Will of Abel Clerke, Lydiard Tregoze, 1736

Abel’s mother, Elizabeth, made her will in September 1732. A widow, living in Lydiard Tregoze, she bequeathed her property to Abel. She specified a dwelling house or Inn, in Witney and property in Cogges called 'Hosiers'. Both were to be sold to pay a debt owed to Abel, and to pay for her funeral. The residue was to be split between her sons, Abel, Thomas and Charles. Her remaining goods, real and personal, she left to Abel. Presumably the Oxfordshire properties were what she had brought to her marriage. Her will was proved in May 1736.

By December of the same year Abel had made his own will, asking to be buried near to his dear mother. Between his mother’s death and his own, his brother Charles had also died. Abel left £100 to each of Charles’ three daughters, although if they married ‘imprudently’ they would receive nothing. His sister-in-law, Elizabeth received £20.

 His brother Thomas, and his two sons, were to receive £100 each, while his wife Sarah was to have £50. The reminder of Abel's estate, after other bequests, debts, and funeral costs were paid, was to go to Thomas. If his nephews or nieces contested the will, they would get just one shilling.

His cousin Thomas Freeman of Witney and his wife were to receive a gold ring of a guinea each. This suggests his mother’s maiden name may have been Freeman.

To his cousin Anne Wike, for looking after him while he was ill, he left £50 and some of his linen.

 Abel also left a ring to Viscount St.John as a token of the honour and gratitude which he had for him.

Abel was dead by the following February when the will was proved. For three family members to die in quick succession, suggests they may all have suffered from a similar illness.  Abel’s gravestone, which also commemorates his mother, has been re-laid in the path outside the porch of St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze.