This is the last Will and testament of me THOMAS HARDCASTLE late of Masham in the County of York but now of Frenchay in the parish of Winterburne in the County of Gloucester, clerk. I give and devise and bequeath unto my wife ELEANOR HARDCASTLE all my real estate whatsoever and wheresoever whether in possession reversion remainder or occupancy and also all and singular my leasehold property lands shares monies books plate linen and furniture and all other my personale state and effects whatsoever and wheresoever to hold the same unto and to the use of my said wife her heirs and executors ... to and for her and their own absolute use and benefit and I do appoint my said wife sole exeuctrix of this my  will and I hereby revoke all former wills by me made and declare this only to be my last will and testament set my hand and seal 24 July 1806 Thomas Hardcastle

witnesses Isaac Cook attorney at law , Bristol ; N Sherrard ; Thomas Ld Biddulph clerk to Mr Cook.

Codicil to my will I give to my dear friend Sir JAMES GRAHAM of Kirkstall  County of York Baronet a ring of the value 25 Guineas together with my copy of Martins edition of Millars ?Gardeners Infirmary? if that work is not already in his library and I entreat him in the words of a man who if not actually dying is living only to a sense of pain and in a state of bodily sufferings that he will assist with his advice and directions my widow in the management of the property of which I shall die possessed and which I bequeath to her and I assure him that affection for him as a friend and  gratitude towards him as a benefactor are to be ?rec.ound? among the ? ..ougest most pleasing sentiments of my heart they never leave me and they will remain with me while memory itself shall remain I give to my equally dear and valued Friend and relation Lady GRAHAM a ring of the value of 25 Guineas and also my dear Friend and relative Mrs COULTHARD a ring of the value of 10 Guineas to each of my dear friends Mr SANDFORD GRAHAM and Mrs DALRYMPLE I leave a ring of the value of 10 Guineas to each of my dear Friends DUNCOMB ?PYRT DAVIS clerk, THOMAS ?GRAME? pf Oldbury Court Esquire, JAMES ?BANDFORD? clerk , JOHN EYRE of Sandford Esq, MARTIN JOSEPH ROUTH DD President of Magdalon College and THOMAS WALTER of Scruton clerk I leave a ring of the value of 5 Guineas also to my dear Sister Mrs SMOULT a ring of the value of 10 Guineas I recommend it to my dearly beloved wife to leave the house and property at Masham to my nephew JOHN BAINS unless circumstances shall occur such as the destitute situation of a relative of mine equally near after my decease which in her Judgement would have induced me to withdraw this recommendation ?..ed? at Kibworth this 24 July 1813 by me Thomas Hardcastle

I also leave to my dear Friend Sir JAMES GRAHAM my copy of Registrum Honoris de Richmond a book which I understand he has not in his library. Thomas Hardcastle at Tunbridge Wells 5 October 1813

To my dear wifes Father Mr MASTER and to Miss MASTERS who have always felt for me the kindest affection I leave each 5 Guineas for a ring. 31 December 1813 Thomas Hardcastle.

N.B. This codicil was written at different times as snatched of opportunity from alleviation of pain occurred it is my intention if ever I should be well enough to write it over again not to alter the bequests but to arrange them differently mean time let not the parties any of them be dissatisfied with the order in which they are placed God Bless them all 31 December 1813

Believeing that I shall not able to write this Codicil I direct that at my decease an exact copy of it in its present state be sent to each of my own relatives who are named in it. 1 January 1814 Thomas Hardcastle

Appeared personally MARGARET HARVIE VASSAL wife of HENRY VASSAL of the city of London Esq and JOSEPH HEATH of the City of Bath yeoman and made oath that they knew and were well acquainted with the Reverend THOMAS HARDCASTLE formerly of Masham in the County of York but late of Frenchay in the Parish of Winterbourne in the County of Gloucester clerk deceased and have frequently seen him write and subscribe his name to writing and thereby came to know and be well acquainted with the manner and character of handwriting and subscription .... on their oaths say that they do verily and in their consciences believe the said respective codicils ...... to be all of the proper handwriting of him the said Rev Thomas Hardcastle clerk deceased ...... 1 March 1814 duly sworn

Proved at London with 3 codicils 5 March 1814 by the oath of Eleanor Hardcastle widow the relict and sole executrix to whom admon was granted .

PROB 11/1553