Downloaded the will of James Lugsdin dated 20 Jan 1853 from TNA yesterday. Loads of legalese and instructions about trustees, but the guts of it reads"
"This is the last Will and Testament of me James Lugsdin of York Terrace, Queens Rd, Peckham in the County of Surrey, Gentleman.
First I direct that all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be fully paid and satisfied. I nominate and appoint my dear wife Margaret Lugsdin, Mr Charles Teede (he was the husband of James’ niece by marriage, Ann Bailey, sister of James Lugsdin Bailey) of Mincing Lane, City of London, Grocer, and Mr Amos Goodliffe of Worthing in the county of Sussex, schoolmaster, Executrix and Executors of this my will ...
I give devise and bequeath all that my freehold messuage cottage hereditaments and the outbuildings thereto belonging with the piece of land appurtenant or near thereto containing one acre or thereabouts with the rights members and appurtenances situate and being on the Green at Little Staughton in the county of Bedford now in the occupation of Mrs Minney unto and to the use of my nephew Robert Thorn Lugsdin of Little Staughton aforesaid his heirs and assigns absolutely and for ever.
.....paying such equal part or share unto each of my nephews and nieces following namely: William Lugsdin and Jabez Lugsdin the sons of my sister Ann Lugsdin deceased, William Lugsdin the son of my younger brother John Lugsdin deceased, the said Robert Thorn Lugsdin, Mary Battams, Sophia Lugsdin, Ann Excell and Deborah Goodliffe share and share alike....."
Pity he doesn't name the parents of his nieces, but it's pretty clear who they must be.
David