I've had a copy of the will of Maria Meachen for some time, and it puzzles me. She made it in 1832 and it was proved in 1841.
Here are the first few lines:
This is the last Will and Testament or Testamentary Appointment of me Maria the wife of Edward Meachen of East Dereham in the County of Norfolk Gentleman
Whereas by Indentures of lease and release bearing date respectively the sixth and seventh days of August now last past the release being made between the said Edward Meachen of the first part one the said Maria Meachen (by my then name and addition of Maria Hipkins of East Dereham aforesaid spinster) of the second part and John Reeve of East Dereham aforesaid Merchant and Joseph Abram of East Dereham aforesaid Chemist and Druggist the third part after reciting therein (amongst other things) that a marriage had been agreed upon and was intended shortly to be had and solemnised between me and the said Edward Meachen for the considerations therein expressed....
It then runs and runs - you can see the whole thing here: http://www.norfolksources.norfolk.gov.uk/DserveNS/ - search for 'Maria Meachen' using the probate option.
My puzzlement(s):
1) She refers to herself throughout as Maria Meachen, but the beginning makes it clear that the marriage hasn't happened yet (will dated 29 Nov 1832).
2) I've seen a scan of the original marriage (by license) PR between Edward Meachen and Maria Hipkins on 5 Sep 1832 - how can these two dates be explained together?
3) What is the 'lease and release' she refers to?
Thanks for the taking the time to read this!
Here are the first few lines:
This is the last Will and Testament or Testamentary Appointment of me Maria the wife of Edward Meachen of East Dereham in the County of Norfolk Gentleman
Whereas by Indentures of lease and release bearing date respectively the sixth and seventh days of August now last past the release being made between the said Edward Meachen of the first part one the said Maria Meachen (by my then name and addition of Maria Hipkins of East Dereham aforesaid spinster) of the second part and John Reeve of East Dereham aforesaid Merchant and Joseph Abram of East Dereham aforesaid Chemist and Druggist the third part after reciting therein (amongst other things) that a marriage had been agreed upon and was intended shortly to be had and solemnised between me and the said Edward Meachen for the considerations therein expressed....
It then runs and runs - you can see the whole thing here: http://www.norfolksources.norfolk.gov.uk/DserveNS/ - search for 'Maria Meachen' using the probate option.
My puzzlement(s):
1) She refers to herself throughout as Maria Meachen, but the beginning makes it clear that the marriage hasn't happened yet (will dated 29 Nov 1832).
2) I've seen a scan of the original marriage (by license) PR between Edward Meachen and Maria Hipkins on 5 Sep 1832 - how can these two dates be explained together?
3) What is the 'lease and release' she refers to?
Thanks for the taking the time to read this!
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