Copy of Will (extracted from Episcopal Registry at Chester)

Last Will and Testament dated 24 October 1753, proved 7 October 1757, of Robert Watts of Butley county of Chester, executors his aunt Elizabeth Downes and his cousin John Downes, witnesses John Gibson, John Pickford, John Holland. Certified true copy 12th May 1773 by John Hostage notary public; and bearing a memorandum (p.3 of doct.):-

This Paper writing or will was shewn to John Holland John Pickford and also to John Gibson C1: at the respective times of their examination taken in Chancery on the behalf of John Downes Esq. and Elizabeth Downes Spinster Complainants v. William Watts Defendants Edwd. Northey by B.R.

Bequests:- to his three aunts Mrs Margret, Elianor and Ann Downes of Manchester, £100 each to be paid within a year of his decease; likewise to the younger children of his Uncle Downs late of Shrigley; to be paid "out of the Thousand Pounds in the three Per Cent Bank annuities," otherwise, if he has drawn from this sum the purchase price £830, of a Pasture estate held by Samuel Collier and Francis Barton, which he is planning to purchase from Thomas Bracegirdle, then that estate is to be charged with the legacy; to his aunt Mrs Elizabeth Downs of Manchester, for ever, his estates of Butley Hall, the Bollington Estate, the mortgages being first paid out of his personalty, the Adlington Tenement, and all his Fee Farm Rents, paying yearly for his life £5 to Thomas Watts of Butley servant to Mr Mottershead; to his cousin John Downes Esq of Shrigley and the heirs of his body the Pasture estates afsd held by Samuel Collier and Francis Barton and also that held by Thomas Bracegirdle if Robt.Watts buys it; also to John Downes and the heirs of his body estates in Rainow called Lima and Ingersly, paying yearly for his life £5 to Thomas Watts servant to Mr Mottershead of Butley, and in default of issue, to John Downes's brother, Robt.Watts' cousin Ashton Downes and his heirs begotten, in default of which, to their Sisters and their heirs equally; his personalty and household goods to the younger children of his uncle Downes, except his Gold Striking watch to his aunt Elizabeth Downes and his books to his Cousin John Downes; to the servants living with him at the time of his death £5 apiece and proper mourning.

Mark No.4. Office Copy of the Will of Mr Robt. Watts Dated 24th of October 1753 & proved 7th October 1757.