William Mann of Hickling 1759 Will

Nottinghamshire Archives PR/JW/9/1

In the name of God Amen I William Mann the Elder of Hickling in the County of Nottingham Flaxdresser being sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding and considering the uncertainty of this life do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)

First of all I give my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God that gave it me, And my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named And as for my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with I give and dispose thereof as follows

In the first place I give and bequeath unto my nephew John Mann of Hickling aforesaid farmer the sum of twenty pounds to be paid him within twelve months next after my decease by my Executors hereinafter named

And also I give and bequeath unto my nephew Stephen Mann of the City of London baker the sum of twenty pounds to be him within twelve months next after my decease by my said Executors

And also I give and bequeath unto my two nephews Richard Cross and Thomas Cross the sum of five pounds apiece to be paid unto each of them within twelve months next after me decease by my said Executors

And also I give and bequeath unto the Church Wardens and Overseers of the poor of Hickling aforesaid and their successors for the time being the sum of five pounds to be paid them immediately after my decease In Trust nevertheless that they the said Church Wardens and Overseers of the poor and their successors for the time being shall and do as soon as may be after my decease put and place out the said sum of five pounds on good security to the approbation of the said Executors And with the interest and proceed thereof shall and will yearly and every year for ever hereafter buy white bread in order that the same may be given to and amongst the poor of Hickling aforesaid on every Saint Stephen’s Day for ever hereafter

And also I give and devise all that messuage or tenement and homestead thereunto adjoining and belonging with the appurtenances scituate standing and being in Hickling aforesaid wherein I now do dwell unto my nephew William Mann of Hose in the County of Leicester farmer his heirs and assigns for ever and my mind and will is that my dear wife Mary Mann shall have the free use and occupation of one room belonging and part of the said messuage or tenement to reside and dwell in for and during the term of her natural life But if she my said wife and nephew William Mann shall not agree to live together then I order and direct my said nephew William Mann and his heirs to build for my said wife upon some part of the said premises a suitable habitation for her to dwell in during her life and the same to be done at his and their own proper costs and charges

And also I give and bequeath unto my said dear wife Mary Mann all those my household goods which I received with her at the time when I married her to be delivered unto her immediately after my decease

And also I give and bequeath unto my said dear wife Mary Mann and her assigns one annuity or yearly rent charge of five pounds of lawful money of Great Britain free of all taxes whatsoever to be paid unto her my said wife yearly and every year during the term of her natural life by two half yearly equal payments and I do charge my lands hereinafter mentioned with the true payment thereof

And also I give and devise unto my nephew Thomas Mann and his heirs and assigns all that my two thirds of an oxgang of and lying and being in the several fields and liberties of Hickling aforesaid And now in my own occupation To Hold the same unto my said nephew Thomas Mann his heirs and assigns for ever

And also I give and devise all that undivided full half part of all those my two oxgangs of land lying and being dispersedly in the several fields and liberties of Hickling aforesaid And now in the occupation of my nephew George Mann and which was heretofore the estate of George Mann late of Houblon in the County of Lincolnshire yeoman deceased unto my said nephew George Mann his heir and assigns for ever

And also I give and devise all that my other undivided half part of all those my said last mentioned two oxgangs of land and now in the occupation of my said nephew George Mann unto my nephew Richard Mann and his heirs and assigns for ever

And lastly all the rest and residue of my household goods other goods stock cattle chattels and personal estate of what kind or nature soever (my debts legacies and funeral expenses being first paid and discharged) I give and bequeath unto my said three nephews George Mann Thomas Mann and Richard Mann share and share alike whom I do hereby appoint full and joint Executors of this my last Will Testament revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made

In Witness whereof I the said William Mann the Elder and Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal this Third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty eight

                                                                                                         William Mann

Signed sealed published and declared by the said William Mann the Elder and Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us his Witnesses underwritten who have at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other set our hands as Witnesses to the Execution of this his said Will

Edwd Stokes Junr            

Richd Shaw        

Edward Moore

Bond, bound George Mann of Hickling farmer, William Mann of Hose farmer and John Daft of Hickling farmer in the sum of £100 5 October 1759, condition George Mann one of Executors of Will of William Mann the Elder flaxdresser to administer will and make inventory

George Mann                   

William Mann                  

John Daft

Probate 5 October 1759