Robert Plumer ^{1 2}

   Find a Grave ID: 186454994.

  Events

• Will, 3 Jan 1726/27. In the name of God Amen I John
Mathew of St Thomas in the Cliffe near Lewes in
the County of Sussex Grocer being in good health in
body and of sound and disposing minde and memory
and understanding (praised be Almighty God therefore)
doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament
in manner and form following (that is to say) First and
principally I resign my soul into the Hands of Almighty
God my Creator hoping and expecting eternal Salvation
in and through the merits Death and passion of Jesus
Christ my Blessed Saviour and Redeemer and my Body
I committ to the Earth to be decently interred at the
discretion of my Executor hereafter named And do dispose
of such temporal Estate and Worldly Substance wherewith it
hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with in manner and
forme following (that is to say) Imprimis Whereas I
have heretofore surrendered all and Singular my Customary
or Copyhold Messuages Lands Tenements and Hereditaments
whatsoever with th'appurtenances into the Hands of the
Lords of the respective Mannors of whom the same are
severally holden to the use of my Will Now in pursuance of
such surrender I do hereby Give and devise All those my
Messuages or Tenements Barns Buildings Lands and Hereditaments
whatsoever with the appurtenances situate lying and being in
the several parishes of Lullington Arlington and Alfriston or
some or one of them in the said County and now in the tenure
or occupation of William Woodhams or his assignes And also all
that my Messuage or Tenement barns buildings Lands & Hereditaments
with th'appurtenances situate lying and being in Chiltington
within the parish of Westmeston in the said County and now
in the tenure or occupation of Mathew Comber or his
assignes And also all my Messuage or tenement buildings
and backside with thappurtenances situate and being in
Lewes in the said County and now in the tenure of
Mrs Susan Tourle or her assignes And also all that my Barn
with thappurtenances situate in Fishers Street within the
Burrough of Lewes aforesaid and now in the tenure of
the Widow Palmer and Henry Apps or their assignes
And also all those my two Brooklands lying in the parish of

Southmalling in the said County and all that my
Croft of Land in Southover near Lewes aforesaid which I
lately purchased of Mr Edward Trayton and now in the
occupation of John Adds or his assignes And also all that my
Mansion House and buildings wherein I now dwell together
with the Garden backside and appurtenances thereunto
belonging and situate lying and being in the Cliffe aforesaid
And also all that my Messuage or Tenement Stable
warehouses buildings Gardens backside and appurtenances
in the Cliffe aforesaid now in the Several occupations of Henry
Paine William Baldy Gent and Richard Greenfield or one
of them their some or one of their assignes or Undertenants
And also all other my Freehold and Copyhold Messuages or
Tenements Barnes Buildings Farme Landes Tenements
and Hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever with their
and every of their appurtenances unto my loving kinsman
Robert Plumer son of James Plumer of Chayley in the said
County Gent and Margaret his Wife and to his heires and
assignes forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my
kinsmen and kinswomen John Plumer James Plumer
Mary Plumer and Sarah Plumer sons and daughters of
my said Kinsman James Plumer of Chayley aforesaid and
Margaret his wife the sume of Two hundred pounds a piece
of lawfull money of Great Britaine to be respectively paid
unto them by my Executor herein afternamed within the space
of Twelve Callender Months next after my decease Item
I give and bequeath unto my Kinswoman Anne the wife
of Henry Manning of Lewes aforesaid Appothecary the sume
of two hundred pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine
to be paid unto her within the space of Twelve Calender Months
next after my death by my Executor and I desire that the
same sume after her death may be paid to my Godson Edward
Manning son of the said Henry Manning and Anne his wife
or at the least soon as he shall attaine to the age of One and
Twenty Years Item I give and bequeath unto my Kinswoman
Elizabeth the wife of John Goring of Barcombe in the said County
Gent One Annuity or Yearly Sue of Eight pounds to be paid
to her yearly and every year during the terme of her natural
Life (John Mathew) by my Executor hereafter named by

equal quarterly payments the first payment to begin and be
made in three Calender Months next after my decease And
I hereby order and direct that the receipt Signed with her
own hand exclusive of her Husband shall be to my Executor
from time to time sufficient discharge for such annuity And
from and imediately after her decease in Case Elizabeth the
daughter of the said John Goring and Elizabeth his Wife shall
then be living and within the Age of One and Twenty
years and unmarried then I will order and direct that the
said annuity of Eight pounds per Ann[um] shall be continued
and paid to the said Elizabeth the daughter by equal quarterly
payments by my Executor hereafter named untill she shall
attain to such age of One and Twenty Years or be Married
which shall first happen And imediately upon the said
Elizabeth the said daughter her attaining to the age of One and
Twenty or being Married which shall first happen (and in
Case the said Elizabeth the Mother be then dead if not immediately
after her death) I give and bequeath to the said Elizabeth the
daughter of the said John Goring the sume of Two hundred
pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine to be paid unto her
as aforesaid by my Executor hereafter named And my will
and mind is and I do hereby declare my will and meaning to
be that when my said Executor shall have paid the said
Legacy of Two hundred pounds by my given to the said
Elizabeth the daughter of the said John Goring as aforesaid
that then the said Annuity of Eight Pounds shall cease and
be no longer paid And in case the said Elizabeth the daughter
shall happen to dye before her said Legacie of Two hundred
pounds shall become payable then I will that the same shall
be my Executors Item I give and bequeath unto my Maid
servant Elizabeth Adds the sume of one hundred pounds of
lawfull money of Great Brittaine to be paid unto her in Twelve
Calender Months next after my decease by my Executor Item
I give to Thomas Allen of Newhaven fifty shillings to be paid
in Six Months after my death Item I give and bequeath
unto Mary the wife of Nathaniel Austen Sarah the Widow
of Thomas Rose deceased John Preston William Tichenor
John Austen and Henry Paine a Hatter all of the Cliffe aforesaid
Forty shillings a piece to be respectively paid to them in three

Months after my death by my Executor Item I give to the
poor of the parish of St Thomas in the Cliffe the sume of Five
pounds of lawfull money of Great Brittaine to be paid in Three
Months after my death to and among such poor people as
do not receive releif of the said parish in such manner as my
said executor shall think fitt Item all the rest residue and
remainder of my Goods Chattells ready Money plate Household
Stuff personall Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever (after
my Just debts and Legacies aforesaid shall be full paid and
satisfied) I give and bequeath unto my said Kinsman Robert
Plumer whom I constitute and appoint sole Executor of this my
last Will and Testament And lastly I revoke all former
Wills by me made And In Witness that this my last will
and Testament is contained in two Sheets of paper fixed together
with a Label I have to each sheet thereof Sett my hand and Seal
this Third day of January in the first year of the reigne of
our Sovereigne Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of
Great Brittaine France and Ireland King Defender of the
Faith &c Anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred and
Twenty Seven (John Mathew) Signed sealed
published and declared by the said John Mathew the Testator
as and for his last will and Testament and afterwards attested
by us whose names are subscribed as Witnesses in the presence
of the said Testator John Newton Thos Foord Juner
Thomas Attree

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley]

• Probate, 24 Jun 1730. Probatum fuit Testamentum Johannis Mathew nuper
de Clivo juxta Lewes infra decanat de Southmalling
defuncti Vicesimo quarto die Mensis Junii Anno domini
Millesimo Septingentesimo et Tricesimo Coram Magistro
Ricardo Lardner LLB Surrogato &c Juramento Roberti
Plumer Gent Executor in ejus Testamento Cui Commissa
fuit Administracio Bonor &c de bene &c ad Sancta &c
Jurat

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley]

• Probate, 18 Mar 1734/35, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7, GB. The Will of John Goring late of Barcombe Esq dece[ase]d was proved the Eighteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty five Before the Reverend Mr Edward Lund Surrogate Upon the Oaths of Thomas Godley John Plumer and Robert Plumer only Executors named in the said Will To whom was Comitted Administration of the Goods and so forth Being first sworn well and faithfully to administer the same and so forth.

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley, December 2005]

• Apprenticeship (master): Faulkner Bristow, 4 Mar 1740/41, Cliffe, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7, GB. grocer

• Will, 1 Oct 1747. ³ In the Name of God Amen I James Plumer of Chailey in the County of Sussex Gentleman being aged and infirm but of Sound Mind and Understanding do make and declare this my last Will and Testament in Writing in manner following that is to Say first I Commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God my Creator hoping for Salvation through the Merits and Mediation of Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer and my Body I resign to the Earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named and as touching the Disposition of such Worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me I do hereby give and dispose thereof as followeth First I give and bequeath unto the Poor of the Parish of Chailey aforesaid the Sum of forty Shillings to be distributed amongst them by the Minister of the said Parish within Six months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto every one of my Servants who shall be living with me at the time of my decease the Sum of five Shillings over and above their Wages then due also I give and devise unto my dear and wellbeloved wife Margaret Plumer all and every my Freehold and Copyhold Messuages Barns Buildings Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever Situate lying and being in the Parishes of Chailey and Newick or either of them in the said County of Sussex and hold......of the Manors of Allington and Houndean in the said County which Copyhold Premisses I have surrendered to the use of my Will to hold to her the said Margaret and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural Life and from also after her decease I do hereby give and devise all and every my said Freehold and Copyhold Messuages Barns Buildings Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whatsoever Situate lying and being in the said Parishes of Chailey and Newick or either of them unto my Son John Plumer his Heirs and assigns forever also I give and devise unto my son John Plumer......................and his Heirs forever all that my Messuage or Tenement Ba....side and Garden Situate lying and being in the Parish of Saint John Baptist Southover in the County of Sussex also I give and devise unto my said Wife Margaret Plumer all and every my Copyhold Messuages or Tenements Barns Buildings Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever Situate lying and being in Radmill in the County aforesaid and holders of the Manor of Radmill which I have heretofore surrendered to the use of my Will to hold to her the said Margaret and her assigns for and during the Term of her natural Life and from and after her decease I do hereby give and devise the same and every part thereof unto my son Robert Plumer and his Heirs forever and Whereas John Goring late of Barcombe in the County of Sussex Gent deceased by his surrender in Writing bearing date on or about the nineteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord 1722 did Surrender into the Hands of the Lord of the Manor of Barcombe by the Acceptance of Thomas Medley, Esquire, Steward there four Peices or Parcells of Land with the appurtenances called Cheelane alias Deco???.......... containing by Estimation fourteen Acres lying in Barcombe nigh the Church late Woods to the use and behoofe of me the said James Plumer and my Heirs forever under condition nevertheless to bevoid on payment of the Sum of one Hundred Sixty and five Pounds as is therein mentioned and Whereas the Principal Sum of one Hundred and Fifty pounds hath never been paid but is Still due to me on the said surrender now I do hereby give and bequeath the said Principal sum of one Hundred and Fifty pounds due to me on the said recited Surrender unto my Daughter Elizabeth Goring Widow of the said John Goring also I give and bequeath unto the said Elizabeth Goring the sum of three Hundred Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid unto her by my Executor hereafter named within three Months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Ann Manning wife of Henry Manning of Lewes in the County aforesaid Apothecary the Sum of three Hundred Pounds of like lawful Money to be paid unto her by my Executors hereafter named within three Months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my Daughters Mary Plumer and Sarah Plumer and to each of them the sum of Seven Hundred Pounds of like lawful Money to be paid unto them respectively by my Executor hereafter named within three Months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my Son John Plumer the Sum of three Hundred Pounds of like lawful Money to be had and received by him within three Months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my son James Plumer the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds of like lawful Money to be paid unto him by my Executor within three Months next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my five Grandchildren to wit Elizabeth Eagles Henry Manning Elizabeth Manning Edward Manning and John Plumer and to every one of them the Sum of Ten Pounds of like lawful Money to be paid unto them by my Executor hereafter named at their Several ages of Twenty and one years also I give and bequeath unto my dear and wellbeloved Wife Margaret Plumer for and during the term of her natural Life the Sole and Seperate use of all and every my Household Goods Plate Linnen and Furniture in and about my now dwelling House in Chailey aforesaid and also the use of all my Cattle Corn Hay Husbandry Tackling and Stock in and upon my Farm and Lands now in my Occupation as also the use of the Money the same or any part thereof shall at any time or times be sold for and also the use of the remainder of all such Money as I shall leave from and after the Legacys before herein by me given and bequeathed my just Debts Funeral Expenses and Probate of this my Will are fully paid Satisfied and discharged and from and after the Decease of my said Wife I do hereby give and bequeath my said Household Goods Plate Linnen and Furniture Cattle Corn Hay Husbandry Tackling Stock and the Money that the same or any part thereof shall be sold for and also the remainder of all such Money as I shall leave as aforesaid unto and amongst all and every my Sons and Daughters to be equally divided between them share and share alike and I do hereby make and appoint my son John Plumer Executor of this my Will also I revoke all former Wills by me made Published and declared In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament Set my hand and Seal the first Day of October in the Twentyfirst Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and forty seven James Plumer Signed Sealed Published and declared by the said James Plumer the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in the presence of him have hereunto Subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereof James Browne Benjamin Turle George Chantler

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will, 18 Jan 1756. ⁴ In the Name of God Amen I James Plumer of Chailey in the County of Sussex Gentleman being in good Health and of sound and disposing Mind and Memory praised be God but calling to Mind the certainty of death and the uncertainty of this Mortal life doe therefore make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner follwing First I resign my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors Also my Will and meaning is that all my Debts and Legacies be fully paid and satisfied Also I give to all my Brothers and Sisters Ten pounds a peice Also I give to my Sister [Elizabeth] Goring my Silver Tea Kettle and to my Sister Sarah my Gold Watch Also I give to Elizabeth [Goring] the Wife of George Egles Esq^r Fifty pounds To my Nephew John Plumer Thirty pounds To my loving Cousins Henry Elizabeth and Edward Manning Thirty pounds a peice To Barbara Goring George and Lucy Egles Ten pounds a peice To my Godson John Egles Fifty pounds Also I give to my loving Kinsman James Marriott the sum of four hundred pounds all which several Legacies I do hereby desire and appoint shall be paid by my Executors within one year next after my decease Also I do hereby give and bequeath to my loving Kinsman James Marriott all that peice or parcel of Marshland containing by estimation twelve acres lying and being in Crayford in the County of Kent and now in the Tenure or Occupation of Percy or his Assignes To hold to the said James Mariott his Executors Administrators and Assigns for the remiander of the Term of Years in the Lease and Grant thereof and therein mentioned granted and contained in as full and ample manner as I myself may might or could enjoy the same to all intents and purposes whatsoever Also I give to and amongst such industrious Poor of the Parish of Chailey as receive no alms of the said Parish Thirty pounds Also all the rest and residue of my ready Money Goods Chattels Plate Household Stuff Linnen and Woollen not herein before given and disposed of I doe hereby give and bequeath to my loving Brothers John Plumer and Robert Plumer Gentlemen And I do hereby make and ordain my said loving Brothers John Plumer and Robert Plumer full and sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament and the better to enable them to pay and discharge the abovesaid Legacies I do hereby give and devise to my said loving Brothers John Plumer and Robert Plumer all those several peices or parcels of Land lying and being in Hailsham in the County of Sussex and now in the tenure or Occupation of William Jones his Assigns or Undertenants To hold to my said loving Brothers John Plumer and Robert Plumer their Heirs and Assigns for ever as Tenants in common and not as joint Tenants In Witness whereof I the said James Plumer the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament revoking all other Will and Wills set my Hand and Seal this Eighteenth Day of January One thousand seven hundred and fifty-six Jam: Plumer Signed Sealed published and declared by the said James Plumer the Testator to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request have set our Names as Witnesses hereunto The mark of Elizabeth Steele William Peckham Walter Batchelor

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Apprenticeship (master): Edward Hamford, 27 Feb 1756, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7, GB. grocer

• Will, 1 May 1760. ⁵ I John Plumer of Lewes in the County of Sussex Gentleman being of sound and disposing Mind and Memory do make Publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in Manner following that is to say first I give and bequeath unto the Poor of the parish of St. Anns in Lewes aforesaid the Sum of Five pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain to be distributed amongst them by my Executor in Trust hereafter named within one Month next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my servants who shall be living with me at the time of my decease Ten shillings each also I give and bequeath unto my Brother Robert Plumer and to my Sisters Elizabeth Goring Mary Plumer Sarah Plumer and Ann Manning and to every one of them the sum of Ten pounds to be paid unto them by my Executor within Six Months next after my Decease also I give and bequeath unto my dear and well beloved Wife Elizabeth Plumer the Sum of Thirty pounds to be paid unto her by my Executor within one Month next after my decease to buy her Mourning and for other her Necessary Occasons And whereas before my Marriage I entered into a Bond for Payment from and after my decease unto my said Wife for and during the Term of her natural Life the Sum of Eighty pounds by the year at the times and in such manner as is therein mentioned to be paid now I do by this my Will ratify and Confirm the said Bond and order and direct the payment thereof accordingly also I give and devise unto my Son John Plumer and his Heirs forever all and every my Messuages Lands Tenements Hereditaments and real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever both Freehold and Copyhold which Copyhold I have Surrendered to the use of my Will Situate lying and being in the Countys of Sussex and Kent or either of them also I give and bequeath unto my said Son John Plumer all my Money Securities for Money Goods Chattels and personal Estate of what Nature kind or sort soever after my just Debts Legacys and Funeral Expences are paid and discharged provided nevertheless my Will and Mind is and I do hereby order and direct that my said Wife shall have hold and enjoy my now dwelling house with the Wood house Coal house yard and Garden thereto belonging and use of the Well for and during such time and so long as she shall remain a Widow form and after my decease if she shall think fit to abide and dwell therein at the yearly Rent of Twenty shillings she also paying and discharging from time to time and at all times as well the Kings Taxes as also all other Taxes payments and assessments whatsoever that shall or may become due and payable for the same and I do hereby further Will order and direct that my said Wife during her Widowhood as aforesaid shall have the free and Sole use of all my plate China Linnen Beds Bedding Goods Household Stuff and Furniture whatsoever in about and belonging to my now dwelling House and that my Executor shall and do as soon as Conveniently may be after my decease take a true and perfect Inventory thereof also I do order and direct that my said Wife shall not during her Widowhood take or remove any of my Goods or Furniture out of my dwelling House and I do hereby make and appoint my loving Brother Robert Plumer Executor of this my Will also I hereby direct and appoint the said Robert Plumer to have the Tuition and Guardianship of my Son John Plumer until he shall attain his age of Twenty and one years and I do hereby Authorise and impower my Executor at any time during the Minority of my said Son to lay out any such Sum or Sumes of Money out of such Money as I shall leave at the time of my decease as she shall think proper and Convenient in purchase of Freehold Messuages Lands and Tenements or or Copyhold Messuages Lands and Tenements at a Fine and Heriott certain for the use and Benefit of my said Son and his Heirs and also that my said Executor in Trust his Executors and Administrators shall deduct and receive to his and their own use and uses out of what money as shall come to his or their hands by Virtue of this my Will all such necessary Charges and Expences as they or either of them shall lay out and Expend in and about the Execution of the Trust hereinbefore in him or them reposed and shall not be answerable or accountable of any Money that at any time shall happen to be by being plated out in bad Securitys provided also and my Will and Mind farther is that if my said Son shall happen to dye before he attaineth his age of Twenty and one years that then from and after his decease I do hereby give and devise unto my Brother Robert Plumer and his Heirs all and every my Messuages Lands Tenements and Hereditaments and Real Estate whatsoever and wheresoever Situate lying and being in the Countys of Sussex and Kent or either of them he and they permitting my Wife to hold and enjoy my said dwelling House and the Furniture thereof during her Widowhood as aforesaid and from and after the decease of my Son as aforesaid I give and bequeath unto my sisters Elizabeth Goring Widow Mary Plumer Sarah Plumer and Ann Manning Wife of Henry Manning and unto every one of them the sum of two hundred pounds to be paid unto them respectively within six Months after his death by my said brother Robert Plumer also from and after the decease of my said son I give and bequeath unto my Brother Robert all the residue and remainder of all my Moneys Securities for Money Goods Chattels and Personal Estate whatsoever after my Debts Legacies and Funeral Expenses are paid and discharged as also all my Goods and Furniture in my dwelling House from and after the Marriage or decease of my said Wife and then also I make him Executor of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time made or published In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper to each sheet thereof sett my hand and Seal the first of May in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty John Plumer Signed sealed published and declared by the said John Plumer the Testator as and for his last Will and Testment in the Presence of us who in the presence of him have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses thereof Ant. Blundell John Webb W^m Kemp

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Probate, 5 Mar 1761, London, GB. ⁵ This Will was proved at London the fifth day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty one before the right Worshipful Edward Simpson Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of Robert Plumer the Sole Executor named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the dec[eas]ed he having been first sworn by Commission duly to adminster

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Occupation: grocer, 18 Jun 1762.

• Will, 18 Jun 1762. ⁶ This is the last Will and Testament of me Sarah Plumer of the Cliff near Lewes in the County of Sussex Spinster First after recommending my Soul to God who gave it And my body to the Earth to be decently Interred according to the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named I Give and dispose of my Worldly Estate with which it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me with in the manner following that is to say I Give and bequeath unto my Brother Robert Plumer of the Cliff near Lewes aforesaid Grocer the sum of Five Hundred pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid him within three months next after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my Sister M^rs Goring Widow the sum of Ten Pounds of like lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid her within three months next after my decease. Also I give unto my two other Sisters Mary Plumer Spinster and Ann Mannings now the Wife of Henry Mannings of South Over Gentleman the Sum of Ten pounds a piece of like lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid to each of them within three Months next after my decease Also I Give unto my said Sister Mannings aforesaid One Chest of Drawers which was my late Mothers and all the Goods and things whatsoever which may happpen to be found therein at my decease. Also I give unto my Sister Plumer of the parish of St Anns in Lewes aforesaid Widow the sum of Ten Pounds of like lawful money of Great Britain to be paid her within three months next after my decease Also I Give unto my Neice M^rs Egles now the Wife of George Egles of Barcomb in Sussex Esq^r the sum of Fifty Pounds of like lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid her within three months next after my decease Also I Give unto my said Niece Egles aforesaid all and every my Wearing Apparel as well Linnen as Woolen of all sorts whatsoever to be delivered her immediately after my decease Also I give unto my Nephew John Plumer Son of my late deceased Brother M^r John Plumer the Sum of One Hundred Pounds to be paid him when he Arrives to the Age of Twenty One Years and I desire my Executors to pay my said Nephew John Plumer four Pounds Yearly as Interest Money for his said One Hundred Pounds until the same becomes due and payable to him at his Age aforesaid the said Interest Money to Commence three Months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my Nephew Henry Mannings of the Parish of Saint Michaels in Lewes aforesaid Surgeon and Apothecary the Sum of Five Hundred Pounds of like lawful money of Great Britain to be also paid him within three Months next after my decease Also I Give unto my niece Miss Manning daughter of my said Brother Mr Manning of South Over aforesaid the Sum of One Hundred Pounds of like lawful Money of Great Britain to be also paid her within three Months next after my decease Also I give unto my Nephew Edward Mannings Son of my said Brother Mr Manning of South Over aforesaid the Sum of One Hundred Pounds to be paid him at his Age of twenty One years And I desire my Executors to pay him Yearly Interest for his said Legacy the sum of four pounds until the same becomes due and payable to him at his Age aforesaid the Interest Money to begin and be Accounted from three Months next after my decease the same as my said Nephew John Plumer aforesaid. Also I give unto all and every of the Children of my said Niece M^rs Egles which shall be living at my decease the sum of Ten Pounds a piece of lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid to each of them at their several and respective Ages of twenty One years and in the mean time I desire my said Executors to pay yearly to each of them Eight Shillings as Interest Money for their said several Legacys of Ten Pounds a piece until the same shall become due and payable to each of them at their several and respective Ages aforesaid. And the said Interest Moneys to Commence and begin from three Months next after my decease And Lastly all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Ready Money Securities for Money Goods Chattels and Personal Estate of what nature and kindsoever and wheresoever I shall dye possessed of I Give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said Brother Robert Plumer and Henry Mannings my said Nephew aforesaid their Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever And I do hereby name and appoint they my said Brother Robert Plumer and my said Nephew Henry Mannings aforesaid joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament they paying all my just debts Legacys Funeral Expenses and Probate of this my last Will hereby revoking all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made declaring this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two Sheets and part of a third Sheet of Paper set my hand and Seal to each Sheet thereof this Eighteenth day of June in the second year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty two Sarah Plumer Signed Sealed delivered published and declared by the said Sarah Plumer the Testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our Names as Witnesses in her presence John Burtenshaw W^m Henry Benge

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will, 3 Jul 1769. ⁷ This is the Last Will and Testament of me Mary Plumer of Southover near Lewes in the County of Sussex spinster touching the Disposition of my Worldly Estate First I Give and bequeath to my Sister Elizabeth Goring the Interest and produce of the sum of Two hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid her from Six Months after my Decease for and during the Term of her Natural life by my Executors hereinafter named which said Sum of Two hundred pounds I Direct my Executors to place out at Interest with the Consent of my said sister Goring for that purpose and Immediately after the Decease of my said Sister Goring I Give and bequeath the said sum of Two hundred pounds to my niece Lucy Eagles Also I give and bequeath to my Brother Robert Plumer Two hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid him by my Executors hereinafter named Six Months after my Decease Also I Give and bequeath to my sister Sarah Plumer Two hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid her by my Executors herein after named Six Months after my Decease Also I Give and bequeath to my sister [Anne] Manning the Interest and produce of Six hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid her from Six Months after my Decease for and during the Term of her Natural life by my Executors hereinafter named which said sum of Six hundred pounds I direct my Executors to place out at Interest with the Consent of my said sister Manning for that purpose and Immediately after the Decease of my said sister Manning I Give and bequeath three hundred pounds part thereof to my Nephew Henry Mannung the younger over and above what is hereinafter Given to him and the Three hundred pounds Residue thereof I Give and bequeath to my neice Elizabeth Manning Also I Give and bequeath to my brother Brother Manning Fifty pounds six Months after my decease over and above what necessary Charges and Expenses he may be .... in the execution of this my Will Also I give and bequeath to my nephew John Plumer Twenty pounds to be paid him Six Months after my decease by my Executors hereinafter named Also I Give and bequeath to my Niece Elizabeth Eagles Twenty pounds to be paid her by my Executors hereinafter named Six Months after my decease Also I Give and bequeath to my Neice Barbara Eagles Ten pounds to my neice Goring Eagles Ten pounds and to my Niece Lucy Eagles Ten pounds to be paid them Six Months after my Decease by my Executors hereinafter named Also I Give and bequeath to my Nephew George Eagles Ten pounds to my Nephew John Eagles Ten pounds to my neice Sophia Eagles Ten pounds to my Nephew Gabriel Eagles Ten pounds to my Nephew Edward Eagles Ten poundsand to my Nephew Plumer Eagles Ten pounds to be paid them at their several ages of one and Twenty years by my Executors hereinafter named Also I Give and bequeath to my nephew Henry Manning the younger all my Old Gold Also I Give and bequeath to my Sister Manning the use of all my Plate (Except what I have hereby otherwise Disposed of) During the Term of her natural life and after her Decease I Give and bequeath the same to her Children in such manner Shares and Proportions as my said Sister Manning shall by will or otherwise order Direct and Appoint the same. Also I Give and bequeath to my said Sister Manning my two Chests of Linnen and my Chest of Drawers and also my New Cloth that is unmadeup and also all my Wearing Apparel of all Sorts and Kinds Except which I shall otherwise dispose of Also I Give and bequeath to the poor of the parish of Chailey in the County of Sussex the sum of Two pounds and Ten Shillings and to the poor of the Parish of Saint John Baptist Southover near Lewes aforesaid the like sum of Two pounds and Ten Shillings to be paid and Distributed one month after my Decease by my Executors hereinafter named in such manner as they shall think proper And it is my Desire to be buried at Chailey aforesaid beside my Father or as near to him as may be and that my Executors shall provide a hearse and everything that is decent and Give Gloves to my Relations All the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate not hereby otherwise Disposed of I Give and bequeath the same and every part thereof after payment of my Just Debts Legacys aforesaid Funeral Expenses and the Charges of proving and Executing this my Will unto my said Nephew Henry Manning the younger his Executors Adm[inistrat]ors And Lastly I do hereby Nominate Consistute and appoint my said Brother Henry Manning and nephew Henry Manning the younger Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made In Witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two Sheets of paper set my hand and seal to each sheet thereof this third Day of July in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and sixty-nine Mary Plumer signed sealed Published and Declared by the said Testatrix Mary Plumer as and for her last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who in the presence of her and each other have hereunto subscribed our named as Witnesses I. Wer……… ? rs Wheeler

This peice of paper is a Codicil to my Will I Give to my sister Goaring my long Te……..scarf my white Damask Gown and my Blew Cal ………. quilted Coat and my best stay I Give to my Niece Elizabeth Eagles my Grey Tabby Gown I Give to my niece Elizabeth Manning my Gold Watch my Perl Neckless and two Rings with red Stones I Give her in my Will Three hundred pounds after her mothers Death but if she marry James Bonnyface or any such as he is or if she keeps Company with him or any such as he is I Give it to my Nephew Henry Manning after his Mothers Death I Give to my Niece Lucy Eagles two pritty pair of Stone Earrings set in Gold and two stone Girdle Buckles I Give her my Pink Satten Night Gown and my Green Damask Gown and all the peices I Give to my Nephew Henry Manning the little Box of Treasure my Father Gave me and their is everything in it as is set down on the paper that is in the Box and one Stone Ring more that is for him I would have a thick Oak Coffin covered with black Cloth and lined within side I Desire to be kept Seven days above Ground after I am Dead if I can without being Offensive I would have a very Good Shroud to be buried in I Give to my Neice Elizabeth Manning Ten pounds my Gold Watch my Pearl Neckless and the two Rings She is to Receive Six Months after my Decease I have Given all the rest of my Cloathes which I have not disposed of here to my sister Manning May the 9 1770
And all the rest of my Rings I Give to my sister Manning Witness my hand Mary Plumer

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Probate, 28 Jun 1771, London, GB. ⁶ This Will was proved at London the twenty eighth day of June in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy One before the Right Worshipful George Hay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of Robert Plumer the Brother and Henry Mannings otherwise Manning the Nephew of the deceased and Executors named in the Will to whom Administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased having been first sworn by the Commission duly to administer.

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will, 29 Mar 1776. ⁸ This is the last Will and Testament of me Henry Manning the Elder of Saint John Baptist Southover near Lewes in the County of Sussex Gentleman First after Recommending my Soul to God who gave it and my Body to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named I give and dispose of my worldly Estate with which it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me in manner following that is to say I give unto my dear and loving Wife Ann Manning the sum of twenty pounds to be paid he within one month after my decease Also I give unto my said Wife Ann Manning One Annuity or Yearly sum of forty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain by the Year to be paid her by my Executor for and during the term of her natural life if she so long continue my Widow and unmarried at the four most usual Feasts or days of payment in the Year that is to say Lady day Midsummer day Michaelmas day and Christmas day by even and equal portions quarterly to be paid and the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said quarter days which shall first and next happen after my decease and to be paid out of the Residue of my Personal Estate hereafter mentioned to be given to my Executor and I do hereby bind and charge the same with the payment thereof accordingly Also I give and devise unto my said wife Ann Manning subject to the proviso herein after mentioned All that my Dwelling House wherein I now live with the Garden and premises situate in Saint John Baptist Southover near Lewes aforesaid To hold the same premises with their appurtenances unto my said Wife Ann Manning for and during the term of her natural life if she so long continues my Widow and from and immediately after her decease or second marriage which shall first happen I give and devise all the said Messuage the Garden and Premises with their Appurtenances unto my son Henry Manning the Younger and his Heirs and assigns for ever provided nevertheless and it is hereby my express Will and desire that she my said Wife Ann Manning shall and do during her possession thereof pay unto my said son Henry Manning the sum of Forty shillings a Year as Rent for my said House for which I desire and order him at his own cost and Charges to pay the annual Kings Tax thereof and also keep all the premises in Good tenantable repair Also I give unto my said wife Ann Manning the use of all my Household Goods and Furniture whatsoever situated in and about my said Dwelling House and premises aforesaid for and during the term of her natural life or widowhood and from and after her decease or second marriage which shall first happen then I give and bequeath all and every my said Household Goods and Furniture of Household of what nature and kind soever and wheresoever in manner hereafter mentioned that is to say my ........ Bedstead and Hangings thereto belonging situated in my Kitchin Chamber the Furniture in my Study with all my Books and painted pictures Also my Case of Silver Handled knives and forks together with my large Silver Cup and Cover I give unto my said son Henry Manning and my two Silver Coffee Pots Milk Pot Tea Spoons Tongs and other Silver things belonging to the Tea Table with my Tea Boards Tea Tables and All my China Ware I give unto my daughter Elizabeth Manning And all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my said other Household Goods and Furniture as plate Linen and other Goods whatsoever I give unto my said son Henry Manning and my said daughter Elizabeth Manning equally to be divided between them after my said wife's decease or second marriage which shall first happen as aforesaid Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Manning the sum of One thousand two hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid her by my Executor within six months after my decease Also I give unto her my said daughter Elizabeth Manning the further sum of ten pounds of like money to buy her Mourning within one month after my decease to be also paid by my Executor Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Elizabeth Manning the further sum of eight hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid her by my said Executor within six months next after the decease or second marriage of my said Wife Ann Manning which shall first happen and I desire my Sister and Brother in Law Mrs Elizabeth Goring and Mr Robert Plumer will each of them be pleased to accept a Mourning Ring in token of friendship and Remembrance of me And all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate as well Real as personal whatsoever and wheresoever I shall or may die siezed or possessed of or in any respect whatsoever intitled unto at my decease and not herein or hereby before given or otherwise disposed of I give devise and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my said son Mr Henry Manning his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever he my said son Henry Manning first paying all my just debts funeral Expenses Annuity Legacies Probate of this my Will and Kings Tax of my said House and the charge of keeping the same in good tenantable repair during my said Wifes possession thereof as aforesaid And I do hereby name and appoint him my said son Henry Manning full and sole Executor of this my said last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former and other wills by me at any time heretofore made declaring this only to be my said last Will and Testament And I deserve my said Wife and my said Brother in Law Mr Robert Plumer will be Overseers thereof and be pleased to give their Advice and Assistance therein to my said Son and Executor as well in the faithful and punctual performance of this my last Will as also to preserve Love and Unity between them my said Son and Daughter In Witness whereof I have to this my said last Will and Testament contained in two sheets and part of a third sheet of paper set my hand and seal to each sheet thereof this twenty ninth day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy six Henry Manning Signed sealed delivered published and declared by the said Henry Manning the Elder the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses in his presence Thomas Gard John Gard W^m Henry Benge

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will, 5 Nov 1783. ² This is the Last Will and Testament of me Robert Plumer of Saint Thomas in the Cliffe near Lewes in the County of Sussex Gentleman First after recommending my Soul to God who gave it and my body to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named I Give and dispose of my Worldly Estate in manner following that is to say I give and bequeath unto my Sister Ann Manning Widow one Annuity or yearly Sum of twenty pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid her quarterly for her life out of my Personal Estate clear of all deductions whatsoever at the four most usual Days of payment in the year (that is to say) Lady day Midsummer day Michaelmas day and Christmas day and the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days which shall first happen after my decease Also I Give and bequeath unto my Niece Elizabeth Egles of Barcombe in the said County Widow the Legacy or Sum of two hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid her within four Months after my decease Also I give and devise unto her my said Niece Elizabeth Egles one Annuity or Yearly Rent charge of fifty pounds of like money for the term of her Widowhood free and clear of and from all parliamentary and other taxes charges and deductions whatsoever and I do hereby devise the said Annuity or yearly Rent Charge out of and charge .............. upon all those my several Messuages Farms Lands Tenements Hereditaments and Premisses situate at or near Blackboys in the Parish of Framfield in the said County and to be paid to her my said Niece Elizabeth Egles or her assigns be even half yearly payments on two of the most usual days of payment in the Year that is to say Lady day Michaelmas day the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days which shall first happen after my decease And in case the said Annuity or Yearly rent charge of fifty pounds or any part thereof shall happen to be behind and unpaid in part or in all by the space of Thirty days next over or after either of the said days of payment on which as aforesaid the same ought to be paid then and so often it shall and may be lawful for and I do hereby give full power and authority to my said Niece Elizabeth Egles and her Assigns from time to time to enter upon all or any part of the said Messuages Farms Lands and Premisses made chargeable therewith as aforesaid and to distrain for the same and all arrears thereof and her Distress and Distresses then and there found to take load dive and carry away detain impound sell and dispose of for the paying or satisfying her said Annuity or Yearly rent charge of fifty pounds and all arrears thereof and all costs and Expences attending the same And if the said Annuity or Yearly Rent charge of fifty pounds aforesaid shall happen to be in arrears and unpaid for the space of forty days after the half yearly payments aforesaid shall be arrived on which as aforesaid the same ought to be paid then I Give full power and Authority to and for my said Niece Elizabeth Egles and her Assigns to enter upon all or any part of the said premisses charged therewith as aforesaid and the same to detain and the rents issues and profits thereof to her own use to receive and keep untill she shall be fully satisfied and paid her said Annuity and all arrears thereof and all costs and charges attending to the recovery of the same Also I give to my said Niece Elizabeth Egles all my provisions of eatables drinkables and F….. which shall be in or about my dwelling House Outhouse and Garden at the time of my decease Also I Give unto my said Niece Elizabeth Egles the use of my House Outhouse and Garden for the space of One Year if she likes to live in it with the use of all the Furniture she paying the taxes for the same. Also I give and bequeath unto my Nephew Henry Manning of Lewes in the said County Surgeon the sum of five thousand pounds of like lawful money Also I give and devise unto my said Nephew Henry Manning all that my field or one piece of Meadow Land lying in the Parish of Saint John Baptist Southover near Lewes aforesaid now in his own occupation to hold the same piece of Land with the Appurtenances unto him my said nephew Henry Manning for the term of his natural life he keeping the Fences in good tenantable repair. Also I give and devise all those my Messuages Farms Lands Tenements Hereditaments and premisses with their and every of their Appurtenances as well Freehold as Copyhold (the Copyhold being Surrendered to the use of my Will) situate lying and being in the several parishes of Hailsham, Wilmington, Lullington, Alfriston, Rodmell, Chiltington, Chailey, Barcombe, and Saint John Baptist Southover aforesaid my said field or piece of Meadow Land there only excepted for the life of my said Nephew Henry Manning as aforesaid, unto my friend William Henry Benge of Lewes aforesaid Gentleman and my Nephew Anthony Morris of Barcombe near Lewes aforesaid Gentleman and to their Heirs In Trust and to the several uses hereinafter limitted and expressed concerning the same (that is to say) to the use and behoof of my Nephew John Plumer of Lewes aforesaid Gentleman and his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use and behoof of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their heirs for and during the natural life of the said John Plumer In trust to preserve the contingent remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer the said John Plumer to receive and take the rents issues and profits of the same premisses to his own use And from and after the decease of my said Nephew John Plumer (subject as aforesaid) to the use and behoof of the youngest son of my said Nephew John Plumer lawfully begotten and the Heirs Male of the Body of such Youngest son lawfully issuing for ever And in default of such issue and in case he shall have only one Son of his body lawfully begotten then I Give and devise the same premisses unto such only Son and the Heirs male of his body lawfully issuing for ever. And for want of such issue then I give and devise the same Premisses unto my said Nephew Henry Manning and his assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use and behoof of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew Henry Manning In trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew Henry Manning to receive and take the Rents issues and profits thereof to his own use and from and after the decease of my said Nephew Henry Manning to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and Sons of the Body of my said Nephew Henry Manning lawfully to be begotten severally successively and in remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons lawfully issuing the Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his body being always preferred and to take before the younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue then to the use of my Nephew Edward Egles and his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew Edward Egles In trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew Edward Egles to receive and take the Rents issues and profits thereof to his own use and from and after the decease of my said Nephew Edward Egles to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and Sons of the Body of my said Nephew Edward Egles lawfully to be begotten severally successively and in remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons lawfully issuing the elder of such sons and the Heirs Male of his body being always preferred and to take before a younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue to the use and behoof of my Nephew Gabriel Egles and his assigns for and during the term of his natural life And from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use and behoof of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew Gabriel Egles In trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make Entries or bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew Gabriel Egles to receive and take the rents issues and profits thereof to his own use And from and after the decease of my said Nephew Gabriel Egles to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and Sons of the Body of my said Nephew Gabriel Egles lawfully to be begotten severally successively and in remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons lawfully issuing the elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body being always preferred and to take before a younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue then to the use and behoof my Nephew Plumer Egles and his Assigns for and during the term of his life And from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use and behoof of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew Plumer Egles In Trust to preserve the Contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries or bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew Plumer Egles to receive and take the Rents issues and profits thereof to his own use and from and after the decease of my said Nephew Plumer Egles to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and Sons of the body of my said Nephew Plumer Egles lawfully to be begotten severally successively and in remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sone lawfully issuing the elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his body being always preferred and to take before a younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue then to the use and behoof of my Nephew John Egles and his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew John Egles In Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew John Egles to receive and take the Rents issues and profits thereof to his own use and from and after the decease of my said Nephew John Egles to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and sons of the Body of my said Nephew John Egles lawfully to be begotten severally successively and in remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sone lawfully issuing the elder of such sons and the Heirs Male of his body being always preferred and to take before a younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue then to the use and behoof of my Nephew George Egles and his Assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that Estate then to the use of the said William Henry Benge and Anthony Morris and their Heirs for and during the life of my said Nephew George Egles In Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter limitted from being defeated and destroyed and for that purpose to make entries and bring Actions as the case shall require but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Nephew George Egles to receive and take the Rents issues and profits thereof to his own use and from and after the decease of my said Nephew George Egles to the use and behoof of the first second third and all and every other Son and Sons of the Body of my said Nephew George Egles lawfully to be begotten severally successively and (in) remainder one after the other in order and course as they respectively shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the body and bodies of all and every such son and sons lawfully issuing the Elder of such sons and the Heirs Male of his body being always preferred and to take before a younger of them and the Heirs Male of his body And for want of such issue to the use and behoof of my right Heirs for ever Also I Give and bequeath unto my said Nephew John Plumer the sum of two hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to him within four Months after my decease Also I Give and bequeath unto my said Nephew George Egles the sum of two hundred pounds of like lawful money to be paid to him within four Months after my decease. Also I Give and bequeath to my said Nephew George Egles an Annuity or Yearly Sum of forty pounds of like Money for his life to be paid into his own hands also out of my personal Estate clear of all deductions whatsoever by quarterly payments at most usual days of payment in the Year to wit Lady day Midsummer day Michaelmas day and Christmas day and the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days as shall first happen after my decease but in case my said Nephew George Egles shall sign over or otherwise part with his right and interest of and in the said Annuity or Yearly Sum of forty pounds or any part thereof to any person or persons whatsoever for debt or otherwise then the same shall be forfeited re….. and go to my Executor hereinafter named. Also I give and bequeath unto my said Nephew John Egles the sum of one thousand and two hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to him within four Months after my decease. Also I give and bequeath unto my said Nephew Gabriel Egles the sum of Two thousand pounds of like lawful money to be paid to him within four months after my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my said Nephew Edward Egles the sum of five hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to him within four Months after my decease Also I Give and devise all my Messuages Tenements Hereditaments and Real Estate situate in the said Parish of Saint Thomas in the Cliffe and in the parish of South Malling in the said County unto my said Nephew the said Edward Egles his Heirs and Assigns for ever Also I give and bequeath unto my said Nephew Plumer Egles the sum of One thousand and two hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to him at the Age of twenty one Years And in the mean time I order and direct my Excutor to pay interest for the same after the rate of three pounds for one hundred pounds per year unto the parent or Guardian of the said Plumer Egles for and towards his maintenance and Education the said Interest to commence from the day of my decease and to continue to be paid untill he arrives to the said Age of twenty (one) years. Also I Give and devise all those my said several Messuages Farms Lands Tenements Hereditaments and premisses situate at or near Blackboys in the parish of Framfield aforesaid (subject neverthelessto the said Annuity or Yearly Rent charge above given to my said Niece Elizabeth Egles for her Widowhood) unto my said Nephew Plumer Egles his Heirs and Assigns for ever Also I Give and bequeath unto my Niece Elizabeth Manning the sum of two thousand pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to her within four Months after my decease. Also I Give unto my said Nephew Anthony Morris twenty pounds and to my friend the said William Henry Benge twenty pounds to be paid to them within four Months after my decease Also I give to Edward Pul……… of Pevensey Labourer twenty pounds to be paid within four Months after my decease. Also I give to my late servant John ……… ten pounds to be paid in four months after my decease. Also I Give to the three Sons of my late servant John Burtenshaw twenty pounds apiece to be paid to them respectively within four Months after my decease or at their respective ages of twenty one years which shall first happen Also I Give unto every servant that shall be living with me at the time of my decease twenty pounds to be paid within four Months after my decease And likewise to every of them a Suit of Mourning at my death. Also I Give unto the poor of the said parish of Saint Thomas in the Cliffe ten pounds to be distributed amongst them within one Month after my decease by the Churchwardens of the said parish. Also I Give unto the poor of the said Parish of Saint John Baptist Southover five pounds to be distributed amongst them by my Executor within one Month after my decease Also I Give and bequeath unto my Niece Goring Fuller (wife of Thomas Fuller of Ditchling in the said County Surgeon ) one Annuity or Yearly sum of twenty pounds for her life to be paid out of my personal Estate by my Executor clear of all deductions whatsoever by even quarterly payments on Lady day Midsummer day Michaelmas day and Christmas day the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days of payment which shall first happen after my decease And her Receipt notwithstanding her Coverture shall be a good and sufficient discharge for the same to my Executor And from and immediately after the decease of my said Niece Goring Fuller I Give and bequeath the sum of five hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid and equally divided unto and amongst all her children (if more than one share and share alike at their several and respective Ages or Age of twenty one Years but if only one Child then to such Child at his or her Age aforesaid. And in the mean time I order and direct my said Executor to pay interest for the same from the death of my said Niece Goring Fuller at the rate of three pounds for an hundred pounds for a year [to the] father or Guardian of such Children or Child if more than one) for and towards their maintenance and Education untill he she or they arrive to his her or their respective Ages or Age aforesaid and if any or either of them shall happen to die before they arrive to that sd Age then I Give such part and share of their ……….. or them so…………unto the Survivor or survivors if more than one equally between them at the respective Age or Ages aforesaid. Also I give and bequeath unto my Grand Niece Lucy Verrall an Infant only daughter of my late Niece Lucy Verrall wife of Henry Verrall of Potton in the County of Bedford Surgeon the Sum of five hundred pounds of like lawful Money to be paid to her at the Age of twenty one years and in the mean time I order and direct my Executor to pay Interest for the same from the day of my death After the rate of three pounds for one hundred pounds for a year to the fathers or Guardian of the said Lucy Verrall for ….. and towards her maintenance and Education untill she shall attain the said Age of twenty one years as aforesaid Lastly all the rest residue and remainder of my Ready Money Securities for Monies Rights Credits Chattels and Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever not hereuntofore given or disposed of after payment of my just debts Funeral Expenses Probate of this my Will Legacies and Annuities aforesaid I Give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my nephew the said Henry Manning whom I hereby name and appoint sole Executor of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made declaring this only to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Robert Plumer have to this my last Will and Testament contained in seven sheets of paper to each sheet thereof have set my hand and to this last sheet my hand and seal also the twenty fifth day of November One thousand seven hundred and eighty three Robert Plumer LS signed sealed published and declared by the said Robert Plumer the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses hereto John Ewen Joseph Grover Jos Smith

By this codocil annexed to my Will I give to my Nephew Plumer Egles my Oaken chest now standing in the Dressing Room with all the Linnen contained therein Also I give to my Nephew Edward Egles all the furniture of my dwelling House with the Linnen (except the Chest of Linnen before givenn) plate China Books and Furniture whatsoever Also my Gold Watch my seats in the Garden …… and Working tools belonging to the same Also I Give unto my Nephew George Egles my Silver Watch And all my Wearing Apparel Witness my Hand the 28^th day of November 1783 Robert Plumer signed in the presence of Jos Smith

Whereas I have lately purchased a piece of Ground in the parish of Saint Thomas in the Cliffe of the Reverend John Delap Doctor in Divinity adjoining to the Bank part of a Messuage late the property of William Rice Now I hereby Give and devise the said piece of Ground to my Nephew Edward Egles to him and his Heirs for ever Witness my hand Robert Plumer signed in the presence of John Ewen William Chandler Wm Ewen October the fifth 1784

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will: codicil, 28 Nov 1783. ² By this codocil annexed to my Will I give to my Nephew Plumer Egles my Oaken chest now standing in the Dressing Room with all the Linnen contained therein Also I give to my Nephew Edward Egles all the furniture of my dwelling House with the Linnen (except the Chest of Linnen before givenn) plate China Books and Furniture whatsoever Also my Gold Watch my seats in the Garden …… and Working tools belonging to the same Also I Give unto my Nephew George Egles my Silver Watch And all my Wearing Apparel Witness my Hand the 28^th day of November 1783 Robert Plumer signed in the presence of Jos Smith

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Probate, 30 Oct 1784, London, GB. ² This Will was proved at London with the two codicils the thirtieth day of October in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty four before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert also a Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Henry Manning Esquire the sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattells and Credits of the decease he having been first sworn duly to administer.

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]

• Will: codicil, 5 Oct 1784. ² Whereas I have lately purchased a piece of Ground in the parish of Saint Thomas in the Cliffe of the Reverend John Delap Doctor in Divinity adjoining to the Bank part of a Messuage late the property of William Rice Now I hereby Give and devise the said piece of Ground to my Nephew Edward Egles to him and his Heirs for ever Witness my hand Robert Plumer signed in the presence of John Ewen William Chandler Wm Ewen October the fifth 1784

[Transcribed by Helen Hartley December 2005]