:
The originals of all the wills described below are held at the Norfolk Record Office, Norwich, which retains all copyright. The information has been extracted from indexes and the microfilms of the wills held at Norfolk RO (NRO). All the wills relate to testators who were living in either the parish of Great Massingham (GM) or Little Massingham (LM). Occasionally the parish is only described as 'Massingham'.
Testators are listed alphabetically but all information, spelling etc is as it appears in the original so where Ff is used rather than F at the beginning of a name that is how it will be listed eg Ffyson appears before Fisher. The names have been copied to the best of my ability and where there is clearly a query a (?) follows the name. There are still bound to be some errors, for which I apologise. I have, for example, opted for Slegg, rather than Flegg on the grounds that it never appears with Ff. Both are Norfolk surnames so I may have come to the wrong conclusion. It is similarly quite difficult to distinguish between Burrell and Barrett, both of which names occur in the area, so anyone looking for either would be well advised to look at both.
Below each entry is a reference. NRO (Norfolk Record Office), either NCC (Norwich Consistory Court) or ANW (Norwich Archdeaconry Court) plus a microfilm number (MF), a will number (W) if given in the original index and a folio number (F) which relates to the place on the microfilm. Each will is indexed under the year in which it was proved.
I believe that I have retrieved all the Massingham wills for this period from the indexes but it is possible that there are omissions. The ANW wills for instance are only indexed by surname and not by place.
The following surnames appear in the wills. The number of the relevant will follows the name. The same name often appears several times in the same will as the name may refer to a testator, beneficiary, executor, witness , tenant etc. Similarly several names appear in different wills. The same person may appear under different spellings.
Additional note [ECA]:
Clicking on will numbers in the surname list will take the you directly to the notes on the numbered will. The back button on the brower will return you to the surnames index.
Named:
Daughter Mary Barnes Daughter Ann Cockerell, wife of John Cockerell of Fincham, Labourer.
Daughter Sarah Moore, wife of John Moore, GM, Labourer
Daughter Elizabeth Pearce, wife of John Pearce of East Winch, Labourer
Sons Clark, Edward, Thomas, WilliamBarnes all of Fincham, all Labourers.
Executors : William Barnes, Edward Newman Gamble of Kings Lynn, Gentleman
Witnesses: Jonathan Townley jun., Edmund Townley
Value: Under £200 Testatrix died 22nd November 1842
Named:
Kinsman Thomas Tillney Kinswoman Elizabeth (Bringwood?) Brother William Bennington of Great Massingham
Executor: Brother William Bennington Witnesses: Peter Morgan, John Chaplin, Thomas Ffranklyn
NRO/NCC MF 435 F38 (1738)
3. BLYTH, Robert. Farmer. GM. April 30 1787. Proved March 17 1789
Named :
Eldest son Robert Blyth Son Samuel Blyth Son William Blyth Daughter Hannah, wife of Samuel Blyth of Burnham Tofts, farmer
Daughters Martha Blyth and Mary Blyth Daughter Maria Blyth (minor)
Servant, Susan Gotts(?) (in codicil. See note below)
Executor : William Blyth
Witnesses :
William Banks, Sarah Banks late of Massingham ; William Yarrington of Swaffham
Witnesses to codicil :
William Banks of Massingham ; William Yarrington of Swaffham ; Matthew Pettifer, servant to Mr Blyth.
Note :
'My eldest son Robert Blyth now in foreign parts, on whose account I have expended several considerable sums of money.'
Codicil states 'to servant Susan Gotts(?) £20 and such part of my overworn apparel as my Executor shall think proper to give her.'
NRO/ANW MF 348 F 33 (1789)
.
4. BURDEN, Thomas. Yeoman GM. May 31 1746. Proved Aug 24 1746
Named : Wife Jane Burden Daughter Elizabeth Burden Sons Jonathan and Thomas Burden
'All goods to be sold except such part thereof my said wife was possessed of before her marriage with me which I do hereby give unto her for her sole benefit.'
Witnesses : Thomas Toll, Matthew Clements NRO/ NCC MF 436. F 66 (1746)
5. CARTER,Thomas. Labourer . LM. August 4 1821. Proved Nov 8 1821
Named :
Wife Mary Carter Granddaughter Mary Howlet (Howlin inserted in brackets)
Executrix: Mary Carter
Witnesses : None.
There is a signed note by Samuel Westby of Great Massingham, Schoolmaster, sworn 3rd Nov 1821 stating that 'About 3rd of August last he was sent for by Thomas Carter of Little Massingham, labourer, since deceased , to make his will and that the deponent in consequence went to the said Thomas Carter's house, who was then very ill in bed and took the instructions for such a will. Thomas Carter told him he should like the will to be made so that his wife could have such property as she might want to live upon as long as she lived and that if any of it was left at her death he should like it to go to his granddaughter…. He took instruction, went home and put it into writing and added a seal of wax. The testator made his mark without any witnesses.'
Further note that Mary Carter was beneficiary of the will of William Cage of Kings Lynn and the executor of that will, William Garrad of Kings Lynn also appeared 31st October 1821.
Value under £300.
NRO/ANW MF 357 W91 F134 (1821)
6. CATTON, William. Farmer. GM. August 20 1764. Proved February 5 1767
Named:
Wife Elizabeth Catton
Executrix: Elizabeth Catton
Witnesses: Charles Slegg, William Cushing, Edmund Kenney
NRO/ANW MF 340 F 22 (1767)
7. CHAMBERLAIN, Moses. Cattle Drover. GM. Nov 18 1820. Proved October 15 1822
Named:
Wife Esther Chamberlain Sons Charles, George, John, Moses Chamberlain Granddaughter Mary Chamberlain, daughter of son Moses Chamberlain
Executors: Charles Chamberlain, Thomas Large of Hilborough, Victualler.
Witnesses: John Wright, William Pawley, Robert Sewell, all of Swaffham
Value : Under £100
NRO/ANW MF 357. W84 F141 (1822)
8. CLIFTON, Ann. GM May 24 1749. Proved June 25 1749
Named :
King Hall of Wells
Mary Shorten Robert Shorten William Bennington '10 shillings together with what money he has in his hands.'
John Pool of Harpley. One shilling
Executors : Mary Shorten, Robert Shorten
Witnesses : Thomas Caunce, James Framingham, Henry Forster
NRO/NCC MF 437 F96 (1749)
9. COOPER, Levi. Malster. GM. December 13 1779. Proved January 29 1788
Named:
Wife Mary Cooper
Executrix : Mary Cooper
Witnesses : William Wright, William Chilvers, William Stuckey
Note: Property in Grimston 'and elsewhere in UK'.
NRO/ANW MF 1466. W32 F19 (1788)
10. CURTIS, Abel. Farmer. GM. November 28 1820. Proved May 25 1830
Named:
Wife Mary Curtis Brother in law George Love of Harpley, Glazier
Sister Sophia, wife of George Love Brother Minns Curtis Sister Lucy, wife of Charles Stanford William Manning of GM, Farmer
John Kendall ; Edward Basham ; Richard Mayes ; who were all tenants of his property in East Rudham.
Executors: George Love, William Manning
Witnesses : Susan Aldham, B Aldham, H H Cook
Value : Under £450 Testator died December 17 1829 NRO/ANW MF 359 W43. F45 (1830)
11. CURTIS, John. Farmer. GM. November 7 1806. Proved December 23 1806
Named :
'Honoured mother' Mary Curtis 'Beloved brother' Abel Curtis 'Beloved sister' Sophia Curtis 'Beloved brother' Minns Curtis 'Beloved sister' Lucy Stanford
Executors : Abel Curtis, Sophia Curtis
Witnesses : James Reynolds, surgeon ; Anthony Beck; Robert Lendall
Note :
Lucy's portion must be 'free from control of her husband.'
NRO/ANW MF 352 W68 F79 (1806)
12. CURTIS, Mary, widow. GM. April 11 1811. Proved November 4 1814.
Named :
Son Able (sic) Curtis Son in law George Love Daughter Sophia, wife of George Love Grandchild Sophia Love Grandchild Sophia Stanford Daughter Lucy, wife of Charles Stanford
Executors:Able Curtis, George Love.
Witnesses :
Samuel King of West Lexham, Charles Smith of West Lexham
Note :
Lucy's portion 'not subject to the control of her husband' , daughter Sophia Love's portion 'as long as she takes care of and maintains my grandchild Sophia Stanford until she is 21 or married (but not subject to the control of any husband) , in case the said Sophia shall not continue to reside with said Aunt Sophia Love.'
Proved at Weasenham
Value : Under £450
NRO/ANW MF 355. W83 F135 (1814)
13. DAWS, John. Widower. GM. December 7 1804. Proved March 19 1818
Named :
Son Adam Dorrs
Executor : Adam Dorrs
Witnesses : Charles Tite, John Dixon, John Curtis
Note :
Signs name John Daws.
NRO/ANW MF 356 W26 F40 (1818)
14. EMERSON, Mary, Widow. GM. March 30 1816. Proved February 25 1819
Named :
Friend, William Blyth of Gt Massingham, Gentleman
Friend Peter Raven of Litcham, Surgeon & Apothecary
Friend Robert Molincoss ??of Kings Lynn, Gentleman
Daughter Mary Duffield, Widow
Daughter Henrietta Leeds, Widow
Grand daughter Eleanora Maria Duffield Daughter Charlotte, wife of William Stuck(l)ey, Gentleman
Granddaughter Charlotte, wife of John Newmans of City of London
Granddaughter Mary Duffield, Spinster
Granddaughter Sarah Emerson Stuck(l)ey, Spinster
Rebecca Blake (beneficiary of Mary Emerson's mother's will)
Executors : William Blyth, Peter Raven
Witnesses : William Wright, Charles Wright
Value : Under £800 (left daughters each £10 for mourning expenses).
NRO/ANW MF 356 W21 F44 (1819)
Named:
Wife (unnamed in will but named as Frances at time of probate)
Executrix: Wife
Witnesses: John Dashwood, Martin Salmon, Ph Case NRO/NCC MF 435 F95 (1739)
16. FFYSON, Mary. Widow. LM. January 30 1752. Proved June 7 1752
Named:
Son Joseph Ffyson of Bristol, butcher
Younger son William Ffyson now or late of City of Wells, Somerset, grocer
Son in law William Chowton of Little Massingham
Executor: William Chowton
Witnesses : Charles Squire, Sarah Ffuller
Note :
'To the poor of the parish of Watlington in the County of Norfolk, 20 shillings to be invested at discretion of Rector and Overseer of the poor.'
NRO/ANW MF 1460 W67 F 187 (1752)
17. FISHER, Edward. Gentleman. GM. May 6 1831. Proved July 7 1834
Named :
Wife Elizabeth Fisher Son Edward Fisher Daughters Elizabeth Fisher, Sophia Fisher, Emily Fisher Daughter Mary Ann, wife of Humphrey Herring Nephew Money Fisher of North Elmham, Gentleman
Executors : Edward Fisher, Money Fisher
Witnesses : William Blyth, D'Urban Blyth
Value : Under £3,000 Testator died May 4 1834
.
NRO/ANW MF 1469 W35 F53. (1834)
18. FRAMINGHAM, James. Innholder. February 22 1764. Proved May 16 1768
Named :
Wife Mary Framingham James, Matthew and Elizabeth Framingham, children by my first wife
Robert, Edmund(?) and Charles Framingham,, children by Mary Framingham
Executrix : Mary Framingham, wife
Witnesses : Richard West, Elizabeth Pawley, John Carr
Note :
Everything goes to Mary but if she remarries she has to pay 'on the very day she intermarrys, forty shillings apiece to every one of my children then alive.'
NRO/ANW MF 341 W142 F475 (1768)
19. FRAMINGHAM, Matthew, Innholder. GM. July 12 1775. Proved June 7 1780
Named :
Daughter Mary Framingham Wife Martha Framingham
Executrix : Martha Framingham Witnesses : Eliza Pawley, B Godbold NRO/NCC MF 447 F165 (1780)
20. FRANKLYN, Thomas. Farmer. GM. April 8 1751. Proved June 28 1762
Named :
Sister Ann Curson, wife of William Curson of Harpley, butcher
Kinsman William Dod(?), son of my sister Ursula Brother Benjamin Franklyn of Hillington, carpenter
Sister Lucy Franklyn
Executrix : Lucy Franklyn
Witnesses : John Glover, Allin Mills, William Shaw
Note :
Property in Harpley and Castleacre
NRO/ANW MF 1462 F 166 (1762)
21. GARDINER, John. Rector of GM. July 29 1770. Proved November 26 1770
Named :
Daughter Margaret, wife of Revd Mr Thomas Money of City of Norwich
Only son Captain Richard Gardiner Neighbour Elizabeth Pigg, widow
Executor : Richard Gardiner but in his absence Elizabeth Pigg
Witnesses : Alice Cole, John Money, William Weatherhead
Note :
Mentions profits arising from living of St Giles, Norwich which go to daughter.
'and whereas it may possibly happen that my said son by vertue of his military employment may be at a great distance from me at the time of my decease I do therefore in such case beg and request of my neighbour and parishioner Mrs Elizabeth Pigg, widow, if she will be so kind as to see me decently interred just in the same manner my poor wife was and that she will take care of all my concerns till my son returns to take the Trust upon himself and that she will accept a mourning ring to remember me with.'
NRO/ANW MF 1463 W112 F149 (1770)
22. GIBSON, Henry. 'lived and died at GM'. Undated will. Proved October 3 1832
Named :
'Wife and children' (no names) to be beneficiaries.
Martha Gibson, widow of Henry, named when will proved.
Witnesses :
William Gage, GM, labourer ; John Gibson of Flitcham, shepherd ; Sarah Bone of GM, spinster ; Robert Frost of GM, labourer. All witnesses also signed affidavit.
Value : Under £100. Testator died August 26 1832
NRO/ANW MF 1469 W85 F158. (1832)
23. GLOVER, John. Gentleman. GM. February 23 1761. Proved October 15 1763
Named :
Niece Sarah, the now wife of William Clarke Woodbine of Swaffham, gentleman
Ellen Walker and Martha Bell, sisters to said Sarah Woodbine Sarah Stow, wife of Thomas Stow of West Rudham, gentleman
Brother Robert Glover of Barwick, gentleman
Executor : Robert Glover
Witnesses : Thomas Mays, Robert Mays, Thomas Ibbott
Note :
To be interred in parish of Tittleshall.
50 shillings to be distributed among poor of Tittleshall
Property in Beeston, Mileham, Wells next Sea 'and elsewhere'
Proved at Wells.
NRO/ANW MF 1462 W115 F486 (1763)
24. GODFREY, Masters. Farmer. LM. June 7 1792. Proved December 16 1797
Named :
Son John Godfrey Wife Diana Godfrey Son Masters Godfrey Son William Godfrey Son Hugh Godfrey Daughter Mary, wife of Thomas Collison Daughter Ann Godfrey Daughter Bridget Godfrey Daughter Susanna Godfrey Granddaughter Diana Godfrey (minor)
Executor : John Godfrey
Witnesses : Thomas Fuller, John Mills, R Whincop
Witnesses to codicil December 22 1796 :
James Harpley, Samuel King, Samuel Kendall
Note :
To Diana his wife, £40 pa as long as she remains unmarried, reduced to £20 pa if she remarries.
Furniture to wife, then to Susanna Godfrey but if she marries then to granddaughter Diana.
'And with respect to my son Hugh Godfrey, though he hath at various times had of me divers sums of money and is now indebted to me considerably more than I can afford to give him yet I do hereby give and forgive him all such sum and sums of money as he shall happen to owe me at the time of my decease except only £160 which I will direct he shall be charged with and be liable to pay my Executor at Michaelmas 1794 or 6 months after my decease.'
Codicil of December 22 1796 names daughter Bridget as wife of John Garner of Litcham and her inheritance is reduced from £8 pa during mother's life plus £260 at mother's death to '£10 only'.
Value : Under £2,000
NRO/ANW MF 350 F (1797)
25. GREEN, John. Yeoman. GM. August 1 1741. Proved September 17 1742
Named Wife Jane Cousin? Jane (almost illegible)
Daughters Mary Laws, Joanne Mallett Grandson John Laws Granddaughters Esther Laws, Elizabeth Laws, Elizabeth and Jane Goldsmith of Wells (their father William Goldsmith)
Vendor from whom he bought land, Thomas Clarke Also mentions John Clark of Fring and William Reeve of Little Massingham and left money for bread for poor of G and L Massingham.
Executors: Joanne Mallet, John Laws Witnesses. Thomas Groome, Margaret Whitehead?, Thomas Franklyn NRO/NCC MF 98 F95 (1742)
26. HOWARD, John. Shopkeeper. GM. April 8 1768. Proved June 15 1768.
Named:
Wife, Elizabeth Howard Son John Howard Daughters Mary Howard, Rose Howard, both minors.
Elizabeth, wife of Robert Ffarrell(?) of GM
Grandchildren Elizabeth, John, Ann and William Ffarrell(?)
Robert Southgate, GM
Zachariah Sharpe (land purchase)
William Tilbrookthe Younger (land purchase)
John Titteringham, John Mitchell, John Burrow/Barrow? (tenants)
Executrix : Elizabeth Howard, wife
Witnesses : Dorothy Pilgram, William Hubbard, B Godbold
Note :
'£100 to son John to aid and assist his mother in the management of the farming business during the time she shall carry on the same.'
NRO/ANW MF 340 W74 F91 (1768)
27. HOWARD, Peter. Labourer. GM. March 2 1774. Proved April 16 1774
Named :
Wife Elizabeth Howard Eldest son Joseph Howard 'Other son' Peter Howard Daughters (unnamed)
Wortley Jarvis of Weasenham All Saints (land purchase)
Late father John Howard
Executrix : Elizabeth Howard
Witnesses: Charles Slegg, John Mason, Robert F Ferret, Robert Ferret
NRO/ANW MF 344 W45 F57 (1774)
28. HUBBARD, William. Blacksmith. GM. March 2 1769. Proved March 23 1769.
Named:
Brother Reuben Hubbard of Gateley 'my straight every day coat and black waistcoat.'
Brother Robert Hubbard of Briston 'a greatcoat and flannel waistcoat.'
Wife Amy Hubbard. Received bulk of estate.
Executrix : Amy Hubbard Witnesses Charles Slegg, Joseph Pilgrim NRO/NCC MF 98 F46 (1769)
31. JEX, Jonathan. Blacksmith. GM. January 9 1854. Proved Feb 21 1854
Named:
Son in law James Love of Harpley, plumber and glazier
Friend John Smith of GM, butcher
Daughter Mary Ann, wife of James Love Daughter Susanna Sands, widow
Vendors from whom he bought land , John Raven, Richard Lendall
Executors: James Love, John Smith
Witnesses: James Mason, George Fisher
Property described:
8.5 acres in GM abutting upon the road leading to Hillington towards the South.
3 cottages, yards, gardens and outbuildings in GM adjoining the PH called the Fox and Pheasant.
Copyhold tenement or PH by the name of The Oak in GM
5 cottages with barn yards, garden and outbuildings near or adjoining The Oak.
2 freehold cottages purchased of Richard Lendall (location not given).
NRO/NCC MF 468 F68 (1854)
32. JOY, John, Surgeon. 'Of Massingham'. July 5 1842. Proved June 12 1844
Named: Wife, Anne Holman Joy Late Wife, Elizabeth Sophia Joy Children by late wife (unnamed except John William, who was to be cut out of the will).
Executors: Wife Anne Holman Joy, John Hudson of Castle Acre.
Witnesses: L W Jarvis, E Hewitt Witnesses to codicil: LW Jarvis, L Wh Jarvis NRO/NCC MF 110 F378 (1844)
33. LACK, John, Bricklayer. GM. March 24 1737. Proved May 24 1738
Named :
Wife Elizabeth Lack Daughter Elizabeth Burden, wife of Thomas Burden of Great Massingham
Grandsons Jonathan Burden and John Lack Granddaughter Elizabeth Burden Occupant of cottage William Keny
Witnesses : Elizabeth Bubbing (made mark), Thomas Ffranklyn NRO/NCC MF 435 F12 (1738)
34. MANNING, William Wilkin. Farmer. GM. April 16 1834. Proved July 15 1835
Named :
Son William Manning Son Robert Manning Daughters Hannah and Elizabeth 5 children, William, Robert, Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary, of the wife of John Knight.
Friend John Beck of Congham, farmer
Friend Deeker Cook of GM farmer
Executors : John Beck, Deeker Cook, William Manning
Witnesses : Charles Frankland, Edward Nichols
Value : Under £3,000. Testator died December 25 1834
NRO/ANW MF 1469 W57 F63 (1835)
35. MARTIN, Susanna. Widow. GM. October 30 1840. Proved February 28 1843
Named :
Susanna, wife of Charles Lawrence of GM, wheelwright
Charlotte, wife of William Warnes of Harpley, yeoman
Harriet, wife of Thomas Kidmore of Sutton St James, Lincs, wheelwright
Charles Bunckell of Boston, Lincs, carpenter
'which said S Lawrence, C Warnes, H Kidmore and C Bunckell are the three daughters and one of the two sons of my late sister Margaret Bunchel (sic) widow.'
Nephew Christopher Bunckell of No 2 Dorchester Place, Blandford Squ, London
Frederick Robert Partridge of Kings Lynn, solicitor
Executors : Christopher Bunckell, Frederick Robert Partridge
Witnesses :
Richard Johnson of GM, collar maker ; Charles Goodwin of Kings Lynn, solicitor
Note : Codicil of October 30 1840 leaves bedstead, bedding and all money in house to niece Susanna Lawrence.
Named:
Brother John Mason of Norwich 'and his six children' (not named)
William, illegitimate son of my sister Ann Mason Martha Fills, daughter of Ellen Pestell (late Mason, my sister)
Executors : Jonathan Jex of GM and John Mason of Norwich
Witnesses: William Kenney, John Kenney
Note:
John Kenney, grocer of Gt Massingham, signs affidavit dated January 28 1854
Testatrix died January 1 1854
NRO/ANW MF 364 W6 F17 (1854)
37. MASON, Thomas. Publican. GM. May 12 1828. Proved July 11 1828
Named :
Wife, Mary Mason Daughters Mary and Martha 'and their brother and sisters' (Unnamed)
Executrix : Wife Mary Mason
Witnesses : Samuel Westby, William Kenney junior, Jonathan Jex
Value : Under £100 (Includes property in Harpley) Testator died June 15 1828
NRO/ANW MF356 W53 F74 (1828)
38. MAYS, Thomas. GM. Butcher. June 8 1764. Proved July 13 1768
Named:
Daughters Ellen Mays, Mary Mays, Sarah Twiday Son Robert Mays
Executor: Robert Mays
Witnesses: Charles Slegg, P Godbold
Note:
£50 each to daughters Ellen and Mary, 'One shilling to be paid by my executor when demanded' to daughter Sarah Twiday.
NRO/ANW MF 340 W82 F103 (1768)
39. NEWTON, William. Farmer. LM. January 8 1765. Proved July 4 1768
Named :
Wife Mary Newton
Son William Newton Daughter Mary, wife of William Nelson Daughter Sarah Newton (minor)
Daughter Susanna Newton (minor)
Son Charles Newton (minor)
Son Robert Newton (minor)
Executrix : Mary Newton, wife. Also guardian of Sarah, Susanna, Charles and Robert Newton
Witnesses : John Barsham, William Barsham
Note :
'And so soon as my said son Robert shall be capable thereof my will is that he shall be bound out to some Trade such as he and my Executrix shall choose and the money paid for such Trade and finding him Apparel during the said Apprenticeship.'
NRO/ANW MF 340 W84 F105 (1768)
40. PAWLEY, Elizabeth. Spinster. GM. January 26 1784. Proved April 14 1787
Named :
Nephew William Randall Pawley, tailor
Elizabeth, wife of William RandallPawley John Wacey, bricklayer
Brother Benjamin Pawley of City of London, baker
Benjamin, Richard, Robert, Ann Mary, Elizabeth & Martha Pawley sons and daughters of late brother Richard Pawley Sister in law Mary Pawley of Gt Yarmouth, widow of late brother William Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth West of Gt Massingham
Executors: William Randall Pawley, John Wacey
Witnesses: Benjamin Swainston, Davy Denham, John Money
Note:
Extremely detailed will, bequeathing jewellery, silver, clothing, china etc
Proved at Gt Bircham.
NRO/ANW MF 1466/1 W29 F103 (1787)
41. PAWLEY, Ellen, GM. Jan 29 1762. Proved April 1 1772
Named :
Daughter Elizabeth Pawley. Sole beneficiary but conditional on her paying debts to Benjamin Utting of East Rudham, Innkeeper.
Executrix : Elizabeth Pawley
Witnesses : Mary Taylor, Matthew Framingham, B Godbold NRO/NCC MF 443 F70 (1772)
42. PIGGE, Andrew. Yeoman. GM. Aug 6 1745. Proved March 27 1747
Named :
Brothers Henry Pigge, Thomas Pigge Mother Rose Pigge Nieces Elizabeth Pigge, Rose Pigge, (daughters of brother Thomas) Nephew Henry Pigge (son of brother Thomas Pigge) Sister Rose Carr Niece Rose Carr Nephew Thomas Carr Cousins Ann Pigge, Hannah Pigge (daughters of Thomas Pigge of Egmore).
Executor : Brother Henry Pigge
Overseers of will : Thomas Pigge of Egmore, gentleman ; Thomas Pigge of Congham, gentleman
Witnesses : John Cliffes (?), Henry Goodwin, P Godbold.
NRO/NCC MF 436 F66 (1746)
43. PIGGE, Elizabeth. Widow. GM. July 11 1794. Proved March 28 1797
Named :
Edmund Walker of Harpley, farmer
Thomas Carr of Kings Lynn, merchant
Daughter Elizabeth Shaul Son Thomas Pigge Granddaughter Elizabeth Pigge Grandsons Henry Jermyn, Able Jermyn, Edmund Shaul Granddaughters Rose Jermyn, Susan Jermyn Charlotte, wife of grandson Edmund Shaul
Executors : Edmund Walker, Thomas Carr
Witnesses : S M Farington (?), H Pigge, Hor Hamonde
Note :
Extremely detailed describing furniture, clothing, silver, china, table and bed linen etc
NRO/ANW MF350 W26 F25 (1797)
44. PILGRIM, Joseph. Innholder. GM. November 9 1772. Proved April 16 1774
Named :
Daughter Mary, wife of John Joynson Wife Dorothy Pilgrim Daughter Elizabeth Pilgrim (still a minor)
Executrix : Dorothy Pilgrim
Witnesses : John Howard, John Richman, B Godbold
NRO/ANW MF 344. W37 F48 (1774)
45. REYNOLDS, James. Surgeon. GM. September 4 1794. Proved June 25 1810
Named:
Wife Sarah Reynolds Brothers John Reynolds, Joseph Reynolds Silverwoods of Lynn ('my nephew and his two sisters')
Executrix: Sarah Reynolds
Witnesses: John Wacey, Charles Tite, Richard Pearson
NRO/ANW MF 353 W58 F92 (1810)
46. RUMP, Thomas. Gentleman. GM. February 12 1796. Proved June 10 1797
Named:
Sons John Rump, James Rump, Thomas Rump Ann, wife of John Ffromow(?) of Horsford, farmer (discharge of bond)
Executor: Thomas Rump
Witnesses : Wm Tawell, J S Wigg, G Ransome
Value: Under £10,000
NRO/ANW MF350 W64 F72 (1797)
47. SALMON, Martin. Butcher. GM. August 24 1742. Proved September 8 1742
Named:
Wife Elizabeth Salmon, to whom he left all, on condition she didn't remarry and also brought up his daughter 'in a handsome manner.'
Daughter Elizabeth Salmon Brother Luke Salmon Kinsman Martin Burrell, son of Adam
Executrix; Elizabeth Salmon (wife)
Witnesses: Adam Burrell, Thomas Ffranklyn, Sarah Alcock.
NRO/NCC MF 98 F94 (1742)
48. SCARNAL, Ann. Widow. GM. May 22 1772. Proved June 24 1774
Named :
Daughter Elizabeth Curzon, widow
Granddaughter Ann Black Granddaughter Ann Groome Son in law John Mason and Ann his wife
Executors: John and Ann Mason
Witnesses : Charles Slegg, Matthew Reader
NRO/ANW MF 344 W61 F 88 (1774)
49. STEED, Thomas. Labourer. GM. May 3 1756. Proved June 24 1756
Named: Henry Pigg of Great Massingham
Executor : Henry Pigg
Witnesses : Thomas Caunce, Ann Crow
NRO/ANW MF 336 W81 F207 (1756)
50. WACEY, John, Bricklayer. GM Jan 15 1798. Proved Nov 23 1798
Named Wife Susannah Wacey Sons George, John and Jonathan Wacey Daughters Mary Holt, Elizabeth Wacey, Susannah Wacey
Executors : Wife Susannah Wacey, son George Wacey
Witnesses : James Reynolds, Davy Denham, William Crane NRO/NCC MF 455 F158 (1798)
51. WEBBER, John, Wheelwright. GM. Jan 5 1772. Proved Feb 22 1772
Named :
Son in law James Clearbone, Elizabeth his wife and son John who each left 1 shilling to be paid one calendar month after decease.
Son in law Joseph Rudland of Feltwell who was left house, old barn, leanto dwelling,garden, yard and all appurtenances thereunto, 'all my wearing apparel, , bed linen, table linen, other linen of what kind soever they be or wheresoever.'
Executor : John Chisney of Swaffham who instructed to sell all household furniture, goods, chattels and effects, to settle debts and to pay surplus to Joseph Rudland.
Witnesses : Charles Slegg, William Whitby, John Mason NRO/NCC MF 443 F45 (1772)
52. WEST, Richard. Massingham. April 18 1787. Proved October 30 1787
Named:
Sons William West, Richard West Daughter Mary West
Executor : None named.
Witnesses : John Norburn, Thomas Mason
Note:
Everything left to William and Mary 'to support the youngest part of my family in putting them apprentices to trades or in any other way that shall be most likely to promote their welfare… I have an elder son who does not want, yet nonetheless may be for monopolizing what little I do possess and thereby reduce my youngest children to poverty. I therefore hope there will be no cavilling about the legality thereof.'
NRO/ANW MF 1466/1 W78 F112 (1787)
53. WEST, William. Blacksmith.GM.. September 2 1788. Proved October 4 1788
Named:
Sister Mary West 'she executing the order of my father's will'.
Executrix: Mary West
Witnesses: William Brooke, Anne Outlaw.
Note; Proved at Great Bircham
NRO/ANW MF 1466/2 W91 F 152 (1788)
54. WHITBY, Thomas. Labourer. GM September 16 1744. Proved March 26 1751
Named :
Wife Mary Whitby Robert Delf (tenant)
Mother Frances Man, widow
Daughter Mary Whitby Son William Whitby, cordwainer
Executrix : Wife, Mary Whitby
Witnesses : Alice Delf, Frances Cork, Thomas Ffranklyn
NRO/ANW MF 1460 W1 F217 (1751)
55. WHITBY, William. Cordwainer. GM. March 6 1790. Proved February 11 1794
Named :
Wife (gives no name)
Executrix : Wife (unnamed)
Witnesses : Ann Stowe(?), John Honington junior, Samuel C Tooke.
Note :
Mentions copyhold in Great Massingham
NRO/ANW MF 350 W14 F19 (1794)
56. WRIGHT, Henry. Shopkeeper. GM. July 9 1822. Proved January 1 1823.
Named :
Wife Elizabeth Wright
Executrix : Elizabeth Wright
Witnesses : John Whiting, John Platten, John Joy, surgeon.
Note :
Leaves property in Kings Lynn 'and elsewhere' plus household furniture, stock in trade, books.
Value : Under £1,500.
NRO/ANW MF 357 W1 F1 (1823)
57. YOUNG, Robert, Grocer. GM. Feb 4 1730. Proved Jan 21 1760
Named :
Loving and well-beloved wife, Rose Young
Executrix : Rose Young
Witnesses : William Smith, Susanna Smith , Thomas Clarke NRO/NCC MF 440 F40 (1760)
