Deciphering of A Will

[edalmun]

Thank you ever so much for the whole translation, that's just what I needed. Thank you for spending your time on it, I really appreciate it.

May I ask how you were able to check who the bequests were to? Is there any further info about Naomi, where she lived or whether she was a widow etc? I'm just trying to work out whether it's possible her and Peter were related, or whether they were just friends.

Thanks again!

[newburychap]

May I ask how you were able to check who the bequests were to? Is there any further info about Naomi, where she lived or whether she was a widow etc? I'm just trying to work out whether it's possible her and Peter were related, or whether they were just friends.

I read the will - the advantage of a subscription to TheGenealogist.

There is no mention of any relationship to the Munts - which does not mean that there wasn't one.  She does mention a brother in Manchester (surname Turner) so the most likely relationship (if any) is that Munt was her sister's husband.

Naomi lived in an almshouse in Hackney (Dr Spurstowe's Almshouses, Grove Road) see:
www.aim25.ac.uk/cgi-bin/vcdf/detail?coll_id=15755&inst_id=118&nv1=search&nv2=

[edalmun]

Thank you for that, that's helpful to know. I wonder why she was leaving property if she was in the almshouses.

[newburychap]

Thank you for that, that's helpful to know. I wonder why she was leaving property if she was in the almshouses.

Perhaps she inherited it after she became an almswoman.  Or the conditions of entry to the almshouses did not exclude someone with a few decent possessions.

Almshouse records may exist - the almshouse charity is still going albeit in replacement almshouses.

[veeblevort]

The link provided by newburychap in reply #21 shows that Naomi was likely in receipt
of a pension from the charity, supplemented by private donation, so she may not have
been entirely penniless. Perhaps she was able to save enough for some small bequests.

It sounds like a much more comfortable regime than that prevailing in workhouses.

vv.

[newburychap]

It sounds like a much more comfortable regime than that prevailing in workhouses.

Almshouse charities often gave a weekly stipend to the inhabitants, plus extras such as a winter fuel allowance or clothing of some sort - such as a winter coat every few years.

Some charities would also impose as a qualifying criterium that the candidate must never have been in receipt of parish poor relief.  In essence they were retirement homes for those who had contributed to the community over their lives whose age meant they could no longer support themselves.  A single almshouse place would often attract dozens of applicants. 

[sugs]

Hi here's my shot at the second bit.

 I Peter Hunt of no 102  ----- street of the parish of saint -----coleman in the city of london being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and declare this to be my last will and testament.In---following that is to say I order all my just debts, funeral expenses ---- of prooving this my will be in the first place fully paidand satisfied.And after payment------and every part thereofas now as-------after my demise.I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Peter Munt?the sum of ten pounds of lawfull money of the United Kingdom and Ireland current in England to be paid him within 6 months after my demise.And i further bequeath to the aforesaid Thomas Peter a sum in addition to the above sum of ten pounds all my waring apparel such of clothes linen and everything i used for my own bodily want and no more.And i further desire and request that the above son Thomas Peter munt shall not have the sole command or jurisdiction over either one or the other of his sisters or-----.I --- and bequeath to my three daughters namelyMary Ann--  ---Ga-abin widow Elizabeth Priscilla Munt spinster and Sarah Ann Munt spinster the whole of my goods and chattels and all my remaining---- such as household furniture Bibs Blankets Bolsters Pillows Sheets Bed furniture all table with----,also Pictures Silver plate Watches Jewellry Boots AND EVERTHING of my property that may not have been mentioned in this my ---will-- and likewise give to my three daughters all the remainder of my --- property in the 3 ------ consols in the bank of England were ----- in the name of Oram?I----- of -----in the county of Middlesex------ised this--- hand as executor of his

Hope this helps very interesting Sue

[edalmun]

Thank you Sue, I really appreciate your time and help. It is interesting, I find the part about the brother Thomas not having jurisdiction over his sisters particularly intruiging. I wonder if that was normal pratice?