1738 - Abel DOCWRA, tanner, of Buntingford, Herts.

Will was written on 29 November 1735/6
Will was proved on 4 January 1738

In the Name of God Amen I Abel Docwra of Buntingford in the parish of Layston in the County of Hertford Tanner being in good health of Body and of sound mind memory and understanding (praised by God for the same) do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)

ffirst all my messuages Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever as Well ffreehold as copyhold situate lying and being in Bassingborne in the County of Cambridge (except all such Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as were settled and assured unto and upon Mary my first Wife as and for her Joynture) with their and every of their appurtenances I Give and devise to my Son Edward Docwra his Heirs and assignes for ever

also I Give and bequeath unto Mary my Wife the Summe of four hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Britain to be paid her by my Executor herein after named within six Calendar months next after my decease

all the rest residue and remainder of my Goods Chattels and Personall Estate whatsoever and wheresoever (my just Debts Legacies and ffunerall expences being first paid and discharged) I Give and bequeath unto my two Sons Abell Docwra and Edward Docwra equally to be divided between them share and share alike

and Lastly I do hereby revoke and make void all former Wills by me made and do hereby nominate and appoint my Brother in Law John Clerke sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament

In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal the seventeenth day of March in the ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second by the Grace of God King of Great Britain and soforth and in the year of Our Lord 1735 [i.e. 1736].

Abel Docwra Signed & Sealed published and declared by the said Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who afterwards in his presence subscribed our names as Witnesses hereunto Tho. Lewinton. Rich.d Fordham. Martha Preist.

Whereas I Abel Docwra of the Parish of Layston in the County of Hertford Tanner have made and declared my last Will and Testament in Writing bearing date the seventh day of March in the year of our Lord 1735 [i.e. 1736] I the said Abel Docwra by this present Codicill do confirme and ratify my said last Will and Testament excepting that I do by this codicill give and bequeath to my loving Wife Mary Docwra one half of all my household Goods whatsoever and wheresoever and my Will and meaning is that this Codicill or Schedule be adjudged to be part and Parcell of my said last Will and Testament and that what is herein contained mentioned and bequeathed be faithfully and truely performed and as fully and amply as if the same were so declared and set down in my said last Will and Testament

In Witness whereof I the said Abel Docwra have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord 1736

Abel Docwra Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testator Abel Docwra as and for his Codicill to be annexed to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us whose names are underwritten Tho. Heton. Mary Buck. Anthony Bennet.

This Will was proved at London with a Codicill annexed the fourth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven [i.e. 1738] before the Right Worshipfull John Bettesworth Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of John Clerke sole Executor named in the said Will to whom administration of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the deceased was granted being first sworn by Commission duly to administer. Ex.

PRO, catalogue reference: PCC Prob/11/687, will of Abel Docwra, tanner of Layston, Herts. (proved) 4 January 1738 (dated 29 November 1735/6)

Transcription by Odd Ottesen, Kristiansand, Norway, 16 October 2003.