Hayes

The Hayes family owned land in Hartley which is mostly in Longfield parish now, being where the Old Rectory and Langafel Primary School are now. Christopher bought it from James and Eleanor Wells in 1763.

Christopher Hayes was a resident of London but had moved to Maidstone at the time of his death in 1785. His son Christopher James Hayes was born at Long Lane, St Sepulchre London on 20 June 1745, the son of Christopher and Anne, he died at St Thomas, Hackney in 1809.

Will of Christopher Hayes of Maidstone, Gentleman (1785) - extract

Reference: TNA PROB 11/

"I give devise and bequeath unto my said son the said Christopher James Hayes, all and every my freehold messuages. lands, tenements, cottages and premises and parcels of ground, with their and every of their appurtenances with their rents, issues and profits thereof, situate, lying and being at Strood, Hartley, Longfield and Dartford in the county of Kent and all that freehold messuage or tenement and premises with the appurtenances no 14 situate, lying and being in St Thomas Apostle London." To be held for his life and after his death to go to Christopher's grandson, Christopher Daniel Hayes if living, if not then to grandson Eustace Hayes. If neither living then to their brother James Hayes. If all deceased then to their sister Maria Hayes.

Dated: 9 July 1777

Proved at London: 5 October 1785