Will and Probate
Derived from Dorset History Centre; Reference Number: Ad/Dt/W/1661
This will is damaged with several illegible sections and key details about some bequests are therefore unclear. The image of the original should be inspected.
Will Date: 2nd August 1661
Witnesses: Robert Kember, Robert Chaffie.
| Beneficiary | Relationship to Testator | Bequest |
| John Chamberlen | Son-in-law | Cupboard in the hall, chest, table board, and one shilling |
| William Chamberlen | Son-in-law | Forty shillings (which his father gave him) and one shilling more from testatrix’s own goods |
| Richard Chamberlen | Son-in-law | Forty shillings (which his father gave him) and one shilling more from testatrix’s own goods |
| John Chamberlen (grandson) | Grandchild (son of Barnard Chamberlen) | Best brass pan, gold ring, and forty shillings more |
| Daniel Chamberlen | Grandchild (son of Barnard Chamberlen) | Forty shillings and best b? [partially illegible] |
| Barnard Chamberlen | Son | All the rest of goods moveable and unmoveable; named as whole executor; provision to redistribute the provisions of grandchildren before they come of age if there are additional children or if any die. Precise detail unclear due to document damage. |
| Future children of Barnard Chamberlen | Potential grandchildren | Conditional inheritance – provision to redistribute the provisions of grandchildren before they come of age if there are additional children or if any die. Precise detail unclear due to document damage. |
Notes:
- Luces Chamberlen was a widow with just one named son Barnard
- She had at least two grandsons through Barnard: John and Daniel Chamberlen
- Son-in-law means stepson. Possibly Lucy was the second wife, and these are the sons by the first wife.
- Grandsons receive bequests including valuable items (gold ring, brass pan) and money
- Son Barnard receives the bulk of the estate as residuary beneficiary and executor
- There is provision to redistribute bequests for additional grandchildren or if any die before reaching adulthood
Grant of Probate: 9th November 1661. The will names son Barnard Chamberline as sole Executor.