WILL OF JOSEPH HORT of Sandwich, proved 1720

Religious dedication

“In the Name of God Amen.” These are the usual opening words of wills at this time. Earlier ones often add more detail, such as a reference to Jesus Christ.

Name, place and occupation of testator

Joseph Hort, senior, of Sandwich, Dorset, marbeller. He is “senior” because his son is also called Joseph. Sandwich is an old name for Swanage. Purbeck ‘marble’, a kind of polishable limestone, was quarried in this area.

Property holding

He gives the parishes where his lands lie and, later, names the occupant of his house in Swanage.

Nominal bequest

A bequest of 1s was usually given to show a beneficiary was being slighted.

Relatives

Joseph mentions a total of 10 relatives as beneficiaries in this will.

Probate

The will was dated 23 July 1719 but was proved on 7 May 1720 by the executrix named in the will, his daughter Elizabeth Pus(h)man. The probate adds that she is the wife of John.

Witness signatures

Wills had to have at least two witnesses, but often there were more. Robert and Abel Bonfield signed, but Alice Banaster made her mark as she could not write.

Archive reference

Wills are classified by the date of probate; the archive reference appears in pencil. This will was proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Dorset.