The Last Will & Testament of William MITCHELL (1756) Groom 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. The Last Will and Testament of me, William MITCHELL, the Elder of Hazelbury Bryan in the County of Dorset, Groom is as follows (that is to say)
First of all, I give and devise unto my son William MITCHELL, all that the west? part or moiety of my dwelling house, backside garden and orchard with the appurtenances which I purchased of my three sisters (of the half blood) Mary BURT, Sarah BURT and Elizabeth BURT, situate in Hazelbury Bryan aforesaid.
To have and to hold the same premises unto him, the said William MITCHELL, his heirs and assigns forever, free -- of all mortgages but charged and chargeable nevertheless with the sum of ten pounds to be paid unto my daughter, Elizabeth SYMES, within twelve months next after my decease.
Also I give and devise unto my son Thomas MITCHELL, all that other or last part or moiety of my said dwelling house , backside garden and orchard, together with all those my four closes of meadow and pasture ground, lying near Wonston Causeway in Hazelbury Bryan aforesaid, with the appurtenances, to have and to hold, all singular the premises last mentioned unto him, the said Thomas MITCHELL, his heirs and assigns forever, charged and chargeable, nevertheless, with the payment of the sum of three hundred pounds, due on a mortgage of the whole premises, together with all interest which shall be due therefore at the time of my decease.
And lastly, as to all that my leasehold estate at Holebrook within the parish of Lydlinch in the said County, together with all and singular, my household goods, ffurniture, stock of cattel and other my goods, chattles, rights, credits and personal estate whatsoever or wheresoever, the same are, shall or may be found I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Mary MITCHELL, whom I make, constitute and appoint sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament and hereby revoking all former and other Wills by me heretofore made, do declare this alone to be my Last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this thirteenth day of May, in the Year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ffifty ffive.
X The mark of William MITCHELL, the Elder.
Signed, sealed, published, declared by the Testator, William MITCHELL, as and for his Last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who have subscribed our names as witnesses, in the presence of the said Testator and at his request.
John SPICER. Henry SYMES. Jno ELSWORTH. 1755
October 1st 1756
This Will of William MITCHELL deceased, was proved by the oath of Mary MITCHELL the widow and relict of the said deceased and Executrix above named, to whom Administration of all and singular, the goods, chattles and credits of the 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 Archdeacons Court, a perfect and pass a just -- thereon when thereto required.
Sworn before me. Clement ELSWORTH. Surrogate.