Wills of Disley and Lyme Handley people 

or their descendents

There are other wills on the Taxal & Whaley Bridge page which may have connections to Disley people.

My thanks to David & Anne Bailey; Michelle Cantrill; Holly Gaskell; Mike Gregg & Alan Swindale for many of these wills.

If you have an interest in the Swindells surname Alan Swindale has a One Name Study.  He can be contacted at Swindell@one-name.org

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John ARDERN of Disley: 1763

A true & perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods and Chattels Depts and Credits of John ARDERN Late of Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester husband man Decesd apraised by Thos TORKINGTON and Th^s ARDREN this 28th day of June 1762 as follows

Witnis our Hands Thos TORKINGTON; Thos. ARDERN aprasers

On a separate sheet

Adm. of John ARDERNE late of Disley Parish of Stockport Husbandman Dec. to be granted unto Alice ARDERN of same Widow & Relict

P.... £300 bound Henry POTT of Lyme Handley Par.. & Thos TORKINGTON of Marple Husb(andma)n 

On a separate sheet - another copy of the inventory with some words spelt differently

On a separate sheet 

Know all Men by these presents That we Alice ARDERN of Disley in the County of Chester Husbandman Henry POTT of Lyme Handley in the said County Gardiner and Thomas TORKINGTON of Marple in the aforesaid County Husbandman are holden etc. etc. dated the twenty second day of April 1763

The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden Alice ARDERN Widow Relict and Administratrix of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of John ARDERN late of Disley above said in the Diocese of Chester Husbandman Deceased etc. etc.

The mark of Alice ARDERN  (signed) Henry POTT & Thos TORKINGTON

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Thomas ARDERN of Laneside, Disley: 1798

This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas ARDERN of Lanehead within Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester Butcher First I give and devise unto Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN both of Disley aforesaid and James BAILY of Hanley my Executors hereafter named All that my Leasehold Tenement called Jacksons within Disley now in the occupation of my son Henry with all and every of its Rights Members and Appurtenances In Trust so far and upon the several Uses Trusts Intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned expressed and declared of and concerning the same leasehold premises and I do hereby also give and devise all that my copyhold Estate of Inheritance called the Lanehead within Disley aforesaid where I now live unto the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY upon Trust nevertheless and likewise to and for the several Uses Trusts Intents and purposes hereafter mentioned expressed and declared of and concerning the same copy hold premises That is to say Upon Trust and to the Intent and purpose that they the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY and their respective Heirs do and shall out of the Rents Issues and profits arising from the before mentioned Leasehold Tenement In the first place pay to my beloved wife Hannah or her Assigns during the Term of her natural Life (if the Life or Lives in the said original Lease shall so long live) the clear Annuity or Annual Sum of Five pounds at and upon the Eleventh day of November and the Twenty fifth Day of March by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to be made on such of the said Days as shall first happen after my Decease And upon Trust and to the Intent and purpose that the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY and their respective Heirs do and shall out of the Residue of the yearly Rents and profits as well of the said Leasehold premises as also of the said copyhold premises apply allow and pay unto my youngest son Richard and my daughter Betty yearly and every year till they shall arrive at the age of Twenty One years each respectively a proper sufficiency towards their maintenance and support and when he my said son Richard shall have attained his full age of Twenty One years then I do hereby order and direct my said Trustees and their respective Heirs to allow and pay unto my said son Richard or his Assigns also from the said Copyhold premises during and unto such time as she my said Daughter Betty shall have attained her full age of Twenty One years Then I give and Devise unto my said son Richard ARDERN and my said Daughter Betty ARDERN All that my Leasehold Tenement called Jacksons aforesaid with all and every of its Rights Members and Appurtenances upon condition that they the said Richard ARDERN and Betty ARDERN and their respective Heirs and Assigns pay thereout of the same premises unto my wife Hannah ARDERN or her Assigns during the Term of her natural Life (if the Life or Lives in the said original Lease shall so long live) the clear Annuity or Annual Sum of Five pounds at the Days and Times before mentioned for the payment thereof To hold the same unto my said Son Richard and my  Daughter Betty and to their child or children equally to be divided between them for and during the continuance of the Lease now in being as Tenants in common and not as Joint tenants But in case my said son Richard and my Daughter Betty shall both of them happen to die without child or children Then I give and devise the aforesaid Tenement called Jacksons unto my son Henry ARDERN To hold to him his Heirs and Assigns for and during the Remainder of the Lease then in being Also I give and devise unto my said son Richard ARDERN and my said Daughter Betty ARDERN when she my said Daughter Betty ARDERN shall have attained her full Age of Twenty one years and to their child or children All that my Copyhold Estate of Inheritance with all its Rights Members and Appurtenances called the Lanehead situate in Disley aforesaid where I now live To hold to them and their Issue Child or Children equally to be divided between them and their Issue Child or Children as Tenants in common and not as Joint tenants And in case my said son Richard dies without child or children I give and devise the same unto my said Daughter Betty and her Issue And in case my said Daughter Betty dies without child or children I give and devise the same Copyhold Estate unto my son Richard and his Issue for ever But for Want of them my Son Richard and my Daughter Betty and their Issue Then I give and devise the same unto my son Henry ARDERN his Heirs and Assigns for Ever I also give and Devise unto my son Henry ARDERN his Heirs and Assigns All that my Freehold Estate of Inheritance called Mossley situate within High Lane Marple in the said County now occupied by Mary HIBBERSON as my Tenant with all its Rights Members and Appurtenances thereto belonging To hold the same unto my son Henry his Heirs and Assigns for Ever And as for and concerning the whole of my personal Estate and the money arising from the Sale of my Chattels and other my Estate and Effects Money out at Interest Book and other Debts and not herein by me disposed of I do hereby order and direct the same to be applied and disposed of by my Executors in the payment of my just Debts funeral expences reasonable charge of the probate and Execution of this my Will and the several Legacies hereafter mentioned  (That is to say) First I give and bequeath unto my Son Richard and my Daughter Betty the sum of One hundred pounds equally to be divided and paid to them share and share alike by my Executors hereafter named when she my said Daughter Betty shall have attained her full age of Twenty one years And in case of either of their Deaths before the payment of the said Legacy then the share of Him or Her so dying shall go and be paid to his or her respective child or children And if no child or children to go and be paid unto the survivor Then I give and bequeath unto my Eldest son Thomas ARDERN the sum of Ten pounds to be paid at the end of Twelve Months next after my decease And I give and bequeath unto my second son John ARDERN the like sum of Ten pounds to be paid at the end of Twelve Months next after my decease Then I give and bequeath all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my personal Estate Goods Money and Effects of what Nature or kind soever and not here in before by me disposed of unto and amongst them my sons Thomas John and Richard and my daughter Betty to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst them share and share alike at the End of Twelve Months next after my Decease And lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Thomas BOWDEN and my said son Henry ARDERN both of Disley aforesaid and James ......[BAILY?) (missed on photocopy because of fold) Executors of this my last Will and Testament herby revoking all former Will and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made and Declare this to be my last

In Witness whereof I the said Thomas ARDERN the Testator to this my last Will and Testament contained in Two Sheets of paper have at the Bottom of the first sheet set my hand and Seal And also to this second sheet have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the twelfth Day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas ARDERN the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request in the presence of one another have subscribed our names as Witnesses to attest the due Execution thereof

Jno WOOD; Thomas CARRINGTON; John STAVELY

July 25th 1798  Thomas BOWDEN, Henry ARDERN and James BAILY Executors herein named were this day sworn in common form W. Bown... Surrogate

Probate issued Dated 25 Jul 1798 Effects above One and Under Three Hundred pounds 

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Thomas ARDERN late of Disley: 1871

This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas ARDAN late of Disley in the County of Chester Butcher but now residing at Cheadle Moseley  in the said County made and published this eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty five revoking all former testamentary appointments First I give and bequeath all my household goods furniture linen china glass and pictures unto my dear Wife Hannah ARDERN absolutely Next I direct that as soon as conveniently may be after my decease my real estate if any shall be sold and that my personal estate not hereby otherwise disposed of shall be got in and converted into money and after payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses I give and bequeath one half of the money to arise from such sale and conversion as aforesaid unto my said Wife absolutely And I direct the trustees hereinafter appointed of this my Will to invest the residue of the money so to arise as aforesaid in some or one of the public stocks or funds of Great Britain and to stand possessed of the same in trust for my son Thomas Edwin ARDERN when he shall attain the age of twenty one years or should he die under that age for his lawful issue And I direct my said trustees during the minority of my said son to pay the annual income of the said trust premises to my said Wife for or towards his maintenance and education And further I authorize my said trustees at any time during the minority of my said son to pay and apply at their discretion any sum not exceeding the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds for or towards the placing out apprentice or otherwise for the advancement in life of my said son And I further direct that if my said [son] should die before attaining the age of twenty one years without leaving lawful issue then and in such case I give the said trust moneys to my said Wife absolutely free and clear from the debts control or engagement of any husband she may marry And lastly I appoint my said Wife and my brother in law James ALLEN of Cheadle Moseley aforesaid Executrix and Executor and Trustees of this my Will Thomas ARDERN - Signed by the said Thomas ARDERN as his last Will in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses Aldwell C TAYLOR Clerk to Mr BENNET Solicitor Stockport Elizabeth COOPER Cheadle Heath

Proved at Chester the 22nd March 1871 by the oaths of Hannah ARDERN widow the Relict and James ALLEN the Executors to whom administration was granted

The Testator Thomas ARDERN was formerly of Disley in the County of Chester Butcher afterwards of Cheadle Moseley  but late of Cheadle Bulkeley both in the same County Gentleman and died on the 9th day of March 1871 at Cheadle Bulkeley aforesaid

Under £800 No Leaseholds  Wm SMITH Solicitor Stockport  Charles W PARRY District Registrar  

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William ARDERN of Disley: 1744

In the Name of God Amen I William ARDRENE of Stanlee Hall in Disley Husbandman being Sick and Weak in Body but of Sound and perfect mind and memory Praise be therefore given to Almighty God do make and ordain this my present Last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First and principally I commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God hopeing thro` the merits Death and pasion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon of All my sins and to inherit Ever lasting Life: and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buryed at the Discretion of my Executors herein hereafter named: And as touching all Such Temporal Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to Bestow upon me I give and Dispose thereof as followeth Firstly I will that all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges shall be paid and Discharged.  Item, I Give and Bequeath an Annuety or Yearly Rent of Forty Shillings A Year to My Wife Martha ARDRENE to be paid of My Tenement lying in Norbury During her Natural life provided that the present Lease So long continue, and all the Residue and Remainder of Such Teniment I give and Devise unto My Son William ARDRENE paying the Annuety yearly and every year unto my Wife Martha ARDRENE, which is in Luw of all Thirds, Claims, or Demands, that She may or hearafter make upon any part of My Personal estate Item I will that all my Just Debts be first paid out of my personal Estate, and all the Rest Residue and Remainder of My Sd personal Estate I give and bequeath unto James ARDRENE, John ARDRENE, Thomas ARDRENE, Elizabeth ARDRENE, and Martha BOWDEN (five pounds excepted) to be Equally Divided among them viz. Shere and Shere alike, twelve months after my Disease, and as many of them as are then of Age to Receive the Same of and from My Executors hereafter named, and as for those that are not at the Age of 21 years I will that the same part of My sd personal Estate belonging to them, be put out to Interest and the profits of the Same to be Imployed towards their maintenance at the Discretion of my Executors here after named, Item I give and bequeath unto my Sd Son James ARDRENE the Sum of five pounds which was before excepted over and above such part of my personal Estate before mentioned, Item I Give and Bequeath unto my wife Martha ARDRENE all My Right and Title belonging to Jacksons Tenement over above Such Anuety before mentioned; Lastly I Do nominate and appoint my Two Sons William ARDRENE and James ARDRENE Executors of this my last Will and Testament, And I Do hereby revoke, disanul and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I have to this my Last Will and Testament Set my Hand and Seal the Eleventh Day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four

William ARDRENE (his mark & seal)

Signed Sealed and Decleared in presence of us Thomas TORKINTON; Ann TORKINTON; Peter WOOD  

On a separate sheet May 18 1744

William ARDERNE and James ARDERNE the Executors within named were sworn in common form before Us per Gastrell

A True and Perfect Inventory of all & Singular The goods Cattle Chattles Depts & Credits of William ARDERN Late of Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman Decsd Praisd & Valued this 7th day of May in the year of our Lord God 1744 by John BULLOCK and Thomas TORKINTON appraisers as followes

Witness our hands John BULLOCK   Thomas TORKINTON

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Isaac BAILEY 1860

(Proved 3rd June 1864)

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger I direct all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses to be paid by my executors as soon as conveniently may be after my decease out of my personal estate I give and bequeath the sum of ten pounds to my son James Edward BAILEY on him attaining the age of twenty one years or marriage I will and direct that all my household goods and furniture stock in trade goods and chattels in and about my shop dwellinghouse and premises in Disley aforesaid shall be sold and disposed of by my Executors hereinafter named so soon after my decease as he or they shall think proper and the money arising therefrom I give and bequeath unto and equally between and amongst my several sons and daughters that is to say Mary the Wife of Thomas PATRICKSON Thomas BAILEY Robert BAILEY Hannah the Wife of Frederick OCCLEE Isaac BAILEY John William BAILEY and James Edward BAILEY or their respective legal representatives (my daughter Ellen Ann being hereinafter provided for by me) share and share alike I give devise and bequeath all and singular my messuages cottages or dwellinghouses lands tenements real and the residue of my personal estates and effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto my sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY their heirs and executors and administrators according to the nature and quality of the property upon trust that they my said trustees their heirs and executors and administrators do and shall during the life of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY set and let my said messuages cottages dwellinghouses lands tenements and real estate and receive the rents issues and profits thereof and keep the same in good and tenantable repair and pay unto my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY the clear annuity or yearly sum of twenty pounds for her maintenance during the term of her natural life such annuity of twenty pounds to be paid to my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY by equal half yearly payments on the twenty fourth day of June and twenty fifth day of December in every year free from all deductions the first payment to be made on such of the said days as may next happen after my decease And I direct that my said trustees or trustee for the time being shall take care of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY during her life out of the said annuity or yearly sum of twenty pounds And upon trust to pay the remainder of the said rents issues and profits from time to time unto and equally amongst my said several sons and daughters (except for my said daughter Ellen Ann) share and share alike or such of them as shall be then living and the respective issue of such of them as may happen to die the children to take their parents share And from and after the death of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY Then upon trust that they my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators do and shall so soon as conveniently maybe after that event sell and dispose of all my said estate and effects and convert all the said residue of my real and personal estate and effects into money and divide the proceeds thereof into seven equal parts or shares and pay and apply one equal seventh part thereof to my said daughter Mary the Wife of Thomas PATRICKSON one other equal seventh part thereof unto my said son Thomas BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son Robert BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said daughter Hannah the Wife of the said Frederick OCCLEE one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son Isaac BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son John William BAILEY and the remaining equal seventh part thereof to my said son James Edward BAILEY provided always and I hereby declare that in case anyone or more of my said children shall die before his her or their share or respective share shall have become vested and payable according to the true meaning of this my Will without leaving lawful issue then the share or shares intended for each of my said children so dying  shall go and be divided between all and every my then surviving children and the lawful issue of such of them as shall be then dead  such issue nevertheless taking in manner aforesaid per &ldots;&ldots; and not per capita  And I Will and declare that every receipt of my said trustees or trustee for the time being their heirs executors or administrators shall be a good and effectual discharge for all monies therein mentioned to be received and shall absolve the parties paying the same from being answerable for the loss or misapplication thereof and that all conveyances or appurtenances executed by him or them shall be good and sufficient for the purchaser of any property under this my Will And that each trustee shall and may out of the monies which shall come to his respective hands by virtue of the trusts aforesaid reimburse himself all costs charges and expenses which he or they incur in the execution of the trusts aforesaid and that no trustee shall be answerable for any other trustee nor for any involuntary losses And whereas my said son Thomas BAILEY lately erected several messuages cottages or dwellinghouses and other buildings and premises situate in Oldham in the County of Lancaster and which said premises were sold and conveyed by the assignees of my said son Thomas BAILEY to me for the consideration money therein mentioned which was duly paid by me to the said Assignees Now I do hereby declare that in the case my said son Thomas BAILEY can at any reasonable time hereafter according to the discretion of my said trustees redeem the said premises and pay unto my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators the full amount of such purchase money paid be me as aforesaid and all costs and charges laid out and expended by me in and about the said purchase then and in such case I direct my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators to convey and assure the said hereditaments and premises to my said son Thomas BAILEY his heirs executors or administrators as he shall direct and the said last mentioned monies shall form part of my estate and effects and be paid and applied by my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators according to the directions bequests and trusts of this my Will And I nominate and appoint my said sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY trustees and executors of this my Will And revoke all other Wills by me made In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my hand this thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty -- Isaac BAILEY --  Signed by the said Isaac BAILEY the Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our hands as witnesses (the name of “Ellen Ann BAILEY” having been previously underlined in the first page of this Will) -- Robert RATCLIFFE New Mills near Stockport -- Hannah DIXON New Mills Innkeeper

Codicil

I Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger declare this to be a Codicil to my last Will and Testament of this date I hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas BAILEY to be a trustee and executor of my said Will and Testament and I declare that my said Will shall accordingly be read and construed as if the name of my said son Thomas BAILEY had been inserted therein throughout along with my sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY the Trustees therein appointed In witness whereof I have set my hand this thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty -- Isaac BAILEY -- Signed by the said Isaac BAILEY as a Codicil to his said Will in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses -- Robert RATCLIFFE New Mills near Stockport -- Hannah DIXON New Mills Innkeeper

Second Codicil

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester corndealer which bears date the thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY the weekly sum of ten shillings for and during the term of her natural life in lieu and stead of the weekly sum of eight shillings to be paid and payable as directed in my said Will I revoke the appointment of my son John William BAILEY as trustee of my estate and executor of my said Will and nominate constitute and appoint my eldest son Thomas BAILEY trustee and executor thereof in lieu and stead of my said son John William BAILEY I confirm my said Will in all other respects In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three -- Isaac BAILEY -- Signed published and declared by the said Isaac BAILEY the Testator as and for a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other at one and the same time have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses -- Thomas ARDERN Butcher Disley -- Cardwell CHATHAM Hazel Grove

Chancery On the 3rd day of June 1864 the Will with two Codicils of Isaac BAILEY late of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger deceased was proved by the oaths of Isaac BAILEY the son of the said deceased the Executor named in the said Will and Thomas BAILEY the son of the said deceased the Executor named in the said Codicils having been first sworn duly to administer

Effects under £200 No Leaseholds Testator died 13th May 1864

Probate extracted by H.M.Coppock Solicitor Stockport; Charles F.W.Parry District Registrar

Note : Isaac was the eldest son of William and Hannah BAILEY (nee LOMAS). Isaac was born in Chapel en le Frith Derbyshire circa 1793 and lived in Poynton  Cheshire and Disley Cheshire.

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Letters of Administration for Hannah BEALEY of Disley Deceased 1764

 Admon granted 9th May 1766

KNOW all men by these presents, that we William BAYLEY of Disley in the parish of Stockport within the County & Diocese of Chester Bread- Baker, Joseph GODDARD of Manchester in the County of Lancaster & Diocese of Chester Carpenter: And John BROADHEAD of the parish of Prestbury in the County and Diocese of Chester Farmer Are holden and firmly bound unto the Right Reverend Father in God Edmund by devine permission, Lord Bishop of Chester in the sum of twenty pounds, of good and lawful money of Great- Britain, to be paid unto the said Right Reverend Father, his lawful attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns: To which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and Every of us, severally, for and in the whole our heirs, executors, and administrators, and the heirs, executors, and administrators of Every of us, firmly by these Presents. SEALED with our Seals, and dated the first day of May in the sixth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the third by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith and so forth, and in the year of our Lord God, one thousand seven hundred and sixty six

THE Condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above Bounden William BAILEY Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of Hannah BAILEY his late wife Deceased do make, or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him and the same, so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the County Court of Chester at or before the 25 day of December next ensuing: And the same goods, chattels, and credits, and all other the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, at the time of her death, which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said William BAILEY or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer according to Law; and further do make, or cause to be made a true and just account of his said administration, at or before the twenty fifth day of December which shall be in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels, and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrator his account, the same being first examined and allowed of by the judge or judges for the time being of the said court, shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as the said judge or judges, by his or their decree or sentence, (pursuant to the true intent and meaning of an act of parliament, made in the two-and-twentieth and three-and-twentieth years of the reign of his late majesty King CHARLES the second, entitled, An act for the better settlingIintestates estates) shall limit and appoint.  And it shall hereafter appear, that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named, do exhibit the same into the said court, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said administrator above bounden, being thereunto required, do render deliver the said letters of administration, (application of such testament being first had and made in the said court) then this obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain full force and virtue

Wm BEALEY; Joseph GODARD; John BROADHEAD

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Jas C Knowles Surrogate

May the first in the Year 1766 William BEALEY within named took the usual oath of an administrator in Common Form before me Jas C Knowles Surrogate

The Effects Und 10£ Admon issued 9th May 1766

BAYLEY Admon of Hannah late of Disley dd was granted to William her late husband first sworn the 9th May 1766

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George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley: 1690 Inventory

 Latin frontispiece mentions Thomas BOWDEN, son

.....(torn away) of all the Goods Chattels and .... of George BOWDON of Disley Stanley in the county of Chester husbandman Decesed Valued and Appraised the 8 day of September Ano Dom 1690 by us whos names are subscribed

Above writen by us John RICHARDSON; Thomas RICHARDSON

12 Sept 1690

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George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley: 1754

Made 23 Oct 1753; Proved 5 Jul 1754

In the name of God Amen, I George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman, being under some bodily disorder, but of a sound and perfect disposeing mind and memory praised be God for the same , do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, and first I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God my Creator, hoping to Receive free Pardon and Remishon of all my sins in and through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer and touching my worldly goods which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I give and Dispose of in manner and form following that is to say first it my will and that all my just Debts funerall expences together with the charge of the Probate of this my will be first paid and Discharged by my Executors hereafter named.  Item I give and Bequeath to my Loveing wife Martha BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my son Thomas BOWDEN the sum of thirty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my servant James KELSALL the sum of one pound all to be paid in twelve months after my Discese.   All the rest resedue and remainder of my goods and chattles nott before bequeathed I leave to the care and charge of my executors hereinafter named for the sole use and bringing up of my son George BOWDEN and my daughter Martha BOWDEN till such time the atain the age of twenty one years my wife to have the care of them so long as she keeps her unmaried but no longer and when the atain the age of twenty one years out of such remeinders I give and bequeath to my son George BOWDEN and my daughter Martha BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds each if such remeinder shall happen to be it is my will and mind that it shall be equally devided amongst my children heretofore named to be equally devided amongst them share and share alike and lastly I do constitute nominate and apoint my son Thomas BOWDEN and my Kinsman Thomas TORKINTON Executors to this my Last and testement and do revoke all other or former wills by me at any time heretofore made

In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seale this twenty third day of October In the year of Lord God one thousand seven hundred and fifty three

(Signed) George BOWDEN plus seal

Signed published expressed and Declared by the testator in the presence of us who subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto the word me being first interlined

John BOWDEN; John ARDEN; Thomas ARDREN  

5th July 1754 Thomas BOWDEN & Thomas TORKINGTON the Ex^rs within named were sworn in common form before me Thos COMBERBACH Snr

A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods Cattells Chattells and Effects Personall of George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley in the parish of Stockport and county of Chester late deced Husband man which were appraised and valued by us whose names are hereunto subscribed this 31st day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty three as followeth

.	£    s    d
First of all in purse and apparell	38  02  00
In the House	.
One Fire Iron Fire Shovel tungs & croe	00  12  06
One Clock & Case & 2 Coach Cheers	03  00  00
2 Oake Tables 1 Fale or Hale table 1 Cubard	01  04  00
4 Stools 4 Cheers 1 Salt Box	00  05  00
18 Pewter Pleats 7 P.lingers a tankerd 5 cups	00  08  04
3 Salts 1 Candlestick 24 Spoons	00  03  04
20 Pewter Dishes 4 Brass Candlesticks	01  15  00
One Brass Morter one Skimer 3 Skellits 2 Ladles	00  05  06
2 Sauspans one warming pan	00  03  06
2 Brass pans one Kettle in Iron and tin things	01  09  10
2 Pair of Wooll sheers one Smoothing Iron	00  02  06
White Ware & Glases 9 shehs? 3 treses	00  09  06
One Frying pan 4 Quishins	00  02  00
In the Butery & Kitchin	.
One pair of nees 2 tubs 1 Barril	00  04  06
One Brass pan & chees pres & Earthenware	00  19  00
One Dashin 1 turnill & a Little Churn	00  03  06
One Tub 1 kimnel 2 Leds one Iron pott	00  10  00
8 Pigins one Barrill in trenchers	00  09  00
Turndware 2 Stoonds 2 Cheers 7 Boards	00  13  00
2 S... 3 Baskits & wooden things	00  02  06
23 Glass Bottles & Earthenware	00  06  04
In the Parlor and Chember over	.
One Little Bed and Beding	00  16  06
Two Beds and Beding	04  08  10
One Chest 1 Coafer 2 Cheers	00  16  00
One Table Cloath 1 Table Napkin	00  15  00
Sheets and other Linin	00  15  06
In the Chember ove Kitchin	.
One Bed & Beding	03  06  08
5 Oake Cheers 1 Smale table	00  15  00
One Lookeing Glass One Chest	00  10  00
One Coafer 1 Fire Iron and other things	00  13  06
In the Chees Chember	.
One pair of Bed Stocks one Arke	01  04  06
Three Wheels 3 Boards and other things	00  10  00
99 Cheeses In weighs weights & Pottetos	15  00  00
Linin and Cotton Yarn and Wooll	00  09  00
In the Outhouseing & Fields	.
9 Milk Cowes one Heifer 3 Sterks	38  12  00
4 Calfes 6 Sheep	03  10  00
Four Horses with all their Gairs	20  05  00
Corn and Hay Carts and Wheels	55  12  00
2 Plows 4 Harrows 2 Arks One Swineturnil?	02  16 00
Corn Sacks mesures Ridess & other things	00  15  02
Axes Bils Mattock & other things	00  05  08
One Swine and A Parcel of Gees	03  05  00
Cash oweing by Severall Persons	.
upon Bond and Noats	61  18  06
All other things not named or forgotten as Hustlements	00  03  06
Sume of the Inventory	268 13  09

John BOWDEN and William ARDERN Appraisers

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George BOWDEN of Disley - Obligation issued 1809 to wife Hannah

Know all men by these presents, that we Hannah BOWDEN, Widow, John STAVELY, schoolmaster and Peter BAILEY Farmer all of Disley in the parish of Stockport and within the County and Diocese of Chester are holden and firmly bound ......etc........ in the sum of five hundred and ninety pounds of good and lawful money .........etc........Sealed with our Seals and dated the seventh day of October in the forty ninth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord George the Third ........etc.......and in the year of our Lord God one thousand eight hundred and nine

The Condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above bounden Hannah BOWDEN, Widow, Relict and Administratrix of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of George BOWDEN late of Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County and Diocese of Chester, Yeoman, deceased do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession, or knowledge of her the said Hannah BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for her use and the same, so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Consistory Court of Chester at or before the seventh day of April next ensuing .............etc................  And if it shall hereafter appear that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named do exhibit the same into the said court, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said Hannah BOWDEN, the Adminstratrix above bounden ....etc......

(Signed) Hannah BOWDEN; John STAVELEY; Peter BAILEY

Sealed in the presence of Thos MONKHOUSE

The seventh day of October 1809

Hannah BOWDEN within named took the usual Oath of an Adminstratrix in common form and also made Oath that the personal Estate and Effects of the Intestate within the Diocese of Chester were under the value of three hundred pounds before me Thos. MONKHOUSE, Surrogate in the vacancy of the see of Chester

The Intestate died the nineteenth day of April 1809 Admon issued Dated 7th October 1809

Signed by: Hannah BOWDEN; John STAVELEY, schoolmaster; Peter BAILEY, farmer

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George BOWDEN of Light Alders Farm, Disley: 1841

This is the Last Will and Testament of me George BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley in the county of Chester Farmer who make and publish the same in manner and form following that is to say First I order and direct all my just debts and funeral and testamentary charges and expences to be paid and discharged by my Executors hereinafter named out of my personal Estate I give and bequeath unto my son John the sum of Fifty pounds I give devise and bequeath all those my four several messuages or dwelling houses with the appurtenances situate standing and being at Disley aforesaid and now in the occupation of Richard JOHNSON and others as my Tenants and all other my Real Estate and also all my household Goods and Furniture Cattle Farming Stock Personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever Unto my two friends William MOORS of Disley aforesaid Yeoman and Joseph COOPER of Wibbersley Hall in the said county Farmer their heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever or for and during all such other Estate term or interest as I may have therein at the time of my death.  Upon the several trusts following that is to say Upon trust that they my said Trustees or the survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivor do and shall with all convenient speed after my death make sale and dispose of my said Messuages or Dwelling houses and other my Real Estate either by Public Auction or private contract as they or he may think proper for the best price and most money that can be obtained for the same.  And also do and shall call in sell and convert into money my said personal Estate And as for and concerning the money to arise and be made from such sale or sales and by the several ways and means aforesaid Upon trust (after payment of my debts and funeral and testamentary charges and expences and the Legacy hereinbefore given to my said son) to pay and divide the same unto and amongst my dear wife Sarah my said son John and daughters Hannah and Martha equally share and share alike.  And I do hereby declare that the provision herein by me made for my said wife shall be in lieu bar and full satisfaction of all dower or thirds at common law or otherwise to which she may be entitled out of my Real Estate.  And I declare that every receipt which shall be given by my said Trustees or the survivor of them his executors or administrators for any money to be received by them or him under the Trusts so in them severally discharged to the person or persons paying the same and fully and for ever release and discharge the same person or persons from all obligation of seeing to the application of the same money and from all lieu or liability by reason of the misapplication or nonapplication thereof or of any part thereof And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint the said William MOORS and Joseph COOPER Executors of this my Will And I do hereby declare it to be my Will and mind that they my said Trustees and Executors and the survivor of them his executors and administrators shall and may from time to time by and out of the monies and premises which by virtue of this my will or the Trusts hereby in them reposed shall come to their or his hands retain to and reimburse themselves respectively all such costs charges damages and expences as they or he shall or may bear pay sustain or be put unto with a reasonable allowance for their or his care time and trouble in or about the execution of the Trusts hereby in them reposed.  And that they or either of them shall not be answerable or accountable for more monies or effects than what they shall actually respectively receive or shall come to their respective hands by virtue of this my will nor shall one of them be answerable or accountable for the other of them or for the heirs executors administrators receipts payments acts deeds or defaults of the other of them but each of them for his own respective receipts payments acts deeds defaults only.  Nor shall they or any of them be answerable or accountable for any loss or damage which may happen in the execution of the Trusts hereby in them reposed unless the same shall happen through their or his wilful neglect or default.  And lastly I do hereby revoke all former and other will and wills by me at any time heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one.

(Signed) George BOWDEN

Signed by the within named George BOWDEN as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, present at the same time, who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to attest the due execution thereof.

Wm JOHNSON; George WHITAKER

Executors sworn in 19 Feb 1841 corrects name from MOORS to MOOR. Value under £300

Probate issued 10th March 1841

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Hannah BOWDEN, of Light Alders Farm, Disley - widow of  George: Admon 1834

Know all men by these Presents, That we George BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in the township of Disley (Marple having been crossed out), Farmer – John BOWDEN of the same place Farmer - & Joseph COOPER of Wibbersley Hall in Marple aforesaid, Farmer are holden and firmly bound unto the Right Reverend Father in God John Bird by Divine Permission, Lord Bishop of Chester, in the Sum of Sixteen hundred Pounds of good and lawful Money of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, current in that part of the said Kingdom called England, to be paid unto the said Lord Bishop, his Lawful Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us severally for and in the whole, our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, and the Heirs, Executors and Administrators of every of us firmly be these Presents.  Sealed with our Seals, and dated the sixth Day of June in the fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Fourth, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and in the Year of our Lord God One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Four.

In  Condition of this Obligation is such, that the above bounded George BOWDEN the natural and lawful son and one of the next of kin Administrator  of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Hannah BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in Disley aforesaid, Widow deceased do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the good, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said George BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for his use and the same, so made, do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Consistory Court of Chester aforesaid, at or before the sixth day of December next ensuing.  And the same good, chattels, and credits, and all other goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased at the time of his (sic)death, which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said George BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for his use do well and truly administer according to law; and further do make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of his said administration, at or before the sixth day of June which shall be in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels, and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said administrat&ldots; account, the same being first examined and allowed by the judge or judges for the time being of the said court, shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as the said judge or judges, by his or their decree, or sentence pursuant to the true intent and meaning of an Act of Parliament, made in the two and twentieth and three and twentieth years of the reign of his late Majesty King Charles the second entitled An Act for better settling Intestates estates, shall limit and appoint.  And it shall hereafter appear that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named do exhibit the same into the said court making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said George BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in Marple (sic) aforesaid Farmer above bounded, being thereunto required, do render and deliver the said letters of administration, (approbation of such testament being first had and made by the said court) then this obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Charles Kenrick Prescot Surrogate

(signed by) George BOWDEN; John BOWDEN; Joseph COOPER 

On a separate sheet

The sixth day of June 1834 George BOWDEN within named took the usual oath of an administrator in common form & he further made oath that the personal estate and effects of the Intestate within the diocese of Chester were under the value of £800 – before me Charles Kenrick Prescot M A Surrogate

The Intestate died on the seventh day of May 1834

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Thomas BOWDEN of Disley: 1746

In the name of God Amen I Thomas BOWDEN of Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman, being in Good health of Body and of Sound and perfect mind and memory, Praise be therefore given to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First and principally I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God hopeing through, the merits Death and pasion of my Saviour Jesus Christ, to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my Sins, and to inherit everlasting Life: and my body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executors herein after named and as touching the disposition of all such Temporal Estate as it hath pleased almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth 

First, I will that all my just debts and funeral charges shall be paid and discharged. Item I give and Bequeath unto my four sons George BOWDEN, John BOWDEN, Thomas BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN, all my Linnen lying in a large chest or cofer standing in the chamber over the Kitchen to be equally divided among them, Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Edward BOWDEN all my Right and Tithe in the mortgage of Thomas MARSLAND house standing in Disley aforesd and to his Heirs for ever Item, I give and Bequeath unto John BOWDEN my son the sum of Fifteen pounds of good and lawful money to be paid out of my personal Estate Twelve months after my decease, Item I give and bequeath unto my son Edward BOWDEN the sum of Ten Pounds of good and lawful money to be paid out of my personal estate Twelve months after my decease I give and bequeath unto Thomas BOWDEN son of John BOWDEN the sum of one pound, And I give and bequeath to his three sisters, Mary BOWDEN, Ann BOWDEN, Hannah BOWDEN all Daughters of John BOWDEN the sum of five shillings each to be paid out of my personal Estate twelve months after my decease, Item I give and bequeath unto Alis BOWDEN, wife of Edward BOWDEN and to Marthah BOWDEN, wife of George BOWDEN the sum of five shillings each to be paid as aforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas BOWDEN son of George BOWDEN the sum of one pound of Good and lawfull money to be paid as afforesd, item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth BOWDEN daughter of George BOWDEN the sum of Ten shillings of Good and lawfull money to be paid as afforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto my two sisters Mary TORKINTON and Hannah BROCKLEHURST the sum of two shillings and sixpence Each to be paid as aforesd. Item I give and bequeath unto Mary BOWDEN wife of Thomas BOWDEN the sum of five shillings to be paid as aforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto my son George BOWDEN, all the Rest Residue and remainder of all my Goods and Chattles in whose hands soever the same shall or may be found Lastly I constitute nominate and appoint George BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN Executors of this my last Will and Testament, And I do hereby revoke disanul and make void all former Wills and testaments by me howtofore made 

In witness whereof I the sd Thomas BOWDEN to this my Last Will and Testament do set my Hand and Seal this Ninth Day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four

(the mark of)Thomas BOWDEN

Sealed Signed published and declared as the last will and testament of Thomas BOWDEN the words (my son) being first intelined & Thomas BOWDEN son of George BOWDEN being a little defaced

Alice PLATT; Mary RICHARDSON; Peter WOOD

October the 17th 1746 George BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN the Executors above named were sworn in common form before us Per GASKILL

A True and perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods and Chattels, Debts & credits of Thomas BOWDEN Late of Disley in the parish of Stockport, and County of Chester Husbandman Deceased, praised & valued this 20th Day of August in the year of our Lord Christ 1746 by John BULLOCK and Thomas TORKINGTON appraisers as follows

Witness our hands John BULLOCK   Thos TORKINGTON 

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 Thomas BOWDEN of Light Alders, Disley: 1807

In the name of God Amen I Thomas BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley in the County of Chester Yeoman do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I will and direct that all my just Debts funeral Expences and the Charge of the Probate hereof be paid and discharged out of my real and personal Estates I give and devise to my Brother George BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley aforesaid Farmer and his Heirs All that my freehold Estate lying and being in Ollerset in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby called Upper Lee with all and every its Rights Members Priviledges and Appurtenances thereto belonging and now in the occupation of Henry BURGESS and his Undertenants To hold the same unto my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs for ever Also I give and devise to my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs all that my real Estate or all and singular those my four dwelling Houses standing and being in Disley aforesaid and in the several occupations of Thomas COTTRIL Mary ALLEN John ENTWISTLE and John TORKINGTON with their and every of their Rights Priviledges and Appurtenances thereto belonging and therewith severally held and enjoyed To hold the same unto my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs for ever And lastly as to my personal Estate Goods and Chattels of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath the same to my said Brother George BOWDEN whom I hereby constitute nominate and appoint sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof I the said Thomas BOWDEN the Testator have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty second Day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand and eight hundred and six

(Signed) Thos BOWDON (sic)

Signed Sealed published and Declared by the before named Thomas BOWDEN the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the Sight and Presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses to the due Execution hereof in the Sight and Presence of the said Testator and of each other

William MARRIOTT; Peter BAILEY; John STAVELY

June 16 1807 The within George BOWDEN sole Executor was sworn in common form who also further made oath that the personal Estate and Effects of the Testator in the Diocese of Chester did not amount to Forty Pounds before me W BOWNESS, Surrogated

The Testator died Dec 20th 1807 (should be 1806)  Probate issued Dated 16th June 1807

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Mary BOWDON, of Disley - widow of George : 1682

In the name of God Amen the Ninth day of November in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and seaventy & four & in the twenty sixt yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France & Ireland Defender of the Faith etc.  I Mary BOWDON of Disley in the County of Chester widow relict of George BOWDON late of Disley aforesaid yeoman Deceased being of perfect Memory, blessed be God for all his mercies & considering my end drawing near do make & Declare my last will & Testament in maner following; First I give my soule into the mercifull hands of God my Creator assuredly hopeing for Eternall Life through the merritts of Christ my blessed Saviour & Redeemer; My body I give to the Earth wherein it was to be buried in decent maner att the discretion of my Executors hereafter herein named nominated & appoynted;  And for Disposing those worldly Goods wherein God of his Goodness hast blessed mee, my mind & will is, that my funerall expenses & all my just debts be payd & Discharged out of my whole Estate; Item I give to my sonn Thomas BOWDON the bed wch his father bfor Do lie upon wth its furniture being Soe left by his Father; my best bed, blanketts & Curtains & furniture there unto belonging; Two pairs of Sheets, Two pillow boards (?) my best Large Table Cloath wch was my mothers halfe a Dozen of my largest Table Napkins wch are marked for him, Item I give to my Daughter in Law Elizabeth BOWDON his wife Two paire of my best gloves my silver bodkin & silver thimble: Item I give to my sonn Legh BOWDON all the rest of my beds & bedding whatsoever, Two paire of sheets Two pillow boart (?) one table cloath one Dozen of table bapkins, wch are marked for him; my new Sasse (?); Two of my best best (sic) pewter Dishes; my Two best Pewter Candlesticks, one pewter bason, & one pewter Chamber Pott.  Item I give to my Granddaughter Hannah BOWER my best purse & six shillings eight pence in it, & my best payer of P.....; Item I give to my Grandsons William LEATHER, George LEATHER, John LEATHER and Thomas LEATHER, six shillings eight pence a piece; item I give to my Granddaughter Elizabeth RICHARDSON six shillings eight pence: Item I give to my Sister FRYER my best Gowne (2/3 words deleted here - could be `and petty coate`)  Item I give to my cosin Elizabeth FRYER my next best Gowne (2/3 words deleted here - could be `under petty coate`); one under petty coate one shift & one flaxen apron; Item I give to my brother in law German BOWDON & to my coson George BOWDON of Lyme, Ten shillings a piece if they be living att my Deathe:  Item all the Rest of my Goods Cattells & Chattells I give and bequeath unto my sonne Thomas BOWDON Legh BOWDON, my Daughters Elizabeth BOWER, Ann BOWDON Mary LEATHER & Margaret RICHARDSON, equally to be Divided amongst them; Lastly I do hereby revoke all former wills and do constitute ordaine & make my said sonns Thomas BOWDON & Legh BOWDON of Lyme in Handley in the said County of Chester yeomen; Executors of this my last will: In witnesse whereof I have hereunto putt my hand & seale the Day & yeare first above written

Mary BOWDON her marke

Sealed signed & Delivered and publyshed & Declared to be the last will & Testament of the saiyd Mary BOWDON in the presence of

William RICHARDSON; John SWINDELLS his marke

Bee it remembered that the fourteenth day of May Ao Dmi 1676 the above named Mary BOWDON the Testator appointed the rasure in the forty second line hereof between the word (Gowne & Item) & the rasure in the beginning of the forty fourth line hereof before the word (one) to be made & further Gave as followes; To her sister Ellen HYDE her best hatt & best petty coate; To Mary RICHARDSON her Grand daughter six shillings eight pence; & to Anthony HYDE her brothers? sonn, one Guiene  ... .....

Mary BOWDON her marke

In the presence of   William RICHARDSON; John SWINDELLS his marke 

A true and perfect Inventory of all the Goods Cattells & Chattells of Mary BOWDEN late of Disley in the County of Chester widow decesd Relict of George BOWDEN late of Disley aforesaid yeo. decest valued & apprized the third day of December 1680 by us whose names are subscribed

Apprised the day and year first above written by us John GASKELL; John RICHARDSON

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Thomas BOWDON of Marple Gen: 1698: Administration of Estate 

To all people whom this the Esent? writeing may concerne but especially to the Chancellor of the Consistory Court att Chester Elizabeth BOWDON Wid. Relict of Thomas BOWDON late of Marple Gen. deceased Legh BOWDON Gen onely Brother of the sd Decest  Elizabeth BOWER widow one of the sd  decests sisters James CHETHAM Gen John RICHARDSON and David BLITH sends greeting

Whereas itt was lately considered? and agreed by and between the sd Elizabeth BOWDON Legh BOWDON & Elizabeth BOWER for themselves And the said James CHETHAM John RICHARDSON and David BLITH on the behalf of themselves & theire respective wives Viz Anne CHETHAM Margarett RICHARDSON & Mary BLITH (three other of the sisters of the said Decest.) that the Admin(istration) of the sd Decests Goods and Chattells (who dyed Intestate) should bee granted to the said Elizabeth BOWDON the said Decests widow and Relict: And whereas the said Elizabeth BOWDON in respect of the infirmities and weakenesses of her Old age and other Discomposures which since the said Agreement have fallen upon her, finds herselfe unable to take the burthen of the said Admin(istration) upon her: Itt is therefore now considered? and agreed by and between us the said Elizabeth BOWDON Legh BOWDON Elizabeth BOWER & us the said James CHETHAM John RICHARDSON and David BLITH on the behalfe of ourselves & our respective wives & all of us do hereby consent & agree that Admin(istration) of the Goods Chattells and Personal Estate of the sd decsd Thomas BOWDON bee granted and comitted unto the sd Legh BOWDON & unto John LOWE of Hordorne Gent in trust for us the sd Elizabeth BOWDON Legh BOWDON and Elizabeth BOWER & for us the said James CHETHAM John RICHARDSON and David BLITH & our sd respective wives that after the Debts ..... & funerall Expenses of the sd decsd are Discharged, Distribution may bee made of the Residue of the sd Decests Personal estate unto & amongst us the sd Elizabeth BOWDON Legh BOWDON Elizabeth BOWER & us the said James CHETHAM John RICHARDSON and David BLITH & our sd wives by such proportion & in such manner as of right & according to Law the same ought to bee Done As wittnes our hands this second day of March An Dm 1697

The marks of the sd (look like actual signatures)  Elizabeth BOWDON Legh BOWDON Eliz. BOWER James CHETHAM John RICHARDSON David BLITH

Witnesses hereof  John NORBURY; E the mark of Elizabeth NORBURY

Obligation attached.  Latin preamble refers to Legh BOWDEN of Marple in Com. Cestr. Gen John LOWE of Horderne in Com. Cester p.sh Gen Jacob CHETHAM de Mellor in Com. Derby Gen et John RICHARDSON of Lyme Hanley in Com. Chester

The condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above bounden Legh BOWDEN & John LOWE Adminstrators of all and singular the Goods and Credits of Thomas BOWDEN late of Marple in the county of Chester Gen as well to the use of the sd Legh BOWDEN as also the use of Elizabeth widow relict of the sd decd.. Elizabeth BOWER widow Ann wife of James CHETHAM Margt. wife of John RICHARDSON & Mary wife of David BLITH Brother & Sister of the sd deceased etc. etc.

Signed by Legh BOWDON; J LOWE; James CHETHAM; John RICHARDSON plus seals

Witnesses: William NICOLS; Edw. DAVENPORT

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Will of Michael BRAMHALL 1802

This the last Will & Testament of me Michael BRAMHALL the Older; Cowman Shepherd &c at Lyme Hall in the Parish of Prestbury and County of Chester made the third day of May One Thousand eight Hundred and two.  Being of Perfect Mind, Memory and Understanding: But not in Perfect Health: do make this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following.  First it is my mind and Will that all my Just Debts, Funeral Expences be paid & discharged out of my Personal Property by my Son Michael BRAMHALL, Except what I have owing to me from the stewards & Executors at Lyme Hall for the Work &c That I give and bestow to my Son Michael BRAMHALL in Lieu of his former kindnesses and good Behaviour to me.  And as to the Remainder of my Moneys or Personalty: I Leave, give and Bequeath as follows.  To my Son William BRAMHALL an Equal Share: Also to my Daughter Mary CROSLEY Wife of Joseph CROSLEY an equal Share, Also I give & Leave to my two grandchildren Mary and Peggy SWINDELLS Daughters of my Daughter Nanny an equal Share between them to be paid them by my Son Michael BRAMHALL when they come and arrive at the Age of twenty one: Also I leave to my Daughter Fanny ASHTON wife of Thomas ASHTON An equal Share: And also to my Son Michael BRAMHALL an equal Share: And lastly I Nominate Constitute and Appoint my Son Michael BRAMHALL to be my Executor of this my last Will & Testament Revoking all former Will, or Wills either by Deed or Word of Mouth.

And I do hereby declare this to be my last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I Michael BRAMHALL the Testator have Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above Written.

Signed, Sealed published and Declared by Michael BRAMHALL the Testator, as and for his last Will and Testament, in the Sight and by his desire as Witnesses.   Michael BRAMHALL his Mark & Seal

Thomas REID his Mark as Witness; James SWINDELLS; Samuel UNWIN his Mark as Witness

The twenty sixth Day of May 1802 Michael BRAMHALL the sole Executor within named was sworn in common Form before me Thos MONKHOUSE Surrogate

Under one Hundred Pounds           Probate issued, Dated 26th May 1802

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John BRIDGE, Hatter of Windlehurst, Marple: 1803

This is the Last Will and Testament of me John BR[IDGE] (edge of page missing here) of Windlehurst in Marple in the parish of Stockport in the County of Chester Hatter.  First I Will Order and Direct th[at] all my just and lawfull Debts, Funeral Expences, an[d] charge of the Probate and Execution hereof be first and principally Paid and Discharged out of the wh&ldots; of my Personall Estate by my Executors herein after named.  Then as for and concerning my Personal Es[tate] It is Will and Mind (sic) And I do hereby Give and Beq[eath] all and every the Interest of all such money as I shall have placed out at Interest unto my dear loving wif[e] And I also Give and Bequeath the use and enjoyment of all my Household Goods and Furniture unto my sa[id] Wife Ellen for and during her natural Life and from and imediately after her Decease, I Give and bequeath one fifth part or share of such Goods to be equally divided amongst my late &ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;  (section blotted out - but see sheets at end) And the remainding four parts of such Goods I Give and Bequeath to be equally Divided amongst my three sons John, Thomas & Joseph and my daughter Mary share and share alike.  And as for and concerning all such Money as I shall have placed out at Interest and all  my ready money It is my will and mind that my Executors support my said Wife thereout what the Interest thereof and arising therefrom shall fall short of maintaining her, and also pay and defray the Expences of my said Wife`s burial and funeral thereout And all the rest residue and remainder thereof and all my Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever, It is my will and mind that the same be divided by my Executors into five parts (partially blotted out), And I Give and bequeath one part thereof unto my son Ralph`s children (last two words scratched through) to be equally divided and paid amongst them share and share alike And the [remainder] (blotted out) four parts of such my Personal Estate, I Give and [bequeath] (blotted out) to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst my said Three sons John, Thomas and Joseph and my said daughter Mary share and share alike, if any of my sons or daughter be then dead the parts shares or proportion of such Residuam Remainder to go and be paid unto the child or children of him her or them so dying.

And I do further Will Order and Direct that if any of my said Children or Grandchildren herein before named shall be disatisfied whith this my last Will and give any Disturbance to my Executors by Law or otherwise on account thereof, that he she or they so offending shall receive from my said Executors the sum of one shilling and no more in lieu and full payment and satisfaction of the Legacy or Legacies herein before given to him her or them, And Lastly I Give unto my said Son John my best coat with silver buttons at, and all the rest of my wairing Apparel I Give unto my sons Thomas and [Joseph &ldots;equally? &ldots;.. &ldots;&ldots;..] (all blotted out) Lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint Mr Thomas MARRIOTT of High Lane in Marple aforesaid Gentleman and my said son Thomas Executors hereof hereby revoking all former Wills by me made  and declare this to be my last.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal the twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three (signed) John BRIDGE

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Testator John BRIDGE as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request an in his presence, and in the presence of one another have subscribed our Names as Witnesses to attest the due Execution thereof

Wm CHATTERTON; Ann CHATTERTON; Mary CHATTERTON

On a separate page:

The 13th day of May 1803 Thomas BRIDGE, one of the Executors herein named, was sworn in common form (power being reserved for Thomas MARRIOTT, the other Executor also herein named to take upon him the Execution hereof when he shall lawfully request the same) before me W. Bowness Surrogate

Effects under One Hundred Pounds Probate Dated 15th May 1803

On separate sheets (In a different hand)

Whereas John BRIDGE late of Windlehurst in Marple in the County and Diocese of Chester Hatter duly made and published his last Will and Testament in writing bearing date the twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine (sic) and therein appointed his son Thomas BRIDGE and Thomas MARRIOTT Executors and therein gave and bequeathed the residue of his personal Estate in the words following to wit “And all the rest residue and remainder thereof and all my personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever It is my will and my mind that the same be divided by my Executors into five parts and I give and bequeath one part thereof unto my son Ralph`s children to be equally divided and paid amongst them share and share alike and the remaining four parts of such my personal Estate I give and bequeath to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst my said Three sons John, Thomas and Joseph and my said daughter Mary share and share alike if any of my sons or daughter be then dead the parts shares or proportion of such Residuam Remainder to go and be paid unto the Child or Children of him her or them so dying”  and afterwards departed this life without revoking or altering his said Will and whereas after the death of the said deceased certain words in the said Will were obliterated or scored thro by some person or persons unknown to wit the words “Son Ralph`s children share and share alike” in the seventeenth line of the first side thereof “five parts2 in the same side of the said will

Now know all Men by these presents that we the said John BRIDGE Thomas BRIDGE Joseph BRIDGE and Mary BRIDGE now the wife of Henry IBBETSON of the Parish of Sheffield in the County of York, Labourer, four of the residuary Legatees named in the said Will being well satisfied that the said Obliterations made therein were so made by some person or persons unknown after the death of the said deceased do consent that a probate of the said Will as the same was originally written and afterwards executed by the said deceased to wit with the said words “Son Ralph`s Children” share and share alike – “five parts Son Ralph`s Children” fairly written and being part of the said Will may be granted in common form of Law to the said Thomas BRIDGE and Thomas MARRIOTT the Executors therein named and to the end that this our proxy of consent may have its due effect in Law we do hereby nominate constitute and appoint James POPE Public Notary one of the Procurators General of the Consistory Court of Chester (or in his absence any other proctor of the said court) to be our true and lawful proctor for us and in our names to appear before the reverend and worshipful John BRIGGS Clerk Master of Arts Vicar General and Official Principal of the right reverend Father in God Henry William by divine permission Lord Bishop of Chester his Surrogate or some other competent Judge in this behalf to exhibit this our proxy of Consent and to pray and procure the same to be admitted and enacted and to do and expidite whatsoever shall be necessary in the Premises and I do hereby promise to ratify and confirm all and whatsoever our said Proctor shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises.  In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three (signed) John BRIDGE; Thos BRIDGE; Joseph BRIDGE (the mark of) Mary the wife of Henry IBBETSON

Signed Sealed and delivered (being first duly stamped) in presence of us W. BOWNESS; Eliza BOWNESS 

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Margaret BROCKLEHURST 1610

In the name of god amen the sixt day of Febr in the yeare of the Reign of or Soveryn I James by the grace of god of England, france and Ireland Kyng defender of the faith & the eight & of Scotland the xliiiith Anno dni 1610.  I Mgrt BROCLEHURST of disley in the County of Chester widowe late wyfe of John BROCLEHURST deceased Sick in body but in goode & pfect Remembrance praise bee Almighty god for the same doe ordayne, constitute & make this my last Will & Testament in mannr & forme folowing:  First and principally I geeve & bequeath my soule into the hands of Almighty god my maker and Jesus C my Redeemer, by whoes merits & passyon I trust to bee one of the number of those that shal bee Saved.  And after my decease I bequeath my body to the earth whereas it was made and the same to bee buryed in the Churchyard of disley.  And as to ___ing my worldly goods I geeve & bequeath as hereafter as mencioned.  Itm I geve to the wyfe of Willm ROE ten shillings and peticoat and smock  Itm I geeve to Peter TANNER[?] Forti[?] shillings that one Edward MELLER has wch doth owe unto  Itm I geeve to Willm BROCLEHURST & his Son Anthony xiis viiid wch John BROCLEHURST doth owe unto me  Itm I geeve to the children of Robt BIRCHENHAUGH one coverlett, one blankett  Itm I geeve to the wyfe of Xpofer BENNETT iiis  Itm I geeve to David WAYNWRIGHT and Edward WAYNWRIGHT to ether of them vs  Itm I geeve to my half sister Joan iis .  Also I geeve to the wyfe of Edmd PICKFORD one great pott, and all the Rest of my houshould stuff[?] and all the ....asts wch I have.  Itm I geeve unto Elizabeth BROCLEHURST & Ellyn BROCLEHURST to ether of them one sheet[?]  ...... ....... geeve to my godchildren to ether one of thm xiid  Itm I geeve to the wyfe of Raph LYVESLY one ....... ....... ......ing of the bridge at Goyts heade iis  Itm I geeve to the ___ding of the haugh___g iiis iiiid  Itm I doe freely geeve & bequeath unto the sayd wyfe of Edmd PICKFORD all the Rest of my goods moveable & unmoveable not geven nor bequeathed in whoes famly or custody the same are found & known to bee.  Itm for the pformance of this my last will & Testament I ordayne & appoynt Edmd PICKFORD & Peter TANNER[?] my true & lawfull Exectrs to see this my will pformed and I appoynt John PICKFORD supvisor hereof.  Thees beeing wytnesses Robt STANLY Edward HEGINBOTHOM John PICKFORD

NB Dots '....' where illegible; '____' where unable to decipher; [?] where uncertain

Debts owing mee

Debts wch I owe

[Latin intro]

The true Inventorie made the day & herein abovsayd Mgaret BROCLEHURST late of disley in the County of Chester widowe deceased of all such goods and Chattells as she was possessed of at the day of hir death prazed, rated and valued by Robt STANLY of disley _____ yoman, Georg ETCHELS of disley husbandman and Reynald RYCHARDSON of Lyme in hanly yoman as foloweth

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Joseph CHATTERTON of Marple: 1750

 In the name of God Amen, I Joseph CHATTERTON of Marple, in the county of Chester being weeke in body but of Sound & Disposing memory and not knowing the day of my Desolution do make and ordane this my Last Will and Testement in mannor and forme following –

Item And first I command my Soule in to the hands of Allmighty god my Creator hoping to receve full pardon of all my sins thro Jesus Christ my Redeemor and my body to the earth to be buried at the Discretion of my Executrex and Executor herein after named.  And as touching such worldly Substance as it hath plased the Lord to bestow upon mee I give and bequeath in manner and forme following.  And first it is my will and mind that all my just debts Leguaceis and funeral Expencess and probate of this my Last will and testement be first paid out of my personall Estate by my Executourex & Executor herein after named –

Item It is my will and mind that my Loveing wife Mary CHATTERTON have two pounds ten shillings yearly and every year duering her natureall Life paid her out of my Estate in Marple by my Executuour –

Item I give and bequeath unto my Loveing Wife Mary one bed and two coffers and two rooms in the house in which I now dwell that shall be thought most convenant and proper for her during her naturall Life

Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughters Ellen Mary & Martha the sume of five shillings apiece to each of them to be paid within twelve months after my decease And further it is my will and mind that my said daughters Ellen Mary & Martha have the sume of fifteen pounds divided equaly among them share and share alicke by my Executor –

Item All the rest residue and remander of my real and persenall Estate I give Leave and bequeath unto my son Joseph CHATTERTON and his haires for ever

And Lastly I nominate and appoint my Loveing wife Mary CHATTERTON and Joseph CHATTERTON my son Executorex and Executour of this my Last will and testement hopeing the will faithfully discharge the trust repoused in them In witteness hereof I have hereunto Interchangably put my hand and Seall this twentieth six day of October one thousand seven hundred and forty and nine

Joseph CHATTERTON his mark X plus seal

Sealed signed and declared to be the Last Will and testement by the testator who in presant of the testator as witteness hereof have set ower Robert BERKS; Wm CHATTERTON

A True and perfect Inventory of all the Goods Chattels Chattel (sic) and Credits of Joseph CHATTERTON of Marple in the County of Chester Late Deceased take valued and Appraised by us this Sixth Day of November 1749. Appraisers John BEARD & Wm CHATTERTON

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Joseph CHATTERTON of High Lane within Marple, Yeoman: 1804

This is the last Will and Testament of Joseph CHATTERTON of High-lane within Marple in the parish of Stockport in the County of Chester Yeoman being sick & weak in body but of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding praised be God for the same do make and Declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say First I will order and direct that all my Debts Funeral Expences and the charge of the Probate and Execution of this my Will be paid and discharged out of my Personal Estate by my Executors herein after named.  Then I Give and Devise unto my son William CHATTERTON All my Freehold and real Estates Messuages Lands Hereditaments and Premises situate lying and being in Marple, and now in the tenure or Occupation of myself my son William and James GARSIDE, or elsewhere in the Kingdom of Great Brittain with their and every of their Appurtenances To hold unto him my said son William his heirs and Assigns for Ever Subject nevertheless to and charged and chargeable with the Annuity Yearly rent charge or sum of Sixteen Pounds unto my four daughters as hereinafter mentioned.  And Also Subject nevertheless to and charged and chargeable with the following Legacies or the sum of two hundred and twenty pounds to be paid thereout unto and amongst my Grand children by my said son William his heirs and assigns as in hereafter mentioned.  And I do hereby Give and Devise and bequeath unto my Eldest daughter Betty wife of James GARSIDE of Marple aforesaid Weaver, and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural life, One Annuity or clear Yearly Rent charge or sum of four pounds of Lawful money of Great Brittain free of all Taxes of  and other deductions parliamentary or otherwise, to be issuing and payable out of all my Messuages or Tenements Lands and Hereditaments to be paid and payable by yearly payments the first whereof to begin and be made at the end and expiration of twelve calendar months  next after my decease.  And I do hereby charge and subject all my said Messuages or Tenements Lands or Hereditaments to and with the payment of the said Annuity, yearly rent or sum of four pounds accordingly, And my will is that in case the said Annuity or any part thereof, shall be behind and unpaid by the space of twenty days next after any of the aforesaid (being lawfully demanded) that then and so often as the same or any part thereof shall be so in arrear, it shall and may be lawful to and for my said daughter Betty GARSIDE and her Assigns to Enter upon the said premises charged with the annuity as aforesaid, and Distrain for the same or so much thereof as shall be so in arrear, and the Distress and Distresses then and there found to detain and keep until she shall be fully paid and satisfied all such arrearages with costs and charges in and about the making and keeping thereof.  And in case the said annuity or any part thereof shall be behind and unpaid by the space of forty days next after any of the said days of payment whereon the same ought to be paid as aforesaid that then and so often as the same or any part thereof shall be so in arrear it shall and may be lawful for my said daughter Betty GARSIDE and her assigns into all and singular my Freehold and real Estates and premises charged with the said annuity as aforesaid to Enter and the rents issues and profits thereof to receive & take until she be therewith or thereby or by the person or persons who shall be then entitled to immediate possession of the premises paid and satisfied the same, and every part thereof, and all the arrears thereof incurred before, and that shall incur during such time as she shall receive the rents issues and profits thereof or be entitled to receive the same by Virtue of such entry to be made as aforesaid, together with her costs, charges, and expences, laid out and sustained by reason of the non-payment thereof.  Also I Give grant and Devise unto my second daughter Mary HIBBERTSON of Marple, widow one other annuity or clear yearly rent charge of four pounds of like lawful money, for and during the term or of her natural lawful life to be issuing and payable out of and from all and every my said freehold and real Estates and premises aforesaid, and to be paid to her and her assigns yearly the first of which said payments to begin and be made at the end of twelve months next after my decease with the like power and with the same authority for my said daughter Mary and her assigns to Enter upon the said premises and to make distress and distresses and to make sale thereof in case of non-payment of such annuity or any part thereof as is herein before given to my said daughter Betty GARSIDE in case of nonpayment of her annuity or rent charge of four pounds a year or any part thereof as aforesaid.  Also I Give, grant, and Devise, unto my third daughter Ann wife of Robert HEGINBOTHAM of Marple Blacksmith one other annuity or clear yearly rent charge of four pounds of like lawful money, for and during the term of her natural life, to be issuing and payable out of and from all and every my said freehold and real Estates and premises aforesaid and to be paid to her and her assigns yearly, the first of which said payments to begin, and be made at the end of Eighteen months next after my decease , with the like power , and with the same Authority, for my said daughter Ann and her assigns to Enter upon the said premises, And to make distress and distresses, and to make sale thereof, in case of nonpayment of such annuity or any part thereof, as is herein before given to my said daughter Betty GARSIDE, in case of nonpayment of her Annuity or rent charge of four pounds a year or any part thereof as aforesaid.  Also I Give, grant and Devise unto my fourth daughter Sarah wife of William GREEN of Norbury in the said parish, farmer, one other annuity or clear yearly rent charge of four pounds of lawful money of Great Brittain for and during the Term of her natural life (being the remainder of the whole Annuity of the aforesaid sum of sixteen pounds) to be issuing and payable out of and from all and every my said freehold and real Estates and premises aforesaid, and to be paid to her and her assigns yearly the first of which said payments to begin and be made at the end of eighteen months next after my decease, with the like power and with the same Authority for my said daughter Sarah and her assigns to Enter upon the said premises and to make distress and distresses, And to make sale thereof, in case of nonpayment of such annuity or any part thereof as is herein before given to my said daughter Betty GARSIDE, in case of nonpayment of her Annuity or rent charge of four pounds a year or any part thereof as aforesaid.  Also I Give Leave and Bequeath unto the children of my said daughter Betty GARSIDE the sum of Forty Pounds of like lawful money from and out of my freehold and real Estates aforesaid to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst them share and share alike by my said son William his heirs and assigns at the end of twelve months next after the death and decease of my said daughter Betty.  Also I Give leave and bequeath unto the children of my said daughter Mary HIBBERTSON the sum of sixty pounds of like lawful money, from and out of my Freehold and real Estates aforesaid to be equally divided and unto and amongst them share and share alike, by my said son William his heirs and assigns at the end of Twelve Months next after the death and decease of my said daughter Mary.  Also I Give Leave and Bequeath unto the children of my said daughter Ann HEGINBOTHAM the sum of Sixty Pounds of like lawful money, from and out of all my freehold and real Estates aforesaid, to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst them share and share alike by my said son William his heirs and assigns, at the end of twelve months next after the death and decease of my said daughter Ann.  Also I Give Leave and Bequeath unto my said daughter Sarah GREEN the sum of Sixty Pounds from and out of my all my freehold and real Estates (being the remainder of the aforesaid sum of two hundred and twenty pounds so charged thereon as aforesaid) to be equally divided and paid unto unto and amongst them share and share alike by my said son William his heirs and assigns at the end of twelve months next after the death and decease of my said daughter Sarah, with the like power, and with the same Authority for all or any of my said Grand Children or such of them whose Legacy or share shall not be paid according to the purport of this my Will, to enter upon the said premises, and to make distress and distresses and to make sale thereof in case of such Legacies or Legacy of the nonpayment thereof or any part thereof as he hereby and herein before given to my said daughter Betty GARSIDE in case of nonpayment of her annuity or any part thereof as aforesaid.  I also Leave unto my servant maiden Mary HALLUM the Little House and Garden late in the occupation of John HOUGHS during the continuance of the Lease,  I also Give her the beding in which she now lies with a chest & coffer a round stool, three chairs, and a Winding Wheel.  I also Give Leave and Bequeath unto my son William the Leasehold farm I hold from under Mr. William BROCKLEHURST (Except the aforesaid little house) for and during the continuance of the Lease now in being he paying thereout unto the said Mary HALLUM the Yearly sum of four pounds during the Lease by quarterly payments the first thereof to be made at the end of three months next after my decease in full satisfaction barr claim and demand of all wages she might otherwise claim or demand, if she happens to survive the Lease he paying her five pounds yearly after expiration of the Lease during her natural Life.  I also Give my said son William two pair of Bedstocks standing in the chamber over the House And all the rest Residue and Remainder of my Personal Estate Household Furniture Goods and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever  I Give Leave and bequeath the same unto and amongst my son William and my said four daughters namely Betty, Mary, Ann and Sarah equally to be divided share and share alike.  And lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint my said son William CHATTERTON, my said son in law William GREEN my Grandson James HIBBERTSON Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this to be my last. In Witness whereof I the said Joseph CHATTERTON the Testator have hereunto sett my Hand (mark written above) and Seal the Tenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Four.

Signed, sealed, published and Declared by the said Testator Joseph CHATTERTON as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of one another have subscribed our Names as Witnesses to attest the due execution thereof

Robert BRADBURY Henry MARSLAND Wm CHATTERTON

This is the Will referred to in the affidavit of William CHATTERTON

William CHATTERTON and William GREEN sworn the 20th day of April 1804 before me W. Bowcroft surrogate

The 20 day of April 1804

William CHATTERTON & William GREEN two of the Executors within named were sworn in common form (Power &ldots; for James HIBBERTSON the other) before me W. Bowcroft Surrogate

Effects under £1005 Probate paid 20 April 1804

On a separate page – the hand looks like W. Bowcroft 

In the Consistory Court of Chester

On Friday the twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four

Appeared personally William CHATTERTON of Marple in the County and Diocese of Chester yeoman, William GREEN of Norbury in the said County and Diocese Farmer and William CHATTERTON of Marple aforesaid Carrier and being severally sworn upon the holy Gospels made oath as follows and first the said William CHATTERTON for himself saith that he wrote and is a subscribing witness to the last Will and Testament of Joseph CHATTERTON late of High Lane within Marple aforesaid Yeoman deceased hereto annexed bearing date the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four that he agreably to the instructions given him by the said deceased wrote the words “William GREEN” on an Erasure in the eleventh line of the fourth side of the said will as the same now appears before he the said deceased executed his said Will and the said William GREEN and William CHATTERTON for themselves say that the are two of the Executors named in the said last Will and Testament of the said Joseph CHATTERTON deceased that the said Will is now in the very same state plight and condition as when it first came to their hands possession or knowledge to wit with the said words “William GREEN” written on an Erasure as herein before deposed to by the said William CHATTERTON and which they verily and in their consciences believe to have been done agreeably to the request of the deceased and before he executed his said Will.

Signed and Sworn at Stockport the day and year aforesaid before me W. Bowcroft Surrogate

Wm CHATTERTON; William GREEN; William CHATTERTON

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Brian CLAYTON 1636

1635

In the name of god Amen. the xiiiith daye of Aprill in the xith yeare of our soveraigne Lord Charles by the grace of god, kinge of England, Scotland France & Ireland defender of the faith cle[?].  I Bryan CLETON of disley wthin the Countie of Chester Husbandman being sicke in bodie but in good & pfecte Remembrance I thanke my god for it. doe ordaine & make this my last will & Testament in manner & forme following. first I bequeth my soule into the handes of Almightie my hevenly father.  Trusting Assured that by the merites & death of his sone Jesus Christ to be one of the number of those that shallbe saved at that last & greatt generall daye.  And I commit my bodie to the earth to be burried in the Chappell of disley in the place or as neire to the place as can be wherein my father was buried.  As for such worldly goods as it hath plessed god to bles me wthall I give & bequeath as followeth.  first my will is that my harriotts my funerall expences & probation of this my last will be taken up of my whole goods & discharged.  Itm my will & mind is that my househould that is to saie my brother Edmund CLEYTON my wyffe my daughter Elizabeth WYLD & her chilldren shall Remaine & live all together untill Mielmus next ensuing after the date hereof, & longer as the can Agrie.  And likewise it is my will that the rest of my goods after those things wch are before mensioned are discharged shall Remaine all together untill Mielmus & then begathered together towardes the payinge of my debts.  Itm my will is that my house & living wch I hould for terme of yeares under my verie good master Mr William SHERTT of the shertt.  I saie my will is & I doe Assigne unto my brother Edmund CLEYTON the one moitie halfe of this my tenement wth all Apurtenances theire unto belonging during his life if the said terme soe longe Continues discharginge the one halfe of my debtes.  And likewise my will is & I doe Assigne unto my wyffe Margrett CLEYTON the moitie other halfe of the tenementt wthall Apurtenances theire unto belonginge during her naturall life if the said terme soe longe continues discharging the one halfe of my debts.  Itm my will is that whereas I doe hould A tenemet called wydowhursrt by surrender for three lives under my verie good master the Right worshipfull sir Peter LEGH of lyme knight.  I saie my will is & I doe give and Assigne unto my brother Edmund CLEYTON one therd partt of all that my tenement called wydowhurst wch is in my nowe possession during his naturall life if the said terme soe longe Continues.  And likewise I doe give & Assigne An other therd partt of the said mesuage & tenement unto my wyffe Aforesaid during her naturall lyffe if the said terme soe longe Continues.  And likewise my will is that an other therd part of the said mesuage & tenement Afore said shall goe towards the payinge of my debts untill such tyme as my debts be paide & then my will is that that therd part shall be devyded betwixt my brother Edmund CLEYTON & my wyffe duringe theire naturall lives if the said terme soe longe Continues.  And likewise my will is & I doe give unto my daughter Elizabeth WYLD iiii£ of good & Lawfull englishe monie to be paid unto her after my debts are paid.  And furthermore it is my will that my daughter Elizabeth WYLD & her chilldren shall bee keept wth my brother Edmund CLEYTON & my wyffe wth suffisient meale & drinke soe longe as my brother Georg CLEYTON shall Appoint.  And furthermore it is will that if it please god to call for my brother Edmund CLEYTON & my wyffe before my terme of that Estate wch I have in both these my Tenements before mentioned then it is my will that the Revertion of those termes shall be at the disposing of my brother Edmund CLEYTON & my brother George CLEYTON & my wyffe Margrett CLEYTON.  Lastly I doe Revoke all former wills herebefore made by me.  And finally I doe Constitute ordaine & make my brother Edmund CLEYTON & my wyffe Margrett CLEYTON my true & lawfull Executors to pforme this will & Testament as my full trust & confidence is in them.

Signed the marke of Bryan CLAYTON

Confirmed in the prsence of William SHERTT his marke; Reynould RICHARDSON; Richard MICHELL his marke

Owing by Rchard STANLEY unto me Bryan CLEYTON for a bushell of maulte  xxs

Owing by the same Richard STANLEY unto me  xiid

A True and pfecte Inventory of all the goods Cattalls and Chattalls of Bryan CLAYTON of disley in the County of Chester husbandman deceased prysed and valued the xviith day of decembr Ano dni 1636 by Anthony TAYLOR of Northbury; Thomas BENNETT of the Higg hill; Reynold RICHARDSON of Lyme in Hanley and Edward RICHARDSONNE of the Woodend in disley; as followeth

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EDMUND ELLIOTT OF DISLEY CHESHIRE

(Will written 22nd July 1834 Proved 17th January 1853) 

In the name of God Amen I Edmund ELLIOTT of Dane Bank in Disley in the Parish of Stockport in the County of Chester Shopkeeper being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding praised be God for the same do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first my Will and mind is that that all my just debts funeral and Testamentary expenses be paid and discharged by my Executor hereinafter named as soon after my decease as may be out of my real and personal estates or either of them as may be most convenient at the time Then I give and devise unto and to the use of William BAILEY his heirs and assigns All and every my freehold Messuage or Dwellinghouse and a Garden opposite the same Messuage and all other my Estate and Estates that I may die possessed of Upon the trusts nevertheless hereinafter declared of and concerning the same And I give devise and bequeath all my personal Estate of what nature and kind soever as well all monies out at Interest upon Notes Bonds or otherwise as all my Household furniture and Shop Goods Unto the said William BAILEY and his heirs Executors Administrators and assigns respectively and according to the nature of the several Estates upon the trusts nevertheless and to and for the several intents and purposes hereinafter expressed of and concerning the same (that is to say) Upon trust by and out of the proceeds arising from the said Estates to pay and discharge all my just debts funeral and Testamentary expenses as aforesaid then I Give bequeath and devise unto my Daughter Ann ELLIOTT the West End of my Messuage or Dwellinghouse wherein I now do inhabit and dwell with the Garden opposite the same Dwellinghouse with the Hereditements and the appurtenances thereunto belonging to her her heirs and assigns for ever, I also Give and bequeath unto her my said Daughter Ann all my Shop Goods with the Drawers, the Clock, the Bed over the House, the two Chests over the shop, the Dining Table over the House, and the Desk and Square Cupboard in the House, the same I give to her her heirs and assigns for ever, Then I give bequeath and devise unto my Daughter Sarah ELLIOTT the East End of my said Messuage or Dwellinghouse wherein I do now inhabit and dwell with the Hereditements and Appurtenances thereunto belonging to her her heirs and assigns for ever I also give and bequeath unto her my said Daughter Sarah the Chest over the said House, the Coach Chair and Corner Cupboard in the said House, and also two Beds over the Shop, the Square and Round Tables my Watch and the Tea Table, the same I give to her her heirs and assigns for ever After the before mentioned Devises and bequests then I give and bequeath all  the money that maybe in the House at the time of my decease, and also all monies that may be out at Interest upon Notes Bonds or otherwise and the Chairs and other furniture and the rest residue and remainder of my said personal estate and effects and of what nature and kind soever and wheresoever that I may die possessed of unto my said two Daughters Ann, and Sarah, and their heirs and assigns for ever share and share alike, Under the following conditions (that is to say) So long as they remain together and live in the manner they now do every thing to remain as at the time of my decease and for them both to equally have and enjoy the Interest benefit and proceeds arising from my said real and personal Estates during the time they remain so together, But should they separate on any account whatsoever, then my said Executor his Executors or Administrators shall make a division of both my said real and personal Estates and according to the true intent and meaning of this my said Will, And should either or both of them my said Daughters marry, and have Child and Children them or either of them surviving, such Child or Children shall inherit and enjoy his her or their parent or parents share equally amongst them share and share alike (if more than one) But should either of them die without issue then in such case my Will and mind is that the share of my Estates both real and personal hereinbefore given to them my said two Daughters shall not be willed by her so dying, but descend and go to the survivor of them And upon this further trust that is the said William BAILEY shall immediately after my decease take an Inventory of all my Goods and effects and all stock in trade, money out at interest, and in the House, and Book debts, so that he may be enabled to Act as my Executor betwixt my said two Daughters in the fulfilment of this my said Will and the trusts in him reposed, And that he shall have power and authority to reimburse to himself or anyone acting under him or after him, all costs charges and expenses he or they may be put unto in the due execution hereof, And my will and mind is that my said Executor shall not be answerable or accountable for any loss or damage that may happen in any security securities, or otherwise in my Estate, unless occasioned by his wilful neglect or default And I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my Brother in Law the said William BAILEY of Combs Edge in the Parish of Chapel en le ffrith in the County of Derby hereinbefore named Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and annulling all former and other Will and Wills by me heretofore made and do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Edmund ELLIOTT the Testator have to the first and second Sheets of this my said Will, set my hand, and to the third and last Sheet thereof have set my hand and seal this twenty second day of July One thousand eight hundred and thirty four.

(signed) Edmund ELLIOTT

Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator Edmund Elliott as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses

John WALKER; Joseph OLLERENSHAW; R W WALKER

The fourteenth day of January 1853

Sarah ELLIOTT (Spinster) the Administratrix with Will annexed within named was sworn in common form and she also made oath that the personal Estate and Effects of the Testator within the Diocese of Chester were under the value of One hundred Pounds Before me Charles Kenrick Prescot MA Surrogate

The Testator died the Fifteenth day of March 1852  Admon with Will issued Dated 17th January 1853

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LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION FOR EDMUND ELLIOTT OF DISLEY

Died  on 15th March 1852 admon issued 17th January 1853

Know all Men by these Presents, That we Sarah ELLIOTT of Dane Bank, in the Township of Disley and Parish of Stockport, Spinster and Isaac BAILEY of Dane Bank in Disley aforesaid. Cheese Factor are holden and firmly bound unto the Right Reverend Father in God John by Devine Permission, Lord Bishop of Chester, in the Sum of Two hundred Pounds, of good and lawful Money of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, current in that part of the said Kingdom called England,to be paid unto the said Lord Bishop, his lawful Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us severally for and in the whole, our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, and the Heirs, Executors, and Administrators of every of us, firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our Seals, and dated the fourteenth Day of January in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith, and in the Year of our Lord God One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty three

The Condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bounden Sarah ELLIOTT Spinster the Lawful Daughter and surviving beneficial residuary legatee named in the last Will and Testament of Edmund ELLIOTT late of Dain Bank in Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester Shopkeeper deceased and as such ADMINISTRATRIX with Will annexed, of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said Edmund ELLIOTT deceased.  William BAILEY the soul Executor and residuary legatee in trust having died without proving the said Will do make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, which shall or may come to her hands, possession, and knowledge: And the same so made, do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited, into the Registry of the Consistory Court of CHESTER, at or before the last day of July next ensuing the date above written: And the same goods, chattels, and credits, according to the tenor and effect of the Last Will and Testaments of the said deceased, annexed to the Letters of Administration to her in this behalf committed, do well and truly administer, (that is to say) first pay the debts of the said deceased, which he did owe at the time of his decease, and the legacies and bequests in the said Will contained, as far as the said goods, chattels, and credits will thereunto extend, and as the Law will charge her and further do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect account of and upon her said Administration, at such time and times as she shall be thereunto lawfully called or required.  And such part or portion of the residue of the said goods, chattels, and debts, which shall be found remaining upon her said account, being examined and not otherwise disposed of in the said Will, shall distribute and dispose, as by the directions of the Judge or Judges of the said Court for the time being, shall be limited and appointed: And lastly, do at all times hereafter discharge and save harmless the said Judge or Judges, and all other officers for the time being of the said Court, from and against all manner of persons whatsoever, having or pretending to have any right, title, or interest to the said goods, chattels, or credits, then the Obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue.

Sarah ELLIOTT; Isaac BAILEY

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Charles Kennick Prescot M A Surrogate

The fourteenth day of January 1853

Sarah ELLIOTT (Spinster) the Administratrix with Will annexed within named was sworn in common form and she also made oath that the personal Estates and Effects of the Testator within the Diocese of Chester were under the value of One hundred Pounds Before me Charles Kennick Prescott M A Surrogate

The Testator died the Fifteenth day of March 1852  Admon with Will issued Dated 17th January 1853

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Charles FORD, labourer of Furness Vale: 1859

Asks that the two cottages he owns in Furness Vale be sold at auction and converted to money.  All other goods also to be sold.  The proceeds to be divided into three.  One portion to be given to nephew John WOOD. One portion to be given to nephew Isaac WOOD - these two both living in the city of New York, America. The third portion to be given to niece Isabella WOOD dau of Eli WOOD of Moseley near Ashton under Lyne.

Executors: Joseph WILD (he signed WYLDE) farmer of Worth Hall, near Stockport; John MELLOR farmer of Diglee near Furness.

Witnesses: Thomas WILLOT; Edward FLEMMING

Will signed 18 Aug 1857

Charles FORD died 29 Oct 1859

Probate 29 Nov 1859

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Francis GASKELL of Lyme Handley: 1802

In the Name of God Amen I Francis GASKELL of the Fold In the Township of Lyme Handley In the Parish of Prestbury In the County of Chester Yeoman Being not of Perfect Health of Body, But of Perfect Sound and disposing Mind Memory and Understanding do make and declare this my last Will & Testament in Manner following.  I Give devise and Bequeath & dispose of all my Estate & Effect as follows I Will, Order and direct that all my Just Debts, Funeral Expences Herriot, and the Charges of, and attending the Probate of attending this my Will be paid and discharged out of my Personal Estate First I Leave & Bequeath to Robert HARRISON Son of John HARRISON my Cousin, of Handley The Leasehold Tenement called the Fold which I now Live upon dureing the Term of the Lease that the same is thereby Holden, Paying unto his Brother John HARRISON the Sum of four Pounds each Year untill he has Received the Sum of Twenty Pounds:  Also I Leave Give and Bequeath unto my well beloved Wife my Lease and Property of the High Sponds Piece which I have in Lease the Issues and Profits to Receive to her own Advantage and Use while she lives, And at her Decease to Will and Leave it to such of my Relations as she thinks proper:  Also I Give Leave and Bequeath unto my Niece Ann JACKSON who now lives upon it the half of my Coppyhold part of that Estate that is all my Property there I Give and Bequeath to her & her Heirs for Ever.  Also I Leave give and Bequeath to her Father Joseph JACKSON of Sponds: Bottom the Sum of One Hundred Pounds:   And also I Give Leave and Bequeath unto George WOOD of Dainrow the Sum of One Hundred Pounds,  Also I Give Leave and Bequeath the Sum of twenty shillings a Year to be Paid, one ten Shillings to the Overseer of the Poor of Lyme Handley, the other to the Overseer of the Poor in Kettleshulme.  The said Overseers to Receive it from whomsoever Receives the Interest of the Money I have upon the Macclesfield Turnpike Road every Year; The same to be distributed at the discretion of they then Overseers of Kettleshulme & Lyme Handley each Chrismass day for Ever.  And the same to be given each Year at the discretion of the Overseers of Lyme Handley and Kettleshulme to ten of the most needfull Poor Persons In their Townships, each a full twelve penny Loaf  Also I Leave, Give and Bequeath for Ever my Coppyhold House and Croft,, and all the Appurtenances therewith unto James JACKSON Son of my Niece Ann JACKSON; the said House & Premises now Holden by Joseph BENNETT and Lying in Paddock lane in Kettleshulme; Also I leave the Reversion of the Interest Arising Yearly from the Macclesfield Turnpike Road Besides the Donation before I Leave & Give to the Discretion of my Executors for themselves and such of my Relations as they choose or think fit to Give any:  Also I Leave give and Bequeath unto William COOPER, Taylor the Sum of five Pounds And also I Leave Give and Bequeath unto Thomas NEEDHAM the Sum of five Pounds both which Legacies to be paid in the space of twelve months after my Decease  Also I Give leave and Bequeath unto William HARRISON and Thomas HARRISON and Martha HARRISON and Betty HARRISON each Eight Pounds Sons and Daughters of my Uncle Thomas HARRISON Deceased: Also I Leave unto George BRADBURY of Disley the Sum of Eight Pounds all these above Legacies to be paid In the course of twelve months after my Decease;  Also I Leave Give & Bequeath unto Mary GASKELL widdow of the late Robert GASKELL the Sum of five Pounds to be paid her in twelve months after my Decease; The House and coppyhold Lands I left before to my Niece Ann JACKSON is one half of the Sponds Bottom for Ever:  Also I Leave & Give to my wife Mary GASKELL what Houshold Goods she chuses to take to as her own Property: the Rest shall be sold by my Executors And the Moneys arising therefrom, And all the Moneys Owing by Mortgage Bonds Bill or otherwise my Property of Goods Chattels or Moneys I Leave and dispose of to Joseph JACKSON and George WOOD for themselves or any of my Relations such as they think to chuse, at their Option:  And I do hereby Invest them with Power and Authority to Act, as Trustees in taking proper care of all my Writings or Acts, Deed, or Deeds and Writings, which shall be necessary for them to do for the Bennefit of my said Wife and Legatees.  And lastly I do herby Nominate Constitute and appoint the aforesaid Joseph JACKSON and George WOOD Executors and Trustees of this my last Will and Testament And I do hereby revoke and make Void, all and every other Will or Wills at any time heretofore by me made, And do declare this to be my last Will  In Witness whereof I the Testator have Set my Hand and Seal this Eight day of January, one Thousand Eight Hundred and two.

Francis GASKELL  Mark and Seal (and attempt at signature)

Signed, Sealed Published and Declared by the said Francis GASKELL the Testator, as, and for his last Will and Testament In the presence of us who at his desire and in his Presence have hereunto Subscribed our names as Witnesses.

Roger JACKSON; Isaac HILL; James SWINDELLS

On a separate sheet 

The nineteenth Day of January 1802 Joseph JACKSON and George WOOD the Executors within named were sworn in common Form before me Thos. Monkhouse Surrogate

Under one Thousand Pounds  Probate issued Dated 19th January 1802 

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James GASKELL, cooper of Lanehead, Disley: 1791

This is the last will and Testament of me James GASKELL cooper of Lenehead in Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester being of sound disposing mind, memory & understanding, Praised be God for the same made in Manner and Form following, First it is my mind & will that all my Just Debts funeral Expenses and the charge of attending the probate of this my Will be paid out of my Person Estate as far as the same will extend.  As for the Copyhold Lands in Kettleshulme call Kettleshulme Crofts which was left by my Fathers Will to me and my Male Heirs for Ever, which I now receive Rent for, and during my Life, after my Decease I devise, give and Bequeath unto my son James GASKELL and to his Heirs Male for Ever According to my Fathers Will and Testament.  And as to the Remainder of my Goods & Chattels of interest both Moveable and Immoveable And all my Incomes Issues and Profits and Personal Effects I leave and devise unto my wife during her Natural Life If she does not marry again.  But if she happens to Marry again; Then all my Incomes Profits and Personal Effects shall go to my son James and to my Daughter Sarah, my son James to have Double the Value Computation to her.

And after my Wife`s decease If she does not Marry again, All my Goods & Chattels Moneys and Personal Effects and Incomes of any kind whatsoever except the Copyhold Land mentioned before In Kettleshulme I will & leave that my son James shall have double to sum and value to my daughter Sarah and no more, And as for my Moneys out at Interest, If both John SWINDELLS and my wife think it proper to take or call in or use any of the said stock, to my daughter or son, If they think proper to put him to Apprentice, or also in setting him up when he is Loose from Apprenticeship to take some of The Stock my son shall pay Lawful Interest yearly for what Money the allow him to have so long as my Wife Lives and is unmarried again, and my Daughter likewise.  And the Stock of my Moneys to be called in for no other use to be Lessoned but to my son & daughters use as both my Executor & Executrix shall think proper, except my wife shall be in sickness or Necessity, If she be unmarried.  And after my Wife`s decease I Will and Leave to my Daughter Sarah the sum of Ten Shillings a year during her Life Out of the Rents of Kettleshulme Crofts, and the Rent Charge along with them, And after my Decease It is my mind and Will, That my Executor & executrix shall receive the Rents from Kettleshulme Crofts etc. until my son comes of Age of Twenty One Years the same to be expended in Maintenance and Clothing, and Housekeeping As my Executor & Executrix shall think proper.

And lastly I do Constitute Ordain and Appoint John SWINDELLS of Disley Hall and my Wife to be Joint Executor & Executrix of this my last Will & Testament, Revoking and disannulling any former Will or Wills, either by Deed or word of Mouth, and do declare this to be my last Will & Testament, dated the first day of December One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine.

Sealed, Signed, Published and declared by the within Testator As his last Will & Testament In the sight and in the presence of us as witnesses

William SWINDELLS; James SWINDELLS; Ann FYSON?

The 19th day of July 1791 John SWINDELLS the Executor within named was sworn in common Form (the Executrix within named being dead) Before me Rd KINDER surrogate

Probate issued 1 Aug 1791

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James GASKELL of Green Farm, Lyme Handley: 1878 

I James GASKELL of Green Farm Lyme in the parish of Prestbury Cheshire being of sound mind do desire this to be regarded as my last Will and Testament revoking all Wills prior to the date hereafter subscribed I Will that at my death the whole of my property wherever situated or however realized be divided equally among my six sons and two daughters viz. among John, Joseph, Thomas, George, James and William GASKELL and Sarah GREEN and Mary BENNETT After the payment of £20 to my Granddaughter Jane Eliza TOMLINSON and the payment of other just debts to which at my decease may be liable Should the fifty pounds I sent to my son John (herein mentioned) upon an I O U still remain unpaid I desire my Executors when making the division above mentioned to consider this sum in payment or part payment of the amount to which at my decease or otherwise (as stated hereinafter) by the wording of this my last will he will be entitled to receive In the event of my wife Peggy GASKELL surviving me I Will that no division of my estate whatsoever take place during her life time but that she may enjoy the benefits of it unreservedly during her life time And I hereby appoint Isaac BROCKLEHURST Esq., colliery proprietor of this locality and my son William GASKELL of Nottingham to act as my Executors in carrying our my intentions contained in this my Will In witness whereof I have hereinunder set my hand this 4th day of September 1874 – James GASKELL – signed by the said testator his last will and testament in the presence of us present at the same time also at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses James WOOD; Richard WOOD    

Proved at Chester the 8th day of June 1878 by the oaths of Isaac BROCKLEHURST and William GASKELL the son the Executors to whom Administration was granted The Testator James GASKELL was formerly of Green Farme, Lyme in the parish of Prestbury in the county of Chester but late of Disley in the same county Cattle Doctor and died on the 9th day of December 1877 at Disley aforesaid.

Under £600 No Leaseholds M Smith Solicitor Stockport Charles W Parry District Registrar

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John GASKELL of Bollinhurst, Lyme: 1631

In the name of God Amen.  I John GASKELL of the Bollinhurste of Lyme in Handley in the Countie of Chester yeoman beeinge Week (?) in bodie  but well in mind and memorie doe make this my laste will and Testamente in manner and forme followinge but firste I bequeath my soule into the hand of God the father who created me, of God the sonne who redeemed me, of God the Holie Ghoste who fortifide me trustinge in the riche (?) mercies and merritts of my Saviour Jesus that my soule after ... salvation (?) shall enter into the lande of the ........ and that at the day of the resurrection I shall among the the glorie of his Chosen.  And my bodie to the earthe from which it was taken and to be interred in the Churche of the Chappell of Disley.  And after my debts and funeral expenses be discharged out of my whole goods first I give unto Nicholas BLACKWALL for a marriage portion unto my daughter Katherine Twentie & Eghte pounds besides that which he hathe already had.  Itm I quit to my wife Hellen GASKELL half of all my husbandrie ware.  Itm I quit to my sonne Peers GASKELL the other half of my husbandrie ware. Itm I give unto my sonne John GASKELL Three pounds Three shillings Eight pence.  Itm I give to my sonne Francis GASKELL Three pounds Five shillings Eight pence.  Itm I quit to the children of Radulphe TURNER my sonne in lawe foure pounds which he doth owe me.  Itm I give unto Ellin GASKELL the half of my livinge keeping her self sole and unmarried and if she marrie or miscarrie my will is that she aboyde of the livinge and then that half which she formerlie (?) ..... to be .... divided amongst these my children John GASKELL Robt GASKELL Willm GASKELL Francis GASKELL and Anne GASKELL duringe the tearme of my said wifes naturall life.  Itm my will is (these legacies ... thus discharged) that all my goods, cattels and chattels be divided into three equal portions, one ... I give to my wife Hellen GASKELL (hopinge that Then & that will make my daughter Anne weddinge portion full thirtie pounds accordinge to my will if the said Anne please her mother & brothers in her marriage) Another pte I give to my Children John GASKELL Robt GASKELL Willm GASKELL Francis GASKELL and Anne GASKELL to be equallie devided ammongst them, and for my daughter Anne`s portion my will is that my brother Robt GASKELL and my son Willm shall have the rulinge of it for her best ... except her mother will take int her hands for the ..... .... .  And the other third portion take to my self and thus taken I give to my said children John GASKELL Robt GASKELL Willm GASKELL Francis GASKELL and Anne GASKELL to be equallie devided amongste them.  Itm I constitute order and make my wife Hellen GASKELL and my sonne Peers GASKELL my lawfull Executors; trusting they will faithfully ..... the confidence that I have reposed in them.  And I intreate my good M^r S^r Peter LEGH to be the overseer (?) of this my will.  And herein I revoake all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seale (signed) John GASKELL

Witnesses: Edward THREFALL (?); ........... CROFT

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John GASKELL, yeoman of (Lyme) Han(d)ley: 1718

 In the name of God Amen this sixteenth day of February Anno Domini 1712 And in the Eleventh Year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Ann over Great Britain etc. I John GASKELL of Hanley in the County of Chester yet being aged but not much indisposed as to my bodily health yet mindful of my mortality & the great uncertainty of the time of my dissolution do make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament in manner following And First I .... my soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker trusting by the mercy & through His alone merits of Jesus Christ my Redeemer to obtain remission of all my sins etc. obtain Everlasting Salvation And my body I commit to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors herein after named And as concerning my Temporal Estate which God above .... hath blessed me with I dispose thereof as followeth And First I do appoint that the charge of my funeral & all due debts as I shall owe at my death (if any) & such herriott as shall become due on my death shall be all discharged out of my Personal Estate Also I give & devise unto Mary GASKELL my now wife the Bed where we usually lye with all the bedding & furniture belonging to it & also her own chest & trunk & all my household linen & four score pounds to be paid in money out of my personal estate unto her the said Mary within six months next after my death And I likewise give unto my said wife the moderate use for her own convenience of all other my household goods & furniture (except my own Chest & the Chair I usually sit in which I hereby give unto my nephew Thomas GASKELL who now lives with me) for & during so long time as she shall  continue my widow & to live at my now dwelling house in Hanley & so as she or any other person of her Charge do not embezzle misapply wastefully destroy or make spoil of or remove any part of the said other house? goods or furniture .... away And wherever in & by and .... of Assignment formerly made by my dead Father and moiety of my messuage & tenement in Hanley is assigned & settled after my death unto & upon or in trust for my said wife after my death as & for a jointure or provision for her during her life now for her better to .... I do hereby direct and appoint that after my death it shall be at her own choice whether she will have whole & enjoy theretofore mentioned moiety  of the said Messuage & Tenement & Lands according to the said Assignment or to have, receive, take & enjoy one small clear annual or yearly rent or sum of Twelve Pounds of lawful British money to be issuing payable & going out of the clear rents & profits of the said Messuage tenement lands and paid instead? by four quarterly payments & the first payment to begin at three calendar months  next after my death with liberty to distrain on any part of the whole tenement for any arrears of the said Rent in case the same be not duly paid within twenty days next after and the days before appointed for  payment thereof from time to time & also to hold & enjoy that part of the said Messuage & dwelling house which I formerly lived in & held in my Fathers life time together with the said yearly rent from & after such her .... after my death for & during her natural life which said provision hereby made by & out of  my said messuage and tenement & Legacies hereby given and devised unto & for her my said wife I do hereby declare and appoint to be in full lieu satisfaction & discharge of all other her right title & claim if in unto or out of all or any my Lands tenement or hereditament or any my goods chattells or personal estate in any nature whatsoever And that if she the said Mary my wife shall make any claim by way of Dower or ..... at Common Law unto or out of all or any my Lands or Hereditament of In.... in such case all the provision before made or given unto or for her out of my Messuage or Tenement in Hanley & all the Legacies & bequests hereby given or devised to her out of my personal estate shall absolutely end & be utterly void as if the same had never been made or given at all And I give and devise unto my two brothers Francis & William GASKELL either of them a Guinea And I give to my said Brother William`s eldest son John GASKELL twenty pounds to be paid him out of my personal estate in full of his title & claims to any my Lands or other personal estate And I give to each daughter of my two brothers Peter & William GASKELL each of them Twenty Pounds to be likewise paid out of my personal estate yet it is my mind and I do appoint that the twenty pounds hereby given unto my Brother William`s daughter Joan LUCAS shall be managed employed & disposed  of for her use by John & Thomas GASKELL two of my Executors herein after named & her husband Joseph LUCAS shall have nothing at all to do therewith And I give & devise unto my niece Mary GASKELL my Brother Peter`s eldest daughter not only the outright Interest and title of and unto all my messuage & tenement in Hanley after my own death (my wifes interest therein only excepted) but also all my household goods & furniture there except  and besides what are before particularly given hereby after my said wifes Interest and use thereof shall determine and End And I give unto my four Godsons John RICHARDSON; William RICHARDSON; Edward WAINWRIGHT and  Edward GASKELL each of them two shillings and six pence And I give and devise all the residue of all my goods cattle and chattels and personal estate unto my nephew Thomas GASKELL my brother William GASKELL`s son who now lives with me And I give and devise all my messuage tenements lands and hereditaments in Marple in the County of Chester which I heretofore purchased of and from John BULLOCK and is or heretofore was called and known by the name of Moors Tenement with all liberties privileges and advantages thereunto belonging or therewith usually occupied or enjoyed with every of their appurtenances unto my before named nephew Thomas GASKELL second son of my Brother William GASKELL & to the heirs and assigns of  him the said Thomas GASKELL forever And I do hereby direct and appoint that all my messuage and tenement called the Night Wig or Eaves Knowle situate lying and being within the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby heretofore in the possession of John BOARE & now in the possession of me or my tenant or farmer & all the buildings lands and hereditament thereunto belonging with every of there appurtenances shall stand charged and I do hereby charge the said and every part thereof with the full sum of three score pounds of lawful British money to be raised levied and paid by Ten Pounds and in Six Years next after my death unto the respective persons to whom I have hereafter given the same in proportion according to their several shares thereof And I give and devise Forty Pounds part of the said Threescore pounds unto my before named nephew Thomas GASKELL and the other Twenty Pounds residue thereofunto his the said Thomas`s Brother William GASKELL And I give and devise all the before mentioned messuage tenement lands hereditaments and premises in the County of Derby with all liberties privileges and advantages thereunto belonging or therewith usually enjoyed with every of their appurtenances (charged as aforesaid) unto my nephew Peter GASKELL (another son of my Brother William GASKELL) & to the heirs and assigns of him the said Peter forever And I give and devise all my messuage and tenement situate lying & being in Kettleshulme in the said County of Chester which I bought of William SLATER and all the buildings lands and hereditaments liberties privileges and advantages thereunto belonging with every of their appurtenances unto my nephew William GASKELL (another son of my said Brother William GASKELL & to the heirs and assigns of him the said William GASKELL the son forever And of this my Will I do constitute and appoint my wife Mary GASKELL & my two before named nephews John GASKELL & Thomas GASKELL Executors hoping they will duly perform the same as my trust is in them And I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made & declare this to be my last Will and Testament yet nevertheless reserving my self liberty to add any codicil or codicils hereunto which if any I desire to be esteemed as part thereof In witness whereof I the said John GASKELL the Testator have hereunto set my hand & seal and publish this to be my last Will & Testament the date and year first above written.

Signed John GASKILL

Signed sealed published and declared by the said John GASKELL Testator to be his last will and testament in the presence and sight of J LOWE; Edwd DEANE; Thos E DRAKE?; J LOWE jun.  

15 May 1718 The Executors took oath before Thos WAINWRIGHT  

On separate sheet

To Mr John HULTON one of the Promoters? in the Consistory Court of Chester or to any other promoter there

For as much as John GASKELL late of Lyme Handley in the said county of Chester yeoman deceased made his last Will & Testament in writing & thereof constituted & appointed Mary GASKELL his then wife & now widow & relict & his two nephews John GASKELL & Thomas GASKELL Executors thereof Now they the said Mary GASKELL & John GASKELL the nephew being resolved not to ........ in the execution of the said Will do hereby utterly renounce & disclaim from the Executorship  & Probate of the said deceased`s last will; And do hereby authorize you or any of you on sight hereof to Exhibit this there Renunciation as to the said Executorship or Probate of the said last will & testament of the said deceased John GASKELL Witness their hands & seals the Tenth day of May Anno Domini 1718

The marks of Mary GASKELL; John GASKELL 

Sealed & delivered (the words Gaskell & John being first inserted) by the said Mary GASKELL in presence  of  Francis GASKILL; Peter GASKELL

Sealed & delivered by the said John GASKELL in presence of Jeremiah ADSHEAD; Peter GASKELL

 A true and perfect inventory of all of goods cattles & chattles belonging to John GASKELL of Handley in the parish of Prestbury and County Palatine of Chester yeoman late deceased which was taken by us whose names are hereunto subscribed this twenty fourth day of January in the fourth year of his now Majesty`s reign in the year of our Lord god 1717/18.

Signed Arnold KYRKE; Thomas KYRKE

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John GASKELL, husbandman of Disley : 1737

In the name of God Amen I John GASKELL of Disley in the County of Chester Husbandman being something indisposed as to my bodily health but of sound and Disposing mind and understanding at the Execution hereof praised be God for it, Do make and Declare this my Last Will and Testament in manner following, First I recommend my soul into the hands of God my Saviour in hopes of a Joyful resurrection, my body I also recommend to a Decent yet plain Interment at the Discretion of my Executor herein after named, and as touching my worldly Estate that it hath pleased God to bestow on me I Dispose of the same as Follows, That is to say, It is my mind and Will that all my Debts Funerall Expenses, and probate of this my Will be first paid out of my personal Estate so far as the same shall reach and extend to pay.  Also I give and devise all that my messuage and Tenement situate lying and being in Disley aforesaid unto Elizabeth GASKELL my mother During the term I have therein, upon condicon that she shall and Doe pay all the residue and remainder of my Debts funeral expenses and other necessary charges that my said personal Estate shall fall short of paying, Also I give to my uncle Peter GASKEL of Bollington in the said County coal-carrier one shilling, And the rest residue and remainder of my personal Estate not herein before given ordered or directed If any such remain I give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth GASKELL my mother And of this my last Will and Testament I appoint Thomas ETCHELS the younger of Disley aforesaid Executor hopeing he will see the trust reposed in him faithfully performed I willing that he shall be allowed all reasonable charges that he shall be put unto in the Execution of his trust.  And I do hereby revoke all former wills And in testimony that this is my Last Will and Testament I have hereunto put my hand and Seal the Fourteenth Day of January in the year of our Lord 1736 - his mark & seal John GASKELL

Signed Sealed published and Declared to be the Last Will and Testament of the within named John GASKELL the Testator (the raisure within first raised) in the presence of

John CLAYTON; John CLAYTON the younger; Rand. JANNION?   

On the seventeenth day of January in the year of our Lord 1737 Thomas ETCHELS the within named Executor took the usual oath of an Executor & that the Goods & Chattels of the within named Testator did not at the time of his decease &ldots;. Of the sum of eighteen pounds before Edwd. Hulton Surr.

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John GASKELL of (Lyme) Han(d)ley: 1754

In the name of God Amen I John GASKELL of Hanley in the parish of Priestbury & county of Chester, yeoman being aged & infirm of body but of sound & perfect understanding (blessed be God for the same) Do make & appoint this my last Will & Testament in manner & form following And first & principally I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God trusting by his mercy through the mercy of Jesus Christ my Redeemer to obtain remission of my sins & to inherit eternal life & my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named.  And as touching my temporal estate I dispose of the same as follows And first, I will that all my Debts Herriots Funeral Expenses and Probate of this my last will be paid out of my personal estate.  And I give & devise unto my wife Margaret GASKELL the annuity of fifty shillings to be paid to her or her assigns yearly & every year during her natural life out of the profits of my Leasehold Messuage & Tenement called New Hay where I now dwell by four equal payments (that is to say) the sum of twelve shillings & sixpence every quarter of a year, with liberty nevertheless to have it in her choice whether to receive the said annuity of fifty shillings or to have one cow kept winter & summer upon the premises as she shall like best And if default be made in paying the said annuity then my said wife to have liberty to enter upon my aforesaid tenement & the same to hold in possession until she shall have received the said annuity & all arrears thereof over & above all costs & reprizes.  And I do further appoint that my said wife shall have the new end of my now dwelling house (that is to say) the Kitchen & chamber over it during her natural life together with one bed some few goods necessary for her to use, if she shall like to stay & dwell there.  Also I give to my son Peter GASKELL the sum of twenty shillings to be paid out of my personal estate Also I give to my son William GASKELL the sum of twenty pounds to be paid out of the profits of my copyhold lands in Kettleshulme within the two years after my decease or in case my said son William be dead,, then the said twenty pounds to be paid to his children & equally divided amongst them.  And I do give & devise my aforesaid copyhold lands (whereof I have heretofore passed a surrender to the life of my last will) to my son James GASKELL & the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten forever. And after the decease of the said James GASKELL if he leaves no such heirs as aforesaid, I give & devise the said lands to my son John GASKELL & his heirs male lawfully begotten for ever, paying unto my grandson John GASKELL son to my son Peter GASKELL the sum of ten pounds within two years after such entrance, if it so happen.  And for want of him the said John GASKELL or such his heirs as aforesaid I devise the aforesaid lands to William GASKELL during his natural life & at his decease I will that the said lands shall descend & remain to my aforesaid grandson John GASKELL & his heirs male & female for ever.  And for want of his or her heirs to go to the next heirs male of my issue, he my said grandson or such next heir paying to my son William`s children the sum of twenty pounds within two years after such entrance if it so happen to be equally divided amongst as many of my said son William`s children as shall then be living.  And it is my will & desire that so long as any of my Posterity shall occupy my aforesaid tenement in Hanley they shall have liberty to pass & re pass through my said lands in Kettleshulme with an horse & any kind of carriage as often as they shall have occasion doing as little damage as possible.  And I do give & devise all the reversion of my leasehold messuage & tenement aforementioned (charged with my wife`s annuity as aforesaid) to my son John GASKELL & his heirs during the remainder of the terms of the lease together with all the appurtenances privileges & tenant rights thereto belonging.  And I do order & appoint that my clock & cupboard shall stand as heirlooms in my now dwelling house so long as any of my children, grandchildren or any of my posterity shall inhabit there.  And all the rest residue & remainder of my goods, chattels & personal estate both quick & dead moveable & immoveable (the heirlooms excepted) I give & bequeath to my two sons William GASKELL & John GASKELL to be equally divided betwixt them share & share alike.  And lastly I do nominate constitute & appoint my friend Thomas GASKELL of Stocks in Kettleshulme & my son James GASKELL executors of this my last will & testament hoping they will faithfully fulfil and perform the same as my trust in them is.  And I do hereby revoke & disannul all former wills heretofore by me made.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of December in the twenty fifth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the second by the Grace of God over Great Britain France & Ireland King Defender of the Faith & so forth & in the year of Our Lord God One Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty One.  Signed sealed & published by the above named testator as his last will & testament

The mark & seal of John GASKELL

In the presence of us Thomas GASKELL (his mark); Elizabeth SHIRD; Mary SHIRD

30th July (1754) Executors took oath that effects under £40   

An Inventory of the Goods and Chattels of John GASKELL late of Hanley deceased who was buried 22 Mar 1754 as appraised by us whose names are under written this 23rd day of March 1754.

That the above is a true inventory Witness our hands who appraised the same 

John PICKFORD; James SWINDELLS   

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John GASKELL of Lyme Handley: 1778

In the of God Amen (sic) I John GASKELL of Lyme Handley in the county of Chester being of perfect mind and memory make this my last Will & Testament: First I will & devise that all my funeral expenses and probate of this my last will and testament; and all such Debts as I shall justly owe at my death shall be paid or otherwise discharged out of that and those my copyhold land (and small erection thereon) commonly called Kettleshulme Crofts; situate lying and being in Kettleshulme; And out of my Leasehold Messuage and Tenement in Lyme Handley: commonly called or known by the name of New Hay And then and immediately after my aforesaid copy-hold lands in Kettleshulme and Leasehold messuage and tenement in Lyme Handley shall (by their annual rents) have cleared themselves and become clear from all my due Debts then To my Brothers Thomas GASKELL and James GASKELL I give and devise all that and those my said copy-hold land (& small erection thereon) commonly called Kettleshulme Crofts situate lying and being in Kettleshulme. and also my aforesaid Leasehold messuage and tenement (in case it shall be in being) in Lyme Handley: commonly called or known by the name of the New Hay, to them and to their heirs for ever to be equally divided between them: Nevertheless then charged as hereafter - That is to say, To my Brother Samuel GASKELL I give and bequeath the sum of Ten pounds And to my Sister Mary GASKELL I give and bequeath the sum of Ten pounds And to my sister Jane GASKELL I give and bequeath the sum of Ten pounds - all which legacies I will & direct shall be paid by my aforesaid two Brothers Thomas GASKELL & James GASKELL out of and from those my aforesaid copy-hold land in Kettleshulme and leasehold messuage and tenement in Lyme Handley to the respective Legatees within the space of twelve months next after my aforesaid places have cleared themselves and become clear from all my Debts.  Also at which time To my Wife I give and bequeath the annual sum of Fifty shillings a year, yearly and every year during her life or marriage: the first payment to be paid by my aforesaid two Brothers Thomas GASKELL and James GASKELL out of and from those my aforesaid copy-hold land in Kettleshulme & leasehold messuage & tenement in Lyme Handley at the end of twelve months next after the places become clear and so continued yearly during her life or marriage

And to my honoured Father Peter GASKELL I give and bequeath my silver watch, silver buckles & a set of silver buttons - And I do constitute & appoint my Brother Thomas GASKELL and my Brother James GASKELL joint executors of this my last Will and Testament hoping that they will truly and justly fulfil and perform the same as my trust is in them.  And I do hereby revoke all former bequests wills and legacies by me heretofore in anywise left or made declaring, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament: In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of November One thousand, seven hundred & seventy three.

Signed John GASKELL

Signed sealed published and declared by the within named John GASKELL to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto  subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence of the Testator       

James ETCHELLS; Jane BAGSHAWs mark; George SHIRD

The sixteenth day of June 1778 Thomas GASKELL one of the Executors within named was sworn in common form / power reserved for James GASKELL the other Executor to take the execution thereof upon him when he shall lawfully request the same before me Thos MONKHOUSE surrogate

Probate issued 9th of July following. 

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Joseph GASKELL of New Mills (born Disley) : 1846

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Joseph GASKELL of New Mills in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Machine Printer I direct all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses to be paid by my Executors hereinafter named so soon as conveniently may be after my decease I give and bequeath all my household goods and furniture bedding and effects whatsoever in my Dwelling House at Torr Top in New Mills aforesaid unto my wife Maria GASKELL for her own absolute use and benefit And I give and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto my brother James GASKELL of Disley in the County of Chester Labourer and John HIBBERT the Elder of New Mills aforesaid Surgeon their executors administrators and assigns upon Trust in the first place to call in and convert into money such part of my personal estate as shall consist of money out at interest or otherwise and thereby to raise the Sum of Twenty Pounds for the use and benefit of my nephew Joseph CLAYTON the son of my sister Elizabeth and pay the same and the interest thereof to the said Joseph CLAYTON when he attains the age of Twenty One years And upon Trust that they my said Trustees their executors or administrators do and shall place out at interest on good security  the residue of my said estate and effects and pay thereout the sum of Three Shillings weekly and every week to my said wife Maria so long as there shall be sufficient funds for that purpose And in case my said wife shall die before all the said funds of the said residue of my estate and effects shall have been paid to her as aforesaid then I will and direct that such residue shall be paid and divided amongst my next of kin then living in equal shares and proportions And I will and direct that upon payment of any money to my said Executors and which may be owing to my estate the person or persons paying the same shall be fully discharged therefrom and not be answerable for the application thereof And I appoint the said James GASKELL and John HIBBERT the elder executors of this my will And that my said Trustees shall not be answerable for any more money than they shall respectively actually receive nor for any losses to my estate except from wilful neglect and that each shall be entitled to deduct all just and reasonable expenses in the execution of this my will In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name or mark the twenty fourth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six.

The mark X of Joseph GASKELL

Signed and published by the said Testator Joseph GASKELL and by him acknowledged to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses: Robt RATCLIFFE of New Mills; John HIBBERT junr of New Mills 

On a separate printed sheet:

In the Bishops Court of Lichfield  In the Goods of Joseph GASKELL deceased

Appeared Personally James GASKELL of Disley in the parish of Stockport in the County of Chester Labourer and John HIBBERT the elder of New Mills in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Surgeon the joint Executors named in the last Will and Testament of the said Joseph GASKELL late of New Mills in the parish of Glossop in the County of Derby Machine Printer Deceased who died on or about the thirtieth of January One thousand eight hundred and forty six and made oath ........etc. etc...........under the value of One Hundred Pounds ......

Sworn on the 30th March 1846 James GASKELL before me Matth FREEMAN Commissioner   

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 (Kezia GASKILL, spinster of 41 Chapel Street, New Mills: 1912 - family originally from Disley) 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Kezia GASKILL (spinster) of 41 Chapel Street, New Mills in the County of Derby.  I hereby revoke all Wills and testamentary instruments  heretofore by me made.  I appoint Joseph GASKILL of 41. Chapel Street, New Mills and Herbert GASKILL of 41 Chapel Street, New Mills to be my Executors of this my Will.  I direct my Executors to pay my just debts and Funeral and testamentary expenses.  I give and bequeath unto my Brothers and Sisters Joseph GASKILL, Albert GASKILL, Emma BOWDEN, Annie MARTIN or MORTIN, Herbert GASKILL, Alice HIGGINBOTTOM, Harriet GASKILL, Walter GASKILL, Hannah JOHNSON all I now possess or may hereafter become possessed of real and personal estate to be divided among them share and share alike for their absolute use.

Witness my hand this third day of April 1912 (signed) Kezia GASKILL

Signed by the above named Testator as her last Will in the presence of us both being present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Walter FERNLEY (clerk) Ash Cottage, New Mills; James RICHARDSON (warehouseman) 39 Chapel St., New Mills

On the 7th day of December 1912 Probate of this Will was granted at Derby to Joseph GASKILL and Herbert GASKILL the Executors

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  Obligation between Peter GASKILL of Hanley and Esther GASKILL of Rag in Lime, spinster: 1703 

 (Attempted translation from dog Latin) &ldots;&ldots; & &ldots;. me Peter GASKILL of Hanley in the county of Chester &ldots;.. &ldots;. of similar obligation Esther GASKILL of Rag In Lime in the County of Chester &ldots; spinster In five &ldots; pounds of good & Legal English Money &ldots; &ldots; Esther GASKILL &ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots;&ldots; 1 May 1703?

(In English) The condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden Peter GASKILL his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns or any of them do well and truly pay or cause to be contented satisfied or paid unto the Above Named Esther GASKILL her heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns or to some of them the Full and Just sum of Seven pounds Ten Shillings of Good and Lawful money with Interest According to Law upon or before the first day of November next Insuing the date hereof which will be in this present year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Three without fraud covin or Longer Delay then this present Obligation to be Void and of none effect or else to be and Remain In full force power and &ldots;

Sealed signed & Delivered in the presence of 

Mary WHILTON?; John GASKILL; Peter GASKILL

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Mary Gaskell of Handley: 1765

9th December 1763 in the third year of the reign of George 3rd. Mary GASKELL of Handley in the parish of Prestbury and County of Chester.

I give unto my three sisters Anne, Elizabeth and Amy one hundred pounds each; but if my said sister Anne shall happen to die before the said hundred pounds becomes due then I give the same to my nephew John FRITH’s daughter Mary. 

Also I give to my said nephew John FRITH’s son and two daughters, to witt, Samuel, Elizabeth and the aforesaid Mary one hundred pounds each.

 Also I give to unto my aforesaid nephew John FRITH’s daughter Elizabeth aforementioned all such household goods as I shall leave at my decease.

Also I give to my cousin Peter GASKELL of Bollington the sum of ten pounds.

Also I give to my cousin Amy LEAH’s daughter Mary the like sum of ten pounds.

Also I give to my servant man, Robert HARRY the sum of five pounds.

Also I give to my maid servant Ruth RICHARDSON one guinea.

And all the residue and remainder of my estate if any remain over after paying the legacies and charges I give to my nephew John FRITH.

Also I give and devise all that and those messuage and lands thereunto belonging called Barns Fold lying near Hayfield in Derbyshire and also all that those my two closes fields or parcels of land situate lying near or adjoining to Hayfield aforesaid and heretofor belonging to the aforesaid Barns-Fold and now held by Thomas COOPER as tenant thereof to my sister Elizabeth GASKELL and her heirs for ever.

Also I give and devise all my Estate and Lands situated lying and being in Chinley in Derbyshire aforesaid to my aforesaid nephew John FRITH’s two daughters Hannah and Martha and their heirs for ever to be equally divided betwixt them and to be divided so soon as the younger of the shall attain the age of one and twenty years or be married whether shall first happen and the rents and profits to be equally divided betwixt them.  But if one should die in the meantime the survivor to enter upon the whole premises.  If both happen to die without issue the the said lands and premises to be equally divided among the other three of the aforementioned John FRITH’s children,  Samuel, Elizabeth and Mary share and share alike.

Also though I have before given to my niece Elizabeth FRITH all my household goods I give the bed and bedding standing in the parlour and my chest standing in the chamber which I give to my sister Elizabeth. 

And whereas I have beforetime transferred over to my nephew John FRITH the  tenement where I now dwell  yet it is my desire that my sister Elizabeth shall have the dwelling house and keeping of a cow during her life.

And also that the said John FRITH shall assign over the tenement to his daughter Elizabeth when she shall attain the age of twenty five years.

I appoint my nephew John FRITH sole executor of my will.

Mary GASKELL  her mark and seal

In the presence of: David Jackson; Thomas Gaskell; John Gaskell

27 June 1765 – John FRITH sole executor sworn in common form before Abel WOOD

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  Peter GASKILL of Lime in Hanly: 1703