In the name of God Amen

I William Escott of Marsh within the parish of Dunster in the county of Somersett Yeoman being feeble and weake in body but of perfect mind and memorie praised be God, considering human frailtie and the uncertainty of the time of my departure out of this life Doe further quitting of my mind concerninge worldly matters and the disposition of that estate wherewith it hath pleased God to be xxxxxx make this my last will and testament in manner and forme following.

And first of all I comitt my Soul into the hands of Almighty God my maker and redeemer xxxxxxx by the xxxxxx of Jesus Christ alone and by his death and passion to obtayne remission and pardon for all my Sinnes And my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be decently interred in such place and in such manner as my Executrix and surviving friends shall think fittest

AlsoeI give to the poore of the parish of Old Cleeve ffortie shillings to be imployed for their good all the discretion of the Overseers of the poore thereine

Alsoe I give unto Hugh Escott my nephew (Mattew Escotts sonne) Twenty shillings a year out of the profitte of the Tenement of Risbrooke which Joane Escott my daughter holdeth for life untill he shall accomplish the age of one and twenty years

Alsoe I give those severall legacyes following (that is to say) To my Nephew Edward Escott Tenn shillings and my second best suite of apparell with my gray cloake

To my neece Joune Escott Twenty shillings

To Bridgett Escott, Ann Escott and Walter Escott, children of Mathew Escott ffive shillings apeece

To my neece Joane Hoosper the daughter of Matthewe Hoosper Tenn shillings

To every one of the sonnes and daughters of my brother in law Humphrey Hoosper Two shillings and sixxe pence apeece

To every one of my Godchildren Two shillings apeece

To the sonnes of Mathew Hoosper Two shillings sixe pence apeece

To George Williams my servant one buttoned coate and hatt

To Atwill Clement, one greene dublett and hose

To my Mayde servants ffive shillings apeece

And to Lewes my servant ffive shillings

And to George Williams and Atwill Clement ffive shillings apeece

To John Sully and Theophilous my boy servants, two shillings and sixe pence apeece to be paid by the hands of my Executrix in one forme of xxxx

And as xxxxxxx xxx of debt which I do owe unto Alice Richard the daughter of Lionell Richard deceased which I xxxxx of Robert Moore for rent in her behalfe doe therefore desire nothing may be more demanded of him for he hath fully accounted with me untill our Lady day last and doe hereupon binde my Executrix to discharge him the said Robert

And xxxxxxxx all my goods more than already bequeathed I doe give unto my said daughter Joane Escott whom I doe make and ordaine sole Executrix of this my last will And I doe hereby charge her to be carefull in satisfying not only these severall legacies before xxxxx but such other things as I have already and shall hereafter before my departure put in her in minde of not herein expressed

And I doe desire my good friends Humfrey Hoosper  John Berryman Christopher Escott of Old Stowy and John Bond the xxx of Mynehead to bee Overseers of this my will, hoping they will give theire best advise unto my daughter for the managing of that estate which shall leave her for her benefitt and creditt, whom I beseech that almighty God to blesse. In witnes whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale the two and twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand sixe hundred ffifty and fower

Will Escott [-------] Signed sealed and delineated in the presence of us John Doe, the mark of Henry Evans

This Will was proved at Westminster before the Judges for probate of Wills and granting xxxxxxx the fower and twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord God one thousand sixe hundred fifty and fower By the Oath of Joane Escott daughter and executrix named in this said will. To whom xxxx of all the goods chattells and debts of the said deceased was committed She beinge first sworne by commission firstly to administer the same

In the Name of God Amen

I Richard Escott of St. Decumans in the County of Somerset Gentleman being of sound mind and memory Do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. In the first place I recommend my soul unto the hands of Almighty God hoping for the remission of my sins through the xxxxx and intercession of Jesus Christ and my body I committ to the earth to be decently Interred.

I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth my wife ten pounds to be paid unto her within one month after my decease also I give and devise unto my said wife all that part of a dwelling house situate lying and being at Donnyford in the Parish of St. Decumans xxxxxxx one John Saunders now lives together with the garden thereto belonging and also a shop called Tar’s Shop To hold unto my said Wife and her assigns during her natural life

If my Estate and Interest therein shall so long exist and after her decease. I give and devise the same to my Executrix herein after named and in case my Executrix herein after named shall dispute my right and power of making this Devise to my said Wife and shall not assent and consent thereto Then and in that case I give devise and bequeath unto my said wife the sum of fifty shillings a year clear of all outgoings whatsoever payable out of the Residuxxxx of my Effects by my Executrix herein after named Also I give unto my said Wife the use of all my plate household goods and ffurniture (except seven hogsheads and five large silver table spoons) and the use of any twenty of my books which my said wife shall make choice of (except Burns Justice) so long as she remains my widow and from and after her Intermarriage with any other man or from and after her death which shall first happen I give all my said plate household goods and ffurniture and the said twenty books unto my Executrix herein after named Also I give unto my cousin Hugh Escott of Minehead such cloaths as shall be my every days cloaths at the time of my death Also I give unto my cousin John Bryant of Avill my watch and fflute Also I give and devise unto my Daughter Grace the wife of  George Stenner of Washford within the parish of Old Cleeve and County of Somerset Clothier All and singular my Estates Lands Messuages tenements and hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever lying and being within the Kingdom of England as well in possession as in provision with their and every of their Rights xxxx hereditaments and Appurtenances To hold unto my said daughter Grace Stenner her heirs and assigns for ever Also I give to my said wife her own three gold rings also a piece of gold value two guineas and a ffrench Crown Also it’s my Will notwithstanding what is herein before contained to the contrary that my said wife shall have the disposal of six Tea Spoons and four silver table spoons at her death

All the rest residue and remainder of my lands Tenements and hereditaments goods Chattells rights Credits Real and personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever of what nature or kind soever my just debts legacys ffuneral Expenses and conditional annuity being first paid and discharged and wherewith I charge and oblige the same accordingly I give devise and bequeath unto my said daughter Grace Stenner her heirs Executors administrators and assigns for ever and I do hereby make constitute and appoint my said daughter Grace Stenner my residuary devisee legatee and sole Executrix if 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 Richard Escott the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal the ffifteenth day of September in the sixth year of the reign of King George the third and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty six.

R Escott [--------------]

Signed sealed published and Declared by the said Richard Escott the Testator as and to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us and by us subscibed as witnesses thereto in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other

Wm. Leigh,  Ro. Leigh,  Ann Leigh

This Will was proved at London the second day of march in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy five before the right Worshipful Sir George Day Knight Doctor of Laws master Keeper or commissary of the prerogative Court of canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Grace Stenner (wife of George Stenner) 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.

ESCOTT WILLS A - M.

Transcribed by Derek Jones

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN the fifth day of August in the yeare of the reigne of our sovereigne Lord Charles the second King of England xxx ffyve and tentyeth xxx xxx 1673 I Richard Escott of Escott within the Parish of Carhampton and County of Somerset Gent being weake of Body but of sound and perfect mind and memory praised be God for the same revoking all former Wills and Testaments by mee made published and declared doe make and ordeine this to be my present Last Will and Testament in manner and form following first and chiefly I committ and commend my Soul to the Lord Jesus Christ and my body unto decent and Christian Buriall Imprisus I give for and towards the releife of the poorer People of Carhampton afore laid the Summe of Fforxxx Pownds lawfull money of England to be paid unto the xxxxxxxx of the poore of the same Parish within Three Months xxx after my decease and to be by them and my xxxxxx hereafter named distributed and given unto such poore people and they in theire Indyments shall see to stand in need of if I doe give forwards the releife of the poore of Dunster the like sum of fforxxx pownds and to be paid and distributed in the same manner as  the money to Carhampton parish xx Also I doe give forwarde the reliefe of the poore of Withycombe fforty shillings and to be paid and distributed and the money given to the poore of Carhampton and Dunster xxxx Also I doe give and devise unto William Escott my eldest son my gold signett and my best silver fflaggon or Tanker

Item I doe give and devise unto Mary Escott my Daughter one bedd pirformed being in the parlour chamber marked with the letters M E and I doe further give and devise unto my said daughter Mary Escott the sume of three hundred pownds lawfull money of England to be paid unto her by my Executive hereafter named within one yeare after my decease provided that shee give unto my said Executive a xxxx for a legacy of ffyve pownds given unto her by her grandfather Birthain which I xxxxx

Item I doe give and devise unto Joane Escott one other of my daughters one bedd performed being in the forefind parlour chamber and marked with the letters J E and I doe further devise unto the said Joane Escott the like summe of three hundred pownds to be paid unto her within two years xx after my decease provided that the said Joane shall give a release to my Executive hereinafter named for a legacy of ffyve pownds given unto her by her grandfather Birthain and by mee likewise xxxxxxx

Item whearasd I am possessed of severall chattel Leases lying within the Parish of Dunster aforsaid within the mannor of Alcomb for xxxxxx xxxxxx and estate I doe give and devise the said xxxx and all my estate and Estates and termed of years in them unto my Sonn Richard Escott  to comence and bigyn after he shall atteyne and come to his age of one and twenty years Provided that my said sonn Richard shall pay unto William Escott my xxxxxxx xxxxx the sume of twenty pownds a year for so many years thereafter and Ellen my now wife and Executive shall so long have xxx in safe my said sonn William shall dye in the lyfe tyme of my said wife Then I doe give and divise the foresaid estates and termes of yeares in Alcomb and all my interest therein after the death of Ellen my said wife unto Aldred Escott one other of my said sonnes for and during all my Estate and Estate terme and termes therein then to come and xxxxxxxx and if that my said sonn William and Richard Escott shall both happen to dye Then I do give and devise all such  estate term and termes of years and interest that I have in Alcomb aforsaid unto ffrancis Escott one other of my sonns for all the rest and residue of the Terme and estate that I have therein and if it shall fortune that Richard Escott shall happen to dye in the lyfe tyme of William Escott my said son and Ellen my Wife Then I do devise all my Estate and interest in Alcomb aforsaid unto Aldred Escott my said son for all the terme and estate therein then to come and unrequired be paying unto my said son William Escott ffourty pownds a year as aforsaid during the lyfe tyme of my said wife and my Will is that my said sonne William shall have his said annuity of ffourty pownds a year by quarterly payments and for non payment of the same to enter into and xxxxx the estate in Alcomb aforsaid and to xxxxxx for the same And I doe give and devise unto Ellen Escott one other of my daughters one bedd performed and the sume of Three hundred pownds lawfull money of England To be paid unto her by my Executrix hereafter named within three years xxxxx after my decease Also I do give and devise unto my said sonn Aldred Escott the sum of Three hundred Pownds lawfull money of England to be paid unto him by my Executive hereinafter named when he shall attaine and come to his age of two and twenty years Also I doe give and devise unto ffrancis Escott my said sonn the sume of three hundred pownds life money of England To be paid unto him by my said Executive when he shall atteyne and come to and twenty years of age and my Will and mind is that if my said wife and Executive shall dye before my two yonger sonnes Aldred and ffrancis shall atteyne and come to their xxx ages of two and twenty years that such and shall be my heirs at Law shall pay out of my lands of inheritance the said yonger  sonns mentioned of three hundred pownds a piece within two years tyme after the same shall dexx and come unto him and my said sonnes Aldred and ffrancis of two and twenty years  of age a piece provided that if the estate at Alcomb shall descend and come into my sonne Aldred that then the three hundred pownds hereby devised unto him shall not be paid him Also my Will is that Ellen my wife and executive shall give education and mayntenance unto all my children afor named untill theire  severall   xxxxxxxx and legacy’s shall be paid and come unto them and for my sonn William untill the foresaid summe of fforty pownds a year be paid him. Also I doe give unto  my two sisters Thomasin and Mary ffyve shillings a piece All the rest and residue of my Goods and chattells not given nor bequeathed My Debts and Legacy’s paid and ffuneral expenses discharged I doe give and bequeath unto my deare and loving wyfe Ellen Escott whome I doe make my whole and sole Executive of this my last Will and Testament And I doe desire and entreat my brothers John Escott Hugh Escott and Mathew Escott to be countersigners to this my last Will to fit the same performed as much as in them xxxxx And I doe give unto them a mourning ring a piece in token of my brotherly love and affection to them for their paines herein In Witness whereof I the said Richard Escott have hereunto Sett my hand and seale xxxxx the day and yeare first above written. Richard Escott  Memorandum that I Richard Escott xxxxxxthis writing read unto me and approved of the same and published it to be my last Will and Testament in the presence? Of Richard Blatsford Aldrid Birfham George Norrish

Written in Latin

PROBATUM opud London fuit huinfonsdi testamintum sermundo die minfis Decembrio ohino  etc

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of Thomas Escott of Sandhill in the Parish of Withycombe in the County of Somerset  --   ---- and publish this thirteenth day of April One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Five. First I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Grace Escott all my  ------ Estates situate lying and being in the Parish of Sellworthy in the said County for and during the – of her natural life also I give and bequeath unto my ------------- Robert ?owton, John Towill and William Towill the sum of one hundred pounds each all the Rest, Residue and Remainder of my ---  -------  -------- and --------- and also all my ---  ----  and effects whatsoever and wheresoever that I shall ---  ------ of not  ----- below  given and disposed of my just debts and ffuneral expenses being first satisfied and disthanged I give devise and bequeath unto my nephew Thomas Escott to ----- only ----  ------ and ------ of my said nephew the said Thomas Escott his – executions administrator and ----- for whom I do hereby constitute nominate and appoint whole and sole Executor and Residuary Legatee of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former will and wills by ----- ----- at any time made. In witness ------ Thomas Escott the Testator have ------ to set my sand and seal - -- the day and year first above written – Thos. Escott  signed and sealed published and declared by the said Testator as and be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses in his presence at his request and also in the presence of each other – Thos. Leigh – Mary Leigh – Jno. Bost

THIS WILL was proved at Londonon the seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Five befour the Right Worshipful George Day Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Thomas Escott the Nephew of the said deceased and sole Executor named in the said will to whom administration of the Goods Chattels and ----------- of the said deceased was granted --- having been first ---- --- --- duly to administer

I THOMAS ESCOTT of Sandhill within the Parish of Withycombe and County of Somerset Gentleman being of sound mind and memory do make and publish my Last Will and testament in manner following, that is to say, in the first place I resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God humbly hoping and imploring thro’ the ---- and------- of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to service full pardon and remission of all my sins and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently interred according to the discretion of my Executors herein after named also I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Joan Escott such part and parts of my household Goods and ffurniture Books plate Linen and China as she shall chuse to have and take and such part of my said household goods and ffurniture books plate Linen and China as my said Wife  shall not chuse to have and take I give and bequeath unto my four sons Thomas, ffrancis, John and Hugh to be divided amongst them in such a manner as my Trustees and Executors herein after named shall in their discretion think proper also I give and bequest unto my ffriends William Poole of Sampford Brett in the County afforsaid Gentleman, James Withycombe of Carhampton in the County afforsaid, Gentleman and John Risdon of Carhampton aforsaid Gentleman the principal sum of One Thousand seven hundred pounds which is now due and owing unto me and charged and chargeable on all that  messuage and tenement called Nurcott? lying and being in the Parish of Luxborough and said County of Somerset by virtue of a certain mortgage heretofor made thereof by William Withycomb and Joan Withycombe (the deceased father and Mother of my said Wife) unto one Sarah Norris and which sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds I lately paid off and discharged unto the said Sarah Norris with my own monies and all interest to incur and become due for the same from the day of my death and all my estate Right Title and Interest in and to the said principal and interest monies respectively Upon the Trusts investments herein after mentioned and declared of and concerning the same and I do also give devise and bequest unto the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon their Extors and Advisors all my Copyhold and Leasehold Estates and all other my personal Estate and Effects of what nature kind or denomination soever which I the said Thomas Escott or any person or persons In trust for me or my use or benefit shall be possessed of or interested in at the time of my death(Except what I have herein before otherwise disposed of) for and during all my Right Title  Term and Terms of years and interest therein respectively upon Trust that the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon or the survivors or survivor of them his Extors or Advisors do and shall immediately on my decease or as soon after as they in their discretion shall set ---- sell and dispose of all or any of my Copyhold  and Leasehold Estates and of all or any part of my other personal estate and effects as they or be in their or his discretion shall think most advisable and with the monies arising by such sale or sales in the first place pay my ffuneral expences and all just debts which I shall owe at the time of my decease and after payment thereof and subject hereto Upon Trust as to the residue or surplus of the monies arising by such sale or sales (if any) and all the residue and remainder of such of my Copyhold and Leasehold Estates and of all other my personal estate and effects as shall remain undisposed of for the purposes aforesaid (if any) to and for the use and benefit of my said sons Thomas, ffrancis, John and Hugh and Daughter Elizabeth and all and every other my child or children which I may hereafter happen to have and which shall be living at the time of my death or born in due time after equally to be divided between them share and share alike to be paid assigned or delivered unto each of them respectively at their respective ages of twenty one years but in case any or other of such children shall happen to die under the age of twenty one years Then my will is and I do hereby direct that the parts or shares of him, her or them so dying shall go and be paid to the Survivors of them (if more than one) in equal shares and proportions together with their Original Shares at their said respective ages of twenty one years but if all such children except one shall happen to die under the age of twenty one years then upon Trust for such only surviving child and to be paid assigned or delivered to him or her at the age of twenty one years provided nevertheless and my will is that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon and the Survivors or Survivor of them his Extors & advisors from time to time to place out the Residue and Surplus (if any) of my said personal estate which shall remain after payment of my ffuneral expenses and just debts on Government land or other ------- at interest and from time to time to call in such monies and to place the same out again at their or his will and pleasure and do and shall pay and apply all or any of the Dividends and Interest thereof for and towards the maintenance and education of all and every of my children who shall be living at my death or born in due time after in such manner as they my said Trustees in their discretion shall think proper and shall and do lay out the Surplus thereof if any at interest as aforsaid to accumulate and pay and apply and apply all such surplus and accumulations unto such child or children when and as he or she or they shall be intitled to the Residue of my personal estate or any part or parts thereof by virtue of this my will then his or her Extors or Advisors also I give and devise all such part and parts of all that my messuage and tenement called Sandhill and all other such lands and heredits lying and being in Withycombe aforsaid as I am seizes of in ffee simple and also all that my Messuage and Tenement called Eastberry lying and being in the parish of Carhampton aforsaid (subject to the Estate for life of my said wife therein) Also all that my messuage and tenement called Vibbles lying and being in the parish of St Decumans and said county of Somerset also all that my messuage and tenement called Andrews’s Tenement lying and being at or near the village of Alcombe in the Parish of Dunster and said County of Spomerset also all that my messuage and tenement called Surfords otherwise Poole’s lying and being at or near Alcombe aforsaid also all that my tenement called Turners otherwise Vilkins’s? also lying and being at or near Alcombe aforsaid and also two cottages lying and being at Stamton in the parish of Dunster aforsaid with all and every the Rights members heredits and appoints thereof and thereto or unto any part or parts thereof belonging and all my Estate Right and interest therein unto and to the use of the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon their Exors. Advisors and Assigns for and during and unto the full end and Term of two hundred years to commence from my death and fully to be complete and ended without Impeachment of or for any manner of waste upon the several Trusts nevertheless and subject to the provisors and directions herein after expressed and declared concerning the same premises respectively and from and immediately after the end expiration or other sooner determination of the said term of two hundred years and in the meantime subject thereto I give and devise such part and parts of my said messuage and tenement called Sandhill and all other the Lands in Withycombe aforsaid of which I am seized in fee simple and also all that piece of marsh ground called the Lower Marsh being part of or reputed parcel of the said messuage and tenement called Surford’s otherwise Poole’s with their and each of their appurtinants unto my said son Thomas Escott his heirs and assigns for ever but in case my said son Thomas Escott shall happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time of his decease Then I give and devise (subject as aforsaid) and also to the proviso herein after mentioned such part and parts of my said messuage and tenement called Sandhill and all other the lands in Withycombe aforsaid of which I am seized in ffee and also the said Lower Marsh unto my said son John Escott his heirs and assigns for ever and in case my said son John Escott shall also happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time of his death then I give and devise (subject as aforesaid and also to the proviso herein after mentioned) the said last mentioned lands and heredits unto my son ffrancis Escott his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and devise subject as aforsaid and without prejudice to the said term of two hundred years and the several Trusts thereof and to the proviso herein after contained) my said messuage and tenement called Eastberry and all that piece of marsh ground called the pound marsh being parcel or reputed parcel of the said messuage and tenement called Andrew’s Tenement with their and each of their Rights Members and Appurts unto my said son John Escott his heirss and assigns for ever also I give and devise (subject to the said Term of Two Hundred years and the several Trusts thereof) all that my said messuage and tenement called Vibbles All that my said messuage and tenement called Andrew’s Tenement (except the said marsh called Pound Marsh ) all that my said messuage and Tenement Surfords otherwise Pooles all that my said Tenement called Turners otherwise Vilkins and all those my said cottages at Staunton aforsaid) with their and each of their Rights Members and Appurts unto my said son Hugh Escott his heirs and assigns for ever. Also I give and devise all that the said messuage and tenement called Nurcott unto my said son Francis escott his heirs and assigns for ever (subject nevertheless to my said wife’s Estate for life therein and also to the payment of the said sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds and its interest as aforsaid provided always and my will is that in case any or either of my said sons John, Hugh and ffrancis Escott shall happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time or times of his or their death or deaths Then and in such case I give and devise (subject and charged respectively as aforsaid) the lands and heredits of him or them so dying which I leave hereinbefore given to them (except my lands in Withycombe and the said Lower Marsh) unto and to the use of the survivors or survivor of my said sons Thomas, John, Hugh and ffrancis Escott who shall live to attain the age of twenty one years equally to be divided between them( if more than one) share and share alike without any preference or regard to age or priority of birth as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and of the several and respective heirs and assigns of all and every my said sons who shall live to attain that age respectively provided further that in case my said son Thomas Escott shall happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time of his death in which event the Lands and heredits herein before given and devised unto him will ---- and go unto my said son John Escott then from and immediately after the death of my said son Thomas lie dying as aforsaid I do hereby give and devise my said messuage and tenement called Eastberry and the Pound Marsh (subject nevertheless and aforsaid and also charged and chargeable with the payment of the sum of Five Hundred Pounds unto my said daughter Elizabeth Escott when she shall attain the age of twenty one years) unto and to the use of my said sons John, ffrancis and Hugh equally to be divided between them share and share alike without any preference or distinction of age or priority of birth as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and of the several and respective heirs and assigns of all and every my said sons John, ffrancis and Hugh Escott provided further that in case my said sons Thomas and John Escott shall both happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue in which event the lands and heredits herein before given and devised unto my my said son ThomasEscott will descend and go to my said son ffrancis Then from and immediately after the death of the survivor of them my said sons Thomas and John (they dying under the age of twenty one years and without issue then living) I give and devise subject nevertheless as aforsaid to my said Wife’s Estate for life therein and to the said sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds and its interest) the said messuage and tenement called Nurcott? Unto and to the use of my said sons ffrancis and Hugh equally to be divided between them share and share alike as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and of the several and respective heirs and assigns of my said sons ffrancis and Hugh Escott subject nevertheless to and charged and chargeable with the payment of the sum of ffive Hundred pounds unto my Daughter Elizabeth Escott when she shall attain her age of twenty one years unless she shall become intitled to the said sum of ffive hundred pounds on the death of my said son Thomas. My Will being that my said daughter shall be intitled to have and receive the sum of ffive hundred pounds only in case more than one of her said Brothers shall happen to die under the age of twenty one years and without issue and as for and continuing the said Term of Two hundred years herein before limited to the said said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon their Extors. Advisors and Assigns as aforsaid my Will is and I do hereby declare that the same Terms so limitted to  them

[upon ---- trusts and under and subject to the provisions and conditions hereinafter mentioned and --------]

of and continuing the several promises therein comprized respectively, that is to say, upon Trust that they the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon and the survivors and survivor of them his Exors. Or advisors do and shall by sale or mortgage of the lands heredits and premises therein comprized or of such parts thereof as they in their discretion shall think proper for all or any any part of the said Term or by and out of the Rents ----- and profits thereof in the meantime until such sale or mortgage shall be made or by such other ways and means as they my said Trustees in their discretion shall think proper raise and levy or borrow and take up at interest such sums of money as may be sufficient fully to pay and satisfy four fifth parts of so much and such part and parts of my just debts ffuneral and Testamentary charges and expenses as my personal estate herein before given and bequeathed for that purpose shall fall short or be sufficient to answer pay and satisfy and shall and do pay apply and dispose of the money so to be raised in payment and satisfaction thereof accordingly to the intent that the said Term may in the first place come in aid of my said personal Estate and effects for the more speedy and effectual raising and paying four fifth parts of my said debts ffuneral and Testamentary charges and expenses accordingly provided always and my Will is that my said Trustees do and shall by the ways and means aforsaid raise and levy such sums of money as will be sufficient for the purposes aforsaid in the several proportions following (that is to say) two of such four fifth parts by and out of the Lands and hereditaments or the Rents Issues? and profits thereof which I have herein before given and devised to my said son Thomas Escott one other of such four fifths parts by and out of the Lands and hereditaments or the Rents Issues? and profits thereof which I have herein before given to my said son John Escott and the remaining one of such four fifths by and out of the lands and hereditaments (or the Rents Issues? and profits thereof) which I have herein before given and devised to my said son Hugh Escott and my will further is and I so hereby declare that the said Term of two hundred Years was and is limitted to the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon upon this further Trust that they my said Trustees and the Survivors of them his Extors or advisors do and shall by all or any of the ways and means aforsaid raise and levy or borrow and take up at interest on the lands and hereditaments herein before given to my said son Thomas Escott the sum of one thousand two hundred pounds and pay the same unto my said daughter Elizabeth in manner following (that is to say) the sum of ffive hundred pounds part thereof when she shall attain her age of Twenty one years and the sum of seven hundred pounds the remaining part thereof when she shall attain the age of twenty five years notwithstanding which my will is that the whole of the said sum of one thousand two hundred pounds shall become a vested interest in my said daughter on her attaining the age of twenty one years and not before and upon this further Trust that my said Trustees and the survivors or survivor of them his Executors or advisors do and shall by and out of the rents and profits of the said Lands and hereditaments herein before given to my said son Thomas Escott yearly and every year until my said Daughter shall attain her age of Twenty one years raise and levy the sum of twenty pounds for the maintenance and education of my said daughter Elizabeth and upon this further Trust that my said Trustees and the survivors and survivor of them his Executors or Advisors do and shall by the ways and means aforsaid some or one of them yearly and every year from and after my said daughter Elizabeth shall have attained her age of twenty one years and until the said sum of seven hundred pounds the remaining part of her portion shall be payable and paid raise levy and pay unto my said daughter Elizabeth interest for the said sum of seven hundred pounds at and after the rate of four pounds for each hundred pounds by the year and upon this further trust that in case my said daughter Elizabeth shall happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years (in which event my Will is that the said sum of one thousand two hundred pounds or any part thereof shall not be raised) and my said son Thomas shall live to attain the age of twenty one years Then that they the said William Poole James Withycombe and John Risdon and the Survivors and survivor of them his executors and advisors do and shall by the ways and means aforsaid raise and levy or borrow and take up at interest on the said lands and heredits herein before given and bequeathed to my said Son Thomas Escott the sum of six hundred pounds and pay and divise the same unto and among my said sons ffrancis John and Hugh and any child or children with which my said wife shall be ---- at the time of my death when and as they shall respectively attain their ages of twenty one years and in case either of my said sons ffrancis John and

Hugh or such posthumous child or children if any shall happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years My Will is that the share or shares of him or them so dying shall be equally divided amongst the survivors of them and be payable and paid to them with their original shares of the said sum of six hundred pounds and in case one only of my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh and of such posthumous child or children if any shall live to attain the age of twenty one years my will is that the whole of the said sum of six hundred pounds shall go and be paid to such son or posthumous child on his or her attaining that age But in case my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh and such posthumous child or children if any shall all happen to die under the age of twenty one years my will is that the said sum of six hundred pounds shall not be raised or become due and payable and my will further is and I so hereby declare that the said Term of Two hundred years was and is so limitted to the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon upon this further Trust that they my said Trustees and the survivors and survivor of them his Executors and Advisors do and shall during so many years thereof as shall run out and expire in the lifetime of my said wife pay and apply the Rents Issues?  and profits of my said messuages and tenemennts called Vibble and Andrew’s Tenement or of so much or such parts thereof as shall remain unsold and undisposed of after the payments before mentioned in for and towards the maintenance and educations of my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh Escott and of any child or children with which my said Wife shall be -------- at the time of my death in such manner as in their discretion shall think proper provided always and my will is that the Receipt or Receipts of my said Trustees or the survivors or survivor of them his extors or Advisors shall be a sufficient discharge to any person or persons who shall become a purchaser or purchasers mortgager or mortgagees of all or any part of the said premises comprised in the said Term of Two Hundred Years for his or their purchase or mortgage moneys for so much thereof for which such receipt or receipts shall be given without such purchaser or purchasers mortgagee or mortgagers being obliged to see to the application or being answerable for the this application or nonapplication thereof or of any part thereof and as to the said sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds now due and owing unto me  out of and charged and chargeable on the said messuage and Tenament called Nurcott and herein before given to the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon I so hereby declare that the same is given unto them upon the trusts following that is to say upon Trust that they my said Trustees and the survivors or survivor of them his Executors or Advisors do and shall during the lifetime of my said Wife pay and apply the interest thereof being at and after the rate of four p. cont) in for and towards the maintenance and education of my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh and any after born child in such manner as I have before directed the rents and profits of the said messuages and tenements called Vibble and Andrew’s to be applied during the lifetime of my said wife and from and after the decease of my said wife Upon Trust that they my said Trustees or their survivors or survivor of them his Executors or advisors shall and do in case I shall leave my said wife ----- with child or children at the time of my death pay and apply the sum of eight hundred pounds part of the said sum of one thousand seven? Hundred pounds unto such child or children  (if more than one) at his or their age or ages of twenty one years and in the meantime and until such portion shall become due and payable do and shall yearly and every year pay and apply for and towards the maintenance and education of such child or children until he or she or they shall attain the age of ten years the sum of twenty four pounds part of such interest and thereafter until he, she or they shall attain the age or ages of twenty one years the yearly sum of thirty two pounds  and in case I shall not leave my said wife onsiont? with child or children at my death or in case I shall and such child or children shall happen to die under the age of twenty one years Then upon Trust that they my said Trustees and the survivors and survivor of them his Executors or advisors shall and do pay and apply the sum of two hundred pounds part of the said sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds unto my son John Escott if and when he shall attain the age of twenty one years and the sum of two hundred pounds further part thereof unto my Son Hugh Escott if and when he shall attain the age of twenty one years and as such part of the said sum of one thousand seven hundred pounds as is not herein before particularly  disposed of I give and bequeath the same unto my said son ffrancis Escott his Extors, administrators and Assigns but in case my said son ffrancis Escott shall shall not be living at the death of my said Wife Then and in such case I give and bequeath the same unto the person or persons who for the time being shall be intitled to the ffee Simple and inheritance of the said messuage and tenement called Nurrott’s by virtue of this my Will and whereas such sum of money herein before directed to be raised out of my said Estate called Eastberry as will be sufficient to pay and satisfy one fifth part of such of my just Debts, ffuneral and Testamentary charges and expenses as my personal estate herein before bequeathed for that purpose shall be insufficient to pay and satisfy cannot be raised during the lifetime of my said Wife my will is and I do hereby declare that it shall and may be lawful for my said Trustees during the lifetime of my said Wife to pay the interest of such sum or sums of money as will for the purpose aforesaid be and remain a charge on the said messuage and tenement called Eastberry by and out of the Rents issues? and profits and interest herein before directed to be applied for and towards the maintenance and education of my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh and any after born child during the said mothers lifetime anything in this my Will contained to the contrary notwithstanding provided always and I do hereby further declare that from and immediately after four fifth parts of my debts ffuneral and testamentary charges and expenses herein before directed to be paid shall be fully paid and satisfied either under the Trusts of the said Term of two hundred years or by reason of the ---- and sufficiency of my personal Estate and effects before bequeathed for that purpose. And when and as all the other Trusts before declared of the said Term as to the premises therein respectively comprised shall be executed and performed  or become unnecessay  or incapable of taking effect and the costs charges and expenses incident or attending the execution of the several Trusts of the said Term shall be fully paid and satisfied That then the said term of two hundred years of and in the said premises respectively shall cease determine and be utterly void provided further and my Will further is and I so hereby earnestly intreat my said sons and daughter respectively and any posthumous child or children I may hereafter happen to have to accept of the several devises and bequests herein before made to them respectively in lieu full satisfaction and discharged of and for all Right Title and Interest which they any or either of them will have or may claim at any time or times after my death in or to the said messuage and tenement called Nurcott’s or to any part or parts thereof under or by virtue of any deed or deeds made and executed by the said William Withycombe and Joan his wife or either of them or in or to any sum or sums of money directed to be raised and paid out of certain parts of my said messuage and tenement called Sandhill which are particularly mentioned and described in my said marriage settlement and I so desire my said children John, ffrancis & Hugh and Elizabeth Escott respectively and any child or children I may hereafter have when and as they shall respectively come of age to release unto my said son Thomas Escott his heirs and assigns (or

unto the person or persons who for the time being shall be seized of such parts as my said messuage and tenement called Sandhill as those mentioned in my said Marriage Settlement by virtue thereof) all them and each of their Right Title or Interest in or to any sum or sums of money directed by my said settlement to be raised for and paid to my younger children and I do also desire my said children Thomas, John, Hugh and Elizabeth and any child or children I may hereafter happen to have when and as they shall respectively come of age to release and------- all their and each of their Right Title and Interest in and to my said messuage and tenement called Nurcott? unto my said son ffrancis Escott his heirs and assigns or unto the person or persons who for the time being shall be intitled thereto by virtue of this my Will. And my Will is that in case any or either of my said children or any child or children I may hereafter happen to have shall refuse to accept and take the provision herein before made for them respectively in lieu and satisfaction of all such other claims as they shall or may have (except such claims as arise under this my will) or in case my said children any or either of them their any or either of their heirs Extors advisors or assigns do and shall refuse to give and execute such releases as I have before desired them or do or shall at any time after my death due for a claim (unless under and by virtue of this my Will either at Law or in Equity any part or parts of the said messuage and tenement called Nurcotts or any sum or sums of money directed by my said Marriage Settlement to be raised and paid or any other part or parts of my Real or personal Estate and Effects or any monies charged thereon over and besides what is herein before given unto them respectively then and in such case I do utterly revoke disamend and make void every devise and bequest herein before made in favor of such child or children so claiming contrary to my request before made in favor of such child or children so claiming contrary to my request before made and so give devise and bequeath what I have herein before given unto such child or children unto and amongst such of my said children as shall not sue for or claim any part or parts of the estate and effects herein before given and bequeathed to the other or others of them except only such claims as they or either of them shall have and make under and by virtue of this my Will on the several Contingencies herein before mentioned provided further and my Will is that nothing in this my will contained is by me meant to extend to or affect any of the Uses? and Trusts mentioned and so contained in a certain Deed Poll under the hands and seals of myself and said Wife bearing date on or about the seventeenth day of January last past and purporting to be a Declaration of Uses of certain Lands and hereditaments therein particularly mentioned provided further and my Will also is that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon and the survivors and survivor of them his Exeutors and advisors  during the minority of my son Thomas Esott and also after the death of my said wife during the respective  minorities of my said sons ffrancis, John and Hugh Escott to pay and apply all or any parts of the rents  issues and profits of the said lands and hereditaments to those herein before respectively given and devised in for and towards their respectve maintenances and educations in such manner as they my said Trustees shall think proper and shall and do place out the respective residues and surpluses (if any) of his and their respective Estates and ------ on Government Land or other securities  at ------- (with power from time to time to alter and change such Securities) to accumulate and shall and do pay the monies arising from such surpluses and accumulations of their respective estates or assign and transfer the stocks or securities in which the same shall be invested unto my said sons when and as they shall respectively attain their respective ages of twenty one years and in case any or either of my said sons shall happen to die the age of twenty one years and without Issue my will is that the monies which shall have been saved and accumulated out of his or their respective Estates shall go and be paid to such person or persons at such time or times manner and form as I have herein before given and bequeathed the Residue and surplus of my personal estate and effects provided further and my will is that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said William Poole, James Withycombe and John Risdon and the survivors and survivor of them his Executors and Advisors during the respective minorities of my said sons John, ffrancis and Hugh Escott or either of them and during the lifetime of my said wife by Indenture or Indentures under their or his hands and seals or hand and seal to devise and lease all and singular my said messuages and tenements and premises herein before given to my said sons John, ffrancis and Hugh or any part or parts thereof to any person or persons for any term or number of years not exceeding fourteen Years to take effect in possession and not in Reversion Remainder or by way of further Interest so as upon every such Lease or Devise there be reserved and made payable Quarterly during the continuance thereof the best and most improved yearly Rent or Rents that they can be reasonably had or obtained for the same without taking any sum or sums of money or other matter or thing by way of ffine or ------- for or in respect of any such Lease or Leases and so as none of such Leases be made dispunishable of waste by any express words therein and so as in every such lease there be contained a Clause of Recovery for nonpayment of the Rent or Rents to be thereby respectively  --------- and so as every Lessee or Lessees to whom such Lease or Leases shall be made to seal and deliver a counterpart or counterparts thereof respectively and I do hereby constitute and appoint my said Trustees and the survivors and survivor of them Guardians and Guardian of the Estates and Effects of my said Children and any child or children hereafter to be born respectively for and during their respective minorities And I do hereby further direct and declare that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said several Trustees their and each of their heirs Exors and advisors and each and every of them respectively to deduct retain and reimburse to and for themselves and each and every of them by from and out of my Real and Personal Estate and Effects respectively all such costs charges and expenses whatsoever as they any or either of them shall sustain expend or be put unto in or about the Execution or performance of the Trusts in this my Will in them respectively reposed or for by reason or means of any Act matter or Things in any wise relating thereto and that they my said Trustees or either of them their any or either of their Heirs Exors or Advisors shall not be ammountable or responsible for or charged or chargeable with any further or other part or parts of the Rents Issues? Profits Interest or ---- of my said Trust Estates and monies than shall actually be possessed or received by them or come to their respective hands custody or power by virtue of this my Will nor with or for any loss or losses which shall or may in ------ happen of or in the same unless such loss or losses so happen thro’ their or --- of their wilful neglect or default nor the one of them for the other or others of them or for the Acts Receipts Payments or Disbursements of the other or others of them but each for himself and for his own Acts Receipts Payments and Disbursements only and hereby revoking and annulling all and every other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made I do publish and declare those nine sheets of paper about to be and contain my last will and Testament In witness whereof I have to the  first eight sheets thereof subscribed my name and to the last sheet subscribed my name and affixed my seal the twenty fisrt day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six.

Thos. Escott________ Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Escott the Testator (after several  erazures and Interlineations particularly an interlineation of the words “but if all such children except one shall happen to die under the age of twenty one Years” in the first line of the second sheet and also of the words “one other of such four fifths parts by and out of the Lands and hereditaments or that rents issues and profits thereof which I have herein before given to my said son John Escott and take remaining “in the twenty seventh line of the fourth sheet 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.

Ro. Leigh, Willm. Trout. John Uppington

WHEREAS I Thomas Escott of Sandhill within the parish of Withycombe and County of Somerset Gentleman have duly made and published my Last Will and Testament in writing bearing date on or about the twenty first day of this instant April Now I do hereby declare this present writing to be a Codicil to my said Will and to be taken as part thereof and Whereas I have in and by my said Will given and devised certain Lands and hereditaments therein mentioned unto each of my sons John, ffrancis and Hugh Escott and to their respective heirs and assigns and that is contained in my said Will a provisoe that in case either of my said sons John, ffrancis or Hugh should happen to die unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time of his death that then and in such case I gave the Lands and Hereditaments of him so dying unto and amongst the survivors of my sons Thomas, John, ffrancis and Hugh equally to be divided between them as Tenants in Common as therein is mentioned Now in case either of my said sons John, ffrancis or Hugh Escott shall happen to die in the lifetime of my said son Thomas Escott (but not otherwise) unattaining the age of twenty one years and without issue living at the time of his death Then and in such case I do hereby charge and make chargeable the Lands and hereditaments which I have given in and by my said Will to the first of my said sons John , ffrancis and Hugh who shall happen to die as aforesaid with the payment of the sum of ffive hundred pounds which I do hereby give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Escott if and when she shall attain her age of twenty one years. But in case she shall not live to attain the age of twenty one years my Will is that the said sum of ffive hundred pounds shall not be raised or paid and in case my said Daughter shall have and receive the said sum of ffive hundred pounds on the contingency aforsaid. Then my Will and mind is that my said daughter shall not be intitled to have and receive the sum of ffive hundred pounds which is given unto her in and by my said Will on the event of her Brother Thomas’s dying under the age of twenty one years and without issue. Lastly I do hereby ratify and confirm my said Will in all other particulars thereof. In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Escott have to this Codicil set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of April one thousand seven hundred and eighty six.

Thos. Escott  Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testator Thomas Escott as and for a Codicil to be annext to his last will and testament and to be taken as part thereof in the presence of us Ro. Leigh, To. Beadon, Willm. Trout

ON the twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine Administration (with the Will and Codicil annexed) of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of Thomas Escott late of Sandhill in the Parish of Withycombe in the County of Somerset deceased was granted to Joan Escott Widow  the Rolitt of the said deceased and a Legatee named in the said Will having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer William Poole one of the Executors named in the said Will according to the Trust thereof and also one of the Residuary Legatees in Trust named in the said Will Surviving the said Testator but dying without having taken upon him the the Execution thereof and James Withycombe and John Risdon the other Executors named in the said Will according to the Trust thereof and the other Residuary Legatees in Trust named in the said Will having first -------- as well the Execution thereof and Codicil annexed as the Letters of Administration (with the said Will and Codicil annexed) of the Goods of the said deceased and Thomas Escott the natural and lawful son and one of the Residuary Legatees named in the said Will of the said deceased having first renounced? The Letters of Administration (with the said Will and Codicil annexed) of the goods of the said deceased for himself and as the natural and lawful brother and Curator or Guardian lawfully assigned to ffrancis Escott John Escott Hugh Escott and Elizabeth Escott Spinster Minors the other natural and lawful children and the other Residuary Legatees named in the said Will of the said Deceased.