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Date of Will: 22 April 1774

Date of Probate: 25 April 1776

Source: National Library of Wales - LL/1776/56

In the Name of God, Amen.

I Edward Madley of the Parish of Landogo in the County of Monmouth, Farmer, being of perfect Mind Memory and Understanding, thanks be given to Almighty God, but at the same time considering the uncertainty of this transitory Life, do think it necessary to make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and Form following, that is to say, Principally and first of all, I do resign my Soul to the Mercies of God in Christ Jesus, and my Body to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the Direction of my Executor hereinafter named: and as to such worldly Goods and Effects, as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I give and bequeath the same in the following manner and Form.

Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son John Madley the lower Orchard subject to the Payment of seven Shillings Yearly on St. Stephen's Day, towards Rent. I give him also the old Orchard on the Waste, also all my Iron-working Tools, and five Pounds in Cash immediately after my Decease, also two of the Timber Trees now growing in the Patch in the Hill if he thinks proper. I give my wearing Apparel between my three Sons, but my son John to have the first choice.

I give and bequeath unto my Son Obadiah Madley the Cote Patch up in the Hill and the Cellar of the new House at the Gate that leads to the Green, and after his Decease, to either of his Brother's Sons, I give also the Loft over the said Cellar unto my son John to keep his Apples and make them at my Mill unmolested.

I give and bequeath unto my two Daughters, Eleanor Hiscox and Judith Richards, the Sum of one Shilling apiece.

I give and bequeath unto my Son Edward Madley the Money now lying in John Reynolds's Hands and the Money due for me at Bristol. I give to James the Son of Edward Madley the Sum of three Pounds and twelve Shilling Piece. I give to Jane Chadwell the said Sum of three Pounds and twelve Shilling Piece. I give to my two Sisters the Sum of five Shillings apiece. I give to Mary Prosser (If alive) the Sum of five Shillings. I give and bequeath unto the four Daughters of Thomas Hiscox the Sum of Eight Guineas to be divided equally between them. I give to Jane the Daughter of John Madley the Patch that was the Butcher's, when she arrives at the Age of Eighteen Years. I give to the Rest of my Grand-Children, and not before mentioned, the Sum of one Guinea apiece.

I give to my Daughter Jane Williams the Clock and Case. I give to my Son John Madley the best Bed, Bedstead, Bolster and all the Bed-Clothes and Appurtenances thereunto belonging. I give to Elizabeth Chadwell the Sum of one Shilling. I give all the rest of my Household Goods and Furniture to be equally divided between Jane Hiscox, Jane Chadwell, Jane Madley and Elizabeth Madley.

I give and bequeath my Seat in the Parish-Church of Landogo between my Sons John, Obadiah and Edward Madley, my Daughters Judith Richards and Jane Williams, and my Grand-Daughter Jane Hiscox; and if either of my family, as before mentioned, shall be disturbed, or inclined to show any uneasiness concerning the Property of sitting in the said Seat, to the one or the other of the Family as before mentioned, then I will that that Person shall be deprived of enjoying a Property in the said Seat ever after; and that no more than three Persons from one House of those concerned and having a Property as before mentioned, shall go into the said Seat at once, without leave of the others that are therein concerned, and bringing no followers without leave and also I will that two Persons from the House that my Daughter Jane Williams now lives, may not be debarred the Liberty of sitting in the said Seat as above mentioned, provided they are of my family.

All the Legacies by me herein before bequeathed to be paid by my Executor at the end of one Year after my Decease, or sooner if it shall be required. I do also will and desire that James Morris of Whitebrook in the same Parish shall and may inspect and see that all my Intentions shall and maybe put in Execution according to my Will and Meaning concerning my Grand-Children more especially, and in general all that are herein concerned. All the Rest, Residue and Remainder of my Worldly Goods and Effects, and not by me herein before bequeathed, the Reversion of the Leases, and whatsoever else to me appertaining of what kind or sort soever and whatsoever they be , after my Debts, Legacies and Funeral Expenses are fully paid and discharged, I give and bequeath the same unto my Son Obadiah Madley, my only and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me herefore made. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty Second Day of April in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy four.

The mark of Edward Madley

 

25th April 1776

Obadiah Madley the Son and sole Executor named in the written Will was sworn to the Truth thereof and to the faithful performance of the same.

 

Proved at Caerleon on the twenty fifth Day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six before the learned(?) William Jenkins, Clerk Master of Arts, the Chancellors Surrogate by Obadiah Madley, the son and sole Executor in the within will named who was first on the Holy Evangelists personally sworn well and faithfully to execute the same, to exhibit an Inventory and render a just account of his administration thereof when thereunto lawfully required.