Carrier
Will of John Carrier of Hartley, yeoman (1633)
He doesn't mention where he lives, but in 1657 his son Leonard was tenant of a block of land stretching from the north side of Castle Hill to the future Downs Valley. According to the will of George Eves in 1667, Leonard lived at Woodins, Church Road, which borders this block of land.
In the name of God, Amen, the 29th day of July 1633. I John Carrier of Hartley in the county of Kent, yeoman, being ???? in the body but of good and sound remembrance, laud and praise unto Almighty God, do make this my last will in manner and form following.
First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my creator, by whose merits in Jesus Christ, I hope to be saved. And my body to b buried in the churchyard of Hartley aforesaid.
Item: I give to my 3 sons, John Carrier, William Carrier and Leonard Carrier 10 shillings a piece, to be paid to them within one quarter of a year after my decease.
Item: I give to John Gardner my son in law, 12 pence.
Item: I give to his son John Gardner, 20 shillings to be paid within one month after my wife’s decease.
All the rest of my goods, corn, cattle, money, household stuff and chattels whatsoever, I give and bequeath to Mary my beloved wife, whom I make whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
(X) Mark of John Carrier
Read, subscribed and declared in the presence of (S) Charles Hutchinson, clerk (X) John Best.
Proved at Rochester 27.9.1633