Oxfordshire Family History Society

Transcribed Wills and Related Documents

Select a New Surname or Start a New Search

Back to the Index or Search Results

Will of Thomas MATHEWS of Epwell (Swalcliffe) Will 14 May 1746   Probate 16 Jun 1747
Source: OHC no. W. 96.412; 46/2/39 Contributed by: Margaret Steggals Go to Translation Go to Transcript
Summary.
... I Thomas Matthews of Epwell Mill ... Swarcliff ... miller ... Name Relationship [Comments] or Major Bequests Thomas MATHEWS   Epwell (Swalcliffe) Mary MATTHEWS Wife (Exec) John MATTHEWS Son Joseph MATTHEWS Son Thomas MATTHEWS Son Mary MATTHEWS Daughter John KING Tenant J HOPKINS Witness Edmond EDWARDS Witness Abigail HIRON Witness Probate 16 Jun 1747 (no other details transcribed)
Transcriber's and Editor's Notes
Interesting that he (apparently) lived in or close to his water-mill at Epwell, because a modern map shows no significant water-course within at least two miles of Epwell. The following details are believed to be true but should not be totally relied upon: Testator: Son of Joseph (1718 qv); Brother of John (1754 qv)
Translated and paragraphed. with some of the standard preamble and "legalese" removed. Go to Glossary
... I Thomas Matthews of Epwell Mill ... Swarcliff ... miller ... I give the messuage where I now dwell with its water-mill, also the windmill in Epwell Field, with all their houses, outhouses, yards, backsides and stamms, to my son John Matthews and his heirs etc forever, he paying the following: £10 pa to my wife Mary for life, paid half-yearly by two equal payments. £50 each to my son Thomas and my daughter Mary Matthews within twelve months after my decease. I give my one yard land of arable, meadow and pasture ground in the open fields of Upper Tadmarton (now in his own occupation) to my son Joseph Matthews and his heirs etc forever. I give my messuage in Upper Tadmarton with its orchard, paddock, close, yard, outhouses and backside, also another yard land etc now in the possession of John King, to my son Thomas and [daughter?] Mary Matthews and their heirs etc forever. I give all my personal estate to my wife Mary Matthews whom I make sole Executrix. Witnesses J Hopkins; Edm'd Edwards; Abigail X Hiron Probate 16 Jun 1747 (no other details transcribed)
As transcribed from a copy of the original document. Original line- and page-breaks are not preserved.
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Matthews of Epwell Mill in ye Parish of Swarcliff in ye county of Oxford Miller being of Good understanding Doe make and Declare this to be my Last Will and Testamt in Manner and form following (that is to Say) first of all I Give and Devise all that Messuage or Tenement wherein I now Inhabit and Dwell And alsoe all that Water Mill to the same belonging And also the Windmill Standing in Eppwell Field Together with all Manner of Houses Outhouses Yards Backsides and Stamms thereunto belonging unto my Son John Matthews his heirs Executors Admrs & Assigns for Ever he paying out of the same the Sum of ten pounds Yearly and every Year unto my Wife Mary for and During the Term of her Natural Life half yearly at Two Even and Equal porcons and Payments and Also the sum of fifty pounds a piece to my son Thomas and my Daughter Mary Matthews within twelve months next and immediately after my Decease and I do hereby charge the said Messuage Water Mill and Premises with the Payment thereof Also I give and Devise All that one yard Land of Arable Meadow and Pasture Ground Lying in the Open and Common Fields of Upper Tadmarton in the sd County of Oxford Now in the Tenure or Occupacon of my son Joseph Matthews unto my sd Son Joseph Matthews his heirs and Assns for Ever Alsoe I Give and Devise All that Messuage or Tenement orchard Paddock Close Yard out Houses and Backside thereunto belonging Situate Standing Lying and being in Upper Tadmarton aforesd AND ALSO ALL that one other Yard Land now in ye Possession of one John King with all manner of Appurtenances thereunto belonging to my said Son Thomas and Mary Matthews their Heirs and Assigns for Ever All my Personal Estate of what Nature or kind soever ye same does Consist of I give and bequeath unto my said wife Mary Matthews whom I make Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Matthews have to this my last Will & Testament Set my hand and Seal this fourteenth Day of May in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and forty six Thomas Matthews Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of Us whose Names are hereunto Subscribed in the Presence of the Testator and at his Request the words Paddock & Close being first interlined J Hopkins Edmd Edwards the mark of Abigail Hiron Probate given 16 June 1747 (no other details transcribed)