The Family of Robert and Alice Morton: Wills

Robert Morton Sr.

Robert Morton, Yeoman, of Cobble-Hey, Claughton, appointed Robert Dobson of Sandham in Barnacre, husbandman; William Gillet of Claughton, Husbandman; Thomas Noble Sr. of Garstang, Grocer; and Thomas Noble Jr. of Garstang, his executors.

He directed that his debts, testamentary and funeral expenses be paid - even if that meant having to sell his five closes of land known as "...the Far Lots or Farther Lots and now usually occupied with my estate called Peacock Hill in Claughton...". These were to be sold, if necessary, by public auction or private sale for the best price possible.

"To my dearly beloved wife Alice..." an annuity of 35 pounds in two equal 1/2 yearly payments - payable on the 1st day of May and the 1st day of November for her lifetime.

He directed that his own home, Cobble-Hey, be in the possession of his wife and children (who were all unmarried at the time).

The Executors were were to hold "my two freehold messuages and tenements called Cobble-Hey and Peacock Hill in Claughton..." until the 2nd of February 1850 - paying the clear rents to his four sons, John Morton, William Morton, Robert Morton and George Morton; and his daughter Alice Morton.

After 2 February 1850, the lands were to be passed over to his above mentioned children, their heirs, assigns, etc. forever, as Tenants-in-Common not Joint Tenants.

The Executors were to reimburse themselves for their cost and expenses, etc.

The Will was signed by Robert Morton with his mark and seal on the 30th of June 1840 and witnessed by Peter Rogerson, James Hardiker, and John Rhodes.

Robert Morton died on 16 November 1840, aged 62 years.

Probate of his Will was granted on 8 May 1841, valued at under £200.00

Thomas Charnock:

Alice's third husband, Thomas Charnock, appointed John Whiteside of Bilsborough, Farmer and George Crane of Goosnargh, Farmer, as his Executors and left the following legacies:

To his brother Charles Charnock of Bolton-le-Moors, £15.00 and half of his wearing apparel.

To his brother James Charnock of Bolton-le-Moors, £15.00, his clothes box, and the other half of his wearing apparel.

To Barnaby Morton, son of John Morton of Claughton, his clock.

To John Morton, of Claughton, £5.00 and all household furniture, beds, bedding, and effects.

To the children of the late Alice Swarbrick, £5.00 paid to William Hayes of Preston, Grocer, to be divided between the children.

To the Reverend Mr. Smith, Catholic Priest at Brindle (or if he died before Thomas - his successor), £5.00.

To George Morton of Preston, Tallow Chandler, (or his children if he died before Thomas), one half of the residue of his estate.

To Sarah Morton, widow of the late Robert Morton Jr. of Coupe Green, near Preston (or her children if she died before Thomas), the other half of the residue of his estate.

The Will was signed and sealed by Thomas Charnock on 7 April 1869 and was witnessed by Richard Kenyon and Walstan Hastings.

"On 6 April 1880, the Will of Thomas Charnock, late of Claughton in the county of Lancaster, Tailor, who died 21 March 1880 at Claughton, was proved at Lancaster by George Crane of Goosnargh in the said county, Farmer, the surviving Executor. Effects: Under £200.00, No leaseholds.

NOTE: Thomas' solicitor was William Banks of Preston.