Note: Prefix BPC = Index to Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Probate Registry at Blandford, Dorset: -- Prefix DHC Copy held at the Dorset History Center Dorchester most of these are now (Oct 2012) available to members of ancestry.com -- Prefix P = Wiltshire & Swindon Archives and are increasingly available on line follow link-- Prefix PCC= Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Prefix PROB = Wills available on line at the National Archives -- Prefix SPC = Calendar of Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Salisbury Probate Court:

Note: The dates given are likely to be the date of probate or when administration was issued rather than date of death. As such deaths are likely to be in that year or the year before, but can be many years earlier. I have also carried out a quick check against surviving Parish Burial Registers for a couple of years before the year given below and commented accordingly. Many of these Wills & Administrations have been indexed separately by Dorset and Wiltshire Record Offices so they will show the SPC as well as P reference numbers. These indexes are not identical. Wiltshire for example tends to include the persons trade.

Note: Some Wills are listed here for years where no parish register has survived and may be an indicator that they died recently in the Parish. The Wills themselves or comments made on the bottom or reverse of the will may reveal more detail about actual date and place of death and of course hopefully family relationships. Where wills are available on line I have tried to scan them and list beneficiaries and other important facts mentioned in the wills. This is not possible where the wills are at the National or Wiltshire Archives as they have to be purchased individually. The fact that someone was from Dorchester does not necessarily mean that they died there & may account for there being no entry in Dorchester's Parish Registers.

NOTE: If you have a copy of any of these wills (which are often difficult to read) I am willing to transcribe it properly for you in exchange for permission to display the transcription on this site. Please make contact by email at-- Mikeatstrayleaves[insert the @ symbol here]yahoo.com -- please state "OPC Dorchester/Fordington" in the subject line.

Will:- My body to be buried in the church of St Peters Dorchester near unto the place where I sit at service. I give unto every church in Dorchester 12d; Item: I give and bequeath to all and every of my one with the other as well as they were rehersed by name (Anne only excepted fiftie three shillings and four pence . And I give and bequeath to the said Anne three pounds and five shillings and eight pence. And if it happen any one dye that then his part to be divided unto the rest. Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth my last daughter my title and interest that I have in the parsonage? of Stinsford yet to come: My will and my mind is that Margaret my wifeand Robert my son shall enjoy receive take and have all and singular the profits comodities and advantages rents and profits whatsoever they be yearly coming and growing as well of the burgage with the appurtenances in Dorchester now in the tuenure of John CHUBB as also of the leases of two mills with the appurtenances in Dorchester aforesaid the lease of Lowdisfield and the lease of the shops in Dorchester aforesaid and after the decease of Margery my wife I will the same burgage with the appurtenances in the tenure of John CHUBB and all other premises with the appurtenances remaining wholly to the said Robert my son and to the heirs of his body foe ever. And for lack of issue to the right heirs of the said Robert the residue of all goods moveable and unmoveable I give and bequeath my debts and legacies first paid unto Margery my wife and Robert my son whom I ordain and make my executors of this my last will. This being witnessed John PALMER Hugh rendham Jefferey Bowdon John Harvey Walter Windsor

In the name of God Amen the xxiiij^th day of Marche in the xiiij^th yereof the reign of o^r Sovereign Lady Elizerbeth ec I Margery MARKYSFYLL wyddow beying syeke of boddy and pfytt of good remembrance do make thyes my last wyll & testment in mann^r & foyme followying fyrst I geve my soule to Almyghty god and my boddy to be buryedd wi^th the churche yeryd of Sayntte Peteres in Dorchester Itm I geve to the mother churche of Brystell ? v - iiijd Itm to the church of All Saynte in Dorchester v - & ijd Itm to them thein? other kynye of? me in sayntte peter churche v - xxd Itm I geve and bequeth to Lettia KAYNELL of C?anefyd foy v - xxd Itm I geve to the poor people of Dorchester v xd Itm I geve to Johanne PETTRES my Nephew ???? one strene one kerchyff and a whyte peteycote Itm I geve to the churche of Saynte Peteres v - xxd Itm I geve to Margarett SOMERS my daughter?? v -xd Itm I geve to my daughters?? Kitchyn stooywe?? Itm I geve to Agnes ???? Kyspyll one kytell and a payre of syl?? Iathes Itm to any of my god chyldrne v iiijd the

[In Modern English} In the name of God Amen the 24th day of March in the 14th year of the reign of our Soverign Lady Elizabeth etc I Margery MARKSFILL widow being sick in body [but of] good remembrance do make this my Last Will & Testament in manner and form following. First I give my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried within the churchyard of St Peter's in Dorchester. Item: I give to the mother church of Bristol? viz 4d? Item: to the church of All Saints in Dorchester viz 12d? Item: to ?? in St Peters church 20 pence ------

Note:- The 14th year of the reign of Charles II ran from 17th Nov 1571 to 16th Nov 1572

Dated 21st Jan 1587:

Proved 11 May 1588

Note:- WILL: To be buried in HT Church to which he gives 20 shillings for maintenance; + 20 shillings to the poor to be distributed at the day of his funeral; bequest to kinsman Ralph PERINE a house situated on north side of Pease Lane between the land belonging to the said church HT on the east side and and a burgage of Joane EDWARDS my sister on the west side subject to Ralph PERIN giving to the poor of the parish 40 shillings annually. Bequest to Marie EDWARDS daughter of Margaret EDWARDS my sister a house on the south side of Pease Lane between the lands of me Henry on the west and south sides and the land of Joane RICHARDSON widow my sister on the east side and for default of issue to Ralph PERIN provided his wife Julian paid 26s 8d yearly for life. To Julian my wife my dwelling in Dorchester where I reside and all other my messuages, lands tenements houses buildings edifices backsides gardens and grounds in Dorchester in my possession or occupation of William SPEERING situate don west side of HT between high west street on the south side and pease lane on the north - after her death to kinsman John PARKINS of Dorchester Merchant; To Elizabeth PERIN daughter of William PERIN deceased £6; To Joane RICHAR[D]SON the younger £5; To Alice the wife of Robert OSBORN 40s; To John son of William PERIN 20s; To each of the children of John PARKINS 20s; To the children of Simon HASELBERIE 20s; To Joseph PARKINS 40s; To each of my godchildren 5s; All goods etc to Julian my wife also made execurtix; Overseers Simon HASELBERIE and William SPEERING

A Henry the sonne of John EDWARDES buyed the xxiijth [23rd] day of May [1608] at Holy Trinity? See also memorials HT

Part of a will only very badly damaged -

I John TORRINTON of Dorchester in the County of Dorset being not well in body but of perfect memory do make this my Last Will [& Testament] in manner and form as followeth: I give to my son John all my working tools and one tableboard and one cupboard standing in the hall: I give unto my son Stephen one bedstand [i.e. standing bed] standing in the hall chamber one table board in the kitchin with one feather bed one feather bolster one ? ? my best pair of blankets one trunk with my best brass pot. I give to my son John's son John one etc

[Note:- Stephen TORRINGTON was educated at the Dorchester Free school 1652-1655 by Samuel Cromblehome (1618-1672) when he then matriculated at St Johns Cambridge on 27th June 1655 being awarded his BA in 1658/9 and MA in 1662]

The Will and Testament of Jasper COLSON In the name of God Amen: First I bequeath my soul to God that gave it me And my body to be buried were my wife in St Peters Churchyard And my will is that the little estate which God hath entrusted me withall shall be disposed of as followeth: First I make my son Joshua COLSON my heir and executor unto whom I do give my land house and garden in Allhallows Parish for ever And do also give him my book of debts due unto me for the consideration thereofI would have him to pay my debts And to give my son Frederick COLSON thrity pounds of lawful money and to be paid him five pounds by the year And I give unto my daughter Anne COLSON and Sarah COLSON her sister All my household stuff and plate and all my Phisick wares in the shop or elsewhere and the term of years I have in the house I dwell in to order and dispose as my daughter Anne COLSON thinks fit And I desire the Lord God to bless them all and to give them his grace that they may walk and live in the fear and love of God all their days and to love one another that this is my last will and testament I have unto set my hand and seal June 5th 1667 Jasper COLSEN: In the presence of Joane Butcher Anne Colson Sarah Colson her mark Elizabeth Long

Probate proved in the strand in the County of Middlesex by William Merick doctor at Law at the prerogative court the 31st December 1667 by Joshua COLSON executor

Will 06 Feb 1672

Probate 20 Apr 1673

Nuncupative Will:- MEMORANDUM: that on or upon the 6th day of July in the year of our Lord God 1674 Mary CORBIN late of Dorchester in the County of Dorset widow being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, and having an intentto settle her estate, made and declared her last Will and Testament Nuncupative or by word of mouth in the manor and form following Impremis She gave and bequeathed unto Ralph CORBIN her son the sum of £5; to her son George CORBIN she gave also £10 And to her Son-in-Law Ralph ADAMS she likewise gave the sum of £4; And her Will further was that her son Ralph CORBIN should have after her decease a pair of new holland sheets and an Harris? cowshed, to Ralph ADAMS she also gave a pair of canitas? sheets and all the rest of her goods of what nature or kind soever not formerly by her given and bequeathed she gave and bequeathed to be equally divided amongst all her children. All with words or the like in effect she uttered and spoke in the presence and hearing of reliable witnesses

Signed Robert COSSENS; Robert CORBIN fils [might mean son of] probate granted 30th day of October 1674

Will 09 June 1676

Proved 21 Jun 1676

L/A 01 Jan 1676/7

Part Quote from L/A :- The Condition of this obligation is that whereas Judeth GUY late of ye pish (parish) of Holy Trinity in Dorchester aforesaid made and declared her last will and testament nuncupative or by word of mouth and therein nominated and appointed Mary GAPPER above bound to be her executrix who has proved the said will (see 21 June 1676 above) and taken upon----

Memorandum: that on or about the ninth day of June in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred seventy six Judeth GUY late of Dorchester in the County of Dorset spinster being of perfect sense and memory made and declared this her last will and testament nuncupative or by word of mouth in manner and form following First she willed that Nicholas GUY her brother ---brother Thomas GUY--- Rest to loving friend Mary GAPPER also nominated as executrix - signed Sarah BEDFORD; the mark of Magdalen GRINDHAM --Proved 21st day June 1676

Ad/Dt/A/1678; Event Record Number: 19.

Summary:- Mr John MICHEL of Kingston RUSSELL the Brother-in-Law of Mrs Frances BINGHAM late of Dorchester Spinster died intestate and Mr William MEECH of Longbredy yeoman

which are or shall be administered by Mrs Grace SKINNER otherwise BINGHAM the sister and administrtrix of the estate of Frances BINGHAM whereas during the nonage and minority of Mr John, Michel; Frances Michel; Penelope Michel; Joana Michel and Martha Michel sons and daughter of -----missing part of document. could not trace a burial

Will: I Lawrence SHEPARD of Dorchester of the parish of the Holy Trinitie Shearman beinge sicke in body but of good & pfect memory doe make this my last Will and testament in manner & form as follows:-

Impremis: I give to my Sonne Lawrence SHEPPARD my Ra?ke and three of sheeres one sheare bord & cotton bord

Item: I give my sonne George SHEPPARD one stocke? of Beer and five shillings in money

Item: I give my sonne Robert one stocke? of beer & five shillings

Item: I give to my sonne Willm SHEPARD one Stocke of beer & five shillings

Item: I give my sonne in law Enock FFORTISCUE one shilling

Item: I give my daughter Rachell CHILES whome I make Executrix of this my last Will & Testament my Dwelling House and farm? and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging and with all ? in the house

Whittnes my hand hereunto sett [The mark of Lawre[rest missing] SHEPPARD

24 Decem 1689 John GILBERT; ? BEDFORD Whitnesser

Will : To my Neice Christian CHURCHILL the daughter of my brother William CHURCHILL deceased £150 at 21 or marriage;
To Nephew Edward CHURCHILL son of his brother Richard CHURCHILL £50;
To Anne CHURCHILL dau of my brother Richard £50;
To Frances CHURCHILL dau of my brother Richard £50
To Thomas Grove son of my sister Mary £10;
To my well beloved kinsman William CHURCHILL Esq and Charles CHURCHILL of Muston Gentlemen to each a ring of 20s who are appoinnted trustrees and overseers of his will
All the Rest to my loving Nephew John CHURCHILL the son of my brother Richard also sole executrix Dated 17th Feb 1691/2

OATH: November 14th 1695 Appeared personally William CHURCHILL Junior of Dorchester Gentleman aged about 40 years and John GARLAND of Dorchester Plumber aged about five and forty years and Henry ROBINSON of Fordington Clerk aged about thirty seven years - died soon after making his will

Dated 01 Jun 1696

Probate 04 August 1696

In the name of God Amen the first day of June Anno Domini 1696 I Joshua COLSON of Dorchester in the County of Dorset Apothecary being weak of body but of sound and perfect memory thanks be to Almight God do make and ordain this my last will and testament in mannor and form following First I commend my soul into the hand of Almighty God hoping through the merits death and passion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon of all my sins and to inherit life everlasting and my Body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereinafter named and as touching my temoral estate as it hath pleased God to bestow upon my I give and dispose thereof as followeth Impremis I give and bequeath unto my kinsman Jasper COLSON the sum of 50 pounds and also a piece of gold the value of three and twenty shillings Item I give and bequeath unto his sister Sarah the wife of Austin WIGGINS ? piece of gold of the like value: Item I give and bequeath unto my dear sister Ann COLSON the sum of two hundred pounds and I do moreover give [her] all that my house and garden with the appurtenances situate and lying and being in the parish of All Saints in the Borough of Dorchester in the County aforesaid now in the occupation of Bernard TOOP To hold to her and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and bequeath the same unto my kinsman Robert COLSON the elder of Dorchester to hold to him his heirs and assigns for ever and I do moreover give and bequeath unto my said kinsman Robert COLSON a braod piece of gold of three and twenty shillings and to Joan his wife and Robert his son I give to each of them a piece of gold of the like value Item I give and bequeath unto kinswoman Sarah HERNE the now wife of Thomas HERNE Chyrurgeon the sum of two hundred pounds which said sum shall be and is hereby construed and meant the two hundred pounds I promised to give unto her in marriage with Thomas HERNE as by certain articles of agreement to that purpose made and exempted more at large appeareth and my will is that the said sum shall be paid and remainto the same intent and purpose as it is mentioned meant and intended on the said articles and covenants of marriage And I do moreover give unto her a broad piece of gold to the value of three and twenty shillings Item I give unto the poor of the parish of St Peters in Dorchester the sum of twenty shillings and the like sum I give unto the poor of the Holy Trinity and the like I give unto the poor of the parish of All Saints All the rest and residue of my goods chattels and estate whatsover I give and bequeath unto the siad Thomas HERNE and my dear sister Ann COLSON and do make and ordaine them my sole and joint exectors of this my present last will and testament and I do hereby desire my trusty and well beloved friends James COLE of Dorchester aforesaid Esq Thomas ROSE Doctor of Physic George LESTER of the same pewterer and Robert RASKER of the same maltster to be my trustees and syupervisors to see this my present last will and testament duly executed and for a recompence of their kindness I give unto each of them a gold ring of the value of twenty shillings a [piece due if it shall happen at any time hereafter any doubt or question to arise concerning any of the words clauses and sentences in this my present last will and testament or my true intent and meaning herein that then the further and better explanation interpretationand construsion of such doubt or ambiguity I will that my said trustees and supervisors shall expound and explain and interpret it accordingly to their wisdoms and good discretions and shall finally determine all differences that may happen to arise betwixt any of the legatees and my executors herein before named In witness whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written the hand of Joshua COLSON: signed sealed acknowledged & published and declared & in the presence of John LOVETT Francis GARLAND; & Richard SAMWAIES:: Probate granted to Thomas HERNE 4th day of August 1696

Will: Having barred all former settlements by fine levied by my wife and son since deceased by reason of which the whole power of my estate is in my own self and at my own pleasure Impremis I leave my body to be buried in such manner and place as my executors hereinafter named shall think fitwithout vain ceromonies and much charge; For my earthly goods lands and estates in manner following: For my estate and lands in Milborne Port and Milborne Wick in the County of Somerset to be settled in trust with my loving friends William HULL oif Topidle Dorset Esq and Francis HULL of the same Gent, Heny Arnold of Islington and my Nephew Thomas MEECH of Chaminster, Richard ADAMS of Milborne Port whom I make my executors and Trustees in Trust to pay my debts and the debts of my late son Peter HULL ; Towards the maintenance of the widow Ann and relict of my son Peter HULL and Humphrey the only child of my son Peter HULL For their maintenance and his education Ann £10 pa for life and when debts paid £20pa to grandson Humphrey HULL. if he dies leaving no issue to my sister Elizabeth STROOD if living £300 and her daughter Elizabeth £200 and her other 2 daughters £200 between them and George STROOD her son £100; Executors a ring each of 20 shillings; My servant Martha LUSE £10over and above her wages Sealed 17th Aug 1696 In the presence of Edward Cane; John Lambert; Martha Luse.