The Last Will & Testament of Edward HARDY (1767) of Hazelbury Bryan
Transcribed and donated to the Dorset OPC project by
Jan Hibberd
[Note paragraphs added to improve readability]
In the name of God Amen, I Edward HARDY of Hasselbury Briant in the County of Dorset, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and that is appointed for all men once to die and being of sound mind and memory, blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, in manner and form following.
First, I give unto my son John HARDY one guinea
And as to all the rest, residue and remainder of my personal Estates, goods and chattles of what nature or kind sover, with all lands, lease or coppy that I have in possession or may have a right to, I give unto my beloved wife, Frances HARDY for and during her natural life, if she continues a widow but after her decease, for if she should be married again, my Will and desire is that my son Thomas HARDY, shall have twenty pounds out of my said effects immediately after my said wife's decease for marriage.
And after the said twenty pounds is paid to my son Thomas HARDY, my Will and desire is that the remainder be equally divided between my sons, Edward HARDY, Thomas HARDY and my daughter, Fanny MUNKTON even and equally alike.
And lastly, I do hereby make my wife Frances HARDY sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Will or Wills by me made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of August in the year of Our Lord Christ, one thousand and seven hundred and sixty five.
Edward HARDY.
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the Testator, to be his Last Will and Testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto sunscribed our names as witnesses.
---COLBOURNE.
Robert? NEWMAN?
January 1st 1767
This Will of Edward HARDY deceased, as proved by the oath of Frances HARDY, the widow of the said deceased and sole Executrix above named, to whom Administration of all and singular, the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased was granted.
She being first duly sworn faithfully to administer the same and to exhibit a true and perfect inventory thereof into the Registry of the Archdeacon of Dorset and pass? a just account thereon when thereto lawfully required.
Sworn by me.
Jhn COOTH? Surrogate.