This is the last will and testament of SANDFORD HARDCASTLE of Grove in the parish of Darrington in the West Riding of the County of Yorkshire Rector of Addle in the same County and Riding bearing date 31 Mary 1785. I SANDFORD HARDCASTLE being in perfect mind that is undisordered either in the body or understanding so far as appeareth but do well thus to dispose of all my worldly property real as well as personal that is I will and appoint my dear wife SARAH HARDCASTLE by the courtesy of England SARAH COUNTESS DOWAGER OF MEXBOROUGH my sole executrix and administratrix and to Act I give all my effects real as well as personal that is my house in Dover Street my estate at Grove in the parish of Darrington as well as all other my property in funds mortgages or other securities as well as cloaths household furniture living stock and all other property whatsoever belonging to me at the time of my death provided that she the said SARAH do within six months after my death comply with these my orders.

First I will and order that all debts and funeral expences be discharged within 6 months or proper sercurity given or the same but chiefly as it is in lieu of all my property which I left her in all my wills previous to my marriage with the said COUNTESS OF MEXBOROUGH my Dear Wife  I order and appoint ?....? following annuity to be reserved to ym dear sister HENRIETTA LEEDS that is to say the two half yearly sums of £50 making an annuity of £100 per annum to be paid to her regularly during the joint lives of the said HENRIETTA LEEDS and my dear executrix, my ?....ing? being this that my widow possessing my ?....in h....? as well as other property will be enabled to pay this annuity to my sister but it is  my will that the exeuctors of the said COUNTES OF MEXBOROUGH be only burdened with an annuity of £50 per annum to my said sister that is an half yearly payment of £25 half year . But it is to be understood as my will that which ever of these annuities are in force during the life of EDWARD LEEDS her husband as part of them are to be  ?...? other to him or in case my sister be his or any other man's wife the annuity myst be paid for her use in the hand of WILLIAM ?PEARKES? of ?Es ....? esq and SAMUEL DISNEY of Halstead to be appropriated meerly to her separate use independent of any coverture whatsoever these bequests legally complied with and proper securities given ..... set my seal this 31 May 1785 Sandford Hardcastle

witnesses William P....? Robert Middleditch, Peter Hood all of Grove.

Proved at London 29 October 1788 on the oath of Sarah Hardcastle commonly called the Countess Dowager of Mexborough widow relict of the deceased and sole executrix

PROB 11/1170