CHAPTER14WILLS

	14. LAMBERT GORWYN WILLS AND SETTLEMENTS Copies of many early family wills were in the Exeter archives that were bombed during World War II. However, copies of wills dating between 1812 and 1857 were also kept in London for estate duty purposes, and these (“Inland Revenue Wills”) are now in the Devon Record Office (DRO). Some wills were proved (i.e. probate was granted) at Canterbury or Westminster rather than Exeter, and these (“PCC wills”) have survived in the National Archives and are now available online. The summaries below are mainly taken from the Inland Revenue and PCC wills. A few others come from family archives (wills were often preserved to prove ownership of property). The dates given in the headings are the year in which the will was signed. The references to the value of effects (not including real estate) are taken from the Death Duty Registers in the National Archives. Wills of: Tamsen Gorven of Tedburn St Mary, 1585 John Gorwyn or Gorwin, husbandman of Cheriton Bishop, 1651 John Gorwyn of London, cooper, 1707 John Richard Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman of Spreyton, proved 1809. Mary Ann Lambert, otherwise Mary Ann Lambert Gorwyn, widow, of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1816 William Gorwyn, yeoman of Hole, Cheriton Bishop, 1817 Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn, spinster, of Lambert otherwise Lambford in Cheriton Bishop, 1819 John Lambert Gorwyn of Lambert, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman or gentleman, 1823 George Gorwyn of Mill, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, died 1825 George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, of Mill in Cheriton Bishop, 1827 Joseph Gorwyn of Exeter, yeoman, 1831 George Lambert Gorwyn of Falkedon, Gentleman, 1837 Anne Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1842 John Lambert, gentleman, of Wallon in Drewsteignton, 1843 William Gorwyn of Bradley in Crediton, gentleman, 1845 Henry Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, surgeon, 1853 William Lambert of Wallon, Esq., only son of William Lambert, otherwise William Lambert Gorwyn, of Wallon deceased, 1853 John Lambert Gorwyn of Hole in Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, 1854 Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Haven House, Exeter, 1861 George Lambert of Spreyton, gentleman, 1885 Settlements Marriage settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1778 Marriage settlement of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham dated 2 October 1789 Marriage Settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1878 Deed of Release and Settlement of 1854 between (1) Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and (2) George Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and John Ponsford of Drewsteignton, dated 7.7.1854 WILLS Will of Tamsen Gorven of Tedburn St Mary, widow, 1585 Bequeaths 12d to the poor of her parish and 2s for the maintenance of the parish church. Bequeaths a ewe sheep to Tamsen Tuckett, daughter of James Tuckett. Bequeaths the new pan of 12 gallons to her brother Robert Tuckett Bequeaths all her lands in Crediton called Crall Hayes [Craylhayes] to Tamsen Tuckett, daughter of John Tuckett, in fee for ever. Bequeaths 4d to Hewe Kedell, son of John Keddell. Bequeaths all her goods to Gelbert Tuckett and Tamsen Tuckett, executor and executrix. Directs that the £3 she owes to her maid Tamsen to be in the same legacy that is given by executor sheep unto her [sic]. Source: DRO Z1/10/109. In 1577, Henry Gorven, son of Thomas Gorven deceased, had conveyed his interest in Craylhayes to Thomasina Gorven, widow. ******************************************************************************************* Will of John Gorwyn or Gorwin, husbandman of Cheriton Bishop, 1651** Bequeaths 5s to his son William; 10s to his son John and 2s to each of his other children. Bequeaths 10s to the poor of Cheriton Bishop. Bequeaths to his daughter Alice Collington, wife of Thomas Collington, 20s; 5s to her daughter Agnes and 2s to her other children. Bequeaths £100 to his daughter Willmot Gorwyn. Bequeaths to his son John the lease of Bradley which he lately made [sic] him after the deaths of Richard Caseley’s widow and the testator’s wife. Bequeaths to his son Richard the chattel lease of Bowden. Bequeaths to his son Daniel the chattel lease of Spirelake upon the death of the widow Caseley. Also bequeaths £10 to Daniel. If any of the children die before they receive their portions, the relevant portions are to be divided among the survivors of John, Richard, Daniel, Wilmot and Alice. If John should happen to marry before Bradley falls into his hands, he shall have Bowden. And if Richard marries before Bowden is left by John, he shall have Spirelake, thereafter releasing it to Daniel. All the rest of his goods go to his wife Alice, who is also appointed executrix. Simon Gregory and John Strong are witnesses. Source: PCC wills. Proved 1653. See Table 1. ********************************************************************************************************* Will of John Gorwyn of London, cooper, 1707** Bequeaths Spirelake in Cheriton Bishop, part of the Manor of Lampford, to his wife Elizabeth for her life if the two indentures whereby it is held continue in force that long. Bequeaths Spirelake after Elizabeth’s death to John Gorwyn, son of his cousin John Gorwyn of Bowdon in Cheriton Bishop for the residue of the several terms in the indentures whereby the premises are held. Makes the proviso that John Gorwyn, after the death of Elizabeth, shall pay annuities of £3 each out of the rent from Spirelake to his cousin Thomasin Morris, wife of Samuel Morris; Mary Reavett; and his cousin Alice Harvey, wife of Emmanuel Harvey, if the indentures are still in force. Bequeaths half a crown each and no more to his cousin Thomasin Morris and to Richard, Mary and Elizabeth Gorwyn, children of John Gorwyn of Bowdon, and the same to any other near relations he may have, to bar all claims. Bequeaths the residue of his goods, chattels, stock in trade and all other real and personal estate to his wife Elizabeth, who is also appointed executrix. Directs that, whereas he is childless now, if he has any children alive at his decease, the will becomes void. Source: PCC Wills. He obviously did not have any children, as this will was duly proved by his widow Elizabeth in 1716. See Table 1. *************************************************************************************** Will of John Richard Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman of Spreyton, proved 1809.** Bequeaths £150 to his aunt Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn. Bequeaths £200 to his uncle John Lambert Gorwyn. Bequeaths £50 to Robert Newton and £60 to Elizabeth Snell. Bequeaths residue to his uncle George Lambert Gorwyn, who was also executor. Source: summary account in the Death Duty Register. Effects sworn in at under £1000. His dates were 1791-1809. See Table 2. *************************************************************************************** Will of Mary Ann Lambert, otherwise Mary Ann Lambert Gorwyn, widow, of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1816.** Directs that her body be given a decent Christian burial. Bequeaths to her son William the two freehold cottages with field and garden known as Cotleigh Brooke in Drewsteignton occupied by Samuel Dicker and James Pillar [Cotleigh Brook no longer exists but was near Wear Mill]. Bequeaths to her son William and her friend Thomas Campion £50 in trust for her daughter Ann Germon, her husband to have nothing to do with it. Similarly bequeaths in trust for Ann German her 3 old china plates; the middle-sized china basin; a complete tea-set of [---] china; a pair of Holland sheets; 2 of the best small tablecloths; 2 of the best napkins; 2 counterpaines, one white and the other red and white; a silver pint cup marked ‘W.T. 1856’; the sugar basket and glass in it; her best sugar tongs; her silver milk jug marked ‘W.L.M’; 2 silver tablespoons; her gold watch; and all her clothes. Bequeaths to the same trustees £50 and 2 tablespoons for her daughter Mary Truscott, her husband to have nothing to do with it. Bequeaths £100 on trust for her grandson Charles William Truscott to be paid when he reaches 21, with remainder to his mother Mary Truscott and then the testator’s son William and daughter Ann German. Bequeaths the residue of her estate to her son William, who is also appointed executor. In a codicil dated 22.5.1816 she bequeaths £100 on trust for her granddaughter Frances German, to be paid when she is 21. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. She was born Mary Ann Reed and was the widow of William Lambert Gorwyn of Wallon (1750-1797). Effects £800. See Table 3 *************************************************************************************** Will of William Gorwyn, yeoman of Hole, Cheriton Bishop, 1817** Bequeaths £1020 to his son Joseph Gorwyn. Bequeaths £450 to his daughter Elizabeth Gorwyn. Bequeaths to his son William Gorwyn £400 on trust for his daughter Ann, wife of Charles Finch, maltster, of Crediton, not to be touched by her husband. Bequeaths to his son John his freehold interest in Hole, Hole Mills and Hearth(?) in Cheriton Bishop. Bequeaths Spicerslake in Cheriton Bishop to his son William Gorwyn. Bequeaths Medlake and Five Beacons Down in Hittisleigh to son George Gorwyn. Directs that his son William shall pay to his executor the £53 8s rent that he owes him, but forgives William his other debts. Directs that his son George pays his executor the £53 9s. rent he owes, but forgives his other debts. Noting that the estates given to John, William and George amount respectively to £1987; £1313; and £999, he directs that John and William should make up the shortfall in George’s legacy. Appoints his son John Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop as his executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills, DRO. William Gorwyn’s dates were 1750-1817 and he was living at Hole in Cheriton Bishop when he died. Effects £800. See Table 6. *************************************************************************************** Will of Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn, spinster, of Lambert otherwise Lambford in Cheriton Bishop (died 1819)** Bequeaths £21 to her brother John. Bequeaths £50 apiece to her brother-in-law George Arden and his wife Joan. Bequeaths £10 apiece to her sister Susanna Cann; her brother George; her nephew George, son of the said George; her nephew John Gorwyn of Bradley in the parish of Crediton; and her nephew William Lambert Gorwyn. Bequeaths £15 to her sister Ann, wife of John German of Moretonhampstead; Bequeaths £40 apiece to Frances, Mary, George, Harriet, Christopher and Ann, children of her brother-in-law and sister George and Joan Arden; and the same to their children Charlotte, Henry and Joan when they reach the age of 21. Bequeaths £31.10s apiece to the two daughters of her brother-in-law Isaac Bryant when they reach the age of 21 (this legacy is revoked in a codicil of 1818 as she had paid these sums to them during her life). Bequeaths 40s. to the poor of Cheriton Bishop to be distributed by her executrix. Bequeaths all her freeholds and other lands, consisting of several houses, tenements, messuages and farms, to her niece Elizabeth Arden, along with the residue of her estate; Elizabeth is also appointed executrix. Source: PCC wills. William Cann, builder of Okehampton, and William Tucker, yeoman, swore that the unwitnessed 1818 codicil was written by her. Her dates were 1752-1819. See Table 2. *************************************************************************************** Will of John Lambert Gorwyn of Lambert, Cheriton Bishop, described variously as yeoman and gentleman (died 1823) Bequeaths to his sister Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn for her life Lampford [Lambert], Teigncombe’s Tenement, Astis, Treble and Bowden in Cheriton Bishop; and all his plate, linen, china, household goods, farm implements, livestock and deadstock on any part of the above properties. Bequeaths Honeyford, Staddon, Newtons, Tuckers, Higher Budbrooke and Venn Town in Cheriton Bishop and Drewsteignton in trust for his nephew John Lambert Arden, son of George Arden of Exeter. The trustees are the Rev. George Gregory of Dunsford and William Ponsford of Puddicombe. He directed that the property should go to John Lambert Arden when he reached the age of 21, provided that he added Gorwyn to his surname; if he did not, everything should go to John’s brother Christopher Arden. Bequeaths all his lands in Spreyton known as South Beggybear or Brickbeer [Begbeer] to his nephews William Arden and Christopher Arden, to be held by them as tenants-in-common. Bequeaths £100 to his nephew George Arden provided that he returns to England from India within 2 years of the testator’s decease. Bequeaths Pond Plot in Crockernwell, Cheriton Bishop, to his niece Elizabeth Arden. Bequeaths £5 to William Paul. Bequeaths £100 each to his sister Joan Arden and brother-in-law George Arden. Bequeaths £400 each to his four nieces Frances, the wife of Mr Charles Brake; Mary Arden; Ann Arden; and Charlotte Arden. Bequeaths £600 to his niece Elizabeth Arden; £500 to his nephew Henry Lambert Arden; £400 to his niece Harriet, the wife of Mr John Francis; £100 to his nephew John Lambert Gorwyn of Bradley; and £100 to his niece Ann German, the wife of John German. Bequeaths £100 to his sister Susanna, wife of George Cann of Spreyton, if she is living at the time of his decease. Bequeaths £50 each to his nephews and nieces, the children of his sister Ann Bryant, deceased, to be passed to them at the age of 21 of (for the nieces) on marriage if earlier. Bequeaths £5 to the poor of Cheriton Bishop and £2 to the poor of Hittisleigh. Bequeaths the rest of his manors, lands and chief rents, together with the lands given to his sister Elizabeth for life, to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn, son of his brother William Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman, deceased, for his natural life, after which they are to go to John Lambert Gorwyn, the son of the said nephew, with remainder to John’s sons in order of age and failing such issue to the testator’s nephew John Lambert Arden. Directs that the tenants-for-life should not coppice timber growing in the piece of land called Woody next to Lampford Manor House, as his will is that the timber should stand and grow there forever. Directs that the heirs of Elizabeth should pay all the repairs of the dwelling-houses etc given to her for her life so that she can live there at no expense. Bequeaths the residue of his estate to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn of Walland [Wallon] and requires him to use the revenues from his manors and estates to defray any legacies that cannot be paid. Also appointed him Executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Will dated 1816. John Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1746-1823 (see Table 2). He lived at Lambert. His effects were sworn at under £3000. John Lambert Arden did add the name Gorwyn to his surname. As his sister Elizabeth predeceased him, the properties left to her for life went straight to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn of Wallon. ************************************************************************************* Will of George Gorwyn of Mill, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, died 1825. Notes that his children Elizabeth Gorwyn, John Lambert Gorwyn, Mary Gorwyn and Ann Wright [wife of James Wright of Bristol, a lathe and hoopmaker] are already provided for in the will of Joseph Pridham late of Rock, Crediton and do not need any provision by him, and bequeaths 1s to each of them; Bequeaths his unexpired interest in the leasehold estate of Mill and Slade in Cheriton Bishop to his son George Lambert Gorwyn; Bequeaths the residue of his estate to George Lambert Gorwyn and appoints him his executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. George Gorwyn (see Table 3) lived at Mill in Cheriton Bishop. His dates were 1757-1825. The will was dated 1817 and proved in Exeter 14.4.1826, and the effects were valued at £1500. See Table 6. ************************************************************************************** Will of George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, of Mill in Cheriton Bishop, 1827** Bequeaths £20 to his sister Mary; Bequeaths the rest of his estate to his brother John Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, and appoints him his executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1785-1827 (see Table 6). His effects valued at £800. ****************************************************************************************************** Will of Joseph Gorwyn of Exeter, yeoman, 1831 Bequeaths everything to his son William, maltster of Exeter, and appoints him executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Joseph Gorwyn’s dates were 1764-1832. He farmed first near Crediton and then at Hole in Cheriton Bishop but appears to have retired to Exeter (see Table 6). His effects were valued at £300. **************************************************************************************** Will of George Lambert Gorwyn of Falkedon, Gentleman, 1837 Desires to be buried in Spreyton churchyard by the side of his late dear wife. Leaves an annuity of £52 to his son George Lambert Gorwyn, to be paid out of the revenues from Coffins in the parish of Spreyton. Leaves his daughter-in-law Mary, wife of George, an annuity of £26, to be paid out of the revenues of Heywood in Hittisleigh. Directs that the annuity be paid into ‘the proper hands’ of Mary for her own sole and separate use, independent of her husband so that he may not ‘intermeddle or have anything to do therewith’, and so that his debts cannot be paid out of the annuity. Directs that Mary shall not have the power to sell or mortgage the annuity. Provides that George and Mary may enter Coffins and Heywood respectively to distrain such property as is necessary to cover the payments. Leaves the Public House known as the Golden Lion in Cheriton Bishop, together with its accompanying land, orchard and garden, except for the small orchard called Strap Orchard, to his housekeeper Elizabeth Langdon, to whom he also leaves Cross Orchard (part of Newton Tenement) adjoining the Golden Lion; and the sum of £210. Leaves his two tenements known as Hittisleigh Mill in Hittisleigh, then in the possession of William Ponsford and another, to his old servant James Drew, then living at Heywood, together with a sum of £55. Leaves Falcadon [Falkedon]; Churchwood; Crofts and Rugwood (or Rugroad); Coffins; and Saint Cherries, all in the parish of Spreyton, together with all his other property and tithes in Spreyton parish, and Westwood and Newtake in Drewsteignton, in trust (the trustees being William Brock of Westwood in Crediton and Robert Medland of Crediton) for his grandson George Lambert Gorwyn, entailed on the lawfully begotten children of his body. He directs that the property should go to the children of his grandson George Lambert Gorwyn in such proportions as George may determine by a deed or in his will; and in the absence of deed or will to the eldest son and his heirs, and in default to the subsequent sons of George, and in default of sons to be divided among the daughters of George. If George died without issue, the property was to go to George’s brother Richard Lambert Gorwyn. Leaves Greystone; Honeyford (or Honeydown); Fursden; Teignholt and Teignholt Ford; and his share of Knowle and its lime kilns, all in Drewsteignton; and also Haward (or Heywood) in Hittisleigh and all other property belonging to him in Drewsteignton and Hittisleigh; and also Tucker’s Tenement, Newton’s Tenement and Strap Orchard (part of the tenement of the Golden Lion Inn) in Cheriton Bishop together with all his other lands in Cheriton Bishop, in trust to his grandson Richard Lambert-Gorwyn, entailed on his heirs in the same way as for George. Provides that the two grandsons on reaching the age of 21 may grant demise or lease their properties and that Richard may work the lime quarry and search for lime elsewhere on his property. Provides that the two grandsons, when they reach the age of 21, may each grant rents or an annuity out of their estate to his wife, to be payable on the death of the relevant grandson, for her life in lieu of her jointure, but for each wife the annual payments are limited to £60. Leaves his Manor or reputed Manor of Crediton Parks in the parish of Crediton together with the residue of his property to the two trustees to sell for the best price that can reasonably be gotten, and to use the proceeds of the sale plus the money from the repayment of any debts outstanding to him at his death, first to pay his own debts and funeral expenses, his legacies and the costs of the trust; and then to divide between the two grandsons. Witnesses: John Cann, John Battishill and John Francis. Source: papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert (the testator’s great grandson) and PCC wills. The will runs to thirteen pages. The sale of Crediton Parks was intended inter alia to provide funds for the education of the two grandsons. His dates were 1763-1837 (see Table 4). **************************************************************************************** Will of Anne Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, died 1844** Notes that her father John Campion of Exeter, Gent., left his estate in trust to his 4 children Sarah, Richard and Thomas Campion and herself, and that income from her share is to be paid to her for her lifetime and that of her husband, and then to go as she designates. Authorises the trustee to transfer the funds to William Ponsford, clerk, as sole trustee and also appoints him executor. He is to pay the income to her husband William Lambert [of Wallon] for his lifetime. Directs that £1500 should be deducted from the residue after his death and paid to her son Henry Lambert. Directs that £1500 is to be kept on trust for her daughter Mary, the revenue to be paid to her for her life without interference from any husband she may marry, and thereafter to be divided between any children she may have. If Mary has no children, the money is to be divided equally between her three sons John Lambert, William Lambert and Henry Lambert. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Will dated 1842. She died in 1844. . Effects £3,000. See Table 3. ****************************************************************************************** Will of John Lambert, Gentleman, of Wallon in Drewsteignton, 1844** Appoints his wife during her widowhood to be the guardian of his infant daughter and any other children they may have. Bequeaths to his wife £600 and all his plate, linen, books and china. Bequeaths all his freehold and leasehold estate to trustees for his daughter and any other children. If they all die, it is to go to his next of kin as if he had died intestate. Appoints William Ponsford, clerk, and Henry Lambert, surgeon to be executors [the documentation on the will describes Henry as being of St Luke’s Hospital, London. Henry was his brother]. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1810-1844 (see Table 3). Will dated 1843. Effects £800. ********************************************************************************************* Will of William Gorwyn of Bradley in Crediton, gentleman, 1845** Bequeaths to his dear wife Ann Gorwyn during her life an annuity of £35 chargeable upon the estates of Bradley and Binneford in Crediton and Colebrook; and £5 chargeable upon Spicerslake. He also directs that she shall have proper keep found for her from these estates until his youngest son reaches the age of 21. Bequeaths to Ann one thing of a sort of his household goods to be selected by her; and 1 cow to be selected by her from his household stock. Bequeaths £400 to each of his unmarried daughters Mary, Miriam and Mahala, to be paid by his son William when they attain the age of 21. Bequeaths £700 to his son John when he is 21. Bequeaths Spicerslake and all his other lands in Cheriton Bishop to his son John when he is 21; in the meantime the state is to be enjoyed by his son William, who must keep it in good repair, cutting down any trees that may be necessary for the repair. Bequeaths Bradley, Binneford and Nymet Woods in Bow to his son William, who is responsible for paying the other legacies. William is also the residuary legatee and is appointed executor. In a codicil of the same date he directs William to provide suitable board and lodging, washing, clothes and other necessaries to Mahala and John during their respective minorities, plus pocket money. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1780-1845 (see Table 7). His effects valued at £1000. ********************************************************************************************** Will of Henry Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, surgeon, 1853** Bequeaths £500 to his niece Elizabeth Emma Lambert, the daughter of his brother John. If she dies under 21, the funds are to be distributed between the children of his brother William Lambert. During Elizabeth Emma’s minority, the money is to be invested in government securities and used for her maintenance and education. Bequeaths £1000 to his dear father. Bequeaths £19 19s each to his sisters-in-law Emily Eliza Lambert and Emmeline Lambert; and to his nephews William Henry Lambert and Charles James Lambert. Bequeaths his real estate and the rest of his personal estate to his brother William absolutely. William is also appointed his executor. Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Henry Lambert’s dates were.1818-1853 (see Table 3). His effects valued at £3000. *********************************************************************************************** Will of William Lambert of Wallon, Esq., only son of William Lambert, otherwise William Lambert Gorwyn, of Wallon deceased, 1853 Bequeaths to his son William Lambert the younger Waterland in Cheriton Bishop, previously in the possession of John Gale and now in the possession of the testator. Also bequeaths to William 5 properties with shop, garden, orchard and field called the Three Lions previously in the possession of John Gale and then in that of Samuel Gregory, all of which descended to the testator as heir in law of his uncle John Lambert Gorwyn. Bequeaths £400 to the Rev. William Ponsford and his brother John Ponsford, both of Drewsteignton, in trust for his granddaughter Elizabeth Emily Lambert, only child of his deceased son John, to go to her on reaching the age of 21 or marriage if earlier, with remainder to his son William. During her minority the income is to be used for her upkeep and education. Bequeaths to the same trustees Wallon and the property called Millhouse with Wear Mill, both now in the occupation of the testator and William Phillips, in trust for his son William during his life and then to his second son Charles James and his male heirs, with remainder to the younger sons of William and their male issue, and failing them to William’s eldest son William Henry and his heirs. His son William may during his life rent out part or all of these properties for a term not exceeding 21 years. Bequeaths to his son William all his other estate real and personal, including estates vested in him as mortgagee. Aloso appoints William his executor. Source: DRO, a copy of the will having been preserved as a document in an 1875 legal case involving Emmeline Pidsley, possibly his daughter-in-law remarried. William’s dates were 1780-1853 (see Table 3). *********************************************************************************************** Will of John Lambert Gorwyn of Hole in Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, 1854** Bequeaths £100 each to Elizabeth, Louisa and Susan Finch, the 3 daughters of his nephew William Finch of Crediton, to be paid into the hands of their father for their benefit. Bequeaths £100 to Ann Gorwyn, the daughter of George Gorwyn of Medland. Bequeaths the residue of his estate to his sister Elizabeth Coombe, wife of Richard Coombe of Crediton, yeoman. Also appoints her executrix. A codicil dated 1 August 1849 revokes the legacies to the daughters of William Finch (described as maltster) and replaces them by legacies of £90 on the same conditions. revokes the bequest to Ann Gorwyn, the daughter of his brother George (now the wife of William Haydon of Hittisleigh) and gives her instead £50, also bequeathing £50 to her sister, the wife of William Haydon of Cheriton Bishop. Bequeaths £30 to his ex-housekeeper Ann Griffin. John Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1783-1854 (see Table 6). His effects valued at £2000. ************************************************************************************************** Will of Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Haven House, Exeter, died 1861 (will dated 1854) Recites the list of properties left to him for life by his grandfather George Lambert Gorwyn in 1837, and notes that his grandfather’s will empowers him to bequeath them to his children in such shares as he may determine; bequeaths all his inherited properties as well as all his other estate to be equally shared between his children, including any born after his death; appoints his brother George Lambert Gorwyn and his friend John Ponsford of Drewsteignton to be his executors. Witnesses: Newman Whitlock, timber merchant; John Rowe Taverner, butcher. In a codicil dated 1 May 1861: Revokes the appointment of his brother George Lambert Gorwyn as an executor and appoints instead William Woodman of Exeter, surgeon. Witnesses to the codicil: Henry Turner, clerk to Mssrs. Geare, solicitors; and Jane Weatherall, servant in the household. Source: Probate Office, London. His will was made in the same year as the settlement of his affairs – see below. The codicil was made shortly before his death, presumably following a deterioration of his relationship with his brother. Estate valued at grant of probate at £300. See Table 4 and Table 5. ************************************************************************************************* Will of George Lambert of Spreyton, gentleman, 1885** Bequeaths an annuity of £100 to his wife Grace Lambert (payable out of the estate bequeathed to his son George), together with all the farm stock, household goods and furniture in his residence at the time of his death. Bequeaths to his daughter Mary £15,000 due to him from the local Board of Health of Torquay, to be transferred to her at the age of 25, with the interest being used as necessary in the meantime for her upkeep. In exercise of the power and authority given him in the will of his grandfather, bequeaths to his son George all his farms and hereditaments in Spreyton and Drewsteignton, together with the High Rents of which he is tenant for life. Bequeaths Court in Cullompton and the residue of his estate to son George on reaching the age of 25. Appoints his wife executrix and guardian of his children, George to become Mary’s trustee if Grace dies before Mary reaches the age of 25. Source: Papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert (his son). George Lambert’s dates were 1818-1885 (see Table 4). Gross value of his estate £17,172.17s. *************************************************************************************************** ************************************************************************************************* SETTLEMENTS Marriage settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1778** Indenture between (1) John Gorwyn of Bradley, gent; (2) Mary Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop, spinster; and (3) John Lambert Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop, gent., and Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Drewsteignton, gent. John Gorwyn will receive £400 as Mary’s marriage portion. In consideration of the marriage portion and of 5s paid to John Gorwyn by John and Richard Lambert Gorwyn; and in order to make provision for Mary should she outlive her husband, John Gorwyn grants Bradley and all its appurtenances (then in the possession of John Gorwyn), on trust to John and Richard Lambert Gorwyn for 500 years and a peppercorn rent. The trustees will pay from the property an annuity of £30 to Mary should she be widowed. If there should be any daughters of the marriage, and John Gorwyn outlives Mary and marries again, the trustees shall raise £300 from the estate to be shared between the daughters, although any daughter marrying in her father’s lifetime to who he has advanced her portion will not be eligible for a share. Bradley goes to the trustees free of all encumbrances except for an annuity of £70 payable to Elizabeth Margaret Gorwyn, the mother of John. Source: DRO (48112/40). The couple had one son, John Gorwyn, to whom Bradleigh descended. See Tables 2 and 6. ****************************************************************************************************************** Marriage settlement of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham dated 2 October 1789** Indenture between (1) Elizabeth Pridham, widow of Cheriton Fitzpaine; (2) Mary Pridham, spinster of Crediton; (3) George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman of Cheriton Bishop; and (4) George Cann of Falkedon (Spreyton), John Harris of Crediton and John Gorwyn, gent. of Crediton. George Lambert Gorwyn is possessed of the residue of a 1,000 year lease (granted by John Fulford Esq., deceased, of Great Fulford), of which at least 580 years have yet to run, of Lower Honiford, otherwise Greystone, in Drewsteignton, part of the Manor of Coombhall, formerly in the tenancy of James Smale and now in the tenancy for life of Josiah Stevens (or Stephens) the Elder, now aged about 76. Elizabeth Pridham has agreed to pay George Lambert Gorwyn £400 as the marriage portion for her daughter Mary to whom he is about to be married. In consideration of the £400 and of 20s which George Lambert Gorwyn will pay to John Harris and George Cann, George Lambert Gorwyn grants the property of Lower Honiford otherwise Greystone to John Harris, George Cann and John Gorwyn for the full term of 500 years, paying an annual rent of one grain of wheat, on trust for the purposes below. They shall, after the demise of Josiah Stevens and during the joint lives of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham pay to George the rents and profits from the property. After George’s death, they shall pay Mary an annuity of £35, net of all taxes and deductions. The said £35 is in lieu of any dower that she might otherwise claim. If in any quarter the rent is unpaid, Mary shall have the right to enter the property and enforce payment. If George dies before Josiah Stevens, the trustees can sieze and sell goods and chattels from his personal estate to pay the £35 annuity. George Lambert Gorwyn also signs a bond for £300 undertaking to fulfil the obligations in the indenture. Source: DRO. Mary Pridham died many years before her husband, after which the trust came to an end. See Table 3.. **************************************************************************************************** Marriage Settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1878** John Gorwyn demises in trust to John Lambert Gorwyn and Richard Lambert Gorwyn [brothers of Mary] Bradleigh in Crediton for 500 years at a peppercorn rent and an upfront payment of 5s. If Mary outlives her husband, she will receive a dower in lieu of jointure of £30 yearly chargeable on Bradleigh. Source: DRO (48/12/40). See Tables 2 and 3. ***************************************************************************************************** Deed of Release and Settlement of 1854 between (1) Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and (2) George Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and John Ponsford of Drewsteignton, dated 7.7.1854** Notes that Richard Lambert Gorwyn is entitled for life under the will of his grandfather to the following farms and lands: Graystone, Honeyford (otherwise Honeydown), Teignholt and Teignholt Ford, Fursdon, and a share in Knowle with the lime kilns and machinery thereon, all in Drewsteignton; also Howard (or Heyward or Heywood) in Hittisleigh; and also Tuckers Tenement; Newton’s Tenement; and the Plot of Orchard known as Strap Orchard, part of Golden Lion Inn, all in Cheriton Bishop; Notes that these properties are subject to a mortgage to George Lambert Gorwyn [Richard’s brother] for securing the repayment with interest of a loan £4000, which sum is also further secured by three assurance policies on the life of Richard Lambert Gorwyn of £1,500, £1,500 and £1,000, Notes that Richard Lambert Gorwyn is desirous of making some provision for his children; Conveys the properties for the sum of 5s to George Lambert Gorwyn and John Ponsford for the period of the natural life of Richard Lambert Gorwyn, on trust. Under the trust they will during the life of Richard LG let the properties for the best rents that they can reasonably obtain, and from the proceeds: in the first place pay the interest due on the £4,000; the annual premiums in respect of the life assurance policies and any other policies effected for better securing the £4,000 and interest; and the costs of repairs and other outgoings in respect of the said premises; in the next place will pay the residue of the proceeds to Richard LG for his life. If Richard LG encumbers the rents of the properties in any way, it shall be lawful for George LG and John Ponsford, during the life of Richard LG, as they think fit, to receive or reclaim the rents or such part of them as they think proper, and to apply the same for the personal support of Richard LG and his children, and the education and advancement of such children, and in such shares as appears expedient to George LG and John Ponsford, It is expressly declared that George LG and John Ponsford shall be answerable only for such moneys as they actually receive, and not for any involuntary loss; and they may deduct costs incurred in the execution of the trust. Richard LG covenants with George LG and John Ponsford that the said messuages and rents shall during his life be applied upon the trusts aforesaid without any let by him. Source: papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert. George Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1818-1885; Richard Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1820-1861. See Tables 4 and 5. GO TO NEXT CHAPTER BACK TO LIST OF CONTENTS

14. LAMBERT GORWYN WILLS AND SETTLEMENTS

Copies of many early family wills were in the Exeter archives that were bombed during World War II. However, copies of wills dating between 1812 and 1857 were also kept in London for estate duty purposes, and these (“Inland Revenue Wills”) are now in the Devon Record Office (DRO). Some wills were proved (i.e. probate was granted) at Canterbury or Westminster rather than Exeter, and these (“PCC wills”) have survived in the National Archives and are now available online. The summaries below are mainly taken from the Inland Revenue and PCC wills. A few others come from family archives (wills were often preserved to prove ownership of property). The dates given in the headings are the year in which the will was signed. The references to the value of effects (not including real estate) are taken from the Death Duty Registers in the National Archives.

Wills of:

Tamsen Gorven of Tedburn St Mary, 1585
John Gorwyn or Gorwin, husbandman of Cheriton Bishop, 1651
John Gorwyn of London, cooper, 1707
John Richard Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman of Spreyton, proved 1809.
Mary Ann Lambert, otherwise Mary Ann Lambert Gorwyn, widow, of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1816
William Gorwyn, yeoman of Hole, Cheriton Bishop, 1817
Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn, spinster, of Lambert otherwise Lambford in Cheriton Bishop, 1819
John Lambert Gorwyn of Lambert, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman or gentleman, 1823
George Gorwyn of Mill, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, died 1825
George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, of Mill in Cheriton Bishop, 1827
Joseph Gorwyn of Exeter, yeoman, 1831
George Lambert Gorwyn of Falkedon, Gentleman, 1837
Anne Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1842
John Lambert, gentleman, of Wallon in Drewsteignton, 1843
William Gorwyn of Bradley in Crediton, gentleman, 1845
Henry Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, surgeon, 1853
William Lambert of Wallon, Esq., only son of William Lambert, otherwise William Lambert Gorwyn, of Wallon deceased, 1853
John Lambert Gorwyn of Hole in Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, 1854
Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Haven House, Exeter, 1861
George Lambert of Spreyton, gentleman, 1885

Settlements

Marriage settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1778
Marriage settlement of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham dated 2 October 1789
Marriage Settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1878
Deed of Release and Settlement of 1854 between (1) Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and (2) George Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and John Ponsford of Drewsteignton, dated 7.7.1854

WILLS

Will of Tamsen Gorven of Tedburn St Mary, widow, 1585

Bequeaths 12d to the poor of her parish and 2s for the maintenance of the parish church.
Bequeaths a ewe sheep to Tamsen Tuckett, daughter of James Tuckett.
Bequeaths the new pan of 12 gallons to her brother Robert Tuckett
Bequeaths all her lands in Crediton called Crall Hayes [Craylhayes] to Tamsen Tuckett, daughter of John Tuckett, in fee for ever.
Bequeaths 4d to Hewe Kedell, son of John Keddell.
Bequeaths all her goods to Gelbert Tuckett and Tamsen Tuckett, executor and executrix.
Directs that the £3 she owes to her maid Tamsen to be in the same legacy that is given by executor sheep unto her [sic].

Source: DRO Z1/10/109. In 1577, Henry Gorven, son of Thomas Gorven deceased, had conveyed his interest in Craylhayes to Thomasina Gorven, widow.

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Will of John Gorwyn or Gorwin, husbandman of Cheriton Bishop, 1651

Bequeaths 5s to his son William; 10s to his son John and 2s to each of his other children.
Bequeaths 10s to the poor of Cheriton Bishop.
Bequeaths to his daughter Alice Collington, wife of Thomas Collington, 20s; 5s to her daughter Agnes and 2s to her other children.
Bequeaths £100 to his daughter Willmot Gorwyn.
Bequeaths to his son John the lease of Bradley which he lately made [sic] him after the deaths of Richard Caseley’s widow and the testator’s wife.
Bequeaths to his son Richard the chattel lease of Bowden.
Bequeaths to his son Daniel the chattel lease of Spirelake upon the death of the widow Caseley. Also bequeaths £10 to Daniel.
If any of the children die before they receive their portions, the relevant portions are to be divided among the survivors of John, Richard, Daniel, Wilmot and Alice.
If John should happen to marry before Bradley falls into his hands, he shall have Bowden. And if Richard marries before Bowden is left by John, he shall have Spirelake, thereafter releasing it to Daniel.
All the rest of his goods go to his wife Alice, who is also appointed executrix. Simon Gregory and John Strong are witnesses.

Source: PCC wills. Proved 1653. See Table 1.

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Will of John Gorwyn of London, cooper, 1707

Bequeaths Spirelake in Cheriton Bishop, part of the Manor of Lampford, to his wife Elizabeth for her life if the two indentures whereby it is held continue in force that long.
Bequeaths Spirelake after Elizabeth’s death to John Gorwyn, son of his cousin John Gorwyn of Bowdon in Cheriton Bishop for the residue of the several terms in the indentures whereby the premises are held.
Makes the proviso that John Gorwyn, after the death of Elizabeth, shall pay annuities of £3 each out of the rent from Spirelake to his cousin Thomasin Morris, wife of Samuel Morris; Mary Reavett; and his cousin Alice Harvey, wife of Emmanuel Harvey, if the indentures are still in force.
Bequeaths half a crown each and no more to his cousin Thomasin Morris and to Richard, Mary and Elizabeth Gorwyn, children of John Gorwyn of Bowdon, and the same to any other near relations he may have, to bar all claims.
Bequeaths the residue of his goods, chattels, stock in trade and all other real and personal estate to his wife Elizabeth, who is also appointed executrix.
Directs that, whereas he is childless now, if he has any children alive at his decease, the will becomes void.

Source: PCC Wills. He obviously did not have any children, as this will was duly proved by his widow Elizabeth in 1716. See Table 1.

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Will of John Richard Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman of Spreyton, proved 1809.

Bequeaths £150 to his aunt Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn.
Bequeaths £200 to his uncle John Lambert Gorwyn.
Bequeaths £50 to Robert Newton and £60 to Elizabeth Snell.
Bequeaths residue to his uncle George Lambert Gorwyn, who was also executor.

Source: summary account in the Death Duty Register. Effects sworn in at under £1000. His dates were 1791-1809. See Table 2.

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Will of Mary Ann Lambert, otherwise Mary Ann Lambert Gorwyn, widow, of Wallon, Drewsteignton, 1816.

Directs that her body be given a decent Christian burial.
Bequeaths to her son William the two freehold cottages with field and garden known as Cotleigh Brooke in Drewsteignton occupied by Samuel Dicker and James Pillar [Cotleigh Brook no longer exists but was near Wear Mill].
Bequeaths to her son William and her friend Thomas Campion £50 in trust for her daughter Ann Germon, her husband to have nothing to do with it.
Similarly bequeaths in trust for Ann German her 3 old china plates; the middle-sized china basin; a complete tea-set of [---] china; a pair of Holland sheets; 2 of the best small tablecloths; 2 of the best napkins; 2 counterpaines, one white and the other red and white; a silver pint cup marked ‘W.T. 1856’; the sugar basket and glass in it; her best sugar tongs; her silver milk jug marked ‘W.L.M’; 2 silver tablespoons; her gold watch; and all her clothes.
Bequeaths to the same trustees £50 and 2 tablespoons for her daughter Mary Truscott, her husband to have nothing to do with it.
Bequeaths £100 on trust for her grandson Charles William Truscott to be paid when he reaches 21, with remainder to his mother Mary Truscott and then the testator’s son William and daughter Ann German.
Bequeaths the residue of her estate to her son William, who is also appointed executor.
In a codicil dated 22.5.1816 she bequeaths £100 on trust for her granddaughter Frances German, to be paid when she is 21.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. She was born Mary Ann Reed and was the widow of William Lambert Gorwyn of Wallon (1750-1797). Effects £800. See Table 3

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Will of William Gorwyn, yeoman of Hole, Cheriton Bishop, 1817

Bequeaths £1020 to his son Joseph Gorwyn.
Bequeaths £450 to his daughter Elizabeth Gorwyn.
Bequeaths to his son William Gorwyn £400 on trust for his daughter Ann, wife of Charles Finch, maltster, of Crediton, not to be touched by her husband.
Bequeaths to his son John his freehold interest in Hole, Hole Mills and Hearth(?) in Cheriton Bishop.
Bequeaths Spicerslake in Cheriton Bishop to his son William Gorwyn.
Bequeaths Medlake and Five Beacons Down in Hittisleigh to son George Gorwyn.
Directs that his son William shall pay to his executor the £53 8s rent that he owes him, but forgives William his other debts.
Directs that his son George pays his executor the £53 9s. rent he owes, but forgives his other debts.
Noting that the estates given to John, William and George amount respectively to £1987; £1313; and £999, he directs that John and William should make up the shortfall in George’s legacy.
Appoints his son John Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop as his executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills, DRO. William Gorwyn’s dates were 1750-1817 and he was living at Hole in Cheriton Bishop when he died. Effects £800. See Table 6.

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Will of Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn, spinster, of Lambert otherwise Lambford in Cheriton Bishop (died 1819)

Bequeaths £21 to her brother John.
Bequeaths £50 apiece to her brother-in-law George Arden and his wife Joan.
Bequeaths £10 apiece to her sister Susanna Cann; her brother George; her nephew George, son of the said George; her nephew John Gorwyn of Bradley in the parish of Crediton; and her nephew William Lambert Gorwyn.
Bequeaths £15 to her sister Ann, wife of John German of Moretonhampstead;
Bequeaths £40 apiece to Frances, Mary, George, Harriet, Christopher and Ann, children of her brother-in-law and sister George and Joan Arden; and the same to their children Charlotte, Henry and Joan when they reach the age of 21.
Bequeaths £31.10s apiece to the two daughters of her brother-in-law Isaac Bryant when they reach the age of 21 (this legacy is revoked in a codicil of 1818 as she had paid these sums to them during her life).
Bequeaths 40s. to the poor of Cheriton Bishop to be distributed by her executrix.
Bequeaths all her freeholds and other lands, consisting of several houses, tenements, messuages and farms, to her niece Elizabeth Arden, along with the residue of her estate; Elizabeth is also appointed executrix.

Source: PCC wills. William Cann, builder of Okehampton, and William Tucker, yeoman, swore that the unwitnessed 1818 codicil was written by her. Her dates were 1752-1819. See Table 2.

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Will of John Lambert Gorwyn of Lambert, Cheriton Bishop, described variously as yeoman and gentleman (died 1823)

Bequeaths to his sister Elizabeth Lambert Gorwyn for her life Lampford [Lambert], Teigncombe’s Tenement, Astis, Treble and Bowden in Cheriton Bishop; and all his plate, linen, china, household goods, farm implements, livestock and deadstock on any part of the above properties.
Bequeaths Honeyford, Staddon, Newtons, Tuckers, Higher Budbrooke and Venn Town in Cheriton Bishop and Drewsteignton in trust for his nephew John Lambert Arden, son of George Arden of Exeter. The trustees are the Rev. George Gregory of Dunsford and William Ponsford of Puddicombe. He directed that the property should go to John Lambert Arden when he reached the age of 21, provided that he added Gorwyn to his surname; if he did not, everything should go to John’s brother Christopher Arden.
Bequeaths all his lands in Spreyton known as South Beggybear or Brickbeer [Begbeer] to his nephews William Arden and Christopher Arden, to be held by them as tenants-in-common.
Bequeaths £100 to his nephew George Arden provided that he returns to England from India within 2 years of the testator’s decease.
Bequeaths Pond Plot in Crockernwell, Cheriton Bishop, to his niece Elizabeth Arden.
Bequeaths £5 to William Paul.
Bequeaths £100 each to his sister Joan Arden and brother-in-law George Arden.
Bequeaths £400 each to his four nieces Frances, the wife of Mr Charles Brake; Mary Arden; Ann Arden; and Charlotte Arden.
Bequeaths £600 to his niece Elizabeth Arden; £500 to his nephew Henry Lambert Arden; £400 to his niece Harriet, the wife of Mr John Francis; £100 to his nephew John Lambert Gorwyn of Bradley; and £100 to his niece Ann German, the wife of John German.
Bequeaths £100 to his sister Susanna, wife of George Cann of Spreyton, if she is living at the time of his decease.
Bequeaths £50 each to his nephews and nieces, the children of his sister Ann Bryant, deceased, to be passed to them at the age of 21 of (for the nieces) on marriage if earlier.
Bequeaths £5 to the poor of Cheriton Bishop and £2 to the poor of Hittisleigh.
Bequeaths the rest of his manors, lands and chief rents, together with the lands given to his sister Elizabeth for life, to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn, son of his brother William Lambert Gorwyn, gentleman, deceased, for his natural life, after which they are to go to John Lambert Gorwyn, the son of the said nephew, with remainder to John’s sons in order of age and failing such issue to the testator’s nephew John Lambert Arden.
Directs that the tenants-for-life should not coppice timber growing in the piece of land called Woody next to Lampford Manor House, as his will is that the timber should stand and grow there forever.
Directs that the heirs of Elizabeth should pay all the repairs of the dwelling-houses etc given to her for her life so that she can live there at no expense.
Bequeaths the residue of his estate to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn of Walland [Wallon] and requires him to use the revenues from his manors and estates to defray any legacies that cannot be paid. Also appointed him Executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Will dated 1816. John Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1746-1823 (see Table 2). He lived at Lambert. His effects were sworn at under £3000. John Lambert Arden did add the name Gorwyn to his surname. As his sister Elizabeth predeceased him, the properties left to her for life went straight to his nephew William Lambert Gorwyn of Wallon.

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Will of George Gorwyn of Mill, Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, died 1825.

Notes that his children Elizabeth Gorwyn, John Lambert Gorwyn, Mary Gorwyn and Ann Wright [wife of James Wright of Bristol, a lathe and hoopmaker] are already provided for in the will of Joseph Pridham late of Rock, Crediton and do not need any provision by him, and bequeaths 1s to each of them;
Bequeaths his unexpired interest in the leasehold estate of Mill and Slade in Cheriton Bishop to his son George Lambert Gorwyn;
Bequeaths the residue of his estate to George Lambert Gorwyn and appoints him his executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. George Gorwyn (see Table 3) lived at Mill in Cheriton Bishop. His dates were 1757-1825. The will was dated 1817 and proved in Exeter 14.4.1826, and the effects were valued at £1500. See Table 6.

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Will of George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, of Mill in Cheriton Bishop, 1827

Bequeaths £20 to his sister Mary;
Bequeaths the rest of his estate to his brother John Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman, and appoints him his executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1785-1827 (see Table 6). His effects valued at £800.

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Will of Joseph Gorwyn of Exeter, yeoman, 1831

Bequeaths everything to his son William, maltster of Exeter, and appoints him executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Joseph Gorwyn’s dates were 1764-1832. He farmed first near Crediton and then at Hole in Cheriton Bishop but appears to have retired to Exeter (see Table 6). His effects were valued at £300.

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Will of George Lambert Gorwyn of Falkedon, Gentleman, 1837

Desires to be buried in Spreyton churchyard by the side of his late dear wife.
Leaves an annuity of £52 to his son George Lambert Gorwyn, to be paid out of the revenues from Coffins in the parish of Spreyton.
Leaves his daughter-in-law Mary, wife of George, an annuity of £26, to be paid out of the revenues of Heywood in Hittisleigh. Directs that the annuity be paid into ‘the proper hands’ of Mary for her own sole and separate use, independent of her husband so that he may not ‘intermeddle or have anything to do therewith’, and so that his debts cannot be paid out of the annuity. Directs that Mary shall not have the power to sell or mortgage the annuity. Provides that George and Mary may enter Coffins and Heywood respectively to distrain such property as is necessary to cover the payments.
Leaves the Public House known as the Golden Lion in Cheriton Bishop, together with its accompanying land, orchard and garden, except for the small orchard called Strap Orchard, to his housekeeper Elizabeth Langdon, to whom he also leaves Cross Orchard (part of Newton Tenement) adjoining the Golden Lion; and the sum of £210.
Leaves his two tenements known as Hittisleigh Mill in Hittisleigh, then in the possession of William Ponsford and another, to his old servant James Drew, then living at Heywood, together with a sum of £55.
Leaves Falcadon [Falkedon]; Churchwood; Crofts and Rugwood (or Rugroad); Coffins; and Saint Cherries, all in the parish of Spreyton, together with all his other property and tithes in Spreyton parish, and Westwood and Newtake in Drewsteignton, in trust (the trustees being William Brock of Westwood in Crediton and Robert Medland of Crediton) for his grandson George Lambert Gorwyn, entailed on the lawfully begotten children of his body. He directs that the property should go to the children of his grandson George Lambert Gorwyn in such proportions as George may determine by a deed or in his will; and in the absence of deed or will to the eldest son and his heirs, and in default to the subsequent sons of George, and in default of sons to be divided among the daughters of George. If George died without issue, the property was to go to George’s brother Richard Lambert Gorwyn.
Leaves Greystone; Honeyford (or Honeydown); Fursden; Teignholt and Teignholt Ford; and his share of Knowle and its lime kilns, all in Drewsteignton; and also Haward (or Heywood) in Hittisleigh and all other property belonging to him in Drewsteignton and Hittisleigh; and also Tucker’s Tenement, Newton’s Tenement and Strap Orchard (part of the tenement of the Golden Lion Inn) in Cheriton Bishop together with all his other lands in Cheriton Bishop, in trust to his grandson Richard Lambert-Gorwyn, entailed on his heirs in the same way as for George.
Provides that the two grandsons on reaching the age of 21 may grant demise or lease their properties and that Richard may work the lime quarry and search for lime elsewhere on his property.
Provides that the two grandsons, when they reach the age of 21, may each grant rents or an annuity out of their estate to his wife, to be payable on the death of the relevant grandson, for her life in lieu of her jointure, but for each wife the annual payments are limited to £60.
Leaves his Manor or reputed Manor of Crediton Parks in the parish of Crediton together with the residue of his property to the two trustees to sell for the best price that can reasonably be gotten, and to use the proceeds of the sale plus the money from the repayment of any debts outstanding to him at his death, first to pay his own debts and funeral expenses, his legacies and the costs of the trust; and then to divide between the two grandsons.

Witnesses: John Cann, John Battishill and John Francis.

Source: papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert (the testator’s great grandson) and PCC wills. The will runs to thirteen pages. The sale of Crediton Parks was intended inter alia to provide funds for the education of the two grandsons. His dates were 1763-1837 (see Table 4).

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Will of Anne Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, died 1844

Notes that her father John Campion of Exeter, Gent., left his estate in trust to his 4 children Sarah, Richard and Thomas Campion and herself, and that income from her share is to be paid to her for her lifetime and that of her husband, and then to go as she designates.
Authorises the trustee to transfer the funds to William Ponsford, clerk, as sole trustee and also appoints him executor. He is to pay the income to her husband William Lambert [of Wallon] for his lifetime.
Directs that £1500 should be deducted from the residue after his death and paid to her son Henry Lambert.
Directs that £1500 is to be kept on trust for her daughter Mary, the revenue to be paid to her for her life without interference from any husband she may marry, and thereafter to be divided between any children she may have. If Mary has no children, the money is to be divided equally between her three sons John Lambert, William Lambert and Henry Lambert.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Will dated 1842. She died in 1844. . Effects £3,000. See Table 3.

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Will of John Lambert, Gentleman, of Wallon in Drewsteignton, 1844

Appoints his wife during her widowhood to be the guardian of his infant daughter and any other children they may have.
Bequeaths to his wife £600 and all his plate, linen, books and china.
Bequeaths all his freehold and leasehold estate to trustees for his daughter and any other children. If they all die, it is to go to his next of kin as if he had died intestate.
Appoints William Ponsford, clerk, and Henry Lambert, surgeon to be executors [the documentation on the will describes Henry as being of St Luke’s Hospital, London. Henry was his brother].

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1810-1844 (see Table 3). Will dated 1843. Effects £800.

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Will of William Gorwyn of Bradley in Crediton, gentleman, 1845

Bequeaths to his dear wife Ann Gorwyn during her life an annuity of £35 chargeable upon the estates of Bradley and Binneford in Crediton and Colebrook; and £5 chargeable upon Spicerslake. He also directs that she shall have proper keep found for her from these estates until his youngest son reaches the age of 21.
Bequeaths to Ann one thing of a sort of his household goods to be selected by her; and 1 cow to be selected by her from his household stock.
Bequeaths £400 to each of his unmarried daughters Mary, Miriam and Mahala, to be paid by his son William when they attain the age of 21.
Bequeaths £700 to his son John when he is 21.
Bequeaths Spicerslake and all his other lands in Cheriton Bishop to his son John when he is 21; in the meantime the state is to be enjoyed by his son William, who must keep it in good repair, cutting down any trees that may be necessary for the repair.
Bequeaths Bradley, Binneford and Nymet Woods in Bow to his son William, who is responsible for paying the other legacies. William is also the residuary legatee and is appointed executor.
In a codicil of the same date he directs William to provide suitable board and lodging, washing, clothes and other necessaries to Mahala and John during their respective minorities, plus pocket money.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. His dates were 1780-1845 (see Table 7). His effects valued at £1000.

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Will of Henry Lambert of Wallon, Drewsteignton, surgeon, 1853

Bequeaths £500 to his niece Elizabeth Emma Lambert, the daughter of his brother John. If she dies under 21, the funds are to be distributed between the children of his brother William Lambert. During Elizabeth Emma’s minority, the money is to be invested in government securities and used for her maintenance and education.
Bequeaths £1000 to his dear father.
Bequeaths £19 19s each to his sisters-in-law Emily Eliza Lambert and Emmeline Lambert; and to his nephews William Henry Lambert and Charles James Lambert.
Bequeaths his real estate and the rest of his personal estate to his brother William absolutely. William is also appointed his executor.

Source: Inland Revenue Wills. Henry Lambert’s dates were.1818-1853 (see Table 3). His effects valued at £3000.

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Will of William Lambert of Wallon, Esq., only son of William Lambert, otherwise William Lambert Gorwyn, of Wallon deceased, 1853

Bequeaths to his son William Lambert the younger Waterland in Cheriton Bishop, previously in the possession of John Gale and now in the possession of the testator. Also bequeaths to William 5 properties with shop, garden, orchard and field called the Three Lions previously in the possession of John Gale and then in that of Samuel Gregory, all of which descended to the testator as heir in law of his uncle John Lambert Gorwyn.
Bequeaths £400 to the Rev. William Ponsford and his brother John Ponsford, both of Drewsteignton, in trust for his granddaughter Elizabeth Emily Lambert, only child of his deceased son John, to go to her on reaching the age of 21 or marriage if earlier, with remainder to his son William. During her minority the income is to be used for her upkeep and education.
Bequeaths to the same trustees Wallon and the property called Millhouse with Wear Mill, both now in the occupation of the testator and William Phillips, in trust for his son William during his life and then to his second son Charles James and his male heirs, with remainder to the younger sons of William and their male issue, and failing them to William’s eldest son William Henry and his heirs. His son William may during his life rent out part or all of these properties for a term not exceeding 21 years.
Bequeaths to his son William all his other estate real and personal, including estates vested in him as mortgagee. Aloso appoints William his executor.

Source: DRO, a copy of the will having been preserved as a document in an 1875 legal case involving Emmeline Pidsley, possibly his daughter-in-law remarried. William’s dates were 1780-1853 (see Table 3).

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Will of John Lambert Gorwyn of Hole in Cheriton Bishop, yeoman, 1854

Bequeaths £100 each to Elizabeth, Louisa and Susan Finch, the 3 daughters of his nephew William Finch of Crediton, to be paid into the hands of their father for their benefit.
Bequeaths £100 to Ann Gorwyn, the daughter of George Gorwyn of Medland.
Bequeaths the residue of his estate to his sister Elizabeth Coombe, wife of Richard Coombe of Crediton, yeoman. Also appoints her executrix.

A codicil dated 1 August 1849

revokes the legacies to the daughters of William Finch (described as maltster) and replaces them by legacies of £90 on the same conditions.
revokes the bequest to Ann Gorwyn, the daughter of his brother George (now the wife of William Haydon of Hittisleigh) and gives her instead £50, also bequeathing £50 to her sister, the wife of William Haydon of Cheriton Bishop.
Bequeaths £30 to his ex-housekeeper Ann Griffin.

John Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1783-1854 (see Table 6). His effects valued at £2000.

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Will of Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Haven House, Exeter, died 1861 (will dated 1854)

Recites the list of properties left to him for life by his grandfather George Lambert Gorwyn in 1837, and notes that his grandfather’s will empowers him to bequeath them to his children in such shares as he may determine;
bequeaths all his inherited properties as well as all his other estate to be equally shared between his children, including any born after his death;
appoints his brother George Lambert Gorwyn and his friend John Ponsford of Drewsteignton to be his executors.
Witnesses: Newman Whitlock, timber merchant; John Rowe Taverner, butcher.

In a codicil dated 1 May 1861:

Revokes the appointment of his brother George Lambert Gorwyn as an executor and appoints instead William Woodman of Exeter, surgeon.
Witnesses to the codicil: Henry Turner, clerk to Mssrs. Geare, solicitors; and Jane Weatherall, servant in the household.

Source: Probate Office, London. His will was made in the same year as the settlement of his affairs – see below. The codicil was made shortly before his death, presumably following a deterioration of his relationship with his brother. Estate valued at grant of probate at £300. See Table 4 and Table 5.

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Will of George Lambert of Spreyton, gentleman, 1885

Bequeaths an annuity of £100 to his wife Grace Lambert (payable out of the estate bequeathed to his son George), together with all the farm stock, household goods and furniture in his residence at the time of his death.
Bequeaths to his daughter Mary £15,000 due to him from the local Board of Health of Torquay, to be transferred to her at the age of 25, with the interest being used as necessary in the meantime for her upkeep.
In exercise of the power and authority given him in the will of his grandfather, bequeaths to his son George all his farms and hereditaments in Spreyton and Drewsteignton, together with the High Rents of which he is tenant for life.
Bequeaths Court in Cullompton and the residue of his estate to son George on reaching the age of 25.
Appoints his wife executrix and guardian of his children, George to become Mary’s trustee if Grace dies before Mary reaches the age of 25.

Source: Papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert (his son). George Lambert’s dates were 1818-1885 (see Table 4). Gross value of his estate £17,172.17s.

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SETTLEMENTS

Marriage settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1778

Indenture between (1) John Gorwyn of Bradley, gent; (2) Mary Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop, spinster; and (3) John Lambert Gorwyn of Cheriton Bishop, gent., and Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Drewsteignton, gent.

John Gorwyn will receive £400 as Mary’s marriage portion.
In consideration of the marriage portion and of 5s paid to John Gorwyn by John and Richard Lambert Gorwyn; and in order to make provision for Mary should she outlive her husband, John Gorwyn grants Bradley and all its appurtenances (then in the possession of John Gorwyn), on trust to John and Richard Lambert Gorwyn for 500 years and a peppercorn rent.
The trustees will pay from the property an annuity of £30 to Mary should she be widowed.
If there should be any daughters of the marriage, and John Gorwyn outlives Mary and marries again, the trustees shall raise £300 from the estate to be shared between the daughters, although any daughter marrying in her father’s lifetime to who he has advanced her portion will not be eligible for a share.
Bradley goes to the trustees free of all encumbrances except for an annuity of £70 payable to Elizabeth Margaret Gorwyn, the mother of John.

Source: DRO (48112/40). The couple had one son, John Gorwyn, to whom Bradleigh descended. See Tables 2 and 6.

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Marriage settlement of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham dated 2 October 1789

Indenture between (1) Elizabeth Pridham, widow of Cheriton Fitzpaine; (2) Mary Pridham, spinster of Crediton; (3) George Lambert Gorwyn, yeoman of Cheriton Bishop; and (4) George Cann of Falkedon (Spreyton), John Harris of Crediton and John Gorwyn, gent. of Crediton.

George Lambert Gorwyn is possessed of the residue of a 1,000 year lease (granted by John Fulford Esq., deceased, of Great Fulford), of which at least 580 years have yet to run, of Lower Honiford, otherwise Greystone, in Drewsteignton, part of the Manor of Coombhall, formerly in the tenancy of James Smale and now in the tenancy for life of Josiah Stevens (or Stephens) the Elder, now aged about 76.
Elizabeth Pridham has agreed to pay George Lambert Gorwyn £400 as the marriage portion for her daughter Mary to whom he is about to be married.
In consideration of the £400 and of 20s which George Lambert Gorwyn will pay to John Harris and George Cann, George Lambert Gorwyn grants the property of Lower Honiford otherwise Greystone to John Harris, George Cann and John Gorwyn for the full term of 500 years, paying an annual rent of one grain of wheat, on trust for the purposes below.
They shall, after the demise of Josiah Stevens and during the joint lives of George Lambert Gorwyn and Mary Pridham pay to George the rents and profits from the property. After George’s death, they shall pay Mary an annuity of £35, net of all taxes and deductions. The said £35 is in lieu of any dower that she might otherwise claim. If in any quarter the rent is unpaid, Mary shall have the right to enter the property and enforce payment.
If George dies before Josiah Stevens, the trustees can sieze and sell goods and chattels from his personal estate to pay the £35 annuity.

George Lambert Gorwyn also signs a bond for £300 undertaking to fulfil the obligations in the indenture.

Source: DRO. Mary Pridham died many years before her husband, after which the trust came to an end. See Table 3..

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Marriage Settlement of John Gorwyn and Mary Gorwyn dated 28.12.1878

John Gorwyn demises in trust to John Lambert Gorwyn and Richard Lambert Gorwyn [brothers of Mary] Bradleigh in Crediton for 500 years at a peppercorn rent and an upfront payment of 5s.
If Mary outlives her husband, she will receive a dower in lieu of jointure of £30 yearly chargeable on Bradleigh.

Source: DRO (48/12/40). See Tables 2 and 3.

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Deed of Release and Settlement of 1854 between (1) Richard Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and (2) George Lambert Gorwyn of Exeter and John Ponsford of Drewsteignton, dated 7.7.1854

Notes that Richard Lambert Gorwyn is entitled for life under the will of his grandfather to the following farms and lands: Graystone, Honeyford (otherwise Honeydown), Teignholt and Teignholt Ford, Fursdon, and a share in Knowle with the lime kilns and machinery thereon, all in Drewsteignton; also Howard (or Heyward or Heywood) in Hittisleigh; and also Tuckers Tenement; Newton’s Tenement; and the Plot of Orchard known as Strap Orchard, part of Golden Lion Inn, all in Cheriton Bishop;

Notes that these properties are subject to a mortgage to George Lambert Gorwyn [Richard’s brother] for securing the repayment with interest of a loan £4000, which sum is also further secured by three assurance policies on the life of Richard Lambert Gorwyn of £1,500, £1,500 and £1,000,

Notes that Richard Lambert Gorwyn is desirous of making some provision for his children;

Conveys the properties for the sum of 5s to George Lambert Gorwyn and John Ponsford for the period of the natural life of Richard Lambert Gorwyn, on trust. Under the trust they will during the life of Richard LG let the properties for the best rents that they can reasonably obtain, and from the proceeds:

in the first place pay the interest due on the £4,000; the annual premiums in respect of the life assurance policies and any other policies effected for better securing the £4,000 and interest; and the costs of repairs and other outgoings in respect of the said premises;
in the next place will pay the residue of the proceeds to Richard LG for his life.

If Richard LG encumbers the rents of the properties in any way, it shall be lawful for George LG and John Ponsford, during the life of Richard LG, as they think fit, to receive or reclaim the rents or such part of them as they think proper, and to apply the same for the personal support of Richard LG and his children, and the education and advancement of such children, and in such shares as appears expedient to George LG and John Ponsford,

It is expressly declared that George LG and John Ponsford shall be answerable only for such moneys as they actually receive, and not for any involuntary loss; and they may deduct costs incurred in the execution of the trust.

Richard LG covenants with George LG and John Ponsford that the said messuages and rents shall during his life be applied upon the trusts aforesaid without any let by him.

Source: papers of George, 1st Viscount Lambert. George Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1818-1885; Richard Lambert Gorwyn’s dates were 1820-1861. See Tables 4 and 5.

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