Will of Elias Andrews, Shipwright of Stoke Fleming

Proved 19 November 1681

© Crown Copyright

PROB 11/368, Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury

Transcribed by Deborah O'Brien

In the name of God Amen:

The thirteenth day of May One thousand six hundred and sixtie and five (according to the computation of the Church of England) I, Elias Andrews of the Parish of Stoke Fleming in the Countie of Devon, Shipwright, now bound to sea in perfect health and in perfect memorie and remembrance, praised be God, do make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in maner and forme following: (viz) I bequeathe my soul into the hands of Almightie God my maker, hoping that through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer to recant for pardon and forgiveness for all my syns.

Item: I give and bequeath to my son Edward and my daughter Mary the two Closes of Land lying and being in Stoke Fleming called Hill Parke for and during their naturall lives jointly, after the death of Elizabeth my wife if Agnes Oldreif (?) and my sonn Elias so long doe happen to live And Edward and Mary or either of them shall pay to Agnes the wife of Robert Oldreif (?) ten pounds within two years after their enjoying the said two closes of land, if she soe long doe happen to live. And if the said Edward and Mary dye before their Mother, that then I give and bequeath the said two closes of land to my daughter Joan and my daughter Elizabeth jointly after my said Wife if Agnes Oldreif and my sonn Elias soe long doe happen to live.

Item: I give and bequeath to my Sonn Elias fourthie pence and to my Sonn Ambrose fourthie pence, and to my daughter Joan fourthie pence and to my daughter Elizabeth fourthie pence. Item: All the rest of my Goods and Chattels not formerly given I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth whom I now make my whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seale the day and yeare first about written. X The mark of Elias Andrews. Sealed and delivered in the presence of Nicholas Elliott the Elder, Joan Corone (?), Nicholas Elliott junior.

[The probate grant is in Latin so the following is a rough translation]:

Probatum fuit (Probate Granted): This will was granted at London before the venerable and respected man and legal doctor the Master Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury and lawfully constituted the 19th day of the month of November 1681 by the oaths of Elizabeth Andrews, relict & Executris of the kind named by the Commissary as sole beneficiary and sworn by the Commissary according to the Gospels.

[An Agnes OLDRIVE, widow of St Petrox was buried at Stoke Fleming 21 May 1706]