482. Mary KING, late of Wivenhoe, now of [St Botolph] Colchester, Spinster, 1773. D/ACW 33/3/14

In the name of God Amen I Mary King late of Wivenhoe but now of Colchester in the
County of Essex Spinster being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding (thanks be
given to Almighty God for the same) Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following
(that is to say) First my Will is and I do desire to be buried at Wivenhoe and that my Funeral be in
as plain and private a manner as possible and I do direct that my coffin be made by Jeremiah Hearsom
of Colchester aforesaid Carpenter And as to the temporal Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me
I dipose thereof as follows, Item I give and bequeath unto my Niece Hannah Best of Colchester
aforesaid Spinster my Chest of Drawers together with all my Wearing Apparel and Linnen (except
such part thereof as I shall hereafter otherwise dispose of)  Also I give and bequeath unto the said
Hannah Best my Diamond Ring and Gold Medall and also a set of blue and white China which is now
at her Father’s.  Item I give and bequeath unto my Nephew Thomas Best my Executor with three
pair of sheets, two pair of pillow biers, three Table Cloths, one dozen of Napkins marked with the
letters F:M:K and Pallam Pore otherwise a Coverlid, together with my Father’s Picture a Chimney
Glass and two small pictures which are now at his Father’s dwelling house, Also I give and bequeath
to my said Nephew my Gold Seal and four Mourning Rings And as to the remaining part of my
Household Goods and Furniture Plate and China I give and bequeath to be equally divided between
the said Thomas Best and Hannah Best, Item I give and bequeath unto my said nephew Thomas Best
the Sum of three hundred pounds and all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate whatsoever and
wheresoever I give and bequeath unto the said Hannah Best and her Assigns, she paying thereout my
just Debts, Funeral Expenses and the Charges of proving and attending the execution of this my Will, and
also the Sum of ten pounds to her Father Captain Thomas Best for Mourning and Lastly I do hereby
nominate and appoint my Brother in Law the said Captain Thomas Best sole executor of this my Will
and hereby revoking all former and other Will and Wills by me at any time heretofore made I publish
and declare this to be my last, In witness whereof I the said Mary King to this my last Will and
Testament contained in one Sheet of Paper have set my hand and Seal this seventh day of September in
the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty nine.

Mary King

Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Mary King
the Testatrix as and for her last will and Testament in our
presence and by us attested and subscribed as Witnesses in
her presence

Mary Smith
Wm Mason Junr.

The second Day of April 1773
Thomas Best Brother in Law of the Deceased, and the sole Executor named
was sworn to the Truth of this Will and to the due performance thereof before me

Nat: Forster Surrogate

The Testratrix died the 25^th of March last in St. Botolph’s Colchester.

This Will of Mary King late of the Parish of Saint Botolph Colchester in the County of Essex Spinster Deceased was sworn on the
Second day of April in the year of our lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Three Before the Reverend Nathaniel Forster clerk
Surrogate &c by the Oath of Thomas Best Brother in Law of the said deceased and Sole Executor to whom Administration of all and
Singular the Goods Chattells and Credits of the said deceased was granted and committed on the Sixth day of the same Month he being first
sworn duly to Administer.