Will
Derived from Dorset History Centre; Reference: Ad/Dt/W/1710; Event Record Number: 35
Date of Will: 29th December 1708
Witnesses: (the mark of) Robert Hancocke, Thomas Browne
| Beneficiary | Relationship to Testator | Bequest |
|---|---|---|
| Robert [Joyliff] | Son | One shilling |
| Thomas Jeffreys | Son-in-law | One shilling |
| George [Joyliff] | Son | House in Stalbridge Weston for life, all clothes (linen and woollen), one pewter dish |
| Elizabeth | Daughter | House in Stalbridge Weston for life (after George’s death), £10 from the £40 debt (shared with Margaret), feather bed in parlour and belongings, half-headed bedstead, biggest brass pot and little one, a posnetA small pot used for boiling. It had a long handle and three short legs. In full., three kettles, a scalding pan, one box in parlour, coffer in her chamber, pewter dish, candlestick, share of linen (with 3 other daughters), remainder of goods after mother’s death (shared with Margaret) |
| Margaret | Daughter | £10 from the £40 debt (shared with Elizabeth), truckle bed and belongings, least spit, andirons, salting dish, candlestick, one long feather pillow, share of linen (with 3 other daughters), remainder of goods after mother’s death (shared with Elizabeth) |
| Edward [Joyliff] | Son | £4 from the £40 debt (shared with Mary, Hannah, and Elizabeth Jeffery) – but if he dies before payment, his share goes to Elizabeth and Margaret |
| Mary | Daughter | Armory in parlour, table board in parlour, one pearting dish, £4 from the £40 debt (shared with Edward, Hannah, and Elizabeth Jeffery), share of linen (with 3 other daughters) |
| Hannah | Daughter | Middle brass pot, great chest in parlour, third brass pot, great spit, two greatest pewter dishes, butter barrel and stock, £4 from the £40 debt (shared with Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth Jeffery), share of linen (with 3 other daughters) |
| George Joyliff [Jr.] | Grandson (son of George) | House in Stalbridge Weston for life (after Elizabeth’s death) |
| Elizabeth Jeffery | Granddaughter | £4 from the £40 debt (shared with Edward, Mary, and Hannah) – specifically to help ‘bede her up in case of need’ |
| Jane [Joyliff] | Wife | Use of all household goods during her lifetime |
Notes:
- Elizabeth and Margaret are named as joint executrixes. A note in the margin of the Will explains Margaret Gilbert dies before she needs to act as an Executrix. (A Margaret Gilbert burial is recorded at Hazelbury Bryan, 11th Sept 1709.)
- The house inheritance follows a complex life estate pattern: George (son) → Elizabeth (daughter) → George (grandson)
- The lease of the house is to be kept in Elizabeth’s hands during her lifetime
- There is a £40 debt owed by son Robert to be distributed among beneficiaries
- If any of the £40 debt is lost, all beneficiaries share the loss proportionally
- All former wills are revoked by this testament
- The will is dated December 29th in the 7th year of Queen Anne’s reign (1708) but probated in 1710
Grant of Probate: 8th January 1710 Granted to Elizabetha Joyliff. See note above.