazier, cklockmaker and watchmaker to his apprentice James WOOD; Residue to his servant Mary LESTER in consideration of her long and faithful service. Witnessed by Samuel Bedloe and Sarah Gundry:

The Will of Arthur MITCHELL was proved by the oath of James WOOD the late husband and administrator of Mary LESTER deceased the sole executrix named within the Will. James WOOD recorded as a clockmaker married by Licence to Mary LESTER both of St Peters parish Dorchester on the 18 Mar 1762 so clearly marriage prompted by the death of Arthur. Mary WOOD was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 24th May 1762 so Administration of his estate had to be carried out by James.

Ad/Dt/A/1762; Event Record No: 11.

Granted to Jane NOTLEY widow and relict of deceased also bound with her was Robert WILLIS of Dorchester Gentleman witnessed John Hubbock [Note Jasper and Jane Notley had the following known children (1) Joseph baptised at St Georges Church Fordington on 1st Jan 1739/40 (2) Sarah Fordington on 20th July 1741 no trace of a burial? (3) Sarah bap St Peters 10 Mar 1743/4 (4) Elizabeth bap St peters 2nd June 1745 (5) Julian bap St Peters 12th July 1752 (6) John bap Holy Trinity 17 Oct 1755 (7) Henry Hookey bap 31 Mar 1758 -- Jane Notley a widow was buried at Fordington on 6th Feb 1793]

Note:- This Will was made in the '19th year of the reign of Lord George the second' which is 1745 not 1765 as recorded by ancestry.com . Will : To be buried in the most private manner possible. To his son Andrew WAKE all those lands late bought of John TUCKER Esq now lying at Weymouth. My land now lying on Bull Stake in Dorchester and goods chattles etc to Ann my loving wife& to Andrew my sonequally between them. Both appointed executrix and executor of his will. Witnessed Henry TAYLOR, Roger BUSTON & Edward MAYO [Note:- Andrew LAKE was a witness to the will of Lucia IRONSIDE, Widow of Dorchester on 11th Feb 1735]. It is not known why the will was not proved by his widow Ann until 8th June 1767 although it may have been because they needed to sell the property.]

Letter of Administration for Adam SMITH, of Dorchester

[Note:- Adam SMITH that married Anne PRIDE at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 27th Aug 1741]

Will of Mary WINSOR Widow of Philip WINSOR of Wareham

[Note:- Mary WINSOR Widow was buried at Wareham on 9th Dec 1766]

WILL: This is the Last Will and Testament of me Mary WINSOR Widow of Philip WINSOR of Wareham made this Twentieth day of August one thousand Seven hundred Sixty Six and is as followeth.
Firste I give to my two sisters Joan COWARD & Elizabeth GRAY to each of them the sum of five pounds All which sums or Legacys are to be paid to them within six months after my decease by my executor hereafter nominated and as to my wearing apparel mt Will is that it may be equally divided between my two sisters Joan COWARD and Elizabeth GRAY and their two daughters Betty DEAN and Martha HARRIS, and
Lastly I do make constitute and appoint my neice Martha HARRIS my whole and sole Executrix to this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year first written above. Mary WINZOR
Signed Sealed & Delivered in the presence of us who at her request were witnesses to their above said Will -- Rob CRIBB and John WINZAR

Dated 17 Oct 1768
Proved 03 May 1769

Will of John COLSON of Dorchester, Clerk

[Note:- Rev. John COLSON MA (1701-1769) was buried at St Peters Church Dorchester on 11th Nov 1769 Link to more information about this family]

Dated 27 Oct 1769

Proved 13 Dec 1769

DHC Bc/W/C/125 + Copy D/SEN/3/5/3

Bristol consistitory Court BU-CO Wills and administration records

Will of John MARTIN: Property in St Peters Parish Dorchester known as 'Wheat Sheaf' now in his possession theretofore belonging to the executors and administrators for the estate of Robert YOUNG deceased for £120 mortgage left to wife Sarah MARTIN who is also made executrix of his will - after her death left to eldest son John MARTIN; names six younger children (to witt) Sarah MARTIN ; Ann the wife of Samuel DREW; William MARTIN; Edward MARTIN; Charles MARTIN and James MARTIN. Witnessed by Arthur MITCHELL; John CLAREY; Nicholas STICKLAND

NOTE:- The Martin Family [Originally Martyn also Martaine and Marten] have been in Dorchester since prior to 1420 and there always seems to have been a string of John Martin's since that date: A John Martyn for example was Bailiff of Dorchester many times 1420-1444; A John Martyn wrote his will 17 Sep 1500 see charter 551 refering to his wife Joan etc etc. The vast majority are living in Holy Trinity Parish (often between the New Inn on the east and Holy Trinity Church on the west). Given the terms of this Will it should be easy to identify his children. Sure enough the following 12 children are recorded in regular intervals on HT registers (1) John (the younger or junior) bap 14 Feb 1728; Both he and his father were admitted to the Company of Freemen as barbers on 14th April 1751. (2) Sarah bap 23 Sep 1730 (3) Ann bap 22 May 1732 (4) Elizabeth bap 23 Jan 1733/4 who seems to have died probably on 13th Nov 1739 or 6th Nov 1743 (5) Mary bap 7th Apr 1736 buried 21 Jan 1739/40 (6) William bap 11 Jan 1737/8 (7) Edith bap 29 Aug 1739 bur 5th June 1741 (8) Edward bap 30th Dec 1741 (9) Robert bap 17 May 1744 bur 30 Mar 1753 (10) Thomas bap 22 May 1746 bur 26 Apr 1747 (11) Charles bap 2nd Jun 1748 (12) James bap 03 Jan 1752. If you exclude all those that died you are left with the children listed in his will.

The big problem is that baptisms of his children 1 to 6 only record the fathers name. Baptisms 7 to 10 show his wife to be named Elizabeth and baptisms 11 & 12 to be Sarah. On the face of it this suggests that he married twice circa 1727 to an Elizabeth and circa 1747 to Sarah unless we have one person Elizabeth Sarah MARTIN which seems unlikely as full names tend to be recorded at death. I have not so far located either marriage or that of their daughter Ann. We then get a series of anomolies that would need resolution before being sure we have the right children allocated to him. First John Martin's will is not proved for 12 years? Second the closest that I can locate a death of an Elizabeth is 27th Oct 1748 which is after his 11th child is recorded against Sarah. Sarah herself died intestate being buried at HT 15th jan 1784. A Letter of Administration is granted to her sons Edward and Charles on 19th jan 1784. Charles is also a perukmaker (living in St Peters parish) who was buried HT 17th Jan 1791 leaving a will dated 13th Jan 1791 which mentions his brother Edward.

L/A dated 9 Dec 1774

Oath L/Admin 28 Jan 1775

John Walker Clerk Master of Arts Archdeacon of the archdeaconry of dorset lawfully constituted to john Wood Junior, John Pyke and William Taylor Clerks in the County of Dorset Greetings We hereby empower and give commission to ypu jointly and severally to Administer the oath under written to john JACOB the lawful husband of Rebecca JACOB late of Dorchester in the Archdeaconry aforesaid intestate deceased - also to take and see the BOND hereto annexed duly executed by the said John JACOB and his sureties requesting you one either of you duly to return these presents to us or to our lawful surrogate or some other competent judge in this behalf with a Certificate under the hand of either of you who shall duly execute this our commission testyfying that you either of you shall do in the premises on or before the last day of March next ensuing the date hereof otherwise these presents to be void and of none effect Given at Blandford Forum under our seal of office the nointh day of December 1774. Thomas HERBERT REGISTER

The form of the oath to the administrator laying his hand on the bible or new testament --Your oath is that Rebecca JACOB made no will as far as you know or believe and that you will truely administer her goods chattles and credits paying her debts as far as the same will thereunto extend and the Law charge you and that you will make a true and perfect inventory of all her goods chattles and credits and exhibit the same into the Registry of the Court of the Archdeaconry of Dorset at the time assigned you by the said Court and render a just accountof your administration therein when lawfully required So help you God.

This commission with the Bond annexed was duly executed and the above named John JACOB duly sworn according to the tenor and form thereof This 28th day of January 1775 -- Before me John WOOD Commissioner

Will of Samuel SLADE, Gentleman of Dorchester , Dorset

See Burial Register All Saints Dorchester Buried 19 Apr 1776

[Note:- Link to marriage of Samuel SLADE (d.1776) to Edith TUCKER at All Saints Church Dorchester on 4th May 1763]

Will of Edward CHAFFEY currier of Dorchester

On the back of the Will it states :-: Forthington
"The Will of Edward CHAFFEY deceased"
This Will was proved at Dorchester on the 5th Day of April 1779 Before the Reverend Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN, then a lawful Surroagte of the Worshipful the Official of the Dean of Sarum & by him Administration of the Goods & Chattles of the deceased was granted to James CHAFFEY lawful Brother of the deceased & solo Executor within named being first sworn of the trueth of the said Will to perform the same & pay the Debts & Legacies of the deceased And to make a true Inventory and a just account when required Save the Rights of all Persons - Signed William BOUCHER Registrar

Side line note: " Edward CHAFFEY WILL 1778 Dyed 4th Nov "

[Note:- Edward CHAFFEY Currier was buried at St Georges Church Fordington November 28 1778]

[Note:- Edward CHAFFEY Junior (c.1714-1778) shown above was the son of Edward CHAFFEY Senior (bur.1727/8) the Keeper of the County Gaol in Dorchester ( Follow link for more information about his parents and sibling) .

dated 16 Sep 1778

dyed 4th Nov 1778

buried 28th Nov 1778

proved 5th Apr 1779

Probate records of the Court of the Dean of Salisbury

P5/1779/3

Note:- See earlier LA's issued initially to Mary HUNT 30th Jan 1775 and then William VINCENT and John GARLAND 18th June 1779 during Elizabeth BROOKS minority: This LA grants her administration of her own part of Joan GOULD's estate

Start: Know all men by these presents that we Henry STEPHENSON of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Watchmaker, James LILL of the same place Breeches maker, and Joseph PEARSE of Dorchester aforesaid Perukemaker are held and firmly bound unto John TURNER Clerk M.A. etc etc

Condition: of this obligation is such that if Elizabeth wife of the above bound Henry STEPHENSON the lawful grandaughter and administratrix of all and singular the goods chattles and credits of John GOULD late of Dorchester aforesaid Widow intestate deceased do etc etc

Will of James CHAFFEY, Gentleman of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- James CHAFFEY was buried at All Saints Church Dorchester on 14th Aug 1782]

Dated 16 Jul 1782

Proved 10 Oct 1782

DHC Ad/Dt/W/1782 Event Record 20

9th April 1782 Sworn faithfully to administer before me Nathaniel TEMPLEMAN Surrogate

Dated 5th Jan 1783

Proved 16 April 1783

Will of John PITMAN, Gentleman of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- John PITMAN (1704-1782) Was the youngest child of Thomas and Rebecca PITMAN. His mother had been buried at Godmanston in Dorset

a grocer by trade of Dorchester by his wife Rebecca Pitman (d. 1703). His father died in 1717 and was buried at Godmanston the main beneficiary under his will was awas elected a Capital Burgess of Dorchester on 3rd Nov 1743, served 7 times as bailiff of Dorchester (in 1744/5; 1747/8; 1759/60; 1766/7; 1769/70; 1779/80; and 1780/81) ; and Alderman on 7th July 1755. He married at Winterborne Steepleton in Dorset on 21st April 1755 to Mary WAKLEY and they had 6 children 1756-1768 at St Peters Church in Dorchester. Follow link for more information about his family.

John PITMAN served as Mayor of Dorchester 3 times in 1746; 1758 and 1768. He died June 12 1782, according to Hutchins, and was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on the 17th aged 78]

Dated 25 Dec 1781

Proved 07 June 1784

By Mary PITMAN Widow the relict of the deceased.

Will: To wife for life the use, but not the disposing of, property of all my household goods plate china Linen and furniture, and after her death to my 5 children Mary, John, Ann, Catherine, and William PITMAN equally to be divided by my good friends William CUMMINS Dr of Physic & Rev Nathaniel Templeman. Also I give to my wife all my stock of coals? and Liquers of every kind for her absolute use and benefit and whereas I have contracted with the Corporation of Dorchester aforesaid for the purchase of three lives in thedwelling House wherein I now dwell NOW in case I shall not recoup such purchase in my life time I direct that the purchase money for the same be raised out of the residue of my estate and effects herein after bequeathed amd the said premises be conveyed to my dear wife her executors administrators and assigns for the term and interest so contracted for to whom I give the benefit of the said contract and in case the premises are conveyed to me in my life time I give the same to my said wife her executors administrators and assigns for allmy estate and interest therein at my decease AND I do hereby declare that the bequest of the benefit of the said contract to my said dear wife and of the said lease and premises in case the same shall be conveyed to me in my life time on this trust and confidence following (that is to say)

In TRUST at her discretion if she shall think fit and at any time to sell and dispose of the said leasehold premises for the purposes of this my will declaring nevertheless that the receipt of my said wife shall be a good and sufficient discharge without subjecting the purchasor to look to the application of the purchase money AND also direct that the money arising by such sale be by my said wife put out at interest on Government or other securities and such interest or produce be applied to and retained by my said dear wife during her life and after her decease I give the said principal money arising by such sale to and amongst my said 5 children Mary John Ann Catherine and William share and share alike and in the meantime until such sale or in default thereof I bequeath the said leasehold prmises to my said dear wife for her life and after her death I bequeath the same to all my said 5 children equally share and share alike providing always that in case any of my said children shall die in the lifetime of my said wife then I give and bequeath the share of such child so dying to and amongst my surviving children, and the issue of any such of my child or children that shall be then dead but the issue of such deceased child or children are to be only entitled to their respective parentsshare of the several estates moneys and effects herein before mentioned

Item: I direct that me executrix do apply such sum arising out of and from my personal estate and effects herein after bequeathed as she shall think fit for the apprenticing my said son William and yearly maintenance during his apprenticeshipwhich sums so paid and disbursed shall be deemed part of and deducted from the other provision made by this my will for my said son William

Item I give and bequeath all my copyhold lands tenements and hereditaments situate within and parcel of the Manor of Forthington in the County of Dorset (subject to the estate and interest of my dear wife therein at my decease to my son John PITMAN and his assigns during his life and from and after his decease I devise the same to my son William PITMAN and his assigns for and during all my estate and interest in the premises

All the Rest and residue of my moneysecurities for money arrears of rent cattle corn grain hay Implements of husbandry trees plantations and stock in gardening of every kind and all other my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever subject to my said debts and other charges in this my will I give and bequeath to my said dear wife for her absolute benefit and appoint her sole executrix of this my Will and I do hereby recommend her to the kind assistance and advice of my two good friends Dr CUMMING and the Reverend Mr Nathaniel Templeman between whom and me there hath subscribed a long friendship and which advice and assistance I request of them whenever she hath occasion for her carrying into execution the purpose of this my willand whatever my said friends may advise as my will and directions that the same be observed and acquainted in by all my children In witness whereof |I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written John PITMAN --- in the presence of John Templeman; Thomas GOULD READ; Mary BIDDLESCOMBE Servant to Mr PITMAN

Will of Thomas HEWSTINS, Victualer of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:- Buried at All Saints Church Dorchester 10 Jun 1785]

Dated 18 Feb 1785

Proved 29 Jun 1785

Will:- This is the Last will and Testament of me Thomas HEWSTINS of Dorchester in the county of Dorset Victualler made and published this 18th day of February 1785. I direct that my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and discharged

Also I give and bequeath unto William FOWELL of Charminster and Robert CRITCHELL of Dorchester aforesaid and the survivor of them All and Singular my Household goods stock in Trade money and securities for money and personal estate whatsoever IN TRUST nevertheless to and for the following purposes only that is to say I direct them to make an inventory and appraisment of my stock as soon after my decease as possible and if my wife should be willing to carry on the business of a publican in the 'BLACK HORSE' that they should entrust her with the same on her giving the best security in her power for the payment of the amount with interest at 5% AND I hereby direct my said trustees to pay yearly and every year unto my said wife from time of my decease until my youngest child shall attain the age of 21 years All the interest and produce of my estate and effects whatsoever for and towards the maintenance of herself and children AND my will is that my said Trustees and the survivor of them and the executor or administrator of such survivor shall and do pey and divide the Principal money to and amongst all my four children or such of them that shall live to attain the age of 21 years and as they respectively attain the same share and ahare alike subject nevertheless to the payment of one annuity or clesr yearly sum of twenty pounds to be paid unto my wife during her life to commence from the day of my youngest child attaining the age of 21 years provided she should remain and continue my widow until that time and not otherwise And I do direct my trustees to deduct the same out of all my childrens share proportinally and to make such provision for the payment thereof if the same shall become payable as their own discretion shall direct AND my further Will is that in case of the deaths of all my four children before they shall become entitled to their respective shares as aforesaid I hereby direct my said trustees to pay and divide my effects to and amongst the several children of my sisters Elizabeth ANDREWS deceased and Mary DAY Widow that shall be living in equal shares and proportions subject nevertheless to the payment of an annuity of £20 unto my wife which I direct in that case shall commence on the death of my surviving child during its minority And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint the said William FOWELL and Robert CRITCHELL joint executors In Trust aforesaid --- Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as for his last will and testament who in his presence and the presence of each other and at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses Jane Stickland Robert Stickland Nathaniel Stickland

for the benefit of his wife & 4 children [unnamed] wife able to continue business at the 'Black Horse' ; the children of his sisters Elizabeth ANDREWS deceased and Mary DAY Widow ; Witnesses Jane, Robert & Nathaniel STICKLAND

Ad/Dt/W/1786; Event Record Number: 21.

Will of Robert SMITH, Gentleman of Dorchester , Dorset

[Note:-Buried at Holy Trinity 6 Oct 1788]

Dated 4th May 1784

Proved 27 Oct 1788

Will: I give and devise all my Lands Tenements and hereditaments situate and lying and being in the parish of Stoke Abbott Dorset and elsewhere unto my four daughters Elizabeth, Mary, Jane and Charlotte and to their heirs and assigns equally to be divided between them as tennants in common etc -- Also all my personal estate to them and all made joint executrixes ---witnesses H Davis; James Wood; Edward Boswell.

Will Proved at London 27th Oct 1788 by oaths of 1st 3

DHC: NM2/S/11/TS/7/1

NM2/S/11/TS/7/2

Note:- A2A states:-Release 1. George Phelps of Cheswick, Middx, malster one of the devisers named in the will of Joseph Phelps late of Dorchester yeoman, his father. 2. John Phelps of Dorchester shopkeeper and brother of party 1. Consideration of £120. Property. a messuage in St Peter's Parish, Dorchester formerly in the possession of Charles Austin, now in the possession of Elizabeth Phelps, widow and mother of parties 1 & 2, being the corner house on Durne Lane [Durngate Street] and bounded on the north with the said lane, on the east with the Wood and Stone Public House, on the south with a messuage in the possession of John Barber and on the west with South Street with a copy of the Will of John Phelps:
Also Lease and relase involving Sarah WARREN of south street dorchester

Beneficiaries under Will : John Phelps CHICK son of my Nephew William CHICK his dwelling in St Peters; Mary the daughter of his brother William PHELPS; Ann or Nancy CHURCHILL wife or widow of Nephew John CHURCHILL; sister Elizabeth PHELPS; nephew William CHICK his brewing utencils etc; Brother William; Sister Avis CHICK; William NORMAN the elder of Dorchester a hosier and John GARLAND of Dorchester grocer ; Rest to Joseph and Thomas JONES sons of the daughter of my late deceased wife. Witnessed Thomas Gould Read, John Wellspring and Thomas Roberts:

Codicil 9th July 1792 : Mary daughter of Brother William and late Servant Jane DART now servant to Mrs Frampton of Dorchester

Letter of Administration granted for the estate of of John BARTLETT, Baker of Dorchester , Dorset to his widow Mary Bartlett

[Note:- John Bartlett was buried at Holy Trinity Church on 6th Mar 1798 ]

[Note:-  John BARTLETT who married Mary BAKER at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 5th Jan 1784]

Know all men by these presents that we Mary BARTLETT of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Widow, William NORMAN the Elder of the same place Hosier, and Thomas PURSE of Fordington in the said County of Fordington Peruke Maker. are held and firmly bound unto the Rev.John Turner Clerk Master of Arts Official Principal of the venerable George Watson and also Clerk Master of Arts Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry of Dorset lawfully constituted in Five Hunderd Pounds etc etc Dated 1st day Oct 1798

The condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden Mary BARTLETT the lawful widow and Administratrix of all an singular the goods chattles and credits of John BARTLETT late of Dorchester in the Archdeaconry aforesaid Baker Intestate deceased do make etc etc

Note:- The Surrogate Nathaniel Templeman who had Mary take the oath before him wrote on the Letter of Administration "Effects under £300 Question "When did deceased die?" the Answer given in a different hand was 6th May 1798 but the parish register for Holy Trinity church shows that he was buried on there on 6th March 1798:

Will of William PHELPS of the Parish of St Peters in Dorchester in Dorset

[Note:- William PHELPS had married Elizabeth CORBIN at Maiden Newton in Dorset on 10th June 1765]

[Note:- William PHELPS was buried at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 16 Feb 1800]

[Note:- Ann AMOR was his daughter who had married John AMOR of Frampton at St Peters Church in Dorchester on 28 Dec 1796