Faversham means a wright or smith's settlement. The old name for the stream which flows through Faversham was the Fishborne ('fish stream')
St. Mary of
Charity church. the parish boundaries were established by 636,
which suggests an early Saxon foundation. The first written record comes from
1070 when William the Conqueror granted an existing church here to St
Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury.
The most striking exterior
feature of the church is the distinctive corona spire, added from 1794-1797 to
replace an earlier medieval spire which was found to be unsafe and destroyed in
1753.
The medieval authorities
probably decided to invest in a lavish building to counteract the pulling power
of the famous abbey which stood to the east.
The church was historically
linked to Faversham Abbey, which was favoured by King Stephen and his family.
Stephen, his queen Matilda, and their son Eustace were all buried in the Abbey.
When the Abbey was dissolved
at the Reformation the royal tombs were ransacked and the bones tossed in a
nearby stream. Persistent legend says that Stephen's bones were rescued from
their watery resting place and placed in an empty tomb on the south wall of the
Trinity Chapel of St Mary's church.
It wasn’t King Stephen who built Faversham Abbey – he was too busy enjoying himself fighting battles – it was his wife Queen Matilda (not to be confused with Empress Matilda his rival) and her money.’ The Abbey was a considerable feat, measuring 360ft in length, longer than Rochester Cathedral. Queen Matilda is also historically linked with one of the more visible women in Faversham’s history as, after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, the remains of the Abbey were assigned to the mayor Thomas Arden who little suspected he was shortly to be whacked by his wife Alice. (see Arden House)
Queen Matilda also gave an acre of land between the Abbey and Faversham church and provision for an anchoress called Helmid to live in a small room built on the north side of the church. There is still a cross-shaped squint in the wall of St Mary’s which could date from this time.
There is a 19th-century
plaque marking the ornately carved tomb recess, but there is no way to prove -
or disprove - that the bones within belong to King Stephen, though there are
small carved heads of a king and queen on the tomb recess.
When I visited an exhibition about medieval women at the British Library, I took the opportunity of photographing the following:
Faversham's pride is an
octagonal column at the north-east corner of the nave. The column is painted
around its entire circumference with scenes from the life of Christ, stretching
from the column base to the carved capital. The vivid paintings date from 1306
and are, if not completely unique, at least one of the very few such columns
remaining in Britain.
There are three tiers of
paintings, not necessarily arranged in narrative order! The lowest tier depicts
the Annunciation, the Visitation, and Adoration. The angel Gabriel is shown
saluting Mary, who is embraced by Elizabeth. Then the Three Magi offer gifts to
the infant Christ.
The central tier of images
shows the Nativity, with a kneeling shepherd, watching animals, and a partial
figure of Joseph. This is followed by a depiction of The Presentation, with
Christ's family attended by Simeon in the Temple. The top tier of the column
shows the Passion of Christ, from the Crucifixion to a scene of an angel and
three women at the tomb of Christ, with empty grave clothes draped over the
tomb.
The chancel is lined with
medieval choir stalls, a dozen of them decorated with a fantastic series of
15th-century misericords (four more are Victorian copies). The misericords are
believed to have been brought here from Faversham Abbey at the Dissolution.
Each misericord, designed to
offer support to monks during long services, is made from a single piece of
oak. Among the figures depicted are a woodwose, or wild man of the woods, a
jester playing the bagpipe, a bearded man with three faces, a grinning ape, a
fox, a camel, a winged demon, a donkey, and a fox with a bunch of grapes.
One fascinating carving shows
a naked man battling a gryphon, while another depicts a wolf half-hidden under
a sheepskin.
Unfortunately, my health being such as it is, I couldn't lift the seats to picture the misericords, so for once, I have cheated, and just taken a picture of the explanatory boards nearby.
In addition to the
misericords, the bench ends feature beautifully carved figures. One
extraordinary series of carvings tell a story, with three animals resembling
monkeys gathering around a branch bearing fruit.
One creature offers a piece
of fruit to another, while a third holds out a paw to receive it. Other figures
resemble a winged lion, a mermaid, a dog's head on the body of a bird, a horned
sheep, an otter, and an antelope, among other strange and wonderful mythical
creatures.
Again, I couldn't cover them all.
Perhaps the most striking
memorial in the church is the brightly painted tomb chest of Edward Fagg, an
Elizabethan gentleman of Faversham. Fagg is shown reclining, his head supported
by his elbow, his long grey beard flowing. The inscription says that from 1594
'he passed his time ... in laudable study and weighty business'. perhaps
that explains his rather severe expression!
EDWARD FAGG Armiger
Acaemia Canta brigiensi acvmine ingenii literarum profectu
speque futura clarus In exteris regionibus tum mores tum leges
observando maximo prudentiae incremento judicium auxit Cum ANNA
THEOBALD THOMAE NEVISON de Eastry Armig relicta vitam iucunde
peramanterque traduxit ex qua fili filiasque suscepit duas
vidvatum tandem ab Anno cicicxciiii studio laudabill negotiis
gravioribus traduxit Admodum prudens suis perbenignus omnibus
hospitalis. Anno aetat suae lviii senium confecit Anno Dom ciciccxviii
Memoriae sacrum
MARIA et ANNA filliae haeredes superstites
in honorem tanti partris moestae posverunt
(EDWARD FAGG, Esquire, student of the University of Cambridge, well
known for his clarity of thought, proficiency of learning and future
promise. By his observations of both laws and customs abroad,
he enlarged his understanding with considerable richness of
learning . He passed his life agreeably and most happily with
ANNE daughter of THEOBALD NEVISON, Esquire of Eastry and by
her had a son and two daughters. At length in widowed
state, he passed his time from the year 1594 in laudable study and
weighty business, at once wise, kind to his friends and hospitable
to all. He died in the 58th year of his age in the year of the Lord,
1618. Sacred to the memory of such a man, his sorrowing
daughters and surviving heiresses, MARY and ANNE, have erected
this in his honour)
| Middle pilaster ANNA THEOBALD RICHARDI THEOBALD de Seale apud Cantianos Armigeri filia primo THOMAE NEVISON de Eastry Armig despensate decima suscepta prole propter summas animae corporisque dotes maternamque suavitatem hanc mervit commemorationem | Right hand panel MICHAEL FAGG Militiae ergo ad provintias unitas profectus honorem quaerens mortem invenit immaturam et in civitate Ultraiactensi manet sepultus |
Another very fine tomb is
that of Joane Norton (d. 1535), consisting of a richly carved tomb chest under
a canopied opening. There is a bit of family politics associated with the
Norton tomb; Joane (Joan) had already paid to have the tomb built, anticipating
she would lie beside her second husband, Sir John Norton.
Her husband, however, decided
to be buried with his first wife at Milton, Kent, whereupon Joan changed her
mind and asked to be buried with her first husband at Ingrave, Essex. The
Norton tomb was finished, but Joane stipulated in her will that it be used as
an Easter Sepulchre.
Gilbert Scott, one of the
leading Victorian church architects, designed the beautifully carved
pulpit. The previous pulpit, carved by Grinling Gibbons, was sold to Graveney
church in 1874.
Near the site hereof are left the
change of nature in its last tour
of STEPHEN BAX Esqr
(late impropriator of this parish)
who died the 8th of December 1758
aged 69 years
Also of SARAH his third wife
following the 12th of July 1782
aged 63 years
Likewise their son STEPHEN the 12th of
March 1770 aged 26 years
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 27th August 1748
Stephen Bax, Gentleman
His wife, Sarah, John Smith of Faversham, Gentleman and Robert Lukyn of Faversham, Gentleman, are his executors.
According to a Power of Authority he holds by an Indenture of Release, dated 21st January 1746, between him and his wife, Sarah, on the first part, Mary Bax and Stephen Bax, then their only children, on the second part and John Hilton and William Hilton, of the third part, he now revokes and makes void the estate in the indenture of release, concerning his property known as Strangman's, with about 70 acres of land, in Badlesmere and Molash, occupied by John Gammon, which he recently bought from Richard Waterman and Elizabeth his wife, formerly Elizabeth Videan, for £725. He now appoints the use of the property to his son, Stephen, for ever.
His personal estate, after his debts, funeral costs and related costs are paid, one third to wife, Sarah, the remainder to his wife and the other two executors, upon trust. They are to sell and invest the money at interest for the benefit of his two children, Mary and John, until they are 21, during their minority, the interest towards their maintenance and education. When they are 21 the principal to be paid to them equally shared. If the sum is more than £725 each, (the sum he paid for Strangman's, which he has devised to son Stephen, the surplus to be paid to his children. Mary, John and Stephen, in equal shares.
Witnesses: Susannah Knight, Walter Holmes and Thomas Buck
Proved 19th July 1759
Stephen Bax, Senior, was Mayor of Faversham in 1720, 1734 and 1740
John Chapman Joachim, late of "Shelve", Lenham, now of Chancery Lane, Middlesex, Gentleman.
All his debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.
He desires to be buried in the family vault in Faversham church and a tablet erected to his memory and that of his late sister, Catherine Hill, similar to one already erected in memory of his parents.
All his real estate, subject to payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs and legacies, if personal estate not sufficient, to Edward Augustus Joachim of Faversham and also his stocks, funds, money, mortgages, securities and personal estate, upon trust, to sell enough to make up a fund of £4,000, which he will invest and pay interest, from time to time, to Ann Ivatts, formerly of Aylesbury for her support, for life. After her death, the £4,000 to be divided equally between Edward Augustus and Frederick Chapman Joachim. Also to Frederick, £2,000, upon trust, this sum to be paid to such person as appointed by Sophia Mary Tyler, sister of Frederick, as trustee or trustees, and interest to be paid to Sophia Tyler, for life. After her death, the £2,000 to be equally divided between her children, in best manner for their maintenance and education. To Edward Augustus Joachim, his goods and chattels, for ever. To John Thurston and Christopher Daniel Hayes, his executors, £200 out of first money they receive, provided they prove his will, also the residue of his stock funds, money, mortgages, securities, goods and chattels, for ever. Also to them real estate held in trust, by him, according to the several trusts.
Witnesses: Thomas Ralfe, Stock Broker, Stock Exchange and Richard Hillary, Clerk to Mr Ralfe and T. Naverstone, Junior, Attorney, Cranbrook
Codicil 26th September 1822
He now resides at 19 East Street, Middlesex. He appoints Thomas Ralfe of 44 Tokenhouse Yard, executor, with Christopher Daniel Hayes, John Thurston has died since will was executed, he gives Ralfe, £200 for his trouble.
Witnesses: William Knight , W.T. Knight, both of Lothbury, Gentlemen and Francis Thurstone of "Shelve", Kent.
Proved 21st November 1822
Near this Place lie the Remains of
MICHAEL JONES Mayor of this Town in 1713
who died 4th May 1715 aged 61 leaving issue 3
sons, ISAAC & MICHAEL (here interred) & HENRY.
ISAAC (Mayor in 1723, 1735 & 1745) died 30th
June 1756 aged 68 leaving 3 daughters MARY,
ELIZABETH & ANNE. MICHAEL who ordered this
Monument to be erected had 5 children, ELIZ:
ISAAC, MICHAEL, JAMES and MICHAEL, all of
whom he survived. His Disposition was
Benevolent; and his Kindness to the
necessitous conspicuous. Having been
21 Years Chamberlain & 50 Years a Member
of this Corporation he died respected &
regretted 11th Augt. 1774 at the age of 79
Canterbury Court Will Dated 2nd May 1715
Michael Jones, Hoyman and Jurat of Faversham.
He is sick.
To wife Mary, £10 immediately after his death and an annuity of 25 shillings for life; also £1,220, as arranged by deed before their marriage, in lieu of her Dower Rights or from his third part of several properties in Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury. Before their marriage, she engaged , at her death, to leave his children, £100. If she shall happen to have [money?] left spare , he leaves it to her to leave the sum, in proportions she decides to his children.
To son Isaac, £5 for a suit of mourning, he is already provided for. To grandchildren, Mary and Nicholas Jones, £20 each, this money is due to him by son, Isaac, by agreement before his marriage. Before his (Isaac's) daughter Anne's marriage with Henry Tanner, he agreed to give her £100 and £50 has been paid. Henry and Anne have had several household goods from him, on condition that Henry Tanner permits grandson, Michael Tanner, to have £50, the residue of the £100, in that case, he gives Michael that sum within 18 months after his death. To son, Michael, £200, to son Henry, £200 and his third part of one house in Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury, for ever; testator is entitled to this property on the death?, of Widow Monds?, he bought this from his sister, Copper; one other third part, to son Henry, by right of testator's late wife Jane, after the death of Widow Monds.
If there is any surplus left in his personal estate, after payment of his debts, legacies and funeral costs, the sons, Henry and Michael to equally share it. If there is not enough in his personal estate to pay legacies, then sons Henry and Michael to make up the shortfall from their cash legacies.
A sermon is to be preached at his funeral and the text is to be from the 9th verse of the 27th Psalm.
He gives 40 shillings to buy bread, to be distributed to the poor, within 2 days of his death. He appoints good friend, Henry Knowler of Faversham, Carpenter and John Kennett of Luddenham, Yeoman, executors, and gives them, for their trouble, £5 each. He appoints Isaac Terry of Faversham, Overseer of the will, to assist executors. Terry is also Guardian and Tutor of sons, Henry and Michael, while they are minors. To wife, Mary, all household goods, chattels and linen, she brought with her when they married.
Witnesses: William Day, Junior, George Fowler and Walter ? Jones
Proved 4th January 1715 (1716)
6th Somerset Light Infantry, Lewis gun section
reported missing in the battle of Ypres
August 22nd 1917
aged 32 years
Battery Sergeant-Major C.J. Godfrey 1/1 Kent Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery. died of wounds in France, 14/1/1917, Age 37.
Near this Pillar
Lye the Body's
of JOHN BATEMAN, Esq.,
and SARAH his Wife.
He having been Mayor
of this Corporation four
Times. He died in that
Office June the 2nd 1725
Aged 71
She June 28th 1727
Aged 68
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 31st May 1722
John Bateman, Mayor of Faversham.
Desires to be buried in the middle aisle in Faversham parish church, under the "great stone", which has no inscription. (presumably worn away with age ?).
All his debts and funeral costs to be first paid.
Ready money, plate, linen, household goods and implements, to his wife, Sarah, for ever. She is his executor.
Witnesses: Stephen Everard, Ros ? Rennett and Michael Botham
Proved 1st July 1725
MARVEL PACKER
Alderman of this
Borough, Parochial Councillor
and Sidesman of this Church
born 15th May 1846 died 13th December 1926
"Peace, Perfect Peace"
This tablet is erected by his widow
GORDON STEWART BROWN
Captain and Adjutant 1st Battalion
The Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment
much loved fifth son of HENRY J. BROWN of Faversham
who died at Boulogne 27th November 1914
of wounds received in action near Ypres, Belgium
in the 25th year of his age
Mentioned in Despatches
A native of the City of Canterbury
but long an inhabitant of this Town
and a zealous promoter of it's welfare
Exemplary through life in the discharge
of every relative and social duty
he died sincerely lamented
Nov 26th 1788 aged 75
By his first wife, MARGARET daughter
of JOHN RIGDEN of Canterbury Esq
he left no issue
By his second wife MARY only daughter
of STEPHEN LONG of Sandwich Esq
he had eleven children
six died in their infancy
and five survived him
Viz EDWARD, STEPHEN LONG, JOHN. ANN,
(married THOMAS BRIDGES of St Nicholas in Thanet Esq)
and MARY
Also of the above MARY
second wife of EDWARD JACOB Esq
Who closed a well spent life
with cheerful resignation to her Maker
March 7th 1803 Aged 80
In Memory of MARTHA wife of
GEORGE SMITH if this Town, Gent
daughter of ROGER KEIGWIN late of
Deptford in this county, Gent and
MARTHA his wife she died the 30th of May
1779 aged 56 leaving issue one daughter
married to the Revd. A. STEPHENS
Rector of Goodnestone
Near this monument are also
deposited the remains of the above
named GEORGE SMITH Gent
who died the 6th of February 1791
aged 69 years
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th November 1787
George Smith.
Wishes to be buried in the grave of his late wife, Martha, in the parish church.
His house in East Street, Faversham and stable, [ ] house, hay loft and land belonging to it, in East Street, occupied by his son in law, Reverend Athelstan Stephens; also his half share of a house in Preston, next Faversham, occupied by him and his sister, Jane Smith, and the other half of the house, occupied by Richard Terry, to Athelstan Stephens and Sarah, his wife, for ever, provided that his sister, Jane, shall have the two houses for her lifetime, she keeping it insured and in good repair.
He gives the remainder of years on a lease of 99 years, on a piece of land, adjoining the property in East Street,,on which is a house and brew house, occupied by Athelstan and Sarah Stephens, to them, for ever.
His goods, chattels, plate, linen, woollen, china, furniture, money in government bonds or other securities and personal estate, after his debts, funeral and probate costs are paid, to Athelstan Stephens.
Witnesses: Ann Franklin, Careless Franklin and Edward Hart.
Proved 26th February 1791
erected by JOHN GILLOW
Gent., out of humble respect
& Gratitude to the memory
of MARKE CULLEN Jurate of
this Towne whose body
is interred under a large
stone near this wall
A. D. 1679
Noncupative Canterbury Court Will Dated 2nd November 1678
Mark Cullen, late of Faversham, Gentleman. (This will was spoken, and not signed by Cullen)
He gives to Mark Cullen, his son, all his goods, chattels and personal estate, and desires him to pay John Gillow, £100, the remaining part of the marriage portion John Gillow, was to have with Mary, daughter of the testator. Son, Mark Cullen, is executor. His wife had a jointure and no specific bequest is made.
The will was spoken in the presence of the following, who signed the record as witnesses:
Matthew Austen, Mayor of Faversham, Thomas Knowler, Wool Draper and Jacob Lane, Gentleman.
Sarah Hayward, widow, was also present but did not sign the document.
Affidavit, 8th November 1678, Austen, Knowler and Lane sworn under oath to the truth of the will.
Proved 7th January 1678 (1679)
Here lies interred the Body of
ARTHUR TASSELL late of
Homestall in this parish Gent
who was eldest son of JAMES
TASSELL of Norton in this County
Gentleman who departed this
life the 2nd day of November Anno
Dom 1717 in the 45th year
of his age
Here also lyes the Body of
RICHARD TASSELL by MARY
his wife who departed this life
the second day of December Anno
Dom 1707 aged two years
and two months
EDWARD PLOTT RIGDEN
died 17th April 1776
aged 31 years
Canterbury Court Will Dated 20th May 1774
Edward Plott Rigden, of Faversham
To James Curteis, Surgeon and Robert Lott, Wine and Spirit Merchant, both of Faversham, all rents and profits of his real estate, to dispose of as follows; to his brother, John, profits of his real estate, except his dwelling house, furniture and household goods, for his lifetime, after his death, then to cousin, John Rigden of Canterbury, for ever.
The above real estate and his personal estate, chargeable with payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs and an annuity of £40 to his housekeeper, Ann Gooding. Also to Ann Gooding, the house he lives in and use of furniture and household goods, for life, excepting horses, dogs, guns and horns, which he gives to cousin John Rigden.
After the death of Ann Gooding, the annuity of £40 and his dwelling house to cousin Martha Rigden of Canterbury with furniture and household goods, for life; after her death, to cousin John Rigden, for ever.
Appoints James Curteis and Robert Lott, executors, they to keep his properties in good repair.
Witnesses: George Willson, John Solly and Stapleton Payn.
Proved June 11th 1776
Under this stone
lies the remains of
the Revd. A. STEPHENS A. M.
who died the 10th of August
1805
aged 68 years
Also
at the foot of this and of
the adjoining stone
RICHARD HENRY STEPHENS
his youngest son
who died the 15th of March
1811 aged 18 years
and
SARAH widow of the above named
Revd. A. STEPHENS
who died the 29th of September
[1832 aged 83 years]
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 28th November 1804
Rev. Athelstan Stephens
His wife Sarah, "worthy friends", Robert Allen of Blackheath, Esquire, Rev Richard Halke, Vicar of Faversham, Rev William Strong, Rector of Norton and Robert Lukyn of Faversham, are executors.
To the male executors, £20 each, as a mark of friendship and for their troubles. To his wife, Sarah, £100, also all liquor in the house. To his eight children, Jane, Martha, Anna Maria, Charlotte, Athelstan, Frances, George and Richard Henry, £200 each, at their respective ages of 21.
Also to his wife for her lifetime, use of household goods and furniture, books, prints, linen, china and pictures in his dwelling house in East Street, Faversham. After her death, the furniture and effects go into his residuary personal estate. If youngest son, Richard Henry, is brought up to the church, which testator particularly requests, he gives him all the books, maps, charts and papers, Richard to pay executors £50 when he is ordained.
To his male executors, his house in East Street and all other real estate, money in Public Funds or in bonds or bills, his shares in the Kent Insurance Company, a house and brew-house adjoining, occupied by Augustine Fox, upon trust, to permit his wife to reside or to take rent if she lets the whole or part of the house, for her lifetime.
After her death, upon trust to other executors, to sell it and his real estate, to his children, who may be interested in buying for £1,000. If none are willing, then to sell for best price.
After payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs, executors to have residue of personal estate and to sell that not consisting of money and invest all the money in the Public Funds and to pay income to his wife, for life, as long as she continues his widow, for her own comfort and for the maintenance and education of their children, who are unmarried and live with her.
If she remarries, she is to receive £300 per annum, for life.
After his wife's death, then upon trust, to pay one eighth to Robert Allen and Edward Boys of Salmstone Grange, Margate, Gentleman or to the ten trustees of a marriage settlement dated 14th July, 1804, in relating to the marriage of his daughter, Martha to John Boys of Margate, Gentleman, to be paid accordingly. The remaining seven eighths upon trust, for his 7 unmarried children and divided between them equally at their respective ages of 25 or day of marriage, if girls...............
(long and tedious trust details follows)
Witnesses: Priscilla Warren, Ann Tappenden and John Bax, all of Faversham.
Proved 23rd October 1805
To the Glory of God
and in Memory of
ALLAN TASSELL
the reredos was restored and the panels
fitted in by his many friends and the
Trustees of HATCH's Charity as a token of
respect and esteem January 1911
Tassell died 23rd February 1910 at Ospringe Place, Ospringe, aged 60
HENRY SHEPHERD
who resided in his native Town all his life
He died on the 14th day July 1862
at the advanced age of 82 years
His remains are deposited in a grave
in the Churchyard
"He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord;
and that which he hath given, will he pay him again"
Proverb XIX 17
Also MARIA relict of the above
who died on the 3rd Oct 1863 aged 72
"Her End was Peace"
Principal Probate Registry Index
Henry Shepherd, (Brewer), administration granted to Richard Goodfellow Stone of Faversham, Timber Merchant, Edward Galloway of Faversham, Surgeon and James Tassell of Faversham, Gentleman. Effects under £70,000
Sacred to the Memory of
STEPHEN EVERARD of this Town M.L.
No less experienced in his profession than in
his practise just
a person in whom all the distinguishing virtues that
could adorn a good man were eminent
He dyed the 17th of January 1738 * aged 76
To the Memory of MARY EVERARD
relict of the above STEPHEN EVERARD
who was a good wife most kind relation
and in her affection showed a tenderness and regard
equal to a parent's love
She was charitable and her alms were extensive
as the distribution of then private
nor less studious than delighted in doing any good
as her many liberal acts to objects in distress can testify
She was a kind mistress to her family
Few words can scarce express her deserving charms
being a pattern that may be imitated
bur not easily equalled
After a tedious indisposition endued with
great resignation she dyed an example of
patience and piety on the 19th day of December 1757
aged 76
MARY EVERARD the daughter of JAMES LAWSON
and THOMAZIN his wife
and niece of the above STEPHEN & MARY EVERARD
is here interred who died at the age of eight months
Feb 26th 1741
* The year is 1739 in the modern calendar
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 22nd October 1736
Stephen Everard, Physician.
His debts to be paid as soon as possible.
He releases all housekeepers who owe him money for medicine who because of poverty do not pay the Church or Poor Rates.
To his wife, Mary, all his real estate in Faversham, Davington, Nuneham, Brabourne, Bonnington, Chilham, Molash and Sheldwich, for her lifetime. She to pay an annuity of £40 to his brother William of Dover, for his lifetime. If his wife dies before his brother he charges the above estate with the payment of the annuity. Also to brother William, £50. He holds a moiety or half share of too houses in Dover in Beging Street, this to brother William, for ever.
To John Sturges, Wheeler, late of Boughton, his house and land in Boughton, for ever, also £300, £100 within a year of his death, and £200 within two years, this money to enable him to set up in trade. To George Gillett, Cooper, son of Daniel Gillett of Faversham, two houses in Oare, with land belonging, for ever, also £50. He forgives whatever book debt he is owed from John Springate of Faversham, Thread Twister. To his two nieces, Thomazin and Mary Petman daughters of brother (in law ?) John, £10 each; to old servant, Thomas Blaxland , Senior of Faversham, £20.
After the death of his wife, he charges his land at Davington with an annuity of £10 to be paid to such Protestant Dissenting Minister and his successors who are settled in Faversham to preach the word of God. If any do nor live in Faversham for 6 months or there is no Minister, then the bequest is void. He has given his wife property in the several parishes, before mentioned, of this, after his wife's death, his property in Nuneham, Chilham, Molash and Sheldwich to John Sturges , for life. After his death to his lawful issue, in default, then to George Gillett, son of Daniel, for ever.
His property in Faversham, Davington , Brabourne and Bonnington, after his wife's death, to niece Thomazin Petman, for life and then to her lawful issue, in default, then to her sister Mary, for life and then to her lawful issue, in default, then to John Sturges and George Gillett, equally shared, for ever.
He has interests in the the old and new stock of the South Sea Company, which he gives to his wife, for ever. Residue of personal estate, money, rings, jewels, linen and plate, to his wife, she is his executor. Any legatee disturbing his wife as executor, will lose their legacy, before given.
Witnesses: John Solly, Thomas Solly and John Mead
Proved 27th February 1738 (1739)
youngest son of
FREDERICK DALLAS and MARION BARNES
of Shanghae (sic)
born 8th October 1867
died 1st February 1869
aged 15 months and 24 days
buried at the New Cemetery, Shanghae
on 3rd February 1869
"Suffer little children to come unto me,
for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven"
JOHN SMITH Esqre of Throwley obiit the 1st of May 1810
aetate 35
and ANN his wife obiit the 31st of January 1829
aetate 54
JOSIAH WHITFIELD of this Town
who died the 14th of May 1746 aged 44 years
Also LUCY wife of JOSIAH WHITFIELD
died the 31st of January 1775 aged 74 years
HADAREZER their grandson
died the 15th of April 1787 aged 30 years
LUCY WHITE died the 16th of January
1794 aged 51 years
SARAH WHITFIELD of New Romney
(mother of HADAREZER WHITFIELD)
died the 26th of May 1818
aged 86 years
In due respect JOHN WHITFIELD
caus'd this to be erected
an old inhabitant of this Town
and a benefactor to various charities
He departed this life
universally respected
the 28th April 1845 aged 73 years
Also of his two sisters
MARY LUKYN
who departed this life
the 10th September 1843
aged 73 years
and
ANN LUKYN
the last surviving member
of the family
who departed this life
the 28th January 1852
aged 84 years
daughter of JOHN and SARAH STEVENS of
the parish of Faversham, Kent
born December 23rd 1805
died September 10th 1890
fifty years the faithful nurse and
devoted friend of the family of GEORGE
and MARY CHARLOTTE GLOWES of Oak Hill
Surbtion, Surrey
"Be thou Faithful unto Death and I will
give thee a Crown of Life"
ON THE NORTH SIDE
OF THIS CHURCHYARD
ARE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF
RICHARD HAZARD Esq., F.R.S.
WHO DIED THE 21st OF SEPTEMBER1784
AGED 73 YEARS
MARY HAZARD
SISTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED THE 9th OF JUNE 1727
AGED 10 YEARS
WILLIAM HILLS who dyed in that
yeare he was Mayor of this
Town he had issue by KATHERINE
his wife 7 sonns and 7 daughters
He departed this life the 26th of
March 1651 aged 46 years
On the north side of this churchyard
are deposited the remains of
SARAH
wife of CHARLES DRAYSON of this Town
who departed this life
the 2nd of June 1818
aged 67 years
Also of the above named CHARLES DRAYSON
who died the 31st of December
1830
aged 80 years
Canterbury Court Will Dated 30th January 1828
Charles Drayson the Elder, Gentleman.
Appoints his four sons, William of Waltham Abbey, Clerk of Works, John of Sittingbourne, Coal Merchant, Richard of Sittingbourne, Coal Merchant and Charles of Faversham, executors.
His debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid. To son, William, 15 houses or cottages, with land, in West Street, Faversham, on south side, called "Drayson's Square", occupied by Edward Watson and others, also houses on the north side of West Street, and land, occupied by John Little, under a lease, all to William, for ever, provided he pays a mortgage of £300 and pays brothers, John and Richard, £198 13s 4d, each, within 12 months of his death.
To son, Charles, his house and land, including wharf land on north side of West Street, occupied by son Charles, for ever, subject to the mortgage charge of £1,000; to sons John and Richard, £198 13s 4d, to be paid by son Charles; to son John, his house on south side of Sittingbourne High Street, occupied by son John, for ever; to son Richard, 3 houses and land on south side of West Street, occupied by Joseph Fairbrass, Widow Elliott and Julius Rayner, for ever.
Residue of real estate and ready money, invested money, debts, household goods and implements, plate, linen, glass, china, goods, chattels, personal estate and effects to his sons, equally shared.
Witnesses: H. G. Shepherd, Solicitor, Faversham, Major T. ? Irish and John B. Hogben, his clerks.
Proved 22nd December 1831. Son Charles is a Builder, power reserved to 3 other sons.
OBIIT 29 MENSIS JVLII IN OBITVM MEMORANDI VIRI THOMA MENFEDD A DNI 1614 ET MAGISTRA
TVS 2 4 AETATIS HVJVS EMPORI PRAETORIS PRVDENTISSIMI SVAE 46
MONVMENTVM MNHMONIKON
SAEPEGENVS MEMORANT , LECTOR PROSTRATE PARENTVM NEC POPVLAS TANTVM TESTES TESTANTIA LIQUIT (one line)
DIXIT ET HOC MAJVS NOBILITATE MIHI MVNERA SEX VIDVIS QVE TRIBVENDA MONENT
ILLE SATIS PATRIS FICABAT MVNERE DIVES EST VIDVAE SVE CVIQVE DOMVS HVMVSQVE PER ANNVM (one line)
CLARIOR A PATRIAE MVNERE FACTVS ERAT SILICET HOC VERE RELIGIONIS OPVS
MENDFELDVS MICVIT BIS PAETOR LIMINIS HVJVS DOCTVS ET UT DOCTIS ALIQVID CONCEDERE POSSIT (one line)
BIS CANTABRIAE CLARVIT ARTE SVA ILLVS AVSTA MAGIS BIBLIOTHECA LIBRIS
INTEGRITATIS ERAT STVDIORVM PACIS AMATOR SCRIPTOR EGO HAEC TESTOR PERACVTAE TEMPORE FEBRIS (one line)
TALIBVS ERGO VIRIS VIR REDAMVTVS ERAT VOCE DEVM ROGITANS TALIA DICTA DEDIT
PERCELEBRIS PORTVS ANTIQVA PER OPERA NOT' MAGNA DEVS ! QVI MVLTA MIHI MAGNA DEDISTI
COLLQVIJQVE TVLIT CONSILIJQVE DECVS A TE QVE DATA EVNT DA BONE POSSE DARE
OMNIBVS OMNIO PRO GRATIS GRATA REPENDIT MAGNA SED HVNC RERVM MATER NVNC ABDIDIT ALVO (one line)
PAVPERIBVS POPVLI VOCE PATRONVS ERAT A DOMINO DONEC BVCCINA SVRGE SONET
SED NEQVE LATEAT NAM LECTO CARMINE VIVAT
NON SECVS AC VIVOS VIVA PEROSA VIRVM
Brass Plate, to left of monument
A PILLAR OF THE FAMOUS PORTS
A PATRON OF THE FEEBLE POOR
A PATTERNE FOR THE FADING RITCH
LIES HERE OBLIGED TO DEATH'S LORE
THE PORTS, THE PORE, THE RYTCH & ALL
LAMENT & LANGUISH WITH HIS FALL
BUT GOD DOTH GIVE & GOD DOTH TAKE
WHOM GOD WILL HAVE NONE MUST FORSAKE
Thomas Mendfield was Mayor in 1602 and 1613
Canterbury Court Will Dated 26th July 1614
Edward Jacob, sums up Mendfield's bequest to the Town of Faversham :
"Thomas Mendfield , Esquire, who died in his Mayoralty, by his will dated the 26th of July, 1614, gave to the Mayor, Jurats and Commonality, twenty marks to purchase a bell salt of silver for the Mayor's table; ten pounds to the then Vicar; and several books to the school library; he also devised one thousand pounds towards erecting and endowing almshouses for six poor widows of the town, and appointed his executor to lay out four hundred pounds on the buildings, and the residue in purchasing lands within ten years after his decease, and to give security to the Corporation for the due performance of his trust. The houses were erected in convenient time, but as no state was purchased., the Corporation, some years after the time appointed was lapsed, called upon to fulfil his engagement; when upon advice taken of learned council, they accepted of four hundred and fifty pounds in lieu of the six hundred pounds, as the whole of it was then become very precarious. Shortly after, through the distractions of the times, no estate was purchased, but the money lent upon bond to different persons; and the tradition is, that the whole of it was lost thereby.
Nevertheless the Corporation continues to pay the originally appointed annuity of twenty four pounds to the six poor widows, and keeps the houses in good repair; the expense whereof , always considerable, in the year 1760, amounted to upwards of one hundred pounds."
Other bequests in Mendfield's will ( in parts hard to read because of thick, black bleed - through) include:
To the poor of Faversham, £10
To Edward Sea, £100
To Jane Bassett, daughter of Mendfield's aunt Gale, £10
To William Mendfield of Whitstable, £5
To Margery, sister of the above ?, £5
To the Vicar of Faversham, £10
To Martyn Clarke , his servant, an annuity of £6, from his house at Whitstable, for life.
To William Taler ?, servant of Peter Batty, Citizen of London, £2 and £200 to enable him to be a Freeman of London and carry out his trade there.
To Thomas Burminge, son of Thomas Burminge, now an apprentice in London and to his sisters, Dorothy and Agnes, £200 each at 21 years or day or marriage for the girls , if earlier.
To William Bix, his servant ?, £6
He forgives John Mendfield of Whitstable, all money he owes him, and gives him ½ of a boat which Colson ?, bought in his name but with testator's money, from Pead ?
He holds leases on land on the Isle of Sheppey from Mr [ ]ley Boyland, and land from Sir Peter Manwood and from Thomas Stone?, the leases to his wife?
To his wife, Dorothie, household stuff and his plate, wood in the house and brewing vessels
To his wife books, as she pleases; to the Corporation of Faversham, English books for the school, to the value of £5.
To servant, Robert Cooke, £5
To his wife, his best gelding
To John Wood, his best gelding after his wife's has chosen hers, or £10
To Barbara Allen, £20
To James Lambert, £10
To Richard Cadge of Faversham, £5
To his wife, the lease of his house in Whitstable and on land he holds from Sir John Smyth, also money owing to him. Also, his half share of land and house in Graveney, occupied by Thomas Cheenden ?, which he purchased from Thomas Barminge and his wife, Elizabeth, for ever.
Christopher Taler is his executor
Witnesses: Richard Cadge, William Beale and Thomas Menfeilde
Proved 20th? August 1614
Here lyeth
interred ye Body
of JOHN CASLOCKE Esq
late Jurat, twice Maijor and
Capt of the select band of the
Towne of Faversham in ye county
of Kent, he took to wife BENNET one
of ye daughters and coheyres of
THOMAS COLE of the said Towne Gent
by whome he had issue 3 sonnes &
4 daughters and after her decease
he happyly marryed ALICE one of
the daughters and coheyres of
SAMUEL HAWARD of ye Isle of Harty
in the said county, Gent and dyed
on ye XXVII day of September in the
LXXVIIth yeare of his age anno
Doni MDCLI his perpetual legacy
to the poore records his piety
and to his fame his surviving
wife has erected this
monument of her last-
ing love both
sacred to
memory
Caslocke was Mayor of Faversham in 1603,12 and 28
Samuel Haward was Mayor in 1624
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th May 1651
John Caslock the Elder, Esquire.
He is of indifferent health.
All debts, legacies and funeral costs to be first paid.
To the poor of Faversham, £5. To his wife, Alice, who is his executor, £40, his silver basin and ewer, his best silver can, best silver salt, one trencher salt ?, 6 best silver spoons, best bedstedle beds and bedding with linen and ? , complete and furnished, I trundle bed and bedding, 6 pairs of best sheets, 6 pairs of pillow cases, 6 cupboard clothes, 6 table clothes, 36 napkins, ? towels, 100 cwt of pewter, a brass pot, a brass kettle, a brass skillett, pair of andirons, 5 shovels and tongs, 2 spits and an iron dripping pan, 1 great wrought chair, 6 ? wrought chairs or stools.................................................................................................. ? a couch chair. All his books, pictures in the parlour, all the furniture and implements his wife has in her closet.
To Abigail wife of his son John, £10; to cousin Margaret Hanflett, wife of John Hanflett of Canterbury, Gentleman and to her children, £20, equally shared; to cousin Sarah Curtesse, who lives with him, £20 at 21 years of age; to Grace Anderson, his maid, £2; to cousin John Sare ? £5; to old servant William Dix, his biggest payne rug ?
To wife Alice, for life, the rents and profits of Morris Court Farm, in Bapchild, Rodmersham and Tong, occupied by Thomas Mercer, also Finners in St. Thomas, Isle of Harty, occupied by Edward Mitchell, she can lease out the farms when she pleases. After her death, Morris Court to son John, for life. After his death, to his lawfully begotten heirs, in default, then to daughter, Barbara Bourne, for life, after her death to her lawfully begotten heirs, in default, then to kinsman, Robert Knowler and Abraham Knowler, sons of John Knowler, Gentleman and Mary his wife (testator's niece), equally shared, provided that they pay John Curtesse and Mathew Curtesse, sons of John Curtesse, late of Faversham, £180 each at 21 years of age and also paying Susan Curtesses daughter of the late Mathew Curtesse, £40 at 21 years of age. If she dies before then with no lawful issue, the £40 to John Marsh, son of George and Bennett Marsh. After his wife's death Finners to the Mayor and Commonality of Faversham and their successors, for ever, the rent to be used every year to place out poor children of Faversham apprentice and not otherwise.
To son John, his house and lands in Faversham and residue of personal estate, for ever, provided that he delivers within one month after testator's death, a release to his executor of all actions whatsoever, that may hinder the executor executing the will, in default, the his legacy to his mother Alice.
To the Lady Cleeve?, of Faversham, widow, an annuity of £10, for life, out of his land called Chilson Marsh on the Isle of Harty, occupied by Thomas Davy. To son in law, James Bourne, Gentleman and Barbara his wife, the profits from Chilson Marsh and he allows them to lease out the land, for their lives. After their deaths, then Chilson to his niece, Mary Knowler wife of John Knowler, Gentleman, for ever.
After Lady Cleeve's death, then the £10 annuity to his cousin, Elizabeth Cullen wife of Mark Cullen, for ever. To William Curtess of London, a house and garden, occupied by [ ]
Greengrass, also 13 acres of land, occupied by Thomas Smith at Isle of Harty, for ever.
Witnesses: John Upton and Ezeckia Abraham
Proved 17th October 1651
GYLES WINSTON YE ONLY CHILD OF
PHILLIP WINSTON OF WILLINGTONS
COURT IN YE COUNTY OF GLOSTER GENT
& OF JOANE HIS WIFE HE DIED YE 4th OF
JUNE 1659 AGED 8 YEARS
So back to the town......................
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