Will of Henry Groombridge of Rotherfield Sussex

Prob/11/129 date 10 May 1617

In the name of god amen. The xbyth day of February anno Dom 1616 I Henry Groombridge of Rotherfield in the county of Sussex being sicke in body but of good and perfect remembrance thanks be given unto Almightie God therefore doe make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and forme following That is to say ffirst I will and bequeath my Soule unto Almightie God my merciful maker saviour and redeemer by whom and through whom I hope to have forgivness of all my shames and my body to the earth from whence it came and decently to be buried where it shall please God.

Item I will and bequeathe unto Thomas Groombridge and John Groombridge my brothers xb apiece to be payed unto them or their heirs within one year next after my decease.

Item I will and bequeathe unto Margaret Staensmoore my sister xxb to be paied unto her or her heirs within one year next after my decease.

Item I will and bequeath unto Thomas Hilles my mother's servant xb within gifts and legacies I will shall be payed by my executor hereafter names And all the residue of my goods not before by me willed I give and bequeath unto Elenor Groombridge my mother and unto James Groombridge my brother to be equally divided between them and I doe make the said James my brother sole executor. And I do and ordaine and appoynte John Champernoll (??) my uncle to be my overseer and I give unto him and his charges to be borne when he shall travel to see my will performed and oversees the said James my brother and I doe hold corsaint dwelling houses and … landes lying and being in Spelhurst in the country of Kent …

Item I will that the said Elenor my mother and her assignes shall have her use … and profitte of all that my part … of as not … of all the said dwelling houses and lande before mentioned as also my part of portion of any them houses and lands which were overe Thomas Groombridge my fathers late deceased lying and being in Spelhurst in the county of Kent to have and to hold unto her the said Elynor and her assignes for and during her natural life. And after the decease of the said Elynor I will and bequeath as well all that my part of all the said dwellings houses and lands undersaid as also all that my estate … right title interest layme and demand whatsoever which I gave or ought to have of and in my other lande with appurtenances which were my said father's lying in Spelhurst aforesaid unto the said James Groombridge my said brother to have and to hold unto him the said James his heirs and assignes for ever And for the better conservation of this my will I have hereunto sett my hand and seale these being … The marke of Henry Gromebridge, Anthony Fowle, Nicholas Fowle, John Holmer.

Probate May 1617