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Dorchester

Index of Wills 1413 - 1700

© Transcribed by Michael Russell OPC for Dorchester August 2009
(Last updated May 2011)


[225 Records]

Note: Prefix PROB = Wills available on line at National Archives -- Prefix SPC = Calendar of Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Salisbury Probate Court: -- Prefix BPC = Index to Dorset Wills and Administrations in the Probate Registry at Blandford, Dorset: -- Prefix PCC= Prerogative Court of Canterbury: -- Prefix P = Wiltshire & Swindon Archives

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

Note: Some Wills are listed here for years where no parish register has survived and may be an indicator that they died recently in the Parish. The Wills themselves may reveal more detail about actual date and place of death and of course hopefully family relationships. The fact that someone was from Dorchester does not necessarily mean that they died there & may account for there being no entry in Dorchester's Parish Registers.

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

NAME DATE Ref Comments
Will of Alianor wife of Robert BAKER 30 Oct 1405 D/BLX/T51/13   DHC Index entry:- Dated at Dorchester, 30th October, 7 Henry IV (1405) Robert Baker, Richard Bertlot, clerk, executors of will of Alianor, wife of Robert Baker, Robert Bertram and Alice his wife. Witnesses: John Pury senior, Thomas Budde, John Jurdan, Reginald Jacob, John Boinell, Robert Moss and Thomas Baker: 2 red seals portraying religious scene and coat of arms
Will of John WASPRAY of Dorchester, Dorset December 1413 PROB 11/2A This is John WESTSPRAY husband of Matilda mentioned in the Municipal Records of Dorchester see Charters 241 & 261.
Will of Richard BEEK of Dorchester, Dorset 13 November 1418 PROB 11/2B  
Probate of will of Henry PREST of Dorchester made Thursday next after feast of St. Lucie, virgin (14th December) 1419, and proved at Dorchester, 14 January 1419/20. 14 Dec 1419 DHC: D/BLX/F39 Asks for body to be buried at Fordington St. George, and gives money to that church and All Saints Dorchester; gives house in alley next to Durngate Street to William Spycer, Roger Beterok and John Serle who are to sell it and give half of the money to Alice his wife. They are also his executors. 2 seals of which one is all but gone and the other, that of the bailiffs of Dorchester, is in very good condition
Will of Calford Samwyse of Dorchester, Dorset 25 September 1487 PROB 11/8  
Will of William Kyng of Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester 1492 PE/DO(HT)/MI 1 Held st DHC
Will of John Wilmott of Dorchester, Dorset 20 October 1498 PROB 11/11  
Will of Robert Bayte, Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 11 February 1513 PROB 11/17  
Will and probate of John DRAKE, dated 31st July, 1513, 31 July 1513 D/BLX/T54   DHC Index Entry:- 1 house (later 2) on north side of street (some deeds say east). (Bedford, Hakney, Killingfforde, Wilson, Drake, Haydon, Churchill, Henninge, Lancaster). Includes will and probate of John Drake, dated 31st July, 1513, which mentions this property which he leaves to his wife Edith. (Seal of bailiffs of Dorchester almost intact).
Will of Robert Adden (or Adyn?) of Dorchester, Dorset 02 February 1515 PROB 11/18  
Will of John Williams or Willyams of Dorchester, Dorset 19 December 1515 PROB 11/18  
Will of John Homes of Dorchester, Dorset 19 April 1547 PROB 11/31  
Will of John Eston, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 29 February 1549 PROB 11/32  
Will of Robert Suelling, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 19 March 1554 PROB 11/36  
Will of John Churchell of Dorchester, Dorset 25 August 1557 PROB 11/39  
Will of Thomas Gaye, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 26 April 1561 PROB 11/44  
Sentence of Thomas Gaie of Dorchester, Dorset 09 May 1562 PROB 11/45  
Will of Robert Adyn, Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 20 June 1564 PROB 11/47  
Will of Richard Straforde or Stratford of Dorchester, Dorset 31 October 1566 PROB 11/48  
Will of Richard Hayne, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 18 March 1570 PROB 11/52  
Will of Katheryn Adyn, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 05 May 1570 PROB 11/52  
Will of John Davie or Davye of Dorchester, Dorset 27 May 1570 PROB 11/52  
Will of Christopher Hole of Dorchester, Dorset 27 October 1570 PROB 11/52 [Note:- See Charter 676 where referred to as a Gentleman living on the east side of High North Street, in 1556]
Will of John Palmer or Pallmer of Dorchester, Dorset 26 May 1573 PROB 11/55 [Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 23rd April 1573]
Will of John Vynie, Weaver of Dorchester, Dorset 24 November 1574 PROB 11/56  
Will of Raynolde Gaye of All Hallows Dorchester, Dorset 08 November 1575 PROB 11/57  
Will of Henry Beake of Dorchester, Dorset 28 January 1577 PROB 11/59  
Will of Stephen Brent or Brente of Dorchester, Dorset 31 October 1580 PROB 11/62  
Will of Henry Whittle, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 02 December 1580 PROB 11/62  
Will of Rycharde Wyllins of Dorchester, Dorset 23 July 1586 PROB 11/69  
Will of Thomas Lymster alias Foxwell, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 19 October 1586 PROB 11/69  
Will of Richard Salter, Woollen Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 23 June 1587 PROB 11/70  
Will of Joane Upham, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 24 October 1587 PROB 11/71  
Will of Peter Goodfellowe of Dorchester All Saints, Dorset 31 January 1588 PROB 11/72  
Will of Richarde Corbin of Holy Trinity Dorchester, Dorset 11 May 1588 PROB 11/72 Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester :- Richard CORBIN was buried ye viijth [8th] of Ffebruary [1587/8 ]
Will of William Royen or Roeyn of Dorchester, Dorset 03 October 1589 PROB 11/74  
Will of Henry Cardroe, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 14 November 1592 PROB 11/83  
Sentence of Henry Cardro of Dorchester, Dorset 19 February 1594 PROB 11/83  
Will of Nicholas Lymster alias Foxwell or Limster of Dorchester, Dorset 01 March 1594 PROB 11/83  
Will of Richard Webb, Clerk of Dorchester, Dorset 23 October 1594 PROB 11/84 Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Dorchester 20th Sep 1594
Will of John Adyn, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 20 January 1598 PROB 11/91 See 'Sentence' 4 June 1603 below-
Will of John Roper of Dorchester, Dorset 09 March 1598 PROB 11/91  
Will of Humfrye Pirrye or Pirry, Husbandman of Dorchester, Dorset 19 May 1598 PROB 11/91  
Will of George Foye, Sheereman of Dorchester, Dorset 28 May 1601 PROB 11/97 Note:- Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester about April 1601 (parish register badly damaged)His widow Agnes also left a Will See 14 February 1611 below]
Will of William Churchill, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 18 November 1602 PROB 11/100  
Will of Thomas Gallton of Dorchester, Dorset 22 April 1603 PROB 11/101  
Sentence of John Adyn of Dorchester, Dorset 04 June 1603 PROB 11/101 See will 20 Jan 1598 above
Will of John Dighte or Dight, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 12 November 1603 PROB 11/102  
Will of William Golsey, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 08 February 1608 PROB 11/111  
Will of William Reade, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 30 September 1608 PROB 11/112 Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 28 July 1608
Will of George Smyth, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 01 June 1609 PROB 11/114 Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 06 Jan 1608/9
Will of Thomas Toomes alias Tanner of Dorchester Saint Peter, Dorset 03 February 1610 PROB 11/115  
Will of Ralph Palmer, Vintner of Dorchester, Dorset 26 May 1610 PROB 11/115 Note:- Buried Holy Trinity Dorchester 04 Jan 1609/10
Will of Henrie Edwardes, Yeoman of Holy Trinity Dorchester, Dorset 13 November 1610 PROB 11/116 Note:- A Henry the sonne of John EDWARDES buyed the xxiijth [23rd] day of May [1608] at Holy Trinity?
Will of Symon [Simon] Churchowse, [Churchouse] Tailor of Dorchester, Dorset 10 January 1611 PROB 11/117  
Will of Elizabeth Smithe or Smith, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 19 January 1611 PROB 11/117  
Will of Agnes Foye or Foy, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 14 February 1611 PROB 11/117 Buried Holy Trinity Dorchester :- Agnes FFOY widow was buryed the xxijth [22nd] of November 1610 [Note:- George FOY married Agnes HAMOND at HT on 01-Oct 1574 and had 4 children baptised in HT: George FOY was buried at HT in 1601 & also left a Will]
Will of Thomas Forde, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 08 May 1611 PROB 11/117 May have been buried St Peters Dec 1611?
Will of Thomas Davidge, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 23 February 1614 PROB 11/123 See Transcription of his Will dated 9th December 1613
Will of Joseph Eayres, Woollen Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 23 November 1614 PROB 11/124  
Will of John Greene, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 07 February 1615 PROB 11/125 See Transcription of his Will dated 10th September 1613
Will of James Yokeney, Tailor of Dorchester, Dorset 13 May 1616 PROB 11/127  
Will of Thomas Toldervie, Chandler of Dorchester, Dorset 26 October 1616 PROB 11/128 Note:- Surname can be spelt Toldervy or Toldervey. A Thomas Toldervy Tallow Chandler is mentioned in the Will of Richard Bury [1584-1661] Mayor of Dorchester in 1640 who might be a descandant?
Will of Jerome Harris of Holy Trinity Dorchester, Dorset 08 February 1617 PROB 11/129  
Will of Raphe Smithe or Smythe of Dorchester, Dorset 26 May 1617 PROB 11/129  
Will of Mathew Chubb, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 15 July 1617 PROB 11/130 Mathew Chubb the elder became a goldsmith and the richest man in Dorchester - see Fire from Heaven - his father John CHUBB from Misterton near Crewkerne married a Dorchester woman and around 1548, soon after Mathew juniors birth they moved to the town. Mathew Chubb junior married Margaret who died 1628 see below.
Will of Nicholas Marten, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 11 June 1619 PROB 11/133  
Will of Lawrence Stafford of Dorchester, Dorset 18 October 1619 PROB 11/134 [Note:- Might be Lawrence Stratford goldsmith (charter 708) who was bailiff of Dorchester 1582 & constable 1593].
Will of Nicholas Purches, [i.e. Purchase] Baker of Dorchester, Dorset 27 May 1620 PROB 11/135 FFH Page 140 " Old Nicholas Purchase who died in 1620, was a baker who was branching out into the brewing trade ----etc refers to his sons Joseph and Aquilla Purchase who was Master of Trinity School and emigrated to New England. Nicholas Purchase was buried at Holy Trinity church Dorchester on 15 Mar 1619/20
Will of Hughe Horsforld or Horsford, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 09 March 1621 PROB 11/137 Note:- Brother of William HORSFORDE Alderman and capital Burgess of Dorchester whose will was proved 25 Jan 1622/3
Will of Richard Barker, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 06 November 1621 PROB 11/138 Constable of Dorchester See FFH pages 23,28,36: See page 39 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 29 Aug 1621; Alderman of Dorchester; See also 24 May 1623 below
Will of William Horsforde, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 25 January 1622/3 PROB 11/141 See page 39 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 16th Aug 1621 & Transcription of his Will dated 30th June 1621. Note his brother Hugh pre deceased him his will being proved above 9th March 1621.
Will of Oliver Hayne, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 04 February 1623 PROB 11/141 See page 49 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 13 Dec 1622: Also See Pedigree in Visitatiion of Dorset 1623 page 54: Husband of Cicely the daughter of William ADYN of Dorchester and father of Morgan Hayne
Will of Edmond Benvenewe, Hellyer of Dorchester, Dorset 03 April 1623 PROB 11/141 See page 50 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 burnt during fire 30 Jan 1622/23 died 1st Feb 1622/23.
Sentence of Richard Barker of Dorchester, Dorset 24 May 1623 PROB 11/141 See Will 6 Nov 1621 above
Will of Toby Sandford, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 01 November 1623 PROB 11/142 See page 53 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 21 Aug 1623 Physician
Will of Richarde Cuffe, Vintner of Dorchester, Dorset 25 June 1625 PROB 11/146 Note:- had children bap Holy Trinity
Will of Alice Wilston, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 17 June 1626 PROB 11/149 Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 3rd April 1626
Will of Robert Blandford, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 26 June 1626 PROB 11/149 Note page 77 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 19 Nov 1625 "died Robert BLANDFORD servant to Mr GARDNER, having been bitten by a mad dog 6 weeks before".
Will of Francis Browne, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 12 October 1627 PROB 11/152 Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 11 May 1627
Will of Margarett Chubb or Chub, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset
[See transcription of her Will dated 18 April 1625]		 14 May 1628 PROB 11/153 Note page 94 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 18th Jan 1627/28 "Mrs CHUBB died and gave all her lands and goods to Mr COKER the Goldsmith, and to a little boy of his called Matthew CHUB, upon condition that he should marry with Joane, second daughter to Mr COKER".
Will of Richard Bushrod, Haberdasher of Dorchester, Dorset 03 January 1629 PROB 11/155 Richard BUSHROD  [1575 –1628] Merchant Adventurer of Dorchester
Will of John Gould or Gold, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 10 Nov by sons John & James) 10 November 1630 PROB 11/158 Note page 111 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 13 Jun 1630 "This day my unkle Mr John GOULD died, and in his place of the 15 was chosen upon yje 4th October Mr William PERKINS and for a Feoffee of Trinity his son James:"
Will of Joane Gould, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 22 Dec by Gilbert LODER Gent) 22 December 1630 PROB 11/158 Note page 113 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 9 Dec 1630 " Mrs Joane GOULD Widow 9 December." Also mentioned by Hutchins as a benefactor who left money for the maintenance of Chubb's almshouses (page370)
Will of William Perkins, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved of the parish of Holy Trinity Dorchester by his father John PERKINS) 02 July 1631 PROB 11/160 Note page 115 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 7th Feb 1630/31 "This day Mr William PERKINS my brother [i.e. brother in law] died , and Mr John LONG succeeded him in the place of Capital Burgess : his wife was delivered of a daughter called Mary the 24th of the same month". Note:- Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 25 Feb 1630/1
Sentence of Joan Gould or Goulde, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 02 July 1631 PROB 11/160 See possible will 22 Dec 1630 above
Will of Thomas Dowridg or Dowridge, Needle Maker of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 14 Feb by Joseph PATIE Joseph PURCHASE & William PATIE) 14 February 1633 PROB 11/163 Year Book Abstracts use surname DOWRREG
Will of George Gould, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 18 Apr by relict Joan) 18 April 1633 PROB 11/163 (30 Russell) Note pages 129 & 177 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 15 March 1632/33 "George GOULD 15 ditto [ March 1632/3]. Clothier of Dorchester. Governor of the Hospital in 1627"
Will of Robert Girdler, Book Binder of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 11 July by relict Anne) 11 July 1633 PROB 11/164 (65 Russell)  
Will of Andrew Spratling, Feltmaker of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 16 May by relict Jane) 16 May 1634 PROB 11/165 (37 Seager) Note page 142 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 entry for 23 february 1633/34 'Andrew SPRATLIN died 23 February 1633/4]
Will of John Cooth, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset (Year Book Abstracts = proved 16 May by relict Margery) 16 May 1634 PROB 11/165 (40 Seager) Note page 136 William WHITEWAY of Dorchester His Diary 1618-1635 ' Mr John COOTH died 12 October 1633]
Will of William Whiteway, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 07 September 1635 PROB 11/169 Note:- see transcription of will of William WHITEWAY (1599-1635)
Will of Sir Frauncis Ashley, Serjeant at Law to the King 19 May 1636 PROB 11/171 Note: See Separate Biography on this site.Sir Francis ASHLEY (1569-1635) Also mentioned by Hutchins as a benefactor who left money for the maintenance of Chubb's almshouses (page370) Buried at St Peters in a Vault
Will of Nicholas Vawter, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 20 May 1637 PROB 11/174  
Will of Honer Rockwell, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 26 January 1638 PROB 11/176  
Will of Mary Terry, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 12 February 1638 PROB 11/176 Mary TERRY  Widow & sister of Rev.John White: Buried (Source Rose Troup) 17th Oct 1637 Holy Trinity.
Will of George Clarke, Husbandman of Dorchester, Dorset 26 April 1638 PROB 11/176  
Will of Thomas Trayte, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 08 May 1638 PROB 11/177 FFH page 208 refers to " Jane TRAYTE widow of a prosperous clothier lent £80 in September 1644 --" who may have been his wife - necessary to order Will to confirm.
Will of Joseph Purchas, Baker of Dorchester, Dorset 03 November 1638 PROB 11/178 Eldest son of Nicholas Purchase who died 1620 (see 27 May 1620 above) and married at HT on 9th Nov 1618 to Elizabeth HASELBURY - Buried at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 9th October 1638
Will of John Churchell, Yeoman of Holy Trinity in Dorchester, Dorset 12 February 1640 PROB 11/182 Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 10th June 1639 See Wills Index for
Will of William Whiteway, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 06 May 1640 PROB 11/183 Note:- The father of William Whiteway (1599-1635) the diarist (see 7 Sep 1635 above) and a Merchant of Dorchester
Inventory & Will of Virtue HUNTON widow of Dorchester 1640 P2/H/546 Parish Registers have not survived
Will of Allane Trigg or Trigge, Bachelor of Dorchester, Dorset 08 February 1641 PROB 11/185  
Will of Elinor Churchill, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 10 July 1641 PROB 11/186 See 1677 Visitation of Dorset Elinor daughter of Sir John Miller of Little Bredy (Winterbourne Came) wife of John Churchill of Muston in Piddlehinton Esq who matriculated at Harts Hall Oxford 1587 adm MT 1589. See Visitation 6 sons 4 daughters.
Will of John Coke, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 26 October 1641 PROB 11/187  
Will of George Way, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 03 December 1641 PROB 11/187  
Will of Stephen Gould, Woollen Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 15 July 1642 PROB 11/190 + DHC Ref D/FFO/37/7 A copy will of Stephen Gould of Dorchester, dated 1641 and proved, 1642 is held with other deeds at DHC
Will of John Allambridge, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 13 June 1645 PROB 11/193 Clothier, Capital Burgess and Mayor of Dorchester in 1642, See FFH pages 44, 202,204,205,208: (Abstracts of PCC probates year books edited by John Matthew & George F Matthews BA pub 1906 states probate by John BUSHROD; John WHITEWAY & George COLE P.r henry HARTWELL Clerk.
Will of Henry Corbine, of Dorchester, Dorset 07 November 1645 Dorset Archdeaconry Court Ref AD/DT/W/1661/17 Will signed 7th day November 1645 left the poor of Holy Trinity Dorchesterten shillings: Residue of his estate to his wife (unnamed) also his executrix: Friends Francis Burge and Philip Stansby Overseers of will; witnesses Robert cardrow and Matthew Miller: Note There is a burial for a Henry Corbin at Holy Trinity 24th Aug 1654?
Will of John Seward, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 20 November 1645 PROB 11/194 (Abstracts of PCC probates year books edited by John Matthew & George F Matthews BA pub 1906 states probate by daughter Ruth COVETT)
Will of Beniamin Devenish, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 26 June 1646 PROB 11/196 Benjamin DEVENISH [1574 –1643] Tailor & Master of the Dorchester Brewhouse (Abstracts of PCC probates year books edited by John Matthew & George F Matthews BA pub 1906 states probate by Relict Frances)
Will of George Leddoze, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 10 February 1647/8 PROB 11/203  
Will of Samuel Bushrod, Clothier of [Dorchester in] , Dorset 01 June 1647 PROB 11/200 Samuel BUSHROD was the son of Richard BUSHROD 1576-1628 Habadasher & Merchant Adventurer of Dorchester and was buried at Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester on 31st July 1646
Will of John White, Preacher of Dorchester, Dorset 14 June 1649 PROB 11/211 Rev John WHITE (1575-1648) Patriarch of Dorchester & Rector of Holy Trinity: See his will transcription at Rev John WHITE  Patriarch of Dorchester 1648
Will of Christofer Read alias Edmonds or Reade of Dorchester, Dorset 15 February 1650 PROB 11/211  
Will of Joseph Parkins, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 11 June 1650 PROB 11/212 See Will of his widow Julian proved 2 Feb 1658
Will of Margarett Russell, Spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 26 June 1650 PROB 11/212  
Will of Early Miller, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 12 February 1651 PROB 11/215  
Will of William Derby, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 03 May 1651 PROB 11/216 See Dorchester Company William Derby (1588c-1649)On 14 Oct 1650 he was replaced as Alderman by Mr Richard Savage as he had died
Will of Lady Anne or Ann Ashley, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 21 April 1653 PROB 11/231(Brent 340) Widow of Sir Francis ASHLEY JP  [1569 –1635] Recorder of Dorchester. (Note:- Abstracts of PCC probates year books 1652/3 edited by John Matthew & George F Matthews BA pub Volume 6 1911 states Will of Dame Anne Ashley was dated July 3rd 1645 & probate granted to grandson Francis HOLLES 21st April 1653)
Will of Thomas Luckas, Pettychapman of Dorchester, Dorset 20 February 1654 PROB 11/239  
Will of William Speringe or Spering, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 24 November 1654 PROB 11/241  
Will of Anne Hurt, or Hart or Harte Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 07 May 1655 PROB 11/245 Buried Holy Trinity 27 Feb 1654
Will of Alice Limbery, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 26 May 1655 PROB 11/245 FFH 227 Brief mention in 'Fire From Heaven' by David Underdown page 218 states "Benn may have formed a gathered church of the elect which received communion privately. When a Fordington widow named Alice LIMBURY made her will in 1655 she left money to 'the church whereof I am a member in Dorchester (she did not say parish or give the church a name), and she asked BENN and the Fordington minister John LODER who was certainly a Congregationalist to be her overseers'
Will of William Melledge of Dorchester, Dorset 14 August 1655 PROB 11/244 Buried St Peters 04 Dec 1654
Will of Gilbert Loder, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 12 March 1657 PROB 11/262 Buried St Peters 5th Nov 1656 See Fire from Heaven by David Underdown pages 139, 219,228 and 240. Puritan lawyer and father of John LODER (1626-1673) who was Vicar of Fordington St George 1649-1656. Bequest to 'Godly Poor'
Will of Mathew Derby, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 02 May 1657 PROB 11/264 Buried Holy Trinity 25 Feb 1656 Wealthy Lawyer see 'Fire From Heaven' by David Underdown page 227 'he left small bequests to the poor of Dorchester & several nearby villages, to the Hospital children, the alms people and destitute prisoners of the Gaol'.
Will of Sarah Debanck, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 31 October 1657 PROB 11/268  
Will of Elizabeth Davie or Davies, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 31 October 1657 PROB 11/268 Buried Holy Trinity 11 Oct 1656
Will of William Snook of Dorchester, Dorset 21 December 1657 PROB 11/270  
Will [dated 21st May 1657] of John Hill, Merchant of London, [Also Alderman and Capital Burgess of Dorchester in Dorset] 04 January 1658 PROB 11/272 Probably buried in London? Will includes bequest of £100 to the Free School in Dorchester to maintain a poor scholar through university. See Municipal Records
Will of Nicholas Flooke, Clothworker of Dorchester, Dorset 19 January 1658 PROB 11/272 Buried Holy Trinity 28 Oct 1657
Will of Julian Perkins, [or Parkins] Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 02 February 1658 PROB 11/273 Widow of Joseph Parkins left £100 to poor of Dorchester: See FFH: Buried Holy Trinity 19 Feb 1657
Will of Patroclus Cooke of Dorchester, Dorset 28 May 1658 PROB 11/276 See FFH; Buried Holy Trinity 18 Feb 1657
Will of Alice Tompson or Thompson, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 01 July 1658 PROB 11/279 Buried Holy Trinity 11 May 1658
Will of Thomas Rivers, Minister of Dorchester, Dorset 02 September 1658 PROB 11/279 Might be Thomas Rivers MA born 1603c & graduate of Magdalen Hall Oxford appointed Rector of Wimborne All Saints 20 Apr 1641 - no further ref to him in Alumni or church database
Will of George Cole, Merchant and Alderman of Dorchester, Dorset 20 May 1659 PROB 11/291 Buried Holy Trinity 12 Apr 1659
Will of John Torrington, of Dorchester, Dorset 1660 Dorset Archdeaconry Court Ref AD/DT/W/1660/10 Part of a will only badly damaged - bequests to son John & son Stephen and grandson John:
Will of Anne Cole, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 18 July 1660 PROB 11/299 Buried Holy Trinity 10 Aug 1659
Will of John Perkins, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 15 August 1660 PROB 11/301  
Will of Hugh Eastmond, Innkeeper of Dorchester, Dorset 19 October 1660 PROB 11/300 Buried St Peters 30 Sep 1659 NBI has surname as Hugh Eastman
Will of Jonas Palfry, Brewer of Dorchester, Dorset 04 January 1661 PROB 11/303 See FFH assistant to Benjamin Devenish Master of the Dorchester brewhouse in 1622; took over on his death in 1643 as house clerk of the brewery: Buried St Peters Church dorchester 23 Jan 1659
Will of John Vincent of Dorchester, Dorset 21 January 1663 PROB 11/310  
Will of John Hyatt of Dorchester, Dorset 20 February 1663 Dorset Archdeaconry Court Ref Ad/Dt/W/1663/15 Copy of Will badly damaged , one side missing. May have left estate to wife with request for her to be careful in the education of his 3 children? mention in the will of Wmilliam Hardy; Honey Garland; Edward Hyatt and daughters one of which was Joane. Note:- There is a burial for a John HYATT in Holy Trinity dorchester on 3rd May 1658. The date 20th Feb 1663 may be date proved but late given Civil War ended 1651?
Will of William Dry, Inholder of Dorchester, Dorset 30 October 1663 PROB 11/312 Parish Register for All Saints Church shows :-1663 01 Jul William DRY buried [Note:- See pages 138 and 237 of 'Fire from Heaven' by David Underdown - he was churchwarden, overseer and left a will in 1663]
Will of Richard Talbott, Barber of Dorchester, Dorset 12 November 1663 PROB 11/312  
Will of Joseph Blake, Gentleman and now Student in the University of Oxford of Dorchester, Dorset 09 June 1666 PROB 11/321 Buried St Peters Dorchester 15 Feb 1665 See comments there
Will of Jacob Blackmore, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 12 January 1667 PROB 11/323 Buried St Peters Dorchester 5 Dec 1666
Will of Edward Dashwood of Merchant, Dorchester, [Dorset] 20 May 1667 PROB 11/324 Buried Holy Trinity 14 Feb 1666. FFH page 250 left £50 from which the interest was to be distributed annually to the poor
Will of William Wade, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 10 June 1668 PROB 11/327 See Burial Register All Saints Dorchester Buried All Saints Church Dorchester 18 Nov 1667. FFH page 250 left £4 to the poor
Will of Bridget Chafte, spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 14 Dec 1668 Dorset Archdeaconry Court: Ref Ad/Dt/W/1668/11. Bequests to Matthew, John, and Ruth Reed kinsmen. witness Jone Chafe; Ann Norris; Robert Howwie - Probate 12th Jan 1668/9
Will of Sarah Bushrod, Wife of Dorchester, Dorset 05 January 1671 PROB 11/335  
Will of Penelope Bulkley, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 05 June 1671 PROB 11/336  
Will of John Foyle, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 16 September 1671 PROB 11/337  
Will of Joane Bartlet or Bartlett, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 13 Oct 1671 PROB 11/337 See FFH Page 243: Note may have been buried as Jane Bartlett see NBI entry 8 Aug 1671?
Administration of the estate of Daniel ARDEN of Dorchester deceased who died intestate granted to his relict Mariam [Mary] ARDEN and Thomas Delacourt 2nd December 1671 02 Dec 1671 Dorset Administrations Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries 1888-1899, 1905-1906 - Page 159 Buried St Peters Dorchester 16 Nov 1671.
Administration 145 of Thomas GOLD of Dorchester Geoerge Carew principal creditor granted 22 Dec 1671 22 Dec 1671 Dorset Administrations Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries 1888-1899, 1905-1906 - Page 158: Note:- May have been buried as Thomas GOULD in Holy Trinity church Dorchester 14 Jan 1669
Will of Elianor Kennycott, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 18 Jan 1672 PROB 11/338  
Will of Elizabeth Abbott, of Dorchester, Dorset Proved April 1673 06 Feb 1672 DHC AD/DT/W/1673/Ev Rec 16 Note:- Beneficiaries Ann Cole (Sister & executrix) james Cole son of Ellice Cole; William Cole son of Ann Cole; Sassill Whitmore daughter of Ann Cole; Elizabeth Gerard daughter of Ann Cole; Joane Abbott sister in law amage in Ancestry.com - No trace of burial
Will of Richard Churchill, Woollen Draper of Dorchester, Dorset 07 May 1672 PROB 11/339 Buried St Peters Church Dorchester 17 Apr 1672
Will of Anne Haysome of Dorchester, Dorset 13 Sept 1672 PROB 11/340  
Will of William Gillingham, Shoemaker of Dorchester, Dorset 13 Nov 1672 PROB 11/340 Buried St Peters Church Dorchester 23 Oct 1672
Will of James Palfry, Grocer of Dorchester, Dorset 04 Feb 1673 PROB 11/341 See FFH Page 243: Buried St Peters Dorchester 31 Jan 1672
Will of Margarett Terry, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 12 May 1673 PROB 11/342 Buried Holy Trinity 2 May 1673. FFH pages 242 & 250 widow of Josiah left £4 to the poor & to Hammond etc
Administration 89, Philip TAYLOR of Dorchester to Samuel Mellish guardian of Elizabeth daughter 17 July 1673 Dorset Administrations Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries 1888-1899, 1905-1906 - Page 161
Will of Simon Eyre of Dorchester, Dorset 19 Aug 1673 PROB 11/342 Buried St Peters Dorchester [EYRIES] 21 Nov 1672 See also comments about him under Dorchester Trade Tokens
Administration 80, Thomas SNOOKE of Dorchester to Lydia relict granted 20 June 1674 20 Jun 1674 Dorset Administrations Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries 1888-1899, 1905-1906 - Page 162 NOTE:- Buried Holy Trinity Dorchester 19 May 1674
Administration 153 Sarah COLE Spinster of Dorchester to Mary MERTON widow sister granted 23 Oct 1674 23 Oct 1674 Dorset Administrations Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries 1888-1899, 1905-1906 - Page 162
Will of Thomas Meader, Millwright of Dorchester, Dorset 15 May 1675 PROB 11/347 Buried Holy Trinity 19 Apr 1675
Will of Thomas Evered, Yeoman of Dorchester, Dorset 27 May 1675 PROB 11/347 Buried Holy Trinity 6 Apr 1675
Will of John Fooke, Butcher of Dorchester, Dorset 02 May 1676 PROB 11/350 Buried Holy Trinity 1 Feb 1675
Will of Joane Dashwood, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 10 May 1676 PROB 11/350 Buried Holy Trinity 24 Mar 1675
Will of James Gould of Dorchester, Dorset 10 May 1676 PROB 11/350 Buried St Peters Dorchester 15 Feb 1675
Joane Allin [Allen} of Dorchester widow the relict and lawful administrix of the estate of Charles ALLIN [ALLEN] late of Dorchester was granted Letters of Administration on 2nd June 1676 02 Jun 1676 DHC Ad/Dt/A/1676; Event Record Number: 22. Buried All Saints Church Dorchester 21st May 1676 Image on Ancestry.com [Note:- See comments about this family via this link]
Will of Robert Poldon, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 09 June 1676 PROB 11/351 Buried Holy Trinity 9 May 1676
Sentence of Elizabeth Dawbeney, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 13 June 1676 PROB 11/351  
Will of Elizabeth Dawbeney, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 16 June 1676 PROB 11/351  
Will of Walter Foy, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 07 July 1676 PROB 11/351 Buried Holy Trinity 18 May 1676
Will of Josiah Wier, Haberdasher of Dorchester, Dorset 06 March 1677 PROB 11/353 Buried Holy Trinity 21 Feb 1676
Letter of Administration for the Estate of James FFLEWELLEN of Dorchester by his relict Mary [Mariam] Fflewellen and Alexander Byles of Dorchester on 16th April 1678 16 April 1678

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

 Buried All Saints parish 21 Jan 1677/78
Will of Arthur Gould of Dorchester, Dorset 27 June 1678 PROB 11/357 Buried Holy trinity 13 Jun 1678
Will of Thomas Poole, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 08 May 1679 PROB 11/359 Buried St Peters Dorchester 4 Nov 1678
Will of John Wade, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 03 July 1679 PROB 11/360 See Burial Register All Saints Dorchester 21 Feb 1678/9 . FFH page 250 left £25 to the poor and £5 to the free school.
Will of Robert Wallis, Chirurgeon now belonging to His Majesty's Ship Defiance of Dorchester, Dorset 04 July 1679 PROB 11/360  
Will of Elizabeth Long, Spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 12 January 1680 PROB 11/362 Buried St Peters Dorchester 10 Apr 1678
Will of Denzell Lord Holles Baron of Ifield 27 February 1680 PROB 11/362 Buried St Peters Church aged of 82 on 17 Feb 1679 - Marble monument. Also mentioned by Hutchins as a benefactor who left money for the maintenance of Chubb's almshouses (page370)
Letter of Administration for the estate of Elizabeth DEVENISH Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 03 February 1681 DHC Ad/Dt/A/1681-41 See Letter of Administration transcribed via this link
Will of Samuell Perrin [or Perin] , Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 07 January 1681 PROB 11/365 Buried Holy Trinity 12 Nov 1680
Will of Henry Bistland [or BESTLAND], Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 29 June 1681 PROB 11/366 FFH Left £36 for six parishes inc 3 in Dorchester. Note:- Buried Holy Trinity 20 Sep 1680
Will of Patience Hayter, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 20 September 1681 PROB 11/367  
Will of John Churchill, of Dorchester, Dorset 12 July 1682 PROB 11/370  
Will of Joseph Seward, Merchant of Dorchester, Dorset 18 October 1682 PROB 11/371 Buried All Saints 3rd Feb 1681 He was governor of the Co of Freemen 1657 and is mentioned in the will of Edward Dashwood 1667.
Will of Benjamin Gould, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 20 October 1682 PROB 11/371 NBI Buried St Peters Dorchester 29 Mar 1682
Administration granted to Judith FFOY of Dorchester Relict and Administratrix of Richard FFOY late of Dorchester intestate deceased 7th day of Nov 1682 07 November 1682 Ad/Dt/A/1682; Event Record Number: 14. Richard FOY was the Parish Clerk of All Saints Church Dorchester and was buried there on 26th June 1682. Follow link for his marriage and children.
Will of Alice Dashwood, Spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 01 February 1684 PROB 11/375 NBI Buried St Peters Dorchester 21 Jan 1683
Will of Joseph Gigger, Grocer of Dorchester, Dorset 15 February 1686 PROB 11/382 See Burial Register All Saints Dorchester 14 June 1685
Will of Humphrey Larder, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 04 March 1686 PROB 11/382 Buried Holy Trinity Dorchester 25 Nov 1685
Will of Anne Bishopp, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 08 March 1686 PROB 11/382  
Will of Phillip Stansby [Stansbie], Grocer of Dorchester, Dorset 10 February 1687 PROB 11/386 D/ASH:A/F22   Buried Holy Trinity 22 Nov 1686 - Also see comments under Dorchester Trade Tokens Will held at DHC
Will of William Pitt, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 10 February 1688 PROB 11/390 Buried All Saints 12 May 1687 [Note:- Overseer to the Will of Richard Davidge (died 166) Merchant of London]
An Inventory of all the goods and chattles of George ABBOT late of Dorchester, tailor deceased taken & appriased by Robert Daw & Jacob Hitchcock 21st July 1688 - Also Letter of Administration issued to Mariam [Mary] Abbott of Dorchester in the County of Dorset vid [vidua i.e. widow], Jacob Hitchcock of Fordington, Sarge Maber & Robert Daw of Bockhampton Yeoman 21st July 1688 21 Jul 1688 DHC Archdeaconry Inventories 1687 event record 7 Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 26 Jun 1688 although Letter of Administration refers to him being of St peters parish
Will of John Allen, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 18 October 1688 PROB 11/393 Buried St Peters 23 July 1688
Will of Elizabeth Loder, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 01 February 1689 PROB 11/394 D/FRA/T198   Buried St Peters Dorchester 2 Oct 1688 Copy of Will at DHC
Will of Anne Rose, Spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 12 July 1689 PROB 11/396 Buried Holy Trinity 24 Sep 1688
Will of William Twisse, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 06 February 1690 PROB 11/398 Note:- This William Twisse should not be confused with William Twisse (c1580-1646) See Dictionary of National Biography who was another of John White's New College acquaintenances, afterwards chaplain to Elizabeth of Bohemia and in the 1640's Chairman of the prebyterian Westminster Assembly. This William Twisse was a wealthy merchant in Dorchester who died in 1690. Alderman 1661;1674
Will of Martha Foy, Spinster of Dorchester, Dorset 17 February 1690 PROB 11/398 Buried Holy Tinity 17 Dec 1689
Letters of Administration Henry Dolling, of Dorchester, Dorset 21 June 1690 Dorset History Centre, Ad/Dt/A/1690/31. Letters of Administration taken out by his relict Alice Dolling
Will of William Mitchell, Mariner being bound to Sea in Their Majesty's Service of Dorchester, Dorset 20 December 1690 PROB 11/402 Buried Portland St George 26 Mar 1690
Will of John Symonds, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 14 March 1692 PROB 11/408 Buried Holy Trinity 22 Feb 1691: Also mentioned by Hutchins as a benefactor who left money for the maintenance of Chubb's almshouses (page370)
Will of John Willce or Wills, Mariner late belonging to the Reserve and now to the Assistance of Dorchester, Dorset 17 October 1692 PROB 11/411  
Will of Samuell Foy, Clothier of Dorchester, Dorset 12 February 1695 PROB 11/424 Buried St Peters 9th Sep 1694
Will of James Paule, Mariner belonging to Their Majesty's Ship of War Royal Victory of Dorchester, Dorset 11 May 1695 PROB 11/425  
Will of Thomas Trenchard of Dorchester, Dorset 10 June 1695 PROB 11/426 Note:- NBI has a burial at Charminster St Mary the Virgin Church 20 Nov 1694?
Will of John Churchill, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 14 November 1695 PROB 11/428 See Possible burial Holy Trinity 23 Dec 1695?
Will of Joshua Colson, Apothecary of Dorchester, Dorset 04 August 1696 PROB 11/433 NBI Buried St Peters Dorchester 10 Jul 1696
Will of William Hobby, Mariner and now belonging to His Majesty's Ship Dorchester of Glanford, Dorset 03 November 1696 PROB 11/435  
Will of George Knapton, Apothecary of Dorchester, Dorset 05 December 1696 PROB 11/435 NBI Buried St Peters Dorchester either 19th or 22nd Oct 1696
Will of Henry Harben, Baker of Dorchester, Dorset 05 February 1697 DHC Ad/Dt/W/1698; Event Rec. No: 21 Buried All Saints Dorchester 22nd Feb 1697/8 Link to transcription
Sentence of Thomas Trenchard, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 13 November 1697 PROB 11/442 Note:- NBI has a burial at Charminster St Mary the Virgin Church 20 Nov 1694?
Will of Alexander Havelland, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 11 February 1698 PROB 11/443 Buried Holy Trinity Dorchester 15 Nov 1697
Will of Edmund Jewell, [or Juell] Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 18 May 1698 PROB 11/445 See Burial Register All Saints Dorchester 4 Feb 1697/8
Will of Joseph Gold, Mariner of Dorchester, Dorset 26 June 1698 PROB 11/446  
Will of William Haydon, Millwright of Dorchester, [Dorset] 20 October 1698 PROB 11/447 See FFH Page 221, 243,255, 259
Will of Elizabeth Blake, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 11 September 1699 PROB 11/452 NBI Buried St Peters Dorchester 2 May 1699
Will of James Symonds, Mercer of Dorchester, Dorset 14 December 1699 PROB 11/453 Buried Holy Trinity 10 Dec 1699
Will of Humphery Hull, Gentleman of Dorchester, Dorset 04 May 1700 PROB 11/455  
Will of Sarah Eyres or Eyre, Widow of Dorchester, Dorset 13 May 1700 PROB 11/455 Buried St Peters 12 Apr 1700

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