Will of Thomas Lowndes
In the name of God Amen
I Thomas Lowndes residing in the parish of St Margaret’s, Westminster, Batchelor of Laws, Rector of North Crawley and Vicar of Astwood both in the County of Bucks being in sound mind and body do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form the following, that is to say in the first place I bequeath my soul into the hands of my creator who gave me my life and in whom I trust for the forgiveness of all my sins through dedication of Jesus Christ our lord and saviour, my body I desire may be buried in the church of Astwood carried in 3 coffins ( mainly one leaden and two elm by a hearse and one coach attending) with a flat stone over it specifying my age and how long vicar of Astwood aforesaid by day light and in this most private manner as to my temporal estate.
I depose of it in the following manner Item I give to the poor of Astwood and North Crawley 10 guineas to be distributed by my executors on Christmas Day ensuing my decease, the former of which place I have been vicar above 42 years from this date.
Item I give Thomas Cl—twood my servant for his faithful and assiduous services to me for 11 years £200 principal namely together with all my wearing apparel and also my horses in my possession at my decease if he continues with me at my decease as my servant and also —— give to my nephew Richard Lowndes Esquire, Attorney at Law One Hundred Pounds for said civilities I have received from him and also I give to Elizabeth Stainton my maidservant ——– a year’s wages if living with me at my decease and also to ——- Ellis wife to John Ellis keeping my house at Atwood Bucks £20 principle
Remainder and residue of my estates if any and effects of what nature soever and wheresoever which I shall at my decease be seized or possessed of or entitled unto or interested in I give ———- in/at Law whom I appoint my executor after all my debts and funeral expenses are paid.
In witness whereof I have to my last Will and Testament written with my own hand 13th Day of January 1790 first contained in this one sheet of paper to which I first set my hand.
Thomas Lowndes
Henry Lowndes of Abington Street, Westminster brother and only next of kin of Thomas Lowndes
Executor