Copy of the Will of Susannah Ditchett - 9^th March 1754

© Crown Copyright

Devon Record Office - ref. 7564M/F/1

Transcribed by Renee Jackman

In the Name of God Amen I Susannah Ditchett, widow of Witheridge in the County of Devon being of Sound Mind, Memory and Understanding (thanks be to Almighty God) do make Ordain and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (That is to say) First and Principally I Committ my soul to Almighty God, and my Body to Christian Burial, Hopeing thro' the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ my Saviour to have the Pardon and Forgiveness of all my Sins and to Merit eternal Life,- And as for my temporal Estate I dispose thereof as followeth.

Item I give and bequeath unto William Ditchett my son, the Sum of ten Pounds lawful British Money to be paid unto Him in Twenty shillings per Year, and the first payment to be made at the end of ten Years next after the Day of my Burial.

Item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Ditchett my Grand Daughter the wife of Thomas Vicary in Ashbrittle Carpenter, my black Silk Gown, and Coat, also my Sattin Gown, and one Blew Apron, and one shilling in Cash.

Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Mogford my Kinsman (now living with me) the sum if five shillings to be paid at the end of Six Months next after my Decease.

Item I give and bequeath unto Arthur Mogford my kinsman Cordwainer in Bampton, one shilling.

Item I give and bequeath unto Mary the Wife of William Red (my Kinswoman) in Bampton one shilling.

Item I give and bequeath unto Andrew Brownscomb of Witheridge (Husband of Elizabeth Mogford my Kinswoman (deceas'd) one shilling.

Item I give and bequeath unto John Partridge of Rackenford (Husband of Agnes Mogford my Kinswoman Deceas'd) one shilling.

Item I give and bequeath unto John, son of Thomas Mogford afores'd one shilling.

Item I give unto Arthur Ditchett my son All those messuages Cottages Lands and Hereditaments with th'appurtenances Commonly call'd or known by the Name of Harrises Estate Containing in the whole two dwelling Houses, One Court one Garden and Orchard and two pieces of Ground Commonly call'd and known by the Names of the Naps, Containing by Estimation Three Acres be it more or less with all the Appurtenances Paths and water-Courses and all other Priviledges thereunto belonging, all which before mention'd Premises situate laying and being within the said Parish of Carhampton in the County of Somersett And also all other Messuages, Cottages Lands and Hereditament Rights that I am or now do stand Instituted thereunto both by law and Equity Claiming or hereafter to Claim, To Him and his Heirs for ever. If in Case for want of Issues of the S'd Arthur Ditchett my son either Males or Females, Then unto William Ditchett my son and his Heirs for ever. If in Case for want of Issue of the s'd William Ditchett my son, Then unto Elizabeth Ditchett wife of Thomas Vicary afores'd and Her Heirs for ever.

All the rest of my Goods and Chattles not herein before given and bequeathed I give and absolutely bequeath unto my son Arthur Ditchett whom I do hereby Nominate and appoint whole and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have unto this my last Will and Testament containing one sheet of Paper sett my Hand & seal this Ninth Day of March In the Year of our Lord God one Thousand Seven Hundred fifty & four

Sign'd Seal'd and Declared by the s'd Testatrix to be her last Will and Testament in the presence of Us, we Attesting ye same in her Presence

Thomas Mogford
The Mark X of Robert Bragford
Alexander Vicary

Susannh X Ditchett