Wills of Disley and Lyme Handley people 

or their descendents

There are other wills on the Taxal & Whaley Bridge page which may have connections to Disley people.

My thanks to David & Anne Bailey; Michelle Cantrill & Holly Gaskell for many of these wills.

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   GR  H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   XYZ     

John ARDERN of Disley: 1763

A true & perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods and Chattels Depts and Credits of John ARDERN Late of Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester husband man Decesd apraised by Thos TORKINGTON and Th^s ARDREN this 28th day of June 1762 as follows

Witnis our Hands Thos TORKINGTON; Thos. ARDERN aprasers

On a separate sheet

Adm. of John ARDERNE late of Disley Parish of Stockport Husbandman Dec. to be granted unto Alice ARDERN of same Widow & Relict

P.... £300 bound Henry POTT of Lyme Handley Par.. & Thos TORKINGTON of Marple Husb(andma)n 

On a separate sheet - another copy of the inventory with some words spelt differently

On a separate sheet 

Know all Men by these presents That we Alice ARDERN of Disley in the County of Chester Husbandman Henry POTT of Lyme Handley in the said County Gardiner and Thomas TORKINGTON of Marple in the aforesaid County Husbandman are holden etc. etc. dated the twenty second day of April 1763

The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the above bounden Alice ARDERN Widow Relict and Administratrix of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of John ARDERN late of Disley above said in the Diocese of Chester Husbandman Deceased etc. etc.

The mark of Alice ARDERN  (signed) Henry POTT & Thos TORKINGTON

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Thomas ARDERN of Laneside, Disley: 1798

This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas ARDERN of Lanehead within Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester Butcher First I give and devise unto Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN both of Disley aforesaid and James BAILY of Hanley my Executors hereafter named All that my Leasehold Tenement called Jacksons within Disley now in the occupation of my son Henry with all and every of its Rights Members and Appurtenances In Trust so far and upon the several Uses Trusts Intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned expressed and declared of and concerning the same leasehold premises and I do hereby also give and devise all that my copyhold Estate of Inheritance called the Lanehead within Disley aforesaid where I now live unto the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY upon Trust nevertheless and likewise to and for the several Uses Trusts Intents and purposes hereafter mentioned expressed and declared of and concerning the same copy hold premises That is to say Upon Trust and to the Intent and purpose that they the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY and their respective Heirs do and shall out of the Rents Issues and profits arising from the before mentioned Leasehold Tenement In the first place pay to my beloved wife Hannah or her Assigns during the Term of her natural Life (if the Life or Lives in the said original Lease shall so long live) the clear Annuity or Annual Sum of Five pounds at and upon the Eleventh day of November and the Twenty fifth Day of March by even and equal portions the first payment thereof to be made on such of the said Days as shall first happen after my Decease And upon Trust and to the Intent and purpose that the said Thomas BOWDEN Henry ARDERN and James BAILY and their respective Heirs do and shall out of the Residue of the yearly Rents and profits as well of the said Leasehold premises as also of the said copyhold premises apply allow and pay unto my youngest son Richard and my daughter Betty yearly and every year till they shall arrive at the age of Twenty One years each respectively a proper sufficiency towards their maintenance and support and when he my said son Richard shall have attained his full age of Twenty One years then I do hereby order and direct my said Trustees and their respective Heirs to allow and pay unto my said son Richard or his Assigns also from the said Copyhold premises during and unto such time as she my said Daughter Betty shall have attained her full age of Twenty One years Then I give and Devise unto my said son Richard ARDERN and my said Daughter Betty ARDERN All that my Leasehold Tenement called Jacksons aforesaid with all and every of its Rights Members and Appurtenances upon condition that they the said Richard ARDERN and Betty ARDERN and their respective Heirs and Assigns pay thereout of the same premises unto my wife Hannah ARDERN or her Assigns during the Term of her natural Life (if the Life or Lives in the said original Lease shall so long live) the clear Annuity or Annual Sum of Five pounds at the Days and Times before mentioned for the payment thereof To hold the same unto my said Son Richard and my  Daughter Betty and to their child or children equally to be divided between them for and during the continuance of the Lease now in being as Tenants in common and not as Joint tenants But in case my said son Richard and my Daughter Betty shall both of them happen to die without child or children Then I give and devise the aforesaid Tenement called Jacksons unto my son Henry ARDERN To hold to him his Heirs and Assigns for and during the Remainder of the Lease then in being Also I give and devise unto my said son Richard ARDERN and my said Daughter Betty ARDERN when she my said Daughter Betty ARDERN shall have attained her full Age of Twenty one years and to their child or children All that my Copyhold Estate of Inheritance with all its Rights Members and Appurtenances called the Lanehead situate in Disley aforesaid where I now live To hold to them and their Issue Child or Children equally to be divided between them and their Issue Child or Children as Tenants in common and not as Joint tenants And in case my said son Richard dies without child or children I give and devise the same unto my said Daughter Betty and her Issue And in case my said Daughter Betty dies without child or children I give and devise the same Copyhold Estate unto my son Richard and his Issue for ever But for Want of them my Son Richard and my Daughter Betty and their Issue Then I give and devise the same unto my son Henry ARDERN his Heirs and Assigns for Ever I also give and Devise unto my son Henry ARDERN his Heirs and Assigns All that my Freehold Estate of Inheritance called Mossley situate within High Lane Marple in the said County now occupied by Mary HIBBERSON as my Tenant with all its Rights Members and Appurtenances thereto belonging To hold the same unto my son Henry his Heirs and Assigns for Ever And as for and concerning the whole of my personal Estate and the money arising from the Sale of my Chattels and other my Estate and Effects Money out at Interest Book and other Debts and not herein by me disposed of I do hereby order and direct the same to be applied and disposed of by my Executors in the payment of my just Debts funeral expences reasonable charge of the probate and Execution of this my Will and the several Legacies hereafter mentioned  (That is to say) First I give and bequeath unto my Son Richard and my Daughter Betty the sum of One hundred pounds equally to be divided and paid to them share and share alike by my Executors hereafter named when she my said Daughter Betty shall have attained her full age of Twenty one years And in case of either of their Deaths before the payment of the said Legacy then the share of Him or Her so dying shall go and be paid to his or her respective child or children And if no child or children to go and be paid unto the survivor Then I give and bequeath unto my Eldest son Thomas ARDERN the sum of Ten pounds to be paid at the end of Twelve Months next after my decease And I give and bequeath unto my second son John ARDERN the like sum of Ten pounds to be paid at the end of Twelve Months next after my decease Then I give and bequeath all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my personal Estate Goods Money and Effects of what Nature or kind soever and not here in before by me disposed of unto and amongst them my sons Thomas John and Richard and my daughter Betty to be equally divided and paid unto and amongst them share and share alike at the End of Twelve Months next after my Decease And lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint Thomas BOWDEN and my said son Henry ARDERN both of Disley aforesaid and James ......[BAILY?) (missed on photocopy because of fold) Executors of this my last Will and Testament herby revoking all former Will and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made and Declare this to be my last

In Witness whereof I the said Thomas ARDERN the Testator to this my last Will and Testament contained in Two Sheets of paper have at the Bottom of the first sheet set my hand and Seal And also to this second sheet have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the twelfth Day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas ARDERN the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request in the presence of one another have subscribed our names as Witnesses to attest the due Execution thereof

Jno WOOD; Thomas CARRINGTON; John STAVELY

July 25th 1798  Thomas BOWDEN, Henry ARDERN and James BAILY Executors herein named were this day sworn in common form W. Bown... Surrogate

Probate issued Dated 25 Jul 1798 Effects above One and Under Three Hundred pounds 

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Thomas ARDERN late of Disley: 1871

This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas ARDAN late of Disley in the County of Chester Butcher but now residing at Cheadle Moseley  in the said County made and published this eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty five revoking all former testamentary appointments First I give and bequeath all my household goods furniture linen china glass and pictures unto my dear Wife Hannah ARDERN absolutely Next I direct that as soon as conveniently may be after my decease my real estate if any shall be sold and that my personal estate not hereby otherwise disposed of shall be got in and converted into money and after payment of my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses I give and bequeath one half of the money to arise from such sale and conversion as aforesaid unto my said Wife absolutely And I direct the trustees hereinafter appointed of this my Will to invest the residue of the money so to arise as aforesaid in some or one of the public stocks or funds of Great Britain and to stand possessed of the same in trust for my son Thomas Edwin ARDERN when he shall attain the age of twenty one years or should he die under that age for his lawful issue And I direct my said trustees during the minority of my said son to pay the annual income of the said trust premises to my said Wife for or towards his maintenance and education And further I authorize my said trustees at any time during the minority of my said son to pay and apply at their discretion any sum not exceeding the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds for or towards the placing out apprentice or otherwise for the advancement in life of my said son And I further direct that if my said [son] should die before attaining the age of twenty one years without leaving lawful issue then and in such case I give the said trust moneys to my said Wife absolutely free and clear from the debts control or engagement of any husband she may marry And lastly I appoint my said Wife and my brother in law James ALLEN of Cheadle Moseley aforesaid Executrix and Executor and Trustees of this my Will Thomas ARDERN - Signed by the said Thomas ARDERN as his last Will in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses Aldwell C TAYLOR Clerk to Mr BENNET Solicitor Stockport Elizabeth COOPER Cheadle Heath

Proved at Chester the 22nd March 1871 by the oaths of Hannah ARDERN widow the Relict and James ALLEN the Executors to whom administration was granted

The Testator Thomas ARDERN was formerly of Disley in the County of Chester Butcher afterwards of Cheadle Moseley  but late of Cheadle Bulkeley both in the same County Gentleman and died on the 9th day of March 1871 at Cheadle Bulkeley aforesaid

Under £800 No Leaseholds  Wm SMITH Solicitor Stockport  Charles W PARRY District Registrar  

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William ARDERN of Disley: 1744

In the Name of God Amen I William ARDRENE of Stanlee Hall in Disley Husbandman being Sick and Weak in Body but of Sound and perfect mind and memory Praise be therefore given to Almighty God do make and ordain this my present Last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First and principally I commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God hopeing thro` the merits Death and pasion of my Saviour Jesus Christ to have full and free pardon of All my sins and to inherit Ever lasting Life: and my Body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buryed at the Discretion of my Executors herein hereafter named: And as touching all Such Temporal Estate as it hath pleased Almighty God to Bestow upon me I give and Dispose thereof as followeth Firstly I will that all my Just Debts and Funeral Charges shall be paid and Discharged.  Item, I Give and Bequeath an Annuety or Yearly Rent of Forty Shillings A Year to My Wife Martha ARDRENE to be paid of My Tenement lying in Norbury During her Natural life provided that the present Lease So long continue, and all the Residue and Remainder of Such Teniment I give and Devise unto My Son William ARDRENE paying the Annuety yearly and every year unto my Wife Martha ARDRENE, which is in Luw of all Thirds, Claims, or Demands, that She may or hearafter make upon any part of My Personal estate Item I will that all my Just Debts be first paid out of my personal Estate, and all the Rest Residue and Remainder of My Sd personal Estate I give and bequeath unto James ARDRENE, John ARDRENE, Thomas ARDRENE, Elizabeth ARDRENE, and Martha BOWDEN (five pounds excepted) to be Equally Divided among them viz. Shere and Shere alike, twelve months after my Disease, and as many of them as are then of Age to Receive the Same of and from My Executors hereafter named, and as for those that are not at the Age of 21 years I will that the same part of My sd personal Estate belonging to them, be put out to Interest and the profits of the Same to be Imployed towards their maintenance at the Discretion of my Executors here after named, Item I give and bequeath unto my Sd Son James ARDRENE the Sum of five pounds which was before excepted over and above such part of my personal Estate before mentioned, Item I Give and Bequeath unto my wife Martha ARDRENE all My Right and Title belonging to Jacksons Tenement over above Such Anuety before mentioned; Lastly I Do nominate and appoint my Two Sons William ARDRENE and James ARDRENE Executors of this my last Will and Testament, And I Do hereby revoke, disanul and make void all former Wills and Testaments by me heretofore made In Witness whereof I have to this my Last Will and Testament Set my Hand and Seal the Eleventh Day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four

William ARDRENE (his mark & seal)

Signed Sealed and Decleared in presence of us Thomas TORKINTON; Ann TORKINTON; Peter WOOD  

On a separate sheet May 18 1744

William ARDERNE and James ARDERNE the Executors within named were sworn in common form before Us per Gastrell

A True and Perfect Inventory of all & Singular The goods Cattle Chattles Depts & Credits of William ARDERN Late of Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman Decsd Praisd & Valued this 7th day of May in the year of our Lord God 1744 by John BULLOCK and Thomas TORKINTON appraisers as followes

Witness our hands John BULLOCK   Thomas TORKINTON

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Isaac BAILEY 1860

(Proved 3rd June 1864)

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger I direct all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses to be paid by my executors as soon as conveniently may be after my decease out of my personal estate I give and bequeath the sum of ten pounds to my son James Edward BAILEY on him attaining the age of twenty one years or marriage I will and direct that all my household goods and furniture stock in trade goods and chattels in and about my shop dwellinghouse and premises in Disley aforesaid shall be sold and disposed of by my Executors hereinafter named so soon after my decease as he or they shall think proper and the money arising therefrom I give and bequeath unto and equally between and amongst my several sons and daughters that is to say Mary the Wife of Thomas PATRICKSON Thomas BAILEY Robert BAILEY Hannah the Wife of Frederick OCCLEE Isaac BAILEY John William BAILEY and James Edward BAILEY or their respective legal representatives (my daughter Ellen Ann being hereinafter provided for by me) share and share alike I give devise and bequeath all and singular my messuages cottages or dwellinghouses lands tenements real and the residue of my personal estates and effects whatsoever and wheresoever unto my sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY their heirs and executors and administrators according to the nature and quality of the property upon trust that they my said trustees their heirs and executors and administrators do and shall during the life of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY set and let my said messuages cottages dwellinghouses lands tenements and real estate and receive the rents issues and profits thereof and keep the same in good and tenantable repair and pay unto my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY the clear annuity or yearly sum of twenty pounds for her maintenance during the term of her natural life such annuity of twenty pounds to be paid to my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY by equal half yearly payments on the twenty fourth day of June and twenty fifth day of December in every year free from all deductions the first payment to be made on such of the said days as may next happen after my decease And I direct that my said trustees or trustee for the time being shall take care of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY during her life out of the said annuity or yearly sum of twenty pounds And upon trust to pay the remainder of the said rents issues and profits from time to time unto and equally amongst my said several sons and daughters (except for my said daughter Ellen Ann) share and share alike or such of them as shall be then living and the respective issue of such of them as may happen to die the children to take their parents share And from and after the death of my said daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY Then upon trust that they my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators do and shall so soon as conveniently maybe after that event sell and dispose of all my said estate and effects and convert all the said residue of my real and personal estate and effects into money and divide the proceeds thereof into seven equal parts or shares and pay and apply one equal seventh part thereof to my said daughter Mary the Wife of Thomas PATRICKSON one other equal seventh part thereof unto my said son Thomas BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son Robert BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said daughter Hannah the Wife of the said Frederick OCCLEE one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son Isaac BAILEY one other equal seventh part thereof to my said son John William BAILEY and the remaining equal seventh part thereof to my said son James Edward BAILEY provided always and I hereby declare that in case anyone or more of my said children shall die before his her or their share or respective share shall have become vested and payable according to the true meaning of this my Will without leaving lawful issue then the share or shares intended for each of my said children so dying  shall go and be divided between all and every my then surviving children and the lawful issue of such of them as shall be then dead  such issue nevertheless taking in manner aforesaid per &ldots;&ldots; and not per capita  And I Will and declare that every receipt of my said trustees or trustee for the time being their heirs executors or administrators shall be a good and effectual discharge for all monies therein mentioned to be received and shall absolve the parties paying the same from being answerable for the loss or misapplication thereof and that all conveyances or appurtenances executed by him or them shall be good and sufficient for the purchaser of any property under this my Will And that each trustee shall and may out of the monies which shall come to his respective hands by virtue of the trusts aforesaid reimburse himself all costs charges and expenses which he or they incur in the execution of the trusts aforesaid and that no trustee shall be answerable for any other trustee nor for any involuntary losses And whereas my said son Thomas BAILEY lately erected several messuages cottages or dwellinghouses and other buildings and premises situate in Oldham in the County of Lancaster and which said premises were sold and conveyed by the assignees of my said son Thomas BAILEY to me for the consideration money therein mentioned which was duly paid by me to the said Assignees Now I do hereby declare that in the case my said son Thomas BAILEY can at any reasonable time hereafter according to the discretion of my said trustees redeem the said premises and pay unto my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators the full amount of such purchase money paid be me as aforesaid and all costs and charges laid out and expended by me in and about the said purchase then and in such case I direct my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators to convey and assure the said hereditaments and premises to my said son Thomas BAILEY his heirs executors or administrators as he shall direct and the said last mentioned monies shall form part of my estate and effects and be paid and applied by my said trustees their heirs executors or administrators according to the directions bequests and trusts of this my Will And I nominate and appoint my said sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY trustees and executors of this my Will And revoke all other Wills by me made In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament set and subscribed my hand this thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty -- Isaac BAILEY --  Signed by the said Isaac BAILEY the Testator as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our hands as witnesses (the name of “Ellen Ann BAILEY” having been previously underlined in the first page of this Will) -- Robert RATCLIFFE New Mills near Stockport -- Hannah DIXON New Mills Innkeeper

Codicil

I Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger declare this to be a Codicil to my last Will and Testament of this date I hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas BAILEY to be a trustee and executor of my said Will and Testament and I declare that my said Will shall accordingly be read and construed as if the name of my said son Thomas BAILEY had been inserted therein throughout along with my sons Isaac BAILEY and John William BAILEY the Trustees therein appointed In witness whereof I have set my hand this thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty -- Isaac BAILEY -- Signed by the said Isaac BAILEY as a Codicil to his said Will in the presence of us being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as witnesses -- Robert RATCLIFFE New Mills near Stockport -- Hannah DIXON New Mills Innkeeper

Second Codicil

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me Isaac BAILEY of Disley in the County of Chester corndealer which bears date the thirty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ellen Ann BAILEY the weekly sum of ten shillings for and during the term of her natural life in lieu and stead of the weekly sum of eight shillings to be paid and payable as directed in my said Will I revoke the appointment of my son John William BAILEY as trustee of my estate and executor of my said Will and nominate constitute and appoint my eldest son Thomas BAILEY trustee and executor thereof in lieu and stead of my said son John William BAILEY I confirm my said Will in all other respects In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty three -- Isaac BAILEY -- Signed published and declared by the said Isaac BAILEY the Testator as and for a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other at one and the same time have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses -- Thomas ARDERN Butcher Disley -- Cardwell CHATHAM Hazel Grove

Chancery On the 3rd day of June 1864 the Will with two Codicils of Isaac BAILEY late of Disley in the County of Chester Shopkeeper and Cheesemonger deceased was proved by the oaths of Isaac BAILEY the son of the said deceased the Executor named in the said Will and Thomas BAILEY the son of the said deceased the Executor named in the said Codicils having been first sworn duly to administer

Effects under £200 No Leaseholds Testator died 13th May 1864

Probate extracted by H.M.Coppock Solicitor Stockport; Charles F.W.Parry District Registrar

Note : Isaac was the eldest son of William and Hannah BAILEY (nee LOMAS). Isaac was born in Chapel en le Frith Derbyshire circa 1793 and lived in Poynton  Cheshire and Disley Cheshire.

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Letters of Administration for Hannah BEALEY of Disley Deceased 1764

 Admon granted 9th May 1766

KNOW all men by these presents, that we William BAYLEY of Disley in the parish of Stockport within the County & Diocese of Chester Bread- Baker, Joseph GODDARD of Manchester in the County of Lancaster & Diocese of Chester Carpenter: And John BROADHEAD of the parish of Prestbury in the County and Diocese of Chester Farmer Are holden and firmly bound unto the Right Reverend Father in God Edmund by devine permission, Lord Bishop of Chester in the sum of twenty pounds, of good and lawful money of Great- Britain, to be paid unto the said Right Reverend Father, his lawful attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns: To which payment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, and Every of us, severally, for and in the whole our heirs, executors, and administrators, and the heirs, executors, and administrators of Every of us, firmly by these Presents. SEALED with our Seals, and dated the first day of May in the sixth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord George the third by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith and so forth, and in the year of our Lord God, one thousand seven hundred and sixty six

THE Condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above Bounden William BAILEY Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of Hannah BAILEY his late wife Deceased do make, or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him and the same, so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the County Court of Chester at or before the 25 day of December next ensuing: And the same goods, chattels, and credits, and all other the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, at the time of her death, which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said William BAILEY or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly administer according to Law; and further do make, or cause to be made a true and just account of his said administration, at or before the twenty fifth day of December which shall be in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels, and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrator his account, the same being first examined and allowed of by the judge or judges for the time being of the said court, shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as the said judge or judges, by his or their decree or sentence, (pursuant to the true intent and meaning of an act of parliament, made in the two-and-twentieth and three-and-twentieth years of the reign of his late majesty King CHARLES the second, entitled, An act for the better settlingIintestates estates) shall limit and appoint.  And it shall hereafter appear, that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named, do exhibit the same into the said court, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said administrator above bounden, being thereunto required, do render deliver the said letters of administration, (application of such testament being first had and made in the said court) then this obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain full force and virtue

Wm BEALEY; Joseph GODARD; John BROADHEAD

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Jas C Knowles Surrogate

May the first in the Year 1766 William BEALEY within named took the usual oath of an administrator in Common Form before me Jas C Knowles Surrogate

The Effects Und 10£ Admon issued 9th May 1766

BAYLEY Admon of Hannah late of Disley dd was granted to William her late husband first sworn the 9th May 1766

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George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley: 1690 Inventory

 Latin frontispiece mentions Thomas BOWDEN, son

.....(torn away) of all the Goods Chattels and .... of George BOWDON of Disley Stanley in the county of Chester husbandman Decesed Valued and Appraised the 8 day of September Ano Dom 1690 by us whos names are subscribed

Above writen by us John RICHARDSON; Thomas RICHARDSON

12 Sept 1690

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George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley: 1754

Made 23 Oct 1753; Proved 5 Jul 1754

In the name of God Amen, I George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley in the Parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman, being under some bodily disorder, but of a sound and perfect disposeing mind and memory praised be God for the same , do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, and first I commend my soul into the hands of almighty God my Creator, hoping to Receive free Pardon and Remishon of all my sins in and through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer and touching my worldly goods which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I give and Dispose of in manner and form following that is to say first it my will and that all my just Debts funerall expences together with the charge of the Probate of this my will be first paid and Discharged by my Executors hereafter named.  Item I give and Bequeath to my Loveing wife Martha BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my son Thomas BOWDEN the sum of thirty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds.  Item I give and Bequeath to my servant James KELSALL the sum of one pound all to be paid in twelve months after my Discese.   All the rest resedue and remainder of my goods and chattles nott before bequeathed I leave to the care and charge of my executors hereinafter named for the sole use and bringing up of my son George BOWDEN and my daughter Martha BOWDEN till such time the atain the age of twenty one years my wife to have the care of them so long as she keeps her unmaried but no longer and when the atain the age of twenty one years out of such remeinders I give and bequeath to my son George BOWDEN and my daughter Martha BOWDEN the sum of twenty pounds each if such remeinder shall happen to be it is my will and mind that it shall be equally devided amongst my children heretofore named to be equally devided amongst them share and share alike and lastly I do constitute nominate and apoint my son Thomas BOWDEN and my Kinsman Thomas TORKINTON Executors to this my Last and testement and do revoke all other or former wills by me at any time heretofore made

In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seale this twenty third day of October In the year of Lord God one thousand seven hundred and fifty three

(Signed) George BOWDEN plus seal

Signed published expressed and Declared by the testator in the presence of us who subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto the word me being first interlined

John BOWDEN; John ARDEN; Thomas ARDREN  

5th July 1754 Thomas BOWDEN & Thomas TORKINGTON the Ex^rs within named were sworn in common form before me Thos COMBERBACH Snr

A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods Cattells Chattells and Effects Personall of George BOWDEN of Disley Stanley in the parish of Stockport and county of Chester late deced Husband man which were appraised and valued by us whose names are hereunto subscribed this 31st day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty three as followeth

.	£    s    d
First of all in purse and apparell	38  02  00
In the House	.
One Fire Iron Fire Shovel tungs & croe	00  12  06
One Clock & Case & 2 Coach Cheers	03  00  00
2 Oake Tables 1 Fale or Hale table 1 Cubard	01  04  00
4 Stools 4 Cheers 1 Salt Box	00  05  00
18 Pewter Pleats 7 P.lingers a tankerd 5 cups	00  08  04
3 Salts 1 Candlestick 24 Spoons	00  03  04
20 Pewter Dishes 4 Brass Candlesticks	01  15  00
One Brass Morter one Skimer 3 Skellits 2 Ladles	00  05  06
2 Sauspans one warming pan	00  03  06
2 Brass pans one Kettle in Iron and tin things	01  09  10
2 Pair of Wooll sheers one Smoothing Iron	00  02  06
White Ware & Glases 9 shehs? 3 treses	00  09  06
One Frying pan 4 Quishins	00  02  00
In the Butery & Kitchin	.
One pair of nees 2 tubs 1 Barril	00  04  06
One Brass pan & chees pres & Earthenware	00  19  00
One Dashin 1 turnill & a Little Churn	00  03  06
One Tub 1 kimnel 2 Leds one Iron pott	00  10  00
8 Pigins one Barrill in trenchers	00  09  00
Turndware 2 Stoonds 2 Cheers 7 Boards	00  13  00
2 S... 3 Baskits & wooden things	00  02  06
23 Glass Bottles & Earthenware	00  06  04
In the Parlor and Chember over	.
One Little Bed and Beding	00  16  06
Two Beds and Beding	04  08  10
One Chest 1 Coafer 2 Cheers	00  16  00
One Table Cloath 1 Table Napkin	00  15  00
Sheets and other Linin	00  15  06
In the Chember ove Kitchin	.
One Bed & Beding	03  06  08
5 Oake Cheers 1 Smale table	00  15  00
One Lookeing Glass One Chest	00  10  00
One Coafer 1 Fire Iron and other things	00  13  06
In the Chees Chember	.
One pair of Bed Stocks one Arke	01  04  06
Three Wheels 3 Boards and other things	00  10  00
99 Cheeses In weighs weights & Pottetos	15  00  00
Linin and Cotton Yarn and Wooll	00  09  00
In the Outhouseing & Fields	.
9 Milk Cowes one Heifer 3 Sterks	38  12  00
4 Calfes 6 Sheep	03  10  00
Four Horses with all their Gairs	20  05  00
Corn and Hay Carts and Wheels	55  12  00
2 Plows 4 Harrows 2 Arks One Swineturnil?	02  16 00
Corn Sacks mesures Ridess & other things	00  15  02
Axes Bils Mattock & other things	00  05  08
One Swine and A Parcel of Gees	03  05  00
Cash oweing by Severall Persons	.
upon Bond and Noats	61  18  06
All other things not named or forgotten as Hustlements	00  03  06
Sume of the Inventory	268 13  09

John BOWDEN and William ARDERN Appraisers

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George BOWDEN of Disley - Obligation issued 1809 to wife Hannah

Know all men by these presents, that we Hannah BOWDEN, Widow, John STAVELY, schoolmaster and Peter BAILEY Farmer all of Disley in the parish of Stockport and within the County and Diocese of Chester are holden and firmly bound ......etc........ in the sum of five hundred and ninety pounds of good and lawful money .........etc........Sealed with our Seals and dated the seventh day of October in the forty ninth year of the Reign of our sovereign Lord George the Third ........etc.......and in the year of our Lord God one thousand eight hundred and nine

The Condition of this Obligation is such, that if the above bounden Hannah BOWDEN, Widow, Relict and Administratrix of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of George BOWDEN late of Disley in the Parish of Stockport and County and Diocese of Chester, Yeoman, deceased do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession, or knowledge of her the said Hannah BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for her use and the same, so made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Consistory Court of Chester at or before the seventh day of April next ensuing .............etc................  And if it shall hereafter appear that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named do exhibit the same into the said court, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said Hannah BOWDEN, the Adminstratrix above bounden ....etc......

(Signed) Hannah BOWDEN; John STAVELEY; Peter BAILEY

Sealed in the presence of Thos MONKHOUSE

The seventh day of October 1809

Hannah BOWDEN within named took the usual Oath of an Adminstratrix in common form and also made Oath that the personal Estate and Effects of the Intestate within the Diocese of Chester were under the value of three hundred pounds before me Thos. MONKHOUSE, Surrogate in the vacancy of the see of Chester

The Intestate died the nineteenth day of April 1809 Admon issued Dated 7th October 1809

Signed by: Hannah BOWDEN; John STAVELEY, schoolmaster; Peter BAILEY, farmer

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George BOWDEN of Light Alders Farm, Disley: 1841

This is the Last Will and Testament of me George BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley in the county of Chester Farmer who make and publish the same in manner and form following that is to say First I order and direct all my just debts and funeral and testamentary charges and expences to be paid and discharged by my Executors hereinafter named out of my personal Estate I give and bequeath unto my son John the sum of Fifty pounds I give devise and bequeath all those my four several messuages or dwelling houses with the appurtenances situate standing and being at Disley aforesaid and now in the occupation of Richard JOHNSON and others as my Tenants and all other my Real Estate and also all my household Goods and Furniture Cattle Farming Stock Personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever Unto my two friends William MOORS of Disley aforesaid Yeoman and Joseph COOPER of Wibbersley Hall in the said county Farmer their heirs executors administrators and assigns for ever or for and during all such other Estate term or interest as I may have therein at the time of my death.  Upon the several trusts following that is to say Upon trust that they my said Trustees or the survivor of them or the executors or administrators of such survivor do and shall with all convenient speed after my death make sale and dispose of my said Messuages or Dwelling houses and other my Real Estate either by Public Auction or private contract as they or he may think proper for the best price and most money that can be obtained for the same.  And also do and shall call in sell and convert into money my said personal Estate And as for and concerning the money to arise and be made from such sale or sales and by the several ways and means aforesaid Upon trust (after payment of my debts and funeral and testamentary charges and expences and the Legacy hereinbefore given to my said son) to pay and divide the same unto and amongst my dear wife Sarah my said son John and daughters Hannah and Martha equally share and share alike.  And I do hereby declare that the provision herein by me made for my said wife shall be in lieu bar and full satisfaction of all dower or thirds at common law or otherwise to which she may be entitled out of my Real Estate.  And I declare that every receipt which shall be given by my said Trustees or the survivor of them his executors or administrators for any money to be received by them or him under the Trusts so in them severally discharged to the person or persons paying the same and fully and for ever release and discharge the same person or persons from all obligation of seeing to the application of the same money and from all lieu or liability by reason of the misapplication or nonapplication thereof or of any part thereof And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint the said William MOORS and Joseph COOPER Executors of this my Will And I do hereby declare it to be my Will and mind that they my said Trustees and Executors and the survivor of them his executors and administrators shall and may from time to time by and out of the monies and premises which by virtue of this my will or the Trusts hereby in them reposed shall come to their or his hands retain to and reimburse themselves respectively all such costs charges damages and expences as they or he shall or may bear pay sustain or be put unto with a reasonable allowance for their or his care time and trouble in or about the execution of the Trusts hereby in them reposed.  And that they or either of them shall not be answerable or accountable for more monies or effects than what they shall actually respectively receive or shall come to their respective hands by virtue of this my will nor shall one of them be answerable or accountable for the other of them or for the heirs executors administrators receipts payments acts deeds or defaults of the other of them but each of them for his own respective receipts payments acts deeds defaults only.  Nor shall they or any of them be answerable or accountable for any loss or damage which may happen in the execution of the Trusts hereby in them reposed unless the same shall happen through their or his wilful neglect or default.  And lastly I do hereby revoke all former and other will and wills by me at any time heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one.

(Signed) George BOWDEN

Signed by the within named George BOWDEN as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, present at the same time, who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to attest the due execution thereof.

Wm JOHNSON; George WHITAKER

Executors sworn in 19 Feb 1841 corrects name from MOORS to MOOR. Value under £300

Probate issued 10th March 1841

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Hannah BOWDEN, of Light Alders Farm, Disley - widow of  George: Admon 1834

Know all men by these Presents, That we George BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in the township of Disley (Marple having been crossed out), Farmer – John BOWDEN of the same place Farmer - & Joseph COOPER of Wibbersley Hall in Marple aforesaid, Farmer are holden and firmly bound unto the Right Reverend Father in God John Bird by Divine Permission, Lord Bishop of Chester, in the Sum of Sixteen hundred Pounds of good and lawful Money of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, current in that part of the said Kingdom called England, to be paid unto the said Lord Bishop, his Lawful Attorney, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us severally for and in the whole, our Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, and the Heirs, Executors and Administrators of every of us firmly be these Presents.  Sealed with our Seals, and dated the sixth Day of June in the fourth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Fourth, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and in the Year of our Lord God One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Four.

In  Condition of this Obligation is such, that the above bounded George BOWDEN the natural and lawful son and one of the next of kin Administrator  of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Hannah BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in Disley aforesaid, Widow deceased do make or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the good, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said George BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for his use and the same, so made, do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Consistory Court of Chester aforesaid, at or before the sixth day of December next ensuing.  And the same good, chattels, and credits, and all other goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased at the time of his (sic)death, which at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said George BOWDEN or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for his use do well and truly administer according to law; and further do make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of his said administration, at or before the sixth day of June which shall be in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and all the rest and residue of the said goods, chattels, and credits, which shall be found remaining upon the said administrat&ldots; account, the same being first examined and allowed by the judge or judges for the time being of the said court, shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as the said judge or judges, by his or their decree, or sentence pursuant to the true intent and meaning of an Act of Parliament, made in the two and twentieth and three and twentieth years of the reign of his late Majesty King Charles the second entitled An Act for better settling Intestates estates, shall limit and appoint.  And it shall hereafter appear that any last will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the executor or executors therein named do exhibit the same into the said court making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly, if the said George BOWDEN of the Light Alders Farm in Marple (sic) aforesaid Farmer above bounded, being thereunto required, do render and deliver the said letters of administration, (approbation of such testament being first had and made by the said court) then this obligation to be void and of none effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Charles Kenrick Prescot Surrogate

(signed by) George BOWDEN; John BOWDEN; Joseph COOPER 

On a separate sheet

The sixth day of June 1834 George BOWDEN within named took the usual oath of an administrator in common form & he further made oath that the personal estate and effects of the Intestate within the diocese of Chester were under the value of £800 – before me Charles Kenrick Prescot M A Surrogate

The Intestate died on the seventh day of May 1834

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Thomas BOWDEN of Disley: 1746

In the name of God Amen I Thomas BOWDEN of Disley in the parish of Stockport and County of Chester Husbandman, being in Good health of Body and of Sound and perfect mind and memory, Praise be therefore given to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) First and principally I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God hopeing through, the merits Death and pasion of my Saviour Jesus Christ, to have full and free pardon and forgiveness of all my Sins, and to inherit everlasting Life: and my body I commit to the Earth to be decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executors herein after named and as touching the disposition of all such Temporal Estate as it hath pleased almighty God to bestow upon me I give and dispose thereof as followeth 

First, I will that all my just debts and funeral charges shall be paid and discharged. Item I give and Bequeath unto my four sons George BOWDEN, John BOWDEN, Thomas BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN, all my Linnen lying in a large chest or cofer standing in the chamber over the Kitchen to be equally divided among them, Item I give and Bequeath unto my son Edward BOWDEN all my Right and Tithe in the mortgage of Thomas MARSLAND house standing in Disley aforesd and to his Heirs for ever Item, I give and Bequeath unto John BOWDEN my son the sum of Fifteen pounds of good and lawful money to be paid out of my personal Estate Twelve months after my decease, Item I give and bequeath unto my son Edward BOWDEN the sum of Ten Pounds of good and lawful money to be paid out of my personal estate Twelve months after my decease I give and bequeath unto Thomas BOWDEN son of John BOWDEN the sum of one pound, And I give and bequeath to his three sisters, Mary BOWDEN, Ann BOWDEN, Hannah BOWDEN all Daughters of John BOWDEN the sum of five shillings each to be paid out of my personal Estate twelve months after my decease, Item I give and bequeath unto Alis BOWDEN, wife of Edward BOWDEN and to Marthah BOWDEN, wife of George BOWDEN the sum of five shillings each to be paid as aforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas BOWDEN son of George BOWDEN the sum of one pound of Good and lawfull money to be paid as afforesd, item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth BOWDEN daughter of George BOWDEN the sum of Ten shillings of Good and lawfull money to be paid as afforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto my two sisters Mary TORKINTON and Hannah BROCKLEHURST the sum of two shillings and sixpence Each to be paid as aforesd. Item I give and bequeath unto Mary BOWDEN wife of Thomas BOWDEN the sum of five shillings to be paid as aforesd, Item I give and bequeath unto my son George BOWDEN, all the Rest Residue and remainder of all my Goods and Chattles in whose hands soever the same shall or may be found Lastly I constitute nominate and appoint George BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN Executors of this my last Will and Testament, And I do hereby revoke disanul and make void all former Wills and testaments by me howtofore made 

In witness whereof I the sd Thomas BOWDEN to this my Last Will and Testament do set my Hand and Seal this Ninth Day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Four

(the mark of)Thomas BOWDEN

Sealed Signed published and declared as the last will and testament of Thomas BOWDEN the words (my son) being first intelined & Thomas BOWDEN son of George BOWDEN being a little defaced

Alice PLATT; Mary RICHARDSON; Peter WOOD

October the 17th 1746 George BOWDEN and Edward BOWDEN the Executors above named were sworn in common form before us Per GASKILL

A True and perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods and Chattels, Debts & credits of Thomas BOWDEN Late of Disley in the parish of Stockport, and County of Chester Husbandman Deceased, praised & valued this 20th Day of August in the year of our Lord Christ 1746 by John BULLOCK and Thomas TORKINGTON appraisers as follows

Witness our hands John BULLOCK   Thos TORKINGTON 

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 Thomas BOWDEN of Light Alders, Disley: 1807

In the name of God Amen I Thomas BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley in the County of Chester Yeoman do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I will and direct that all my just Debts funeral Expences and the Charge of the Probate hereof be paid and discharged out of my real and personal Estates I give and devise to my Brother George BOWDEN of Light Alders within Disley aforesaid Farmer and his Heirs All that my freehold Estate lying and being in Ollerset in the parish of Glossop and County of Derby called Upper Lee with all and every its Rights Members Priviledges and Appurtenances thereto belonging and now in the occupation of Henry BURGESS and his Undertenants To hold the same unto my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs for ever Also I give and devise to my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs all that my real Estate or all and singular those my four dwelling Houses standing and being in Disley aforesaid and in the several occupations of Thomas COTTRIL Mary ALLEN John ENTWISTLE and John TORKINGTON with their and every of their Rights Priviledges and Appurtenances thereto belonging and therewith severally held and enjoyed To hold the same unto my said Brother George BOWDEN and his Heirs for ever And lastly as to my personal Estate Goods and Chattels of what kind or nature soever I give and bequeath the same to my said Brother George BOWDEN whom I hereby constitute nominate and appoint sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made In Witness whereof I the said Thomas BOWDEN the Testator have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Twenty second Day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand and eight hundred and six

(Signed) Thos BOWDON (sic)

Signed Sealed published and Declared by the before named Thomas BOWDEN the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the Sight and Presence of us who have subscribed our names as Witnesses to the due Execution hereof in the Sight and Presence of the said Testator and of each other

William MARRIOTT; Peter BAILEY; John STAVELY

June 16 1807 The within George BOWDEN sole Executor was sworn in common form who also further made oath that the personal Estate and Effects of the Testator in the Diocese of Chester did not amount to Forty Pounds before me W BOWNESS, Surrogated

The Testator died Decr 20th 1807 (?)  Probate issued Dated 16th June 1807

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Mary BOWDON, of Disley - widow of George : 1682

In the name of God Amen the Ninth day of November in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and seaventy & four & in the twenty sixt yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scotland F