The Will of Edward Collett (Ref. 36K17) of Featherstone

 was made on 28th September 1703

on board HMS Windsor

which was a 60-gun fourth rated ship of the Royal Navy

launched at Deptford on 31st October 1695

 

 

 

In the name of God Amen, I Edward Collett of her majesties ship Windsor being very sick and weak of body but of sound and disposing memory and considering the perils and dangers of the seas and for avoiding confusion after my death, I do make publish declare this my Last Will and Testament

 

That is to say, first I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body forthwith 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, I give unto my brother William Collett, Apothecary, twenty pounds to satisfy him for a debt of seventeen pounds which I owe him and in case of the death of my said brother I devise it to be paid unto my uncle Edward Collett in the town of Featherstone in the County of Yorkshire or his heirs and assigns

 

I give unto William Fenwick, one of my executors of the parish of St Gyles five pounds

 

Item I give into Elizabeth Field of the parish of Pomfret forty shillings to satisfy her for what I owe her

 

And as for all the rest of my pay wages sum and sums of money lands tenements goods chattels and estate whatsoever as shall be my wages owing or belonging unto me at the time of my decease I give devise and bequeath the same unto my loving friend Samuel Troy of the said ship Windsor and to his heirs and assigns

 

And I do hereby nominate and appoint the aforementioned William Fenwick and Samuel Troy my sole executors of this my Last Will and Testament.

 

 

The final paragraph is not easy to read, but mentions revoking all previous Wills and confirms the date Edward set his hand to this Will, and that it was carried out while on board HMS Windsor.

 

 

 

 

The witnesses were William Walles, Timothy Whiting and N Evans