I Benjamin Lewis of the parish of Landogo in the County of Monmouth yeoman being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make this my last will and testament in manner following. I will and direct that my just debts funeral expences and the charge of proving this my will ore in the first place paid and discharged and after payment thereof I give devise and bequeath to James Bowen of the Town of Monmouth, Gentleman, William Young, yeoman and James Morris, hoopshaver both of the said parish of Landogo all and singular my messuages tenements lands hereditaments and premisses whatsoever freehold copyhold and leasehold and all and singular my goods chattels effects and personal estate of what nature or kind soever or wheresoever to hold to them the said James Bowen, William Young and James Morris their heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever In trust nevertheless to and for the several uses increase and purposes herein after mentioned (that is to say) In trust to sell and dispose of all and singular my messuages land tenements and hereditaments and all my goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever and out of the moneys arising from the sale of my said messuages lands and tenements and from my personal estate in the first place to pay and discharge all such debts as I shall owe at the time of my decease my funeral expences the charge of proving this my will and legacies herein after mentioned Vizt I give and bequeath to the said James Bowen the sum of ten pounds to the said William Young the sum of five pounds to the said James Morris the sum of five pounds and to my son John the sum of five pounds and the surplus or remainder of the moneys arising from such sale and personal estate In trust to pay the same to my son George Lewis his executors and administrators to and for no other use intent or purpose whatsoever. And I do appoint the said James Bowen, William Young and James Morris executors of this my will hereby revoking all former wills by me made. And I do declare this to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy two. Benjamin Lewis

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto the word George being first interlined. Sarah Williams; James Baker; Wm Williams

Proved in London 3 November 1773 by the oaths of James Bowen, William Young and James Morris the executors named in the said will.

Transcribed from a photocopy by Dave Woolven, 2 Aspen Way, Malpas Park, Newport, South Wales. NP20 6LB Tel 01633 858 359 27 February 2001