Transcription of the Last Will and Testament of Michael Brooker
Film Location: East Sussex Record Office, Lewes
Will dated: 21st February 1751 and Proved at South Malling on the 27th May 1751. Ref. SM D7/357
Michael Brooker’s place and date of baptism is unknown. He married Ann Turner (of Isfield) at Framfield Church on 15th June 1686.
He was buried at Framfield on the 19th May 1751.
In the Name of God Amen, I Michael Brooker of the Parish of Framfield in the County of Sussex….do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say, I give my soul into the hand of Almighty God…..
I give and devise unto my son, John Brooker, 1 messuage of freehold land with the appurtenances thereto belonging now in the occupation of Edward Ede (Eade)…..
Likewise, I give and devise unto my son John Brooker, that messuage or tenement that I now live in, with the appurtenances thereto belonging…..
Likewise, I give unto the said John Brooker all my personal estate or moneys…..
Likewise, I devise unto my grandson, Michael Brooker, my house and lands at Blackboys Common to him and his heirs forever, with the proviso that my son Edward Brooker’s Widow shall have her dwelling in the said house so long as she shall live.
Likewise, I give and bequeath unto my daughter, Ann Martin, the sum of £30 of good and lawful money of Great Britain to be paid her so soon as I am dead, by my Executor and £7 unto my daughter, Leah Diggens, of like and lawful money to be paid at two payments to her, one half at three months after my decease and the other half six months after the first payment, by my Executor.
Likewise, I give unto my three grandsons Edward Brooker, David Brooker and Thomas Diggens one guinea…..to be paid three months after my decease by my Executor. And £3, I likewise give unto my grand-daughter, Mary Martin to be paid her 12 months after my decease by my Executor.
My Will and Mind is that my daughter, Ann Martin, shall have all the house goods as it stands, except one bed, which I give to my daughter, Leah Diggens, and further I do nominate and appoint my son, John Brooker, to be sole and only Executor of this my last Will and Testament.
Witness my hand and Seal the 21st February 1751.
Signed: Michael Brooker
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presence of:
Nicholas Jenner
Thomas Chandler
William Stone
Proved at South Malling on 27th May 1751.