Swanage Wills

PROB 11/37/36

John Polle, Gentleman of ‘Swanewiche’, Dorset
Dated: 11 June 1555 (written by me, John Polle).

- Body to be buried in the Church of our Lady in Swanewiche in the North Aisle. “I will at my burial be ‘delte’
  a quarter of wheat in three [?] a penny and at my ‘momethes mynde’ likewise”

Executrixes: wife and sisters [not named] to receive all goods. They are to pay my debts to
Thomas Standishe (£27) and to Thomas Pett (10s).

Overseer: cousin Dyett. For his pains 10s.
Witnesses: Thomas Strowde, William Richarde, John Fyppardes with divers others.
Proved: 28 November 1555 (to Gertrudes Polle, widow and Marie Polle (sister)

PROB 11/94/85

John Normon or Norman of Ulwell, Swanwich, Dorset
Dated: 21 July 1599

- ‘sick of body’

- body to be buried at Church of Swanwich

- Church: 1 sheep

- Poor: 5s

- Martin (son): 1 ‘steare’ or 40s and 1 sheep to each of his children

- Thomas ‘Mundee’ (son): black mare, 6 sheep, 1 ‘wenlinge’ calf and 1 sheep to each of his children

- William Hardinge (son): £3 6s 8d

- Thomas Norman (son): £20, my house at Corfe after the death of his mother

- Richard (son), John (son), William (son), Grace (daughter) and Joane (daughter): £12 and 1 cow each,
  to be paid and given on the day of their marriage

- Every Godchild: 1 lamb

- Robert Hall: 1 sheep

- John Earle: 1 sheep

- My maid: 12d

- Joane (wife): rest of goods

Executrix: Joane (wife)
Overseers: John Coliford and Richard Toppe (1 sheep each)
Witnesses: Edward Abbatt, Henry Tuppe
Proved: 14 November 1599 (to Joane Norman, widow)

PROB 11/114/71

William Box of Whitcliff, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 21 March 1608/1609

- ‘sick and weak of body’

- buried in the church of Swanwich

- to the reparations of the parish church of Swanwich: 20s

- poor of Swanwich: 40s

- Francis Tomkins (nephew): 100 marks out of my debts due to me upon specialties
  when the same debts shall be recovered and paid to my executor

- Dorothy Fortune: residue

- John Banaster: £10

Executrix: Dorothy Fortune
Witnesses: Edward Chettell, John Banaster, Anthony Carpenter, Francis Tomkins
Proved: 6 July 1609
Sentence [in Latin]: 6 July 1609: relates to Thomas Box (brother)

PROB 11/120/85

Robert Farr, Yeoman of Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset

- ‘sick of body’

- body to be buried in either church or churchyard of Sandwich

- Parish Church: 10s

- Poor: 20s

- William Gover (‘my daughter’s son’): £5

- Alice Gover: £5

- Dorothie (daughter): 3 sheep

- Marie (daughter): £5

- Mary (daughter): £5 to be paid on feast of Michael the Archangel in 12 months. Also 1 cow.

- Elizabeth (daughter): £10

- Agnis White: 1 bullock and to her children 1 sheep each

- Jone Blancher: 1 bullock and to her children 1 sheep each

- Margarett Merchant: 1 sheep

- Every Godchild: 1 sheep

- George Talbott: 1 sheep

- ‘My two sisters’: 1 bullock each

- Amy (wife) and William (son): rest

Executrix and Executor: Amy (wife) and William (son)
Lewys [Lewis] Cockram, Nicholas Hayward (‘trusty and well beloved friends’): ‘one weather sheep each’
Witnesses: ‘Edwards’ Abbott, elder and ‘Lodsvin ? Cockaram’
Proved: 23 October 1612 [will index has 27 October 1612] to executrix and executor.

PROB 11/121/57

Simon Baker, Sailor of Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 15 April 1613

- ‘sick of body’

- body to be buried in church of Swanwich

- Church of Swanwich: 20s

- Poor: 20s

- Every Godchild: 12d

- Peter (son): £10

- Mary (daughter): £10

- Bridget (daughter): £10

- Joane (daughter): £15

- Martha (daughter): £15

- ‘when my wife marry that then she pay more’ to Joan (daughter) £5 and Martha (daughter) £5.

- Bridget (daughter): ground bought of Henry Darrant [Dorront]? when my wife dies. If Bridget dies   then to Mary (daughter).

- Bridget (wife): rest of goods

Executrix: Bridget (wife)
Overseers: Robert Duke and Anthony Serrell
Signed: by testator with X
Witness: Thomas Serrell
Proved: 12 June 1613 (on oath of Bridget (widow)

PROB 11/125/38

Thomas Abbot, Yeoman of Ulway, Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 20 March 1614/1615 (taken down by word of mouth in presence of Brewen Cockeram,
Clerk of Sandwich and Lewes Cockeram, Yeoman of Sandwich 11 April 1615).

- ‘being sick and weak of body’

- body to be buried in the church or churchyard of Sandwich

- Church of Sandwich: 20s

- Poor: 20s

- William Talbut (Godson), son of William, deceased: ewe and a lamb

- Pentecost Payne (kinsman), yeoman, late of Anderston, Dorset: acquitted of £3 which Pentecost owed him.

- Mary Payne (kinswoman) daughter of Pentecost: 40s

- Executors of George Abbott (brother, deceased), tanner: acquitted of all debts that he owed.

- Raynold Abbott (brother), yeoman, of Winterborne Kingeston, Dorset: acquitted of all other debts
  on the repayment of £22 by 29 September next.

- Nicholas Ancketill (brother-in-law), woolen draper of Wimborne Minister:
  Nicholas is indebted to pay Thomas Abbott £44.
  If he pays 40s on 25 June next and £22 on 25 December next then he is discharged from other debt.

- Elizabeth Abbott (wife): residue

Executrix: Elizabeth (wife)
Overseers: Brewen Cockeram and Lewes Cockeram

‘He did say’ that he owed Peter Hayward, yeoman of Swanwich £22 on the Feast of Saint Michael
the Archangel and to William Farr, yeoman of Swanwich £24.
Raynold Abbott to pay £22 and Nicholas Ancketill to pay £24.
Also Mrs Agnes Abbott 52s 6d for a legacy given him by Edward Abbott (brother), Clerk deceased,
of John Bonfield of Woodhouse 46s 8d for a cow and £5 for the hire of the same to be paid
on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next.

Witness: John Quoke [?]
Proved: 16 May 1615 [index incorrectly dated 1614] (to Elizabeth, widow)

PROB 11/129/1

William Cuckman or Cookman, Yeoman of Currendowne, Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 24 October 1616

- ‘being weak of body’

- Church of Sandwich: 3s 4d

- Poor: 3s 4d

- Joane (wife): goods, household stuff I received from her on our marriage.
  One great pig or hog with 2 kine which I had from Corfe and a red mare also £10 of fleece wool,
  a reefe of hay standing in the meadow at Aylewood, together with such beans and peas as are in the
  house, all such butter and cheese as are ready made within my house, and oatmeal in the house
  and bushels of malt.

- ‘Gregorie’ (son): 20s

- Gregorie and William sons of Gregorie (son): 10s

- John (son): 20s

I acknowledge myself indebted to Brune Cockeram, Clerk 2s 6d and to John Vye of Corfe 10s.
I further confess and truly and plainly profess that there is debt owed to me from Gyles Turner
of Owolsan [or Woolsand?] £10, from William Roberts of Herston £10, from John Bonfield of Woodhouse
40s to be paid on last day of April following, from Henry Toope of Ulwell 10s:

- all debts and other goods to Alice and Mary Cuckham (daughters).

Executrixes: Alice and Mary (daughters)
Overseers: Thomas Baylie and Henry Toope 5s each
Witness: Bruen Cockram
Proved: 24 January 1617 (to Alice and Mary Cuckham)

PROB 11/137/2

Hustier or Hustarie Agerton, widow of Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: last day of November 1620

- ‘sick of body’

- body to be buried either in Church or Churchyard of Swanwich

- Church: 10s

- Poor: 5s

- Richard Cake: £10, brass crock, brass ‘kettes’, brass skillet, coffer, wylian[?] fustian waistcoat,
  double kerchief, coverlet, pair of blankets, feather bolster, d[?]st bed

- Edith Gover daughter of Augustine: £10, feather bed

- Gillian Budd of Wareham: brass crock, 2s, russet waistcoat, red petticoat

- Children of Richard Bartlett of Steepleton: 10s each

- Widow Brodway of Langton: 5s and 5s more between her two youngest children

- William Broadway: brass pan, 5s

- Hustice Colman, widow: 5s and to her youngest daughter a white waistcoat, russet petticoat, smock,
  partlett, kerchief, apron, 2s 6d

- William Coleman her son: 2s 6d

- Alice Weeke: 4s

- Ann Balling: 10s

- Mary Stalkingbor: 5s

- Hustice Boyte (Godchild): 4s

- Christian ‘Pashman’ (Godchild): 4s

- Edith Stroode (Godchild): 12d

- Augustine Gover: all goods

Executor: Augustine Gover
Overseers: Edward Talbott alias Havercombe and Charles Weekes. 5s each for their pains

Memorandum: dated 3 December 1620

- Lewes Gover of Wulgerston: 40s

- Children of Richard Stalkingbor: 12d each

- Children of Charles Weekes: 12d each

- Son of George Balling: 12d

Signed: with her sign
Witnesses: ‘Brun Cockrame’, ‘Ene’ Balling, widow
Proved: 19 January 1620/1621 (to Edward Talbott alias Havercombe and Charles Weekes)

PROB 11/181/201

John Dennett of Sanwich alias Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 10 September 1639


- ‘weak of body’

- body to be buried in the Church or Churchyard of Swanwich

- Church: 20s

- Poor: 20s

- Anthony Dennett (cousin): all land at Langton in tenure of John Coombe, marbler, providing he pays
  40s towards my debts

- Alice Hayes, widow (cousin): house and garden at Stowborroughe

- Robert Hayes (nephew): bedstead and featherbed in my brother’s custody at Drnford[?] and to Agnes
  (niece): my chest there provided that my brother Anthony Dennett have the use of them and other goods
  of mine in his possession during his life.

- Mary Dennett daughter of my cousin Edward Dennet: 40s

- Elizabeth Dennet (Goddaughter): 40s

- John Bondfeild (Godson): a jerkin and 2 pair of breeches

- Mary Birges (my maid): 40s, old featherbed and ‘my least brass pot save one’

- Elizabeth Peeke: 10s

- Katherine Bondfeild: 10s

- Amye Harvey (cousin): chest standing in the Hall

- Thomas Dennett (cousin): rest of goods and debts

Executor: Thomas Dennett (cousin)
Overseers: John Crockram and James Haveland (‘my good friends’). 5s each for their pains
Signed: with his mark
Witnesses: Brune Cockram, Anthony Dennet, senior
Proved: 11 December 1639 (to Thomas Dennett, executor)

PROB 11/179/19

Richard Banfield, the elder, Marbler of Sanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 9 August 1638

- ‘being weak and sick in body’

- ‘to be buried in the churchyard of Sanwich as near my son Henry as conveniently it may be’.

- Church of Sanwich: 3s 4d

- Poor of Sanwich: 3s 4d to be distributed by executrix

- Robert the elder, Richard, Rebeccah, Robert the younger, George, Samuel,

- Christian, Mary and John (children): 40s each

- Mary (wife): lands and tenements in Corfe Castle which I purchased of Robert Banfield (father)
  and Robert Banfield (brother) for as long as she remains a widow. Then to Robert Banfield the
  younger (son) ‘in inheritance’. If no issue then to Samuel (son), if no issue then to George (son).

- Mary (wife): ground lying in Sedghanes near aforesaid land (0.5 acres) I purchased of Richard Ray
  [or Roy] of Corfe Castle; my tenement in Corfe Castle I bought of Edward Dackombe deceased;
  two closes of ground at Wooddy Hide; my house and backside at Sanwich; and house and tenement
  with grounds in Marlborough, Wiltshire. To Mary as long as she remains a widow excepting the land
  at Marlborough which is for the term of her natural life. After her death to be divided as follows:
   - Richard (son): Sedghanes for rest of term unexpired.
   - John (son): estate of Edward Dackombe for rest of term unexpired, for his life then to George (son).
   - Mary (daughter): Woody Hide. If she dies before expiry of the lease then to Christian (daughter).
   - George and Samuel (sons): my house for rest of the term.
   - Christian and Mary (daughters): Marlborough for rest of the term.

- John (nephew): 6s 8d

- Bridgett and Edith (nieces): 6s 8d each

- Godchildren: 12d each

- Mary (‘loving wife’): residue

Executrix: Mary (wife)
Overseers: ‘my good friends’ Edward Hanckock [Hancock], Robert Serrell
Signed: X by testator
Witnesses: Brune Cockram and A[?] Gover
Proved: 12 February 1639 (to Mary, widow)

PROB 11/245/121

William Robarts, Yeoman of Herston, Swanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 30 May 1653

- ‘being in good health but weak of body’

- to be buried in parish church of Swanwich and in consideration thereof gives 20s toward reparation of the church.

- Poor: 20s to be distributed by Churchwardens and Overseers

- Mary Cockram (daughter): one-third of lands, goods etc.

- James Haveland (son-in-law): one-third of lands, goods etc.

- Anne Talbott, wife of William: one-third of lands, goods etc.

- Mary George (sister): £5

- Anne Talbott (daughter): farm at Herston being inheritance of Sir Walter Earle, Knight to hold
  to her after the death of Mary Cockram.

- Bridget Haveland, wife of James: £7 13 4d

- Mary, Lewis, Susanna, John and Alice children of Mary Cockram (daughter): £7 13 4d to be employed for their
  best benefit until 21 years old or married.

- Elizabeth Cockram (another daughter of Mary Cockram): £20

- Bridgett, Alice and Lucy, children of Anne Talbott: £7 13 4d each. If one dies before 21 years then
  into hands of executor for best benefit.

- James, Elizabeth, Mary, Robertha and Sarah, son and daughters of ‘Lucy’ Haveland (daughter):
  £7 13 4d into their father’s hand for best use.

- Mary Cockram (daughter): best crock

- John Cockram: plough grave and harness, best bedstead with a feather bed, pair of blankets,
  coverlid, bolster and pair of sheets. One-third of linen [tinnen?] pewter

- Anne Talbott (daughter): bedstead unfurnished in the Little Chamber.

- James Haveland: one-third of linen [tinnen?] pewter

- John George (cousin): ‘longest fowling piece’ and 10s

- 2s 6d to all Godchildren

- William Talbott, son of Anne: rest of goods

Executor: William Talbott, son of Anne
Guardian of William Talbott: Brune Cockram ‘my good friend’
Overseers: William Farr and John George
Brune Cockram, William Farre and John George: 10s each
Witnesses: George Talbott, William Melmoth, John George
Proved: 14 May 1655 (to Brune Cockram, guardian of William Talbott, minor of age)

PROB 11/272/46

Thomas Stroud, Mariner of Sandwich, Dorset
Dated: 29 August 1657

- ‘being very sick in body’

- body to be buried at parish church of Sandwich

- Bridgett (‘well beloved wife’): all goods etc. for her life subject to the payment of the following:
   - Edith Howard (daughter): 1s 6d

- Elizabeth Howard (granddaughter): all goods after decease of my wife. Only my daughter is to have
  such use until Elizabeth reaches the ‘years of discretion’. If she dies then to her brothers Thomas and Peter Howard.

Executrix: Bridgett (wife)
Overseers (and witnesses): Bartholomew Peeke and Humphry Harris of Sandwich to see that any goods
which my wife possessed before she married me ‘she may give it to any friend of hers at her decease’. 2s 6d each.
Proved: 27 January 1657/1658 (on oath of Bridgett).

PROB 11/273/89

Richard Mellmoth, Marbler of Herston, Dorset
Dated: 13 May 1657

- ‘being weak in body’

- Samuel (son): £25 when 21 years, two pewter platters and ‘my great kittell’.

- Hester (‘loving wife’): house where I now live with garden for her life and remainder of the estate
  after her death to Samuel (son).

- Hester (wife): residue

Executrix: Hester (wife)
Signed with X by testator
Witnesses: Ja. [James?] Havelland, mark of John Mellmoth and Peter Mellmoth
Proved: 27 February 1657/1658 (on oath of Hester).

PROB 11/361/160

John Farr of Sanwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated 9 September 1679

- ‘being weak of body’

- Poor of Sanwich: 10s[?] on interment and 10s on that day for three years following out of profits of Whitelands.

- To such poor as my wife sees fit.

- Sanwich Church: 10s out of same lands to be paid at Easter

- Henry (son): lease estate of Westall and lease estate at Ulway and of Whitelands. Whitelands he is not
  to have until death of his mother. Also estate called ‘Nothbrooke’ after his mother’s death with power to
  make a jointure to such wife as he may have having sought advice from the overseers of this will first.

- Anne (daughter): £500 for her marriage portion. William (son) to pay her 3 months after her marriage or
  when 21 years. £25 for her maintenance until then (one half to be paid at a half year’s end after my decease
  and another at the year’s end) – to be paid out of profits from estate called Hills. The estate is to be hers
  in lieu of her marriage portion, William (son) not paying her her portion. Money to be divided if she dies.

- Elizabeth (daughter): £500 for her marriage portion to be paid by her mother out of debts owing to me and all
  my goods to be paid in 10 years and to give her maintenance out of the goods in the meantime.
  To be distributed among my children if she dies or marries without consent.

- William (son): land at ‘Herson’ and estate called Hills, paying Anne (his sister) her marriage portion. If he doesn’t
  then Hills to be sold by overseers of this will to raise a portion for Anne. If she dies or marries without consent
  then William (son) to keep a part and remainder to be paid out of Hills to my children.

- ‘that my children live together in love and amity that they serve and fear God and prove dutiful to their mother’.

- William (son): power to make a jointure of Herson to his wife. If he dies and leaves only issue female then
  £500 to be raised out of Herson after their mother’s death and when they reach 21 years or marriage,
  it is to be given to Henry (son)

- Overseers: 10s each

- Minister who shall preach at my funeral: 20s

- ‘Loving wife’: remainder for her life.

- To be buried decently but not costly and wife is ‘to educate my children in the fear of God and in the Protestant
  Religion’

- William (son): £50 to be paid out of my stores when the stocks are appraised. He is not to marry without consent.

- William Collens, Giles Collens and John Smith (‘kinsmen’): to appraise my stock and goods.

Overseers: William Rose, Clerk of Sanwich, Giles Collings, Gentleman of ‘Oure’ and John Smith,
Gentleman of Hampresson (‘my good friends’)

Executrix: wife [not named]
Witnesses: Dorothie Rose, Judeth Trewe and William Rose
Proved: 12 December 1679 (to ‘Theophile’ Farr, widow of John Farr)

PROB11/375

John Wells of Codlingstone [Godlingstone] in parish of Sanigh [Swanage], Isle of Purbeck, gent
Dated: 23 October 1683

- Bennett Duddall (brother): £10

- Frances Duddall (sister): £50

- Mary Wells (sister): £50

- William Gildon (uncle): 20s to buy a ring

- Mr Matthews: 20s

- Katherine Harriss (aunt): 20s

- Katherine Wells (aunt): 40s per annum to be paid by Margaret Wells (sister)

- Henry Wells (loving brother): 20s, sword, hat and one suit of clothes

- Margaret Wells (sister): executrix, £5 for charitable uses as she thinks fit; £50 to be paid in 8 years time
  by her as she and I have formerly discoursed of if it be recoverable in law. I owe Bennett Duddall (brother) £27
  which should be paid by her

- Margaret Wells (sister): all lands tenements etc in my manor of Codlingstone which I purchased of my
  father's overseers Mr George Kmpe of Sennble[?], Wiltshire (very dear friend): overseer

Witnesses: Charles Meriton, Thomas Turner, Cornelius Conour
Proved 18 February 1683/84 by Margaret Wells (sister)

PROB 11/406/176

William Rose, Clerk, of ‘Sanwich’, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 1 April 1690

- ‘Loving wife’ [not named]: plate and indoor goods. In lieu of a dower £60/year to be paid out of
  the profits of my estate by half yearly payments at Christmas and Midsummer.

- Thomas (son): remainder of estate in a house, garden and orchard where William Kerridge
  and his wife now live bought of Thomas Cockram of Sanwich as indorsed on the lease in the
  hands of William ‘Kerredge’. 4 pieces of ground, ‘all the quarring’ and 10 sheep light to pasture
  in Sandwich South Field and in a ground called Hancombe bought of Samuel Tarry, senior. Stone
  that shall be dug in the second piece of ground west of the drove in Sanwich North Field in the
  lower part where John Melmoth has a ‘quarr’. Remainder of estate determined on lives in the same
  field being 3 yards of ground bounded on the west with land of Thomas Cockram, on the east by
  the Parsonage Ground, both purchased of Anthony Serrell. Remainder of estate determined on
  one life a tenement called Pucklake, Langton Matravers the land of Thomas Trentchard esquire.
  Land called Wears Tenement with edifices, gardens, orchards, revertions etc that belonged to
  William Wears in his lifetime. Thomas (son) to pay Widow Weare during her life £3 every half year
  according to the will of William Weare, and paying 5s each to Widow Weare and Widow Cook for
  ground called Paradise with houses on it and for 2 lots and half in ‘shods clcker’ [?] for their lives and
  their heirs for rest of the term of years. Mill and mill house, orchard, garden, meadows and pasture
  grounds paying the Lords Rent as contained in the lease granted by George Mompson, Gentleman
  of Langton during the rest of the term. House, gardens and other grounds bought by Anthony Serrell of
  Sanwich for £220 upwards if Anthony Serrell does not at certain time limited in a pair of indentures
  under our hands and seals redeem the same, all which are in possession of George Clarke ‘commonly
  called the new taylor’, one house and garden lately was in the tenure of the Widow Clements and is the
  house adjacent to and west of Peter Govers, Marbeler and the rest in possession of me William Rose’,
  upon failure of Anthony Serrell to make payment at the time in the indenture, my son Thomas will enjoy
  the same forever.

- Thomas (son) to have power to make a jointure to such a wife as he shall
  choose of any of the lands or lease bequeathed to him. If Anthony Serrell
  repurchases the estate mentioned then £100 should go towards my debts
  and then to Thomas (son).

- William (son): Farm called Rempston, Corfe Castle now in possession of Giles Collings of Ower,
  and reversion of house or barn, garden and orchard in Frog Hole, Corfe Castle and reversion of Farm
  called Carants Court, Sanwich, and remainder of estate of meadow and pasture called ‘Poeks Ground’
  purchased of the Feoffees of the schools of Ilminster. William (son) to have power to make a jointure
  to such a wife as he shall choose of any of the lands bequeathed him. Also ‘my study of books except
  some small divinity books as his mother shall think fit to use’. He is to pay Thomas (his brother)
  40s 6 months after death of Onesipherus Bond in case he survives him to buy a bible and other such books.

- Provision of victuals to go towards the maintenance of the family.

- While sons Thomas and William live with their mother, she is allowed £20 out of profits of estate, but if
  one then only £10.

- Fowls and pigs ‘in or about the house’ at the disposal of wife for better enabling her to keep house
  and that her sons assist her, including with horses.

- William (son): £9/year. If he ‘shall think fit to live in Oxford or another place’ £40/year

- Thomas (son): £8/year If he shall think fit to live in another place ‘for his advantage in a way of
  merchandising’ £30/year

- Desire ‘to be buried decently but not costly’.

- Doctor Thomas Rose (‘loving brother’) of Dorchester: Carant Court to be enjoyed after the deaths of my
  sons and their wives (if any) that shall have made it over to her in jointure.

- ‘Loving wife’: £50/year, after debts paid, for 4 years following my death. Also profits of any ‘quarrs’ as are opened.

- If sons pay my debts then they can enjoy what is bequeathed to my wife.

- Thomas (son) to pay £150 more than his brother in lieu of Anthony Serrell’s estate and £5 a quarter
  until a whole year after death of Onesyphorus Bond of Sanwich. If they do not pay debts then
  Thomas (son) pays William (son) half the money due from Anthony Serrell and then shall have the
  same at his disposal.

- The poor: £5 20s to be paid by my wife on day of death and 20s yearly until the sum is paid.

- My 2 new houses lately erected be started out for 3 lives in a competent Lords Rent being reserved and
  that money given goes towards payment of my debts and if their be any exchange of years in 2 lives
  of which Nathaniell Bond, Sargeant of Lutten and Henry Hennin of Poxewell esquire shall be judge
  of concerning any estate formerly William Weares and that if accepted it should be taken up and used
  for payment of debts.

Executors: William and Thomas (sons). That they ask advice from ‘my loving friends and kinsmen
Nathaniell Bond, Sargeant of Law and Henry Hening of Poxewell esquire, and follow their directions.
As trustees Bond and Hening can enter into land and receive profits if sons fail to pay their Mother or pay debts.
Witnesses: Alexa. Balling, Clem. Batstone, John Outon
Proved: 20 October 1691

PROB 11/411/188

Judith Melmoth, widow of Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 4 July 1692


- John Melmoth (son) and Judith Benfield (dau): 12d each

- Judith Benfield (dau) and Susanna Shott (granddaughter): all wearing apparel (both woollen and linen)

- Margaret Melmoth (daughter in law): ‘my mantle’

- Alexander Melmoth (grandson): half of ‘the banker by the seaside’

- William Harden (grandson): ‘one hundred of plain stone’

- Susanna Shott (granddaughter): she ‘shall live with my daughter Judith Benfield until she be of the age
  of one and twenty years or be married’.

- Alexander Melmoth (grandson): rest of goods and debts.

Executor: Alexander Melmoth (grandson)
Witnesses: Edward Loggan Griffin William Kerridge
Proved: 17 October 1692 (to Alexander)

PROB 11/415/118

Thomas Verge, Marbeller, of ‘Sanwich’, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 23 April 1692


- ‘being sick and weak’

- Land I bought of Catharine Payne, to go, after my wife, to Thomas Verge (grandson) and his heirs male.
   - If no heirs male then to my daughters Anna and Sarah.

- Anna and Sarah (daughters): £100 each

- 3 granddaughters [no names given]: £5 each

- Several houses in Sanwich and that in which my daughter Sarah’s life is in Milford, Southampton to
  my children as they are upon the several leases successively.

- ‘the little house adjacent my dwelling house shall go with my dwelling house’ as the lease directs.
  If the lease shall determine by the death of the lives then Anna’s children have the little house.
  If none then little house goes to Sarah’s children. If none then to Mary Petten (granddaughter).

- Anna (wife): remainder of goods

Executrix: Anna (wife)
Witnesses: Nat Bull, Anna Semer, William Kerridge
Proved: 4 July 1693 (to Anna Verge, widow)

PROB 11/422/209

Peter Baudwyn or Baldwyn, Mariner of Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 1 March 1691/92

- ‘considering the uncertainties of life’

- Jane (‘dearly beloved wife’): to be my lawful attorney with powers to ask and receive from the
  Right Honorable Treasurer or Paymaster of Majesty’s Navy for prize money, wages, bounty
  money that is due to me pursuant to Majesty’s Declaration of 23 May 1689. Also any pensions,
  salaries for my service on any Majesty’s ships, frigates, vessels or any merchant ship.

- Jane (wife): money, goods, land, tenements

Executrix: Jane (wife)
Witnesses: Matthew Leyworthy, James Cross, Robert Heather
Proved: 18 September 1694 (to wife Jane).

PROB 11/432/112

Thomas Chapman, senior, Marbeller of Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 29 December 1695

- Church and poor of Swanage: £5 each to be paid in 12 months to churchwardens of the church
  and poor as Thomas (son) shall see fit.

- ‘to my daughter [blank] Phippard’: £100

- Mary Phippard (granddaughter): £20

- Catherine (daughter): £200 for her marriage portion to be paid 12 months after my decease or
  2 months after her marriage

- Mary Verge (daughter): £30 and her 2 children £20 each to be paid in 12 months.

- Thomas (son): for his children £20 each

- ‘to my son Phippard and daughter Chapman’: a broad piece of gold each

- Margery Verge: 40s

- My three daughters: £10 each in lieu of the goods in the house

- Thomas (son): all land and household goods

- ‘desiring my children would live together in love and with the fear of God’.

Executor: Thomas (son)   Witnesses: William Kerridge, Margaret Verge (X), Mary Smedmer (X)
Proved: 7 July 1696 (on oath of Thomas (son))

PROB 11/525/24

Thomas Chapman of Sandwich, Dorset
Dated: 9 January 1711

- Mary Chapman (granddaughter) of London: £20 when 21 years

- John Chapman’s (son) three children Mary, John and Susan: 20s each to be paid in 1 year

- Elizabeth Serrell’s (daughter) three children Thomas, John and Anthony: 20s each to be paid in 1 year

- Elizabeth Serrell (daughter): £100 to be laid out and disposed for her use and her childrens’ only at
  and according to executrix’s discretion

- Joane Chapman (daughter): £200 to be paid in 1 year

- John Chapman (son): lands at Lynch and my ‘Caldens’ being 14 acres and rented by Thomas Cockram
  of Whitecliff, forever.

- Joane Chapman (wife): residue

Executrix: Joane Chapman (wife)
Witnesses: P Baker, Edward Acton, Mary Cockram
Proved: 5 February 1711/12 (on oath of Joane Chapman, widow) 

PROB 11/554/203

Thomas Cockram, Gentleman of Whitcliffe, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 27 May 1715

- John Vincent, Gentleman of East Lynch, Isle of Purbeck and John Guy, Gentleman of Blandford Forum
  the following in trust:
  Capital farm called Whitcliffe with land, meadow and pasture; tenement at Whitcliffe with grounds
  purchased by me of Abraham Hayward. In trust for them to raise £200 as part of a total £800
  for marriage portion of Mary (daughter) due to her on her mother’s death. £20/year to Thomas (son)
  until he ‘shall be placed at one of the universities’ and £40/year while he continues at university
  and £20/year when removed from university. Payments to be made half yearly out of the premises.
  Premises to be used by Mary (‘loving wife’) then to Thomas (youngest son). If no issue then to
  Brune (eldest son).
  Farm at Ulwell, Sandwich for remainder of term determinable on my death, Mary (wife) and Brune (son):
  Mary (wife) to take rents, then Brune. 
  Farm at Bucknowle, Knowle alias Church Knowle, land and meadows to be mortgaged to raise
  £600 for the residue of the marriage portion of Mary (daughter). £24/year for maintenance of
  Mary (daughter) in meantime at half yearly payments. Premises to be used by John (son) then Brune (son).
  Tenement and curtilage, backside and garden, South side of the Street, Sandwich and land, meadow
  and pasture belonging purchased by Brune Cockram (late father) of Robert Bond (deceased) and others;
  and close of meadow called Ingrams Mead; a messuage, curtilage, backside and garden purchased of
  Edith Clode, widow; messuage tenement at Corfe Castle in possession of Sarah Hayward, widow and
  meadow close called Kitt Close in my possession at Corfe Castle both the last mentioned being the
  late inheritance of John Hayward (wife’s father), deceased; and all other tenements and lands in
  Corfe Castle which belonged to John Hayward.
  All above mentioned property in Sandwich: for use of Brune (son) then John (son)
  All above mentioned property in Corfe Castle: for use of Mary (wife), then Brune (son) then John (son).
  500 years term on Whitcliffe to start on the death of Thomas (son) and 500 years on Bucknowle
  and Sandwich term limited to the trustees for intent on death of one of the 3 sons to put land on
  mortgage of the land of the son dying without issue to raise £300: £100 to Anthony Wareham,
  Gentlemen (husband of daughter Anna) in satisfaction of a covenant entered into by me and him
  on his marriage. £100 to ‘daughter Vincent’. £100 to Mary (daughter). The sum of £300 not to be
  raised until after death of Mary (wife).

- All children and ‘son Vincent’: suit of mourning.

- ‘son Vincent’: 10 guineas

- ‘daughter Vincent’: 20 guineas

- Poor of Sandwich who have no relief: 50s on day of funeral

- Mary (wife): rest of goods

- Trustees: John Vincent and John Guy 20s each

Witnesses: Joseph Culliford, Samuel Serell, John Tarrant
Proved: 27 November 1716 (to Mary (widow).

PROB 11/572/10

Joseph Hort, Mariner of ‘Swansage’, Dorset
Dated: 22 December 1712

- ‘taking a voyage to sea am a-minded to make this my last will and testament’

- Mary, Martha and Anne (3 daughters): all lands, leases, goods etc

Executors: James Pittman (‘loving father-in-law’) and his son William
Witnesses: William Mitchell, George Carter, Prudence Phillipps (X)
Proved: 20 January 1719/20 (on oath of executors)

PROB 11/587/175

Mary Cockram, widow, of Whitecliffe, Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 10 January 1721

- John Vincent (‘loving son-in-law’): £20 to buy a piece of plate and a suit of mourning clothes
  (to be paid in 12 months)

- Priscilla Vincent (daughter): ‘my mother’s wedding ring’, silver tobacco box, silver ‘groaning’
  bowl and brass pan, pin cushion wrought with gold, silk christening mantle, silver spoon having
  the head of one of the 12 Apostles cut thereon, 2 wrought stools, a wrought chair, 2 wrought
  cushions, 2 great pewter dishes, large looking glass in the Parlour, the pictures of the Caesars
  in the Parlour, my book of the Saints Everlasting Rest, the use of my book of Martyrs for her life,
  and after her death it goes to the Executor of this will. £10 to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- Mary Serrell (daughter): silver cup marked with the letters ‘M M and C C’, ‘the bed I usually lodged
  on with the bedstead’, set of striped ‘Camblett’ curtains, set of red and white curtains in the Hall
  Chamber, my shell work looking glass, 2 wrought pictures in the Parlour Chamber, 1 quilt lined with
  white, silver pap dish, 1 of the best Holland sheets, 2 best ‘pillowvers’, green silk mantle lined with white,
  little silver salt seller, great ‘Bellinettall’ skillet, 2 sliver spoons, my mother’s ‘Belinstal’ pot, 3 pewter
  dishes that were my mother’s, 1 half dozen of small new pewter plates, 1 red and white bason, 2 china
  dishes. £10 to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- Brune Cockram (son): silver tankard marked with a Coat of Arms, 5 cane chairs, great arm cane chair,
  black flowered champane looking glass, punch bowl and silver punch spoon, best bed in the Parlour
  Chamber with bedstead, 1 great ‘Belmestall’ pot, 2 pewter dishes, 6 pewter plates, second great skillet,
  little iron pot, the andirons in the Hall. £10 to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- John Cockram (son): great silver salt seller, 6 cane chairs in the Parlour, 4 andirons with the fender and
  the tongs belonging in the Parlour Chamber, £50. £10 to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- Thomas Cockram (son): use of the great double table board, my furnace, great chest and cupboard
  for his life then to go to the next lawful owner and possessor of Whitecliff Farm. Also to Thomas:
  my clock in the Hall, silver cup with Coat of Arms cut therein, 6 silver spoons, silver dram dish,
  malt mill, 2 table boards in the Parlour, 1 half dozen of leather chairs in the Hall, one pair of andirons
  in the Parlour, great iron pot, bed in the Garret to be made sufficiently full of feathers by my executor,
  1 bedstead in the Kitchen Chamber, 2 pewter dishes, half dozen of pewter plates. £10 to buy a suit
  of mourning clothes.

- Anthony ‘Wareham’ (son-in-law): £10 to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- Anna ‘Warham’ (daughter): two-handled silver cup, glass sweet water bottle, wrought box.
  (The two-handled silver cup to then go to Elizabeth Warham (granddaughter)). £10 to buy a
  suit of mourning clothes.

- Elizabeth Warham (granddaughter): £100 when 21 years old. If she dies before, then
  it goes to Brune Cockram (son) in trust for the use of Anna Warham (daughter) for her life.
  If she dies a widow then Brune Cockram stands possessed of the money for her only use.
  Elizabeth Warham only to receive the money if ‘she be brought up and educated in the Protestant
  Religion’. Also to Elizabeth: featherbed with green curtains, silver watch, 2 gold rings, dressing box
  and powder box. £10 10s to buy a suit of mourning clothes.

- Priscilla Vincent, Anna Warham and Mary Serrell (daughters): wearing apparel and gold rings
  to be equally divided.

- My 6 children Brune, John, Thomas, Priscilla, Anna and Mary: residue to be divided.

- Poor of Sandwich: £2 10s to be distributed by the Executor and Churchwardens and Overseers of the parish.

- Poor of Corfe Castle: £2 10s to be distributed by the Executor and Churchwardens and Overseers of the parish.

- Any such servant maid as shall happen to be living with me in the family whereunto I shall belong or
  reside with at the time of my decease: 10s

- £30 to be laid aside for funeral expenses by my executor.

- Mr Cooke, Minister of Sandwich ‘may preach my funeral sermon and that I may be interred by my late
  husband deceased in the Parish Church of Sandwich’. Tombstone to be laid on my grave and also
  cause a tombstone to be laid on my late father John Hayward.

Executor: John Cockram (son).
Witnesses: John Jennings, Thomas Holmes, Sara Smith
Proved: 10 September 1722 (to John Cockram)

PROB 11/627/37

Brune Cockram Gentleman of Sandwich, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Dated: 25 October 1728

- £40 to be laid aside for funeral expenses. Body to be laid in a double coffin and to be carried to my grave
  by 8 of my tenants to be as underbearers. Pallbearers to have silk hat bands and best of mourning gloves.
  Under bearers to have common mourning gloves and Richard Brine, mariner and Jonathan Cole, taylor of
  Northbrook and my trustees may have each of them a silk hat band and pair of best mourning gloves.
  Grave to be 6 feet deep and close by Mary Cockram, widow (late mother) in the parish church of Sandwich.
  Good tombstone to be laid on my grave. Bell to begin tolling at 8 O’clock in the morning before funeral
  and to continue to 3 O’clock in the afternoon. Executor to choose a funeral sermon to be preached by
  William Russell of Winbourn or Mr Maning of ‘Lanton’ and pay them 1 [?] piece of gold. Funeral subject
  to be the 8^th and 14^th pieces of the 13^th Chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

- 20 poor persons settled inhabitants of Sandwich not receiving Alms: £5 to be paid in 3 months

- 20 poor persons settled inhabitants of Borough of Corfe Castle not receiving Alms: £5 to be paid in 3 months

- Thomas Cockram (brother): 1s

- John Vincent (brother-in-law): 1s

- Samuel Serrell (brother-in-law): 1s

- ‘Sister Vincent’: 1s

- Anthony Wareham (brother-in-law): 1s

- Anna ‘Waream’ (sister): 1s

- Elizabeth ‘Waream’ (niece): £5 to buy her a suit of mourning only and not to be laid out upon another occasion

- Mary Serrell (niece): £5 to buy her a suit of mourning only and not to be laid out upon another occasion

- Jane Serrell (niece): £5 to buy her a suit of mourning only and not to be laid out upon another occasion

- Richard Brine, mariner of Sandwich: £40 to be paid in 3 months

- Jonathan Cole, taylor of Northbrook: £30 to be paid in 3 months. Also my horse bridle and saddle.

- Richard Brine (aforesaid): best suit of clothes and Holland shirt, muslin cravat, pair of ‘stockins’ and hat

- Jonathan Cole (aforesaid): second best suit of clothes and Holland shirt, muslin cravat, pair of ‘stockins’ and hat

- Sarah Smith, spinster: £5 for suit of mourning on day on my death and use of all household goods, beds and
  table linen and silver plate, my house in Sandwich ‘to be carefully taken care of by her’ for her life, then to
  remain with my executor. Sarah Smith may ‘have the liberty of burning all my fuel that shall happen to be left’
  in my house.

- Also messuage, garden, orchard in Sandwich called ‘Kerridges Tenement’ in my possession to
  Sarah for her life to be kept by her in good and sufficient repair (except by accidental storms of weather
  or fire which is not in her power to avoid. Executor to carry out repair work if this is the case.). After her
  death to Thomas Cockram (brother) and if he has no issue then to John Cockram (brother)’s wife that shall
  happen to be left surviving, then to my right heirs forever.

- Also annuity of £20 tax free to be made in quarterly payments on 29 September, 21 December, 25 March
  and 24 June, out of my messuages and lands at Ower, Corfe Castle and the parish of Studland in occupation
  of John Curtis.

- John Cockram (brother): above tenements mentioned in occupation of John Curtis and tenements and land
  in Borough of Corfe Castle in occupation of John Benfield and Ralph Skreven and rest of lands. Then to his
  wife surviving him then to my right heirs forever.

- Henry Vye, Samuel Serrell and Thomas Serrell, ‘marbles’ of Sandwich (‘my friends’): as trustees that
  my will is performed. They are to be paid for their expenses and trouble and 40s each to be paid in 3 months.

- John Cockram (brother): the remainder

Executor: John Cockram (brother)
Witnesses: John Dolling, senior, Thomas Cole, Robert Sanders
Proved: 14 February 1728/29 (on oath to John Cockram, brother)