Last Will and Testament of John Hayter of Melbury Abbas, 1762

 
   
 

In the name of God Amen

I John Hayter the elder of Melbury Abbas in the county of Dorset yeoman being in health of body and of sound mind memory and understanding (thanks be to God) Do this twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Two make this my Last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say)

First I give to my son William Hayter the sum of Ten Pounds.

Also I give to my Daughter Mary the wife of John Foot the sum of Eight Pounds.

Also I give to my Daughter Anne Kendell Widow the sume of Fifteen Pounds.

Also I give to my Daughter Frances the wife of John Cox the sume of Eight Pounds, all which said legacies I do order to be paid by my Executor hereinafter named within Twelve Months after my decease.

And all the rest residue and remainder of my Goods Chattells and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever which I shall die possessed of or any ways entitled unto I give demise and bequeath unto my Son John Hayter who I make constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this to be my last Will and Testament

And I do desire and order that my said Son John Hayter do let and permit my said Daughter Anne Kendell to continue being in the house she now lives in Rent free during her life if he shall so long hold the estate to which the said house belongs.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written John Hayter

Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Testator John Hayter as and for his last Will and Testament who at his request and in his presence have set our names as Witnesses John Harvey , Mich London