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Overy / Overey Family Wills
1450 - 1638

Will of William Overy of Ash (1450)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 12th day of September in the year of the Lord 1450. I William Overy, ill with sickness, fearing me (?) in danger of death, I made my will in this manner. First I leave my soul to Almighty God, his mother the Blessed Mary, and all the Saints. My body to be buried in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul, Ash.

Item. I leave to the high altar there for tithes forgot, 12d. Item. To the light of the blessed Mary 8d. Item. To the light of St Blase - 4d. Item. To the light of the Great Cross - 8d. Item. I leave for one torch for illumination at the time of the raising of the body of Christ - 3s 4d.

Item. I leave to Isabelle Yoold - 12d, and "lore beries" - 12d. Item. I leave to Roger Man - 6d. Item to John Smith - 1 bushel of wheat. Item. To each of my goddaughters at Bele Bynders - half a bushel of barley, and to John Taylor of Cyham - 1 "tofet de ber' ", and to each of my godsons with Joan at Wode - half a bushel of barley, and to John my godson of Thomas Man - half a bushel of barley, and to John my godson of John Ketell - 1 "tolfet' " of barley.

Item. I leave to my wife Joan, to John my son, to William my son, and to William Rumon - all my utensils and bedding, so that each will have one part of that, according to a true division after the death of the said Joan shall happen.

Item. I leave to Joan my wife, my messuage with the appurtenances in Longfeld (Longfield) called Siley Place, and one messuage there called Amers, a messuage in Assche called Romangs with all their appurtenances. The remainder of all my goods not left in the will, I give and leave to Joan my wife, (and) John Overey my son ande I make them executors that they order and dispose of them for the safety of my soul, as shall seem to them to be more expedient for the safety of my soul and all the faithful departed.

Given on the day and year above written with these witnesses: Robert at Wode, Richard Overey, JOhn Daw, John Smyth, Robert Clerk and many others. In witness of which matter, I have placed my seal on the will.

Will of William Overy of Horton Kirby (1482)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 26th day of May in the year of the Lord 1482. I William Overy of the parish of Horton next Frennyngham, of sound mind, make my will in the following manner: First I leave my soul to Almighty God and my body to be buried in the Churchyard of the Blessed Mary of Horton. Item: for tithes forgot to the said altar - 6d. Item: to the light of the Blessed Mary aforesaid - 4d. Item to [......] - 8d. Item: I leave to Hertlee Church - one [.......] ewe. Item: I leave to John the son of Richard Overey - one ewe and one lamb. Item: to each of my godchildren - [.....]. Item: to the high altar of Hertlee - 2s. Item: to the Rector of Hertlee - 2 lambs for tithe. Item: I leave to Blessed Mary of Walsyngham ? - 2d. Item: I leave to lord (? crofero) of H[......] - 2d. Item: to King Henry VI - 1d. Item: I will that my six sons and daughters shall have [6] acres of land for 6 marks (£4), if they or any of them are able to (buy) it for the said 6 marks. Item: I will that Richard Overey and John Overey, (my) sons, shall occupy my tenement with all its appurtenances in the parish of Hertle [..........] when John Overey my son shall be and reach the age of 20 years, and all profits for the whole time aforesaid shall be divided equally between the said Richard and John my sons. And when the said John is 20 years old, I will that then the said John my son shall have the said tenement of mine with all its appurtenances being in Hertlee, for himself and his heirs forever. And I will that the said John Overey my son, shall give to each of his brothers 3s 4d [..................] Item: that Joan my daughter shall have 40s at her marriage; and if it happens that the said Joan dies before she is married, then I will that her sister, my other daughter shall have 40s aforesaid on her marriage. Item: I will that the said Joan shall have one featherbed and one bolster, one brazen pot and one dish. Item: I will that Richard Overey and John Overey my sons shall have between them one brazen pot [.......]. Item: I will that Richard my son shall have 3s 4d. Item: I will that John Gens and Matilda Gens shall have 2 ewes and 2 lambs. The remainder of all my moveable goods, after my debts are paid, I give and will to my executors. And I make and appoint as executors of this my present will - John Gens of Sowthflete and I make John Newman senior of Kempsying supervisor; and to each of them for their labour - [...]s 8d. Witnesses to these presents: Henry Mabb, William Lese (?), William Smyth etc.

Will of John Overy of Hartley, labourer (1509)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 13th day of April in the year of the Lord 1509. I John Overy of Hartly of sound mind, make my will in this manner. Firstly: I leave my soul to God; my body to be buried in His cemetery there. Item: I leave to the high altar there - 20d. Item: I leave for the painting of one cloth to hang before the high beam of the high cross - 8d. Item: I leave to the parish church there - one cow worth 6s 8d. The remainder of all my goods, I leave and bequeath to Alice my wife, whom I appoint as my executor; and I make Thomas Brokhole my supervisor. With these witnesses: William Smyth and Laurence Sybbyng.

This is the last will of me the said Overey. First I will that Alice my wife shall have all my lands and tenements as long as she is widow. And if she die widow , I will that Robert my son have the foresaid house and lands and tenements to him and his heirs lawfully begotten after his death. And if she marry or else die widow, or the said Robert come to lawful age, then I will that he occupieth the said lands and rents, and shall keep (?) the said Robert till he come to lawful age or [..........] to yield accounts of the profits of the said lands to the use of the said Robert, when he cometh to lawful age. And I will that when the said Robert cometh to his lands that he give to every of his brethren 40s, which I will he pay to them at the age of 24 years within one year next following at 2 payments, that is to wit - 20s at each payment. And I will that the said Robert give to every of his sisters - 20s at their marriage. And if the said Robert die without heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Then I will that John my son shall have the foresaid house and lands and tenements, to him and to his heirs lawfully begotten. And if the said John die without issue lawfully begotten, then I will that the said lands and tenements remain to Thomas my son, and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And if the said Thomas decease without heirs of his body lawfully begotten; then I will that the lands and tenements remain to William my son, and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And if the said William decease without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then I will they remain to Richard my son and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten. And if the said Richard decease without heirs lawful, then I will that the said lands and tenements be sold and the money thereof to be spent in good use in singing of masses, reparation of churches and in other meritorious deeds for the souls of my father and mother and all Christian souls. Provided alway that if it shall fortune any of my said sons to have and enjoy the said lands and tenements as is above rehearsed, then I will that he that so doth enjoy the said lands and tenements, pay to his brethren and sisters the foresaid sum as the said Robert should pay after the manner and form above expressed. And if the same Robert or any of his said brethren to whom the said lands and tenements shall come to pay not to the said brethren or sisters or they depart the worth within the years above rehearsed the sum to them bequeathed above, then I will that their part that so deceaseth shall be equally deputed?

Will of John Overy of Hartley of Ash, yeoman (1555)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 16th day of July in the year of Our Lord God 1555. I John Overy of the parish of Harteley in the county of Kent and within the diocese of Rochester, being sick of body but whole in memory and perfect of understanding (praised be God Almighty) do constitute ordain and make this my present will and last testament in manner and form hereafter ensuing. That is to say, First and principally I bequeath my soul to Almighty God, our Blessed Lady, and to all the Holy Company of Heaven. And my body to be buried in the churchyard of All Saints' in the parish of Hartely aforesaid. Item: I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Overay my wife: all that my tenement called Hayes with all the lands unto the same belonging, lying on the north side of the highway with a little croft that I lately bought of my son Richard joining unto the same; and during the life natural of my said wife. And if it fortune that she dwell upon the said house herself, that then she shall during the said time pay the quitrent with all other charges going out of the said land and tenement. And also shall well sufficiently repair, uphold and maintain all the said housing tenentably when and as oft as need shall require, without any strip or waste to be done or permitted upon the said ground during the said term. And if it happen my said wife not to dwell thereupon herself, that then I will that Richard Overy my son shall pay unto her yearly during her said life 40s of good and lawful money of England, and also to discharge her for all other reparations and charges going out of the said land and tenement. And after the decease of my said wife, I will the same land do remain unto Richard my son during his life. And after the death of my said son Richard, I will all my said lands remain unto Abraham Overay, his son, and to his heirs male of his body lawfully begotten. I will the said lands do remain unto the brethren of the said Abraham if there be any. And for lack of heirs male of their bodies lawfully begotten. That then I will the said lands and tenements shall be equally divided between Johan and Sybill my daughters and to their heirs for ever. Item: I give and bequeath unto Richard Overy my son, the residue of all my lands and tenements set lying and being in Harteley, Fawkham and Asshe or elsewhere within the said county of Kent, during his life natural, and after his decease I will the said lands and tenements do remain unto Abraham his son and to the heirs mails of his body lawfully begotten as is before specified. Item: I give unto Elizabeth my wife - 20 mother sheep and 3 of the best kine that I have, and straw to feed them this winter. And also 10 quarters of wheat, 10 quarters of barley and 3 quarters of oats, and all the household stuff during the life of my said wife. And after her death, I will the same household stuff to be equally divided between two daughters Johan and Sybill. I give unto my said wife - a sow, 2 hogs and all my poultry. Item: I give and bequeath unto my daughters Johan and Sybill to either of them - £20 of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto them at the day of their marriage. And for default of payment it shall be lawful for my said daughters to enter upon my said lands and the same to keep unto such time as they be fully paid the said sum. And either of them to be other's heir if they die before they be married. Item: I give unto John Man and Richard Northasshe - 20s to either of them. Item: I give unto John Page - 5s and my best russet cloak. The residue of all my goods not bequeathed, my debts being paid, my funeral discharged, I give and bequeath wholly unto Richard Overey my son, whom I constitute and ordain and make my full and whole executor of my present will and testament. And Sir William Potter, clerk and parson of Harteley, and James Cryppes to be mine overseers. Witnesses: Thomas Walter the elder, John Cowrt alias Gardner and Geoffrey Up Coan (?) with others.

Proved 24 September 1555.

Will of Richard Overy the elder of Hartley, yeoman (1591)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 22nd day of May 1591.... I Richard Overie the elder of Harteley ... yeoman, being sick in body but of good and perfect mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, do make this my .... testament and last will in manner and form following, that is to say,

First I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my maker, hoping to be saved by the precious death and passion of Jesus Christ, my saviour. And my body to be buried in the parish churchyard of Harteley aforesaid.

Item: I bequeath unto my two daughters Dorothy (Overy) and Joan (Overy), to either of them, two pairs of sheets. Item: I bequeath unto my servant Alice Warren, one pair of sheets. Item: I bequeath unto Thomas Hadlowe my best russet cassock. Item: I bequeath unto the said Thomas Hadlowe and John Burton to either of them, a coat cloth of russet. The residue of all my goods, my debts and legacies first paid and my funeral expenses discharged, I give unto my son Richard Overie whom I make my executor of this my ... last will and testament.

This is the last will and testament of me, the said Richard Overie, made and declared the day and year abovesaid, concerning the disposition of all my lands, tenements and hereditaments as followeth. That is to say, I give unto my said son Richard Overie, all my messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances whatsoever, which sometime were the messuages, lands, tenements or hereditaments of William Ellys (William Ellis) deceased. And all those messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances whatsoever which sometime were the messuages, lands, tenements or hereditaments of William Smyth (William Smith) deceased. And also all those messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances whatsoever, which sometime were the messuages, lands, tenements or hereditaments of William Tapers deceased. To have and to hold all the said messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances unto the said Richard Overie and his heirs forever. And also touching the residue of all my lands, tenements and hereditaments there needeth no mention to be made of them in this my will, for that they are heretofore assured, assured after y death unto my son Abraham Overie deceased and his heirs.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year above written. These being witnesses viz Richard Overie the younger, John Burton, Thomas Hadlowe and me. Phillip Aram, Richard Overie the younger his mark, John Burton, Thomas Hadlowe his mark, Thomas Cripps's mark, William Cayno curate, Richard Best's mark, William Cripes, Richard Overie the elder his mark.

Proved at Rochester 3 August 1591.

Will of John Overy of Hartley, yeoman (1626)

Kent Archives

John Overy owned Mintmakers and Fairby Farms, he had one son John Overy, who was to inherit them - but only if he didn't marry Ann Fuller of West Kingsdown. If he did then he was to be cut off with the proverbial shilling!

In the name of God, Amen. The (2nd?) of August.. 1624. I John Overie of Hartley .... yeoman, somewhat weak in body, but of good and perfect remembrance do here make and ordain this my last will and testament in writing, in manner and form following.

First I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God, my maker and creator, with assured confidence of eternal salvation by the only merits and mediation of Christ Jesus, my alone saviour and redeemer, and my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried within the churchyard of Hartley aforesaid in such decent manner as to mine executors shall be thought fit.

Item: my will is and I do give and bequeath unto Joyce Overie (Jane Overy), my wife, the moiety or one half of all my lands and tenements with all profits and commodities thereto belonging, during her natural life, she paying and discharging all debts, legacies, customs and entries (?) belonging to the foresaid moiety or one half of my said lands during her natural life aforesaid, if she keep herself widow and unmarried, but if she shall marry again, then my will is that she leave the foresaid one half of my lands and have £10 by the year paid unto her yearly out of the same lands during her life, and also to have that chamber over the hall in my now dwelling house at Hartley aforesaid for the term of her life.

Item: I do give and bequeath unto John Overy my son and to his heirs forever all my lands and tenements whatsoever, the one half or moiety to enter upon immediately after my decease, adn the other half after the death or marriage of Joyce Overy my wife as aforesaid.

Item: I do give and bequeath unto Joyce my wife, all such household stuff and implements of household as were her own before I was married to her; all the one iron jack and spits thereto belonging; all the rest of my household stuff I do give and bequeath unto my son John Overie and my two daughters Ellen (Overy) and Joan Overy to be equally divided among them. So that the table, stools, bed presses and courtcupboard (?) in the parlour, the furnace, brewing vessel, "maukkinge fatt", and malt quern may not be removed but remain in their places, my son John Overy allowing and paying to his said sisters so much money for the same as their parts shall come to, the said goods being indifferently by two honest men.

Item: I do give and bequeath unto the said Ellen Overie, my eldest daughter, eitehr the sum of £50 of good and lawful money of England to be paid unto her by my executors within 7 years after my death, or within one half year after she shall be married which shall first happen. And for and towards her better maintenance, I do further give unto the said Ellen Overy... 50 shillings in the year to be likewise paid unto her by my executors yearly during the foresaid term of 7 years or until the said sum of £50 be fully discharged and paid. Item: I do give and bequeath unto Joan Overy, my younger daughter, the sum of £50 of like lawful money of England, to be paid unto her by my executors within 7 years next after my death, or within one half year after the said Joan Overy shall be married, which shall first happen. And and towards her better maintenance, I do further give unto the said Joan Overy... 50 shillings by the year to be paid unto her by my executors yearly during the foresaid term of 7 years or until the said sum of £50 be fully discharged and paid.

All the rest of my goods, cattles and chattels unbequeathed, my debts being paid and funeral expenses discharged, I do give and bequeath unto Joyce my wife and John Overy my son, equally betwixt them, and I do make and ordain hereby the said Joyce my wife and my son John Overy executors of this my last will and testament, renouncing all former wills. Provided always and my will and intent is that if my foresaid son John Overie be married unto Ann Fuller the daughter of James Fuller of Kingsdowne in the county of Kent aforesaid, husbandman, or shall at any time marry with the said Ann Fuller, then in regard of his obstinate disobedience, my mind and will is that he shall not inherit any of my lands, but do hereby give and bequeath unto him as his full part and portion of all my lands and goods, the sum of 12 pence of lawful money of England to be paid unto him by my executors hereafter named. And then I do will and give and bequeath unto Joan Overy, my younger daughter, all my foresaid lands and tenements unto the said Joan Overy and to her heirs forever, in as full and complete manner and at the same times and after sort that ehy were given and bequeathed unto John Overy, my son. And that she and her heirs may as fully and amply enjoy the same as that the said John Overie my son, might or ought to have done if this proviso had not be made. And likewise I do give and bequeath unto the said Joan Overie my daughter, all that part and portion of my goods, cattle and chattels within this my will before this proviso, I did give or nominate to give and bequeath unto John Overie my son. She paying and discharging all such debts and legacies and duties as are before nominated or were or might have been due for him the said John Overy, to have paid if this proviso had not been. And also she the said Joan Overy paying unto Ellen Overy her sister £100 of lawful money of England, and £3 by the year according to the years and times that the forenamed sums of £50 and 50 shillings by the year should have been paid unot her if this proviso had not been made, anything in this my will heretofore contained to the contrary in case wise notwithstanding. And then I do hereby institute and ordain my foresaid wife Joyce Overy and my daughter Joan Overy executors of this my last will and testament, revoking and renouncing all other and former wills.

In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal the 9th day of August aforesaid 1624. John Overy, sealed and signed as my last will and testament in the presence of Nicholas Fremlyn, the mark of John Rogers, William Downe.

Memorandum. That it is further my will and mind that if it should happen the aforesaid portions of my two daughters Elline Overie and Joane Overy shall not be paid to them with the use and rent at such time or times and in form and manner as is expressed before in this my will. Then my mind is that my said daughters shall enter into my lower lands, called (...)he Field (probably meant to be Yewfield), being three croft, and Carehill with the shaws belonging, Base Deane, Great Huttock, Little Huttock with the shaws to them belonging. To have, hold and enjoy all the aforesaid lands with all and singular their appurtenances, profits and commodities until such time as they be fully satisfied and paid their aforesaid portions of £50 a piece with the foresaid rents and arrerages if any shall happen to be behind unpaid. In withness whereof, I have put my hand seal to this codicil, the 11th day of August 1624 John Overie. Sealed and signed and annexed to this my last will and testament which was made the 9th day of August 1624 in the presence of charles Hutchinson, clerk, Stephen Kipps, Phillipp Overie, Richard Best.

Proved at Rochester, 7 July 1626.

Will of Anne Overy of Hartley, widow (1638)

Kent Archives

In the name of God, Amen. The 22th day of August in the year of Our Lord God 1638. I Anne Overy of Hartley in the county of Kent, widow, being sick in body but whole in memory but of good and sound remembrance, laud and praise be to Almighty God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

First I bequeath my soul to Almighty god, my creator, by whose mercy in Jesus Christ I trust to be saved, and my body to the earth to be buried in the churchyard of Hartley aforesaid.

Item: I give and bequeath to Denise Smith my eldest daughter, the sum of £5, and I give more to her children, the like sum of £5, to be paid within one half year next after my decease.

Item. I give to James and Elizabeth Jacob, the children of my daughter Ellen, the sum of £5 a piece to be paid to them within one year after my decease.

Item: I give to my daughter Martha Barnet the sum of £5 and £5 more to her children, to be paid to them wihin 2 months after my decease.

Item: I give to my daughter Dorcas Moorly, the sum of £5 and to her children £5 more to be paid within 1 year after my decease. Item: I give more to her my wedding ring and my warming pan.

Item: I give to Joan, Anne, Parnell and John, the children of my son Philip, 20 shillings a piece, and to Joan, a silver spoon.

Item: I give to the aforesaid John Overy, the bed which I lie on with all that belongs unto it.

Item: I give all my wearing apparel and linen to my daughters Martha and Dorcas equally to be divided between them. I give more to the aforementioned John Overy, my grandchild, one plain chest in the chamber where I lie and one suare box to his sister Parnell, which is also there, and also one flaxen sheet. All the rest of my goods, money owing me, cattle and chattels whatsoever unbequeathed, I do give to my son Philip Overy, whom I do make and ordain my whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament. He paying my debts and legacies bequeathed, and burial expenses.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first abovewritten.

Anne Overye (X)

Read, sealed, subscribed and published in the presence of Charles Hutchinson rector (S), Thomas Jones (S), Nicholas Middleton (X)

Proved at Rochester, 22 October 1638.

Will of John Overy of Hartley, yeoman (1652)

Reference: Centre for Kentish Studies (CKS) DRb/Pwr/23.147

In the name of God, Amen. The 31st Day of October in the Year of the Lord 1652. I John Overie of Hartley in the county of kent, yeoman, being sick in body, but of good and perfect remembrance (thanks be to God) doe make nad ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say).

First I commit and bequeath my soul to Almighty God, my creator, trusting assuredly to be saved by the merits of Jesus Christ, my only saviour and saviour (sic) redeemer, and my body to the earth, to be decently buried in hope of a ??full? Resurrection at the final day.

Item: I give and bequeath unto Alice Overie, my loving wife, the saum of four score pounds, to be paid unto her, so soon as the same shall be raised out of my stock.

Item: I give and bequeath unto Edward Gosling and Oliver? Gosling, her two children - £10 a piece, to be paid to either of them at their serveral ages of one and twenty years.

Item: I give to Joan Hockett, my sister, the sum of 40 shillings one year after my decease or the day of marriage, which shall first happen.

Item: I give to Elizabeth Overie, my youngest daughter the sum of £40 to be employed for her best benefit until she shall attend the age of one and twenty years, and then to be paid unto her.

Item: my mind and will is that all my corn, cattle and stock whatsoever shall be sold for the performance and payment of all the legacies by me give and bequeathed. And my debts, legacies, funeral expenses being discharged, I do give and bequeath the remainder and residue of my stock to John Overie and Richard Overie, my two sons, to be equally divided between them.

Item: I give to my wife, all such household stuff a was hers before I was married unto her.

Item: my mind and will is that all my household stuff, linen, pewter and brass be equally divided between my two sons and my two daughters.

And I do entreat, nominated and desire John Walter of Fawkham, John Crowherst of Longfield yeoman, and William Smith of Fawkham to be the executors and overseers of this my last will and testament, for the benefit of my two sons. And to be aiding and assisting to them in the performing of the same.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year first above written.

(X) John Overie

Published and declared in the presence of Thomas Hackett (S), and Rachel Alchen (X). Proved 24 November 1652.