Middleton
The Middletons have left wills from Hartley, Ash, Longfield and Nurstead. The Middletons appear to have come to Hartley in the c17th as tenants of Hartley Wood Farm (Hartley Manor), and continued to be until 1734. The family connection continued until the end of the century, as members of the family were freehold owners of the 2½ acre smallholding called Hartley Field in Church Road.
John Middleton of Longfield, 1513
The South Croft holding is mentioned in the Longfield manor roll in 1595. Then they say Thomas Middleton has inherited from his father Thomas. In 1663 it appears to be owned by Nicholas Middleton as a messuage and 4 acres called Taylors, who inherited it from his father John who was a gavelkind heir of his father Nicholas Middleton.
The fact he left a torch to Hartley Church would suggest some connection, possibly meaning he owned land here.
“In the name of God, Amen. In the year of the most [??????] of our Lord 1511. The 16th day of October. I John Middleton of Longefelde, being in good memory make and ordain this my testament and last will in manner and form following.
First I bequeath my soul to Jesus, my body to be buried in the chapel of our lady [St Mary] within the church of Longefeld.
Item: I bequeath to the high altar, 6d. Item: to the maintenance of the rood light in the said church, a sow, the which will be in the keeping of some honest person to the said use, according to the direction of mine executor. Item: I will that Margaret my wife shall buy 4 torches to the value of 20 shillings to burn at my burying and at my month’s mind. And immediately after my said month’s mind is past, I will that 2 of the said torches be given to the church of Longefeld. And the third to the parish church of Notstede [Nurstead]. And the 4th to the church of Hartley. Also I will that shall sing at my burying in the said church, 3 priests and at my month’s mind, 4 priests.
Also I bequeath to Joan my daughter,3 quarters malt, and to Agnes Broun my servant, a [????] quarter malt. And all the residue of my goods moveables, I give to Margaret my wife. And she to reward and give unto John, William and Richard, my sons, such part of the said moveables as she thinketh best after her discretion. And I make and ordain the said Margaret to be my sole executrix of this my testament and last will, and Richard Barnarde of Dertforde [Dartford] supervisor with her, to whom I give for his labour and his diligence, 3s 4d and his costs.
This is the last will of me the foresaid John Middleton, made the day and year above written, as touching all my lands and tenements whereof I or any of manner [?] is seized or possessed of to my use.
First: I will that Margaret my wife immediately after my decease shall have all those lands and tenements that I late bought of John Overy of Mepeham [Meopham]. And also all those lands and tenements that I late bought of William Rugge, which was recovered of the said William in the Common Pleas at Westminster before the King’s justices. To have and to hold all the foresaid lands and tenements with all commodities and appurtenances thereto belonging or appertaining to the foresaid Margaret and to her assigns forever in fee simple.
Also I will that John Middleton my son shall have all my other lands and tenements that be in the parish of Longefelde aforesaid, except two crofts containing 5 acres whereof of the one is called Taillors Croft and the other Southcrofte. The which 2 crofts are parcel of the lands above conveyed [?] and given to the said Margaret. And all the other with this said parish, except the said 2 crofts, I will it shall remain unto the foresaid John Middelton and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of issue male of the said John lawfully begotten, I will that the said lands shall remain to Richard my youngest son and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of issue male of the said Richard lawfully begotten, I will that the said lands shall remain to William my son and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of heirs male lawfully begotten and for default of heirs male of the said John, Richard and William lawfully begotten, I will that all the said lands and tenements shall be sold by mine executors or their assigns. And the money to be divided in manner following, that is to say. An honest priest to be found to singe in the parish church of Longefeld by the space of 3 whole years for my soul, my father and mother, my children and all my benefactors of whom part of the said lands first came by, and for all Christian souls. And the residue of the money [?????] left, to be divided equally in 2 parties. And the one half thereof to be divided to the next of my kindred. And the other half to be bestowed in amending the highway and other deeds of charity after the discretion of my said executors or their assigns. And I will and require Nicholas Donysannte [?] gentleman, William Sedley gentleman, William Purvage, John Skudder, James Launce and Thomas Man’ the elder, the which be enfeoffed in the foresaid lands and tenements. That they make and delivered a state according to this my testament and last will, at such time as they thereunto shall be reasonably required, or they will suffer to forego at the day of judgement.
Witness John Middleton, Sir John Robynson, parson of Faukeham [Fawkham], William Prager, Thomas Ketill, Richard Barnarde and others.
Proved at Dartford 3 March 1512 [probably =1513]
Will of William Middleton, senior of Nursted (1570)
Reference: CKS DRb/PW9
Only family members mentioned in his will are listed here.
1. William Middleton = ?
2. Nicholas
2. William
2. Robert
3. Judith
3. William
2. Margaret = John Wood
Only three estates at Nursted mentioned.
Dated 1 May 1569
Proved 1570
Will of John Middleton of Longfield, yeoman (1579)
Reference: CKS DRb/Pw/12
Top of all pages damaged and it appears page 2 is missing from the Microfilm copy.
John Middleton attempted to entail Middleton’s Farm (Red Cow Farm) forever. While entails in wills were very common, they could be broken by a fictional law case called a common recovery, the result of which would convert it from fee tail to fee simple. Perhaps the most famous entails was in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, where Elizabeth Bennet’s father’s estate could not be left to his daughters because of a previous entail saying it must descend to a male heir, and a common recovery required the collusion of another male heir. John tried to stop an heir using the common recovery procedure, by saying that if any heir tried to do this, they would lose their place to the next in line. However the courts shortly after put a stop to such will provisions in the Mildmay Case of 1605. It must be assumed that the entail was broken by the time Nicholas Middleton conveyed Middletons Farm to his daughter in 1661.
In the name of God, Amen. I John Myddleton the elder of Longfeilde in the county of Kent, yeoman, being of the age of four score years and over and being of a good and perfect remembrance, thanks be to Almighty God, but weak in body, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following.
And first and principally I commend and bequeath my soul to Almighty God, mine only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and my body to the earth to be buried in the churchyard of Longfeld aforesaid.
Item: I give and bequeath to the poor men’s box of Longfeld aforesaid, to the relief of the poor, 12d. Item: I give to the reparations of the church of Longfeld, 10s.
Item I give to John Myddelton my son, a feather bed, a bolster, a pillow with a bier?, a pair of blankets, my best coverlet of [??????], two pairs of sheets. Also more I give to John my son, £4 of good and lawful money of England, to be paid him yearly by my executor, 20s a quarter by even portions out of my principal messuage and land called Myddletons, during his natural life, and to be paid…..
[there seems to be something missing in the microfilm at this point as what follows doesn’t seem to match with the end of the first page]
……lawfully begotten and for default […………] of the body of the said Francis my son lawfully begotten, and to the heir male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of such issue, then I will all my said lands and tenements, hereditaments and all other the premises with the appurtenances to the heirs male of the body of John Myddleton, my eldest son lawfully begotten, and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of such issue, then I will all my said lands and tenements, hereditaments and all other the premises with the appurtenances to the heirs male of the body of Thomas Myddleton, my son, lawfully begotten and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. And for default of such issue then to the right heirs of me the said John Myddleton forever.
The residue of all and singular my goods and chattels whatsoever, not before by me willed nor disposed, I wholly and fully give unto Henry Myddleton my son, to the intent that he shall see my body decently brought to the earth, pay my debts and legacies, and see this my said last will and testament satisfied. Whom I do constitute, ordain and make the said Henry Myddleton my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament. Provided always that if any of my said sons or any the same sons’ heirs male of their bodies lawfully begotten or any the persons aforesaid, to whom any remainder of the said [………………..] tenement, lands […………………..] and other the premises [……………..] my will is limited or appointed or any the heirs males of [………….] at any time or times hereafter do by any act or acts [????????] to discontinue or alter the said entail before limited, or willingly suffer or consent to any act or acts of record whereby the said entail of the said [??????] messuage, lands and tenements aforesaid may be broken or any of the persons in remainder limited by this my will may be barred or disinherited, contrary to the true meaning of this my last will, then I will immediately upon such act done, willingly suffered or consented unto, I will and give the said lands, tenements, and all other the premises with the appurtenances to such person or persons as shall be next in place and degree by the limitation of this my will after the said person so offending, contrary to the form of this proviso and so become one to another as they be limited in remainder upon such offence so done as is aforesaid.
In witness whereof I the aforesaid John Myddleton the elder to this my present testament and last will have set my hand and seal, given the 3rd day of June in the year of our Lord 1578, and in the 20th year of the reign of our sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth. And whom I make overseer of this my will and testament Thomas Borowe of Ashe and to him for his pains 3s 4d and his charges.
By me (S) John Medleton the elder. Witness to this my will and testament (S) William Cayno, curate of Hartley and (X) Thomas Borow of Ashe and (X) Thomas Parker of Longfeld with others.
Provided always that if the yearly rent which I have given to my son John Myddleton by this my will and testament be unpaid in part or in all by the space of 14 days next after any of the aforesaid feasts of payment it ought to be paid according to my will, and being lawfully asked at the place appointed, that then I will it shall be lawful for my son John to go into any part or parcel of may said lands or ground called Myddletons, and to strine [distrain?] and the stres [distress?] [????] taken to lead, drive and carry away, according to the laws of this realm of England, and the sum to which hold until he the aforesaid John be of the sum yearly rent fully satisfied, contented and agreed, according to this my will. Also more I give to the wife of John Myddleton my sone after his death, whose name is Joan, during her natural life 26s 8d, to be paid her half yearly. Also more I give after the death of the wife of John Myddleton my son, James Myddleton his son, during his natural life, 26s 8d, to be paid him half yearly after her decease.
[…………………………………] give to Francis […………………………..] him yearly at two several feasts […………………………] according to this my will be unpaid in part of all by the space of 20 days next after any of the feasts of payment it ought to be paid according to my will and being lawfully asked at the place appointed, that then I will it shall be lawful for my son Francis Myddleton to enter into all my parcel of land called Tayllers which is by estimation 4 acres, and the same to have and enjoy for and all other expel and drive out of the same forever, according to this my last will and testament.
By me (S) John Medletun the elder
By me (S) William Cayno curate of Hartley.
Will of William Middleton of Nursted, yeoman (1602)
Reference: CKS DRb/PW19
He leaves his soul to God and body to be buried in Nursted Churchyard.
To wife Silvester - all his lands with reversion to sons Abraham and Robert.
To daughters Jane, Sarah and Dorothy - £10
To daughter Elizabeth - 10s
To son William - £4 etc........
Dated 25 March 1602
Proved 1602
Will of Thomas Middleton of Longfield (1627)
Reference: CKS/DRb/PW27
In the name of God, Amen. I Thomas Middleton of parish of Longfild in the county of Kent, make and ordain this my will and testament in manner and form following.
First I bequeath my soul to our Lord Jesus Christ, my saviour and redeemer, my body to the earth to be buried in the churchyard of Longfild aforesaid.
Item: give unto Thomas my son 6 shillings 8 pence to be paid unto him within a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto William my son 6s 8d to be paid unto him within a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto John my son 6s 8d and a pair of sheets to be paid unto him at the age of 21 years.
Item: I give unto John Beane? 3s 4d and 2 bushels of barley, to be paid unto him within a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto Robert Burrowe 3s 4d and two bushels of barley, to be paid unto him within a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto my daughter Anne, 6s 8d and a pair of sheets, to be paid unto her within a year after my decease.
Item: I give unto my daughter Dorothy, 6s 8d and a pair of sheets to be paid unto her within 2 years after my decease.
Item: I give unto my daughter Denise, 6s 8d and a pair of sheets, to be unto her within 2 years after my decease.
Item: I give unto Margaret Baracle? A lamb, to be paid unto her the midsummer after my decease.
All the residue of my goods and chattels unbequested, I give unto Alice my wife, whom I make mine executrix to see my body brought to the earth, and to pay my debts.
Item: I will that my wife shall have my house and my land during her natural life without strip or waste, and that she shall keep the reparations as also to forsake her ????? and after her decease, I will it shall remain unto my three sons Thomas, William and John jointly together.
Proved at Rochester 6 April 1627.
Will of Nicholas Middleton of Longfield (1643)
Reference: CKS DRb/PW31
Mentions lands in Longfield (to son Francis) and a little tenement in Ash (to son James).
Wife Joan. Sons John of Tonbridge, Nicholas of Stone, Henry of Meopham, Thomas of Ash, James of Longfield, Francis (? eldest). Also son in law Philip Overy of Swanscombe.
Will also mentions Thomas Barrow of Longfield "my loving neighbour", to be overseer.
Will of John Middleton of Longfield, yeoman (1660)
Reference: TNA PROB 11/302
He leaves his soul to Almighty God and body to be buried in Longfield Churchyard
To son Nicholas: house and land in Longfield
To son John: 5s
To son George: 5s
To daughter Alice Lawrence: 5s
To daughter Joan Burton: 20s
To godson Nicholas Middleton of Longfield: 20s
To godson Henry Middleton of Hartley: 20s
Each daughter and son Nicholas to have such of his household goods as are in their possession.
Son Nicholas to be executor.
Dated: 4 November 1660
Proved at London: 28 November 1660
Will of Nicholas Middleton of Stone next Dartford (1664)
Reference: CKS DRb/Pw34
The microfilm of this will is not clear in some places. This will is important as it mentions the descent of Middleton Farm (Red Cow Farm) to his daughter Elizabeth on her marriage to William Frankwill (d 1698).
In the name of God, Amen. The 8th day of February in the 16th year of the reign of [Charles II] 1663. I Nicholas Middleton of the parish of Stone next Dartford in the county of Kent, yeoman, being sick in body, but of good and perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God therefore, do make, constitute, ordain and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following, revoking and annulling by these presents, all and every former written will or wills by me formerly made, either by writing by word of mouth. And this is to be […….] for my last will and testament and none other.
And first […….] penitent and heartily sorry for my sins past, most humbly [……………..] imperfectness of the same, I give and commit my soul unto Almighty God, my Saviour and Redeemer, in whom and by the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour, I hope and assuredly believe to be saved. And my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be in decent and Christian like manner buried.
And for the setting of that worldly estate, which the Lord in mercy bestowed on me, I give and dispose of the same in manner and form following (that is to say).
Firstly I give, devise and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth the wife of William Franckwell, all my messuage and land in Longfeild in the county of Kent, from the decease of my wife Joane, paying therefrom unto my daughter Joan, one annual rent of £8, according as is proposed in the deed made of the said lands before her marriage, and my mind and […….] is that the said lands shall be and remain to the same [……] as is in the same deed mentioned, which deed beareth date the 19th day of October in the year of Our Lord 1661.
Item: more I give, devise and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth, one feather bed, two sheets, one bolster, one coverlet, two blankets and the bedstead wherein the same now lieth, standing and being in the chamber over the parlour in my now dwelling house. Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizbeth one pair of flaxen sheets, and the chest now standing in the aforesaid chamber, in the which my said daughter hath now goods in.
Item: I give, devise and bequeath unto my kinsman James Middleton the son of my brother James Middleton, the sum of £5 of lawful money of England, to be paid him by mine executrix when he the said James Midleton the son shall attain to the full age of one and twenty years.
Item: I give, devise and bequeath unto the poor people of the parish of Longfield aforesaid, the sum of 6 shillings and 8 pence, to be distributed amongst them within 5 months after my decease. Item: more I order and appoint that 10 shillings shall be paid out my [?????] and the same distributed amongst such poor people as shall be at my funeral.
Item my mind and will and so I do order and appoint [………………….] or any part thereof shall be gotten or received. That then the said debt of any part thereof so gotten or received, shall be equally divided between my two daughters Elizabeth and Joan.
Item: lastly, for the remainder of my estate which the Lord in mercy hath bestowed on me, any debts, legacies and funerals rightly discharged, I give devise and bequeath the same unto my wife Joan and my said daughters. [……] to be equally divided between them, and I do by these presents, constitute, ordain, [??????] and appoint my said wife Joan and one said daughter Joan to be joint and sole executrices of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I the said Nicholas Middleton have to this my present will, consisting of 2 sheets of paper, to the first whereof I have unto set my hand to this second and last sheet likewise I have [???????] my hand and seal the day and year in the first sheet hereof there first above written.
(X) Nicholas Middleton.
Sealed, published and declared to be the last will and testament of Nicholas Middleton the testator, in the presence of: (S) Thomas Stansall rector of Longfield; (S) Thomas Burrow; (S) John [?????]
Proved at Rochester 15 April 1664.
Inventory of Henry Middleton of Hartley (1666)
Reference: TNA PROB 4/14987
An inventory of all the goods and chattels and debts of Henry Middleton late while he lived (?) of the parish of Hartly in the county of Kent, deceased. Valued and praised by William Jennings, Thomas Middleton and Nicholas Middleton, the 12th day of October 1666.PRO PROB 6/41
Administration granted to his wife Elizabeth, 20 October 1666 (London).
First his wearing apparel and money in his purse | £5.0.0 |
In the Chamber over the barn 1 standing bedstead; a feather bed and all the beddings to it | £6.10.0 |
[................] press; 2 chests; a box | £1.10.0 |
1 chest; 28 pairs of sheets; 12 tables loth(?); a cupboard clold (?); 3 pairs of pillow [............]; 3 dozen of napkins and their lumber | £25.12.0 |
For 21 quarters of malt | £21.0.0 |
For wheat and barley in the jarret with other lumber | £14.10.0 |
High bedstead; one half headed bedstead; a featherbed; 3 feather pillows; 1 flock bed; 2 bolsters; 7 coverlets and blankets; 2 chests and other lumber | £6.1.0 |
In the Little Room 1 trundle bedstead and flock bed with other lumber | £1.1.6 |
In the Parlour A long table and carpet; a standing bedstead; a trundle bedstead; 2 featherbeds; 2 feather bolsters; a flock bed and bolster; 2 coverlets; 4 blankets; a cupboard with other lumber | £11.7.0 |
In the Buttery 2 ligches (?); 2 bowls, 2 powdr (?); 4 tubs with other lumber | £1.15.0 |
2 dozen of pewter at 10d per lb; 96lb comes to | £4.0.0 |
8 silver spoons and a silver cup | £3.0.0 |
In the Kitchen 9 old tubs and other lumber | £0.15.0 |
In the Drinte (?) house 9 old tubs with other lumber | £0.15.0 |
In the Milk House 3 tables; 4 cheesemoulds; 9 scales (?) and lumber | £1.10.0 |
2 new leenes (?) and other old dru (?) | £6.0.0 |
4 shears and a bois (?) | £19.12.0 |
51 acres of wheat on the ground at 27s the acre | £70.0.0 |
17 acres of barley on the ground | £15.6.0 |
18 acres of oats | £13.0.0 |
15 acres of peas | £30.0.0 |
11 acres of grey peas | £16.0.0 |
8 acres of peese more | £8.0.0 |
10 horses, mares and colts | £42.0.0 |
Waggons, ploughs & horse harness with other implements for husbandry | £22.8.0 |
10 hogs | £9.6.8 |
4 cows | £10.0.0 |
Rope and 2 buckets for the cows (?) | £1.10.0 |
For apparel of woollen | £1.5.0 |
The brass: 1 furnace (?); 2 kettles; 2 warming pans; 2 skillets | £6.15.0 |
4 iron pots; a kettle; a skillet | £0.15.0 |
In the Hall 5 han'ter (?) | £12.10.0 |
2 tables; a form; 2 cupboards; 3 spits; a dripping pan; 3 chains; 2 fowling pieces with all their lumber | £3.0.0 |
20 loads of wood unmade; 2 loads of old reese (?) with some chaff | £9.3.0 |
12 quarters of wheat | £13.0.0 |
76 sheep and lambs | £75.1.0 |
(also lists 7 items at his Northfleet house) | |
| Sum Total | £523 1s 0d |
Debts doubtful and desperate From: Mr Nicholas Middleton | £20.0.0 |
Mr Henry Acoorte | £36.16.0 |
Mr Debar (?) Acoorte | £5.1.6 |
Mr Leonard Carrier | £10.10.10 |
Mr Edward Carrier | £3.10.0 |
Mr Nicholas Richardson | £54.15.0 |
Mr Richard Barker | £17.0.0 |
| Total | £146.1.6 |
Inventory of Francis Middleton of Hartley, taylor (1688)
Reference: CKS
January the 16th 1688
An inventory of the goods and chattels of Francis Middleton, late of Hartley in the county of Kent, taylor, deceased, taken and praised by us whose names are hereto subscribed as followeth:
Firstly for his wearing apparel and money | £10.5.0 |
1 Bed and furniture | £5.2.0 |
1 case of drawers | £0.15.0 |
5 silver [........] and small tester (?) | £1.6.0 |
Fireirons | £0.6.0 |
1 chest of [........] | £7.7.0 |
For other lumber | £0.14.6 |
1 bed and furniture | £4.10.0 |
2 chests and 3 pairs sheets | £1.6.6 |
For a trunk | £0.9.6 |
For a press of shop goods | £26.3.1 |
In the old chamber, 1 bed and its furniture | £1.15.0 |
For a parcel of apples | £1.0.0 |
In the parlour, 6 leather chairs | £0.15.0 |
1 table | £0.10.0 |
For several small things found there | £1.1.0 |
For scales and weights and a chest | £0.9.6 |
In the kitchen, for all manner of utensils | £2.15.0 |
In the shop, some odd things found there | £4.17.0 |
In the old house, some tubs and other lumber | £1.11.6 |
In the cellar vessel etc | £1.0.0 |
In the barn, for wheat | £5.0.0 |
For a parcel of oats | £5.0.0 |
For a parcel of tares | £0.4.0 |
For implements useful there | £0.11.0 |
In the yard, 3 cows and a calf | £8.0.0 |
7 sheep | £2.9.0 |
2 store pigs | £0.14.0 |
For a wellrope (?) bucket and for lumber | £1.5.0 |
| Sum Total | £96.9.7 |
(S) John Ratie (S) George Garnder (X) Henry Midleton |
Will of Nicholas Middleton of Ash, yeoman (1704)
Reference: CKS DRb/PW43
He leaves his soul to Almighty God and his body for a Christian burial.
To his wife Sarah: messuage and land, with reversion to son Nicholas
To son Nicholas: £20
To Henry Miller, son in law: £24, which he promised to give him in marriage settlement with his daughter Sarah.
To daughter Sarah: £5
To daughter Helen: £50
Remainder of estate to wife and son, who are made executors.
Nicholas Middleton (X)
Witnesses: George Ilfeld (S); Robert Dalton (X)
Dated: 5 August 1701
Proved at Rochester: 11 May 1704
Will of Thomas Middleton of Ash, yeoman (1717) - summary
Reference: TNA PROB11/565
He leaves his soul to Almighty God, and his body to be buried at the discretion of his executrix.
To sister in law, Sarah Fielder, now wife of William Fielder of Ash, yeoman "late wife of my brother Nicholas Middleton" - 1 shilling.
To Thomas Middleton, son of Nicholas - 1 shilling
To Sarah MIller, wife of Henry Miller and daughter of his said brother Nicholas - 1 shilling.
To Eleanor Stiles, widow of Nicholas Stiles jun, mother of the daughters of his said brother Nicholas - 1 shilling.
To Nicholas Middleton, son of his said brother Nicholas - 1 shilling.
To Margaret Rogers, daughter of his sister Elizabeth, late wife of Francis Everest - 1 shilling.
To his wife Elizabeth - the remainder of his goods and chattels, she to be his executrix.
Dated 17 April 1717
Proved at London 21 October 1718.
Will of John Middleton of Ash (1792)
Reference: TNA PROB 11/1221
Funeral expenses to be paid out of estate.
To daughter Mary Middleton: £300
To daughter Ann, wife of John Selby of Sutton at Hone, yeoman: £50
To daughter Rebecca, wife of Thomas Elgar of Northfleet, miller: £50
To other two daughters, Sally and Mercy: £300 when they are 21. If either die before then, their shares to be divided amongst the other sisters.
To "my beloved wife", Ann Middleton: all his lands and tenements for the term of her life, with reversion to son John and his heirs.
Wife and son to carry on farming business until youngest daughter is 21. And until the youngest daughter is 21, any unmarried daughter can live at their house free of charge. When such daughter is 21, then he gives lease of farm to John with all livestock, household furniture etc., except the furniture in his best chamber and great parlour, which goes to wife.
Annuity of £20 pa. to be paid to wife out of personal estate.
Wife Ann and son John appointed executors. If Ann should die before the two youngest daughters are 21, then he appoints James Lance of Ash instead.
Witnesses: Thomas Mollow, George Oliver, Richard Rabson
Dated: 17 December 1790
Proved at London: 14 July 1792 by executors Ann and John Middleton.