This is the last Will and Testament of me James Briant the Elder of the
Parish of Ashwell in the County of Hertford Labourer First I give and bequeath
unto my Grandson Thomas Briant his Heirs and Assigns for ever All that Cottage
or Tenement with the Orchard and other Appurtenances thereunto belonging situate
in Ashwell aforesaid now in my own Occupation And I do hereby expressly charge
the said Cottage and Hereditaments with the payment unto Mr ... Westrope of
Ashwell aforesaid Farmer of all such Monies as I shall owe to him on Note or
otherwise at the time of my decease in exoneration and exemption of my Personal
Estate and I give unto my Sons Thomas and James such Cows as I shall happen to
have at the time of my decease All the rest of my Cattle Goods Chattles and
Personal Estate whatsoever I bequeath unto my Sons William, Paul and James they
paying thereout my Funeral and Testamentary Expences And I nominate and appoint
my said Son Paul and the said William Westrope Executors of this my Will and
hereby revoking all former Wills and Codicils I do declare this to be my last
Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said James Briant the Elder the
Testator have hereunto set my Hand this twentieth day of May in the Year of Our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
James Briant the Elder his X mark
Signed Published and Declared by the said James Briant the Elder the Testator
as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request
and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed
our names as Witnesses.
H. O. Roe of Baldock
John Payne of Stotfold
Wm Stocken Clerk to Messrs Hindley & Roe
Hitchin 8th June 1819
William Westrope one of the Executors named in the
annexed Will was duly sworn to execute the same and that the effects of the
deceased are not of the value of Twenty Pounds. Reserving the like power to Paul
Briant.