Will
Derived from Dorset History Centre; Reference: Bc/Ew; Event Record Number: 20; 21
Date of Will: 2nd February 1718
Witnesses: (the mark of) Edward Courtney, Susanna Heller
| Beneficiary | Relationship to Testator | Bequest |
|---|---|---|
| Wife of John Harvey | Not specified | Best gown and coat |
| Hannah Chant | Not specified | Next best gown and coat, one oak box |
| Anne Chant | Wife of Charles Chant | Red cloth coat with silver lace |
| Martha Chant | Wife of Samuel Chant | One green apron, one holland apron, one fustian mantle |
| Mary Hellier | Not specified | Under serge coat, one camlet girdle, all linen changes or shifts – but only if she dwells with testator during her lifetime, otherwise nothing |
| Mary Jeanes | Wife of Bernard Jeanes | One serge gown |
| Charles Chant | Nephew | Two pewter dishes marked J.C., one feather bolster, all the rest of goods, chattels, credits and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever |
Notes:
- Charles Chant is named as the sole executor and principal beneficiary
- The will is primarily concerned with distributing clothing and household items to various women
- There is a conditional bequest to Mary Hellier – she only receives her inheritance if she continues to live with and care for Jane Hobbs during Jane’s lifetime
- The pewter dishes and feather bolster given to Charles Chant were apparently already in some arrangement between them, but were not to become his until Jane’s death
- Most beneficiaries appear to be connected through the Chant family network
Grant of Probate: 1st July 1721, proved by the Executor (Charles Chant)