[These two pages are growing slowly: see Page History below.]
This page includes transcripts of 21 of the shorter wills and 2 extracts from the National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations).
The National Archives hold copies of the wills proved before 1858: they can be located by the PROB references given below. These wills can also be viewed online at Ancestry.
WILLS TRANSCRIBED including 2 probate summaries as indicated by indented bullet
- Annesley, William | PROB 11/1783/380
- Bush, Anne | PROB 11/1913/104
- Cart, Robert | PROB 11/371/240
- Clack, Charlotte Bridget | PROB 11/1844/4
- Clack, Richard | PROB 11/1060/80
- Clack, Thomas of Kenn | PROB 11/1507/197
- Cotes, Lucy Elizabeth | PROB 11/1842/237
- Courtenay, Mary | PROB 11/1113/258
- Giffard, Charlotte | PROB 11/2010/273
- Honywood, Edward | PROB 11/1573/326
- Lock, Charles of Newcastle | PROB 11/1347/131
- Lock, Charles of North Bovey | PROB 11/1370/197.
- Lock, Henry | PROB 11/777/328
- Lock, Robert | PROB 11/712/303
- Lock, Thomas |PROB 11/1213/266
- Locke, William Thomas | PROB 11/1601/411
- Pethybridge, Richard
- Pigot, Frances | PROB 11/900/21
- Rosslyn, Charlotte | PROB 11_1712_433
- Taylor, Thomas | PROB 11/1518/458
- Woods, George | PROB 11/2075/320
- Woods, George Henry
- Woods, Henry | PROB 11/1907/321
Anne Bush (housekeeper at Powderham Castle)
In the year of our Lord May 21 1835
I Anne Bush of the Parish of Powderham do give and bequeath at my decease to my Granddaughter Ann Elizabeth Williams the sum of two hundred pounds the rest of my Property I give to my Daughter Ann Williams and at her death to be equally divided between her four daughters
Endorsed: My Will Anne Bush.
No witnesses. On 6 July 1839 handwriting attested as that of: Anne Bush formerly of Powderham but late of Dawlish both in the County of Devon Widow deceased, by: Elizabeth Bennett of the Parish of Dawlish in the County of Devon Spinster and John Bennett of the Parish of the Holy Trinity in the County of the City of Exeter Merchant.
Administration granted 10 July 1839 to: Ann Williams Widow the daughter and Residuary Legatee for life
Charles Lock (a son of William’s aunt Anne Lock)
I Charles Lock of the Parish of Newcastle in the Town of Limerick and Kingdom of Ireland but now third Lieutenant of his Majesty’s Ship Powerful at Sea off Cadiz the 2d of December 1795 five while I am in perfect health and Memory for divers good reasons think it necessary to make this my last will and Testament in form and manner following first I commend my Soul to Almighty God trusting that he will forgive me my Sins and finally receive me into Everlasting happiness the following Sums of Money viz. Five hundred pounds lent to Sir John Honywood Bart. of Evington in County of Kent – five hundred pounds lent to Benjamin Kennett Esqr. of Northfleet in the County of Kent One hundred and sixty four pounds eighteen shillings and nine pence purchased in the reduced three per Cent Annuities All the Debentures or other Sums in the Irish Funds with the Interest on them left me by my dear Mother and what has been purchased since with the Interest of the Debentures My Navy Pay Prize Money or other Monies due to me or in the hands of Messrs. Cook and Halford Beaufort Buildings London All Money in the hands of my Friend Mr Kennett aforesaid All interest due on the several Sums already mentioned and all Debts due to me and other Monies of whatsoever description not mentioned here I order to be equally divided between my three Brothers William Thomas and John Lock and my sister Harriett Drake Brockman of Cheriton in the County of Kent after my debts are paid out of them and a Legacy of One hundred pounds which I bequeath to my Friend and Cousin The Reverend Edward Jefferies to my Brother John Lock I bequeath all my Interest in the Farm of Ballenlahan in Consideration of his Fortune being much less than that of any of my other Brothers but out of the Interest of my Brother John’s share of Money I order him to pay ten pounds Annually to Michael Cronon for life which I leave to my Servant for his Faithful services I also leave John my Gold Watch three Gold Chains Gold Buttons Kings Plate all other little Gold or Silver Articles Gun two pair of Pistols and Swords all new Cloaths and those that have been little worn the others I give to Michael Cronon with my Metal Watch and Cabin Furniture All my Papers Books Dressing Case Drawing Boxes Nautical Instruments Wines and Liquors and I order John Lock to pay the Expense of my Funeral which I request may be very Plain I appoint my Brother William Thomas Lock and my Cousin the Reverend Edward Jefferies both of Newcastle in the County of Limerick to be my Executors for this my last will and I hereby order my Executors first to pay all my lawful Debts and then to distribute the Sums of Money as before directed as fast as they collect them in my Sisters share to be given to her or whoever she appoints as I leave it entirely at her disposal My Farm of Ballan Ballinlahane to be immediately at my decease given to my Brother John In Witness whereof I hereby set my hand and seal the 2d of December 1795 five Chas. Lock
Witnessed by: Wm. O B Drury Capn of H Majesty’s Ship Powerful, John Scott Purser of the said Ship
I Charles Lock of Newcastle in the County of Limerick Ireland Esquire and Captain of His Majesty’s Ship Inspector but now a Prisoner of Board by order of the Delegates of the Men of War now lying at the Great Nore being sensible of the uncertainty of remaining long in this world do hereby make this as a Codicil to my last Will that was executed at sea and now in the hands of my uncle The Reverend Thomas Clack the Money which I willed to my Sister Harriett Brockman I hereby bequeath after her decease to my Godson Charles Second Son of Julius and Harriot Brockman but in Case of his death then the Money to remain according to my will The money left my Brother John Lock to remain subject to the Annuity left my trusty Servant Michael Cronon for his life but should Cronon wish to accept of any thing in exchange for the Annuity from John Lock he may provided it meets the approbation of my Executors Given under my hand on Board H M Ship Inspector at the Great Nore the third day of June 1797 – Charles Lock
Handwriting of codicil attested by: James Holford of Beaufort Buildings in the Strand in the County of Middlesex Esquire and John Crosdell of the same Place Gentleman.
Proved in London 8 September 1800 by: William Thomas Lock Esquire the Brother of the deceased and The Reverend Edward Jefferies Clerk.
Charles Lock (rector of North Bovey and a cousin of the Thomas Lock who married William’s aunt Anne)
I Charles Lock Clerk Rector of North Bovey in the County of Devon do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say First I give and bequeath my Soul to God and my Body to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named And as to all my worldly Goods Chattels Personal and Testamentary Estate whatsoever and wheresoever I give devise and bequeath the same to my beloved wife Mary Lock (subject nevertheless to the payment of my just debts and Funeral expenses) and I constitute and appoint my said Wife whole and sole Executrix of this my said Will and I hereby revoke and make void all and every other and former Will or Wills by me at any time heretofore made and ratify and confirm this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have to this my said last Will and Testament written on one Sheet of Paper set my hand and Seal this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, Chas. Lock Esq.
Witnessed by: Geo. Eastlake, Mary Eastlake. (Mary Eastlake was a daughter of Mary Lock by her first husband Samuel Pierce; the painter Charles Lock Eastlake 1793-1865 was the fourth son of Mary and George Eastlake.)
Will proved London 19 February 1802 by: Mary Lock Widow the Relict of the deceased.
Charlotte Bridget Clack (a daughter of William’s uncle Thomas)
Chudleigh Janry. 2d. 1830
I Charlotte Bridget Clack of Chudleigh in the County of Devon does this day give to her single sisters Elizabeth Clack and Mary Ann Clack of Chudleigh Devon all my property in the Funds or elsewhere during their lifetime and for their use after all my debts are paid and funeral expenses as above my money in the long annuities must be transferd and should the money to be receivd at my death not be enough to settle all demands to take part of this money to settle my accounts what is left of the money from the long annuities to be then placed out for the benefit of my two sisters as herein mentioned As Witness my hand this day of Jan’ry 2’d 1830 As Witness my Act & Deed. Charlotte Bridget Clack
Witnessed by: Francis Newcombe Day Surgeon Chudleigh, Gilbert Burrington Junr. Chudleigh.
Administration granted at London 4 March 1835 to: Elizabeth Clack and Mary Ann Clack Spinsters the natural and lawful Sisters next of kin and interested in the Residue of the Personal effects and Estate of the said deceased.
Charlotte Giffard (one of William’s sisters)
This is my last Will I appoint my son Thomas William Giffard Esquire sole Legatee of all my property and Executor of this my Will
Chillington 9 Jan’y 1844
Charlotte Giffard
Witnessed by: Sophia Foy, George Holyoake.
On 30 December 1844 George Holyoake of Neachley in the County of Salop Esquire swore on oath that Lady Charlotte Giffard late of Chillington in the County of Stafford Widow deceased signed her will in the presence of Lady Sophia Foy and himself.
Proved at London 4 January 1845 by: Thomas William Giffard Esquire.
Charlotte dowager countess of Rosslyn (William’s aunt)
Whenever it shall please the Almighty to take me from this World I mean that what I am going to write shall be considered as the last Will and Testament of me Charlotte Dowager Countess of Rosslyn I direct my nephew Sir John Wrottesley Bart. and Henry Wrottesley Esqr. whom I appoint Trustees and Executors of this my Will In the first place to appropriate or purchase in their names as much Stock in the Public Funds as shall be of the value of three thousand Pounds Sterling and to pay the Dividends thereof to Anne Wrottesley Widow of my late Nephew Captain Edward Wrottesley of the Royal Navy or to authorise or permit her to receive the same during her life if she shall so long continue the Widow of my said deceased Nephew and upon her decease or marriage again which shall first happen then I direct my said Trustees to stand possessed of the capital of the said last mentioned fund for my Great Nephew John Edward Wrottesley so as to become a vested Legacy in hand on his attaining the Age of twenty one Years with full Power to my said trustees after the decease or marriage of his Mother and during his Minority to apply all, or any part of the dividends on the said fund in his maintenance and Education and if they shall judge fit to apply any part of the Capital during his minority in the purchasing or obtaining for him any Commission Office or Employment Civil or Military or otherwise for his advancement in the World but in case my said Great Nephew shall not live to attain the Age of twenty one Years then I direct that the Capital of the said last mentioned trust fund Subject to the interest of the said Anne Wrottesley in the dividends thereof during her life or Widowhood shall be equally divided between and among all the Children of my Sister Lady Wrottesley except her Eldest Son and if any of them shall be dead leaving issue before the Fund shall become devisable such Issue shall succeed to the Share or Shares of those his or her deceased Parent I give to my niece Charlotte Wrottesley the Interest of One thousand Pounds during her life or until her marriage and upon her decease or marriage I give the principal of the said Sum of One thousand Pounds to my said trustees upon the same trusts as are before expressed concerning the Legacy of three thousand Pounds hereinbefore given I give and bequeath the Lease of my House in Bolton Street Piccadilly with all its contents exactly as it shall be found standing at the time of my decease to my two Nieces Elizabeth Lucy Cotes and Charlotte Cotes in equal partition and in case of only one being left at the time of my death that one to take the whole to herself I have no occasion or indeed any right to mention either Plate or Jewels I solemnly declare that I have long since given all I formerly possessed as a present to my two dear Nieces Lucy & Charlotte Cotes if I want either they allow me to use them but they are not mine All the rest and residue of my Personal Estate whatsoever I bequeath to my Nephew Henry Wrottesley (but with this Proviso that every expence of my Funeral debts Servants Wages and all Expence of moving Furniture shall first be paid) And I direct that my said trustees shall be at liberty to reimburse themselves all such Costs and Expences as they shall be put into in the Execution of the trusts of this my last Will and shall be answerable for their own acts receipts and defaults only And hereby revoking all Wills made by me at any time herebefore made [sic] I declare this to be my last Will and testament I have omitted to say that I leave my Wearing Apparel to my maid whoever she may be about my person at the time of my decease Except Laces which Lucy & Charlotte Cotes will do with as they please and I desire that my Funeral may be only decent (& no Hatchment over my door) contained in this Sheet of Paper In Witness whereof I the said Charlotte Countess Dowager of Rosslyn the testator have to this my last Will and testament set my hand and Seal the 20th day of April 1818 Charlotte Rosslyn 3 Bolton Street
If I understand rightly It was particularly specified that the Interest of the Four thousand Pounds (my legacy) should not be touched by those to whom the same £4000 is left till after all expences of my Funeral and every debt which may be left of mine shall be defrayed and also the money I may owe at the time of my death to Lucy or Charlotte Cotes I mean the expence of moving their Furniture (for I have none but what they lend me) shall have been paid whatever money may be found in Messrs. Drummond’s hands of mine at the time of my death I should wish might be vested in Lucy and Charlotte’s hands as a deposit for such persons as I may name who are now assisted by me Mrs Bailey to whom I have to pay 18 Pounds a Year (quarterly paid) Mrs Newman twelve for their lives Mrs Hunt will be paid by Lord Courtenay who has promised it on the event of my not doing so (Mr Wilkinson has been apprised of this) I have settled Annuities on all my old Servants but my Footman as having come lately since I have increased my Establishment I cannot provide for I wish Fifty Pounds may be given him before he is discharged to enable him to support himself for the present I wish the Servants Annuities should be paid them immediately as the quarter comes and their Wages paid up to the day I died If they intend going again into Service I am persuaded that Lucy and Charlotte will give them such Characters as will ensure their being engaged I particularly request and Charge my Executors to let my Funeral be decent only that the more may go to those who will profit by the remainder viz those whom I have named Charlotte Rosslyn Blackheath Sepr. 17th 1823
But if the People to whom Lucy & Charlotte leave this money in trust should die and after their death if any money remains over and above Lucy and Charlotte will divide it between themselves
Neither the original will nor the codicil was witnessed. Joseph Vernon of the Treasury Whitehall in the County of Middlesex Esquire and her husband’s nephew, the Right Honorable James Earl of Rosslyn, attested to Charlotte’s handwriting and signatures.
Proved at London 27 May 1826 by: Sir John Wrottesley Bart the Nephew the surviving Executor
Edward Honywood (a son of William’s aunt Elizabeth)
This is the last Will and Testament of me Edward Honywood Clerk Doctor of Laws Rector of Honiton in the County of Devon 1st I desire to be buried in the Parish Church of Honiton in the same Vault wherein is deposited the remains of my first wife Sophia I desire also that my Funeral may be conducted with as little expense as possible and that if I die at my Parsonage House which I hope it will please God so to ordain I may be carried to my Grave by my own Labourers & Workmen who may be employed at the time of my decease Six in number each of the said workmen or labourers to be paid for their trouble one pound each that Six pall bearers of my own parish be requested to attend that one Man Servant & two Female Servants who may be living in my house at the time I die may have discreet Mourning according to the direction of my Second wife whom I leave sole Executrix to this my last will and Testament desiring her to call to her aid, Christopher Flood Esquire of Bramble Hill or in the case of his decease Phillip Mules Esquire of Littleton Cottage both living in the Parish of Honiton to perform these my last requests I leave to my wife every thing I may die possessed of in Goods Chattels Estates or Monies or whatever hereafter may be left or devised to me on the following conditions 1st that my wife does to the best of her Endeavors pay my Just and lawful Debts 2d That if she marries again all & every thing I may have mentioned will be null and void I leave to my Youngest Daughter Annabella Christian Honywood only Child of my before mentioned wife after the Death or Second marriage of my said Wife the whole of my said Goods Chattels Estate and Effects but if my said Youngest Daughter shall die before her age of twenty one Years then I leave the same to my three Children by my said former wife in equal shares and Appoint & nominate the said Christopher Flood to be Guardian of my said Youngest Child and of her Estate and Effects until her age of twenty one Years and I confide that my brother William and his Eldest Son will do every Act of Kindness and give any assistance they can to my wife and to all my Children and I hereby revoke all former wills by me made and confirm to be my last In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this twenty Seventh day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twelve Ed. Honywood
Witnessed by J. Robinson M.D., H Colesworthy Surgeon.
Proved at London 10 October 1815 by: Sally Honywood widow the Relict & Sole Executrix.
Frances Pigot (mother of the Thomas Lock who married William’s aunt Anne)
I Frances Pigot of the parish of Rotherhithe in the County of Surrey Widow being of sound and disposing mind and memory but sensible of the uncertainty of this life do make my last Will and Testament in form and manner following I Give and bequeath to my daughter Frances Jefferies the Interest of three hundred pounds in the four per Cents and of five hundred pounds in the three per Cents reduced Annuities to be paid her half yearly during the life of her present husband Mr. Edward Jefferies the principle to continue in the Stocks where I have placed it if she dies before her said husband I then give the beforementioned eight hundred pounds to be equally divided among her daughters when they come to the age of twenty one years if either of them die before that age I appoint the whole to be equally divided between the surviving Daughters I also bequeath to my said daughter all my Linnen and wearing apparel if she survives her present husband I then give her power to take out four hundred pound of the principal the remaining four hundred to continue in the Stocks and to be divided among her daughters as beforementioned the Interest of the money left to the Children after their Mothers death I appoint to be paid them every half year towards their Education My share in the Sloops Fanny and Speedwell I bequeath to be equally divided between my Granddaughters Frances and Elizabeth Jefferies the profits arising from them I desire may be laid out for them in the Stocks til they come of age but the money so laid out must be subjected to such calls as may be made on it by any Accidents happening to the Vessells and should my Trustees at any time judge it more for the Interest of the Children to sell my Share in these Vessells they are hereby impowered to do it and to place the money in the Stocks for them I also give to my Granddaughter Frances Jefferies all the furniture of my Room I bequeath to my Grandson Thomas Jefferies Fifty pound to my Son in Law Edward Jefferies Fifty pound and to my Brother Robert Fart [perhaps the clerk or Frances Pigot herself was having a joke here: her brother’s name was Robert Cart] Twenty pound I appoint Mr. Richard Board Chymist in GraceChurch Street and Mr. Benjamin Kennet Merchant of Essex Street London Trustees for my Daughter and Grandchildren The Rest and Residue of my Effects Money and plate I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Lockey whom I appoint Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty four Frances Pigot
Witnessed by: Jer. Rosker, Henry Vine.
Proved London 2 July 1764 by: Thomas Lock the Son of the deceased.
Marginal note dated 8 August 1788: administration granted to: the Rev. Jefferies Clk the lawful Atty. of Anne Lock Wdw. the Relict & Sole Extrx of the will of sd. Thos. Lock for her use and benefitt now residing at Newcastle in the County of Limerick in the Kingdom of Ireland.
George Woods (William’s ‘faithful Servant’ and his steward in France)
This is the last Will and Testament of me George Woods of North Holwill in the Parish of Kenton in the County of Devon Gentleman I give devise and bequeath all my leasehold Messuages lands tenements and hereditaments Monies Goods Chattels Effects and Property of every description as well in France as in England to my Son George Henry Woods his executors administrators and assigns for his own absolute use and benefit And I do hereby appoint said Son George Henry Woods sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said George Woods the Testator have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
Witnessed by: William Melhuish, Geo: Smith Junr.
Proved at London 6 May 1848 by: George Henry Woods the Son.
George Henry Woods (younger son of William’s ‘faithful servant’ George Woods)
4 April. The Will of George Henry Woods late of St. Leonard in the County of the City of Exeter Gentleman who died 7 March 1881 at St. Leonard was proved at Exeter by Charles Tanner Kingdon Roberts of St. Leonard Solicitor the Sole Executor. Personal Estate under £3,000.
Henry Lock (uncle of the Thomas Lock who married William’s aunt Anne)
In the Name of God Amen I Henry Lock of Crutched Fryars Gentleman do make my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) I give to my Neice Frances Thomasa Lock the daughter of my late Brother Thomas Lock deceased my Walnut Tree Escritoire and Book case a pair of silver candlesticks Snuffers and Pan a Case containing twelve silver halfted Knives and Forks a small silver Panikin for Milk a Teachest of Mahogany with the Appurtenances therein and all my Linnen both New and Old I give to my Nephew Thomas Lock Son of my said late Brother Thomas Lock a Mahogany Escritoire and Bookcase a silver Cup and cover and my Gold Watch and Chain I give unto my said Nephew and Neice Thomas Lock and Frances Thomasa Lock all my Books to be equally divided between them I give to Mr. John Linton Perukemaker all the Wines and other Liquors of what kind soever which I shall be possessed at the time of my decease I also give to Susanna the Wife of the said John Linton all my China Ware I also give to my worthy and wellbeloved Friends the Honourable Perry Mayne Esquire Vice Admiral of the Red and George Thornborrow Esquire twenty Guineas each for a Ring as a small Acknowledgement for the many kind Favours I have received from them All the rest and Residue of my Estate of what Nature or Kind soever I give unto my said Nephew and Neice Thomas Lock and Frances Thomasa Lock and to my Nephews Robert John and Charles Lock Sons of my late Brother Robert Lock deceased to be equally divided between them Share and Share alike And I constitute and appoint the Reverend Mr. Francis Pigot of Gillingham in the County of Kent sole Executor of this my last Will desiring I may be buryed in the parish where I dye in the most private and least Expensive manner and I do hereby revoke all former wills by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twentieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty nine – Heny. Lock
Witnessed by: Richard Dowley, George Beardsell
Proved London 9 March 1749 by: the Reverend Francis Pigot clerk
Henry Woods (brother of William’s ‘faithful servant’ George Woods
I Henry Woods a British subject now residing at No. 2 Rue Favart in the City of Paris being of sound mind and and memory do hereby give and bequeath to William Byron my Partner now living in the same house No. 2 Rue Favart Paris all monies cash property goods chattels effects and credits which I may have and be possessed of at my death for his own use and to be disposed of as he may think proper with the exception of my Watch also my Dressing case & writing desk which I leave to my nephew Henry Smith now living at Star Cross in England hereby confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Paris this tenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven — H. Woods
Witnessed by: Edwd. Tufton Phelp Capt H P [half-pay] 2nd Provl. Battn, J Wickham esq, A. Boulis
Proved London 14 February 1839 by: William Byron
Lucy Elizabeth Cotes (eldest daughter of William’s aunt Lucy)
I leave one hundred pounds to Lady Maria Cotes. I leave one hundred pounds to each of her sons and daughters. One hundred pounds to Charlotte Gordon. One hundred pounds to the Honble Louisa Wrottesley. & one hundred pounds to their brother the Revd Charles Wrottesley & one hundred pounds to Lady Sophia Foy. I leave fifty pounds to Susannah Huse and thirty pounds to each of the under Servants who have been in my service at the time of my death & are still in it. I leave ten pounds to Philip Ward, ten pounds to Mary Lisburn Junior & thirty pounds to Anne Linford. I wish the shilling a week I allow Nanny Talbot should be continued during her life. I leave the remainder of my money & all other property I possess to my sister Charlotte Cotes & I appoint her my residuary Legatee. I appoint my brothers John Cotes Esqr & the Revd Charles Cotes my Executors. Brook Street. March 31. 1834. – Lucy Elizabeth Cotes
No witnesses.
Handwriting attested 24 February 1835 by: Patrick Johnston of No. 189 Fleet Street in the City of London Gentleman and Henry Creag of the same place Gentleman.
Proved at London 27 February 1835 by: John Cotes Esqr. & The Revd Charles Grey in the Will written Charles) Cotes Clerk.
Mary Courtenay (eldest sister of William’s father)
I Mary Courtenay of Orchard Street Portman Square London do declare this as my last Will and Testament I give to Mrs Catharine Tarrant the Sum of Fifteen hundred Pounds for her life and after her Death to my niece Lucy Elizabeth Cotes, also to Mrs Catharine Tarrant the Sum of five hundred Pounds to dispose of entirely as she Pleases also all my Wearing Apparel also the two Green Beds in my Bed Chamber and the furniture of the Green Drawing Room in my House in Orchard Street to my Sister Lucy Cotes five hundred Pounds to my Sister L’y Loughborough and to my sister Lady Wrottesley One hundred Pounds each To my niece Charlotte Wrottesley I leave my Harpsichord to Mrs Catharine Tarrant all the Kitchen Furniture and Plate and all the ready Money I may have by me after all my Debts are paid and I appoint John Cotes of Woodcote and Lucy Cotes his Wife as my Executors to this my Will I desire they will see that the Legacy’s I bequeath are paid particularly Mrs Tarrants who I desire may receive the five hundred I leave her within a Month after it becomes due Mary Courtenay
Woodcote Nov’r 22’d 1783 In case of the Death of my Niece Lucy Elizabeth Cotes I leave the 15 hundred Pounds to any other Daughter of my Sister Lucy Cotes and if my Sister Lucy Cotes h Mary Courtenay
No witnesses.
Handwriting attested 14 February 1784 by: John Kent Tarrant of King Street in the Parish of Saint George Bloomsbury in the County of Middlesex Painter and Benjamin Wortley of North Audley Street in the Parish of Saint George Hanover Square in the same County Haberdasher
Proved at London 16 February 1784 by: John Cotes Esquire and the Honourable Lucy Cotes Wife of the said John Cotes.
Richard Clack (eldest brother of William’s mother)
In the Name of God Amen I Richard Clack of the City of Hereford Clerk Do make my last Will and Testament as follows all my personal Estate of every Denomination I give and bequeath to my dear Wife Martha and appoint her sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this third day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six – Rd Clack Esq
Witnessed by: Thos. Clarke, Js Cs Clarke
Proved at London 10 January 1780 by: Martha Clack Widow the Relict of the deceased
Richard Pethybridge (William’s butler in France)
[1866] 7 August. The Will of Richard Pethybridge formerly of Kenton in the County of Devon but late of the City of Exeter Butler to Sir John Duntze Baronet deceased who died 25 July 1866 at 168 St. Sidwell-street Exeter aforesaid was proved at Exeter by the oaths of William Richard Pethybridge of 21 Wells-street Oxford-street in the County of Middlesex Tailor the Son and William Featherstone of the City aforesaid Draper the Executors. Effects under £450.
Robert Cart (uncle of the Thomas Lock who married William’s aunt Anne)
In the Name of God Amen I Robert Cart in the Parish of Greenwich in the County of Kent Contractor for Coopers Wares do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say Imprimis I will and bequeath all my Real and Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever that at my death I shall be possessed of or have any Right or Title to To my beloved Wife Ann Cart during her natural life First paying thereout all my just debts and if at my death I shall have born or begotten any Child or Children from the Body of the said Ann my Wife she shall Cloath Feed and Educate them my and her Children out of the same during her life and after her death then the said Real and Personal Estate shall be divided equally between the same Children or to the remainder of them for ever but in case the said Ann my Wife shall have no Child by me or a Child if had should die then and after the death of the said Ann my Wife I will and bequeath all the said Real and Personal Estate to my beloved Sister Frances Pigot during her life and after her death to her Heirs for ever and I do appoint my said Wife Ann to be the sole Executrix of this my last Will and after her death Frances Pigott and after her death the Heirs of her Body jointly and Lastly I do revoke and make void all and every former Wills by me at any time made heretofore In Witness hereunto I have set my hand and Seal in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty one on the fourth day of September Robert Cart
Witnessed by: Elizth. Ross, Jas. Walter, Elizth. Walter
Proved London 30 August 1776 by: the Reverend Thomas Lock Clerk the Son of Frances Pigot Widow and as such the Executor substituted in the said will […] Ann Cart the Wife of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the said will and the said Frances Pigot the Executrix substituted in the said Will respectively dying in the life time of the said deceased.
Robert Lock (uncle of the Thomas Lock who married William’s aunt Anne)
In the Name of God Amen I Robert Lock of the City of Rochester in the County of Kent Gentn. being in perfect health but considering the Uncertainty of Life do make and declare this my last Will and Testament in Form and manner following Vizt. My Body I Commit to the Earth to be very privately buryed desiring that none of my Relations may attend me to the Ground nor no more Lights than will Suffise for those men who shall carry me thither As to what worldly Wealth I am or shall be possessed of I give and bequeath the same unto my Beloved Wife Jemima Lock (late Jemima Purcell) for and during the term of her Natural Life and after her decease to be equally divided between what Children shall then be alive born between us be they Boys or Girls But if it shall so happen that at the time of her decease there shall none of Our Children be then alive in such Case I will that the same be given and disposed of to whomsoever She Will hereby appointing my Said Wife Jemima Lock Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this twenty third day of November in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and twenty seven – Rt. Lock
No witnesses.
Handwriting attested 8 October 1741 by: Henry Lock of the Parish of Trinity Minories London Gentleman and Thomas Page of Tower Hill London Stationer.
Proved London 9 October 1741 by: Jemima Lock Widow the Relict. When she married Robert Lock in 1727 Jemima was already the widow of James Purcell with two children both of whom died before their mother: James John Purcell and Mary Elizabeth Purcell (married Philip Twisden). Jemima died intestate in 1765.
Thomas Clack (youngest brother of William’s mother)
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Clack of Kenn in the County of Devon Clerk do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say I give devise and bequeath unto the right honorable William Lord Viscount Courtenay of Powderham Castle in the County aforesaid and unto Timothy Napleton of Powderham aforesaid Clerk and to their heirs Executors admors and assigns respectively all my messuages Lands Tenements and heredits whereof or wherein I am seized of any Estate of freehold in Possession reversion remainder or expectation situate in the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland or elsewhere and all my leasehold messuages lands and Tenements whereof I am possessed or whereunto I am Intitled for any term or number of years absolute or determinable on lives and all my household Goods plate linen China ready money and all my Bills Bonds Notes and Securities for money and monies which shall be owing to me at the time of my death and all other my personal and Testamentary Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever [with their and every of their rights respective rights members and appurts] subject to the payment of my just debts legacies and funeral Expences to hold the said freehold and leasehold Premises and all [m] other my real personal and Testamentary Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever with their and every of their rights respective rights members and appurts unto the said Lord Viscount Courtenay and Timothy Napleton their heirs Executors admors and assigns respectively upon the trusts and for the uses intents and purposes herein after mentioned that is to say upon trust that they my said Trustees and the Survivor of them his heirs Executors admors and assigns respectively do and shall as soon as conveniently may be after my Death by such ways and means as they in their discretion think proper sell and dispose of the said messuages Lands Tenements heredits and real estate and also the said leasehold Estates and grant & release the same freehold lands and heredits unto and to the use of any person or persons who shall or may become the purchaser or purchasers thereof and his her or their respective heirs and assigns forever and grant and assign such leasehold Estates unto the purchaser or purchasers thereof his her and their Executors admors & assigns for all the Interest thereof and do and shall sell and dispose of all my household goods plate linen and China and convert the same and all my residuary personal Estate into money and do and shall call in and collect all Debts that may be due to me or permit the same to remain on such Securities wherewith same shall be Invested and place the same out again at Interest with the monies to arise by sale of the said freehold heredits and leasehold Estates and other my Effects either on mortgage or real Security or on Estate or Estates for a long term of Years absolute or in some or all of the public Stocks or funds or Government security with liberty to alter or change such Securities as they shall see fit to others of the like nature and it is my will that they my said Trustees and the survivor of them his Executors admors and assigns do and shall by and out of the monies arising from the sale of the said freehold and leasehold and personal Estate or some part thereof in the first place pay apply lay out and expend the Sum of Six hundred pounds with all Interest to grow due for the same in compleating the education of my three dear youngest Children that is to say Edward Robert Mary Ann and Lucy Harriot Clack in such manner as they my said Trustees and the survivor of them his Executors admors and assigns shall in their or his discretion think proper and as to the residue of the said Trust monies upon Trust that they my said Trustees or the Survivor of them his Executors admors and assigns do and shall pay and divide the same together with any part of the said Sum of Six hundred pounds that may happen to remain unapplied for the purposes aforesaid if any and the Interest Dividends and produce thereof respectively together with the rents and profits of my said real and leasehold Estates until the same shall be disposed of to between and amongst my dear Children after named that is to say Elizabeth Richard Charlotte Bridget William Charles John Edward Robert Mary Ann and Lucy Harriot Clack to whom I give and bequeath the same share and share alike as Tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants and to their respective Exors Admors and assigns the share and shares of my said Children being a Son or Sons to be payable to him or them at his or their age or respective ages of twenty one years and the share and shares of such of them being a Daughter or Daughters to be payable to her or them respectively on her or them attaining the age or ages of twenty one years or on the day or days of her or their marriage respectively which shall first happen and in Case any of my said Children shall happen to die before his her or their portion or portions shall become payable then and in such Case the share and shares of him her or them so dying shall go and belong to the Survivors equally between them if more than one and if but one then to such only Child and to be paid to him her or them when and as his her or their original share or shares would have become payable provided always and I do hereby declare that it shall and may be lawful for my said Trustees and the Survivor of them his Executors Admons and Assigns during the minority of my said Children or either of them to pay and apply the Interest or Produce of his her or their respective portions or shares in and towards his her and their maintenance & education And it shall and it may be lawful to and for them my said Trustees to advance any sum or Sums of money to which such Child or Children shall or may be intitled unto under this my will for his her or their better advancement in life notwithstanding such portion or share portions or shares should not then have become payable so as such Sum or Sums do not exceed in the whole one moiety or equal half part of his her or their then expectant portion or portions share or shares And I do hereby declare that my only reason for not giving any thing by this my will to my dear Children Thomas and Frances Diana the now wife of The Revd Richard Holland is that they are already and will at my Death be amply provided for under and by virtue of the settlement made previous to and in consideration of my marriage with my late dear wife And I do hereby declare it is my express will that the purchaser or purchasers of all or any part of my said freehold heredits and leasehold Estates paying his her or their respective purchase money to my said trustees or the survivor of them his heirs Executors admors assigns respectively and taking his her or their receipt receipts for the same shall hold and enjoy the lands and premises by him her or them purchased according to the Sale or Sales thereof respectively and shall not be obliged to see to or regard the application thereof or be answerable for the misapplication or nonapplication of his her or their purchase money or any part thereof and I further declare it to be my will and intention that they my said Trustees shall not be answerable or accountable for any more money than they shall respectively actually receive nor for the acts deeds receipts defaults or payments of the other of them but each for himself and his own acts deeds receipts defaults and miscarriages only neither shall they or either of them be answerable or accountable for any loss that may happen in or about the execution of the Trusts herein contained unless the same happen thro’ his or their respective wilful neglect or default and also shall And lawfully may deduct and retain to himself and themselves and allow to his Cotrustee out of the said Trust monies and the Dividends Interest & produce thereof respectively all such Costs Charges Damages and Expences as they or either of them shall or may pay suffer expend or be put unto in or about the execution of this my will or the Trusts hereby in them reposed and I do hereby nominate constitute & appoint the said William Lord Viscount Courtenay & Timothy Napleton Exors of this my will on the trusts aforesaid and I do hereby revoke all former will and wills by me at any time heretofore made and do publish & declare this writing to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Clack the testor have to this my Will contained in three sheets of Paper set my hand to the first two Sheets thereof and my hand and Seal to the third and last sheet this thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and two – – – – Thos Clack
Witnessed by: Hannah Price, Elizabeth Powell, John Pidsley.
Proved at Exeter 21 August 1807 by: Timothy Napleton Clerk.
Proved at London 16 January 1810 by: the Rev’d Timothy Napleton Clerk.
Thomas Lock (husband of William’s aunt Anne)
Extracted from the Registry of his Majesty’s Court of Prerogative in Ireland
I Thomas Lock Rector of Newcastle in the County and Diocese of Limerick under a due sense of the uncertainty of Life do now while I am in perfect health and memory make my last Will and Testament in manner following I bequeath my Estate of Keilegurteen alias Woodfield with the appurtenances belonging thereunto situate in the Parish of Kilsiley in the County of Clare to my Eldest Son William Lock and if he should die without Issue in regular remainder to my other Children subject to the Payments and Conditions hereinafter mentioned I order all my Stock of Cattle together with all my Hay Corn and other Husbandry Articles I may die possessed of to be sold and the money they produce after paying all my just debts to be applied towards the fortune I shall leave to my younger children for which purpose I order it to be put out on good Security that the Interest may from time to time pay for their Education I order also all the timber on my estate in the County of Clare may be sold and the money it may produce together with whatever arrears may be due to me from my Lands Livings or otherwise to be also put out to Interest and applied in the same manner as I have directed in regard of the money I have got in for my Cattle I bequeath to each of my younger Children one thousand pounds the principal to be paid when they come to the age of twenty one years or to my Daughter if with the consent of their Mother and Trustee they should happen sooner to Marry on the day of their Marriage and as the abovementioned articles I order to be sold will not make up the Sums I leave to my Younger Children I hereby subject my Estate in the County of Clare to make up the deficiency that the clear Sum of One thousand pounds may be paid to each the Interest of this money from the time of my Decease I appoint to be regularly applied to defray the Expenses of their Education I order the Farms I die possessed of to be let to Tenants and the profit that they may produce I leave to my beloved Wife Ann Lock but if it should happen that the said profits do not make up one hundred a year clear Income or that the Interest in said Farms should determine during her life I subject my Estate in the County of Clare to make good all deficiencies I leave also to my said Wife Ann all my Plate and Furniture Chaise Horses and Chaise I appoint my Brother in Law the Reverend Thomas Clack of Moreton Hampstead in the County of Devon Clk Trustee for my Children I appoint also my dear Wife Ann Lock Executrix to this my last Will and declare it to be my Intent and meaning that she during her Widowhood should receive the Income of my Estate till my Eldest Son comes of Age and direct the Education of our Children In Witness whereof I hereto set my Hand and Seal this fifth day of May in the year of our Lord 1779 nine Thos. Lock
Witnessed by: John Eastcott, John Mullins
Codicil Whatever Sums of Money I die possessed of or may at the time of my decease have placed out at Interest either in Government Debentures or any other Securities I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved Wife Ann Lock to be received by her during her Life and the Principal at her decease or sooner if she thinks proper to be divided among our Children in such Proportion and provision as her own Affection may Direct In Witness whereof I have hereto set my Hand and Seal this fourteenth day of June 1782 Thos. Lock
Witnessed by: Jno. Eastcott, John Mullins
Proved in Ireland 1 May 1787 by: the Sole Executrix. Administration granted 26 January 1792 to: William Locke otherwise Lock Esquire the Natural and lawful Son of the said Deceased […] Ann Lock Widow the Relict of the said deceased and Sole Executrix dying without having taken upon her the Execution of the said Will and no residuary Legatee is named therein.
Thomas Taylor (a friend and adviser to William’s father)
This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Taylor of Denbury in the County of Devon Esquire which I publish & declare as follows I direct that all my debts & Funeral Expences and such Legacies as I shall mention by any endorsement hereon or in any other Writing as a Codicil to this my Will shall be in the first place paid & discharged I give devise and bequeath all my Lands & Heredits Goods Chattels & Effects whatsoever unto my dear Son Pierce Joseph Taylor Esq: his Heirs Exors & Admors & do hereby constitute & appoint him sole Executor & Residuary Legatee of this my last Will & Testament In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and Seal the 24th day of July 1795 Thos. Taylor
Witnessed by: Rob: Abraham Junr., John Kiddle Servant to Mr. Taylor
Proved at London 29 January 1811 by: Pierce Joseph Taylor the Son & Sole Executor
William Annesley (a son of William’s sister Anne)
I give and bequeath All my personal Estate and Effects including any monies I am or shall be entitled to under the Settlement made on the Marriage of my Mother unto my Executors after named in trust for Francis Courtenay Caroline Courtenay Henrietta Courtenay and Emma Courtenay the Son and Daughters of my said Mother Anne Countess of Mountnorris in equal shares the share of Emma Courtenay to be held Upon Trust that my Executors shall pay the annual income thereof to her for her life and I authorise the Trustees or Trustee of such share to apply all or any part of the principal of the share for the benefit of the said Emma Courtenay at their or his sole discretion And I authorize my Executors or the Survivor to transfer the Share of Emma Courtenay to Trustees for her of their or his nomination to be held on the same Trusts and with the same power & discretion as given to my Executors with a power of appointing new Trustees in the place of a dying or resigning Trustees and subject to the aforesaid Trusts for the said Emma Courtenay her share or the unappropriated part thereof to be In trust for the said Francis Courtenay Caroline Courtenay and Henrietta Courtenay equally between them I appoint William Wingfield esquire of Bloomsbury Square and John Wrottesley Esquire of Lincolns Inn Executors of this my Will Signed published and delivered as my last Will and Testament this twenty sixth day of June One thousand eight hundred and thirty – William Annesley
Witnessed by: Henry Gawler.
Handwriting attested 31 March 1831 by: Charles Henry Bellenden Ker of Lincolns Inn in the County of Middlesex Esquire (older half-brother of William Annesley).
Proved at London 8 April 1831 by: William Wingfield Esqr.
William Thomas Locke (a son of William’s aunt Anne)
Extracted from the Registry of his Majesty’s Court of Prerogative in Ireland
In the Name of God Amen I William Thomas Locke Late of Newcastle in the County of Limerick in Ireland but now of High Garrett in the Parish of Bocking in the County of Essex in England being of a sound and disposing mind thank God but considering the uncertainty of life Do make and publish this my last Will & Testament hereby revoking any Will or Wills by me heretofore made In the first place I bequeath my Soul to the Almighty God Expecting forgiveness of my Sins thro’ the Mediation of my Saviour Jesus Christ Secondly I leave and bequeath all my Property of what kind soever real and personal in Reversion Remainder or Expectancy unto James Drake Brockman of Beachborough in the Parish of Newington in the County of Kent Esquire and unto Julius Drake Brockman of Cherington Esquire in the Parish of Cherington and County of Kent and to their Heirs for the following Uses and Trusts namely to suffer my dearly beloved wife Anne Locke otherwise Brockman to enjoy the profits of my said property for and during her natural life only and from and after her death my Will is that all my aforesaid property shall go to my Brother Thomas Locke Clerke Rector of the Parish of Newcastle in the County of Limerick for and during his natural life only with remainder to my said Brother’s eldest Son Thomas Locke Junior for his life only with remainder to the Heirs male of his body lawfully begotten giving priority to the eldest Son and his Issue Male at all times and in Case of failure of Issue Male in him lawfully begotten remainder to William Locke the second Son of my aforesaid Brother for his life only with remainder to the Heirs male of his body lawfully begotten giving priority to the eldest Son and his Issue Male lawfully begotten and in Case of Failure of Issue Male in him lawfully begotten remainder to John Locke the third Son of my aforesaid Brother for his life only with remainder to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten giving Priority to the eldest Son and his Issue Male and in case of failure of Issue male in him lawfully begotten Remainder to Robert Locke, the fourth Son of my aforesaid Brother for his life only with remainder to the Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten giving Priority to the eldest Son and his Issue Male and in Case of failure of Issue Male in him lawfully begotten remainder to the fifth son of my aforesaid Brother under the aforesaid Restrictions and Limitations and so on in Succession to all my aforesaid Brother Sons with the like Restrictions and Limitations and in Case of failure of male Issue in my aforesaid brother’s Sons remainder to the daughters of my aforesaid brother share and share alike among them their Issue to take per Stirpes and not per Capita with remainder to my own right Heirs I hereby nominate and appoint my aforesaid Wife my aforesaid brother and my Cousin William Honeywood Executors of this my Will and require of them to pay my just and lawful debts having signed sealed and executed this my Will this thirty first day of August in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixteen Wm. Thos. Locke
Witnessed by: Edward Geratty, John E Kean, Nichs. Meade
Proved at London 27 February 1818 by: Anne Margaret (in the Will written Anne) Locke (heretofore Brockman) Widow the Relict.
Images from the top
- Thomas Bewick: feather, https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1882-0311-1406.
- Thomas Rowlandson: The dance of death, The antiquary’s last will and testament. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_dance_of_death;_the_antiquary’s_last_will_%26_testament._C_Wellcome_V0041972.jpg
Page history
- 2018 June 1: first published online.
- 2020 April 2: reviewed; several minor corrections made to transcript of Henry Lock’s will.
- 2020 April 17: copy of will of Thomas Clack added.
- 2020 May 10: copy of will of Thomas Taylor added.
- 2020 May 21: entry for William’s aunt Frances corrected.
- 2020 June 3: Wills of other people split into two pages (1: lists and 2: transcripts).
- 2022 March 12 & 16: copy of will of William’s aunt Charlotte Rosslyn added.
William Courtenay (1768-1835) 
