Yeovil's Virtual Museum

The collins Family

Glove Manufacturers of Court Ash

 

The Collins family were established in Yeovil at least from the middle of the eighteenth century. Certainly in his will of 1743, butcher William Collins mentions his brother Henry and sister Grace and 'kinsman' Edward Collins. It appears that William (probably unmarried and childless), who died in 1743, may have been approaching bankruptcy since administration of his will was given to his principal creditor, one John Hammond, rather than his sister Grace whom he had named as his sole executrix.

Of the main surviving branch of the Collins family of Yeovil, although the father's name is unknown to us, the matriarch's name was Mary and she had at least five children; Elizabeth, Henry the Elder (1752-1827), Philip (d1790), Mary and William.

 

Little is known of Elizabeth; from her brother Philip's will she married a Mr Woolmington and had a daughter Sarah to whom Philip bequeathed twenty pounds (worth about £40,000 at today's value). Another daughter, Mary, married Giles Hodges.

 

Philip, who died in 1790, was a Yeovil butcher with substantial wealth and left most of his estate to his wife Martha. However it would appear that Philip and Martha had no surviving children since he left, on the death or remarriage of his wife, ".... the Messuage or dwellinghouse within which I now live with the Outhouses coach house and Garden" to his nephew Philip and he left a "close called Furze Hedge lying near Brick Yard Lane" (today's St Michael's Avenue) to his nephew Henry - Philip and Henry being the sons of his brother Henry.

Philip's will makes the only mention of his brother William to whom he left his grey mare with the request that "he never dispose of or part with her on any Account whatever." In fact, William married Ann Andrews on 25 January 1812 at St John's church.

For Philip's will of 1790, click here.

 

Henry the Elder was born in Yeovil in 1752 and married Elizabeth Winter (1754-1821). Henry and Elizabeth were to have seven children; Martha (1777-1825), Mary (1782-1872), Susanna (1783-1854). Henry Jnr (1787-1841), Philip (1788-1835), Sarah (1790-1840) and Elizabeth (1793-1868).

In 1784 Henry, 'Glover of Yeovil', was listed in the UK register of duties paid for apprentices' indentures when he took on as an apprentice William Thring. This same year Henry Collins was listed in Bailey's British Directory as a manufacturer of fine leather gloves. He was noted as a glove manufacturer in deeds of both 1786 and 1787 as well as in a 'Survey of the County of Somerset' of 1789. He was listed as a 'Glover, Lamb & Kid Leather Dresser' in the Universal British Directory of 1790. His glove factory was in Court Ash and he and his family lived in Court Ash House after 1800, when the then owner Francis Boucher (the fifth generation of the Boucher to have lived in Court Ash House) died and his estate sold.

From 1804 until 1807 Henry served as a Churchwarden of St John's church. In 1818, together co-former Churchwardens George Watts and William Willmington (Henry Collins' son-in-law), Henry gave evidence before the Select Committee of the House of Commons as to his role in the Yeovil Charities Scandal.

Henry Collins lived in the large nine-bedroom residence Court Ash House shown on the map below. Next to it, to the north of the sheep pens, was his glove factory. Both the house and glove factory were later occupied by his sons, glove manufacturers Henry and Philip, then by his son-in-law glove manufacturer William Willmington (1773-1860) and William's son Edwin Willmington in the early 1850s and by glove manufacturer Elias Lyndall Whitby from the mid-1860s.

Henry Collins (the Elder), accorded the rank of Gentleman, died on 11 January 1827, aged 75, and Elizabeth died on 18 January 1821, aged 67. They are buried in a vault in the centre aisle of St John's church together with their two sons, Henry and Philip.

For Henry the Elder's 1826 will, click here.

 

Of the children of Henry Collins the Elder

Martha was born in 1777 and married glove manufacturer William Willmington in 1795. Together they would have nine children; William Edward (b1798), Mary (b1800), Elizabeth (b1802), Henry (b1804), Amelia Collins (b1806), Emma Matilda Collins (b1808), Sophia Collins (b1810), Philip Collins (b1812), Edwin Collins (b1815) and Mary Ann Collins (b1817). Martha died in 1825.

Little is known of Mary, other than she was born in 1782, married gentleman farmer John Bryant Phelps (1783-1818) in 1810 and died in 1872. She and John had four children; Susan (b1812), Henry Bryant (1813-1888), John Bryant (1815-1878) and Robert.

Susanna was born in 1783 and died a spinster in 1854. For Susanna's 1854 will click here.

In 1824 the company of Henry & Philip Collins, glove manufacturers of Court Ash, were listed in Pigot's Directory of that year. Henry the Younger and Philip were the sons of Henry the Elder. and clearly took over their father's business on his retirement. Neither this company nor either of the Collins boys as individual glove manufacturers were listed in any trade directories after this date.

Henry the younger, born in 1786 and baptised at St John's church on 28 September, the older brother by a year, married Mary Ann Merewether in St Michael's church, Mere, Wiltshire on 29 February 1808. She was the youngest daughter of John Merewether (1753-1828), Gentleman, of Mere Park, Wiltshire. It is not thought that Henry and Mary had children, but she died in 1814. A sketch map by E Watts, dated 1829, recorded Court Ash House as "Mr Collins' Premises". Henry Collins (Jnr) was listed in the Yeovil poll books of both 1832 and 1834 as living in Court Ash and was in the poll books by virtue of owning freehold land at "Brittol's Hill, etc." in Yeovil. He was also a member of the Vestry. Henry was an active member of the Yeovil Political Union and was elected its Chairman in 1833.

Henry the younger married his brother's widow Ann. On the Collins' monument in St John's church, illustrated below, it reads somewhat confusingly "Also of Ann Collins wife of the above Henry, and Philip Collins; who died 10 March 1869 aged 75 years." Since Henry's wife Mary Ann née Merewether died in 1814, Henry wanted to remarry - his brother's widow. However, it appears that there was a legal problem with the marriage - in his will (see below) Henry the younger states that he was intended to marry Ann Collins "And whereas the said marriage was formally celebrated between myself and the said Ann Collins but it is apprehended that the same is absolutely void under a certain Act passed in the 5th and 6th years of the Reign of His late Majesty King William the Fourth." Henry did, however, provide amply for Ann in his will.

Henry the younger died on 11 September 1841, aged 54.

For Henry Collins the Younger's 1839 will, click here.

 

Philip married Ann Hayward of Mudford in 1810. They did not have children, since in the event of her death or remarriage Philip left everything to the care of his brother Henry, which included lands in both Mudford and Marston Magna, apart from a thousand pounds (around £76,000 at today's value) left to his sister Elizabeth. He also stipulated that after the death or remarriage of his wife, his estate be divided "unto my three sisters Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth".  Philip Collins died on 9 June 1835 aged 57. The Bristol Mercury reported "Philip Collins, Esq. of Court Ash, Yeovil. He had been unwell for some time past, and while taking air in the garden, he suddenly fell down in a fit of apoplexy and expired."

Philip was listed in both poll books by virtue of owning freehold land in Brickyard Lane (today's St Michael's Avenue) - this was the field called Furze Hedge that Philip had inherited from his uncle Philip.

For Philip Collins' 1831 will click here.

 

In the 1846 Tithe Apportionment Ann Collins was listed as the owner of several houses, parcels of land, etc. including being the owner and occupier of 'House, Garden & Orchard' (Parcel 50) - which was Court Ash House. Ann Collins' land holdings, inherited via her two Collins husbands, are tabulated below.

In the 1861 census, Ann Collins was recorded as a 60-year-old annuitant widow living at Court Ash House. Living with her were two young girl servants and her 60-year-old servant Richard Purchase who was left £10 per annum some thirty years before in the will of Henry the Younger, to whom Richard was also a servant.

 

Sarah married Edward Merryweather, Gentleman, of Mere Park, Wiltshire, at St John's church on 4 April 1820. Edward was already Sarah's brother-in-law, as his older sister Mary Ann had married Sarah's brother Henry in 1808. Sarah died in 1840, aged 50.

 

Finally, Henry and Elizabeth's youngest daughter, Elizabeth was born in 1783. On 11 September 1821, at St John's church, she married Yeovil glove manufacturer Samuel Duffett. They were to have six children; Anna (b1826), Henry (bc1827), Emily (b1828), Louisa (b1830), Matilda (b1832) and Flora (b1835). The family lived next door but one to the Pall Tavern in Silver Street. Elizabeth died in Yeovil in 1868 aged 75.

 

See the Collins Family Tree

 

 

This map, based on the 1886 Ordnance Survey, shows Henry Collins' large residence, Court Ash House at top centre left. Next to it, to the north of the sheep pens, is his glove factory. The site of the house is now the Odeon cinema and factory site is today built up with offices.

 

 

Below are the holdings of Ann Collins as recorded in the 1846 Tithe Apportionment. Parcel 50 is Court Ash House and its orchard, in total measuring 1a 2r 9p and it is, perhaps, surprising to see Frogg Mill amongst her holdings. Much of the rest were in the Bucklers Mead area. The total acreage owned by Ann Collins in 1846 amounted to 43a 0r 32p inherited from her two husbands - brothers Philip and Henry Collins the Younger (for details on historic land measurement - ie acres, roods and perches - click here).

 

Owner	Occupier	No	Name
Collins, Ann	Collins, Ann	50	House, Garden & Orchard
Collins, Ann	Allen, Robert Jnr	472	Mill Orchard
Collins, Ann	Allen, Robert Jnr	473	Frogg Mill & Premises
Collins, Ann	Hawkins, John	475	Stars Lane House & Orchard
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	932	Bucklers Mead
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	933	Furzey Close
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	934	Daniell's Close
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	935	Young Orchard
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	946	Briseham Hill
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	947	Spring Close
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	949	Cribhouse Ground
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	980	Goarh Nap
Collins, Ann	Squire, James	996	Lower Ryalls
Collins, Ann	Squire, James	1005	Higher Ryalls
Collins, Ann	Marten, James	1035	Gilland's Close

 

 

The notice of Henry Collins the Younger's first marriage - to Mary Ann Mereweather - from the 10 March 1808 edition of the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette.

 

The notice of the marriage of Philip Collins and Ann Hayward from the 9 June 1810 edition of the Bristol Mirror.

 

The notice of the death of Henry Collins the Elder from the 8 January 1827 edition of the Salisbury and Wiltshire Journal.

 

Henry Collins the Younger's signature against the Vestry minutes of 3 March 1831.  

 

The notice of Philip Collins' death from the 13 June 1835 edition of the Bristol Mirror.

  

An aerial view of St John's church taken in 1924. At top left is Court Ash House set within its extensive grounds (now the site of the Odeon cinema building) and directly above the church roof are seen Henry Collins' glove factory buildings, enlarged in the photograph below.

 

An enlargement of the previous photographs showing Henry Collins' glove factory complex at centre and centre left. At right Nos 1 & 2 Court Ash, not part of Collins' complex, remains today.

 

The Collins' memorial in St John's church. 

 

 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Philip Collins of Yeovil in the County of Somerset Butcher I give and devise all my Messuages Lands and Tenements situate and being in Yeovil aforesaid unto my Wife Martha Collins for and during the term of her natural life in case she shall so long remain my Widow and from and after her death or marriage again I dispose thereof as follows that is to say I give the Messuage or dwellinghouse wherein I now live with the Outhouses court yard and Garden to the same belonging unto my Nephew Philip Collins Son of my Brother Henry his Heirs and Assigns forever I give my close called Furze Hedge lying near Brick Yard Lane in Yeovil aforesaid unto my Nephew Henry Collins another son of my said Brother Henry his heirs and Assigns forever I give my two closes of pasture Ground called Winterhay and Lilswell which I purchased of Mr William Cayme unto my three Nieces Martha Mary and Susanna daughters of my said Brother Henry Collins their heirs and assigns forever as Tenants in common And not as joint tenants I give unto my sister Mary Wife of Giles Hodges the sum of five pounds to be paid her in one month next after my death Also I Give unto the said Mary Hodges the weekly sum of two shillings for and during the term of her natural life and I direct the same to be paid into her own hands for her sole use and benefit so as the same be not liable to the controul Debts or Engagements of her husband I give unto my Niece Charlotte Bowen daughter of Mr Benjamin Bowen the sum of five pounds to be paid in twelve Months next after my decease I Give unto my Brother William Collins my Gray mare with this request that he never dispose of or part with her on any Account whatever And as for and concerning all the rest and residue of my Monies Goods Stock Land all other my personal Estate whatsoever to my said Wife for her life in case she shall so long continue my widow and from and after her death or marriage again Dispose thereof as follows (that is to say) I give unto such child as Elizabeth the Wife of my Brother Henry is now ensient of the Sum of two hundred pounds I give unto my Neice Sarah Woolmonton Daughter of my Sister Elizabeth Woolmonton the sum of twenty pounds And I give all the rest and residue of my said monies Goods and all other my personal Estate whatsoever unto and amongst all and every the Child and Children of my Brother Henry which shall be living at the time of the death or marriage again of my said Wife equally to be divided between them share and share alike I appoint my said Wife Martha Collins and Brother Henry Collins joint Executors of this my last will and testament In witness whereof I the said Philip Collins the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and Seal this eighteenth day of February in the year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety

Philip Collins

Signed sealed published and declared to the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Testator and of each other

Tho[ma]s Martin Edm[un]d Batten Solomon Tozer Junr

This Will was proved at London on the twenty seventh Day of May in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety before the Right Honourable Sir William Wynne [word illegible] Doctor of Laws and [word illegible] Keeper [two words illegible] of the prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the Oaths of Martha Collins Widow the relict of the deceased and Henry Collins the Brother of the deceased and the Executors named in the said Will to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased having been first sworn by Commission only to Administer

 

Transcribed by Bob Osborn

 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Henry Collins of Yeovil in the County of Somerset Gentleman I give and devise unto my son in law William Willmington all that my messuage or dwellinghouse now in my occupation called Court Ash together with the workshope barn stable outbuildings yard garden Orchard and premises thereto adjoining and belonging late Mr William Collins's situate lying and being in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid (except the walle between the [word illegible] Garden and Orchard and the Garden and Orchard late [Jeanse's ?] which it is my will shall not pass by the devise) To hold unto the said William Willmington begotten on the body of my late daughter Martha Willmington who shall be living at the time of my decease and their respective heirs and assigns for ever equally to be divided between them if more than one share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants And if but one then upon trust for such one child his or her heirs and assigns for ever I give and bequeath to the said Children of the said William Willmington begotten as aforesaid on the body of my late daughter the sum of eight hundred and twenty pounds to be equally divided between them share and share alike the shares of such of them as shall be under the age or twenty one years at the time of my decease (if any) to be paid to the said William Willmington In trust for them and I direct that the receipt shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors hereinafter named for the same I also give and bequeath to the said Children of the said William Willmington begotten as aforesaid on the body of my said late Daughter the further sum of five hundred pounds now due and owing to me from the said securing the payment whereof he hath deposited in my hands the title the deeds of certain Lands in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid the rents and profits of which I receive and retain as a satisfaction for the Interest of the said last mentioned sum of five hundred pounds And I direct that such last mentioned sum of five hundred pounds with the interest due thereon at the time of my decease as aforesaid be equally divided between such children in equal shares and proportions if more than one shall be living at the time of my decease and if but one then to such only one and to be paid such of them as shall of the age of twenty one years at the time of my decease immediately after my decease and such of them as shall be under that age at the time of my decease as and when they shall respectively attain that age And I further direct that such Deeds as well as the Lands comprised therein be delivered up to the said William Willmington immediately after my decease I give and devise to my daughter Mary Phelps Widow all that my close of pasture Land called Linswell and also all that my close of pasture land called the Three Cornered Ground near Brimsmore Tree both late Caymess and situate lying and being in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid To hold unto and to the use of my said Daughter Mary Phelps her heirs and assigns for ever I give and bequeath to my said Daughter Mary Phelps the sum of eleven hundred pounds I give and devise to my sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins All that my close of pasture land at Lyde which I purchased of Wyndham Harbin Esquire and also all that my close of pasture Land called Gospit which I also purchased of the said Wyndham Harbin both situate lying and being in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid To hold to the said Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins their heirs and assigns upon Trust for my Daughter Sarah Merryweather and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life And from and immediately after her decease upon trust for such other person or persons for such Estate or Estates in such parts shared and proportions and in such manner and form as my said Daughter Sarah Merryweather whether covert or sole and notwithstanding the coverture shall by any Deed or Deeds justment or Justments in writing executed by her in the presence of and attested by two or more credible witnesses or by her last Will and Testament in writing executed by her in the presence of and attested by three or more credible witnesses direct limit or appoint or give or devise the same or any part thereof and in default of such direction limitation or appointment gift or devise and so far as the same if incomplete shall not extend upon trust for all and every the Children and Child of my said Daughter Sarah Merryweather who shall be living at the time of her decease their respective heirs and assigns to be equally divided between them if more than one share and share alike as tenants in common and not as joint tenants and if but one then upon trust for such one child his or her heirs and assigns for ever And in default of such Issue Then upon trust for the right heirs of my said Daughter Sarah Merryweather for ever I give and bequeath to my said sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins their executors administrators and assigns the sum of one thousand pounds Upon trust to place the same out at Interest on such security as they shall think proper And upon trust to pay the Interest thereof to my said daughter Sarah Merryweather for and during the term of her natural life independant of her husband who is to have nothing to do therewith nor is the same to be subject to his control debts or engagements and her receipt alone notwithstanding her coverture is to be a sufficient discharge for the same And from and immediately after her decease upon trust to pay the said principal sum of one thousand pounds and all arrears of Interest for the same unto all or such one or more of her children as she shall by Deed or Will (notwithstanding her coverture) direct or appoint give or bequeath the same And in default or such direction or appointment gift or bequest Upon trust to pay the same unto all her children equally and their respective executors administrators and assigns I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna Collins the sum of three thousand and two hundred pounds I give and bequeath to my said sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins and to my son in law Edward Merryweather their executors administrators and assigns the sum of two thousand and four hundred pounds Upon trust to place the same out at Interest on such security as they shall think proper And upon trust to pay the interest thereof to my daughter Elizabeth the daughter of Samuel Duffett for and during the term of her natural life independant of the control debts or engagements of her husband who is to have nothing to do therewith and her receipt alone shall be a sufficient discharge for the same and from and after her decease Upon trust to pay the said principal sum of two thousand and four hundred pounds and all arrears of interest for the same unto all or such one or more of her Children as she shall by Deed or Will (notwithstanding her coverture) direct or appoint give or bequeath the same And in default or such direction or appointment gift or bequest Upon trust to pay the same unto all her children equally and their respective executors administrators and assigns I give and bequeath to my daughter Susannah Collins my Stock of Cider and other Liquors in my dwellinghouse together with the use of my household Goods and furniture for her life provided she shall so long remain single and unmarried I give and devise to my said Daughter Susannah Collins my dwellinghouse and garden late Jeanes's situate lying and being in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid (but not the barn wringhouse or orchard thereto belonging) To hold to her my said Daughter Susannah Collins and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life provided she shall remain single and unmarried And I do hereby direct that my Executors hereinafter named shall keep the last mentioned dwelling house in repair and pay all rates and taxes for the same during the time my said daughter Susanna shall reside therein as aforesaid All the rest residue and remainder of my real and personal estate goods chattels and effects whatsoever and wheresoever I give devise and bequeath unto my said sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins To hold to them my said sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins their heirs executors administrators and assigns according to the nature tenure and quality of the same respectively absolutely as joint tenants and not as tenants in common it being my intention and desire thet the survivor of them his heirs executors administrators and assigns shall have the whole thereof unless such joint tenancy be severed during the lives of my said sons And Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said sons Henry Collins the younger and Philip Collins joint Executors of this my last Will and testament And I do hereby revoke and make void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this alone to be and contain the whole of my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Henry Collins the testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained in four sheets of paper subscribed and set my hand and seal that is to say to the first three sheets thereof have subscribed my hand and to this fourth and last sheet thereof have subscribed and set my hand and seal the eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and twenty six

H[enr]y Collins

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator Henry Collins as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our name as witnesses thereto

WL White      W[illia]m White     W[illia]m Ball

 

Proved at London 17th April 1827 before the Judge by the oaths of Henry Collins & Philip Collins the sons the Executors to whom Adm[inistrati]on was granted being first sworn by Com[missi]on duly to Adm[iniste]r

 

Transcribed by Bob Osborn

 

I Philip Collins of Yeovil in the County of Somerset Gentleman being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say Whereas freehold and leasehold estates of considerable value were devised to my brother Henry Collins and myself by the Will of my late father To hold to us as joint tenants and not as tenants in common unless such joint tenancy were severed during our Lives And whereas in order to sever the same my undivided moiety or equal half part or share of and in the said freehold and leasehold premises was by Indentures of Lease and Release and Assignment bearing date the second and third days of February one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven conveyed by me to one Henry Penny his heirs and assigns To the use of such person for such Estate and in such manner either absolutely or conditionally and charged and chargeable as I shall by my last Will and Testament give and devise unto my dear Wife Ann All that my said undivided moiety or equal half part or share of and in such freehold and leasehold premises and also all other my real Estate devised by the said Will To hold to her and her assigns during her natural life if she shall so long continue my widow and from and immediately after her decease or day of marriage I give and devise the same unto my said brother Henry To hold to him his heirs and assigns for ever also I give and devise unto my said wife all that my freehold Estate situate within the parishes of Mudford and Marston magna in the said County of Somerset To hold to her and her assigns during her natural Life if she shall so long continue my Widow And from and immediately after her decease or day of marriage I give and devise the same to my said brother Henry To hold to him his heirs and assigns for ever also I give to my said wife all my household goods plate linen china ware [word illegible] Carriage Carriage horse furniture of every description wine and other Liquors Also I give to my said wife my pew in the body of the Church of Yeovil aforesaid and I hereby direct that my said wife shall have the management of my funeral I give and bequeath to my sister Elizabeth Duffett my Pew in the North gallery in the Church of Yeovil aforesaid I give and bequeath unto George Longman of Mudford aforesaid and Samuel Duffett of Yeovil aforesaid Gentleman all my stocks funds mortgages monies securities for money rights [word illegible] and effects whatsoever and wheresoever not herein before disposed of and after payment of my just debts funeral expences and the charges of proving this my will To hold to them and the survivor of them upon trust to get in and invest the same on government or Land Securely and to receive the dividends interest and produce thereof from time to time and to pay and apply the same unto my said wife for and during her natural life if she shall so long continue my widow And from and immediately after her decease or day of marriage to retain in their hands the sum of one thousand pounds for the separate use of my sister the said Elizabeth Duffett during her Life and to pay the interest thereof to her from time to time and after her decease to pay over the said sum of one thousand pounds to such person or persons as she the said Elizabeth Duffett shall by her Will notwithstanding her coverture give or appoint and to pay over the remainder of the said monies with all interest due thereon unto my said brother Henry for his own use and I hereby appoint the said George Longman and Samuel Duffett Executors of this my Will and trustees for my said wife and I hereby declare that the said George Longman and Samuel Duffett their Executors and Administrators shall not be answerable or accountable for any monies that they shall not actually receive nor shall either of them be chargeable with or accountable for the acts of the other of them But each for his separate acts receipts defaults or neglect only nor shall they or either of them be answerable or accountable for the insufficiency or deficiency of any security or securities on which the said monies or any part thereof shall be invested And I hereby further declare that in case my said brother Henry shall raise any objections to this my Will or dispute or attempt to dispute or question the same either at Law or in equity then and in such case the devices hereinbefore contained in his favor shall be void And I hereby revoke the same unconditionally thereupon and direct that my said Estate within the parishes of Mudford and Marston Magna aforesaid shall go to and I hereby devise the same to my said wife To hold to her and her heirs and assigns for ever and that my said freehold and leasehold Estates devised by the Will of my said father or my undivided moiety thereof and therein shall after the decease of my said wife go to And I hereby devise the same unto my three sisters Mary Sarah and Elizabeth To hold to them their heirs and assigns as tenants in common and not as joint tenants In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty one

Philip Collins

Signed sealed published and declared by the said testator Philip Collins as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto

Edwin Tomkins Jnr Yeovil     Thomas Tomkins   Letitia Messiter Tomkins

 

Proved at London 25th August 1835 before the Judge by the oaths of George Longman and Samuel Duffett the Executors to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted having been first sworn by Comm[issi]on duly to administer

 

 

Transcribed by Bob Osborn

 

 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Henry Collins of Yeovil in the County of Somerset Gentleman First I direct all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expences be paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease I give unto Mrs Ann Collins Widow of my late brother Philip Collins All the furniture household Goods Plate linen china glass books trinkets fuel wines liquors and all other effects (except monies and securities for money) which shall be in and about my dwellinghouse at Yeovil aforesaid at the time of my decease for her own absolute use and benefit Also I give and bequeath unto my sister Sarah Merryweather All that my Pew in the middle Aisle in the Church of Yeovil aforesaid To hold to her and her assigns for all my Estate and interest therein And Whereas by virtue of the Will of my late Father Henry Collins deceased I am entitled absolutely to an undivided moiety or other Estate of and in certain Freehold hereditaments and premises in the parish of Yeovil aforesaid And by virtue of the Will of my said late brother Philip Collins I am also entitled to the remaining undivided moiety or other Estate of and in the same freehold hereditaments and premises and to the entirety of certain Freehold hereditaments and premises in the parishes of Mudford and Marston Magna in the said County of Somerset Subject to the Estate therein of the said Ann Collins during her Widowhood And whereas a marriage was lately intended to be effectually solemnized between myself and the said Ann Collins and in contemplation thereof by Indentures of lease and Release bearing date respectively the fourth and fifth days of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty five the release being made between me the said Henry Collins of the first part the said Ann Collins of the second part George Longman William Longman and Burchell Peren of the third part and the said William Longman and Burchell Peren of the fourth part the said two several undivided moieties hereditaments and premises were limited to certain uses therein mentioned to take effect after the due solemnization of the then intended marriage And whereas the said marriage was formally celebrated between myself and the said Ann Collins but it is apprehended that the same is absolutely void under a certain Act passed in the 5th and 6th years of the Reign of His late Majesty King William the Fourth and consequently that the uses and estates in and by the said Indenture of Release declared or limited to arise in the event of the said intended marriage being duly solemnized can now never arise or take effect Now therefore my Will is and I do hereby give devise and appoint unto the said Ann Collins All that the said one undivided moiety hereditaments and also the entirety of other the freehold premises devised to me by my late brother Philip Collins in remainder expectant on the decease or marrying again of the said Ann Collins or otherwise (excepting only the moiety of a certain messuage orchard and premises at Court Ash in or near Kingston Juxta Yeovil aforesaid) To hold to her the said Ann Collins and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life whether she shall marry again or not to and for her and their own absolute use and benefit And I give devise and appoint All that one undivided moiety or other Estate and Interest hereditaments and premises devised to me by the said Will of my said late Father (except the said hereditaments and premises devised by me unto the said Ann Collins for life as aforesaid) unto my nephew Henry Bryant Phelps of Yeovil aforesaid Glove Manufacturer his heirs and assigns Upon Trust that he or the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will do and shall stand possessed thereof and interested therein and of and in the rents issues and profits thereof Upon Trust in case the said Ann Collins shall survive me and there shall not be any Child or Children of the said Ann Collins or Issue of any such child or children living at my decease or born alive in due time after to pay out of the rents and profits of the said last mentioned moiety hereditaments and premises by half yearly payments on the twenty fourth day of June and the twenty fifth day of December in every year the yearly sum of one hundred pounds to the said Ann Collins during so long as she shall continue a Widow and unmarried the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days as shall first happen after my decease And upon Trust subject to the payment of the said sum of one hundred pounds as aforesaid to pay and apply the rents and profits of the said last mentioned moiety hereditaments and premises unto and between my sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett or such of them as shall be living at the time of my decease in such shares and proportions as the said Ann Collins shall by writing under her hand from time to time order or direct But in case the said Ann Collins shall survive me and there shall be any child or children of the said Ann Collins or issue of any such child or children living at my decease or born alive in due time after my decease Upon trust to pay all the rents issues and profits of the said last mentioned moiety hereditaments and premises unto the said Ann Collins during so long of her natural life as she shall remain a Widow for her own absolute use and subject and without prejudice to the Trusts aforesaid Upon Trust that my said Trustee & the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will and his and their heirs and assigns shall and do stand possessed of and interested in all and singular the said two several moieties hereditaments and premises and other the hereditaments and premises devised to me by the said Wills of my said late Father and brother respectively (including the said messuage orchard and premises at Court Ash aforesaid) And also all other my Freehold and Copyhold lands tenements hereditaments and real estate whatsoever and wheresoever and the rents issues and annual profits thereof respectively Upon the Trusts and for the purposes following (that is to say) In trust for all and every the child and children of the said Ann Collins living at my decease or born in due time after who shall attain the age of twenty one years and the issue of any child or children of the said Ann Collins who shall die in my lifetime or being living at my decease shall afterwards die under the age of twenty one years such issue to take [word illegible] the same share as his her or their parent or respective parents would have taken if such parent or parents had survived me and attained the age of twenty one years and the heirs and assigns for ever of such child children or issue (such children or issue respectively if more than one to take as tenants in common and not as joint tenants) But in case there shall not be any child nor issue of any child of the said Ann Collins who shall become entitled to a vested Estate or Interest in the said estates and premises under the Trust or limitation hereinbefore contained then I give devise and appoint all those the said undivided moieties hereditaments and all and singular other my freehold premises (subject to the Estate and interest of the said Ann Collins therein respectively and also to the payment of the annuities hereinafter mentioned after the death of the said Ann Collins) unto my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett To hold to them their heirs and assigns for ever as Tenants in common and not as joint tenants but charged and chargeable nevertheless after the death of the said Ann Collins with the payment of the annuities herein after mentioned that is to say I give to my sister Susannah Collins the yearly sum of one hundred pounds for the term of her natural life to be paid half yearly on the twenty fourth day of June and the twenty fifth day of December in each year the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days as shall first happen after the decease of the said Ann Collins I also give to my servant Richard Purchase the yearly sum of Ten Pounds for the term of his natural life Provided he shall be living with me at the time of my decease and not then under notice to quit my service to be paid half yearly on the twenty fourth day of June and the twenty fifth day of December in each year the first payment thereof to begin and be made on such of the said days as shall first happen after the decease of the said Ann Collins And I do hereby declare that in case any half yearly payments of the said Annuities or yearly sums of one hundred pounds and ten pounds shall be in arrears and unpaid for the space of twenty eight days next after any of the days or times on which the same became payable that then it shall be lawful for the said Susannah Collins or Richard Purchase as it may happen to enter into and upon my said Estates hereditaments and premises or any part thereof and distrain for the same and the distress or distresses then and there found to detain and keep until such Arrear and all Costs charges and damages attending the taking and keeping such distress or distresses shall have been fully paid and satisfied and in default of payment thereof or any part thereof within five days after such distress or distresses shall be so taken to appraise sell and dispose thereof and act therein as in cases of arrears of rent and further that if it should happen that no or not a sufficient distress can be found on the premises whereon to levy the said arrear of annuity that then it shall be lawful to and for the person to whom such arrear is due to enter into and upon the said Estates hereditaments and premises or in any part thereof in the name of the whole and to have hold occupy possess and enjoy the same and receive and take the rents issues and profits thereof to and for his or her own proper use until he or she shall be fully paid and satisfied all arrears of the said annuity whether the same was one at the time of such entry or respective entries or became due during the time of his or her possession under or by virtue of such entry together with all costs charges and expences which shall or may be occasioned by the recovery or nonpayment thereof or any part thereof such possession when taken to be without impeachment of waste Provided always and I do hereby declare that the Gifts bequests or devises hereby given or made to or in trust for my sisters shall not be subjects to the debts power engagements or controul of their present or any future husband or husbands with whom they or either of them shall intermarry and I hereby empower the Trustee or Trustees for the time being of this my Will by and with consent of the said Ann Collins during her lifetime and after her decease at his or their own discretion to let and devise any part or parts of my said Trust Estates at [word illegible] from year to year or for any term not exceeding seven years in possession And I give and bequeath (and in exercise of all powers enabling me in that behalf) unto my Executixes herein after named their executors administrators and assigns all my ready money securities for money and all the rest residue and remainder of my personal Estate and Effects whatsoever and wheresoever to which I shall be entitled of and also the personal Estate over which I have now any power or appointment Upon Trust with all convenient speed after my decease to sell and dispose of collect yet in and convert into money all my said personal Estate and Effects and thereout to pay all my just debts and funeral and testamentary expences and subject thereto to lay out and invest the residue of the said Trust monies upon Government or real security in England in the name of the said Henry Bryant Phelps or the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of this my Will with full power to my said Trustee or Trustees to vary change and transfer the same funds and securities from time to time at his or their discretion and I declare that my said Trustee or Trustees shall stand possessed of such Trust monies funds and securities and the interest dividends and annual proceeds thereof Upon Trust in case there shall be any child or children of the said Ann Collins living at my decease or born alive in due time after to pay and apply such Interest dividends and annual proceeds for and towards the maintenance education and advancement in life of such child or children in such shares & proportions as my said Trustee or Trustees shall think proper until he she or they shall attain the age of twenty one years and the Upon Trust to pay transfer and apply the said principal Trust monies with all Interest due thereon unto and between such children if more than one in equal shares and proportions and if there shall be but one such child who shall live to attain the said age of twenty one years then to pay transfer and apply the said principal Trust monies with all Interest due thereon unto such only child on his or her attaining the said age of Twenty one years but leaving issue lawfully begotten then I direct that such Issue shall take per stirpes the same share as his her or their parent or respective parents would have taken if such parent or parents had attained the age of twenty one years But in case there shall not be any such child or issue of any child of the said Ann Collins who shall become entitled to a vested Estate or Interest in the said Trust monies then upon Trust that my said Trustee or Trustees for the time being do and shall stand possessed of and interested in one thousand five hundred pounds sterling part of the said Trust monies and the interest dividends and annual proceeds thereof Upon Trust to pay apply and divide the same with the interest dividends and annual proceeds of the said sum of one thousand five hundred pounds at the expiration of three years from the time of my decease unto between and amongst all and every or such one or more of the children or child of my late sister Martha Willmington in such parts shares or proportions and in such manner or former all respects as she the said Ann Collins (notwithstanding Coverture) by any deed or instrument in writing to be signed sealed and delivered by her in the presence of and attested by one or more Witness or Witnesses shall direct or appoint And in default of such direction or appointment unto and amongst all the children of my said sister who may be living at the time of my decease in equal shares and proportions and also that my said Trustee or Trustees shall stand possessed of and interested in the residue of the said Trust monies and the interest dividends and annual proceeds thereof Upon Trust to pay apply and divide the Interest dividends and annual proceeds of such residue during the natural life of the said Ann Collins unto and between all and every or such all or more of my sisters the said Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett as shall be living at the time of my decease in such shares and proportions and manner and form as the said Ann Collins by any writing under her hand shall from time to time order or direct and from and after the decease of the said Ann Collins Upon Trust to pay and divide the said Residue of the said Trust monies with all Interest due thereon unto between and amongst all and every of such one or more of my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett in such shares and proportions and in such manner and form in all respects as the said Ann Collins (notwithstanding Coverture) by any Deed or Instrument in writing to be signed sealed and delivered by her in the presence of and attested by one or more Witness or Witnesses shall direct or appoint and in default of such direction or appointment unto and amongst such of my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett as may be living at the time of my decease in equal shares and proportions to and for their own absolute use and benefit respectively independant of the debts power or control of any husband with whom any or either of them may intermarry and I declare that upon the death of the said Henry Bryant Phelps (whether during my lifetime or after my decease) or if he should refuse or become unable to perform the Trusts of this my Will or in case of the death [word illegible] incapacity resignation or otherwise of any Trustee or Trustees to be appointed under this present power it shall be lawful for the said Ann Collins during her lifetime and after her decease for the then Trustee or Trustees or if there shall be no such Trustee or Trustees then for the executors or administrators of the last deceased Trustee or if there shall be no such last mentioned person then for the [word illegible] or retiring Trustee or Trustees to nominate a new Trustee or Trustees to supply such vacancy or vacancies respectively and to add to the number of Trustees if the person or persons so nominating shall think fit And I hereby declare that my said Trustee and the Trustees or Trustee for the time being shall not be answerable for each others Acts Deeds or defaults nor for involuntary losses and that my said Trustees and Trustee shall be allowed and may retain all his and their Costs and expences to be incurred in the due execution of the Trusts of this my Will and that all receipts and discharges of the Trustee or Trustees for the time being of this my Will shall be sufficient discharges to every person paying monies to him or them and be a full and complete exoneration from the responsibility of seeing to the application thereof and my Will and desire is and I do hereby direct that all Deeds Evidences and writings relating to the lands hereditaments and premises devised by my by this my Will shall be retained by the said Ann Collins during the term of her natural life provided she shall continue a Widow And that she shall be at liberty to give copies thereof or of any of them to any person applying for the same such person paying the expence of such Copies and from and after the decease or marriage of the said Ann Collins I direct the said Deeds Evidences and Writings shall be delivered to the Trustee or Trustees for the time being of this my Will All the Rest Residue and Remainder of my Estate and Effects of what nature or kind soever I give devise and bequeath unto my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett their heirs executors and administrators as Tenants in common and not as joint tenants and I appoint the said Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett joint Executrixes of this my Will and I hereby revoke all former and other Wills and Testamentary dispositions made by me at any time heretofore and declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I the said Henry Collins the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament written on or contained in eight sheets of paper to the first seven sheets thereof set my hand and to this eighth or last sheet set my hand and seal the twenty fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine

Henry Collins

Signed by the abovenamed Testator Henry Collins in the presence of us present at the same time who have hereunto signed our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Henry Collins and in the presence of each other

JP Melmoth Sol[icito]r Sherborne     
John Henry Brownson  }     Clerks to Messrs Melmoth & Sons
Chas S Charlton           }     Sol[icito]rs Sherborne Dorset

 

This is a Codicil to the Will of me Henry Collins of Yeovil in the County of Somerset Gentleman which bears date the twenty fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine Whereas in and by my said Will I have given and bequeathed the rents issues and profits of one moiety of the Estates therein mentioned after payment of a certain annuity of one hundred pounds to Ann Collins as therein described unto and between my sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett in the proportions and manner and subject as therein mentioned And Whereas in and by my said Will I have devised the moieties of the Estates and hereditaments therein also mentioned after the death and failure of issue of the said Ann Collins but subject to the annuities therein charged to my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett their heirs and assigns as tenants in common and not as joint tenants And whereas in and by my said Will I have given my money securities for money and the residue of my Personal Estate and Effects after the bequest of one thousand five hundred pounds for the benefit of the children of my late sister Martha Willmington unto and between my said sisters in the manner and subject as therein directed Now I do hereby direct and declare that in case either of my said sisters Mary Phelps Sarah Merryweather and Elizabeth Duffett shall happen to die during my life leaving issue lawfully begotten That then the share estate or interest to which my said sister so dying would have been entitled under my said Will had she survived me shall be paid assured and conveyed unto such issue if more than one child in equal shares and proportions as Tenants in common and not as joint tenants and if there should be but one child then the whole of his or her Mothers share estate or interest shall be paid assured and conveyed unto such only child his or her heirs executors administrators or assigns In all other respects I confirm my said Will In Witness whereof I the said Henry Collins have hereunto set my hand and seal the 21st day of February 1840.

Henry Collins

Signed by the said Henry Collins as and for a Codicil to his Will in the presence of us present at the same time who have hereunto signed our names as Witnesses thereto in the presence of the said Henry Collins and in the presence of each other

Ann Eden  Servant to Mr Collins       JS Melmoth Sherborne

 

Proved at London with a Codicil 11th October 1841 before the Judge by the oaths of Mary Phelps Widow and Elizabeth Duffett (Wife of Samuel Duffett) the surviving Executrixes to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted having been first sworn by Com[missi]on duly to administer

 

 

Transcribed by Bob Osborn