The Bovingdon Family and Croxley Hall Farm
The area around Croxley Hall Farm was possibly the first part of what became Croxley Green to be settled – Palaeolithic artefacts have been found nearby. The original Manor House, in which Abbot Richard de Wallingford stayed in 1326 when returning to St Albans from Rome, may have been there. The current house was almost completely rebuilt in the mid 19th Century although parts date back to the late 16th Century.
This Croxley Green History Project website records that the Bovingdon family leased Croxley Hall Farm from Gonville and Caius College for over 100 years until the early 1800’s, and that Daniel Bovingdon also leased Hollow Tree Farm from 1748 to 1758.
The first Croxley Bovingdon appears to be Thomas (c1650 – 1705). Thomas married Mary Child 24 November 1672 in Hughenden. They had eight children, sons John, Thomas, Daniel, Joseph, and four daughters, all born in Chesham Bois between 1674 and 1691. In his will dated 4 November 1704 Thomas describes himself as a Yeoman of Scotch Bridge, Rickmansworth so it seems that the family moved there between 1691 and 1704. Apart from specific bequests Thomas left most of his property to his second son, also Thomas, with the residue of goods, chattels, cattle, plate and money to his wife Mary. Sons John and Daniel received nothing, but Joseph £250, second daughter Mary £100, third daughter Elizabeth £150, his grandchildren Thomas and Mary (children of John) £10 each, grandchildren Sarah and Elizabeth (children of his daughter Sarah Smyth) £10 each. The property left to son Thomas was around 40 acres and included his house, outhouses, malthouse, barns, stables, gardens and orchards. Various closes and meadows were named as Bell Moores, Kitts, Hill Fields, and Ware Meadow together with the Ware. That may be an alternative or misspelling of Weir suggesting that at least some of the land may have been adjacent to the Chess. Monetary bequests totalled £540 equivalent to about £95,000 today.
First son John married Mary Gibbs of Kings Langley 9 April 1702 in Chesham being described as a Groom. John and Mary had six children, a son Thomas and five daughters, in Sarratt between 1704 and 1712. That ties in with the will of Thomas Bovingdon dated 17 December 1726. He left £10 to his sister Mary Crouch (married William Crouch in 1723), and the rest of his property, including a house in Croxley Green, equally between his sisters Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann and Amey. His Executors were his grandfather Richard Gibbs, and uncle Thomas Bovingdon so it seems he was the grandson of Thomas Bovingdon (c1650 – 1705).
No will has been found for second son Thomas (1680 – 1758) but that of Mary Bovingdon dated 5 April 1740 (she died 1746) appears to be that of his wife. She describes herself as “Wife of Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge, Rickmansworth, Maltster”, Thomas was her second husband as she asked that her body be laid in Northall Church (Northall is a village between Leighton Buzzard and Edlesborough) near that of her first husband. Neither her first marriage nor that to Thomas have been traced. She left her estate at Chesham (presumably inherited from her first husband) to Thomas; £10 a year to Elenor Cock wife of Nathaniel Cock until her death, then to Thomas; £5 each to seven of the nine children of her brother Thomas Croker, “but not John and Jane”; £5 each to the two children of her brother Walter Croker; £100 between the children of Henry Wiment but not to be paid to them until six months after the death of husband Thomas; property at Great Missenden to Sarah Cock when she reaches the age of 26, until then husband Thomas to enjoy the profits.
Thomas’s third son, Daniel (1682 - 1763) was the first Bovingdon identified as occupying Croxley Hall Farm, being named as such in his will dated 2 September 1763. He also leased Hollow Tree Farm from 1748 to 1758. Daniel married Elizabeth Moore 21 March 1713 in Rickmansworth. They had at least nine children including sons Joseph b1726, John b1729, Thomas b1730, James b1733, and five daughters. In his will Daniel left freehold property in Watford to his daughter Ann Brown and apart from £30 to his son in law Henry Foster, the rest of his estate to son James (1733 - 1814). When Daniel first leased Croxley Hall Farm is not known. As he was left out of his father’s will perhaps he was already there by 1705. Daniel’s Widow, Elizabeth died in 1772 her will dated 1st November 1764 leaving her whole estate to her son James.
Daniel’s sons John and Thomas were both apprenticed, John to Joseph Lawrence, Coachmaker and Coach Harness Maker 31 January 1744; Thomas to William Woodford, Dyers Company 3 April 1745.
Nothing is known of Thomas’s fourth son Joseph other than he was baptised in Chesham Bois 16 October 1686 and possibly married Dorothy Brown 7 February 1713 in Amersham.
The next occupant of Croxley Hall Farm was probably James (1733 - 1814), In his will dated 14 October 1814 he is described as a Farmer of Rickmansworth but, as he inherited the majority of his father Daniel’s estate, he could have taken over the tenancy in 1763. Certainly James’ son John (1775 – 1833) was there when he obtained probate to the will of his brother Daniel (1716 - 1819) on 20 December 1819 so the tenancy was still in the family.
James (1733 - 1814) married Mary Davis 19 November 1764 in Chesham. They had at least twelve children between 1765 and 1787 all baptised in Rickmansworth. His will was complicated with much detailing the disposal of both the income and capital of £5,250 Bank of England 4% Stock to his children and grandchildren. His Executor, son Daniel (1767 - 1819) was instructed to sell freehold and copyhold estate at Little Stanmore alias Whitchurch (now Canons Park in Harrow) and to use the proceeds for the support of James’ daughter Mary Stopford (wife of William) during her lifetime and then to her children. His daughter Harriet was left £200, son John £300, and son Charles freehold estate at Little Croxley Green, presumably near today’s Little Green Lane. Son Edward’s wife Anne received £12 a year during her natural life. The residue, presumably including the Croxley Hall tenancy, went to son Daniel.
The complete will of Daniel (1767 - 1819) is not available on Ancestry but there is an extract in the Bank of England records. This concerns the disposal of 4% Bank of England Stock, the income from £300 to Anne, wife of his brother Edward, for life, (in lieu of the £12 a year left to her by his father), and £600 equally between George and Charles Bovingdon, sons of his brother John on their attaining the age of 21. At his death there was only £450 of the Stock registered in his name and this was transferred to his Executor, brother John, for distribution in accordance with the will, presumably pro rata. On Ann’s death the £300 was to go to the residue of his estate as was half, or all, of the £600 should either George or Charles, or both, not reach 21. How the residue was to be dealt with is not known. It seems that Daniel did not marry.
Daniel’s brother John Bovingdon (1775 – 1833) married Mary Catling 2 February 1807. In his will dated 8 August 1829 he was described as “of Croxley Hall Farm” presumably having taken over the tenancy on the death of Daniel in 1819. All of their children except the youngest, Sophia, were baptised in Bovingdon. Sophia was baptised in Rickmansworth 18 February 1821 so perhaps John was farming in Bovingdon prior to Daniel’s death, then moving to Croxley Hall Farm. John left his farm business to his wife Mary provided she carried it on. If not it was to be sold and the proceeds
invested in Bank of England 3% Consuls. Mary was to receive the income for the support of their children. His two tenements in Southwark High Street were to be sold and the proceeds, net of his debts, invested in Bank of England Stock. Mary was to receive for life the income for her own use, but from it to pay Ann, wife of Edward, the £12 a year she was already receiving under the will of her brother in law Daniel. On Mary’s death sons Daniel and John were each to receive £100 and all the remainder of his property to be equally divided between their children Mary Ann, Harriet, Daniel, John, Elizabeth, and Sophia.
It is not known whether Mary carried on the farming business for a while, but she had certainly sold up by the time of the 1841 census when Croxley Hall Farm was occupied by William Carter and his family. Surprisingly he was simply described as an Ag Lab. In 1841 Mary with children Harriet, Daniel and John was in Bourne End. In 1851 she was in Boxmoor with daughters Mary and Harriet all three being described as Fund Holders. Next door was son Daniel, described as Fund and House Holder, his wife Elizabeth, a visitor Elizabeth Beaumont age 75, and a servant. Mary died in 1854.
There were no Bovingdons in Croxley Green in either 1841 or 1851. In 1841 the only ones living locally were Hannah, widow of Charles (1773-1826), and her daughter in law Frances (nee Brown), widow of Hannah’s son George (1811-1835). Hannah, of Independent Means, was in Rickmansworth together with William Rock 30, a Painter, presumably a Lodger. Frances, also of Independent Means, was in Mill End with her children Frances Susanna 7 and Sebastian George 5 along with Sarah Brown 60, of Independent Means, and Henry Miles, a British Teacher. In 1845 Frances remarried, to William Adams. In 1848 the family, William 42, a Farm Labourer, Frances 37, William’s daughter Eliza 16, a Bonnet Maker, Frances 13, and Sebastian George 12, went to Australia under the Assisted Immigrant Scheme arriving New South Wales 27 May. In 1851 Frances, described as Fund Holder, and her two children were back in Rickmansworth although returning to Australia later.
Other Bovingdon wills -
Thomas Davis Bovingdon (1733 - 1815) will dated 8 August 1820.
Thomas was a son of James (1733 - 1815) and Mary (nee Davis). He had a house at Little Green, Croxley Green, presumably somewhere near today’s Little Green Lane. The contents of the house were left to his wife Sarah, but his Executor, his brother John, was to hold the rest of his estate in trust for the support of Sarah and their son James until James reached the age of 21 when James would inherit. If he did not survive then to Sarah (He did survive as in 1851 he was a Shoemaker living in Hemel Hempstead with his wife Charlotte and their three children).
Hannah Bovingdon (nee Seabrook) will dated 19 July 1848
Hannah was the wife of Charles Bovingdon (1811 - 1836) a son of James (1733 - 1815). She directed that the contents of her house in Rickmansworth be sold and the proceeds divided equally between Frances Susanna and Sebastian George, the children of her late son George. The rest of her real and personal estate to Jane Letitia Thomson of Chorleywood (her sister).
George Bovingdon (1811 - 1836) will dated 19 June 1835.
George pre deceased his mother Hannah nee Seabrook. His estate included Bank of England Stock and two houses in Rickmansworth, one of which was occupied by his mother. His will detailed very complicated legacies to his wife Frances and their children, depending on whether Frances remarried and the children surviving to 21. The residue, in certain circumstances, went to the children of his aunts Letitia Thomson and Susannah Neale.
Note 1
Coleshill is a small village about two miles south of Amersham. In the 18th Century it was part of Hertfordshire although an “island” completely surrounded by Buckinghamshire. Bovingdons, some apparently wealthy, have been identified in the Amersham area back to the 1400’s. John Bovingdon of Woodside, Amersham, appears to be indirectly related to the Croxley Bovingdons. In his will dated 28 September 1717 he left property in Amersham, Aston Clinton, Flaunden (Lanes Farm), and Chorleywood (Kings Farm).
This Croxley Green History Project website records that the Bovingdon family leased Croxley Hall Farm from Gonville and Caius College for over 100 years until the early 1800’s, and that Daniel Bovingdon also leased Hollow Tree Farm from 1748 to 1758.
The first Croxley Bovingdon appears to be Thomas (c1650 – 1705). Thomas married Mary Child 24 November 1672 in Hughenden. They had eight children, sons John, Thomas, Daniel, Joseph, and four daughters, all born in Chesham Bois between 1674 and 1691. In his will dated 4 November 1704 Thomas describes himself as a Yeoman of Scotch Bridge, Rickmansworth so it seems that the family moved there between 1691 and 1704. Apart from specific bequests Thomas left most of his property to his second son, also Thomas, with the residue of goods, chattels, cattle, plate and money to his wife Mary. Sons John and Daniel received nothing, but Joseph £250, second daughter Mary £100, third daughter Elizabeth £150, his grandchildren Thomas and Mary (children of John) £10 each, grandchildren Sarah and Elizabeth (children of his daughter Sarah Smyth) £10 each. The property left to son Thomas was around 40 acres and included his house, outhouses, malthouse, barns, stables, gardens and orchards. Various closes and meadows were named as Bell Moores, Kitts, Hill Fields, and Ware Meadow together with the Ware. That may be an alternative or misspelling of Weir suggesting that at least some of the land may have been adjacent to the Chess. Monetary bequests totalled £540 equivalent to about £95,000 today.
First son John married Mary Gibbs of Kings Langley 9 April 1702 in Chesham being described as a Groom. John and Mary had six children, a son Thomas and five daughters, in Sarratt between 1704 and 1712. That ties in with the will of Thomas Bovingdon dated 17 December 1726. He left £10 to his sister Mary Crouch (married William Crouch in 1723), and the rest of his property, including a house in Croxley Green, equally between his sisters Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann and Amey. His Executors were his grandfather Richard Gibbs, and uncle Thomas Bovingdon so it seems he was the grandson of Thomas Bovingdon (c1650 – 1705).
No will has been found for second son Thomas (1680 – 1758) but that of Mary Bovingdon dated 5 April 1740 (she died 1746) appears to be that of his wife. She describes herself as “Wife of Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge, Rickmansworth, Maltster”, Thomas was her second husband as she asked that her body be laid in Northall Church (Northall is a village between Leighton Buzzard and Edlesborough) near that of her first husband. Neither her first marriage nor that to Thomas have been traced. She left her estate at Chesham (presumably inherited from her first husband) to Thomas; £10 a year to Elenor Cock wife of Nathaniel Cock until her death, then to Thomas; £5 each to seven of the nine children of her brother Thomas Croker, “but not John and Jane”; £5 each to the two children of her brother Walter Croker; £100 between the children of Henry Wiment but not to be paid to them until six months after the death of husband Thomas; property at Great Missenden to Sarah Cock when she reaches the age of 26, until then husband Thomas to enjoy the profits.
Thomas’s third son, Daniel (1682 - 1763) was the first Bovingdon identified as occupying Croxley Hall Farm, being named as such in his will dated 2 September 1763. He also leased Hollow Tree Farm from 1748 to 1758. Daniel married Elizabeth Moore 21 March 1713 in Rickmansworth. They had at least nine children including sons Joseph b1726, John b1729, Thomas b1730, James b1733, and five daughters. In his will Daniel left freehold property in Watford to his daughter Ann Brown and apart from £30 to his son in law Henry Foster, the rest of his estate to son James (1733 - 1814). When Daniel first leased Croxley Hall Farm is not known. As he was left out of his father’s will perhaps he was already there by 1705. Daniel’s Widow, Elizabeth died in 1772 her will dated 1st November 1764 leaving her whole estate to her son James.
Daniel’s sons John and Thomas were both apprenticed, John to Joseph Lawrence, Coachmaker and Coach Harness Maker 31 January 1744; Thomas to William Woodford, Dyers Company 3 April 1745.
Nothing is known of Thomas’s fourth son Joseph other than he was baptised in Chesham Bois 16 October 1686 and possibly married Dorothy Brown 7 February 1713 in Amersham.
The next occupant of Croxley Hall Farm was probably James (1733 - 1814), In his will dated 14 October 1814 he is described as a Farmer of Rickmansworth but, as he inherited the majority of his father Daniel’s estate, he could have taken over the tenancy in 1763. Certainly James’ son John (1775 – 1833) was there when he obtained probate to the will of his brother Daniel (1716 - 1819) on 20 December 1819 so the tenancy was still in the family.
James (1733 - 1814) married Mary Davis 19 November 1764 in Chesham. They had at least twelve children between 1765 and 1787 all baptised in Rickmansworth. His will was complicated with much detailing the disposal of both the income and capital of £5,250 Bank of England 4% Stock to his children and grandchildren. His Executor, son Daniel (1767 - 1819) was instructed to sell freehold and copyhold estate at Little Stanmore alias Whitchurch (now Canons Park in Harrow) and to use the proceeds for the support of James’ daughter Mary Stopford (wife of William) during her lifetime and then to her children. His daughter Harriet was left £200, son John £300, and son Charles freehold estate at Little Croxley Green, presumably near today’s Little Green Lane. Son Edward’s wife Anne received £12 a year during her natural life. The residue, presumably including the Croxley Hall tenancy, went to son Daniel.
The complete will of Daniel (1767 - 1819) is not available on Ancestry but there is an extract in the Bank of England records. This concerns the disposal of 4% Bank of England Stock, the income from £300 to Anne, wife of his brother Edward, for life, (in lieu of the £12 a year left to her by his father), and £600 equally between George and Charles Bovingdon, sons of his brother John on their attaining the age of 21. At his death there was only £450 of the Stock registered in his name and this was transferred to his Executor, brother John, for distribution in accordance with the will, presumably pro rata. On Ann’s death the £300 was to go to the residue of his estate as was half, or all, of the £600 should either George or Charles, or both, not reach 21. How the residue was to be dealt with is not known. It seems that Daniel did not marry.
Daniel’s brother John Bovingdon (1775 – 1833) married Mary Catling 2 February 1807. In his will dated 8 August 1829 he was described as “of Croxley Hall Farm” presumably having taken over the tenancy on the death of Daniel in 1819. All of their children except the youngest, Sophia, were baptised in Bovingdon. Sophia was baptised in Rickmansworth 18 February 1821 so perhaps John was farming in Bovingdon prior to Daniel’s death, then moving to Croxley Hall Farm. John left his farm business to his wife Mary provided she carried it on. If not it was to be sold and the proceeds
invested in Bank of England 3% Consuls. Mary was to receive the income for the support of their children. His two tenements in Southwark High Street were to be sold and the proceeds, net of his debts, invested in Bank of England Stock. Mary was to receive for life the income for her own use, but from it to pay Ann, wife of Edward, the £12 a year she was already receiving under the will of her brother in law Daniel. On Mary’s death sons Daniel and John were each to receive £100 and all the remainder of his property to be equally divided between their children Mary Ann, Harriet, Daniel, John, Elizabeth, and Sophia.
It is not known whether Mary carried on the farming business for a while, but she had certainly sold up by the time of the 1841 census when Croxley Hall Farm was occupied by William Carter and his family. Surprisingly he was simply described as an Ag Lab. In 1841 Mary with children Harriet, Daniel and John was in Bourne End. In 1851 she was in Boxmoor with daughters Mary and Harriet all three being described as Fund Holders. Next door was son Daniel, described as Fund and House Holder, his wife Elizabeth, a visitor Elizabeth Beaumont age 75, and a servant. Mary died in 1854.
There were no Bovingdons in Croxley Green in either 1841 or 1851. In 1841 the only ones living locally were Hannah, widow of Charles (1773-1826), and her daughter in law Frances (nee Brown), widow of Hannah’s son George (1811-1835). Hannah, of Independent Means, was in Rickmansworth together with William Rock 30, a Painter, presumably a Lodger. Frances, also of Independent Means, was in Mill End with her children Frances Susanna 7 and Sebastian George 5 along with Sarah Brown 60, of Independent Means, and Henry Miles, a British Teacher. In 1845 Frances remarried, to William Adams. In 1848 the family, William 42, a Farm Labourer, Frances 37, William’s daughter Eliza 16, a Bonnet Maker, Frances 13, and Sebastian George 12, went to Australia under the Assisted Immigrant Scheme arriving New South Wales 27 May. In 1851 Frances, described as Fund Holder, and her two children were back in Rickmansworth although returning to Australia later.
Other Bovingdon wills -
Thomas Davis Bovingdon (1733 - 1815) will dated 8 August 1820.
Thomas was a son of James (1733 - 1815) and Mary (nee Davis). He had a house at Little Green, Croxley Green, presumably somewhere near today’s Little Green Lane. The contents of the house were left to his wife Sarah, but his Executor, his brother John, was to hold the rest of his estate in trust for the support of Sarah and their son James until James reached the age of 21 when James would inherit. If he did not survive then to Sarah (He did survive as in 1851 he was a Shoemaker living in Hemel Hempstead with his wife Charlotte and their three children).
Hannah Bovingdon (nee Seabrook) will dated 19 July 1848
Hannah was the wife of Charles Bovingdon (1811 - 1836) a son of James (1733 - 1815). She directed that the contents of her house in Rickmansworth be sold and the proceeds divided equally between Frances Susanna and Sebastian George, the children of her late son George. The rest of her real and personal estate to Jane Letitia Thomson of Chorleywood (her sister).
George Bovingdon (1811 - 1836) will dated 19 June 1835.
George pre deceased his mother Hannah nee Seabrook. His estate included Bank of England Stock and two houses in Rickmansworth, one of which was occupied by his mother. His will detailed very complicated legacies to his wife Frances and their children, depending on whether Frances remarried and the children surviving to 21. The residue, in certain circumstances, went to the children of his aunts Letitia Thomson and Susannah Neale.
Note 1
Coleshill is a small village about two miles south of Amersham. In the 18th Century it was part of Hertfordshire although an “island” completely surrounded by Buckinghamshire. Bovingdons, some apparently wealthy, have been identified in the Amersham area back to the 1400’s. John Bovingdon of Woodside, Amersham, appears to be indirectly related to the Croxley Bovingdons. In his will dated 28 September 1717 he left property in Amersham, Aston Clinton, Flaunden (Lanes Farm), and Chorleywood (Kings Farm).
Transcription of the Will of Thomas Bovingdon ( ? c1650 – 1705) dated Fourth of November 1704
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge in the parish of Rickmersworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman being in good health and of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be therefore given to Almighty God for this But calling to mind the uncertainty of this mortal life and the certainty of death do therefore make ordain constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament in manner and forms and offering (that is to say) Imprimus I give devise and bequeath unto my Second Son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever All that my Messuage or mansion House wherein I now dwell situate and being at Scotch Bridge aforesaid together with all Outhouses Malthouse Barns Stables Yards Gardens Orchards Backsides (Note 1) and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Messuage or Mansion house belonging or many wise appertaining As also All those three Meadows called the Little Meadows with their and every of their appurtenances containing altogether by estimation three acres be they more or less together with the Cherry Orchard and the piece of ploughed ground above it containing by estimation two acres be they more or less together with all that my Close of arable lying and being at Scotch Hill called Hill fields and containing by estimation six acres more or less As also my meadow called Ware Mead containing two acres together with the Ware (Note 2) Item I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever those my four Closes of meadow or pasture land called or known by the name of Bell Moores and containing altogether and this by estimation fourteen acres be they more or less together with those my three Closes of arable land called or known by the name of Kitts and containing altogether by estimation fourteen acres be they more or less all which said Messsuage or Mansion Closes of arable Land Meadow and Pasture ground herein before particularly mentioned and expressed to be given and devised as aforesaid are situate being and lying in the parish of Rickmansworth aforesaid in the said County of Hertford and now in the tenure and occupation of my said son Thomas Bovingdon to have and to hold the said Messuage or Mansion House Closes of arable Land Meadow and Pasture ground and premises herein before given and devised with all and singular their rights members and appurtenances unto my said son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever upon this condition nevertheless that my said son Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs and Executors Administrators or Assigns or some of them do and shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my son Joseph Bovingdon the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds of lawful English money when he shall attain the age of one and twenty years And I bequeath unto my Grandson Thomas Bovingdon son of my said son John Bovingdon the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid him by my Executrix herein after named when he shall attain the age of one and twenty years Item I give and bequeath unto my second daughter Mary Bovingdon the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid her by my Executrix hereinafter named within twelve months next after my demise Item I give and bequeath unto my third daughter Elizabeth Bovingdon the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid her by my Executrix hereinafter named within twelve months after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Sarah Smyth first daughter of my said daughter Sarah Smyth the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Elizabeth Smith second daughter of my said daughter Sarah Smyth the like sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England Item I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Mary Bovingdon Eldest daughter of my said eldest son John Bovingdon the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England And if it shall fortune (Note 3) that either or any of my said sons John Daniel or Joseph or either or any of my said daughters Sarah Mary Elizabeth or Anne do dye before his her or their respective legacy or legacies shall become due and payable as aforesaid that then and in such case my will and meaning is that the part portion Legacy or bequest of every or either of them so deceasing shall remain and be to the Survivor or Survivors of my said Sons and Daughters John Thomas Daniel Joseph Sarah Mary
Elizabeth and Anne part and part alike and equally divided And as touching and concerning all the rest and residue of my Goods Chattels Cattle Store Plate and moneys whatsoever not herein before given and bequeathed I give and bequeath the same unto Mary my very loving Wife whom I do hereby make nominate ordain constitute and appoint full whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and I hereby appoint my loving Brother John Bovingdon of Coleshill (Note 4) in the said County of Hertford Yeoman and my Brother in Law James Child of the parish of Chesham in the County of Bucks Yeoman sureties of this my last Will and Testament to assist my said Wife in the executorship so far as to see that my Sons and Daughters Legacies be duly and timely paid and discharged And I do hereby give and bequeath to each of them twenty shillings as payment for their pains to be taken therein And I firstly disallow and make void all former and other Wills whatsoever heretofore by me made either by words or writing And this to be accepted reputed and taken for my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I the said Thomas Bovingdon have to this my last Will and Testament being contained in two sheets of paper set my hand and seal to each this Second day of November in the Third year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne by the grace of God of England and Scotland France and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith Year Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Four Thomas Bovingdon. Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses Richard Moore George Weedon the marke of John King
Note 1 Backsides was a term commonly used to describe the area outside buildings often enclosed, or partially enclosed, yards.
Note 2 “Ware” may be another word for, or misspelling of “Weir”. It would make sense that the Mead (or meadow) contained a stretch of the Chess with a weir.
Note 3 In this context means “happen by chance”
Note 4 Coleshill is two miles south of Amersham. It was transferred from Hertfordshire to Buckinghamshire in 1844. Thomas Bovingdon married Mary Child 25.11.1672 in Hughenden. A baptism for eldest son John has not been found but presumably c1674. The others were all baptised in Chesham Bois – Sarah 17.06.1677; Thomas 18.10.1680; Daniel 08.10.1682; Mary 31.01.1684;
Joseph 16.10.1686; Elizabeth 15.11.1688; Ann 28.03.1691. Presumably the family moved to Croxley some time after 1691 but before 1704.
Transcription of the Will of Thomas Bovingdon dated Seventeenth of December 1726
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Bovingdon of the Parish of St Clement Danes in the County of
Middlesex Perukemaker being infirm in body but of sound perfect disposing mind and memory (thanks be to Almighty God for this same) I Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (Viz) My Soul I recommend unto the hands of Almighty God trusting through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer for remission of all my sins and my body I recommend to the Earth therein to be decently interred in the Parish Churchyard of Rickmansworth near unto the rest of the family according to the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named And to the worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me I give devise and bequeath thereof as follows Imprimus I give and bequeath unto my Eldest sister Mary Crouch the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid unto her within twelve months after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my four other sisters Elizabeth Sarah Ann and Amey Bovingdon our house standing and being in The Manor of Croxley in the parish of Rickmansworth aforesaid And as to all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my said four sisters Elizabeth Sarah Ann and Amey Bovingdon to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike And I do hereby appoint my Grandfather Richard Gibbs and my Uncle Thomas Bovingdon sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking all former and other Wills by me heretofore made declaring this to be my last Will and Testament in one sheet of paper set my hand and seals the seventeenth day of December Anno Domini 1726 Thomas Bovingdon Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of we who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto Reuben Parke (?) Richd Bath Jeremiah King
Notes
Burial of Thomas Bovingdon of St Clement Danes Middlesex 11 January 1726 Rickmansworth. Probate (in Latin) granted to Richard Gibb 10 January 1726. Until 31 December 1751 Great Britain used the Julian calendar under which the new year began on 25 March.
There is a marriage of a John Bovingdon, a Groom, to Mary Gibbs 9 April 1702 in Chesham and children born to John and Mary Bovingdon in Sarratt between 1702 and1710 - Mary baptised 3 January 1702 (three months before that marriage), Thomas bap 24 November 1704, Elizabeth bap 6 June 1706, Sarah bap 9 June 1708, Ann bap 6 July 1710. There is also an Amie daughter of John and Mary Bovingdon bap in Hatfield 25 August 1712. These children in the same chronological order as those listed in Thomas’ will. See also the will of Thomas Bovingdon dated 4 November 1704 - Thomas of St Clement Danes appears to be his grandson, son of his son John.
Transcription of the Will of Mary Bovingdon (died 1746 Rickmansworth) dated Fifth of April 1740)
In the Name of God Amen I Mary Bovingdon wife of Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Maltster do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I desire my Executor hereinafter named would lay my Body in Northhall Church Yard near unto to that of my first husband and to be
Buried at his discretion I do give and bequeath dispose limit direct and appoint all that Estate lying at Chesham in the County of Bucks mortgaged by Robert Howitt and Mary his wife and which Estate is now vested in Trust for me together with all Principal and Interest Moneys due on the said Mortgage to my loving husband Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever I give and bequeath unto Elenor Cock wife of Nathaniel Cock the sum of ten pounds yearly of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid during her natural life by even and quarterly payments and after the demise of the said Elenor Cock the said ten pounds a Year I give to my said loving husband Thomas Bovingdon I give and bequeath unto seven of my Brother Thomas Croker his children ( he having nine but John and Jane I except) the sum of five pounds each lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid one year after my decease I give and bequeath to my Brother Walter Croker his two children the sum of five pounds each lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid one year after my decease I give and bequeath to Henry Wiment his children the sum of one hundred pounds lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid to them share and share alike six months after the decease of my loving husband Thomas Bovingdon I give and bequeath unto Sarah Cock all that Messuage and Land there into belonging now in the tenure of John Yorke situate and being in the parish of Great Missenden in the County of Bucks when she comes to the age of Twenty Six years and her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever But my will is that my said loving husband Thomas Bovingdon should enjoy the rents and profits thereof until the said Sarah Cock shall attain the age of Twenty Six years and in case any of my above named Legatees shall offer to trouble or molest by any Suit of Law or otherwise my Executor hereinafter named on account of the said legacies to them given then they or either of them shall lose the benefit of the said Legacies and as to all other my Real and Personal Estate whatsoever I have any power to dispose of I do hereby give devise dispose of direct and appoint the same to him my Husband Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs and Assigns for ever And I do hereby make him my sole Executor and Residuary Legatee of this my Will and Mr Solomon Androuin of Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Gentleman Trustee to see that the Legacies in this my Will paid and satisfied revoking all earlier Wills made by me this fifth day of April 1740 Mary Bovingdon her mark Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testatrix in the presence of we who have set our Names as Witnesses in the presence of the said Testatrix Thoms Child Richard Lott Mary Child
This will was proved at London the seventeenth day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Six before the Worshipful William Graham Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right Worshipful John Bettesworth also Doctor of Laws and Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Thomas Bovingdon the Husband of the deceased and sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased was granted being first sworn to administer
Notes
Mary Bovingdon probably the wife of the Thomas Bovingdon born 1680 who was left land around Scotch Bridge by his father, also Thomas, in his 1705 will. Neither the likely marriage nor Mary’s
first marriage have been traced. There is a burial of a Thomas Bovingdon in Rickmansworth 11 June 1758 which may be Mary’s husband. There is a Thomas Bovingdon in the Rickmansworth 1754 Poll Book.
Northall is a village between Leighton Buzzard and Edlesborough
Solomon Androuin married Joan White, both of Batchworth, 16 April 1735 Holborn (Marriage Bond £200)’ He is listed in the Rickmansworth Poll book for 1754.
Transcription of the Will of Daniel Bovingdon (1682 – 1763) dated Second of September 1763
In the Name of God Amen I Daniel Bovingdon of Croxley Hall in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman being Weak in Body but of a sound and well disposing mind memory and understanding (thanks be to Almighty God for the same) Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following ‘that is to say’ First I commend my Soul to Almighty God Trusting in the mercy of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all my sins My body I commend to the Earth to be devoutly buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named Item I give devise and bequeath all those my Freehold messuages or tenements together with all and singular the appurtenances to the same belonging situate lying and being in the town of Watford in the County of Hertford aforesaid now or late in the tenure or occupation of William Brown John Darvell and the Widow Dunn or their assigns unto my daughter Ann Brown her Heirs and Assigns for ever Item I give devise and bequeath all and singular my Household Furniture Household (illegible) Book Debts Ready Money Securities for Money and all and every the Personal Estate Goods and Chattells (not before by me disposed of) unto my son James Bovingdon his Heirs and Assigns for ever and also my said son James Bovingdon paying out of the Personal Estate and Goods and Chattells hereby given and bequeathed to him unto my Son in Law Henry Foster his heirs or assigns the full sum of Thirty Pounds of lawful money of Great Britain within Twelve Calendar months after my decease and also paying all my Just Debts the probate of this my last Will and Testament and my Funeral expenses out of the same And I do hereby expressly thereupon my said personal Estate with the payment of the same Lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint my said son John Bovingdon sole Executor of this Will and Testament in two sheets of paper contained hereby revoking disannulling and making void all former Wills by me heretofore made or executed In witness thereof I the said Daniel Bovingdon the Testator have hereto set and affixt by hand and seal this Second day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three Dan Bovingdon Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator Daniel Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses to the same in the Testators presence the word ‘paying’ being first justified
John Weeden John Martindale Jas Backer
This will was proved at London the twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Sir Edward Simpson Knight also Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of James Bovingdon the son of the deceased and the sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration was Granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattells and Credits of the deceased having been sworn to administer
Notes
Daniel Bovingdon was a son of Thomas Bovingdon (?1650 – 1705) and Mary. He received nothing from the will of his father. The Croxley History Project has him as also leasing Hollowtree Farm from 1748 to 1758. Likely marriage was to Elizabeth Moor(e) 21 March 1713 St Albans. Children (all baptised Rickmansworth) – Sarah 15.04.1719; Joseph 04.04.1726; Susannah 29.03.1728 (died same year); John 11.04.1729; Thomas 01.08.1730; Grace 01.09.1732; possibly Elizabeth 31.01.1716 though mother said to be Susannah; Ann and James not traced nor the marriage of one of the daughters to Henry Foster.
John Bovingdon, son of Daniel of Rickmansworth, Husbandman, was apprenticed to Joseph Lawrence, Coachmakers and Coach Harness Company, 31 January 1744
Thomas Bovingdon, son of Daniel of Rickmansworth, Farmer, was apprenticed to William Woodford, Dyers Company, 3 April 1745
1754 Daniel Bovingdon recorded in the Rickmansworth Poll Book
Transcription of the Will of Elizabeth Bovingdon (died Rickmansworth 1772) dated First of November 1764
I Elizabeth Bovingdon of the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Widow do this first day of November 1764 revoke all former wills by me made and do make and publish this my last Will and Testament and therein do give devise and dispose of all my Estate and Substance in manner and form following Imprimus I give unto my son James Bovingdon all my Personal Estate of what nature and kind so ever or wheresoever and his Heirs for such he paying all my just debts and funeral expenses and Lastly I do make my said son James Bovingdon sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have this first day of November 1764 set my hand and seal Elizah Bovingdon /SS/ Signed sealed published and declared by the said Elizabeth Bovingdon as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who signed our names in the Testators presence and of each other Joseph Skidmore Christr Hayes
This will was proved at London on the twenty fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy two before his Worshipful Francis Simpson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right Worshipful George Luay (?) also Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully authorised by the oath of James Bovingdon son of the deceased and sole Executor named in the will to whom Admon of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits sworn duly to administer
Notes
Elizabeth was the wife of Daniel Bovingdon (1682 – 1763)
Transcription of the Will of James Bovingdon dated Fourteenth of October 1814
I James Bovingdon Farmer of the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say I order and direct that all my just Debts Funeral Expenses and Charges of proving this my Will be in the first place fully paid and satisfied and after payment thereof and of every part thereof I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Davis Bovingdon eight hundred pounds stock in the 4 P Cents now standing in my name in the Bank of England Secondly I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Bovingdon One Thousand Pounds in the aforesaid stock Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Bovingdon one thousand Pounds in the aforesaid stock to be paid unto the aforesaid Thomas Charles and Samuel Bovingdon their Heirs or Assigns within six Months of my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my son Edward Bovingdon the sum of twenty Pounds Per Annum out of the aforesaid stock in the Bank of England to be paid by my Executor to my said son Edward Bovingdon during his natural life and after his decease to be paid to the Children of my said son and Ann his Wife until they attain to their respective Ages of 21 years when I direct my Executor to pay to each Child as they arrive at the age of 21 years their Share of the Stock from which this twenty pounds Per Annum proceeds I give and bequeath unto my Daughter in Law Ann Bovingdon the Wife of my son Edward Bovingdon the Sum of twenty eight Pounds per annum out of the aforesaid 4 Per Cents at the Bank of England to be paid to her by my Executor in half yearly Payments during her natural life and after her decease to the Children of the said Edward Bovingdon and Ann his wife for their maintenance until they arrive at the respective Ages of 21 years when I direct my Executor his Heirs or Assigns to pay to each child as they arrive at the age of 21 years their equal share of the aforesaid Stock from which this twenty eight Pounds Per Annum is derived I give and bequeath unto my Grand Children the Children of my late son James Bovingdon deceased and Mary his Wife surviving as follows To my Grand Daughter Mary Bovingdon the sum of three hundred pounds stock in the said 4 Per Cents To my Grandson James Bovingdon the sum of four hundred pounds stock in the said 4 Per Cents and to my Grand Daughter Sophia Bovingdon the sum of three hundred pounds Stock from the aforesaid 4 Per Cents to be paid to them as they attain unto the Age of 21 years the gift (?) in trust from the aforesaid Stock to be enjoyed and possessed by my said son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns until the aforesaid my Grand Children attain unto the age of 21 years but should either of my aforesaid Grand Children die before the Age of 21 years then the said sum bequeathed unto they or him deceased to devolve unto my son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns I give and bequeath unto my Executor and my son Daniel Bovingdon all my Freehold and Copyhold Estate now lying and being situate in the Parish of Little Stanmore alias Whitchurch in the County of Middlesex In Trust for the following purposes Viz I do direct and order him to sell and dispose of the aforesaid Estates to the best advantage and most convenient to him and place the Sum or Sums of money arising therefrom in the Bank of England in the name of my daughter Mary Stopford for her to receive the interest therefrom during her natural life and after her decease I do give the Sum or Sums of Money to be equally divided between the Children of the said Mary Stopford my daughter by William Stopford her present husband as the said Children attain unto the Age of 21 years respectively I do direct my Executor to pay the Rent and profits arising from the aforesaid Estates after my decease until the sale thereof as before directed unto my Daughter MaryStopford I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah Bovingdon the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful Money of the United Kingdom of Great Britain to be paid to her her Heirs or Assigns within six months of my decease I give and bequeath unto my son John Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns the sum of three hundred pounds of lawful money as aforesaid to be paid to him his Heirs or Assigns within six months of my decease I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns my Freehold Estate situate and lying at Little Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford I do order and direct my Executor and my son Daniel Bovingdon to pay to my Daughter in Law Ann Bovingdon the Wife of my son Edward Bovingdon the sum of twelve pounds of lawful money in half yearly Payments for the term and during her natural life only at her decease the said twelve Pounds Per Annum to be the property of my Executor and son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns And all the net residue and remainder of my Goods Chattels Debts ready Money Effects and other my Property and Estates in London or elsewhere whatsoever and wheresoever both Real and Personal I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns at his and their own and sole disposal I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my son Daniel Bovingdon as sole Executor of this my Will hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I the said Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen James Bovingdon /-/SS/-/ Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator James Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto all contained in this one sheet of paper so expressed by the Testator Witnesses Emmett Skidmore Joseph Foster Sarah Blunt her mark X This will dated October 14 th 1814 E Skidmore
Proved at London 11th January 1816 before the Worshipful Samuel P……. Parson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Daniel Bovingdon the son the sole Executor to whom Admon wsa granted having been first duly sworn to administer
Bank of England records show that James Bovingdon owned 4 Per Cent stock with a face value of £5,250 valued at 74 ½ per £100 (ie market interest rate was higher than 4%)
James, the son of Daniel (1682 – 1763) was probably born in Rickmansworth c1733. He married Mary Davis in Chesham 19 November 1764. Their children, all baptised in Rickmansworth were – James bap 19.09.1765, bur 23.06.1801; Daniel bap 12.04.1767; Thomas bap 24.02.1769; Edward bap 09.02.1771; Charles bap 21.01.1773; John bap 01.05.1775; Mary bap 16.11.1777, bur 21.11.1777; Elizabeth bap 16.11.1777, bur 21.11.1777; Hannah bap 12.02.1779; Samuel bap 23.03.1781; Mary bap 19.01.1784; Benjamin bap 22.04.1787, bur 30.10.1811. james buried 27 December 1815 in Rickmansworth.
William Stopford married Mary Bovingdon 25 January 1804 in Marylebone.
Transcription of the Will of Daniel Bovingdon dated Twenty Seventh of August 1817 (found in Bank of England Records)
Daniel Bovingdon of Rickmansworth
£450 4 per cent Stock 83 £373.10 Sworn under £3,000
And by his Will dated 27 August 1817 attested by three witnesses with a Codicil dated 29 November 1819 attested by three witnesses appointed by the Will his Brother John Bovingdon and his Brother in Law William Stopford Joint Executors and by his Codicil appointed his Brother John Bovingdon Sole Executor Probate granted at Doctors Commons 20 December 1819 to John Bovingdon the Brother Sole Executor named in the Codicil described of Croxley Hall in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer and Gentleman
In the Will are the following words
I give unto my Brother John Bovingdon and my Brother in Law William Stopford their Executors Administrators and Assigns the Capital sum of Three hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities in Trust to pay unto or fully authorise my Sister in Law Ann Bovingdon the wife of my Brother Edward Bovingdon to receive the dividends thereof during her life for and in lieu of the sum of Twelve pounds per annum bequeathed to her in and by the Will of my late father deceased and after the decease of my said Sister in Law Ann Bovingdon the said Three hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities and the dividends unreceived shall fall into the residue of my personal Estate
I give to my said Brother John Bovingdon and Brother in Law William Stopford Six hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities upon Trust to pay and transfer the same in equal shares unto my Nephews George Bovingdon and Charles Bovingdon sons of my Brother Charles Bovingdon as and when they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years and in case either of them shall die under that age the share of him dying shall be in Trust for the survivor and shall be transferred and paid at the like age when his original share shall become payable and in case both my said Nephews shall die under the age of twenty one years then the said Six hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities shall fall into and be considered as part of the residue of my personal Estate
In the Codicil are the following words
Whereas I have in my said Will appointed my Brother in Law William Stopford as Trustee jointly with my Brother John Bovingdon of and concerning two legacies of Three hundred pounds and Six hundred pounds four per cent Consolidated Annuities for the benefit of my Sister in Law Ann the wife of my Brother Edward Bovingdon and my Nephews George Bovingdon and Charles Bovingdon sons of my Brother John Bovingdon with benefit of survivorship to them respectively as therein mentioned Now I do revoke the appointment of the said William Stopford to be such Trustee as aforesaid and in his room and stead do hereby substitute and appoint my friend James Taylor to be a Trustee to act in conjunction with my said Brother John to all the purposes mentioned in my said Will of and concerning the said two legacies but no further or otherwise
£450 4 p cs being the whole Stock standing in the Testator’s name in that Fund instead of £300 and £600 bequested by him to be transferred to John Bovingdon (the Testator’s Brother the Sole Executor) and James Taylor the devisees in trust and left at their disposal T Hyatt ?
Reg 2728 24 Decr 1819 R F Clarke
Daniel Bovingdon bap 12 April 1767 parents James/Mary; buried 6 December 1819 Rickmansworth
Transcription of the Will of John Bovingdon dated Eighth of August 1829
I John Bovingdon of Croxley Hall Farm in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford being of sound mind and memory do now make this my last Will and Testament Item to my Wife Mary Bovingdon all the live and dead stock on my Farms implements of husbandry household furniture beds bedding linen plate china and all the other personal property that I am possessed of at the time of my decease to carry on the farming business if she thinks proper for the purposes hereinafter mentioned namely to bring up educate and support all my children but if my said Wife will not carry on the farming business I then will that all the live and dead stock implements of husbandry growing crops of corn and grass and all my other personal property of what nature and kind soever that is not otherwise disposed of in this my will be sold by Auction or by private contract as soon as convenient after my decease and to be put into the Bank of England into the three per Cent consols or the three per Cent reduces my wife to reeive the interest during her natural life for the purposes before mentioned to support all my children I give to my said Wife Mary all my household furniture beds bedding plate linen and china for her natural life and to dispose of among my children as she thinks proper I leave all that my moiety or half part or share whereof or wherein I am seized or entitled unto of and in all those two several freehold messuages or tenements hereditaments and premises situate and being in High Street in the parish of Saint George the Martyr in the borough of Southwark in the County of Surrey with the rights members and appurts (short for appurtanances) thereto belonging to be sold when convenient to my Executor and Executrix and I desire that all my just Debts funeral expenses and proving my Will may be paid and the remainder put into the Bank of England my wife to receive the interest for her own use but to pay out of it Ann Widow of my late Brother Edward Bovingdon twelve pounds a year during the term of her natural life that was left her by my Father and after the decease of my said wife Mary Bovingdon I leave to my son Daniel Bovingdon one hundred pounds I leave to my son John Bovingdon one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and all the remainder of my property of what kind or nature soever I leave to be equally divided among all my children share and share alike namely Mary Ann Bovingdon Harriet Bovingdon Daniel Bovingdon John Bovingdon Elizabeth Ann Bovingdon and Sophia Bovingdon and any other legitimate child or Child I may have at the time of my decease and if one or more of my children should die before they attain the age of twenty one his her or their share to be equally divided among the survivors and if more of my Children should marry after they attain the age of twenty one and have a child or children and he she or they should die before my wife their mother it is my will that his her or their part go to their child or children share and share alike and I do hereby nominate and appoint my father in law Mr John Catling of Box Moor Executor and my wife Mary Bovingdon Executrix to this my last Will and Testament hereunto I set my hand and seal this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine John Bovingdon (SS) in the presence of Wm Webb Eton Gent Hannah Webb Thomasin Webb
Approved at London the 12th Decr 1834 before the Worshipful Jesse Addams Doctor of Laws by the oath of Mary Bovingdon Widow the relict the surviving Executor to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer
Transcription of the Will of Thomas Davis Bovingdon dated Eighth of August 1820
This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Davis Bovingdon of Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman which I make and publish in manner following that is to say First I desire that all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my Executor as soon as conveniently maybe after my decease I give and bequeath unto my dear son James my silver watch And I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Sarah all and singular my Household Goods and Furniture Beds Bedding Linen and Effects in and about my dwelling house to and for her own use and benefit And as to all the rest and residue of my Goods Chattels and Effects Live and Dead Stock ready money and securities for money money in the Public Stock or Funds and all other my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be at the time of my decease I give and bequeath th same and every part thereof unto my brother John Bovingdon in trust to pay to or permit and suffer my said wife Sarah to receive the Interest Dividends and profits arising therefrom for and towards the support of herself and my said son James until my said son shall arrive at the age of twenty one years and when and so soon as he shall arrive at that age then I give and bequeath unto him all such rest and residue of my said Goods Chattels and Effects Live and Dead Stock ready money and securities for money money in the Public Stocks or Funds and all other my said Estate and Effects to and for his own use and benefit But in case my said son shall die before he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years without leaving any issue then I give and bequeath the same together with my said watch before bequeathed to my said son unto my wife to and for her own use and benefit but if my said son shall die under the age of twenty one years and have any child or children him surviving then I give and bequeath the same to such child or children (if more than one equally between them) And I do hereby name and appoint my Brother John Bovingdon sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby revoke and make void all former and other wills by me made and executed and do declare this to be and contain my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and twenty
Signed Sealed Published and
Declared by the said Thomas Davis )
Bovingdon as and for his last Will )
and Testament in the presence of us ) Thomas Davis Bovingdon
who in his presence at his request )
and in the presence of each other )
have subscribed our names as Witnesses )
Arthur Austin of Croxley Green
Jne Gay Rickmansworth
Addendum
20 th October 1820
John Bovingdon the Brother of the deceased the sole Executor named in the within will was duly sworn as usual and that the whole of the personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased do not amount in value to the sum of Three Hundred Pounds
before me
C Coote
Surr
The Testator Thomas Davis Bovingdon was late of Croxley Green otherwise Little Green in the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer (Yeoman crossed out) and died in August last
On the twenty fourth day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty this will of Thomas Davis Bovingdon late of Croxley Green otherwise Little Green in the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer deceased was proved at London before the Worshipfull Charles Coote Doctor of Laws and surrogate to the oath of John Bovingdon the Brother of the deceased the sole Executor to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn to administer
Illegible Signature
Transcription of the Will of Hannah Bovingdon dated Nineteenth of July 1848
This is the last Will and Testament of me Hannah Bovingdon of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford I wish and direct my Executors forthwith after my decease to sell and dispose of all my furniture plate linen china and other household effects in and about my dwelling house at Rickmansworth and after accounting from the proceeds thereof the expenses attending such sale to pay the surplus thereof unto and equally between Frances Susan Bovingdon and Sebastian George Bovingdon the children of my late son George Bovingdon share and share alike I give devise and bequeath all my real estate and all the residue of personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever payment of my debts funeral and testamentary expenses unto Jane Letitia Thomson of Chorleywood in the said parish of Rickmansworth Spinster her heirs executors and administrators and assigns I revoke all former wills and appoint the Reverend William Stephen Thomson of Chorleywood aforesaid and Mr Samuel Neale of Watford in the said County Saddler Executors of this my Will as witness my hand this nineteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight the Mark of X Hannah Bovingdon Signed by the above named Testatrix making her mark and ………...in the said testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses the same having read over to the said testatrix in our presence previous to such mark and declaration being made John Sedgwick Job Stafford Thomas H Garlick Surgeon Rickmansworth
Proved at London the 12th August 1848 before the Worshipful James Packer ….. Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Samuel Neale the Nephew of one of the Executors to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer Power reserved of making the like grant to the Revd William Stephen Thomson Clerk the Nephew also the other Executor in case he shall apply for the same
Transcription of the Will of George Bovingdon dated Nineteenth of June 1835
This is the last Will and Testament of me George Bovingdon of the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Cordwainer Whereas on attaining my age of twenty one years I become entitled to one moeity or half part of one thousand six hundred pounds four per Cent Annuities by virtue of a declaration of trust bearing date the twelveth day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixteen made between Charles Bovingdon of Rickmansworth aforesaid Farmer of the one part and George Thomson of the said Parish Esquire and Emmett Skidmore of Croxley Green in the same Parish Merchant of the other part or to such part thereof as was not sold out and am also entitled to the other moeity or half part thereof on the decease of my Mother Hannah Bovingdon and which is now standing in the books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England in the names of the said George Thomson and Emmett Skidmore and is now called the three and a half per cent stock Now I the said George Bovingdon do hereby appoint John Neale of Watford in the said County of Hertford Harness Maker William Belch of Chorleywood in the said parish of Rickmansworth Farmer and Daniel Dearin Brown of Mill End in the said Parish of Rickmansworth Baker Trustees of and for the purposes of this my Will that is to say In trust that they or the survivors of them or the executors or admors of such survivors do obtain and get out half part of the said stock or so much thereof is remaining transferred into their names and receive the interest dividends and proceeds thereof and of all other my Stock Money now standing in my own name in the books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England And also of the other moiety or half part of the said three and a half per Cent Stock after the decease of my said Mother Hannah Bovingdon and pay the same into the name of my dear Wife Frances Bovingdon or authorise her to receive the same during such time as my Children are under the age of twenty one years and she continues a Widow till that time towards the support of herself and maintenance education and bringing up of all my Children until they attain their respective ages of twenty one years and then the principal stock money to be paid to them share and share alike but if only one Child then the whole to be paid to that Child except four hundred pounds Stock afore mentioned my Will is in the event of my Children attaining their respective ages of twenty one years or if only one Child attains that age or all dying before then and in either of the said cases and my Wife being a Widow I give and bequeath unto my said Wife Frances Bovingdon four hundred pounds stock three hundred pounds stock part thereof now standing in my name and one hundred pounds stock part of the stock now standing in the name of the said George Thomson and Emmett Skidmore as aforesaid for her own use and benefit But in the event of all my Children dying under the age of twenty one years In further trust that they my said trustees or the survivors of them or the executors or admors of such survivors do pay the Interest Dividends and Proceeds of the remaining part of all my said stock money to my Mother Hannah Bovingdon for her life And after her decease do pay and divide the said remaining trust monies unto equally amongst the Children of my said Aunt Letitia Thomson Wife of the said George Thomson and the Children of my Aunt Susannah Neale Wife of the said John Neale that may then be living And I give and devise All those my two freehold cottages or tenements at Rickmansworth aforesaid now in the occupation of the said Hannah Bovingdon and Charles Watson with the appurtanances thereto belonging unto the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown to hold the same to them their heirs and assigns for ever In trust to sell and dispose of the same after the decease of my said Mother Hannah Bovingdon either by Private Contract or Public Auction as they or the survivors of the or the executors of such survivors shall think most proper to any person or persons whomsoever who shall be willing to purchase the same and to his her or their heirs for such price or prices in money as to them shall seem reasonable and upon payment of the monies arising by such sale to sign and give a proper receipt or receipts for the monies for which the same shall be sold which receipt or receipts ot them the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown or the survivors of them or the heirs of such survivors I do hereby declare shall be a sufficient and absolute discharge to any purchaser or purchasers for so much of the purchase money as shall be therein expressed or acknowledged to be received and such purchaser or purchasers shall not afterwards be obliged to see to the application or be answerable or accountable for any loss misappliaction or non applicaction the purchase money or any part thereof and the net money arising therefrom In trust that they my said trustees or the survivors of them or their executors or admons of such survivors do place the same out either on Government or real security and pay and apply the interest dividends and proceeds thereof to my said wife Frances Bovingdon or authorise her to receive the same during such time as my said Children are under the age of twenty one years and she continues a Widow also towards the further support of herself and the maintenance education and bringing up of my Children until they attain their respective ages of twenty one years and on their attaining that age to divide the principal money equally between them but if only one child then the whole to be paid or transferred to that Child And in case all my Children shall die under the age of twenty one years then my will is and I direct the same money to be divided equally between all the Children of my said Aunt Letitia Thomson and the Children of my said Aunt Susannah Neale as may be then living Also I give and bequeath to my said wife Frances Bovingdon All my Household Goods Furniture and Effects Stock in Trade ready money and all the Residue of my personal Estate and paying thereout all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses as soon as may be conveniently may be after my decease And I will and direct that my said trustees and executors shall be at liberty to reimburse themselves and himself all reasonable Costs Charges and Expenses and that each of them shall be answerable for his own acts And I do hereby nominate and appoint the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown Executors of this my last Will and hereby revoking and making void all former Wills and Codicils by me made or executed do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness thereof I the said George Bovingdon have to this my Will and contained and written in four sheets of paper to the first three sheets thereof set my hand and to the fourth and last sheet thereof my hand and seal this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty five George Bovingdon SS Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as Witnesses to the same Philip Cowley Junr Watford John Butcher of Lo Tailor David Downer of Lo Hair Dresser
On the 11th August 1836 Admon with the Will annexed of the Goods Chattels and Credits of George Bovingdon late of the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Cordwainer deceased was granted Frances Bovingdon Widow the Relict and Honorary Legatee named in the said Will having been sworn by Comon duly to administer John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearing (in the will written as Dearin) Brown the Executors named in the said Will having first renounced the Probate and Execution thereof
In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge in the parish of Rickmersworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman being in good health and of sound and perfect mind and memory thanks be therefore given to Almighty God for this But calling to mind the uncertainty of this mortal life and the certainty of death do therefore make ordain constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament in manner and forms and offering (that is to say) Imprimus I give devise and bequeath unto my Second Son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever All that my Messuage or mansion House wherein I now dwell situate and being at Scotch Bridge aforesaid together with all Outhouses Malthouse Barns Stables Yards Gardens Orchards Backsides (Note 1) and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Messuage or Mansion house belonging or many wise appertaining As also All those three Meadows called the Little Meadows with their and every of their appurtenances containing altogether by estimation three acres be they more or less together with the Cherry Orchard and the piece of ploughed ground above it containing by estimation two acres be they more or less together with all that my Close of arable lying and being at Scotch Hill called Hill fields and containing by estimation six acres more or less As also my meadow called Ware Mead containing two acres together with the Ware (Note 2) Item I give and bequeath unto my said son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever those my four Closes of meadow or pasture land called or known by the name of Bell Moores and containing altogether and this by estimation fourteen acres be they more or less together with those my three Closes of arable land called or known by the name of Kitts and containing altogether by estimation fourteen acres be they more or less all which said Messsuage or Mansion Closes of arable Land Meadow and Pasture ground herein before particularly mentioned and expressed to be given and devised as aforesaid are situate being and lying in the parish of Rickmansworth aforesaid in the said County of Hertford and now in the tenure and occupation of my said son Thomas Bovingdon to have and to hold the said Messuage or Mansion House Closes of arable Land Meadow and Pasture ground and premises herein before given and devised with all and singular their rights members and appurtenances unto my said son Thomas Bovingdon and to his Heirs and Assigns for ever upon this condition nevertheless that my said son Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs and Executors Administrators or Assigns or some of them do and shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto my son Joseph Bovingdon the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds of lawful English money when he shall attain the age of one and twenty years And I bequeath unto my Grandson Thomas Bovingdon son of my said son John Bovingdon the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England to be paid him by my Executrix herein after named when he shall attain the age of one and twenty years Item I give and bequeath unto my second daughter Mary Bovingdon the sum of one hundred pounds of lawful money of England to be paid her by my Executrix hereinafter named within twelve months next after my demise Item I give and bequeath unto my third daughter Elizabeth Bovingdon the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds of lawful money of England to be paid her by my Executrix hereinafter named within twelve months after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Sarah Smyth first daughter of my said daughter Sarah Smyth the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Elizabeth Smith second daughter of my said daughter Sarah Smyth the like sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England Item I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter Mary Bovingdon Eldest daughter of my said eldest son John Bovingdon the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of England And if it shall fortune (Note 3) that either or any of my said sons John Daniel or Joseph or either or any of my said daughters Sarah Mary Elizabeth or Anne do dye before his her or their respective legacy or legacies shall become due and payable as aforesaid that then and in such case my will and meaning is that the part portion Legacy or bequest of every or either of them so deceasing shall remain and be to the Survivor or Survivors of my said Sons and Daughters John Thomas Daniel Joseph Sarah Mary
Elizabeth and Anne part and part alike and equally divided And as touching and concerning all the rest and residue of my Goods Chattels Cattle Store Plate and moneys whatsoever not herein before given and bequeathed I give and bequeath the same unto Mary my very loving Wife whom I do hereby make nominate ordain constitute and appoint full whole and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament and I hereby appoint my loving Brother John Bovingdon of Coleshill (Note 4) in the said County of Hertford Yeoman and my Brother in Law James Child of the parish of Chesham in the County of Bucks Yeoman sureties of this my last Will and Testament to assist my said Wife in the executorship so far as to see that my Sons and Daughters Legacies be duly and timely paid and discharged And I do hereby give and bequeath to each of them twenty shillings as payment for their pains to be taken therein And I firstly disallow and make void all former and other Wills whatsoever heretofore by me made either by words or writing And this to be accepted reputed and taken for my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I the said Thomas Bovingdon have to this my last Will and Testament being contained in two sheets of paper set my hand and seal to each this Second day of November in the Third year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne by the grace of God of England and Scotland France and Ireland Queen Defender of the Faith Year Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Four Thomas Bovingdon. Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses Richard Moore George Weedon the marke of John King
Note 1 Backsides was a term commonly used to describe the area outside buildings often enclosed, or partially enclosed, yards.
Note 2 “Ware” may be another word for, or misspelling of “Weir”. It would make sense that the Mead (or meadow) contained a stretch of the Chess with a weir.
Note 3 In this context means “happen by chance”
Note 4 Coleshill is two miles south of Amersham. It was transferred from Hertfordshire to Buckinghamshire in 1844. Thomas Bovingdon married Mary Child 25.11.1672 in Hughenden. A baptism for eldest son John has not been found but presumably c1674. The others were all baptised in Chesham Bois – Sarah 17.06.1677; Thomas 18.10.1680; Daniel 08.10.1682; Mary 31.01.1684;
Joseph 16.10.1686; Elizabeth 15.11.1688; Ann 28.03.1691. Presumably the family moved to Croxley some time after 1691 but before 1704.
Transcription of the Will of Thomas Bovingdon dated Seventeenth of December 1726
In the name of God Amen I Thomas Bovingdon of the Parish of St Clement Danes in the County of
Middlesex Perukemaker being infirm in body but of sound perfect disposing mind and memory (thanks be to Almighty God for this same) I Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (Viz) My Soul I recommend unto the hands of Almighty God trusting through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my only Saviour and Redeemer for remission of all my sins and my body I recommend to the Earth therein to be decently interred in the Parish Churchyard of Rickmansworth near unto the rest of the family according to the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named And to the worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me I give devise and bequeath thereof as follows Imprimus I give and bequeath unto my Eldest sister Mary Crouch the sum of ten pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid unto her within twelve months after my decease Item I give and bequeath unto my four other sisters Elizabeth Sarah Ann and Amey Bovingdon our house standing and being in The Manor of Croxley in the parish of Rickmansworth aforesaid And as to all the rest residue and remainder of my Estate whatsoever I give and bequeath unto my said four sisters Elizabeth Sarah Ann and Amey Bovingdon to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike And I do hereby appoint my Grandfather Richard Gibbs and my Uncle Thomas Bovingdon sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament revoking all former and other Wills by me heretofore made declaring this to be my last Will and Testament in one sheet of paper set my hand and seals the seventeenth day of December Anno Domini 1726 Thomas Bovingdon Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of we who in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses hereunto Reuben Parke (?) Richd Bath Jeremiah King
Notes
Burial of Thomas Bovingdon of St Clement Danes Middlesex 11 January 1726 Rickmansworth. Probate (in Latin) granted to Richard Gibb 10 January 1726. Until 31 December 1751 Great Britain used the Julian calendar under which the new year began on 25 March.
There is a marriage of a John Bovingdon, a Groom, to Mary Gibbs 9 April 1702 in Chesham and children born to John and Mary Bovingdon in Sarratt between 1702 and1710 - Mary baptised 3 January 1702 (three months before that marriage), Thomas bap 24 November 1704, Elizabeth bap 6 June 1706, Sarah bap 9 June 1708, Ann bap 6 July 1710. There is also an Amie daughter of John and Mary Bovingdon bap in Hatfield 25 August 1712. These children in the same chronological order as those listed in Thomas’ will. See also the will of Thomas Bovingdon dated 4 November 1704 - Thomas of St Clement Danes appears to be his grandson, son of his son John.
Transcription of the Will of Mary Bovingdon (died 1746 Rickmansworth) dated Fifth of April 1740)
In the Name of God Amen I Mary Bovingdon wife of Thomas Bovingdon of Scotch Bridge in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Maltster do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say) first I desire my Executor hereinafter named would lay my Body in Northhall Church Yard near unto to that of my first husband and to be
Buried at his discretion I do give and bequeath dispose limit direct and appoint all that Estate lying at Chesham in the County of Bucks mortgaged by Robert Howitt and Mary his wife and which Estate is now vested in Trust for me together with all Principal and Interest Moneys due on the said Mortgage to my loving husband Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever I give and bequeath unto Elenor Cock wife of Nathaniel Cock the sum of ten pounds yearly of lawful money of Great Britain to be paid during her natural life by even and quarterly payments and after the demise of the said Elenor Cock the said ten pounds a Year I give to my said loving husband Thomas Bovingdon I give and bequeath unto seven of my Brother Thomas Croker his children ( he having nine but John and Jane I except) the sum of five pounds each lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid one year after my decease I give and bequeath to my Brother Walter Croker his two children the sum of five pounds each lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid one year after my decease I give and bequeath to Henry Wiment his children the sum of one hundred pounds lawful Money of Great Britain to be paid to them share and share alike six months after the decease of my loving husband Thomas Bovingdon I give and bequeath unto Sarah Cock all that Messuage and Land there into belonging now in the tenure of John Yorke situate and being in the parish of Great Missenden in the County of Bucks when she comes to the age of Twenty Six years and her Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns for ever But my will is that my said loving husband Thomas Bovingdon should enjoy the rents and profits thereof until the said Sarah Cock shall attain the age of Twenty Six years and in case any of my above named Legatees shall offer to trouble or molest by any Suit of Law or otherwise my Executor hereinafter named on account of the said legacies to them given then they or either of them shall lose the benefit of the said Legacies and as to all other my Real and Personal Estate whatsoever I have any power to dispose of I do hereby give devise dispose of direct and appoint the same to him my Husband Thomas Bovingdon his Heirs and Assigns for ever And I do hereby make him my sole Executor and Residuary Legatee of this my Will and Mr Solomon Androuin of Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Gentleman Trustee to see that the Legacies in this my Will paid and satisfied revoking all earlier Wills made by me this fifth day of April 1740 Mary Bovingdon her mark Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Testatrix in the presence of we who have set our Names as Witnesses in the presence of the said Testatrix Thoms Child Richard Lott Mary Child
This will was proved at London the seventeenth day of April in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Six before the Worshipful William Graham Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right Worshipful John Bettesworth also Doctor of Laws and Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Thomas Bovingdon the Husband of the deceased and sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration of all and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the said deceased was granted being first sworn to administer
Notes
Mary Bovingdon probably the wife of the Thomas Bovingdon born 1680 who was left land around Scotch Bridge by his father, also Thomas, in his 1705 will. Neither the likely marriage nor Mary’s
first marriage have been traced. There is a burial of a Thomas Bovingdon in Rickmansworth 11 June 1758 which may be Mary’s husband. There is a Thomas Bovingdon in the Rickmansworth 1754 Poll Book.
Northall is a village between Leighton Buzzard and Edlesborough
Solomon Androuin married Joan White, both of Batchworth, 16 April 1735 Holborn (Marriage Bond £200)’ He is listed in the Rickmansworth Poll book for 1754.
Transcription of the Will of Daniel Bovingdon (1682 – 1763) dated Second of September 1763
In the Name of God Amen I Daniel Bovingdon of Croxley Hall in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman being Weak in Body but of a sound and well disposing mind memory and understanding (thanks be to Almighty God for the same) Do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following ‘that is to say’ First I commend my Soul to Almighty God Trusting in the mercy of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all my sins My body I commend to the Earth to be devoutly buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named Item I give devise and bequeath all those my Freehold messuages or tenements together with all and singular the appurtenances to the same belonging situate lying and being in the town of Watford in the County of Hertford aforesaid now or late in the tenure or occupation of William Brown John Darvell and the Widow Dunn or their assigns unto my daughter Ann Brown her Heirs and Assigns for ever Item I give devise and bequeath all and singular my Household Furniture Household (illegible) Book Debts Ready Money Securities for Money and all and every the Personal Estate Goods and Chattells (not before by me disposed of) unto my son James Bovingdon his Heirs and Assigns for ever and also my said son James Bovingdon paying out of the Personal Estate and Goods and Chattells hereby given and bequeathed to him unto my Son in Law Henry Foster his heirs or assigns the full sum of Thirty Pounds of lawful money of Great Britain within Twelve Calendar months after my decease and also paying all my Just Debts the probate of this my last Will and Testament and my Funeral expenses out of the same And I do hereby expressly thereupon my said personal Estate with the payment of the same Lastly I do hereby Nominate Constitute and Appoint my said son John Bovingdon sole Executor of this Will and Testament in two sheets of paper contained hereby revoking disannulling and making void all former Wills by me heretofore made or executed In witness thereof I the said Daniel Bovingdon the Testator have hereto set and affixt by hand and seal this Second day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three Dan Bovingdon Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator Daniel Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request have subscribed our names as witnesses to the same in the Testators presence the word ‘paying’ being first justified
John Weeden John Martindale Jas Backer
This will was proved at London the twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Sir Edward Simpson Knight also Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oath of James Bovingdon the son of the deceased and the sole Executor named in the said will to whom Administration was Granted of all and Singular the Goods Chattells and Credits of the deceased having been sworn to administer
Notes
Daniel Bovingdon was a son of Thomas Bovingdon (?1650 – 1705) and Mary. He received nothing from the will of his father. The Croxley History Project has him as also leasing Hollowtree Farm from 1748 to 1758. Likely marriage was to Elizabeth Moor(e) 21 March 1713 St Albans. Children (all baptised Rickmansworth) – Sarah 15.04.1719; Joseph 04.04.1726; Susannah 29.03.1728 (died same year); John 11.04.1729; Thomas 01.08.1730; Grace 01.09.1732; possibly Elizabeth 31.01.1716 though mother said to be Susannah; Ann and James not traced nor the marriage of one of the daughters to Henry Foster.
John Bovingdon, son of Daniel of Rickmansworth, Husbandman, was apprenticed to Joseph Lawrence, Coachmakers and Coach Harness Company, 31 January 1744
Thomas Bovingdon, son of Daniel of Rickmansworth, Farmer, was apprenticed to William Woodford, Dyers Company, 3 April 1745
1754 Daniel Bovingdon recorded in the Rickmansworth Poll Book
Transcription of the Will of Elizabeth Bovingdon (died Rickmansworth 1772) dated First of November 1764
I Elizabeth Bovingdon of the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Widow do this first day of November 1764 revoke all former wills by me made and do make and publish this my last Will and Testament and therein do give devise and dispose of all my Estate and Substance in manner and form following Imprimus I give unto my son James Bovingdon all my Personal Estate of what nature and kind so ever or wheresoever and his Heirs for such he paying all my just debts and funeral expenses and Lastly I do make my said son James Bovingdon sole Executor to this my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have this first day of November 1764 set my hand and seal Elizah Bovingdon /SS/ Signed sealed published and declared by the said Elizabeth Bovingdon as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who signed our names in the Testators presence and of each other Joseph Skidmore Christr Hayes
This will was proved at London on the twenty fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy two before his Worshipful Francis Simpson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate of the Right Worshipful George Luay (?) also Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully authorised by the oath of James Bovingdon son of the deceased and sole Executor named in the will to whom Admon of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits sworn duly to administer
Notes
Elizabeth was the wife of Daniel Bovingdon (1682 – 1763)
Transcription of the Will of James Bovingdon dated Fourteenth of October 1814
I James Bovingdon Farmer of the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say I order and direct that all my just Debts Funeral Expenses and Charges of proving this my Will be in the first place fully paid and satisfied and after payment thereof and of every part thereof I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Davis Bovingdon eight hundred pounds stock in the 4 P Cents now standing in my name in the Bank of England Secondly I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Bovingdon One Thousand Pounds in the aforesaid stock Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Bovingdon one thousand Pounds in the aforesaid stock to be paid unto the aforesaid Thomas Charles and Samuel Bovingdon their Heirs or Assigns within six Months of my decease Also I give and bequeath unto my son Edward Bovingdon the sum of twenty Pounds Per Annum out of the aforesaid stock in the Bank of England to be paid by my Executor to my said son Edward Bovingdon during his natural life and after his decease to be paid to the Children of my said son and Ann his Wife until they attain to their respective Ages of 21 years when I direct my Executor to pay to each Child as they arrive at the age of 21 years their Share of the Stock from which this twenty pounds Per Annum proceeds I give and bequeath unto my Daughter in Law Ann Bovingdon the Wife of my son Edward Bovingdon the Sum of twenty eight Pounds per annum out of the aforesaid 4 Per Cents at the Bank of England to be paid to her by my Executor in half yearly Payments during her natural life and after her decease to the Children of the said Edward Bovingdon and Ann his wife for their maintenance until they arrive at the respective Ages of 21 years when I direct my Executor his Heirs or Assigns to pay to each child as they arrive at the age of 21 years their equal share of the aforesaid Stock from which this twenty eight Pounds Per Annum is derived I give and bequeath unto my Grand Children the Children of my late son James Bovingdon deceased and Mary his Wife surviving as follows To my Grand Daughter Mary Bovingdon the sum of three hundred pounds stock in the said 4 Per Cents To my Grandson James Bovingdon the sum of four hundred pounds stock in the said 4 Per Cents and to my Grand Daughter Sophia Bovingdon the sum of three hundred pounds Stock from the aforesaid 4 Per Cents to be paid to them as they attain unto the Age of 21 years the gift (?) in trust from the aforesaid Stock to be enjoyed and possessed by my said son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns until the aforesaid my Grand Children attain unto the age of 21 years but should either of my aforesaid Grand Children die before the Age of 21 years then the said sum bequeathed unto they or him deceased to devolve unto my son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns I give and bequeath unto my Executor and my son Daniel Bovingdon all my Freehold and Copyhold Estate now lying and being situate in the Parish of Little Stanmore alias Whitchurch in the County of Middlesex In Trust for the following purposes Viz I do direct and order him to sell and dispose of the aforesaid Estates to the best advantage and most convenient to him and place the Sum or Sums of money arising therefrom in the Bank of England in the name of my daughter Mary Stopford for her to receive the interest therefrom during her natural life and after her decease I do give the Sum or Sums of Money to be equally divided between the Children of the said Mary Stopford my daughter by William Stopford her present husband as the said Children attain unto the Age of 21 years respectively I do direct my Executor to pay the Rent and profits arising from the aforesaid Estates after my decease until the sale thereof as before directed unto my Daughter MaryStopford I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah Bovingdon the sum of two hundred pounds of lawful Money of the United Kingdom of Great Britain to be paid to her her Heirs or Assigns within six months of my decease I give and bequeath unto my son John Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns the sum of three hundred pounds of lawful money as aforesaid to be paid to him his Heirs or Assigns within six months of my decease I give and bequeath unto my son Charles Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns my Freehold Estate situate and lying at Little Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford I do order and direct my Executor and my son Daniel Bovingdon to pay to my Daughter in Law Ann Bovingdon the Wife of my son Edward Bovingdon the sum of twelve pounds of lawful money in half yearly Payments for the term and during her natural life only at her decease the said twelve Pounds Per Annum to be the property of my Executor and son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns And all the net residue and remainder of my Goods Chattels Debts ready Money Effects and other my Property and Estates in London or elsewhere whatsoever and wheresoever both Real and Personal I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my son Daniel Bovingdon his Heirs or Assigns at his and their own and sole disposal I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my son Daniel Bovingdon as sole Executor of this my Will hereby revoking and making void all former and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament in Witness whereof I the said Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen James Bovingdon /-/SS/-/ Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator James Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto all contained in this one sheet of paper so expressed by the Testator Witnesses Emmett Skidmore Joseph Foster Sarah Blunt her mark X This will dated October 14 th 1814 E Skidmore
Proved at London 11th January 1816 before the Worshipful Samuel P……. Parson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Daniel Bovingdon the son the sole Executor to whom Admon wsa granted having been first duly sworn to administer
Bank of England records show that James Bovingdon owned 4 Per Cent stock with a face value of £5,250 valued at 74 ½ per £100 (ie market interest rate was higher than 4%)
James, the son of Daniel (1682 – 1763) was probably born in Rickmansworth c1733. He married Mary Davis in Chesham 19 November 1764. Their children, all baptised in Rickmansworth were – James bap 19.09.1765, bur 23.06.1801; Daniel bap 12.04.1767; Thomas bap 24.02.1769; Edward bap 09.02.1771; Charles bap 21.01.1773; John bap 01.05.1775; Mary bap 16.11.1777, bur 21.11.1777; Elizabeth bap 16.11.1777, bur 21.11.1777; Hannah bap 12.02.1779; Samuel bap 23.03.1781; Mary bap 19.01.1784; Benjamin bap 22.04.1787, bur 30.10.1811. james buried 27 December 1815 in Rickmansworth.
William Stopford married Mary Bovingdon 25 January 1804 in Marylebone.
Transcription of the Will of Daniel Bovingdon dated Twenty Seventh of August 1817 (found in Bank of England Records)
Daniel Bovingdon of Rickmansworth
£450 4 per cent Stock 83 £373.10 Sworn under £3,000
And by his Will dated 27 August 1817 attested by three witnesses with a Codicil dated 29 November 1819 attested by three witnesses appointed by the Will his Brother John Bovingdon and his Brother in Law William Stopford Joint Executors and by his Codicil appointed his Brother John Bovingdon Sole Executor Probate granted at Doctors Commons 20 December 1819 to John Bovingdon the Brother Sole Executor named in the Codicil described of Croxley Hall in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer and Gentleman
In the Will are the following words
I give unto my Brother John Bovingdon and my Brother in Law William Stopford their Executors Administrators and Assigns the Capital sum of Three hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities in Trust to pay unto or fully authorise my Sister in Law Ann Bovingdon the wife of my Brother Edward Bovingdon to receive the dividends thereof during her life for and in lieu of the sum of Twelve pounds per annum bequeathed to her in and by the Will of my late father deceased and after the decease of my said Sister in Law Ann Bovingdon the said Three hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities and the dividends unreceived shall fall into the residue of my personal Estate
I give to my said Brother John Bovingdon and Brother in Law William Stopford Six hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities upon Trust to pay and transfer the same in equal shares unto my Nephews George Bovingdon and Charles Bovingdon sons of my Brother Charles Bovingdon as and when they shall respectively attain the age of twenty one years and in case either of them shall die under that age the share of him dying shall be in Trust for the survivor and shall be transferred and paid at the like age when his original share shall become payable and in case both my said Nephews shall die under the age of twenty one years then the said Six hundred pounds four per cent Bank Annuities shall fall into and be considered as part of the residue of my personal Estate
In the Codicil are the following words
Whereas I have in my said Will appointed my Brother in Law William Stopford as Trustee jointly with my Brother John Bovingdon of and concerning two legacies of Three hundred pounds and Six hundred pounds four per cent Consolidated Annuities for the benefit of my Sister in Law Ann the wife of my Brother Edward Bovingdon and my Nephews George Bovingdon and Charles Bovingdon sons of my Brother John Bovingdon with benefit of survivorship to them respectively as therein mentioned Now I do revoke the appointment of the said William Stopford to be such Trustee as aforesaid and in his room and stead do hereby substitute and appoint my friend James Taylor to be a Trustee to act in conjunction with my said Brother John to all the purposes mentioned in my said Will of and concerning the said two legacies but no further or otherwise
£450 4 p cs being the whole Stock standing in the Testator’s name in that Fund instead of £300 and £600 bequested by him to be transferred to John Bovingdon (the Testator’s Brother the Sole Executor) and James Taylor the devisees in trust and left at their disposal T Hyatt ?
Reg 2728 24 Decr 1819 R F Clarke
Daniel Bovingdon bap 12 April 1767 parents James/Mary; buried 6 December 1819 Rickmansworth
Transcription of the Will of John Bovingdon dated Eighth of August 1829
I John Bovingdon of Croxley Hall Farm in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford being of sound mind and memory do now make this my last Will and Testament Item to my Wife Mary Bovingdon all the live and dead stock on my Farms implements of husbandry household furniture beds bedding linen plate china and all the other personal property that I am possessed of at the time of my decease to carry on the farming business if she thinks proper for the purposes hereinafter mentioned namely to bring up educate and support all my children but if my said Wife will not carry on the farming business I then will that all the live and dead stock implements of husbandry growing crops of corn and grass and all my other personal property of what nature and kind soever that is not otherwise disposed of in this my will be sold by Auction or by private contract as soon as convenient after my decease and to be put into the Bank of England into the three per Cent consols or the three per Cent reduces my wife to reeive the interest during her natural life for the purposes before mentioned to support all my children I give to my said Wife Mary all my household furniture beds bedding plate linen and china for her natural life and to dispose of among my children as she thinks proper I leave all that my moiety or half part or share whereof or wherein I am seized or entitled unto of and in all those two several freehold messuages or tenements hereditaments and premises situate and being in High Street in the parish of Saint George the Martyr in the borough of Southwark in the County of Surrey with the rights members and appurts (short for appurtanances) thereto belonging to be sold when convenient to my Executor and Executrix and I desire that all my just Debts funeral expenses and proving my Will may be paid and the remainder put into the Bank of England my wife to receive the interest for her own use but to pay out of it Ann Widow of my late Brother Edward Bovingdon twelve pounds a year during the term of her natural life that was left her by my Father and after the decease of my said wife Mary Bovingdon I leave to my son Daniel Bovingdon one hundred pounds I leave to my son John Bovingdon one hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and all the remainder of my property of what kind or nature soever I leave to be equally divided among all my children share and share alike namely Mary Ann Bovingdon Harriet Bovingdon Daniel Bovingdon John Bovingdon Elizabeth Ann Bovingdon and Sophia Bovingdon and any other legitimate child or Child I may have at the time of my decease and if one or more of my children should die before they attain the age of twenty one his her or their share to be equally divided among the survivors and if more of my Children should marry after they attain the age of twenty one and have a child or children and he she or they should die before my wife their mother it is my will that his her or their part go to their child or children share and share alike and I do hereby nominate and appoint my father in law Mr John Catling of Box Moor Executor and my wife Mary Bovingdon Executrix to this my last Will and Testament hereunto I set my hand and seal this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine John Bovingdon (SS) in the presence of Wm Webb Eton Gent Hannah Webb Thomasin Webb
Approved at London the 12th Decr 1834 before the Worshipful Jesse Addams Doctor of Laws by the oath of Mary Bovingdon Widow the relict the surviving Executor to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer
Transcription of the Will of Thomas Davis Bovingdon dated Eighth of August 1820
This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Davis Bovingdon of Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Yeoman which I make and publish in manner following that is to say First I desire that all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my Executor as soon as conveniently maybe after my decease I give and bequeath unto my dear son James my silver watch And I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Sarah all and singular my Household Goods and Furniture Beds Bedding Linen and Effects in and about my dwelling house to and for her own use and benefit And as to all the rest and residue of my Goods Chattels and Effects Live and Dead Stock ready money and securities for money money in the Public Stock or Funds and all other my Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be at the time of my decease I give and bequeath th same and every part thereof unto my brother John Bovingdon in trust to pay to or permit and suffer my said wife Sarah to receive the Interest Dividends and profits arising therefrom for and towards the support of herself and my said son James until my said son shall arrive at the age of twenty one years and when and so soon as he shall arrive at that age then I give and bequeath unto him all such rest and residue of my said Goods Chattels and Effects Live and Dead Stock ready money and securities for money money in the Public Stocks or Funds and all other my said Estate and Effects to and for his own use and benefit But in case my said son shall die before he shall arrive at the age of twenty one years without leaving any issue then I give and bequeath the same together with my said watch before bequeathed to my said son unto my wife to and for her own use and benefit but if my said son shall die under the age of twenty one years and have any child or children him surviving then I give and bequeath the same to such child or children (if more than one equally between them) And I do hereby name and appoint my Brother John Bovingdon sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby revoke and make void all former and other wills by me made and executed and do declare this to be and contain my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and twenty
Signed Sealed Published and
Declared by the said Thomas Davis )
Bovingdon as and for his last Will )
and Testament in the presence of us ) Thomas Davis Bovingdon
who in his presence at his request )
and in the presence of each other )
have subscribed our names as Witnesses )
Arthur Austin of Croxley Green
Jne Gay Rickmansworth
Addendum
20 th October 1820
John Bovingdon the Brother of the deceased the sole Executor named in the within will was duly sworn as usual and that the whole of the personal Estate and Effects of the said Deceased do not amount in value to the sum of Three Hundred Pounds
before me
C Coote
Surr
The Testator Thomas Davis Bovingdon was late of Croxley Green otherwise Little Green in the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer (Yeoman crossed out) and died in August last
On the twenty fourth day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty this will of Thomas Davis Bovingdon late of Croxley Green otherwise Little Green in the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Farmer deceased was proved at London before the Worshipfull Charles Coote Doctor of Laws and surrogate to the oath of John Bovingdon the Brother of the deceased the sole Executor to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn to administer
Illegible Signature
Transcription of the Will of Hannah Bovingdon dated Nineteenth of July 1848
This is the last Will and Testament of me Hannah Bovingdon of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford I wish and direct my Executors forthwith after my decease to sell and dispose of all my furniture plate linen china and other household effects in and about my dwelling house at Rickmansworth and after accounting from the proceeds thereof the expenses attending such sale to pay the surplus thereof unto and equally between Frances Susan Bovingdon and Sebastian George Bovingdon the children of my late son George Bovingdon share and share alike I give devise and bequeath all my real estate and all the residue of personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever payment of my debts funeral and testamentary expenses unto Jane Letitia Thomson of Chorleywood in the said parish of Rickmansworth Spinster her heirs executors and administrators and assigns I revoke all former wills and appoint the Reverend William Stephen Thomson of Chorleywood aforesaid and Mr Samuel Neale of Watford in the said County Saddler Executors of this my Will as witness my hand this nineteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight the Mark of X Hannah Bovingdon Signed by the above named Testatrix making her mark and ………...in the said testatrix as and for her last Will and Testament in the presence of us present at the same time who in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses the same having read over to the said testatrix in our presence previous to such mark and declaration being made John Sedgwick Job Stafford Thomas H Garlick Surgeon Rickmansworth
Proved at London the 12th August 1848 before the Worshipful James Packer ….. Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of Samuel Neale the Nephew of one of the Executors to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer Power reserved of making the like grant to the Revd William Stephen Thomson Clerk the Nephew also the other Executor in case he shall apply for the same
Transcription of the Will of George Bovingdon dated Nineteenth of June 1835
This is the last Will and Testament of me George Bovingdon of the Parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Cordwainer Whereas on attaining my age of twenty one years I become entitled to one moeity or half part of one thousand six hundred pounds four per Cent Annuities by virtue of a declaration of trust bearing date the twelveth day of June one thousand eight hundred and sixteen made between Charles Bovingdon of Rickmansworth aforesaid Farmer of the one part and George Thomson of the said Parish Esquire and Emmett Skidmore of Croxley Green in the same Parish Merchant of the other part or to such part thereof as was not sold out and am also entitled to the other moeity or half part thereof on the decease of my Mother Hannah Bovingdon and which is now standing in the books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England in the names of the said George Thomson and Emmett Skidmore and is now called the three and a half per cent stock Now I the said George Bovingdon do hereby appoint John Neale of Watford in the said County of Hertford Harness Maker William Belch of Chorleywood in the said parish of Rickmansworth Farmer and Daniel Dearin Brown of Mill End in the said Parish of Rickmansworth Baker Trustees of and for the purposes of this my Will that is to say In trust that they or the survivors of them or the executors or admors of such survivors do obtain and get out half part of the said stock or so much thereof is remaining transferred into their names and receive the interest dividends and proceeds thereof and of all other my Stock Money now standing in my own name in the books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England And also of the other moiety or half part of the said three and a half per Cent Stock after the decease of my said Mother Hannah Bovingdon and pay the same into the name of my dear Wife Frances Bovingdon or authorise her to receive the same during such time as my Children are under the age of twenty one years and she continues a Widow till that time towards the support of herself and maintenance education and bringing up of all my Children until they attain their respective ages of twenty one years and then the principal stock money to be paid to them share and share alike but if only one Child then the whole to be paid to that Child except four hundred pounds Stock afore mentioned my Will is in the event of my Children attaining their respective ages of twenty one years or if only one Child attains that age or all dying before then and in either of the said cases and my Wife being a Widow I give and bequeath unto my said Wife Frances Bovingdon four hundred pounds stock three hundred pounds stock part thereof now standing in my name and one hundred pounds stock part of the stock now standing in the name of the said George Thomson and Emmett Skidmore as aforesaid for her own use and benefit But in the event of all my Children dying under the age of twenty one years In further trust that they my said trustees or the survivors of them or the executors or admors of such survivors do pay the Interest Dividends and Proceeds of the remaining part of all my said stock money to my Mother Hannah Bovingdon for her life And after her decease do pay and divide the said remaining trust monies unto equally amongst the Children of my said Aunt Letitia Thomson Wife of the said George Thomson and the Children of my Aunt Susannah Neale Wife of the said John Neale that may then be living And I give and devise All those my two freehold cottages or tenements at Rickmansworth aforesaid now in the occupation of the said Hannah Bovingdon and Charles Watson with the appurtanances thereto belonging unto the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown to hold the same to them their heirs and assigns for ever In trust to sell and dispose of the same after the decease of my said Mother Hannah Bovingdon either by Private Contract or Public Auction as they or the survivors of the or the executors of such survivors shall think most proper to any person or persons whomsoever who shall be willing to purchase the same and to his her or their heirs for such price or prices in money as to them shall seem reasonable and upon payment of the monies arising by such sale to sign and give a proper receipt or receipts for the monies for which the same shall be sold which receipt or receipts ot them the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown or the survivors of them or the heirs of such survivors I do hereby declare shall be a sufficient and absolute discharge to any purchaser or purchasers for so much of the purchase money as shall be therein expressed or acknowledged to be received and such purchaser or purchasers shall not afterwards be obliged to see to the application or be answerable or accountable for any loss misappliaction or non applicaction the purchase money or any part thereof and the net money arising therefrom In trust that they my said trustees or the survivors of them or their executors or admons of such survivors do place the same out either on Government or real security and pay and apply the interest dividends and proceeds thereof to my said wife Frances Bovingdon or authorise her to receive the same during such time as my said Children are under the age of twenty one years and she continues a Widow also towards the further support of herself and the maintenance education and bringing up of my Children until they attain their respective ages of twenty one years and on their attaining that age to divide the principal money equally between them but if only one child then the whole to be paid or transferred to that Child And in case all my Children shall die under the age of twenty one years then my will is and I direct the same money to be divided equally between all the Children of my said Aunt Letitia Thomson and the Children of my said Aunt Susannah Neale as may be then living Also I give and bequeath to my said wife Frances Bovingdon All my Household Goods Furniture and Effects Stock in Trade ready money and all the Residue of my personal Estate and paying thereout all my just debts funeral and testamentary charges and expenses as soon as may be conveniently may be after my decease And I will and direct that my said trustees and executors shall be at liberty to reimburse themselves and himself all reasonable Costs Charges and Expenses and that each of them shall be answerable for his own acts And I do hereby nominate and appoint the said John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearin Brown Executors of this my last Will and hereby revoking and making void all former Wills and Codicils by me made or executed do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness thereof I the said George Bovingdon have to this my Will and contained and written in four sheets of paper to the first three sheets thereof set my hand and to the fourth and last sheet thereof my hand and seal this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty five George Bovingdon SS Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Bovingdon as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other subscribe our names as Witnesses to the same Philip Cowley Junr Watford John Butcher of Lo Tailor David Downer of Lo Hair Dresser
On the 11th August 1836 Admon with the Will annexed of the Goods Chattels and Credits of George Bovingdon late of the parish of Rickmansworth in the County of Hertford Cordwainer deceased was granted Frances Bovingdon Widow the Relict and Honorary Legatee named in the said Will having been sworn by Comon duly to administer John Neale William Belch and Daniel Dearing (in the will written as Dearin) Brown the Executors named in the said Will having first renounced the Probate and Execution thereof
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Sources (main document)
amershammuseum.org ancestry.co.uk croxleygreenhistory.co.uk familysearch.org findmypast.co.uk historicengland.org.uk Mike Collins March 2023 |
Sources (Bovingdon Wills)
ancestry.co.uk findmypast.co.uk Mike Collins March 2023 |
