This is the last Will and Testament of me James Roberts of Mareham le Fen in the County of Lincoln, Gentleman, which I make with a sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, in manner following, that is to say –

I give, devise and bequeath all and every my several leasehold estates situate, lying, and being on the East side of Jacobs Mews in the Parish of Saint Mary le bone in the County of Middlesex, and now in the occupation of Thomas Sanders, And in Mareham le Fen aforesaid and Revesby in the County of Lincoln, now in my own occupation, hereafter with all the rents, issues and profits due thereon, to my dear wife Mary Roberts, her executors, administrators and assigns., to and for her and their own use and benefit.

I also give and bequeath all my Stock or Shares vested in any of the public funds, or of the Government Securities  whatever, with the dividends, interest, and produce due therefrom, and all other my goods, chattels, rights, credits, securities for money, personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever, and of what nature, kind and quality soever the same may be (charged with the payment of my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses) to my said wife Mary for her own sole use and benefit.

And I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said wife Mary sole executrix hereof, and I do hereby revoke and make void all former wills by me made, and declare this writing only to be and contain my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two     -      J Roberts

Signed, sealed published and declared by the said James Roberts the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses      Wm Goodenough        Jonathan Chapman

Proved at London 1 September 1826 before the Judge by the oath of Mary Roberts, widow, the Relict, the sole executrix, to whom Admin. was granted, being first sworn by Comm. duly to observe.

Transcribed from a copy of the Will held by The National Archives, Kew, U.K.

Reference PROB. 11 / 1717

Transcribed by Cliff Thornton

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 24, volume 36, number 1 (2013).