This transcript is published here with permission of the Borthwick Institute of Historical Research , York. It is published here for the personal use of genuine Family History Researchers, and must not be otherwise reproduced or republished in any way without permission.
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Note: This will is most notable for having been written on a printed pro-forma, having decorations at the top including a picture of the King surrounded by the words 'GOD SAVE KING GEORGE IId' , and another including the words 'PRAY GOD PRESERVE THE FLEET', indicating that the pro-forma was almost certainly provided for the benefit of Sailors in the Navy.
In the Name of God Amen I Mathew Porrit Marriner now belonging to his Majesties Ship Grafton being in bodily health and of sound and disposing mind and memory and considering the Perrils and Dangers of the seas and other uncertaintys of this Transitory Life (Doe for avoiding controversies after my decease) make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner following (That is to say)
First I recomend my Soul to God that gave it and my Body I commit to the Earth or Sea as it shall please God to Order and as for and concerning all my Worldly Estate I give Bequeath and Dispose thereof as followeth That is to say the same and every part and parcel thereof to my loving sister
Margritt Porritt of Whitby in the County of Yorkshire all wages summ and summs of Money Lands Tenements Goods Chattels and Estate whatsoever as shall be any ways due owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I doe give and devise and bequeath the same unto
Margritt Porrit her Executors Administrators and Assignes for ever or attaining to my right and interest of and to the same And I doe hereby Nominate and Appoint
Margritt Porritt whole & sole Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament hereby Revokeing all former and other Wills Testaments and Deeds of Gift by me at any time heretofore made And I doe ordain and Ratify these presents to stand and be for and as my Only Last Will & Testament In Witness Whereof to this my said Will I have set my hand & Seal the first day of August Anno Dom 1738
Signed etc.....
Richd Lestock
Joseph Cope
Levy Beaumont
PROBATE BOND
Binds:
Robert Porrit of Whitby, Sailor
Francis Webster of Whitby, Sailor
..such that....
Margritt Porrit wife of the above bounden Robert Porrit and sole executrix of the last will and testament of
Mathew Porrit late of Whitby in the Diocese of York Mariner deceased (who died upon the high Seas in his Majesties Service on board his Majesties Ship the Superbe) do well and truly execute and perform the said will...............
INVENTORY
A true and perfect Inventory of the Goods Rights Credits and Chattles of Mathew Porrit
late of Whitby in the County and Diocese of York Mariner deceased who died in his Majestys Service upon the High Seas on board his Majestys Ship the Superbe
First his purse and Apparell ............................................1=15=0
Six months wages or pay due on board the said ship at 22s6d a month .....6=15=0
in all 8=10=0
transcript
Dave King, published 11.4.2001