WilltTransciptionsAM

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN

The Two and Twentieth day of November in the Ninth year of the reigne of our sovereigne Lord William the Third by the Grace of God of England Scotland ffrance and Ireland King defender of the ffaith Olnnoq Domini 1697

I Aldred Escott of Dunster in the County of Somerset Gent. being sick and weake of body but of sound mind and memory (praised be God for itt) doe make and ordaine this my last will and Testament in manner and forme following

And first I give my soul to God who gave it me relying on all his gratious promises in Jesus my only saviour made unto me And my body I comitt to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors herein after named And as touching all such worldly estate as if hath pleased Almighty God to bestowe on me I dispose thereof as followeth

Item whereas I stand seized in ffee of and in diverse Messuages Lands and Tenements and part of Tenements within the Parishes of Dunster, West Monton and North Petherton in the said County of Somersett I give devise and bequeath all and singular the said Messuages Lands Tenements and parts of Tenements unto my sonn Richard Escott and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever To have and to hold the same unto the said Richard Escott my sonn and to his Heyres and Assignes for evermore And if in case my said sonn Richard shall happen to dye before he accomplishes the age of one and twenty years Then I give devise and bequeath all and singular my said MessuagesLands Tenements and parts of Tenements unto Aldred Escott my youngest sonn and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever to have and to hold the same unto the said Aldred Escott and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever more And if both my said sonns Richard and Aldred doe happen to dye before they severally accomplish the age of one and twenty years Then I give devise and bequeath the one Moyety or halfendraft of all and singular my said Messuages Lands Tenements and parts of Tenements unto Richard Escott my brother and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever To have and to hold the said Moyety or halfendraft unto the said Richard Escott my brother and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever more And the other Moyety or halfendraft of all and singular the said Messuages Lands Tenements and parts of Tenements I give devise and bequeath (under condition aforsaid) unto my brother ffrancis Escott and to his Heyres and Assignes for ever To have and to hold the said moyety or halfendraft unto the said ffrancis Escott my brother and to his Heyres and Assignes for evermore. And whereas I am lawfully possessed and interests of and in one Messuage ffarme or Tenement and also of ands in one Marsh belonging thereunto(the marsh containing twenty four acres or thereabouts) all which premisses are situate lyeing and being in or neare the village of Alcombe within the said parish of Dunster for the terme or remainder of A terme of ninety nine years determinable upon the death of the said Richard Escott my brother. I give and bequeath the aforsaid Messuage ffarme Tenemt. And marsh unto my said sonns Richard Escott and Aldred Escott and to the survivor of them to have and to hold the said Messuage ffarme Tenement and marsh unto the said sonns Richard and Aldred Escott for and dureing and singular the above verified terme and for and dureing all other my right title interest and estate in and to the same and in and to every parte and parcell thereof And if it shall happen that both my said sonns Richard and Aldred Escott dye before their severall accomplishing the age of one and twenty years then I give and bequeath the said messuage ffarme tenemt. And marsh unto and equally between my said Brothers Richard Escott and ffrancis Escott for and during all my estate and fferme therein which shall be then to come and unexpired Item I give and bequeath unto the said Richard Escott and ffrancis Escott my brothers and unto James Sully my brother in lawe all the rents issued and proffitts of all such estate as I now enjoy in the right of Elizabeth my wife lying within the parish of Wivilescombe in the County of Somersett aforsaid and called or commonly known by the names of Langley and fford To have hold receive and take the said rents and issues and proffitts of the said Estates called Langley and ffords unto the said Richard Escott James Sully and ffrancis Escott for and during all my right title interest and estate therein And my Will is that the said Richard Escott James Sully and ffrancis Escott shall and doe yearly allow (out of the said rents issues and proffitts of Langly and ffords) unto the said Elizabeth my wife a competent maintenance And that they shall and doe yearly apply the xxxx plus or what remained thereof for and towards the use and benefitt of my said children And my will and minde further is that the said Richard Escott James Sully and ffrancis Escott my said brothers and brother in lawe shall receive the yearly rents issue and proffitts of my said messuage ffarme tenement and marsh during the minority of my said children and that they shall herewith maintaine my said children And putt out the over xxxx thereof at interest for the equall benefitt and advantage of my said children And if in case both my said children doe happen to dye before their respective attaining the age of one and twenty Then I give and bequeath all such money as shall be xx in xxxx equally unto and amongst my said brothers and sisters children. Item all the rest of my goods and chattells whatsoever and wheresoever not herein before given and disposed of (my debts being paid and ffunerall expenses discharged) I give devise and bequeath unto the said Richard Escott James Sully and ffrancis Escott to and for the joynt use of my said children provided they accomplish the age of one and twenty years, otherwise to the use of themselves with said Richard, James and ffrancis I doe hereby ordaine and make joynt Executors of this my last will and testament In Witness whereof I the said Aldred Escott have here unto sett my hand and seale this said two and twentieth day of November Anno Domini 1697

ALDRED ESCOTT Signed sealed published and declared in presence of

Edward ffairchild

George ffairchild

Mary ffraine

PROBATUM

[Text in Latin]

BENJAMIN ESCOTT

THIS IS MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

I give and bequeath to my oldest son Robert Escott all my freehold Estate in the Parish of Cutcombe called or known by the name of South Wheddon and Crofts.

I give to my second son William the sum of eight hundred pounds which I have upon mortgage of an Estate belonging to Mr George Warren ------ ------ and Yolland and Luxon ---- in the parish of Up-Ottery Devon together with with the interest that may be due at the time of my death.

All the Rest, Residue and Remainder of my property, my household goods, live and dead stock I give to my wife and two daughters to be divided equally between them.

BENJAMIN ESCOTT, , Signed, sealed, witnessed and declared to be my Last Will and Testament in the presence of the Rev. John Myers King and Thomas Abraham, Surgeon who in my presence and in the presence of each other have ------ to sign their names.

J. M. King Vicar of Cutcombe

Thomas Abraham Surgeon, Dunster

In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury

In the Goods of Benjamin Escott deceased

APPEARED PERSONALLY

Thomas Abraham of the Parish of Dunster in the County of Somerset, Surgeon and made oath that he is one of the ----------scribed witnesses to the last will and testament of Benjamin Escott late of Cutcombe in the County of Somerset, deceased the name being without date ------- hereunto annexes and he further made – that at that period when the said Will was executed by the Testator he the Appearer was the Medical Attendant of the Testator and that he is enabled from such circumstances to depose and does depose that the said will was duly executed on the Thirtieth of March one Thousand eight hundred and fifty two by the said Testator signing his name at the foot or and thereof in manner as now appears hereon in the presence of this Appearer and of the Reverend John Myers King ----- the other subscibers witness thereto both being then present at the same time and both of whom also at the same time attested and subscribed the said Will in the presence of the said Testator and of each other.

Thomas Abraham on the Fourteenth day of May 1852 the said Thomas Abraham was duly sworn to the truth ------ (by virtue of the annexed commission), before me Whiston Timothy Briston – Commissioner

On the 19th day of May 1852 Administration (with the Will annexed) of the Goods Chattels and Credits of Benjamin Escott late of Cutcombe in the County of Somerset deceased was granted to Miriam Escott widow the ---- and as such one of the Residuary Legatees and Eliza Escott Spinster one of the only two natural and lawful daughters of the said deceased living at the time of the execution of his said will and as such one other of the Residuary Legatees named in the said will having been first sworn by ----- only to administer.

--- Executor

In the Name of God Amen

I Catherine Escott of Carhampton in the County of Somerset, Widow being weak and infirm in body but of sound mind & memory and understanding do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say ------------ my soul into the hands of Almighty God & hoping for the forgiveness of all my sins in the world to ------.

Item I Give and bequeath unto Richard Escott my son and Grace the wife of George Stenner his daughter all such Drouts and sigh Drouts and arrears of Drouts and sigh drouts as shall be due to me at the time of my death for my Estates in Devonshire to be divided equally between them.

Item I Give and bequeath unto John Newton(?) my grandson the sum of Ten Pounds to be paid him by my Executor herein after named within twelve months after my Demise.

Item I give and bequeath unto John Bryant, Giles Bryant and William Bryant my grandchildren the sum of Ten Pounds a piece to be paid by my executor within twelve months next after my -------

Item I give and bequeath unto my grand children Thomas Leigh, Betty Leigh and Henry Leigh (Sons and Daughter of Henry Leigh of Carhampton aforsaid Yeoman) the sum of Ten Pounds a piece to be paid them by my Executor within Twelve Months next after my demise?

Item I Give and bequeath unto [insert margin note] Giles Escott Benjamin Escott and Thomas Escott sons of my said son Benjamin Escott the sum of Ten pounds a piece to be paid them by my executor as they shall respectively attain the age of Twenty One years and not before.

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susannah Leigh wife of Henry Leigh of Carhampton aforsaid yeoman the sum of fifty pounds where with her said husband shall not intermoddle or have any thing to do during her natural life with full power to dispose of the same at her death by will or otherwise to such of her children as she shall think proper or who else she pleases and if it should so happen that my said daughter Susannah Leigh should dye before me then and such case I give her full x power to dispose of the same as if she had survived me and to be paid by my Executor to such child or children person or persons as she shall bequeath it within the same space of time as she was to have been paid in case she had survived me and I do hereby order and disort my said executor to pay the said sum of fifty pounds to my said daughter Susannah Leigh (in case she survives me or to whom else she shall bequeath if she dies before me) within Twelve months such after my demeaser. ---

Item I give and bequeath unto my Great

grandchildren Ann Hearn Betty Hearn Catherine Hearn and Susannah Hearn the sum of Ten Pounds equally between them and each of them ------ of the said ten Pounds to be paid them by my Executor as they shall respectively attain the age of Twenty One years and if it should happen that either of these my said Great grandchildren should dye before she attains the age of twenty one years then my will is that the share of her so dying shall be equally divided amongst the survivors. -----

Item I give and bequeath unto my great grandchildren John Thomas Henry Thomas and James Escott Thomas the sum of Ten Pounds equally between them and each of their shares of the said Ten Pounds to be paid them by my Executor as they shall respectively attain the age of Twenty One years and if it should happen that either of these my said Great grandchildren should dye before he or she attains the age of Twenty One years then my will is that the share of him or her so dying shall be equally divided amongst the survivors.

Item I give and bequeath unto my great grandchildren Robert Leigh, Ann Leigh and Thomas Leigh - Sons and daughter of my Grandson Robert Leigh Deceased the sum of Ten Pounds equally between them and each of their shares of the said Ten Pounds to be paid ????? them by my Executor as they shall respectively attain the age of Twenty One Years and if it should happen that either of those said great grandchildren should dye before they respectively attain the age of Twenty One years then my will is that the share of him or her so dying shall be equally divided amongst the survivors.

Item I give unto my Son in Law Henry Leigh of Carhampton the sum of Twenty Pounds (which he has now in his hands) to discharge my funeral expenses.

Item I give unto Joan wife of my son Benjamin Escott my best Mourning Ring which I usually wear. Lastly all the Rest Residue and Romander of all my goods and chattels ----- and ----- I give devise and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Escott whom I so hereby make ordain constitute and appoint whole and sole Executor of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time made in witness whereof I have unto ost my hand and seal this Twenty Third day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty ? The mark of Catharine Escott Signed Sealed Published and declared by the Testatrix to be her last Will and testament after Interlincing the words by my Executor,it,these.those, those in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses James Withycombe ?? John Weetch & Lewis Gregory.

THIS WILL was proved at London on the Seventeenth day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Nine before the Right Worshipfull George Hay , Doctor of Laws Master Keeper on Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury Lawfully Constituted by the oath of Benjamin Escott the son of the deceased and sole Executor named in the said will to whom administration was granted of all and x singular the Goods Chattels and credits of the said deceased who having been first sworn by Commission only to administer.

[Margin Note] insert into body of text above

Susannah Escott, Mary Escott, Joan Escott, Grace Escott and Jane Escott daughs. of my Son Benjamin

Escott the sum of Ten Pounds an piece to be paid them by my Executor within Twelve Months next after my decease

Item by gift and bequeath unto …..

IN DEI NOMINE AMEN

The fourthe day of December in the xxxxxx and twentithe year of the reigne of our sovereigne Lady Elizabeth by the Grace of God Queene of England ffrance and Ireland defender of the faithe

I George Escott of Charhampton in the countye of Somerset Gentleman being of perfecte mynde and remembrance allthoughe sicke in bodye thanks be unto the all mightye God doe make this my last will and Testament in manner and forme followinge

Firste I give and bequeath my soule unto the handes of the allmightye God and my bodye to be buryed in the church of Carhampton neare to Christian my wiffe

Item I give and bequeathe unto the Cathederall Church of Welles five pence

Item I give and bequeath unto the churche of Carhampton three shillinges foure pence

Item I give and bequeath unto the church of Withycombe three shillings foure pence

Item I give and bequeathe unto the poore of Carhampton xx shillings eight pence and Withycombe five shillings eight pence.

Item I give and bequeathe unto the right worshipfull Mr George Lutwell esquire one golde ringe with a reddxx in the same

Item I give and bequeathe unto xxxxxx Escott my sonne one gold ringe that was his mothers

Item I give and bequeathe unto Andrewe Escott my sonne three poundes xxxx shillings eighte pence.

Item I give and bequeathe unto Lawrence Escott my sonne five shillings xxxx.

Item I give and bequeath unto Hughe Escott sonne of Hughe Escott

Item I give unto my Daughter Jone xxxxxx one golde ringe which was her mothers wedding ringe.

Item I give and bequeath unto Elizabethe my Daughter William Everettes wiffe one Angelett

Item I give and bequeath unto Christian my Daughter Andrew xxxxxxx wiffe one Angelett

Item I give and bequeath unto Joane my daughter Richard Tanners wife one Anglett

Item I give and bequeath unto Jane my daughter one hundred poundes one xxxx xxxx one xxxx xxxx

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margarett xxxxxxx and xxxxxx poundes one xxxx xxxxx and one xxxxxx xxxxxx

Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Johan one hundred markes one xxxx xxxxxx and one xxx xxx

Item I give to Anne my daughter one hundred markes one xxxxxx xxxxxxx and one xxxxx xxxxxx

Item I give unto Margarett Elizabeth Christian and Jone the daughters of Richard Tanner tenne pounds in consideration that the said Richard Tanner shall not moleste my executore

Item I give unto Andrew George and Marye the children of William Everett unto every of them one xxxx xxx

Item I give unto Christopher the sonne of Christopher Escott one xxxx xxxxxx

Item I give unto Christian and Alice the children of Thomas Escott unto everye of them one xxxx xxxx

Item I give unto the residue of all my xxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx a xxxx xxxxx The residuese of all my goods debtes and chattelles my debttes being paide and legacyes performed I give and bequeathe to Thomas Escott my sonne whome I make my hole sole executor [xx this my laste will and testament] and that my will is xxxxx Escotte William Everett? Andrew Doofill and Richard Tanner shall be my overseers to see thro my laste will and testament performed and to have everye of them (marginal note in Latin to be inserted here) for theire paynes [tenne shillings for xxxxx] And my trustie friende Sir George Eidenham knight beinge my specyall friends to have the oversights of the reste of my overseers to see this my laste will and testament performed and he to have for his paynes forty shillings

PROBATUM

[Text in Latin]

Text shown as [ _________ ] above, struck through on original

This is the Last Will and Testament of me Joan Escott of Sandhill within the Parish of Withycombe in the County of Somerset – Widow.

I give and devise unto my son ffrancis Escott all and singular that my fee simple messuage lands tenement and premises called or commonly known by the name of Little Burkett situate lying and being in the Parish of Carhampton in the county aforsaid now in the possession or occupation of Richard Veysey as tenant thereof and which lately purchased of John Worth esquire with all and singular the rights xxxx hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging to have and to hold the said messuage lands tenements and premises with the appurts unto and to the use of the said ffrancis Escott his heirs and assigns for ever (subject nevertheless to and chargeable with the payment of the ffollowing sums (to wit) the Sum of one hundred and fifty pounds unto Sam Broadmead of Minehead in the County aforsaid Spinster the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds unto Richard Beadon of Staple Hill ffoot in the Parish of East Quantoxhead in the County aforsaid Yeoman the sum of one hundred pounds unto William Hole of Watchett within the parish of St. Decumans in the county aforsaid Mariner and the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds or of some such sum of money unto John Butcher of Monk Silver in the county aforsaid - Butcher which said four several principal sums of one hundred and fifty pounds two hundred and fifty pounds one hundred and fifty pounds or some such sum of money I borrowed and took up at interest on my personal security of and from the several last mentioned persons on my purchasing the aforsaid messuage lands tenement and premises and which said several principal sums and the interest to grow due thereon respectively from the day of my death I do hereby charge and make chargeable on the ssaid messuage lands tenement and premises subject also to and charges and chargeable with the payment of the sum of one hundred pounds unto my daughter Elizabeth Escott to be paid unto her if and when she shall attain her age of twenty one years and which said sum of one hundred pounds I hereby accordingly give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Escott payable and to be paid unto her if and when she shall attain her age of twenty one years and subject to and charges and chargeable with the payment of the sum of one hundred pounds and I do hereby accordingly give and bequeath the said sum of one hundred pounds unto my son Thomas Escott and direct the same to be paid unto him within the space of six calendar months next after my decease upon the xxxxxxxx Trust and confidence nevertheless that the said Thomas Escott his executors or advisors do and shall upon receipt of the said sum of one hundred pounds or so soon thereafter as conveniently may be pay and apply the same and every part thereof in and towards the payment of such part of my said late husbands debts xxxxx in and by his last Will and testament bearing date on or about the twenty first day of April one thousand seven hundred and eighty six provided and willed should be raised and levied by and out of the lands and hereditaments (or the rents issues and profits thereof) which he had therein before given and devised to his and my son Hugh Escott also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Escott (over and above the aforsaid sum of one hundred pounds herein by me given and bequeathed unto her the further sumof one hundred pounds payable and to be paid unto her if and when she shall attain her age of twenty one years also I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Escott the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid to him within six months after my decease to and for his own use and benefit also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Escott all and singular my xxxxxxx apparel of what nature kind or quality soever my best bed and bedding and my chairs in the great parlour chamber at Sandhill aforsaid my silver coffee pot and stand my gold watch chain and seals all my rings my best silver tankard and my two silver salt cellars also I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Escott my other silver tankard and such part of the household goods and ffurniture books Linen and China as my said late deceased husband gave and bequeathed unto me in and by the said last will and testament as my said son Thomas Escott shall choose to have and xxx and the remainder of the said last mentioned household goods and ffurniture books and linen and china I give and bequeath unto my said two sons ffrancis Escott and Hugh Escott equally to be divided between them share and share alike and the rest residue and remainder of all and singular my goods and chattles ready money xxx and credits personal and testamentary estate whatsoever and whosoever and all my morgages and securities for money of what nature or kind soever the same may be subject nevertheless to and charged and chargeable with the payment of all such just debts as I shall or may owe at the time of my decease on my own account except the said four several principal sums of one hundred and fifty pounds two hundred and fifty pounds one hundred pounds and one hundred and fifty pounds or some such sum of money herein before charged and made chargeable on my said messuages lands tenement and premises called Little Burkett but not subject to nor charged nor chargeable with the payment of any sum or sums of money which have been borrowed or taken up at any time or times since the decease of my said late husband for or towards the payment of any part of his debts he having by his said last will and testament provided and appointed ffunds sufficient for the payment of his debts and on which any sum or sums of money taken up for the purpose of payment thereof or of any part thereof I hereby desire and will may be charged and also also subject to and charged and chargeable with the payment of all and singular my legacies (except the said two several sums of one hundred pounds one hundred pounds hereinbefore directed and willed to be paid out of my said Estate called Little Burkett to my said daughter Elizabeth Escott and to my said son Thomas Escott In trust for his brother Hugh Escott as aforsaid unto my four sons Thomas Escott John Escott ffrancis Escott and Hugh Escott to and for own use and benefit equally to be divided between them share and share alike as tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants. Lastly I do hereby make ordain constitute and appoint my said four sons Thomas Escott John Escott ffrancis Escott and Hugh Escott Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and do declare this to be my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Joan Escott the testatrix have to this my last will and testament contained in three sheets of paper to the two first sheets subscribed my name and to the last sheet subscribed my name and affixed my seal the tenth day of ffebruary one thousand seven hundred and ninety six

l--------------l The name or mark of Joan Escott

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Joan Escott the Testatrix as and to be her last will and testament (after several interlineations and obliterations particularly interlineations of the words following (to wit) to be paid unto her” in the twenty sixth line of the first sheet “payable and to be paid unto her” in the twenty eighth line and her words “payable and to be paid unto her” in the [twenty eighth line and the words payable to be paid unto in the] last line of the same sheet) in the presence of us and by us subscribed as witnesses thereto in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other

l----------l Ann Wise l------l William Leigh l------l William Scott

Note – words underlined within [ ] above appear to have been crossed out on original.

THIS WILL was proved at London the twentysecond day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and one before the Right Honourable Sir William Wynne Knight Doctor of Laws Master Keeper on Commissary of the Perogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of Thomas Escott John Escott ffrancis Escott and Hugh Escott the sons and executors named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods and chattles and credits of the said deceased having been ffirst sworn by commission duly to administer

In The Name of God Amen

The twentie sixth day of November in the five and twentieth year of our Sovereign Lord Charles the second xxxx King of England and in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred xxxxx and ffxx I Hugh Escott of the Parish of Carhampton in the countie of Sommerset Yoman being sicke in bodie but of perfect mynd and memorie, praised be to God, revoking all former wills by mee made, doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following (viz) First I commend my soul to God my maker xxxx gave it And my bodie to christian buryall to be decently interred, hoping of a joyfull resurection

Item I give unto the poore of Carhampton thirtie shillings to be distributed and payd by my Executrix within one month next after my death.

Item I give to the poore of Withycombe twentie shillings to be distributed and payd within one month next after my death.

Item I give and devise unto my son Richard Escott and his heire : male the inheritance of all that parcel of land at Leyghland within the Parish of Old Cleeve and Countie of Somerset ymediately after hee shall accomplish the age of one and twentie years with full power to make that woman which hee shall marrie and take to wife an Estate for Terme of her life in the said parcell of land Alsoe I give unto my son Richard my gold ring that I usually weare, and one Bedd performed, and one Chest called the xxxx Chest and all to have xxxxx on hoo shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years to, and if my sonne Richard shall happen to dye without issue = male, that then the inheritance of the said parcell of land shall redound unto my sonne Hugh Escott and his heire = male my land at Alcome = crofte, and Stanton and one hundred pounds of lawfull money of England, and my gold signet and my old silver Bowle and the great silver salt and one Bedd performed and one Chest and all to have upon hoo shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years. And if the said Hugh Escott doe happen to dye without issue = male, that if on the inheritance of the severall parcelles of land shall redound and remain & to my sonne Aldred Escott and his heire=male

Item I give unto my sonne Aldred Escott one hundred pounds of life lawfull money and one Bedd performed and the Chest standing in the parlor=chamber and one silver Bowle and a gold Ring and the little silver salt, and all to have when hee shall accomplish the age of one and twentie years

Item I give unto my son Giles Escott one hundred pounds of life lawfull money, and one Bedd performed, the blacke Chest and eight silver Spoones and all to have when hee shall accomplish the age of one and twentie years, And if my sonne Aldred Escott doe happen to dye without issue=male that then the inheritance of the severall parcells shall redound unto my sonne Giles Escott and his heire=male

Item I give unto my daughter Mary Escott one hundred and fiftie pounds of life lawfull money and one Bedd performed and eight silver spoons and one little silver bowle and the box standing in the parlour=chamber marked with the letters M. E. and all to have upon shee shall accomplish the age of one and twentie years.

Item if Mary my wife be nowe with child, I give unto the said Child or Children one hundred pounds to be payd unto him her or them upon xxxxx or xxxxx shall accomplish the age of one and twentie one years; and my Will and meaning is that if my sonns Richard, Hugh, Aldred and Giles doe dye without issue = male Then the Inheritance aforsaid to redound come and be to their and every of their issue=female successively and alsoe that my Executrix shall provide sufficient mainteynance for all my children untill they and every of them respectively accomplish their xxxxx ages expressed in my said Will; And if any or either of my child or children happen to dye before they or either of them shall accomplish his her or their severall Ages expressed in my said Will xxxxxx them Legacie or Legacies given by my said Will shall be equally divided amongst the survivors of my said children; Moreover, my Will is that my Wife shall have the benefitt and profitt of all my Lands and Goods towards the maintenance of my children for long as shee lives a widow performing my Will according to the xxxx and xxxxx thereof: But if she marrie againe and not sufficient securitie given before her intermarriage by the approbation of my overseers of this my last will and testament, xxxxx I doe authorize my said overseers to xxxxxx and take the benefit and profit of all my Lands and Goods for the performance of my said Will; All the rest of my Goods and Chattells not formerly given nor bequeathed (my debts and legacies payd and my funerall charges satisfyed) I doe give and bequeath unto Mary Escott my wife, xxxxx I doe make and ordaine to be my whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testamt. And I doe desire and intreat my wellbeloved Friends John Escott and Mattew Escott my brothers and my Kinsman William Escott to be overseers of this my last Will and Testament to see the same in all thinges performed as much as in xxxx xxxxxx and for their paines: taking therein I doe give them twentie shillings apiece. And lastly having xxxxxx this xxxxxxx distinctly xxx unto mee, and xxx perfectly understood the same doe I declare this to be my last Will and Testam: approving the same: In testimony whereof I have hereunto of my hand and seale this day and yeare first about written: Hugh Escott

Sealed, signed and approved of in the presence of us witnesses Thomas xxthard William xxillo The mark of Richard Sully

Probatum

Text in Latin

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I John Escott the Elder of East Quantoxhead in the County of Somersett Yeoman being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and fform following (that is to say) ffirst of all my will and desire is decently to be buried in the Parish Churchyard of Carhampton in the said County of Somerset as nigh to some of my deceased relations there as conveniently it may be done at the direction of my loving wife my executrix hereinafter named also I give and bequeath unto my said Wife the said Betty Escott the use of my silver Tankard for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and bequeath the same unto my eldest son John Escott as his own proper goods for ever. Also I give and bequeath unto my said son the said John Escott one guinea in gold to be paid unto him by my said executrix in six months time next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my second son Hugh Escott all that my leasehold estate lying and being in the parish of St. Decumans in the said County of Somersett commonly called ffoxholes and Woodbreath for all my term and Estate that I shall have therein to come and unexpired at the time of my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my third son Thomas Escott the sum of two hundred pounds of good and lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid unto him in six months time next after he shall attain and to accomplish his full age of one and twenty years Also I give and bequeath unto my fourth son ffrancis Escott the sum of two hundred pounds of like lawfull money to be paid unto him in manner as is last before mentioned Also I give and bequeath unto my eldest Daughter Elizabeth Escott the sum of one hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid unto her the said Elizabeth Escott in six months time next after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my three youngest daughters Jane Escott Joan Escott and Ann Escott the like sum of one hundred pounds a piece of like lawful money to be paid unto each and every of them respectively as they shall attain to and accomplish their several and respective ages of one and twenty years but in case that any or either of my said sons or daughters shall happen to die before his her or their or any or either of their respective legacy or legacies shall become due and be paid unto each and every of them respectively as aforesaid then and in such case I give and bequeath the respective legacy or legacies of him her or them so dying as aforsaid unto my said wife and executrix to be by her given xxxxx or otherwise disposed of to and amongst my said sons and daughters as shall be then surviving or such of them by such share and shares and in such manner as my said wife shall think most proper and convenient. Also all the rest residue and remainder of my goods chattells credits and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever whereof I xxxxxx or shall be possessed at the time of my decease I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife the said Betty Escott whom I do make nominate constitute and appoint to be my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament hereby making xxxxx and revoking all former wills and bequests by me at any time heretofore made . In Witness to hereof I the said Testator John Escott the Elder have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the tenth day of January in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and fifty six

John Escott I-------I Signed, sealed published and declared by the said Testator John Escott to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have likewise in his presence and at his request subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto the said John Escott the Testator having first given and ordered to be paid to his second son the above named Hugh Escott the sum of fifty pounds over and above his legacy given to him in the above will.

Orange Evans

William Barcher

THIS WILL was proved at London on the seventeenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and fifty six before the Right Honourable Sir George Dee Knight also Doctor of Laws, Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Betty Escott Widow the Relith of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the said will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattells and credits of the said deceased she having been first sworn by commission duly to administer

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN

I John Escott of Roadhuish within the parish of Carhampton and County of Somerset Yeoman being of sound mind and memory God be praised for the same do make and ordaine this to be my last Will and Testament in the first place I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God hoping through the xxxxxx and xxxxxxxx of my blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to xxxxxxx full pardon and xxxxx of all my Sins and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred according to the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named I give unto my brother Amos Escott my xxx xxx xxx of xxxxxxx also I give and bequeath unto each and every of my late deceased sister Jane Torvills three children one Guinea also I give and bequeath unto [each and every my said brother Amos Escott’s children one guinea also I give and bequeath unto] my brother in Law John xxxxx one Guinea also I give and bequeath unto my sister in law Joan xxxxx one Guinea also I give and bequeath unto each and every and every one of my servants and appointees that shall be living with me at the time of my death and that shall continue to live on with my Executrix hereinafter named until the end of their respective xxx and xxxx will apiece of gold of such value as my Executrix shall think proper also I give and bequeath each and every poor family in Roadhuish aforsaid one shilling also it’s my will and desire that if my Executrix hereinafter named shall on my death think proper to xxxx out my two leasehold estates in Roadhuish aforsaid called Culverwalls and Bryants and Mr. John xxx of Culverwalls shall be desirous to take the same that my Executrix do xxx the said estates unto the said John Newton for a term of seven years for five pounds a year less than any other person will give for the same All the rest residue and remainder of my goods and chattells Rights xxx and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever (my just debts, legacies and ffuneral expenses being first paid and discharged) and xxxxxxxx charge and oblige the same accordingly I give devise and bequeath unto my dear and only daughter Alice Escott and I do hereby make constitute and appoint my said daughter my Residuary Devisee legatee and sole Executrix of this my last will and testament. Lastly I revoke all former Wills by me made and appoint this only to be my last Will and Testament.

In Witness whereof I the said John Escott the Testator have to this my last will and testament contained in two sheets of paper to the first sheet subscribed my name and to the last subscribed my name and affixed my seal The sixteenth day of March in the Eighth year of the reign of King George the third and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight.

John Escott I------------I signed, sealed, published and declared by the said John Escott the Testator as and to be his last will and testament in the presence of us and by us subscribed as witnesses thereto in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other

Thomas Clatworthy

Ro. Leigh

THIS WILL was proved at London on the ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and sixty eight before the right worshipful George Hay Doctor of Laws, Master Keeper on Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury here fully constituted by the oath of Alice Escott Spinster the daughter of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the said will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattells and credits of the said deceased having been first sworn by commission duly to administer.