Kemp Will 1571

Will of John Kempe

of Thanet St Peter, Kent

Source: Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral Archives PRC 17/41/288
Submitted by Shelagh Mason

In the name of God Amen The Thirtenth day of October in the xij yeare of the reigne of our Sovreigne ladye Elizabeth by the grace of God of England Fance and Ireland Quene Defnder of the fayth etc.
I John Kempe of Ridden Streate in the parishe of Saynt Peter within the yle [Isle] of Thanet in the Countye of Kent (God be thanked) beinge whole in memorye, but sicke in bodye do make and ordayne this my present Testament concerning herein my last will in manner and forme folowinge
Fyrst I Bequeath my Soule unto Almightye God my maker and redeemer and my bodye to be buryed in the parishe church yard of Saynt Peter aforesayd

Item I give and bequeath unto Custance Kempe [Constance] myne elder daughter two ewes
Item I give and bequeath unto Katherine Kempe my younger daughter two ewes
to be delivered unto them at their dayes of maryage

The rest of all my moveable goodes unbequeathed and not gyven (my debtes and legacyes discharged and my bodye honestlye brought into the earth) I give and bequeath unto Margarett Kempe my wife who with John Culmer I make and ordeyne Executors
And Thomas Cocklinge myne Overseer

Witnesses here unto Edward Rede Anthony Noble with others

This is the last Will and Testament of me the within written John Kempe of and uppon all my landes and Tenementes sett lyinge and beinge within the pishe of Saynt Peter aforesayd or els where

Item I give and bequeath unto Margarett Kempe my wife all that my Tenement and Landes with thapurtenances which I have sett lyinge and beinge in Rydden Streate in the Parishe Isle and Countye aforesayd, duringe the terme of her naturall lyfe, so that she kepe and bringe up my Two children well and honestlye and kepinge sufficient Repairations on the Tenement

After whose decease I will and bequeath the sayd Tenement and landes with thappurtenances unto Custance and Katherine my daughters in fee simple
But if it chance the sayd Margaret my wife to Marye agayne and so doinge, my Children not well and honestlye kepte, Then I will that my Executors or his Assignes do enter wholye in and uppon my sayd Tenement and landes with thappurtenances to the onlye use and behoufe of my Two Children aforesayd

And if it fortune that my sayd daughters do dye without heyres of their bodyes lawfullye begotten, Then I will that my Sister Margarett and her heyres shall have my said Tenemente and Landes with thappurtenances yelding and paying unto my Sister Sibell or unto her heyres within Two yeres nexte after the sayd Tenement and landes shall come into their handes Tenn Poundes sterlinge

Witnesses hereunto as afore: Edward Rede Anthony Noble with others

Probatum fuit: Primo die February 1571.

Notes: Parish registers for St. Peter�s do not commence until 1582.

Transcribed by Shelagh Mason 12th March 2019. All rights waived for personal use � BUT please quote source and reference.

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Will of John Kempe
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