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| Moyns |
First Generation
1. Sir Thomas Gent was born in 1530, died in 1593,
aged 63, and was buried in Steeple Bumpstead,
Essex.
General Notes: GENT, Sir THOMAS (d. 1593), judge, was the eldest or only son of William Gent, lord of the manor of Moyns, Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, of ancient family, by Agnes, daughter and coheiress of Thomas Carr of Great Thurlow, Suffolk. He was educated at Cambridge, probably at Christ's College, where one 'Gent' matriculated as a pensioner in 1548. He entered at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar, and was Lent reader there in 1571 and 1574. He was appointed on 2 April 1571 to the lucrative office of steward of all the courts of Edward de Vere, earl of Oxford. In the parliament which met on 2 April 1571 he sat for Malden, became a serjeant-at-law on 2 June 1584, and was appointed a baron of the exchequer on or before 1 Feb. 1586, on which day a commission of oyer and terminer for Suffolk in the 'Baga de Secretis' contains his name as a judge. Dugdale wrongly dates his elevation 28 June 1588. A special exemption was made in his favour from the act 33 Hen. VIII, c. 24, which forbade a judge from acting as a justice of assize in his own county. He was a member of the high commission in causes ecclesiastical, and appears to have been on circuit in Devonshire in February 1592 (Green, Cal. of State Papers, Dom. 1591–4). He died in January 1593, and was buried at Steeple Bumpstead. He married twice, first, Elizabeth, who was only daughter and heiress of Sir John Swallow of Bocking, and was buried at Steeple Bumpstead on 12 May 1585, by whom he had seven sons and five daughters; and second, in April 1586, Elizabeth, widow of Roger Hogeson of London, and sister of Morgan Robyns, by whom he had no issue. His arms are engraved in Dugdale's 'Orig. Jurid.' p. 227, from a window in the Middle Temple Hall. His character is highly praised by Newton in his 'Encomia.'
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Baron of the Exchequer, Judge,
Moyns Park, Birdbrook, Essex.
Thomas married Elizabeth Swallow.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 2M i. Thomas Gent.
+ 3M ii. Henry Gent died in 1639.
Second Generation
2. Thomas Gent (Thomas (Sir) 1).
Thomas married Mary Dalston, daughter of Sir
William Dalston Bart and Anne Bolles.
3. Henry Gent (Thomas (Sir) 1) died in 1639.
Noted events in his life were:
• Occupation/Address: Sheriff of Essex, Moyns Park,
Birdbrook, Essex.
• Address: Steeple Bumpstead, Essex.
Henry married Dorothy Dalston, daughter of Sir
John Dalston and Anne Tyrell, in 1589. Dorothy
was baptised on 12 May 1577.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 4M i. George Gent died in 1653.
+ 5F ii. Frances Gent.
+ 6M iii. William Gent.
Third Generation
4. George Gent (Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1) died in
1653.
General Notes: In the name of God Amen, I, George Gent, of Steeple Bumpstead in the county of Essex being sick in body but of perfect memory, blessed be God, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:
Imprimis I give and bequeath my soul to God who has purchased the same by the death of his son my good Lord and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, hoping through His merits to be admitted to the enjoyment of his blessed presence and [illegible] at his right hand forevermore.
And my body to the earth from whence it was taken to be decently interred at the discretion of my executors.
And concerning my worldly goods I give and bequeath them as followeth:
Imprimis I give to my dear wife, Anne Gent, two of the best beds in my houses and all things belonging unto them, as all my jewels, rings and plate and also all my linen [?] and half my [illegible].
Item I give all the rents and profits of all my lands except what is already settled upon, Anne my wife in way first upon marriage and excepting [illegible] and also those lands that were settled upon, Anne, my wife in jointure to be unto, Anne, my wife, with all of those my moveable goods whatsoever not before bequeathed for the satisfaction of my debts and for the settling of portions for my younger children, William, John, Anne and Dorothy.
And to my brothers in law, Sir William Playters, Baronet, and Lionel Playters and Anne my wife whom I make sole executors of this my last will and testament and what the [illegible] of my lands shall amount unto until such time as my son, George, shall come to be of the age of one and twenty years on my debts being discharged I give and bequeath to be equally divided between my sons William and John and my daughters Anne and Dorothy.
Item I give and bequeath the remaining part of my personal estate not before bequeathed, my debts being discharged, to be equally divided between my sons William and John & my daughters Anne and Dorothy.
Item I give and bequeath unto my brother, William Gent, four pounds by the year to be paid by my executors until such time as my son, George, shall attain unto the age of one and twenty years and then my will is that my son, George, allows unto my brother, William Gent, four pounds by the year during the life of my brother, William Gent, for the performance of which I charge my son, George, fairly and duly to pay unto my said brother as [illegible] for property, a blessing from God upon what his providence hath troubled me to leave unto him.
And my further will is that my son, George, doth levy unto my son, William, four hundred pounds and allow unto my son, John, four hundred pounds and unto my daughter, Anne, two hundred pounds and to my daughter, Dorothy, two hundred pounds, which several sums my will is should be paid unto each of them when they shall attain unto the age of four and twenty years.
And this charge I leave with my son, George, that he perform this my will as he properly God blessing.
In witness whereof...1 Feb 1653.
Proved at London 16 Feb 1653.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Moyns Park, Birdbrook, Essex.
George married Elizabeth Hale, daughter of Richard Hale and Elizabeth Dacres. They had no children.
George next married Anne Playters, daughter of Thomas Playters Bart and Ann Browne.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 7M i. George Gent died in 1713.
+ 8M ii. William Gent.
+ 9M iii. John Gent.
+ 10F iv. Anne Gent.
+ 11F v. Dorothy Gent.
5. Frances Gent (Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
Frances married Devereux Tallakerne, son of Sir John Tallakerne and Lucy Cotton. Devereux died on 3 Apr 1628.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Ashdon, Essex.
• Address: Helions Bumpstead, Essex.
6. William Gent (Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
Fourth Generation
7. George Gent (George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1)
died in 1713.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Moyns Park, Birdbrook, Essex.
George married Ann Todd.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 12M i. George Gent died in 1708.
8. William Gent (George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir)
1).
9. John Gent (George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
10. Anne Gent (George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
11. Dorothy Gent (George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
Fifth Generation
12. George Gent (George 4, George 3, Henry 2, Thomas
(Sir) 1) died in 1708.
General Notes: In the name of God Amen I, George Gent, of Gestingthorpe in the county of Essex, gentleman, being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be God for the same, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say):
First I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the merits of my blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, to have full and free pardon of all my sins and to inherit everlasting life.
My body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my executrix hereafter named in my father's pew in the parish church of Steeple Bumpstead in the said county of Essex.
My temporal estate I dispose of as followeth:
Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my loving wife, Anne Gent, all my household goods and stock both within doors and without, my plate, pewter, brass, beds, sheets and all my linen whatsoever and all the goods and furniture belonging to the house wherein I now dwell, my horses, cows, sheep and all other my stock whatsoever without doors hoping and desiring that she will (according to her promise) dispose of the same amongst my three younger children (viz) Anna Maria, Audley and Henry Gent share and share alike but if either of them happen to die before such disposition thereof then I desire that the part and share of such child so dying should be divided equally between the two surviving children and if two of them shall happen to die then I desire my said wife would give the whole to the survivor of them when ever she shall think it most convenient either by her last will or otherwise.
I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife all those lands, tenements and hereditaments both copyhold and free lying and being in Gestingthorpe aforesaid which I lately purchased of Mr William Ward of Halstead in the said county of Essex, to which said copyhold lands John Corke of Steeple Bumpstead in the said county of Essex, gentleman, is admitted but such his admission is only in trust for me and my heirs.
Item I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife all that my freehold messuage called Mallions with the malting house and chambers, barn, stable, orchards, gardens, lands, tenements and hereditaments whatever thereunto belonging which said last mentioned premises I purchased of Mr William Cole and John Cole, his son.
Item I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife all that my messuage and farm with a barn, stable and all the lands, tenements and hereditaments thereunto belonging, lying and being in Gestingthorpe aforesaid which I lately purchased of Philip Cornell to have and to hold all and every the above mentioned premises with their and every of their appurts unto my said loving wife for and during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I give and bequeath all and every the messuages, farms, lands, tenements and hereditaments above mentioned unto my eldest son George Gent and his heirs for ever.
Item I give and bequeath all my manors, messuages, farms, lands, tenements and hereditaments, woods and wood grounds whatsoever with their and every of their appurtenances which I or my undertenants now have in possession and which I shall have in reversion situate, lying and being in the parishes of Steeple Bumpstead, Birdbrook, Stambourne or elsewhere in the said county of Essex unto my said son George Gent to have and to hold all and singular the said last mentioned premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto him, my said son George Gent, and his heirs for ever from such time as my said son George Gent shall attain the age of one and twenty years and in the meantime my mind and will is that the rents and profits arising out of my last mentioned estate given and bequeathed to my said son, George Gent, shall be applied by said executrix for and towards the maintenance and education of all my said children.
And if there shall happen to be any monies remaining of the said rents and profits over and above what shall have been necessary to be expended for the maintenance and education of my said children then my mind and will is that such surplus shall be equally divided by my said executrix amongst my said three younger children.
Item I give and bequeath unto my said three younger children (viz) Anna Maria, Audley and Henry Gent the sum of five hundred pounds apiece to be paid unto each of them by my said executrix hereafter named when they shall severally attain the age of one and twenty years or at their respective days of marriage which shall first happen but if it shall happen that either of my said children, Anna Maria, Audley and Henry Gent, shall depart this life before they or either of them shall attain their respective ages of one and twenty years or days of marriage then I give and bequeath the legacy of such child so dying to be equally divided between the two surviving younger children and if it shall happen that two of my said younger children shall die before they shall have attained their respective ages of one and twenty years or days of marriage as aforesaid then I give the legacies of such children so dying to the survivor.
And my mind and will is that my stock of wheat which I have now by me shall be disposed of and sold by my said executrix hereafter named and the money arising thereby shall be applied for and towards the payment of the said legacies I have hereinbefore given and bequeathed to my said three younger children.
Item I give and bequeath unto my said loving wife, Anne Gent, all my goods and furniture which are in my chambers in the Inner Temple, London, except my law books and the cases which they are, which with all other my law books whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my loving friend and kinsman Robert Conway of Grays Inn in the county of Middlesex, Esq., until such time as my said son, George Gent, is capable of using the same, desiring my said loving friend Mr Robert Conway to see my said son, George Gent, placed out with some able attorney but if my said son, George Gent, does not tend to the law or the practice thereof then I give and bequeath all my said books and cases unto my said loving friend and kinsman, Robert Conway, Esq., his executors, administrators and assigns.
Item I give and bequeath unto my said daughter, Anna Maria, my diamond ring.
Item after the decease of my father, George Gent of Steeple Bumpstead aforesaid, Esq., I give and bequeath all the rest, residue and remainder of a term of years which shall then be to come and unexpired of and in one field of pasture ground called by the name of Stubbings Lye situate, lying and being in the parish of Haverhill unto my loving kinsman George Coldham the younger to have and to hold the said field of pasture ground to him, the said George Coldham the younger, and his executors, administrators and assigns from and after the decease of my said father for and during all the rest, residue and remainder of the said term then to come and unexpired.
Item I make, ordain, constitute and appoint my said loving wife, Anne Gent, sole executrix of this my last will and testament and I do hereby revoke...
Item all the rest and residue of my personal estate not herein before devised or bequeathed I give and bequeath unto my said three younger children and the survivors or survivor of them when they shall attain their respective ages of one and twenty years or days of marriage as aforesaid.
In witness whereof...13 June 1708.
And moreover my mind and will is that my said loving wife, Anne Gent, whom I have made sole executrix of this my last will and testament shall from time to time place and put out at interest the said monies given and bequeathed to my said three younger children during their minority and shall receive and take the interest thereof from time to time accruing, arising and growing due by and upon such securities and apply and dispose of the same for and towards the maintenance and education of all my said children.
And my mind and will further is that my personal estate shall be charged and chargeable with whatsoever sum and sums of money as shall be necessary to be raised for the placing of my son, George Gent, out to any attorney and for placing my son, Henry, out to some trade or calling over and above the legacies I have given to them and that the same be raised and applied by my said executrix for the purposes aforesaid out of my said personal estate.
And I do make and declare this to be a codicil of my said last will and testament...13 June 1708.
Proved at London 6 July 1708.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Gestingthorpe, Essex.
• Address: Inner Temple, London.
George married Anne Wankford. Anne Wankford was born in 1660 and died in 1734, aged 74. Another name for Anne was Anne Wangford.
General Notes: In the name of God amen I, Anne Gent, of Gestingthorpe in the county of Essex, widow and relict of George Gent late of Gestingthorpe aforesaid, gentleman, deceased, do make and ordain this my last will and testament as followeth:
Imprimis I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping to be save in and through the merits of my Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and as to that temporal estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless to me I give and dispose thereof as follows:
First I give and bequeath unto my son, John Elliston, the long table now standing in the great hall and also all my copper brewing tubs, utensils for brewing, hogsheads, beer vessels and implements in the brewhouse and cellar belonging to Overhall in Gestingthorpe aforesaid except all the beer and cider which shall be in the said cellar at the time of my decease and such casks or vessels wherein the said beer and cider shall be which said casks and vessels I will shall be to and for the use of the executors of this my will until they shall have used the beer and cider therein or so much thereof as they shall see fit in and about their affairs in performing this my will and after that I desire and order that my said son, John Elliston, shall have the same casks and vessels with such beer and cider as they shall leave therein to his own proper use provided nevertheless that if my said son, John Elliston, shall not permit and suffer my executors herein after named or either of them in case they or either of them shall see fit for the space of nine months next after the time of my decease to reside and dwell in such rooms and places in Overhall aforesaid as they shall think proper without paying or allowing any thing for the same to perform and do the affairs relating to the execution of this my will and also to have the use of the barns, stables and outhouses there when needful and the ways to the same with convenient field room and yard room for my cattle to be and [illegible] in to dispose of my crop of corn, if any shall be, and other things which shall grow, arise or accrue in the succeeding season next after my decease and so as my executors, or either of them, shall not be hindered or molested in the possession of the premises then I will that the legacy hereby so given to my said son, John Elliston, as aforesaid shall be utterly paid.
Item I will that the executors of this my will shall out out at interest the sum of one hundred pounds for the benefit of my grandson, Robert Smith, and that fifty pounds thereof shall be laid out to bind him as an apprentice to some trade or employment and til that time the interest of the said one hundred pounds shall be towards his maintenance and when the time of his apprenticeship shall be determined the said remaining fifty pounds and interest shall be laid out by my executors for setting him up in his trade or employment but in case he shall happen to die before he shall be put out apprentice or before he shall be one and twenty years of age then I will that such money as shall respectively remain out of the said legacy shall go back to and be deemed as part of my personal estate.
Item I will that the sum of one hundred pounds shall with all convenient speed next after my decease be put out at interest by my executors for the equal interest of my granddaughter, Susanna, the daughter of my late deceased daughter, Anna Bathga Steel or Steed, in the names of my executors or the survivors or survivor of them in trust for her my said granddaughter as followeth (that is to say) that the said executors shall from time to time receive and pay the interest thereof to the said Susanna until she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years or day of marriage which shall first happen and upon her arriving at the said age or day of marriage which shall first happen I will that the said principal sum of one hundred pounds shall be paid to her and in case she shall happen to depart this life before she shall arrive at that age or be married then I will that the whole of the said principal money or sum of one hundred pounds shall be paid to all and every other my grandchildren who have no particular express and exact legacy or sum of money given them by this my will, the same to be paid them in equal shares and proportions as they shall respectively arrive at the age of one and twenty years.
I also will that one hundred pounds more shall in like manner be put out at interest by my executors for the benefit of Frances and Ann my granddaughters (daughters of my daughter Basset) but I will that the interest thereof shall be taken by their father and mother or the survivor of them until they shall attain their respective ages or age of one and twenty years or day of marriage which shall first happen and then I will that the principal money shall be equally divided between them and shall be paid to them, my said granddaughters, and in case either of them shall depart this life before that time then I will that the survivor shall enjoy the whole and if both of them shall happen to die before that time then I give the principal money or sum of one hundred pounds to their sisters, Dorothy and Judith, equally to be divided between them at their respective age or age of one and twenty years or days of marriage which shall first happen and if either of them shall die before that time I will that the survivor of them shall enjoy the whole and if they both shall die before arriving at that age or marriage then I give the whole thereof to my said daughter Basset.
Item I give to the said Dorothy and Judith Basset fifty pounds apiece to be paid them at the said respective days and times and in the mean time that their father and mother shall enjoy the use and benefit of the principal money thereof and if either of them, the said Dorothy and Judith, shall die before such time or times then I will that the survivor shall enjoy the whole thereof and if both of them shall die before the said time or times then I will that the said principal money shall fall to and be enjoyed by their mother.
And it is my mind and will that the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds shall be put out at interest by my executors until my three grandsons, Edmund, George and William, the sons of my daughter Dunch shall be respectively of the age of one and twenty years or happen to be married and as they shall severally and respectively arrive at that age or be married which shall first happen I will that an equal share or third part of the said principal money shall be paid to them respectively and if any of them shall happen to depart this life before that time then I will that the survivors or survivor of them shall enjoy the whole of the said principal money I hereby order my executors to pay the whole of the interest money thereof from time to time and in the mean time to arrive [?] into the proper hands and for the sole use of my daughter Dunch in case she shall so long live.
Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved son, George Gent, the [illegible] with the table and looking glass in my great parlour.
Item I give unto my late deceased daughter Walker's two children the sum of fifty pounds apiece of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid by the executors of this my will to them respectively as they shall attain the age of one and twenty years and if either of them shall die before arriving at that age then I will and order that the survivor of them shall receive and enjoy the whole thereof.
Item I give and devise to the exors of this my will herein after named and to their heirs for ever all my freehold and copyhold messuages or tenements, lands and hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever and also all manner of crops as shall be thereon at the time of my decease with their and every of their appurtenants as the same now are except such part thereof as herein after is expressed upon trust only as herein after mentioned and in them reposed and to the intent and purpose that they or the survivors or survivor of them or the heirs of the survivor of them shall with all convenient speed let or demise the said lands and premises with the appurtenances to some proper tenants or tenants and shall from time to time pay the rents, issues and profits thereof into the proper hands of my daughter, Anna Maria Smith, for her sole use and separate benefit and subsistence only or into the hands of such person or person as my said daughter, Anna Maria Smith, from time to time by any note or writing under her own hand signed in the presence of one or more credible witnesses hall direct or appoint and shall not pay into the hands of her now husband or any other person or persons whatsoever for my mind and will is that the same or any part thereof shall not be any ways subject or liable to the receipts, acts or intermeddlings of her said husband or any other person or persons whomsoever by his order or to his use nor to the payment of any debt or debts, engagements or encumbrances by him incurred or by him to be incurred, made or contracted but shall remain for her separate use, benefit and subsistence only until the jointure or settlement heretofore made upon her marriage shall fall in possession to her or until she shall happen to depart this life which shall first happen.
And I also will and desire that her own discharges alone or the person or persons to be by her appointed as aforesaid shall be good and valid in the law for the same and from and after her said jointure shall fall in possession to her then I will and hereby give and devise the said freehold and copyhold messuages or tenements, lands and hereditaments with the appurtenances whatsoever, except only such part and parcel thereof as herein after is particularly expressed and given, to my said son, John Elliston, in trust, to my said daughter, Anna Maria Smith, and my said daughter, Dunch, and her heirs for ever as tenants in common and not as joint tenants.
And if it shall happen that my said daughter, Anna Maria Smith, die before her said jointure shall fall in possession to her, in that case also I give and devise a moiety or full half part of all the said freehold and copyhold messuages, lands and premises (except as before excepted) to my said daughter Dunch and her heirs for ever to her and their own proper use and behoof and the other moiety or full half part of all the said freehold and copyhold messuages, lands and premises I do hereby direct, order and appoint and it is my express will and mind the same shall go to be had and enjoyed by such person and persons and their heirs to such use and uses and in such parts and proportions as my said daughter Anna Maria Smith by her last will and testament or by any deed or writing...shall give and devise, limit, direct or declare solely and without her husband and to no other person or persons, use or uses whatsoever and for want of such devise, limitation or appointment I then give and devise the same moiety to my said grandson Robert Smith and his heirs for ever.
And also if it shall happen my said daughter Dunch shall die before she shall be possessed of the said moiety of my said freehold and copyhold lands and premises so devised to her and her heirs as aforesaid in that case it is my express will and I do hereby direct and appoint the same to go to and to be enjoyed by such person or persons and their heirs to such uses and trusts as my said daughter Smith shall by her last will and testament or by any deed or writing...shall give and devise, order and declare concerning the same and in default of such devise, order or declaration to the right heirs of my said daughter Smith for ever.
Item I give and devise to my son John Elliston and his heirs for ever all that my parcel of pasture ground containing by estimation three acres be the same more or less lying I a field or close called the Rye Grass field in Gestingthorpe aforesaid and also all that my parcel of land lying in the common field there containing by estimation about one acre be the same more or less subject to trusts hereinafter mentioned viz that if the said John Elliston, his heirs or assigns do not well and truly pay, or cause to be paid, to my said daughter, Anna Maria Smith, into her own proper hands and for her own separate use or to her order every year during the term or her natural life the sum of fifty shillings of lawful money of Great Britain by equal half yearly payments viz on the feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary called Lady Day and of St Michael the Archangel at Overhall aforesaid, the first payment to commence and be made on the first of the said feast days which shall happen next after my decease then I will that the said Anna Maria Smith shall hold and enjoy the rents and profits of the said pasture ground and parcel of arable lands to her own separate use and disposal void of her husband and so as the same or any part thereof shall not be subject to his receipts or debts or engagements and I will that upon neglect of payment to her, my said daughter, by my said son, John Elliston, my son, George Gent, and son in law, Mr Basset, and the survivor of them and the heirs of the survivor of them shall receive the same rents in the first place and afterwards pay the same to her, the said Anna Maria Smith and I will that her and only her receipt shall be a good discharge for the same and then after her decease I will that the same pasture grounds and arable land shall be sold and the money arising thereby be added to the rest of my personal estate and be divided as herein after is ordered.
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my son George Gent and my son in law Mr William Basset executors of this my will and testament and I do give them five and twenty pounds apiece for their trouble and loss of time in and about the performing and executing of this my will...
And I will and order that all my silver tankards, salver, silver spoons and plate shall be equally divided, distributed and enjoyed as follows:
Viz I will that two parts thereof be had and enjoyed between my two daughters Frances and Dudley and the third part thereof to be held by my said daughter Dunch in trust freely to permit my said daughter Smith to have the use thereof during her life but so as her husband shall have nothing to do therewith and from and after her decease then I give such part to her son Robert Smith or to such person or persons as she shall appoint.
And I give to my said son, John Elliston, my said son, George Gent and his wife, to my said son in law, William Basset, and his wife and to my daughter Dunch ten pounds apiece for mourning.
Item I give to my grandson John Basset fifty pounds.
Item I give to my grandson William Basset a guinea to buy him a ring.
And I will that my executors lay out ten pounds for mourning for my said daughter Smith in such manner as she shall direct.
Item I give to the poor of the parish of Gestingthorpe forty shillings.
And I give to my grandson Mr Chapman a guinea for the use of his pulpit for the Revd Mr Chambers to preach a sermon at my funeral for which I also give Mr Chambers a guinea.
Item I give to my said daughter, Anna Maria Smith all the furniture of her own room and the two closets there to he own use void of her husband or his debts.
To dispose of all the rest, residue and remainder of my real and personal estate not herein before by me effectually bequeathed I give and devise in manner following, viz one fourth part thereof to my said daughter Basset, one other part thereof to my said Granddaughter Ann Chapman and Susanna Steel/Steed in equal parts, the two other fourth parts to my said daughter Dunch in trust viz one part thereof for her own proper use and the other part thereof for the alone use and benefit of the said Anna Maria Smith to be paid, delivered and applied by and to her for such use or uses and in such parts and proportions and at such times and manner as she shall by any writing, under her hand solely and without her husband, direct, call for and appoint and so as the same or any part of thereof shall not come to the hands, use or possession of her said husband nor shall be subject to him or to his receipts or to any of his debts, engagements or encumbrances whatsoever, ordering her receipt alone for the same or her order to be good and sufficient provided always nevertheless that in case Robert Smith, the now husband of the said Anna Maria Smith shall die in the lifetime of the said Anna Maria Smith then and from thenceforth I give to her the said Anna Maria Smith her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for her and their own proper us and behoof all such parts and proportions of my real and personal estate as I have herein before given to or in trust for the use or benefit of her the said Anna Maria Smith.
And I do hereby revoke all former and other wills...5 Mar 1732.
I, Anne Gent, of Gestingthorpe in the county of Essex, widow, do make this present writing as and for a codicil to my last will and testament and do order it be deemed and taken as part of my said will and confirm the same will by these presents in every part save only I do give to my son Mr John Elliston all my household goods and furniture within doors except the plate and linen and also except all the furniture, beds, bedding and the appurtenances thereto belonging now remaining and being in the lodging room of my daughter Anna Maria Smith and the two closets thereto adjoining being part of my rooms in Overhall where I now dwell and do order these presents to be complied by the executors of my said will.
And do in like manner order that my said daughter Smith may from time to time nominate, choose and appoint such tenant or tenants to the farm called or known by the name of the Bird in Hand in Gestingthorpe aforesaid and to all other the estate given to her.
In witness whereof...13 June 1734.
Proved at London 24 Oct 1734.
Anne married John Elliston. John was born in 1659, died on 26 Jun 1691, aged 32, and was buried in Gestingthorpe, Essex.
 |
| John Ellingston d. 1691 |
General Notes: John Elliston (senior) was born in 1659 and had two wives, the first, Mary died in childbirth and both she and her first-born son were buried in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex. His second wife was Anne, daughter of Robert Wrangford of Barwick Hall in Toppesfield, Esquire, by whom he had three sons, John, Peter and Oliver and four daughters - one of whom, named Susannah, was married to Edward Walker, of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, gent. The sons Peter and Oliver died in 1691. John the father also died on the 26th of June in the same year. John the eldest and only surviving son, succeeded to this manor and the family property.
The estate afterwards became the property of Mr. Thomas Walker, of Church House, in Henney.
Underneath this stone lyeth John Elliston of Overhall, in this Parish, who departed this life the 26 day of June in the year of our Lord 1691, in the two and thirtieth year of his Age. Mary his first wife dyed in Childbed of her first child she and her son lyeth buried in the Parish of Steeple Bumsted in this county and Ann his Second wife who Survived him and by her three sons and four daughters but since dyed his youngest son Oliver, the 29 day of July and after him his second son Peter the 15th of September, both in the same year, all three lyeth buried under this, and just by lyeth buried Peter Elliston the Father of the said John Elliston who departed this life in the year 1672, his issue he left behind him was three Sons, John, Peter and Oliver. Peter his second son departed this life in the year 1680 and lyeth buried in Lumber Street Church in London, there is now living in the Family, only John Elliston, the eldest son of the said John Elliston and Oliver Elliston, the youngest son of the said Peter Elliston, and the four Daughters of John Elliston, which is Anna, Bathca Judeth, Frances, and Susanna, which are now living.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Overhall, Gestingthorpe, Essex.
Anne next married George Gent, son of George Gent and Ann Todd. George died in 1708.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 13M i. George Gent died on 14 Dec 1746.
+ 14F ii. Anna Maria Gent.
+ 15F iii. Audley Gent.
+ 16M iv. Henry Gent.
Sixth Generation
13. George Gent (George 5, George 4, George 3, Henry
2, Thomas (Sir) 1) died on 14 Dec 1746.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Moyns Park, Birdbrook, Essex.
George married Elizabeth Chaplin.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 17M i. George Gent was born in 1724, died on
6 Oct 1818, aged 94, and was buried in
Steeple Bumpstead, Essex.
14. Anna Maria Gent (George 5, George 4, George 3,
Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
Anna married Robert Smith.
The child from this marriage was:
+ 18M i. Robert Smith. (Anna Maria Gent 6,
George 5, George 4, George 3, Henry 2,
Thomas (Sir) 1).
15. Dudley Gent (George 5, George 4, George 3, Henry
2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
16. Henry Gent (George 5, George 4, George 3, Henry
2, Thomas (Sir) 1).
Seventh Generation
17. George Gent (George 6, George 5, George 4,
George 3, Henry 2, Thomas (Sir) 1) was born in
1724, died on 6 Oct 1818, aged 94, and was
buried in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex.
 |
| George Gent d. 1818 |
General Notes: This is the last will and testament of me, George Gent, of Moyns in the parish of Steeple Bumpstead in the county of Essex, esquire.
I give, devise and bequeath my moiety share and interest of and in all and singular the messuages lying and being at Gestingthorpe in the said county of Essex and also all those the two messuages or dwellinghouses situate and being in King Street, Cheapside in the city of London unto and to the use of Elizabeth Dunch of St Neots in Huntingdon, her heirs and assigns for ever.
I also give and bequeath to the said Elizabeth Dunch one annuity or yearly payment of forty pounds for and during the term of her natural life.
I give and bequeath unto my servant Robert Stubbing the like annuity or yearly sum of forty pounds for and during the term of his natural life provided he shall be living with me at the time of my decease
And to my late servant Mary Mott one annuity or yearly sum of twenty pounds for and during the term of her natural life.
The said several annuities to be paid and payable by two equal half yearly payments in every year that is to say on the twenty fifth day of March and the twenty ninth day of September in every year free and clear of and from the property tax and all other taxes, charges and deductions whatsoever, the first payment thereof to be begin and be made on such of the said days as shall next happen after my decease and with the payment of which said several annuities I do hereby charge all and singular my manors, messuages, lands, tenements, hereditaments and real estate hereinafter given and devised and hereinafter mentioned.
And my will and mind is that if at any time or times hereinafter the said several annuities or yearly sums hereinbefore respectively given and bequeathed as aforesaid or any part thereof shall be behind and unpaid for the space of one calendar month next after any of the said days or times...
I give, devise and bequeath all my capital mansion house called Moyns and the barns, yards, gardens and pleasure grounds thereto belonging or appertaining and all and every my manors, messuages, farms, lands, hereditaments and real estates whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature, kind or quality soever not hereinbefore disposed of unto John Keysall and John Dent both of Temple Bar, London, esquires, and their heirs to the uses nevertheless upon the trusts and for the several ends, intents and purposes and under and subject to the several powers, provisos and limitations hereinafter mentioned, expressed and declared of and concerning the same, that is to say to the use of George William Gent, the eldest son of Major General William Gent and his assigns for and during the term of his natural life and from and after the determination of that estate by forfeiture or otherwise in his lifetime to the use of the said John Keysall and John Dent and their heirs during the natural life of the said George William Gent in trust to support the contingent uses and estates hereinafter given or limited from being defeated or destroyed...and after the decease of the said George William Gent to the use of the first son of his body lawfully begotten etc...and in default of such issue to the use of John Gould Gent his brother etc...and in default of such issue to the use of John Gent eldest son and heir apparent of John Gent, clerk, late Vicar of Stoke near Nayland in the county of Suffolk...and in default of such issue to the use of George Gent (second son of the said John Gent, clerk...and in default of such issue to the issue of the said Major General William Gent.
And my will and mind is and I do hereby direct that all and every my household goods and furniture, plate, china, pictures, linen, utensils, fixtures, moveable goods, chattels and things whatsoever which a the time of my decease shall be in or about my said capital mansions house of Moyns or in and about all or any of the outhouses, buildings, gardens and places thereunto belonging shall go along and be held with my said mansion house of Moyns as heirlooms and from time to time be used, held and enjoyed as such by the person or persons who for the time being shall be entitled to and be in possession of the messuage or mansion house of Moyns under or by virtue of the limitations hereinbefore mentioned and contained as far as the rules of [illegible] equity will permit but so nevertheless that the same shall not vest absolutely in any tenant in tail until he shall attain his age of twenty one years.
And whereas I have paid a debt or sum of one thousand three hundred pounds charged on Harsted Hall and other the estates of my late wife and I likewise have subscribed and paid one thousand seven hundred and twenty six pounds three per cent bank annuities or the produce thereof for the redemption or purchase of the land tax charged on the same estates and I am entitled to the sum of one thousand two hundred pounds charged on the same estates as the portion of my said late wife now I do hereby give and bequeath the said several sums of one thousand three hundred pounds, one thousand seven hundred and twenty six pounds three per cent bank annuities and the securities for the same and all and every powers and remedies which I have or am entitled to for the recovery thereof.
And all and singular my personal estate and effects whatsoever, wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever not hereinbefore disposed of unto the said John Keysall and John Dent, their exors and admors upon trust as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to call in and compel payment of the said several sums of one thousand three hundred pounds, one thousand seven hundred and twenty six pounds three per cent bank annuities and one thousand two hundred pounds respectively or such part parts thereof together with such other sum or sums of money as shall be due and owing to me at the time of my decease and also to sell and convert into money all such part or parts of my said personal estate and effects as shall not consist of money and that they and the survivor of them and the exors and admors of such survivor do and shall stand and be possessed of and interested in all and every the sum or sums of money which shall come to their or any of their hands under or by virtue of this my will upon the several trusts and for the several ends, intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned, expressed and declared of and concerning the same, that is to say upo trust in the first place to pay and discharge all my just debts due and owing by me at the time of my decease and the legacies hereinafter by this my will or by any codicil hereto given and bequeathed and also my funeral and testamentary expenses and from and after full payment and satisfaction thereof in trust to lay out and invest the residue of such monies as shall come to their or any of their hands as aforesaid in the purchase of freehold lands and heredits of an estate of inheritance in fee simple to be situate somewhere in the said county of Essex and as near to my said mansion house called Moyns as the same can be conveniently found free from all encumbrances (except of quit rents) and that they the said John Keysall and John Dent and the survivor of them and the executors and admors of such survivor do and shall convey, settle and assure or cause and procure to be conveyed, settled and assured all and every the said last mentioned lands and hereditaments to so be purchased out of my personal estate as aforesaid to such and the same uses upon such and the same trusts and for the same several ends and intents and purposes and with, under and subject to the same powers, provisos and limitations as are hereinbefore mentioned, expressed, limited and declared of and concerning my said mansion house at Moyns and the lands and heredits thereof belonging.
And my will and mind is that in the mean time and until such purchase or purchases can be made as aforesaid my said trustees and trustee from time to time do and shall lay out and invest the monies so to be received...
And my will and mind is that it shall and may be lawful for the said George William Gent, John Gould Gent, John Gent, the son, and George Gent when severally in possession of my said mansion house at Moyns and the monies, mortgages, lands and heredits therewith devised as aforesaid by any indenture or indentures to be sealed and delivered by them respectively in the presence of and attested by three or more credible witnesses to demise, lease or grant all or any part of the same manors...not exceeding three years in possession and not in reversion...
And I do hereby declare my will and mind to be that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said trustees and the survivor of them and the exors and admors of such survivor by and out of all or any of the monies which shall come to their hands...and I do hereby nominate the said John Keysall and John Dent executors of this my will and do give to each of them the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds as a remuneration for the trouble they may [illegible] in the execution of this my will provided they undertake the execution thereof.
And lastly I do hereby revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made...8 July 1808.
Robert Subbing - when I am dead write to John Dent, Esq., in 10 Fleet Street, London, and to John Keysall, Esq., Queens Square, London, my executors informing them of it and let nobody take any thing, keep my keys and deliver them to my aforenamed executors or whom they may depute, I would have you order my funeral which I [illegible] to have in the same private manner as my wife's was and be buried by her, the expense I leave to your discretion which I would have my executors defray Apr 1809.
By this codicil to my will I give and bequeath to my old and faithful servant Robert Stubbing the sum of twenty pounds per annum during the term of his natural life over and above the annuity of forty pounds per annum bequeathed to him in my will which two annuities I would have paid to him as charged in my will free from the property tax or any other deduction whatsoever.
I also give and bequeath to my four servants, Robert Stubbing, John Dilliston, Mary Hinds and Hannah Betts the sum of thirty pounds to each of them if they should be living with me at the time of my decease.
And I do hereby appoint George William Gent my residuary legatee in the room of his father, deceased, as mentioned in my will, witness my hand 23 Aug 1811.
By this further codicil I give and bequeath to my servant Mahannah [Marianna?] Betts the sum of thirty pounds if she shall be living with me at my decease, witness my hand 29 Dec 1812.
This a further codicil to my last will and testament, I give and bequeath to the Revd William Marshall of Steeple Bumpstead the sum of fifty pounds also to Mr Charles Wilson of Greville Street, Hatton Gardens the like sum of fifty pounds, also to John Cooke of Steeple Bumpstead aforesaid, schoolmaster, the sum of thirty pounds, the said three legacies to be paid free and clear of all legacy duty.
I appoint the said John Cooke schoolmaster of the school at Steeple Bumpstead for the term of his life.
And I direct that the dividends of the sum of one hundred pounds three per cent fund annuities standing in my name and also in the names of John Gent and of John Rist shall be for the benefit and towards the support of the said John Cooke and the schoolmaster of the said school for the time being whom I desire shall be of the Church of England.
And I appoint John Wormald, esquire, one of my exors in the room of John Keysall, esquire, deceased and I give him the same legacy I intended...
And hereby confirm my will and all former codicils...1 Dec 1813.
I give to my old servant Robert Stubbing all my wearing apparel 1 Dec 1813.
By way of codicil to my last will I give and bequeath to John Gent of the City Road, London, brother to the late General Gent, deceased, the sum of five hundred pounds free of all taxes and deductions.
I give and devise to John Cooke of Steeple Bumpstead in the county of Essex, schoolmaster, an annuity or rent charge of thirty pounds per annum with which I charge my farm or lands called Dawkins in the occupation of John Rist in the parish and county aforesaid to be paid twice in the year by two equal payments on the twenty fifth of March and the twenty ninth day of September, the first payment to be made on the first of those days which shall happen after my decease...12 Feb 1814.
By this codicil I give to John Gent, son of the Revd John Gent, late vicar of Stoke in the county of Suffolk, deceased, the sum of five hundred pounds and also the like sum to his brother, George Gent.
Also I give unto my servants, John Dilliston, Mary Hinds, Hannah Betts and Mahanna Betts the sum of twenty pounds each in addition to the thirty pounds given to the before, that is to say fifty pounds in the whole to such of them as shall be living with me at the time of my decease.
Also I give unto John Eppey, my tenant and labourer, the sum of twenty pounds and the living in his house where he now dwells for the remainder of his life free of rent.
Also I give to my tenant, John Baron, at Davidcrooke Gate the sum of ten pounds and to Mary Hannibal, the widow of my late tenant labourer, Walter George Hannibal, the sum of ten pounds.
All the legacies to be paid within three months after my decease.
And I do hereby revoke the reversion of the fee simple of my estate heretofore given to the late William Gent, General in His Majesties service & after to his son, George William Gent, both which devises I do hereby revoke and make void, in witness my hand this 25 Apr 1814.
By this further codicil to my last will and testament I give and bequeath to John Cooke, schoolmaster of the parish of Steeple Bumpstead in the county of Essex, the sum of fifty pounds as a legacy to be paid him within three months next after my decease.
And also I give and bequeath to John Dilliston, my gardener, if he shall be living with me at the time of my decease the further sum of fifty pounds in addition to what I have given him in my former codicils to be paid to him within three months next after my decease.
And to my old and faithful servant, Robert Stubbing, I give and bequeath the sum of five hundred pounds including the thirty pounds I have left him by a former codicil but over and above the annuity of sixty pounds which I have bequeathed to him in my will and codicil besides.
And I also give and bequeath to Mrs Clark of [illegible] Farm in the parish of Castle Hedingham in the county of Essex, widow, the sum of five hundred pounds and to her son, the Revd Unwin Clark of Chester, the like sum of five hundred pounds.
And also I give and bequeath to ___ Corke, the eldest son of Thomas Corke, deceased, herebefore of Water Hall in the parish of Wixoe and lately of Weston Colville in the county of Cambridge the sum of five hundred pounds.
All which legacies I direct to be paid within three months after my decease witness my hand this 6 Sep 1817.
By this further codicil to last will and testament I give and bequeath unto my old and faithful servant, Robert Stubbing, the sum of three hundred pounds in addition to the sum of five hundred pounds bequeathed to him in a former codicil and making up in the whole the sum of one thousand pounds.
And I also give and bequeath unto my servant Mary Hinds the further sum of fifty pounds in addition to the sum of fifty pounds bequeathed to her in a former codicil and further I give and devise unto the said Mary Hinds in case she shall be living with me at the time of my death an annuity of thirty pounds per annum which I charge to be paid out of my estates by two equal payments twice in the year on the twenty fifth of March and the twenty ninth of September, the first payment to be made to her on the first of those days which shall happen next after my decease...
And also I give and bequeath to the Revd William Marshall of Steeple Bumpstead in the county of Essex, clerk, the sum of fifty pounds in addition to the fifty pounds bequeathed to him in a former codicil.
And I direct the above legacies to be paid within six months after my decease free from all taxes and deductions whatsoever dated this 6 Dec 1817.
By this further codicil to my will I give and bequeath to Mr Charles Wilson of Greville Street, Hatton Gardens the sum of fifty pounds in addition to the sum of fifty pounds bequeathed to him in a former codicil.
Also I give and bequeath to Thomas Golding Corke, the son of Thomas Corke of Weston Colville, farmer, lately deceased, the further sum of five hundred pounds in addition to the sum of five hundred pounds bequeathed to him in a former codicil.
Also I give and bequeath to Richard Dix of Steeple Bumpstead, carpenter, the sum of ten pounds.
And I do direct that all the legacies be paid to the respective legatees out of my personal estate, witness my hand this 28 March 1818.
By this further codicil to my last will and testament I give and bequeath to Hannah Betts, my servant, the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid her within six months after my decease provided she shall be living with me and in addition to the sum of fifty pounds bequeathed to her in the former codicils.
And also I give and bequeath to Mahanna Betts, my servant, the sum of fifty pounds to be paid her within six months after my decease provided she shall then be living with me and in addition to the sum of fifty pounds bequeathed to her in the former codicils.
And my will and desire is that the remainder of the fee simple of all my landed estates shall go in such way as the law may direct, witness my hand and seal this 14 May 1818.
The codicils were confirmed to be in his handwriting and signed by him by two independent witnesses and accepted by the court to be genuine. 21 Dec 1818.
Proved at London 5 Jan 1819.
Noted events in his life were:
• Address: Moyns Park, Birdbrook, Essex.
George married Mary Walford. Mary was born in 1721, died on 17 Nov 1802, aged 81, and was buried in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex. They had no children.
General Notes: Mr. Walford died at Harsted Hall, 1741, aged fifty-five, and was buried at Finchingfield; he left issue one son and one daughter, Thomas and Mary. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Walford left Harsted Hall, and with her son and daughter, went to reside in London. Her son, who was then about sixteen years old, and the favourite of his mother, was permitted to enter into all the gaieties of town, and, being endowed with good abilities and a genteel person, his company was courted by young men, in a superior situation in life, which led him into extravagance, and endangered his estate. One of his eccentricities was a visit to a friend at Cambridge, where (without his mother's knowledge) he entered himself a fellow - commoner at Sidney College, which occasioned her a considerable expense, as well as trouble, to get him back again to town. Upon his return, she prevailed with him to study the law, under the care of a gentleman in the Six Clerks' office, to whom she gave £ 380, and found him board and lodging at her own house in Gloucester Street, Queen's Square, London. He continued in this office tolerably attentive till he came of age, but a few days had elapsed, when he hurried down to his steward at Finchingfield, and gave orders for all the timber upon the Harsted Hall estate to be taken down and sold. Before this order could be put in execution, he was seized with the smallpox, and died at Finchingfield, twenty-three days after he came of age. His estates then devolved to his sister Mary, who afterwards married George Gent, Esq. of Moynes, in the parish of Steeple Bumstead. She was of a more saving disposition than her brother, and, instead of taking down the timber upon her estates, nursed it with peculiar care, nearly sixty years. She died without issue, the 17th November, 1802. Her piety, benevolence and charity were very conspicuous to all that knew her, and her placid temper was a striking contrast and corrector of her husband's irritability.
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