Will of Thomas Clarke late of Cullompton Gentleman
Proved 27 May 1715
© Crown Copyright
National Archives Catalogue Reference PROB 11/546/209 Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Fagg Quire Numbers: 80 – 126
Transcribed by Art Ames
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Clarke of Hillersdon within the parish of Cullumpton in the county of Devon gentleman being at present afflicted with sickness but of a sound perfect and well disposing mind and memory thanks be given to Almighty God for the same (hereby revoking all former Will and Wills) doe make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say)
Imprimus I recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping for everlasting felicity and my body to be decently buried according to the discretion of my executrix hereinafter named
And as for and concerning my estate and substance wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me I give and dispose of the same in manner following (vizt.)
First I give and bequeath to my brother Robert Clarke the sum of fifty pounds to be paid him at the end of one whole year next after my decease and I also give to my said brother my best suit of apparell my two best perukes my two best swords and my starcott roqular or cloake which was my sons to be delivered to him within one month next after my internment
Item I give to my son in law Samuel Burridge esqr and to my daughter his wife and to my daughter in law Frances Clarke widow to each of them a broadpiece of gold
And as for and concerning all my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments reall and personall estate and substance whatsoever not herein before given I give devise and bequeath the same unto my dear wife Elizabeth Clark to hold to her her heirs executors and assignes for ever and I doe hereby constitute and appoint my said wife to be the whole and sole executrix of this my Will
Nevertheless it is my will and I doe hereby give to my niece Mrs Frances Tassell widow the sum of five pounds which I hereby order and direct my said executrix to pay her at the end of three months next after decease
In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this tenth day of May anno die 1715
Tho Clarke
Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator to be his last Will and Testament in our presence who subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto in the presence of him the said testator and of one another Samuel Dicks John Crosse Will Selleck
Probate in Latin