Jonathan Carter's Will 1765

Staymaker of Wivenhoe (National Archives PROB 11/941/291)

Added by Pat Marsden

An example of a stay made in the 1780s comprised of linen, hand sewn with linen thread, applied ribbon, chamois and whalebone
(c) Victoria & Albert Museum, London [T173-1914]

In the Name of God Amen

I Jonathan Carter of Wivenhoe in the County of Essex Staymaker being in health of body and of Disposing Mind do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (to wit) I assign my Soul into the hands of God my Creator hoping for his gracious acceptance through the Merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buried at the Direction of my Executrix hereinafter named and as for the Worldly Estate God hath bestowed upon me I dispose thereof in manner following (that is to say) I give and bequeath to my honoured Mother Elizabeth Carter the sum of twenty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid to her within six months next after my decease and further from and after the payment of the said twenty pounds and all my just debts Funeral Charges and the Charge of the Probate of this my Will I give and bequeath all and every my Household Goods Chattels Plate Monies in hand and in the Publick funds Security and Securities for Money Debts due and owing to me and all other my personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature and kindsoever unto my dear and loving Wife Elizabeth for her own use and benefit absolutely and I do hereby Nominate and appoint my said Wife Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all and every former Will and Wills by me made

In Witness whereof I the said Jonathan Carter have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of August in the fifth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty five

Jonathan Carter

Signed Sealed published and delivered by the said Testator Jonathan Carter as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have Inscribed our Hands as Witnesses thereto in his presence and in the presence of each other 

Joseph Stapleton Peter? Daniel and Isaac Diss

This Will was proved at London the thirteenth day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight before the Right Worshipful George Lay? Doctor of Law Master Keeper or Commissary of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully Constituted by the Oath of Elizabeth Carter formerly Harrison? Widow the Relict of the deceased and Sole Executrix named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of All and Singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the deceased having been first sworn by Commission duly to administer Ex.

[Transcribed by Pat Marsden June 2020]

Note: Stays were an essential item of underwear for women in the eighteenth century.

This page was added on 27/06/2020.

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