resolved thereupon accordingly and acquainted him therewith in presence, when it was resolved that in order for the receipts of the rents of his Estate for the future, two audits should be held at the 'Swann' (The Old Swan Hotel), in every year, one in December, another in June" (At this time, either Mr. Collier was unconscious, or his intellect
was affected, though there would seem afterwards to have been a partial recovery, as some letters are addressed to him by Mr. Cranston. Editor.)
Mr. Collier's Will. 9th December, 1760. Mr. Collier died in the 76th year of his age, and the following notes of his dispositions are given by the Editor of the Collier Letters.
WILL OF JOHN COLLIER, ESQUIRE.
(The following is copied from an Abstract of Title to the Land known as the Barrack Ground at Halton, which was at the time of his death the property of Mr. Collier.)
26th May, 1758. John Collier of the Town and Port of Hastings in the County of Sussex Esqre., being seized and many years in possession of the premises by his Will of this date gave and devised unto his Wife, Mary Collier, for the Term of her natural life (amongst other hereditaments). All his lands and Hereditaments with their appurtenants situate lying and being in the Parish of Saint Clement within the Town and Port of Hastings and the liberties thereof. And the Testator thereby declared that what he had thereinbefore given to his said Wife was intended in full satisfaction of the Dower and of any claim which she might have on his Estate by virtue of any writing of Agreement entered into previous to their Marriage.
And also directed that within two months after his death she should execute a proper Release of such Dower and claim testifying her submission to his Will otherwise she should not take any Benefit under the same. And after sundry other devises and bequests therein contained, the Testator devised the residue of his Real Estate. And as to such part thereof as was thereinbefore given and devised to" his said Wife for her life and from and after her decease (except as to his Dwelling House and Garden and Stables, Torresfield and Meadow, and Bayley's House and Garden)[1], he gave and devised one-fifth part thereof (the whole into five equal parts to be divided) unto and to the use of James Cranston, and William Cranston his Brother, their Heirs and Assigns, during the joint lives of Testator's daughter Cordelia Murray and James Murray her Husband. Upon trust that they should receive and apply the Rents thereof for her separate use during the joint lives of herself and Husband. And from and after the decease of the said Cordelia Murray in case she should die in the life time of her -
- ↑ Note. There are three distinct houses referred to here ' His dwelling ' house (Old Hastings House), Torresfield (now Torfield House), and Bayley's House and Garden. This latter would seem to refer to the traditional residence of Titus Oates, several views of which are shown in the article on Titus Oates. It was once occupied by Mr. Edward Milward. Author.
