Somers, Sir George

will dated 23 April 1609
probate 16 August 1611

(abstract)

Will of Sir George Somers of Barne in the County of Dorset, knight, intending to go to Virginia.

To the poor of the parish of Whitechurch, Dorset, 20 pounds, to be managed by the churchwardens, yearly interest to be divided equally among the poor at Christmas.

To the poor of Lyme Regis, Dorset, 10 pounds, to be managed like the legacy just above.

To John Somers and William Somers, sons of his brother John Somers, 100 pounds each, to be paid within two years after George Somer's death.

To Tobie Somers, son of the same John Somers, 100 pounds to be paid when he is 21.

To Mary Somers, daughter of John Somers, 100 pounds to be paid at her marriage or when she is 21.

To George Bird his servant 20 pounds, to be paid within two years after George Somer's death.

To Baldwyn Sanford 20 pounds as above.

To his maidservant Judith Seward 5 pounds if she remains his servant till his death.

To Nicholas Somers eldest son of Nicholas Somers deceased, his massuages at the death of Dame Joane, George Somers' wife; on condition that Nicholas Somers give his brother Mathew Somers a release of claims to the manor at Whitechurch, Marshwoode, and Upwaie, Co Dorset.

To Nicholas Somers 100 pounds within 2 years of the release mentioned.

If Nicholas Somers refuses to give the release, the massuages etc in Lyme Regis, occupied by Robert Barnes, shall be given to Mathew Somers, upon the death of Dame Joane Somers; and Mathew Somers shall also have the 100 pounds within 2 years of Nicholas' refusal to give a release.

Appoints his brother John Somers of Lyme Regis as his sole executor, and he shall have the rents of the tenements of Upwaie for payment of debt and legacies, and like income from specified holdings in Whitechurch and Marshwood. A long and complicated section appears to name Mathew Somers as the eventual heir to all the real estate concerned.

Mathew Somers is to have half of the household stuff and plate at Barne House (set down in the inventory annexed to the will), and Dame Joane Somers is to have the other half if she gives a release to one John Gould merchant; is she refuses, her half goes to George Somers' executor.

All other goods and property to his brother John Somers. Names Richard Hodie, gent., James Heywood, gent, and Baldwyn Sanford as overseers of his will, leaves 5 pounds to each.

Signed 23 April 1609. Witnesses Thomas Moleins , Jn Boylden, Henry Corbin.

Probate 16 August 1611 to John Somers, brother of the deceased.

The inventory is on the 4th f. of 71 Wood. It lists goods at Barne House, Dorset as found in each of the several sepcified rooms. Includes furniture, draperies, rugs, bed and table linen, fire irons, pewter, silver, and clothing.

(reference: Virginia Colonial records Project, SR 3273, Principal Probate Registry, Index of Wills, PCC 1605-1619, pg 1-2)