The Will of Robert Barber (1638 - 1705)

Robert died in April of 1705, leaving a Will, dated 4 November 1696. In it he refers to his sons, James and John, and his daughters, Sarah Burlingham and Rebecca Barber, to all of whom he left property. However, his son, Edward, is not mentioned, nor - mysteriously - is his wife, Maude (nee Kersey), who did not die until 24 years after his Will was written. She was buried on 17 October, 1720.

Robert appointed his son James Barber as his sole executor but he left the bulk of his property (including the messuage where he lived, Home Close, two meadows and Mollmill Close) to his son, John Barber. Two other closes were left to his son James and another close of 4 acres jointly to his daughters, Rebecca and Sarah.

With appreciation for information from Donald Caddick