Wills: 1719-1778

Cardiff Records: Volume 3. Originally published by Cardiff Records Committee, Cardiff, 1901.

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'Wills: 1719-1778', in Cardiff Records: Volume 3, (Cardiff, 1901) pp. 159-187. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cardiff-records/vol3/pp159-187 [accessed 19 April 2024]

In this section

WILLS.

William Jones of Cardiff, gentleman.

dat. 28 June 1719.

prob. 8 August 1719.

£50 to the Vicar of St. John's, cousin Alexander Pursell, goldsmith, and nephew Cradock Nowell, all of Cardiff, for "erecting a decent Altar Peece in the Chancell of the Church of St John's."

"Item I give devise & bequeath unto the Viccar of St John's in Cardiffe aforesaid my said Couzen Alexander Pursell and my said Nephew Cradock Nowell the sum of ffifty Pounds upon Trust nevertheless and to the intent that ye Viccar of St John's aforesd for the time being the sd Alexander Pursell and my said Nephew Cradock Nowell and the Survivr of them and his heirs shall yearly at the ffeast of the nativity of our blessed Lord distribute the Interest of the sd ffifty Pounds to and amongst Such poor Householders of the Parish of St John's in Cardiffe as they in their discretion shall think for ever And whereas I have lately Purchased of mrs Ann Nowell of the Town of Cardiffe aforesd widdow & my Sd Nephew Cradock Nowell her Son the Inheritance or ffee simple of a certain Close or Parcell of Lands being by estimac'on Seaven Acres (more or less) scituate in Crockertown near the Town of Cardiffe aforesd Now I Doe hereby charge the sd Lands with the payment of the said ffifty pounds hereby devised to the use of the Poor Housholders of the P'ish of St John's aforesd."

Joseph East, of Cardiff, cordwainer.

1719 October 24.

To cousin Alexander Purcell junior, Alderman, little tenement and garden in Worton Street, formerly Ann Belman's, for remainder of lease from the Town of Cardiff. "Item I give to the nonjurors or Mr Sage of Bristoll for them the rent due to me at my decease and the residue of my personall Estate not before devised."

Alexander Purcell, executor.

John Rees, of Ely.

1719 March 24.

Leasehold lands in the hamlet of Eley in the parish of Llandaff, called Tair Erw Heol-y-Coed, Erw'r Pond, Tair Erw Mawr and Erw'r Pentre Kae-gwynne.

Jane Lewis, of Cardiff, widow.

1720 April 6.

To son Edward Lewis 4a. of land near the Mooregate in the parish of St. Mary's in Cardiff, held by lease under Mr. Morgan of Tredegar.

Silver tankard to son William.

£10 to son Gabriel.

To son William garden near Knocker's Hole in the parish of St. Mary's, in fee simple.

John Williams of Llanedern, gentleman.

1720 October 20.

Calico gown and petticoat lined with silk, together with a black silk hood and scarf, to sister-in-law Elizabeth Leyson.

Thomas Roberts of Llandaff, gentleman.

1722 May 11.

Freeholds in Llandaff and Llantrisant to son Thomas after death of wife.

a. freehold on the Saltsmead.

Freehold estate called Pensisley to nephew Thomas Morgan.

Mary Williams, of Llandaff, spinster.

1722 October 29.

To niece Mary, wife of Mr. Humphrey Mathews now of Llandaff, gentleman, her share of the Prebend or Canonry of the Presentorship of the Cathedral Church of Llandaff, and a messuage called Place Mawr with 8a. land, and 14a. called the Bronny, all belonging to the said Prebend or Canonry and situate in the parish of Llandaff.

Edward Henry, of Llandoch.

1723 September 22.

To William William "one great loom and warp loom and one old loom & half other my implements excepting the little loom belonging a weaver."

20s. to Mary William, of Michaelstone-le-pitt.

Thomas Herbert of Eglwysilan, gentleman.

1723 November 1.

To Thomas Morgan Lewis, "ye fidler," the little yellow mare. Lands in Lavernock called Citton farm to nephew Philip Herbert in fee simple. Lease of Soudra tenement under Lord Brooks for lives.

George Stephens of Cardiff, gentleman.

1724 March 28.

Dwellinghouse called the White Horse, in Cardiff, to daughter Elizabeth.

Nicholas Morgan, of Whitchurch, labourer.

[No date.] Proved 15 June 1724.

To son Edward "one witch and Iron Kettle Item I give my sd son Edward one parte of the house being called the Kitchin lying towards the East and to the sd Edward att May and the use of the upper room next to the sd Kitchin to Edward in the winter time and to one as well as other in the summer time and the new Croft which was lastly taken in lying towards the south to my sd son Edward Item I give him one sourell horsed called Robin I give him one horse Colt two year old Item I Leave on my son Edward to pay his sister fifteen shillings in four years time Item I give to my Daughter Anne Morgan one little Crock one pewter platter one pewtr beaker Item I give my sd Daughter one horse called bund."

Mathew Philip, of Fairwater, yeoman.

1724 August 14.

Lease of tenement called the Maindy, under Thomas Lewis of Soberton in the county of Southampton, esq.

Mary Read, of Cardiff, spinster.

1724 October 8.

Devises to her mistress, Margaret Mathew of Cardiff, spinster, in fee simple, her freeholds in Llantrisant.

Thomas Lewis, of Whitchurch.

[No date.] Proved 4 February 1724.

"Item I give and bequeath five pounds to be set out at Interest to the use of the poor of the p'ish of Whitechurch (that have no relief weekly from the parish) for ever and the sd Interest to be distributed yearly after the discretion of the Churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the sd parish." (fn. 1)

Alexander Pursell, of Cardiff, cordwainer.

1726 July 12.

Describes himself as of great age.

£100 to son John.

House near the Stone Bridge, occupied by Jane Brewer, widow, to son Emmanuel.

Residue to son Alexander.

Grandson Alexander mentioned.

Mary Thomas, of Cardiff, widow.

1726/7 January 30.

Copyholds in the Manor of Talyvan, in the parish of Welsh St. Donat.

Stone ring having motto Memento mori.

"Two peices of Gold Com[m]only called peices of Ex's." Little brass crock and brass fire pan.

Richard Christopher, of Llanedern, yeoman.

1727 April 8.

To be buried in the parish church, amongst his friends and relations. To son David "one yoke of my lesser oxen & a red Cow." House and 5a. of land, "being a Chapter Lease" in the parish of Llanedern.

Catherine Williams, of Llanishen.

1727 September 20.

"Item I do bequeath and bestow unto John my Son a Horse and a mare which is on the Heath and 2 yearly Colts allso a Heifer and Calf allso three Grey Sheep & Pigg and two Geese & a Gander 3 hens & a Cock one feather Bed & 2 Ruggs and new Blanketts and all belonging to him [i.e., to the bed] and great Table & a Square Table and two Coffers & Bench a Chaire & two Stools allso Kettle one Voyder & Middell a pewter quart two plates four Spoons Saltsellar & pewter Bottle a Brass Crock & Skillett and Tinn Coffin & Brass Scim[m]er 3 picks 3 wedges & all Planks Board 2 little Coffers Prenfoll Branger great Trunk one skillett allso Wenllian my Daughter one Drake and Duck one Cow & Broke Horse & 2 Sheep & a Pigg 2 Geese 3 Hens 2 Ducks one Chest & Coffer & Round Table and Dresser and Bench and Tressell 2 Stools 3 pewter platters Quart & Copper Tankett 3 pewter Dishes 2 Beds & one Cloaths two Straw Coffers and the wool belonging unless half Poise one white Lin[n]en Bed a Crock Bakestone Ounger & Spittell dripping pan & Hayry Trunk the Turn & all belonging & Pad allso Elizabeth my Daughter I do bestow the Red Horse & 3 Yearly Colts to my Grandson & my wearing Cloaths to my Daughter Elizabeth and all Dreaks belonging to every one allso I give five Shillings money And for all the wooden Vessells they are to be sold equally for the Rent three pounds three shillings Rent."

Hannah Archer, of Cardiff, widow.

1728 January 27.

Leaves most of her money to the family of Jonathan Greenfield, of Cardiff. £10 to the poor prisoners in the County Gaol.

Miles Meredith, of Llanishen, yeoman.

1728 March 26.

Lease of Court Bâch. House in Crockerton.

Freeholds in Llanishen and Llanedern.

Eldest son William.

William Hodges, of Cardiff, mariner.

1728 April 2.

House lately purchased of Oliver St. John, esq., situate near the North Gate, between the house of Blanch Robotham widow north, and the house of Lewis Jenkin, blacksmith, south.

Joan Thomas, of Llandaff, spinster.

1728 April 3.

To be buried in her mother's grave in Llandaff churchyard. Her executor to bestow half a barrel of ale at her funeral.

1s. to David William, of the parish of Begganton in the county of Somerset.

Edward Samuell, of Rumney, yeoman.

1728 April 29.

"Whereas att a Court Baron held in & for ye Mannor of Rumney in the said County of Monmouth on the 11th day of Decr 1717 before Wm Richards gent Steward there I have Surrendered into the hands of the Lady of the sd Mannor by her sd Steward according to the Custom of the sd Mannor one Messuage one Cowhouse one Barne & one Stable with the appurts & 22½ acres of Land Customary fineable (be the same more or less) lyeing & being within ye Com[m]ott of Newton & Mannor aforesaid Unto & to the Use & behoof of George Evan & his heires Customary for ever acc'd'g to the Custom of the said Mannor of Rumney. . . . . ."

In 1721 a similar surrender of 6¼a. to the Lord.

"Whereas allso att a Court Baron held in & for ye Mannor of Peterstone in ye said County of Monmouth on 2 Decr 1717 before Charles Philips gent Steward there I have Surrendered into ye hands of ye Lord of ye sd Mannor by his Steward acc'd'g to ye Custom of ye sd Mannor 2 p'cels of Land Customary fineable containing by estimac'on 10½a. (more or less) lyeing & being in the Parish of Rumney in ye Mannor of Peterstone aforesd . . . . . . as by ye sd several Surrenders & Declarations of ye uses thereof entered in ye severall Court Rolls of the sd Mannor of Rumney & Peterstone. . . . . ."

Pentwyn in St Mellon's to niece Martha Philip.

2 closes called Tilly ycha & Tilly Isha, containing about 6a., in St. Mellon's.

4a. freehold in Marshfield called "Y'r Hoil six acres."

Jane Thomas, of Pentyrch, spinster.

1728 May 6.

To servant Jennett Thomas "one feather bed & Gobennidd, two Blanketts & one Rugg where I doe lye, one Mantue, two Petticoats one of them Bedquilt, one Blew Apron & one Suite of Caps & my Boyler."

To nephew Lewis Thomas one coffer with a drawer in it.

6 damask table handkerchieves; a riding cushion "& two Heling; & one feather Bed & one Gobennidd."

Edmund Rees, of Radyr, yeoman.

1728 August 19.

Freehold in Radir, Whitchurch, Llandaff and Eglwysilan.

Eldest son William Rees. Younger son John.

Land called Tir-y-fordd Laes in Radir.

Parcel of land in Radyr called Park or the Lodge.

Thomas Lewis, of Croft y Gunny in the parish of St. Fagan's.

1728.

Frances Thomas, of Cardiff, widow.

1729 March 28.

Lands in the parish of Bedwas, and leaseholds in Llanedern.

Legacies:—Spruce chest; dressing box, with the receipts and work therein; bedstead with canopy, in the closet within my bedchamber; the iron back and the plate belonging to it, in the parlour at Bedwas; silver can or cup marked F. T.; feather bed in the Red Chamber at Bedwas; silver caudle cup marked W. T.; my little spruce chest; late husband's cane with the silver head; two little brass candlesticks, and snuffers and snuff box.

Reynold Thomas, of Llandoch, yeoman.

1729/30 January 8.

Legacies to Henry, Trevor, Lettice &c., children of Oliver Jones, late of Cardiff, gardener.

A Welsh bushel of wheat to "David John alias David da Dduw u chwy." (fn. 2)

George Mathews, of Llanfihangel-Llantarnam in the county of Monmouth, yeoman.

1729/30 February 23.

"Whereas att a Court Baron held in & for ye Mannor of Rumney in ye County of Monmouth on ye one & twentieth day of October & in ye year of our Lord 1715 before William Richards gent Steward there I have Surrendered into the hands of the Lord of the sd Mannor by the said Steward according to ye Custom of the said Mannor two Messuages two Barns & one & twenty acres of Customary Lands fineable (be the same more or less) with ye app'tenances whereof sixteen acres of the said Land scituateth within ye Com[m]ott of Rumney & the other five being ye Residue of ye said premisses lyeth & scituateth in the Com[m]ott of Newton within ye aforesaid Mannor. . . . . ."

Customaryhold to nephew George Collins, of Llandaff, yeoman, "being the youngest to son Thomas Collins senior."

To Thomas Collins, brother to the said George, "one Welsh Bible & one Common Prayer both in folio."

A yeoman at Cottrell in 1729 bequeaths "a Leather Breeches and a pair of Socks com[m]only called Sacasses." (fn. 3)

Mary Rees, of Llandaff.

1730 June 19.

House, orchard and 4a. of land called Kimdda bach, to Morgan son of Lewis Rees.

David John, of Whitchurch.

1730 December 11.

All to wife Sarah and daughter Anne jointly, "in Case my said Wife do not marry a second Venter."

William Lewis, of Whitchurch, witness and executor.

John Thomas, of Penarth.

1730/1 January 31.

Edward William's Lease called Tir bach, to son William Thomas.

"The Kemmin and the higher house and Land late of Robert Clayton and the great Barne belonging to the Kem[m]in" to daughter Katherine Thomas.

Elizabeth King, of Whitchurch.

1730 February 8.

"Item two peices of Cotton to Elizabeth Jenkin and my Bodice & stumminger and my red Cow to Elizabeth Jenkin."

Edward Gamage, of Roath.

1730/1 February 12.

Cows called Cefnwen, Rossi, Pengron, Ceiros, Twbi, Tali, Gwine.

William John, of Whitchurch.

1731 December 16.

Lease under Thomas Morgan of Ruperra, esq., of land called Tyr y Saith Erw.

William Richards of Cardiff, esq.

1731 February 25.

About a dozen houses in Cardiff. Freeholds and customaryholds in Glamorgan and Monmouthshire.

2 houses in Pottage Street late in the tenure of Henry William, fisherman.

Children: William, Elizabeth, Jane.

Nephews Michael Richards and William Richards, and niece Mary Richards.

William Holly, of Llandaff.

1731/2 March 13.

4a. of land by Ely Pool purchased of Thomas Lewis of Soberton, esq.

Elias Evan, of Llandaff, yeoman.

1732 March 31.

To eldest son Richard leasehold tenement in Llandaff called Cannons ffarme.

I purchased from Thomas Lewis, esq., the reversion of a lease on a tenement of land called Kaerbont in Llandaff, containing 16a.

Richard, is to pay £80 to his brother James, towards his (James') education at Oxford.

Margaret Morgan, of Cardiff.

1732 August 15.

"my body to be buried in christal Burial in the Parish Church of Saint Johns in Cardiffe by my Executrix herein after named Item I leave ffourty pound ffor my ffuneral a good black cloath ffor the reading Pew ffor I will not have a Sermon a good Hattbond and Gloves to the gentleman that buries me Hattbond gloves to the Bailiffe of the Town and Gloves to the Serjants Gloves to the Clerk and Sexton."

My "Chainey."

To cousin Wenllian Rice a silver porringer.

Harry Thomas, of Whitchurch, yeoman.

1733 May 5.

Lease called the Little Pant in Whitchurch parish.

"But if my wife Anne Thomas happen to marry there is nothing to her but one Bed and its appurtenances."

Jonathan Greenfield, of Cardiff, mariner.

1733 May 23.

"I fforbid any gloves nor Mourning to be gave to any body at or after my ffunerall only ten pounds to defray all my ffunerall Expences and it is my desire to be buried in St Johns Church in Cardiff or else in the Churchyard in the tome of my Sister in law Anne Archer by the south porch."

Son John "shall not have power to carry any of my effects not out of my now dwelling house."

William Morrice, of Llandoch.

1734 April 30.

To son Thomas a cow called Ceyros Vach.

To daughter Jane a cow called Seran.

Blanch Robotham, of Cardiff, widow.

1734 May 22.

£5 to the poor of St John's, Cardiff, and St Michael's, Bristol.

Messuage and court which I hold by lease of the Corporation of Cardiff, situate near the North Gate there.

£5 to the repair of the meeting house in Cardiffe.

Evan Deer, of Cardiff, ironmonger.

1735 March 26.

Lands in Llanmaes, Roath and Cardiff purchased of Lord Windsor, Thomas Lewis of Soberton, esq., and Buckley Mackworth, esq.

Stable and garden in St John's, purchased of Mr. Mackworth for 99 years, the east side adjoining the Town Wall.

Storehouse in St John's, now in possession of the Churchwardens of Cardiff, Alexander Purcell, esq., and George Watkins, gentleman.

Lewis Lewis, of Whitchurch.

1735 November 29.

Freeholds in Whitchurch and Llanedern to son Edward Lewis.

House in Whitchurch adjoining to the Common.

Lease of lands called fforest Isha.

To son Edward 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1 wain and plough; also lease of Pantbach.

To son Thomas Lewis lease called Kelly, and leases of the Derry and Cwm Novith.

Sarah Thomas, of Pentyrch, spinster.

1736.

Bequeaths 2 suits of head-clothes.

Margaret Harry, of Lisvane.

1737–8 January 10.

"Chest or coffer that stands under the cupboard in the room called y parth uchaf."

Prerogative Court of Canterbury.

Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice.

Thomas Mathews of Llandaff, Admiral.

[1749 January 6].

I Thomas Mathews of the parish of Saint George Bloomsbury in the county of Middlesex esquire do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say I give and devise All and every my castles manors or lordships freehold messuages lands tenements advowsons and hereditaments whatsoever situate lying and being in the counties of Middlesex Glamorgan Monmouth and elsewhere whereof or wherein I or any person or persons in trust for me am is or are seised of any estate of freehold or inheritance in possession reversion remainder or expectancy with their and every of their rights royalties members and appurtenances unto and to the use of my wife Millicent Mathews my sister in law Hester Fuller Mr. John Baynard junior of the Navy Office London gentleman my cousin Charles Jones of Llandaff in the county of Glamorgan gentleman and my late secretary Mr. John Scot and their heirs Upon Trust that they and the survivors and survivor of them and the heirs of such survivor shall and do as soon after my decease as they conveniently can by such conveyances and assurances in the law as Counsel shall advise and think proper settle convey and assure the said castles manors lordships freehold messuages lands advowsons and hereditaments so devised to them as aforesaid to the several uses upon the trusts and to and for the several ends intents and purposes and subject to the provisoes declarations and agreements hereinafter mentioned expressed and declared of and concerning the same that is to say As to for and concerning my said castles manors lordships messuages lands tenements advowsons and hereditaments in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth with their and every of their rights royalties members and appurtenances to the use intent and purpose that my said wife Millicent Mathews and her assigns may thereout have receive and take for her life one annuity or yearly rent of three hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain free from all deductions whatsoever to be payable at or on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist and the Birth of our Lord Christ in every year by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to begin and be made at or on such of the said feasts as shall first and next happen after my decease with powers of entry and distress and such other provisions as are usually inserted in cases of the like nature And subject thereout to the use of two or more trustees of the said intended settlement to be named their executors administrators and assigns for a term of five hundred years without impeachment of waste upon the trusts hereinafter mentioned concerning the same And after the end or other sooner determination of the said term of five hundred years and subject thereto to the use of my grandson Thomas Mathews and his assigns for his life without impeachment of waste And after the determination of that estate by forfeiture or otherwise to the use of two or more other trustees in the said settlement to be named and their heirs during the life of my said grandson in trust by the usual ways and means in that behalf to preserve the contingent remainders And after the decease of my said grandson Thomas Mathews to the use of the first and every other son of his body lawfully to be begotten successively in tail male And in default of such issue to the use of the second third and all and every other the son and sons of my son Major Thomas Mathews lawfully to be begotten successively in tail male And for default of such issue to the use of two other trustees in the same settlement to be named their executors administrators and assigns for a term of ninety and nine years if my said son Major Thomas Mathews shall so long live In Trust out of the rents and profits of the same premises or some part thereof to raise and pay to each and every the daughter and daughters of my said son the annuity or yearly sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain free from all deductions whatsoever during so many years of the said term as he my said son shall happen to live to be payable by half yearly payments at or on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Michael the Archangel in every year by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to begin and to be made at or on such of the said feasts as shall first or next happen after the commencement of the said term of ninety and nine years And from and immediately after the expiration or other sooner determination of the said term of ninety and nine years and subject thereto to the use of my said son Major Thomas Mathews and his assigns for his life without impeachment of waste And after the determination of that estate by forfeiture or otherwise to the use of two trustees and their heirs during the life of my said son Major Mathews in trust to preserve the contingent remainders thereinafter directed to be limited And after the decease of my said son Major Mathews to the use of all and every the daughter and daughters of his body lawfully to be begotten equally to be divided between them as tenants in common in tail general with cross remainders over in case of the death of any of the said daughters without issue to the use of all and every other such daughter or daughters to take in like manner as tenants in common and the heirs of the body and bodies of such other daughter or daughters And if all such daughters but one shall die without issue or there shall be but one such daughter then to the use of such only daughter and the heirs of her body And in default of such issue to the use of all and every the daughter and daughters of the body of my said grandson Thomas Mathews for such estates and interests and in the same manner as I have hereinbefore directed concerning the daughters of my son Thomas Mathews And in default of such issue to my own right heirs And as to my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments in the county of Middlesex hereinbefore devised with their appurtenances to the use of my said wife Millicent Mathews and her assigns for her life And after her decease to the use of such person and persons and for such estates and interests and subject to such and the same powers provisoes and limitations as I have hereinbefore directed touching and concerning my castles manors lands tenements advowsons and hereditaments in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth or such and so many of them as shall then be existing or capable of taking effect And my will is that in the settlement so to be made as aforesaid the trust of the term of five hundred years hereinbefore directed to be limited shall be declared to be as to the lands in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth in the first place for the better and more effectual securing the payment of the said annuity or yearly sum of three hundred pounds to my wife Millicent Mathews at the times hereinbefore mentioned for payment thereof in such manner as is usual in cases of the like nature And subject thereto Then as to those manors lands advowsons and hereditaments as well as the messuages and lands in the county of Middlesex upon trust that the trustees of the said term of five hundred years shall and do during so many years of the said term as my said son Major Thomas Mathews and my grandson Thomas Mathews or any issue male of his body or any other issue male of my own body shall jointly live by and out of the rents issues and profits of the premises in the said term to be compromised or by sale or mortgage of the same premises or any part thereof or by such other ways and means as the said trustees or the survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivor shall think proper raise and pay unto my said son Thomas Mathews or his assigns one annuity or yearly sum of seven hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain free from all deductions whatsoever at or on the four feasts or days of payment in the year that is to say Lady Day Midsummer Michaelmas and Christmas in every year by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to begin and be made at or on such of the said feasts as shall first and next happen after my decease Provided nevertheless and my will is and I do hereby declare that the said annuity or yearly sum of seven hundred pounds so directed to be raised and paid to my son Thomas Mathews and his assigns as aforesaid is upon this express condition that he my said son Thomas Mathews shall within twelve months next after my decease by such good and sufficient conveyances and assurances in the law as Counsel shall advise convey settle and assure all and every the manors lands tenements and hereditaments mentioned and comprised in the settlement made after my marriage with my late wife Henrietta bearing date the ninth day of January one thousand seven hundred and six In the first place for better securing unto my sister in law Elizabeth Burgess one annuity or yearly sum of one hundred pounds during her life which I have granted and made payable to her out of the same lands and hereditaments or any part thereof and subject thereto to the use of my said son Thomas Mathews and his assigns for his life without impeachment of waste And after the determination of that estate to the use of two or more trustees in the said settlement to be named and their heirs during the life of my said son Thomas Mathews in trust to preserve the contingent remainders And after his decease to such and the same uses upon such and the same trusts and to and for such and the same ends intents and purposes and subject to such and the same powers provisoes and declarations as are hereinbefore directed to be limited of and concerning my manors lands and hereditaments in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth or so many of them as shall be then existing or capable of taking effect And also shall and do ratify and confirm this my Will and every clause matter and thing therein contained by such ways and means and in such manner as by Counsel learned in the law shall be advised and thought proper But in case my said son Thomas Mathews shall neglect or refuse to make and execute such conveyance settlement or assurance as is herein last before directed and to ratify and confirm this my Will in manner before mentioned within the time hereinbefore limited and appointed for that purpose Then my will and mind is that the said annuity or yearly sum of seven hundred pounds directed to be raised under the trusts of the said term of five hundred years and paid to my said son as aforesaid shall not nor shall any part thereof be raised and paid but shall cease to become payable And my will further is that in the several settlements so to be made as aforesaid there shall be inserted and contained proper provisoes for my said grandson Thomas Mathews and my son Thomas Mathews when they shall respectively be in the actual possession of the manors lands and hereditaments hereinbefore directed to be limited to them for their respective lives as aforesaid by any deed or writing under their respective hands and seals to be executed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses To grant convey assign limit or appoint the said manors lands and hereditaments whereof they shall be so in possession as aforesaid or any annual sum or yearly rent to be issuing out of and charged upon all or part of the same premises with powers of entry and distress and a term of years and other usual provisions for the effectual securing the same rent charge subject nevertheless to the several terms of ninety and nine years and five hundred years before mentioned and the trusts to be declared thereof respectively unto upon or to the use of any woman or women that they shall respectively marry to hold and take effect from and after the several deceases of them my said grandson Thomas Mathews and my son Thomas Mathews for and during the life or lives of such woman or women for or in lieu name or stead of her or their jointure or jointures and in bar of her and their dower and dowers so as my said grandson Thomas Mathews and my son Thomas Mathews shall severally actually receive as a portion or fortune with each such woman as they shall respectively marry the sum of one thousand pounds or the value thereof for every one hundred pounds a year in lands and hereditaments or for each eighty pounds a year rent charge so to be granted assigned limited or appointed for or in jointure as aforesaid and so as the portion or fortune so to be received as aforesaid shall be settled as a provision for the younger children of such respective marriages as aforesaid in such manner as such respective intended wives shall think proper and also such powers for my said grandson Thomas Mathews and my son Thomas Mathews when and as they shall respectively be in the actual possession of the said manors lands and hereditaments or any part thereof in manner aforesaid to make any lease or leases of the same premises or any part thereof for any term or number of years not exceeding twenty one years to take effect in possession or for three lives or ninety and nine years determinable on the death of three persons in such leases to be named as my said trustrees or the survivors or survivor of them shall think proper or as are usually inserted in settlements of the like nature and also such other clauses provisoes limitations declarations and agreements as at the times of making such respective settlements shall with the approbation and consent of my said trustees or the survivors or survivor of them to be signified by their his or her executing the said settlements respectively be agreed upon and therein inserted And I give and bequeath unto my granddaughter Jane Mathews one exchequer annuity of one hundred pounds per annum which I value at one thousand four hundred pounds And also the sum of two thousand six hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain making together four thousand pounds And unto my granddaughter Ann Mathews one other exchequer annuity of one hundred pounds per annum which I also value at one thousand four hundred pounds And likewise the sum of two thousand six hundred pounds of like lawful money making together four thousand pounds And unto my granddaughters Henrietta Mathews and Millicent Mathews four thousand pounds apiece of like lawful money the said several annuities and legacies to be respectively assigned and paid to my said granddaughters at their several and respective ages of twenty five years or day of marriage which shall first happen but in case all or any of my said granddaughters shall happen to die before any of their said legacies shall become payable then my will is that the legacy or legacie of her or them so dying shall sink into the residuum of my personal estate for the benefit of such person or persons as shall be entitled to the same by virute of this my Will And my further will is that my executors their executors and administrators shall pay unto my said granddaughter Jane the yearly sum of one hundred pounds until her said legacy shall be payable And unto my two granddaughters Henrietta and Millicent the yearly sum of fifty pounds apiece until they shall severally attain the age of eight years and from that time the yearly sum of eighty pounds apiece until they shall severally attain the age of sixteen years and afterward the yearly sum of one hundred pounds until their respective legacies shall become payable the said several yearly sums to be paid for the maintenance and education of my said granddaughters over and above any other provisions hereinbefore made for them at or on the feasts of Saint Michael the Archangel and the Birth of our Lord Christ every year by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to begin and be made at or on such of the said feasts or days of payment as shall first and next happen after my decease And I do desire and direct that there be paid and allowed for the maintenance and education of my grandson Thomas Mathews and out of the rents and profits of the premises so directed to be limited to him for his life as aforesaid the yearly sum of one hundred and twenty pounds until he shall attain his age of sixteen years and afterwards the yearly sum of four hundred pounds until he shall attain the age of twenty one years And that the rest of the rents and profits of the same premises shall during his minority be received and placed out on security for his benefit from time to time until he attains his age of twenty one years or dies which shall first happen I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Mathews my diamond ring I wear which was left me by my grandfather Sir Thomas Armstrong who requested that it might never go out of our family but to be kept in memory of the donor King William the Third of ever glorious memory And I give and bequeath to my good sister in law Mistress Hester Fuller one thousand pounds as a token of gratitude for her constant love and friendship for me and mine To Mr. John Baynard junior of the Navy Office the sum of one hundred pounds as a token of my friendship for him And twenty pounds for mourning To Mr. John Scott my late secretary the sum of one hundred pounds as a token of his constant zeal and fidelity and twenty pounds for mourning To my cousin Andrew Robinson esquire the sum of twenty five pounds for mourning To my cousin Charles Jones of Llandaff fifty pounds for mourning To William Young esquire late secretary to my deceased friend and patron Lord Berkeley the sum of fifty pounds for mourning To my sister in law Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess the sum of twenty five pounds for mourning To Mr. Henry Toms my surgeon fifty pounds for his extraordinary care of me during my illness And I give unto my dearly beloved wife Millicent all my household goods and implements of household furniture linen plate and jewels of what nature or kind soever (except the diamond ring hereinbefore mentioned bequeathed to my son) and also all my wines and liquors and provisions of housekeeping to and for her own use and also the sum of one thousand pounds for mourning And I also give and bequeath all that my leasehold house wherein I now reside situate in or near Hart Street Bloomsbury aforesaid with the stables outhouses and appurtenances to the same belonging or therewith used or enjoyed unto my said wife Millicent Mathews and her assigns during so many years of the terms I have therein as she shall live And after her decease I direct that the same shall fall into the residue of my personal estate to be disposed of in the manner hereinafter mentioned And I give and bequeath all my ready money securities for money stocks in the publick funds goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever not hereinbefore otherwise specifically given and bequeathed unto the said Millicent Mathews, Hester Fuller, John Baynard, Charles Jones and John Scott their executors administrators and assigns Upon Trust in the first place to pay my funeral expenses and all the just debts I shall owe at the time of my decease and afterwards the several legacies in and by this my Will given and bequeathed and such other legacies as I shall by any Codicil or writing under my hand hereafter give and bequeath And subject thereto upon trust to place out the residue and surplus of my said personal estate which shall remain after and not be applied for the purposes aforesaid in one or more purchase or purchases of manors messuages lands tenements and hereditaments in fee simple in possession free from encumbrances and also shall and do immediately after such purchase or purchases shall be made settle convey and assure the manors messuages lands tenements and hereditaments so to be purchased as aforesaid in the first place for securing unto the said Elizabeth Burgess the annuity or yearly sum of one hundred pounds granted and made payable by me to her for her life as aforesaid in case the same shall not be secured and made payable by my son Thomas Mathews in manner hereinbefore directed and subject thereto for and upon and subject to such and the same uses trusts powers provisoes limitations and agreements as I have hereinbefore directed to be limited of and concerning my castles manors lands and hereditaments in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth hereinbefore devised or such and so many of them as shall be then existing undetermined or capable of taking effect And my will is and I do hereby declare that the said Millicent Mathews, Hester Fuller, John Baynard, Charles Jones and John Scott and the survivors and survivor of them and the executors and administrators of such survivor shall and may in the meantime and until such purchase and purchases shall be made by and with the consent and approbation of my said wife Millicent Mathews and sister in law Hester Fuller or the survivor of them lend and place out the residue and surplus of my said personal estate upon any real and Parliamentary securities or publick funds subject to the trusts aforesaid and from time to call in and receive such moneys so lent and placed out on securities as aforesaid or any part thereof as often as they shall think fit and again to lend out the same with such approbation as aforesaid and subject to the same trusts and in the meantime and until the said residue of my personal estate shall be laid out in the purchase of manors lands and hereditaments as aforesaid all the interest proceeds and dividends of the said funds and securities shall be from time to time paid to and received by such person and persons as and to whom the rents and profits of the premises so to be purchased (if purchased) would for the time being belong or appertain by virtue of the uses and limitations before mentioned And my will further is and I do hereby declare that my several trustees and executors hereinbefore and hereafter named for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned shall not nor shall any of them or the heirs executors or administrators of any of them be answerable or accountable for any money to be received by virtue of or under the trusts hereby in them reposed or any otherwise than each person for such sum and sums of money as he or she shall respectively actually receive And that no one of them shall be answerable or accountable for the acts receipts neglects or defaults of the other of them And also that they my said trustees and executors their respective executors and administrators shall and may by and out of the estates hereby vested in them for the purposes aforesaid retain to and reimburse themselves all such costs charges damages and expenses as they respectively shall or may sustain expend or be put into in and about the execution of the trusts hereby in them respectively reposed And I do hereby make constitute and appoint the said Millicent Mathews, Hester Fuller, John Baynard, Charles Jones and John Scott executors of this my Will hereby revoking all former wills by me made In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Mathews have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty nine

Thomas Mathews.

The writing above contained was signed and sealed by the said Testator Thomas Mathews and by him published and declared as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence and at the request of the said Testator and also in the presence of each other.

Jacb Davison, Bartlett's Buildings.

Jonn Holloway.

Jno Jenkins, Clerk to Mr. Davison.

Miles Bevis, of Pentyrch.

1763 July 5.

To wife and 3 sons leasehold lands in the parish of Pentyrch, known by the name of Gockid. (Cottage and garden.)

Thomas David, of Pen-y-groes, Lanedarn.

1765 October 4.

Real estate to eldest son Thomas, charged with legacies to son David and daughter Jane.

Alexander Purcel, of Cardiff, goldsmith.

1768 April 20.

To wife Elizabeth real estate, on trust, after her decease, for sisters Elizabeth Purcel and Jane Blatchly equally, subject to legacy of £8 per annum to Elizabeth daughter of nephew Alexander Wilson, of Cardiff, watchmaker, till 21.

Silver half-pint mug and silver porringer to grandniece Elizabeth, to be kept in custody of my executrices until she attains the age of 16 years.

Wearing apparel and trade implements to nephews said Alexander Wilson and Richard Wilson, jeweller.

Messuage in High Street, Cardiff, held under me by Edward Whiteing, tailor, to nephew Alexander; and after his death to his son Alexander and his daughter Mary.

Messuage in High Street, occupied under me by Michael Brewer, mercer, to Elizabeth daughter of Alexander Wilson, for life; remainder to Ann, daughter of Richard Wilson.

To nephew Alexander all my lands opposite to the King's Castle in the parish of Llandaff, now held from and under me by William Jones, blacksmith.

To nephew Thomas Wilson all that messuage or tenement with the stable adjoining, near the Castle, wherein I now dwell, to him and his heirs for ever.

To my nephew Richard Wilson all that messuage or tenement in Duke Street commonly called Shoemaker's Street, wherein Isaac Rosser, glazier, now liveth. Also messuage in Duke Street, known by the name of the Old Green Dragon, held under me by lease by Henry Lewis, mercer.

To nephew William Wilson all that messuage, situated in Worton Street commonly called Houle Cawle, wherein William Griffiths, gentleman, now liveth; as likewise a messuage or tenement in the same street wherein David Purcel now liveth.

To nephew Richard Wilson a barn and garden in Crockertown for life, with remainder to his daughter Sarah in fee simple.

William Turberville of Wattrell in the parish of Radyr, gentleman.

1768 September 13.

Freehold estate in Pentyrch to wife Catherine for life; also messuage called Wattrell, situate in the parish of Radyr; together with the court and garden adjoining to the house, and the stable under the storehouse (with the use of courtyard and draw-well).

Also orchard and 15a. of land called the Five Acres next the House, the Middle Five Acres and the Further Five Acres, all in the parish of Llandaff and held by lease from the Earl of Plymouth.

Also to my wife "the Silver Tankard that Mr Powell gave us upon that occasion" (our marriage).

To wife three of my best cows and two of my best horses or mares, with the tackle in husbandry belonging to such horses or mares, and a part of the hay and straw in my barn, rickyard or elsewhere, in proportion to the number of cattle hereby given to her.

To nephew Henry Llewelyn freehold called Bull-croft, in the parish of Leckwith, in fee simple.

To natural son Edward Turberville all my wearing apparel (except my best suit of clothes and six of my best shirts and six best cravats.)

Residue to brother Edward.

Michael Richards of Cardiff.

1771 January 19.

£40 a year charged on estate at Pendoylon, to youngest son William.

Son George, £10.

Son Charles £10.

"To my Dear Mrs Richards I give the House Garden and Appurtenances wherein we now Dwell if she should like remaining in Cardiff (where I have transported her so I beg her forgiveness)" for life, with remainder and all residue to eldest son John.

Edward William, of Roath, yeoman.

1772 August 9.

Cottage wherein I now live, with garden and about ¼a. of land on the Little Heath in the parish of Roath, having lands of Robert Jones, esq., on the north-west, brook called Nant Llyky on the northeast, and the said Heath facing the village of Roath on the south-east, to nephew Miles John.

Catherine Evans, of St. John's, Cardiff.

1774 May 15.

To Ann, daughter of Rowland James, of Splot, 10 guineas; also 2 silver table spoons, six silver tea spoons, tongs, cream boat and punch ladle; as also two silk gowns; I dozen of china tea dishes, saucers and "bazon."

To Edward, son of the said Rowland James, my silver watch; one pair of silver shoe-buckles and a pair of silver knee-buckles.

To brother-in-law William Evans "my Buroe and Large Looking Glass and a Square Mahogany Table and my best blue and Cotten Bed with its appurtenances thereunto belonging."

To Mrs. Ann James, of Splot, and Mr. Cicel Jame, of Pant Mawr in the parish of Whitchurch, "two Guineas a Piece to buy a Morning Ring each."

To Ann, wife of William Rodger, of the parish of Roath, 2 guineas and all my old wearing apparel.

Thomas William, of Blew House, Llanishen, yeoman.

1774 June 2.

To daughter Catherine Harry £10 and one dust bed, one bolster, two blankets and one rug.

To daughter Elizabeth my best bed and bedstead with all its clothes thereunto belonging. Also the little square table which is now in the hall.

To wife Ann the bed and bedstead where I now lie, with all its clothes thereunto belonging, £10 and remainder of effects during widowhood.

Reversion thereof to son John and daughter Elizabeth.

Jennet Rees, of Whitchurch, spinster.

1774 June 23.

To nephew William Morgan, son of Edward Morgan, of Lisvane, my share of freehold estate in the parish of St. Mellon's, called Six Acres Y Pwell Coch, for ever. Also £40. Also one bedstead, one feather bed, one bolster and its clothes, two brass pans, one round table, two large pewter dishes, six small pewter plates, and four chairs.

Friswith Morgan, of the parish of Radir, widow.

1774 June 30.

To niece Elizabeth David, daughter of late brother Philip Williams, a heifer and calf.

Abraham Joseph, of Lisvane, yeoman.

1775 March 2.

To son Thomas that lease called or known by the name of Erwrhvan.

Thomas Lewis of Llanishen, esq.

1775 March 10.

Whole estate to son Wyndham, charged with £1,000 each to daughters Elizabeth and Blanch Lewis, above the legacies left them by their late grandfather Thomas Popkins, esq. £20 to mother-inlaw Mrs. Joan Thomas, every year during her life, for pocket money; she to be maintained by my said son.

"Subject also and I do hereby Charge my said real Estate with the payment of the sum of Four Pounds yearly forever for and towards the Support and Maintenance of such person or persons as shall from time to time inhabit and Dwell in the Alms houses in the said Parish of Llanishen."

Annuity of 40s. to servant maid Margaret Rees.

James James, of Pantmawr, Whitchurch.

1775 April 27.

All to wife Cecil, executrix.

Richard Priest, of Cardiff, mariner.

1775 November 17.

To wife Ann furniture and shares of sloops, skiffs and boats. And freehold messuage at Crockertown.

To Nicholas Priest, son, the house I now dwell in. "Allso the house that Mr. Thomas French now dwell in."

Cecil Evans, of Cardiff, widow.

1775 December 7.

Freehold dwellinghouse called the White Lyon Inn, situate at Cardiff and now in the occupation of Edward Thomas, innkeeper, to nephew John Roberts, son of niece Elizabeth Roberts, late of Cardiff, widow.

To my servant Joan Richards all my old clothes.

Wearing apparel to nieces Jennett, wife of Evan John, and Ann, wife of Aquilla Jones.

William Hugh, of Rumney, yeoman.

1775 December 16.

To wife Ann the house in which I now live, with the lands thereto belonging, as devised to me by my uncle William Robert; together with the three acres of customary lands commonly called Tair Erw'r Wall, situate in the parish of Rumney, which descended to me as customary heir on the death of my brother Gibbon Hugh, for widowhood, with remainder to son John.

Felix Fox, of Llystalybont in the parish of Llandaff, yeoman.

1776 September 2.

To Thomas Evans, of Maindy in the parish of St. John, all estate on Trust.

Annuity of £5 to Rachel Thomas my now servant woman; and the said Rachel Thomas to have free liberty of living in my present dwelling house.

Thomas David, of Lanedarn, yeoman.

1776 October 3.

Customary lands in the parish of Peterston in the manor of Rompney and county of Monmouth.

Anthony Mathew of the parish of Leckwith, gentleman.

1777 January 2.

Freeholds to nephew Anthony, son of my late brother Thomas Mathew. In default of his leaving male issue, then to nephew Blethon, son of my brother William Mathew. In default of his leaving male issue, then to nephew Theobilus, son of my brother John Mathew.

"I give and bequeath all and singular my moiety share and interest of and in all & singular the Messuages Lands Tenements & Hereditaments which I hold jointly with my said Brother William Mathew by Lease from and under Francis Mathew of Thomas Town in the Kingdom of Ireland Esqre and commonly called and known by the name of the Lordship of Llandaff unto my said Brother John Mathew and my nephew Anthony Mathew share & share alike untill my said nephew Theobilus shall attain his age of twenty one years And from and after such his attainment to his said age of Twenty one years I give and bequeath the same unto my said nephews Anthony and Theobilus their ex's ad's & as's share & share alike (to the exclusion of my brother John) for the then residue & rem'r of my term & interest therein."

To sister Elizabeth Mathew £100; best mahogany table; best bed, bedstead and bed-clothes, and a pair of my best sheets.

William James, of Whitchurch, shopkeeper.

1777 January 10.

"I give and bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth James the House and the Shop wherein I now dwell garden and orchard that belongs to it at Present and the Two Cowhouse next to the Orchard Item I give and bequeath to my son Christopher James from the said cow-house to the Road side all that Row Houses and Garden and Croft and Liberty through the Court Also I give and bequeath to my said son Christopher James my Father Laws house by Rubina the Coffins and the Coffin Boards and Trimmins and also the said Christopher James is to Pay the Chief Rent for the said Premises wherein now I Dwelleth Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann James Twenty five Pound and half of the Sheep Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Jane James twenty five Pound and half of the sheep and the House of the late William Harry Phillip And the said Christopher James is the Owner of the Clock and Clock Case."

John Morgan, of Pengam, Roath, bachelor.

1777 October 28.

4a. freehold land in the parish of St. Mary.

5a. freehold land on Splot Moor in the parish of Roath.

These were devised to Testator by his father.

John Roberts, late of Cardiff but now of Bristol, house carpenter.

1778 August 19.

Desires to be buried in the grave of his late mother in the parish of St. John the Baptist in Cardiff.

To Thomas Lewis of the parish of St. Nicholas, Bristol, all that my inn, stables &c., called the White Lion, in occupation of widow Lewis, he paying off the mortgage to John Morgan, of the city of Llandaff, surgeon.

Footnotes

  • 1. Expended c. 1785 for parish purposes, without security; therefore lost. See Commissioners' Reports for 1895 and for 1836.
  • 2. These Welsh words form a nickname, and appear to mean "David God-begood-to-ye," or "God's-good-De-to-ye."
  • 3. Welsh, siocasau, gaiters.