Charles Willis, solicitor (1779-1845), his sons David Thomas Willis (1805-1884) and Frederic Willis (1807-1866), and grandchildren Thomas Price Willis (1839-1909) and Sarah Cowley Willis (1839-1905)

 

 

Charles Willis was baptised at Leighton Buzzard on 7 July 1779, son of David and Anna Willis, and died at Winslow on 15 Nov 1845 aged 66.  His father was a solicitor in Leighton Buzzard, and Charles established a branch of the family firm in Winslow in 1803 (he is mentioned in adverts by 18 June), the first representative of a family which had a huge influence on the town for the next century.  He had acquired his professional accreditation in 1800.

Northampton Mercury, 5 July 1800
Tuesday last Mr. Charles Willis, of Leighton-Bussard, Beds, was admitted an Attorney of his Majesty's Court of King's Bench, and appointed a Commissioner of the same Court and also of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, to take affidavits within the several counties of Bedford, Buckingham, Hertford, Northampton, and Huntingdon.

He lived at 24 Horn Street in 1841 (he previously lived at 1 Church Street, which he bought in 1808).  The first house he lived in was 1 Church Street, advertised for sale in 1807:

Northampton Mercury, 31 Oct 1807
To be SOLD by AUCTION
By JOSEPH DUDLEY,
On Thursday the 5th Day of November, 1807, at the Bell Inn, in Winslow, Bucks, between the Hours of Three and Five in the Afternoon, under such Conditions of Sale as will be then produced.
A Neat and compact Copyhold MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, with Garden, Wash-House, Stable, and other convenient Out-offices thereunto adjoining and belonging, forming a very desirable Residence for a small genteel Family, pleasantly situate in WINSLOW aforesaid, and now in the Occupation of Mr Charles Willis, Solicitor, who will shew the Premises.

Letter, 1811

The letter below was written by Charles Willis to his father in 1811, and apparently posted to him via St Albans. His father wrote back on the same paper in nearly illegible writing. The letter is about the Stewkley Inclosure Act of 1811. Click on the images to see larger versions and scroll down for a transcription.

Address of Willis letter Willis letter page 1 Willis letter page 2 Willis letter page 3

[Address]
Mr. D: Willis
Solicitor
Leighton Bussard
Turn at Saint Albans

[f.1] Hon(oure)d Father,
Mr. John Tomes of Claydon was with me last Night on his Return from Wing and seemed much hurt by having heard that he had so much displeased you that you would not assist him in ascertaining the quantity of Land &c he has at Stewkley and very justly observed if such be the Case he has no doubt but he shall be much injured no one knowing so much respecting his Property as yourself – he says he is not conscious of having offended you unless by refusing to sign for the Inclosure and his reason for so doing was having no money to defray the expences & well knowing the heavy Expence of borrowing as much hopes if that is the Offence you will pardon him and render him all the Assistance in your Power, he and his Uncle Mr Richard Roads are desirous of seeing you on the Subject and will be obliged by your fixing a Day for their coming to Leighton for that purpose and in the Interim that you will be kind enough to search among his Papers for the

[f.2] Terriar I some time since prepared and (if necessary) to see Mr. Chew and search among his Deeds for description &c of the Premises – Mr. King the Surveyor much wishes to be furnished with Terriar &c as soon as possible and for some one to attend him therewith and assist to in finding out the Property. I informed Mr. Tomes that I believed he had not offended you unless by refusing to sign as before stated and that you would think no more of that but would render him what assistance you could – Mr. Tomes further added that he mentioned the Business to Brother that he replied he knew nothing of the Business and did not offer to make any Inquiry or render him any Assistance which he thought very hard –
I beg your early Reply fixing a Day for these Gents waiting on you and believe me
Hond. Father
Yours most reverently
Char: Willis
We arrived Home safe and mutually join in sincere and hearty Wishes for all your Welfare –

[f.3 – crossings-out not transcribed, insertions indicated by \ / ]
D(ea)r Chas,
I am not offended with Mr Tomes for not signing for the Inclosure he had an undoubted \right/ to refuse if he did not like it but I do conceive no P(er)son more than himself englit[?] to have come forward for \it/ that his property might be ascertained but all advise was useless to \him/  I have put Money \in/ his pocket and wo(ul)d have put more wo(ul)d he have been advised  It is pretty certain of find(in)g me at Home be(ing) almost the same as confined & shall be glad to \see/ Mr Rd \Roads and/ Mr John Tomes  Seeing Mr Chew is useless  I send you Copies from the Deeds & in order to assist \Mr King &/ \Tomes/ have for sometime given \to Mr King/ a Terrier of all the Lands of his Old Paternal Au(n)t[?], that \late/ Ingrams & that late Shalfords & am ready to explain to him all I can but am \not/ able to go over the Fields.  I do not blame your Bro(ther) not offering his Assistance, offered Services are but seldom acceptable & particularly as Mr John Tomes is always grumbling & dissatisfied abo(u)t his Bill which is moderate & fair & if any professional Man says the Contrary & point it out to me I will return him Treble –
Mr John Tomes as [sic] a Terrier he had made by Paul Perkins – The Terrier Mr King has doth not include the Land occupied by John Tomes[?] of Stewkley.
I am Dr Chas Yours verily
DW June 16o 1811

Letter, 1815

Letter from Lancelot Wyatt

To Mr D.L. Willis, Solicitor, Leighton Bussard

Winslow July 31st 1815

Inclosed you have the receipt for the Fifty Pounds you requested by your Brother [=Charles Willis]

Yours very ob(edient)ly
Lan: Wyatt

David Willis sr died in 1818, leaving all his property to his wife Anna (National Archives, PROB 11/1609/443).  She died in 1820 by which time her sons David Lee Willis and Jeremy Willis were running the business in Leighton Buzzard.  She left nothing to Charles because he had already been “promoted in life” by his father (National Archives, PROB 11/1634/29).

Letter, 1819

A letter from Frederic Willis (aged 12), Charles' younger son, to his brother David Thomas Willis, has also survived. Click on the images to see larger versions and scroll down for a transcription.

Address of the letter Frederic's letter Charles' letter p.1 Charles' letter p.2

[address] Master D.T. Willis
Mr. Wallace’s Academy
Upper Edmonton
Post paid 2d

[Frederic's writing] Dear Brother,

I am glad to hear that you have got quite reconciled to your new situation and that you can beat all your Brother Pupils at Mathematics and hope you will soon match them at Classicks but as the method of teaching at your School is different from the way you have been used to be taught you cannot at present expected it, but I have no doubt you will try all in your power so to do. On Wednesday sennight Uncle and Aunt Valentine and 3 of my Aunts from Leighton paid us a Visit and spent a few days here Uncle and Aunt V. on the following Saturday went from hence to Tring and on the Sunday evening returned home. My Aunts from Leighton did not go home till Tuesday as on Monday they with Father Mother Sister and Self went to Claydon Feast but we had not so great an Holiday as we expected on account of it raining. Aunts and Uncle when they saw your last Letter laughed at your describing how the Puddings and Dumplings &c you have were made. Grandma is quite comfortable and has taken a ride to Burcott. Uncles Aunts Cousins and ourselves are all quite well and unite with us in love to you. and believe me Dear David to remain

your’s truly
Fredc Willis

Winslow Septr 5th 1819

/vide trans/

P.S. I have written a Skin and it is for Miss Yeates who says she is very much pleased to think that she should have my first and Mr Yeates yours.

[Charles Willis' writing]

Winslow Sept. 5th 1819  

Dear David,

                I did not find any ill effects from my walking from Tring to Aylesbury and it gives me and your Mother great satisfaction to hear you are comfortable and well and that you consider you shall make great progress in your Education (notwithstanding what was said by Mr Haddock to Mr Preedy of which I consider you  very sly in not mentioning it to me) I am also pleased to find you can beat all the Boys at Mathematics and as Frederic states in his Letter on the other Side have no doubt but you will soon be a match for the greater part of them at Classics - as you seem to wish to learn French you may commence so to do next Quarter Day, and also Dancing am glad to find you live so well and that Mr. Wallace pays such attention to your comfort and welfare as in also to your attending to Prayers which of all other things I trust you will never omit and always be mindful of the innumerable Blessings upon you by that Almighty Being from whom alone all these Blessings

flow. Your Birth Day was not forgotten and be assured that no other day passes away without  the Name of David and oh how I should like to see him been mentioned by some of us several times – as to your allowance per Week I hope you will not be so short of cash as to be absolutely in wants of it but if should [sic] I see no impropriety of your asking for it. Frederic often expresses a wish of being with you at Schools and renders me all the assistance he can. the skin he mentions he wrote I must say was very well done

It is much to be lamented Boys of so tender a age should be dishonest &c but my dear Boy avoid their temptations and also their Company as much as you can.

I assure you your mother is now quite reconciled and seems quite happy about you and your Letters give her the greatest satisfaction –

Frederic’s Letter is nearly all his own composing &c I trust on your return at Christmas you will find him much improved. We all unite in love and good Wishes towards you and believe me my Dear Boy.          Your affectionate father [signature] Charles Willis (see over)

P.S. This Letter is sent by Miss Yeates in a Parcel to her Brother in London who will put it into the two-penny Post. You will write again - when have [sic] an opportunity. CW
I have no particular News to relate

Articles of David Thomas and Frederic Willis, 1821 & 1823

Charles' sons were both articled to him:

In the Kings Bench
Thomas Price of Leighton Bussard in the County of Bedford Gentleman maketh Oath and saith that by certain Articles of Agreement bearing date this fifth day of November one thousand eight hundred and twenty one and made between Charles Willis of Winslow in the County of Bucks one of the Attorneys of His Majestys Court Kings Bench at Westminster Hall of the one part and David Thomas Willis (son of the said Charles Willis) of the other part  The said Charles Willis for the Consideration therein mentioned did covenant promise and agree that he the said Charles Willis should and would from henceforth for and during the Term of Five years from hence next ensuing teach and instruct the said David Thomas Willis in the Knowledge and practice of the Law in the Courts of Westminster as an Attorney and Solicitor in such manner as he the said Charles Willis now practices and professes and which said Articles were in due form of Law executed by the said Charles Willis and David Thomas Willis in the presence of this Deponent and David Lee Willis of Leighton Bussard aforesaid Gentleman and That the names Tho(ma)s Price and Devid Lee Willis set and subscribed as Witnesses to the due execution thereof are of the proper hand writings of this Deponent and the said David Lee Willis.
sworn at Leighton Bussard abovesaid   )
this Seventh day of November in the     )                              Thos Price [signature]
year of our Lord one thousand eight     )
hundred and twenty one before me      )
                                Jeremy Willis [signature] a Commr - &c
["21.11.362 precedes "Solicitor in such manner"]

In the Kings Bench
Jeremy Willis of Leighton Bussard in the County of Bedford Gentleman maketh Oath and saith that by certain Articles of Agreement bearing date the thirty first day of March now last past and made between Charles Willis of Winslow in the County of Bucks one of the Attornies of His Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench at Westminster Hall of the one part and Frederic Willis (Son of the said Charles Willis) of the other part The said Charles Willis for the Considerations therein mentioned did covenant promise and agree that the he the said Charles Willis should and would from henceforth for and during the term of five years from thence next ensuing teach and instruct the said Frederic Willis in the knowledge and practice of the Law in the Courts of Westminster as an Attorney and Solicitor in such manner as he the said Charles Willis now practices and professes and which said Articles were in due form of Law executed by the said Charles Willis and Frederic Willis in the presence of this Deponent and David Thomas Willis also Son of the said Charles Willis and that the names “Jeremy Willis” and “Dav : Thos : Willis” set and subscribed as Witnesses to the due execution thereof are of the proper Hands Writing of this Deponent and the said David Thomas Willis
Sworn at Leighton Bussard        )
abovesaid this first day of April  )                              Jeremy Willis [signature]
in the year 1823 before me       )
                                David Lee Willis [signature] a Commr – &c
["DLW" precedes"‘King’s Bench at Westminster Hall" and "Considerations therein mentioned"]

Letter to the Poor Law Commissioners, 1835

National Archives, MH12/512 no.76

[Date stamped] Received P.L.C. June 5 1835

Gentlemen/
Winslow Union

Yesterday one of the Rate payers of this parish without any previous notice to me delivered a nomination paper proposing me as a guardian for the parish of Winslow cum Shipton. As I do not consider myself eligible as a guardian I shall feel much obliged if you will favor me with your opinion on the subject and that as soon as convenient so that in the event of my being deemed ineligible I may have the opportunity of notifying it to the rate payers and prevailing on them to give their votes to some of the other parties proposed of whom there are five.

I have been practising as an Attorney at Winslow for thirty years and upwards. In 1826 my Son was admitted as an Attorney and from that time the business has been conducted in the joint names of myself and him but he is only clerk or assistant to me living with me as a part of my family and does not in any manner participate in the profits of the profession or of the land which I occupy in the parish.

About two or three years since my son was appointed one of the select Vestry but not being rated refused to act as such and to obviate that the Overseers assessed him and me jointly for the whole of the premises I occupy and we have continued so jointly rated up to the present time and are now assessed at an annual value of between £30 and £40 not being rated in any other parish within the Union so that if the assessment is to be divided between me and my Son as I have always told the rate payers it must be whenever I have been applied on the subject I do not possess the requisite qualification.
I trust that you will excuse my troubling you and will oblige me with your opinion as to the best mode to be adopted in order to secure the election of two qualified guardians for this parish and as to the consequences to the parish of my being appointed if I should be deemed ineligible as I wish to prevent the possibility of any obstacle against the act coming immediately into full operation within the Union.

I am Gentlemen
Your obedt. Servant
Char Willis [signature]
Winslow 4th June 1835
P: S: the day of election of guardians is Wednesday the 10th June

[Overwritten on the front of an envelope addressed to The Poor Law Commissioners, Somerset House, London]
Sir, In reply to your letter of the 4th inst the P.L.C. for E. & W. desire to state their opinion that when \two/ parties are jointly rated neither will be qualified for the office of Guardn. unless the Annul \Rental or/ Annul. value of the premises rated amounted to £50 at least.

The Commn. wish to draw yr attention to the fact that the qualifn. depends on the Annul Rental or actual Annul. value & not on the sum at which the property may happen to be assessed in the Rate Books

They have fur(ther) to state, In case a party is elected Guardn. who is not qualified. The election is null.
SL 5 June
To Mr Charles Willis Esq.
Winslow

Will of Charles Willis, gentleman, 1844 (proved 1845)

National Archives, PROB 11/2028/431

This is the last Will and Testament of me Charles Willis of Winslow in the County of Bucks Gentleman First I Give and devise unto my wife Elizabeth Willis all in that and those my copyhold messuage or tenement hereditaments and premises situate near the Church yard in Winslow aforesaid and which I purchased of Grant Harris with the appurtenances thereto belonging and all rent and arrears of rent that may  at the time of my decease be due for the same to hold the same and every part thereof unto my said Wife and her assigns during the term of her natural life and from and after her decease I Give and devise the same messuage or tenement hereditaments and premises with the appurtenances  unto and to the use of my daughter Anna Maria Willis her heirs and assigns for ever and I give devise and bequeath unto David Thomas Willis my oldest son and heir apparent all and every the freehold copyhold and (if any) leasehold messuages cottages closes lands tenements hereditaments estates and premises to which I shall at the time of my decease be intitled in possession reversion remainder or expectancy situate standing lying and being in the severeral Parishes of Winslow aforesaid Grandborough  Adstock and Little Horwood all in the said County of Bucks (except in the copyhold messuage or tenement hereditaments and premises in Winslow aforesaid hereinbefore specifically devised with their respective rights members and appurtanences to hold the same and every part thereof unto and to the use of my said son David Thomas Willis his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely according to the several tenures thereof subject and charged as herein after mentioned and I give devise and bequeath unto my son Frederic Willis all and every the freehold \copyhold/ and leasehold messuages cottages closes lands tenements  hereditaments estates and premises to which I shall at the time of my decease be entitled in possession

[p.2] reversion remainder or expectancy situate standing lying and being in the several Parishes of Swanbourne Padbury Oving Whitchurch and Stewkley and at Hollingden in the Parish of Soulbury  all in the County of Bucks and at Standbridge and in the parish of Leighton Bussard in the County of Bedford with their respective rights members and appurtenances and all rent and arrears of rent that may at the time of my decease be due and owing for the same or any part thereof to hold the same and  every part thereof unto and to the use of my son Frederic Willis his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely according to the several tenures thereof subject and charged as herein after mentioned and I give to my said Wife for her life a clear yearly sum of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling to issue as a rent charge out of the hereditaments estates and premises in the severeral Parishes of Winslow and Grandborough aforesaid hereby given devised and bequeathed thereto my said son David Thomas Willis and a life clear yearly sum of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling to issue as a rent charge out of the hereditaments estates and premises hereby given devised and bequeathed to my said son Frederic Willis which said two yearly sums shall be payable half yearly on the twenty fifth day of March and  twenty ninth day of September the first payment to be made on each of the same days as shall happen next after my decease with a proportionate part of the said annuities respectively up to the death of my said Wife and to be recoverable by her in like manner with rent reserved on common demises Also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Anna Maria Willis the Mahogany Chest of drawers generally used by her and the bed bedstead furniture and effects in and about the room in which she usually sleeps for her own absolute use and benefit and unto my said wife all her wearing apparel trinkets and ornaments of her person of every kind and such of my household goods and furniture not hereby specifically bequeathed plate linen china and other household effects as she may make choice of for her own absolute use and benefit and I give and bequeath unto my said wife the legacy or sum of two hundred pounds sterling to be paid to her within three calendar months next after my decease and unto my said son Frederic Willis the legacy or sum of five thousand pounds sterling and I direct that the sum of one thousand part thereof shall be paid to him within twelve calendar months next after my decease, the sum of two thousand pounds or part thereof within two years next after my decease and the sum of two thousand pounds residue thereof within three years next after my decease also I give and bequeath unto my said daughter Anna Maria Willis the legacy or sum of one thousand pounds sterling to be paid to her within twelve calendar months next after my decease and in the meantime from and after my decease until actual payment of the said respective legacies or sums of five thousand pounds and one thousand pounds I direct that interest shall be paid and allowed to the said respective legatees for the same at the rate of four pounds per centum per annum and I give and bequeath unto each and every of my grandchildren who shall be living at the time of my decease whether already born or to be hereafter born the legacy or sum of one thousand pounds sterling to be paid to them respectively if and when they shall severally attain the age of twenty one years but without any interest for the same in the meantime also I give and bequeath unto my said two sons David Thomas Willis and Frederic Willis the legacy or sum of three thousand pounds sterling upon trust with all convenient speed to invest the aforesaid sum

Epitaph of Charles Willis[p.3] in the public funds in or on Government securities of the United Kingdom or on real securities in England and not elsewhere and to change the investment from time to time for any other or others of the kind prescribed and upon trust to permit my said daughter Anna Maria Willis to enjoy the annual income thereof for her life but so that in the event of her marrying my trustees shall during her coverture pay such account as the same shall become due and not by way of anticipation into her proper hands and for her sole use free from marital control for which payments her receipts shall be discharges to my trustees and after her death then as to the principal with the future income In trust for all or any of the issue of my said daughter including Grandchildren and more remote issue born in her lifetime  for such interests in such proportions and such manner in all respects as my said daughter whether covert or sole shall be by deed executed in the presence of and attested by one or more witness or witnesses or by will appoint and in default of such appointment in trust for the child if only one or for all the children if more than one of my said daughter who either before or after the determination of the previous trusts shall attain the age of twenty one years but no child in whose favour an appointment shall be made shall participate in the unappointed fund without bringing the appointed interest into distribution and in case my said daughter shall not have any child or children of if her child if only one or all her children if more than one shall die under the age of twenty one years then in trust for all and every of my children whether born in my lifetime or after my decease who shall be living at the time of the decease of my said daughter and who shall either before or after her decease attain the age of twenty one years in equal shares if more than one and I declare that my trustees shall have power to apply the whole or any part of the annual income of the capital to which each or any of my grandchildren being a minor shall be entitled in possession in or towards the maintenance or education or otherwise for the benefit of such grandchild during minority whether such grandchild being a female shall be married or not and the unapplied income shall be accumulated and the accumulations thereof shall be liable to be applied in like manner and subject to such liability shall be deemed accretions to the capital whence the same income arose and also power to apply any part of the capital to which each or any such grandchild shall be entitled in possession or reversion in or towards his or her establishment or advancement in the world but such application shall not be made during the life of my said daughter without her consent in writing which consent she shall notwithstanding coverture be competent to give and I give and bequeath unto my said son Frederic Willis for his absolute benefit all my shares estate and interests in the Winslow Gas and Coke Company with all dividends which may be due thereon at the time of my death and I give and bequeath unto my said son David Thomas Willis for his absolute benefit all the residue of my household goods and furniture my ready money and securities for money books and papers incident to my profession of an Attorney book debts credits and other personal estate and effects not hereinbefore otherwise disposed of subject to the payment of my just debts my funeral expences the charges of proving and establishing this my Will and the several legacies or sums of money hereby given and bequeathed or which I shall bequeath by any Codicil hereto and I give devise and bequeath to my said son David Thomas Willis and Frederic Willis their heirs

[p.4] executors administrators and assigns all the estates which at the time of my decease shall be vested in me upon any trust or by way of mortgage with their rights members and appurtenances to hold the said estates unto my said sons their heirs executors administrators and assigns according to the nature and quality thereof respectively upon trust to dispose of the said trust Estates in the manner in which they ought to be held or disposed of pursuant to the said trust and upon payment of the money secured on mortgage to convey or assign the Estates in mortgage to the person or persons entitled thereto for the time being but the money secured by or upon any such mortgages shall be considered and taken as part of my personal Estate and I declare that the provision hereby made for my said wife shall be accepted by her in full satisfaction of her claim to dower and freebench out of any real estate of which I have been or now am or shall be seized and I declare that if my said sons David Thomas Willis and Frederic Willis or either of them or any trustee or trustees to be appointed under this provision shall die or become unwilling or unable to act as trustees or trustee of my Will it shall be lawful for the trustees or trustee for the time being whether continuing or declining to act or if none for the executors or administrators or either or any of the executors or administrators of any deceased trustee to appoint any fit person or persons to be a trustee or trustees in the place of any trustee or trustees dying or seriously unwilling or unable to act and I declare that the trustees or trustee for the time being of my Will shall be competent to exercise all the powers and discretions hereby confided to the trustees herein named and I further declare that the trustees for the time being of my Will shall not be answerable for each others acts or receipts nor for losses happening without their own respective default and shall be at liberty to retain and allow to each other out of the trust monies all expences incidental to the execution of the trusts and powers of my Will and I appoint my said sons David Thomas Willis and Frederic Willis Executors of this my Will and revoke all former Wills by me made In witness whereof I the said Charles Willis Testator have to every sheet of this my last Will and Testament contained on four sheets of paper set my hand this second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four 

Char Willis

This sheet of paper and the three sheets hereto annexed were severally signed by the said testator Charles Willis in the joint presence of us who in his presence and the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereof
John Morecraft
W. H. Lindsay JP[?]

Proved at London 24th December 1845 before the worshipful Joseph Phillimore Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of David Thomas Willis Esquire  Frederic Willis Esquire the sons  the Executors to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer.

Anna Maria Willis, Charles' daughter, made her will in 1852 (proved 1857), leaving everything to her brothers David and Frederic.

David Thomas Willis married Maria Cowley (daughter of John Cowley the doctor) at Winslow on 15 Aug 1835. They had two daughters:

Frederic carried on the family business in Leighton Buzzard, where he got married in 1844. He died there on 13 Feb 1866 aged 58, leaving effects under £16,000 with his brother D.T. Willis and son Thomas Price Willis as executors.

Wedding of Maria Louisa Willis and Dr Thomas Newham, 1859

Buckingham Advertiser, 17 Sep 1859
WINSLOW
  On Thursday last the monotony of this usually quiet town was broken by the excitement caused among the townspeople consequent on the marriage of Thomas Newham, Esq., M.D., with Maria Louisa, elder daughter of David Thos. Willis, Esq., : which latter gentleman, and his kind lady, having resided many years in the town, and, from other early associations connected with the family, having gained the veneration and esteem, so justly their due, of its inhabitants,- a feeling which, on the the part of the latter, was evinced by the manner in which they saluted the happy couple on their way to and from church.  Several flags with mottoes were hung upon arches, of evergreens and flowers, thrown across the streets, under which the bride and her bridegroom had to pass.  A splendid breakfast was provided for a large number of guests; after partaking of which, Dr. and Mrs. Newham started on their wedding tour for the Continent, amidst the hearty vivas, and a perfect shower of slippers from those assembled; the bells of the old church ringing a merry peal.  A ball was given in the evening, at which several of the elite of the neighbourhood were invited, and the dance kept up with spirit till dawn.  In the afternoon the children of the National and Infant Schools, as also the children in the Workhouse, were regaled with cake and tea, in the grounds of Mr. Willis, and there enjoyed themselves at cricket, swinging, &c.  Guns and other fire arms were fired in honor of the event.

Wedding of T.P. and Sarah Willis, 1868

Buckingham Advertiser, 4 July

MARRIAGE FESTIVITIES.

  Thursday, June 25, was a gala day in this quiet old town.  On that day was celebrated the marriage of T. P. Willis, Esq., with Miss Willis, the daughter of our respected townsman, D. T. Willis, Esq.  From an early hour the bells sent forth their merriest peals, and friends and neighbours, determined to enjoy the day, congregated together.  The ceremony took place at eleven o’clock in the parish church, and was performed by the Rev. J. W. Hanson, assisted by the Rev. A. M. Preston.  Long before the service commenced the church was filled, and almost crowded with spectators.  The chancel was reserved for invited guests, and the aisle kept clear by being lined on each side by the Winslow band in uniform, of which the brother-in-law of the bride is president, and the bridegroom a late member. At a few minutes past eleven the bride arrived, and escorted by her father proceeded to the chancel followed by her fair bevy of bridesmaids: the four Misses Willis (sisters of the bridegroom), Miss Ginger, Miss Bowker, Miss Eagles, and Miss Dudley; the train of the bride’s dress being borne by Miss Newham and Master Reginald Newham.  Our fair readers will, doubtless, expect a full account of the dress, &c., but alas! our pen is not that of a ready writer in that respect.  We will however, do our best.  The bride was attired in a dress of white satin, with train, wreath of orange blossom, tulle veil covered with sprigs of orange blossom; she carried a magnificent bouquet, the present of the bridegroom.  The costume of the bridesmaids was very elegant and graceful, consisting of white spotted grenadine dress, trimmed with blue satin ribbon over white silk.  The bonnet was of forget-me-nots with a tulle veil depending from it, and so disposed as to form a cape and Marie Antoinette Fichu, looped up by small bouquets of forget-me-nots.

  Upon the completion of the service the marriage party proceeded to Western House, where Mr. Payne, of Aylesbury, was in attendance, and succeeded in taking some admirable photographs of the happy pair as well as of all the guests.  Mr. and Mrs. Willis then entertained their friends at a most sumptuous breakfast, (the tables being decorated with flowers and plants from the conservatories of J. G. Hubbard, Esq., M.P., of Addington Manor,) after which the bride and bridegroom left for Bletchley, en route for Scotland to spend their honeymoon. During the breakfast and the afternoon, the Winslow band, conducted by Mr. Nelson, played upon the lawn at the Western House, delighting all by their choice and beautiful performed selection of music. By the kindness of Mrs. Willis, the National and Sunday school children with those from the workhouse to the number of 330, were entertained with tea and cake, and after enjoying games, &c. for some time, dispersed at eight o’clock much pleased with their treat.

  A ball was given at Western House in the evening, magnificent presents to the bride. These were numerous and an opportunity thus given for inspecting the costly, and most elegant, and all the connexions of the bride were evidently much delighted at these marks of esteem and respect. Among the company present at the church and breakfast we noticed – Mrs. Willis of Leighton; Mr. and Mrs. Willis of Winslow; W. S. Lowndes, Esq., P. Dauncey, Esq., Miss Marin Lowndes, E. W. S. Lowndes, Esq., O. W. S. Lowndes, Esq., Rev. S. and Mrs. Burgess, Dr. and Mrs. Newham, Miss Hatten, Mrs. Hanson, S. B. Dudley, Esq., and Mrs. Dudley, - Pulley, Esq., and Mrs Pulley, Thomas Bowker, Esq., and Mrs. Bowker, Francis Hubbard, Esq., Charles Willis, Esq., F. Willis, Esq., George Willis, Esq., and Davis Willis, Esq., (brothers of the bridegroom), S. Knibbs, Esq., - Ladd, Esq., J. St. J. Wynter, Esq., J. Denne, Esq., &c., &c.  We close our account of this interesting occasion by recording that the most generous hospitality has been extended to their friends by Mr. and Mrs. Willis since the eventful day, concluding on Monday night (June 29th) with a supper and a ball for the servants and their friends.  At all times the best and kindest feelings have prevailed, and the most hearty and kind wishes have been expressed towards Mr. and Mrs. Willis, and both their married daughters and sons-in-law.

  Another fact specially to be noticed was the erection of a magnificent arch opposite to the house of Mr. W. Matthews, builder, designed and carried out entirely by him.  On one side was the following sentence “Long life, heath, and happiness to the bridal pair” and on the other “A safe return to a happy home” wishes cordially reciprocated by all.

  Our reporter has to acknowledge the courtesy of Dr. Newham, without whose kind assistance as to the names &c., he would have presented a much more imperfect report.

They went to live at T.P. Willis' newly acquired and remodelled house at 30 High Street.

Obituary of David Thomas Willis

D.T. Willis died on 14 Nov 1884 aged 79.

Epitaph of DT WillisBuckingham Advertiser, 22 Nov 1884:
Funeral of the late Mr. D.T. Willis - We have to record the death of David Thomas Willis Esq., who passed away in his 80th year, on November 14th. The deceased gentleman was one of the old inhabitants of Winslow, (of whom we have lately had to record several deaths), having spent the whole of his long life in the town. was admitted a solicitor in Michaelmas term, 1826, was Clerk to the Justices for many years, and Clerk to the Union since its formation, in 1834, and being no doubt the oldest Clerk in the Kingdom. He was also superintendent Registrar for the district, and Deputy Steward of the Manor. On the 17th April, 1868, a testimonial was publicly presented to him at a dinner, at the Bell Hotel, Lord Cottesloe (then the Hon. T. Fremantle), presiding, consisting of a silver tea and coffee servioe, given to mark the high esteem and regard in which for many years he had been held by the inhabitants of Winslow, and its neighbourhood. The funeral took place on Thursday, November 20th, at the Parish Church, where a temporary floor had been laid down and chairs provided. The officiating clergymen were, the Rev. H. A. D. Hamilton, and Rev. F. R. B. Pinhorn. The choir were present in the chancel (for the first time), and sang the hymns "Thy will be done," and "Days and moments quickly flying," during the service. Mr. Jennings giving the "Dead March" on the harmonium as the procession left the building and wended its way to the vault, where, in the presence of a large number of spectators the corpse was deposited. ... The business inhabitants shewed their sincere respect for the memory of the deceased, by partially closing their establishments during the ceremony.

Another report (29 Nov)

Buckingham Advertiser, 29 Nov 1884:
The late Mr. D. T. Willis.—At the morning service in the temporary Church, on Sunday last, appropriate and feeling reference to the death of the deceased gentleman was made by the Rev. H. A. Douglas Hamilton in the course of a sermon preached from verses 9and 10 of Psalm xc. Appropriate hymns wore also sung, and the "Dead March" in Saul played as a voluntary. Mr. Willis has bequeathed £250 towards the improvement of the clock and chimes, and is in contemplation to make the latter (which now play the tune of "St. David" every three hours,) chime the quarters.

10 Feb 1885. The Will with a Codicil of David Thomas Willis late of Winslow in the County of Buckingham Solicitor who died 14 November 1884 at Winslow was proved at Oxford by Sarah Cowley Willis (wife of Thomas Price Willis) of Winslow the Daughter and Thomas Price Willis of Winslow and David Thomas Willis of Leighton Buzzard in the County of Bedford the Nephews the Executors. Personal Estate £13,565 13s 1d.

Will of D.T. Willis 1877 (proved 1885)

Oxford Registry

ON the Tenth day of February 1885, the Will with a Codicil thereto of David Thomas Willis, late of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor, deceased, who died on the Fourteenth day of November 1884, at Winslow aforesaid, was proved in Her Majesty’s Court of Justice in the District Registry attached to the Probate Division thereof at Oxford by the Oaths of Sarah Cowley Willis (Wife of Thomas Price Willis) of Winslow aforesaid, the Daughter of the Deceased, the said Thomas Price Willis of the same place, Solicitor, and David Thomas Willis of Leighton Bussard in the County of Bedford, the Nephews of the Deceased, the Executors named (in the said Will) they having been first sworn duly to administer.

It is hereby certified that the above is a correct Copy.
Dated this Nineteenth day of February 1885. [official stamp]

Personal Estate Gross £13,565 : 13 : 1
Net   £12,168 : 0 : 0
Including leaseholds.
Extracted by Willis & Willis, Solicitors, Winslow.

This is the Last Will and Testament of me David Thomas Willis of Winslow in the County of Bucks, Solicitor. I appoint my Daughter Sarah Cowley Willis and Nephews Thomas Price Willis husband of the said Sarah Cowley Willis and David Thomas Willis to be Executrix and Executors and the said Thomas Price Willis and David Thomas Willis to be Trustees of my Will I devise unto the said  Thomas Price Willis and David Thomas Willis all estates which may at my decease be vested in me as Trustee or Mortgagee subject to the trusts and equities affecting the same respectively I devise unto the Trustees of my Will my copyhold messuage or tenement in Winslow aforesaid called Western Cottage in the occupation of my Son in law Thomas Newham with the garden surgery stable chaisehouse and other buildings adjoining partly occupied by my said Son in law and partly by myself Upon Trust to permit my said Son in law to reside in and occupy the same during his life if he shall so long remain a widower and unmarried and subject to the preceding trust Upon further trust to permit my Grandchildren Ellen Mary Newham, Reginald Powell Newham, Lillian Ethel Newham and Hugh Basil Greaves Newham the children of my late daughter Maria Louisa Newham deceased or such of them as being males shall for the time being be under the age of twenty one years or such of them as being females shall continue single and unmarried to reside in and occupy the hereditaments and premises lastly hereinbefore devised until the same hereditaments and premises shall be sold pursuant to the trust for that purpose hereinafter contained And upon further trust that my said Trustees or the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of the my Will shall when and at such time as they or he shall think most beneficial to my said grandchildren or the survivors or survivor of them  sell and absolutely  dispose of the said hereditaments and premises and invest the balance of the moneys thereby arising after paying the costs and charges of and attending such sale in their own names and stand possessed of the said monies and the securities upon which the same shall from time to time be invested Upon trust for such of my said four grandchildren as shall attain the age of twenty one years or shall die under that age leaving issue living at his or her death to be divided between them if more than one in equal shares I devise and bequeath unto the Trustees of my Will all my freehold leasehold and other messuages lands tenements

[p.2] and estates in the several parishes of Adstock and Bletchley in the said County of Bucks and also my Copyhold piece of Land in the Parish of Grandborough in the said County of Bucks in the occupation of Robert Curtis and late the property of John Simons Warr and also my following estates in the Parish of Winslow aforesaid that is to say my freehold messuage or tenement called Western House with the lawn conservatory Cottage stables and buildings thereto adjoining in the occupation of George Richard Greaves Esquire my Copyhold messuage or tenement called “The Rose and Crown” in the occupation of William Grace my Copyhold messuage or tenement adjoining thereto occupied by George Meadows and my leasehold messuage or tenement on the Market Square occupied by Mrs. Curtis Upon trust to sell and dispose of the same and to pay and apply the monies to arise from such sale remaining after paying the expenses of and attending in augmentation of my residuary personal estate and effects. I give to the Trustees of my Will discretionary authority to postpone for such period as to them shall seem expedient the sale of all or any part of the estates lastly hereinbefore devised and bequeathed to them and to pay and apply the rents and profits arising therefrom in the meantime to the persons and for the purposes to whom and for which the income of my personal residuary estate shall for the time being be payable or applicable I devise and bequeath to the Trustees of my Will all the residue not hereinbefore otherwise disposed of & all the freehold copyhold and leasehold estates of which I may die beneficially seized or possessed In trust for such person or persons for such estate or estates and in such parts shares or proportions manner and form as my said daughter Sarah Cowley Willis notwithstanding her present or any future coverture shall at any time or times or from time to time by any deed or deeds or by her last Will and Testament or any Codicil or Codicils thereto shall direct limit appoint give devise bequeath or otherwise dispose of the same And for want of any such direction limitation . . . and in the meantime subject thereto Upon Trust to pay the rents and profits of the said last mentioned estates to my said daughter Sarah Cowley Willis or permit her to receive the same during her natural life for her own use and benefit And from and after her decease whether the same shall happen in my lifetime or after my death Upon Trust to pay the rents and profits of the said last mentioned estates To my said Nephew Thomas Price Willis or permit him to receive the same during his natural life for his own use and benefit And from and after the decease of the survivor of them the said Thomas Price Willis and Sarah Cowley his wife Upon Trust that my said Trustees . . . shall sell and dispose of the said last mentioned estates or the unappointed parts thereof and to invest in the name . . . of my said Trustees the monies to arise from such sale and disposition remaining after paying the expenses of . . . the same And shall stand possessed of the monies to be invested as last aforesaid and the securities for the same In trust for such of the child or children of the said Sarah Cowley as shall attain the age of twenty one years . . . But if there shall be no child of my said daughter Sarah Cowley Willis who shall attain the age of twenty one years . . . Then In Trust for such of my four said grandchildren as shall attain the age of twenty one years . . . After the death of my daughter Sarah Cowley Willis I authorize and empower my said Trustees . . . with the consent in writing of the said Thomas Price Willis to sell and dispose of all or any part of my residuary freehold copyhold and leasehold estates and to invest in their or his own name the monies to arise from such Sale after paying thereout the expenses . . . And to pay the dividends interest and annual proceeds of the moneys to be invested as last aforesaid to the said Thomas Price Willis during his life And after the death of the said Thomas Price Willis I direct that my said Trustees shall stand possessed of the said last mentioned moneys . . . upon which the same shall from time to time be invested and the dividends interest and annual proceeds thereof Upon such and the same trusts as are hereinbefore contained with respect to the monies to arise from the sale of my residuary . . . estates after  the death of the said Thomas Price Willis and Sarah Cowley Willis his Wife and the securities upon which the same shall be invested and the annual interest . . . thereof I release my Son in law Thomas Newham from the payment of all debt and sums of money which may be owing from him to me at the time of my death except as to any sums to be

[p.3] hereafter advanced or paid  by me to him or on his account for which any promissory Note or other written security may be given by him to me I bequeath to the Treasurer for the time being of the Buckinghamshire Infirmary at Aylesbury the sum of Fifty pounds to be applied to the purposes of that Institution such legacy to be paid in precedence of the other legacy hereby bequeathed out of such part of my personal estate not specifically bequeathed as the law permits to be appropriated by Will to Charitable purposes I bequeath to my said Nephew David Thomas Willis the legacy or sum of Two hundred pounds to be paid or retained by him at the end of twelve calendar months next after my decease as a small acknowledgement of the care and trouble he will have in the execution of the trusts of my Will I direct my Executrix and Executors with all convenient speed after my death to levy and raise the sum of Sixteen thousand pounds out of my residuary personal estate and effects and invest the same in their own names and to stand possessed of the said monies . . . upon which . . . the same shall . . . be invested  Upon trust for which of my said four grandchildren Ellen Mary Newham Reginald Powell Newham Lillian Ethel Newham and Hugh Basil Greaves Newham as shall attain the age of twenty one years . . . In the meantime from and after my decease until the sum of Sixteen thousand pounds shall be actually paid or invested my said Executrix and Executors shall out of the income of my residuary estate and effects pay and allow interest at the rate of Four pounds per centum per annum on the said sum of Sixteen thousand pounds or so much thereof as shall for the time being be unpaid or uninvested I direct my Executrix and Executors out of the income of my residuary estate and effects to pay the legacy duty on the several legacies and bequests hereinbefore given and made and also the expenses of the admission of my Trustees to my several copyhold estates I bequeath the clear residue of my personal estate and effects unto my said daughter Sarah Cowley Willis absolutely And in case she should die in my lifetime to her husband the said Thomas Price Willis absolutely I direct that all sales to be made in pursuance of my Will shall and may be made together or in parcels by public sale or private contract with power to my Trustees to convey the real estate so sold unto or according to the direction of the purchaser . . . thereof I declare that receipts of my Trustees for any money paid to them in that character shall exonerate the persons paying the same from all liability in respect of the application thereof I direct that all investment of trust monies to be made by my said Trustees . . . [approximately one and a half pages  follow relating to his requirements of Trustees, among other things, regarding investment of funds and application of interest for the benefit of minor legatees. Some fairly standard clauses for dealing with reluctant, incompetent or dying Trustees are also included. These precede the concluding clause . . .] In Witness whereof I the said David Thomas Willis the Testator have to every sheet of this my last Will and Testament contained on seven sheets of paper set my hand this Second day of August One thousand eight hundred and seventy seven

This sheet of paper and the six sheets hereto annexed were severally signed by the said Testator David Thomas Willis as and for his last Will and Testament in the joint presence of us who in his presence at his request and in                                       D. T. Willis [signature]
the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses. The above Will having first been read over by the undersigned Henry Hearn to the said Testator who declared to us that he had full knowledge of the content thereof, the name Henry Hearn having been first interlined in this attestation clause.

Henry Hearn, Solicitor, Buckingham
Arthur S. Midgley, Clerk to Messrs. Willis & Willis, Solicitors, Winslow

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me David Thomas Willis of Winslow in the County of Bucks Solicitor my said Will bearing date the Second day of August One thousand eight hundred and seventy seven.  I give and bequeath to my Son in law Thomas Newham the legacy of One hundred pounds To Mrs. Julia Rosa Burrows the legacy of One hundred and fifty pounds in recognition of her attention and kindness to my late Wife during her long illness To Mrs. Alethea Martin the legacy of Forty pounds if she shall be keeping and managing my house at the time of my death [she died in Winslow in 1888] To Arthur Stead Midgeley the legacy of Nineteen Guineas if he shall be acting as Clerk to myself and my Nephew or either of us at the time of my death and to my Servants hereunder named if they shall respectively be living in my Service at the time of my death the following legacies: To John Mortimer Nineteen Guineas To William Varney Ten pounds To George Varney, his Son, Five pounds and to Hale Harris Five pounds all the above legacies to be paid within three calendar months from my decease And I direct my Executors out of my residuary personal Estate or such part of my Estate as is applicable by law to the purpose of such a bequest to apply the sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds in or towards paying the expense of putting the Clock and chimes of the Parish Church of Winslow into complete repair and good working order and of providing and putting up outside the Church as many Dials in connection with the Clock as my Executors may think necessary And I give my three Nephews Frederic Willis George Willis and David Thomas Willis the sum of Two thousand pounds to be raised with all convenient speed out of my residuary personal Estate or the Monies to arise from the sale of certain portions of my real and leasehold Estates by my said Will directed to be sold (such sum to bear interest from the day of my decease until so raised and paid after the rate of Five pounds per centum per annum) And I direct my said Nephews to stand possessed of such sum of Two thousand pounds Upon trust to invest the same in their own names in or upon such Securities as shall to them seem expedient and to pay the Dividends Interest and annual Income thereof to my daughter Sarah Cowley Willis for her sole and separate use  independent of her present or any future Husband and free from his debts control or engagements and without any power of anticipation of the Income thereof and upon her decease to pay the said Income thereof to her Husband Thomas Price Willis if he shall survive her during his life and after the death of the survivor of them I direct that the

[p.4] Principal of the said Two thousand pounds and the future income thereof shall be held Upon Trust for the Child if only one or for the Children equally if more than one of my said Daughter Sarah Cowley Willis who shall attain the age of twenty one years . . . And in case there shall be no child  of my said Daughter who shall attain that age or die under that age leaving issue living at his or her decease then Upon trust for my present Grandchildren in the same manner as in my said Will is mentioned with respect to Sixteen thousand pounds therein bequeathed and the Income thereof And I bequeath to each of my said Nephews Frederic Willis and George Willis the legacy of One hundred pounds to be paid to them at the end of twelve calendar months next after my decease as a recompense for the care and trouble in the exercise of the Trusts hereby reposed in them And I direct my Executors to pay out of the residue of my Estate all legacy Duties attaching to the legacies and payments by this Codicil directed to be made and given respectively In all other respects I hereby ratify and confirm my said Will In Witness whereof I the said David Thomas Willis the Testator have hereunto set my hand this Eighth day of October One thousand eight hundred and seventy eight

Signed by the said Testator David Thomas Willis as and for a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the joint  presence of us who in his presence at his request and in                D. T. Willis [signature]
the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto the said Codicil having been first read over by the undersigned Henry Hearn to  the said Testator who declared to us that he had full knowledge of the content thereof.

Henry Hearn, Solicitor, Buckingham
Edwin John French, Printer, Winslow                           (40 folios)

Proved at Oxford, with a Codicil, the Tenth day of February 1885, by the Oaths of Sarah Cowley Willis (Wife of Thomas Price Willis) the Daughter, the said Thomas Price Willis and David Thomas Willis, the Nephews, the Executors named in the Will, to whom Administration was granted.

The Testator David Thomas Willis was late of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor, and died on the Fourteenth day of November 1884, at Winslow aforesaid.

Personal Estate Gross £13,565 : 13 : 1
       “            “       Net    £12,168 : 0 : 0

Willis & Willis Solicitors, Winslow.

It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a correct Copy.
Dated this Nineteenth day of February 1885.
[official stamp]

Sale of property by Geo. Wigley on 20 July 1885 included:

and land and cottages in Adstock, a cottage in Great Horwood, a house in Nash, land in Bletchley including Rickley Lane, and land in Oving and Granborough.

T.P. Willis invested extensively in property.

1884: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 10 June
  THE VALUE OF LAND.- Mr. T. P. Willis, of Winslow, was announced the purchaser at £6,000 of the Adstock Manor Estate, comprising 105 acres of grass land, residence, etc, which was submitted to public competition at the Bell Hotel, Winslow, on May 28th, by Mr. Geo. Wigley.

1889: celebration of the building of T.P. Willis' new offices (28 High Street).

Death of Alfred White, bailiff to T.P. Willis

Buckingham Advertiser, 15 Aug 1885
  SUDDEN DEATH.- An inquest was held at the Windmill Inn, on Friday, August 7, by R. De’Ath, Esq., coroner, touching the death of Alfred White, aged 44 years, gardener and bailiff to T. P. Willis, Esq.  The following evidence was adduced: William Stunneo [Stonell] deposed: I am a carpenter, residing in Winslow.  I have known the deceased for ten years.  I believe he had been a healthy man until the last year or two, during which time he had been a little breaking in health.  I was at work with the deceased all day yesterday.  He seemed about as well as usual.  I left him at 7 o’clock last evening on Mr. Willis’ premises.  I have not seen him alive since then.  I bid him good-night before I left him, and he said “Good-night” to me.  Deceased had been doing no hard work- only superintending and looking on at the work.-

Arthur Stead Midgley deposed: I am clerk to Messrs. Willis, and reside in Winslow.  I am also secretary to the Odd Fellows lodge at Winslow.  Deceased was an officer of the Lodge.  I have known him for seventeen years.  I am not aware that he has had any particular illness.  Last night about 8 o’clock I was coming down the street, and I saw the deceased coming up the lane adjoining this the Windmill Inn.  He had a yoke on his shoulders, and two attached buckets.  I met him at Mr. Willis’ corner.  He said “I must ask you to apologise for me at the lodge if you please, as I shall not be able to get down there for an hour.”  He said “The guv’nor (Mr. Willis) is out and I don’t want to be away when he comes home.” I said “You will come down as soon as you can?” and he said he would.  Deceased appeared quite himself.  He has lived with Mr. Thos. Willis seventeen years.-

William George White deposed: I am a gardener and groom, residing in Winslow.  Deceased was my father.  About five minutes to 8 last evening I was in Mr. Willis’ yard with the deceased…  His tea was sent up to Mr. Willis’ as usual about a quarter past 7 o’clock.  I had my tea, of bread and butter and tea, sent up.  As deceased had not been home to dinner [he lived in Horn Street], something extra was sent up to him.  I did not see if he ate or drank anything.  I noticed afterwards that some of his tea was gone.-

Dr. Newham deposed: I have known the deceased for some years.  Last evening I was sent for to see the deceased at about twenty minutes past 8 o’clock.  I found him laid down in the yard quite insensible.  He appeared to be in a fit.  Finding he was cold, I had him moved into Mr. Willis’ kitchen…  From the time I first saw him until the time he died was under ten minutes.  I should say without any hesitation that he died from rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.  There was nothing externally suspicious about the body.-

Verdict: Natural Cause.-

The funeral of the late Mr. Alfred White, a most highly respected inhabitant of this town, took place on Monday last.  The first part of the service was held at the Congregational Church by the Rev. J. Riordan, and a large and sympathising congregation assembled.  The long and melancholy procession, which in addition to relatives and personal friends, included about 70 members of the Loyal Western Lodge of Odd Fellows, (of which the deceased was a Past Grand, and at the time of his death Lecture Master, and also Deputy Grand Master of the Stony Stratford district,) among them being Noble Grand Lee, vice Grand Lorkin, Past Grand Masters Sellar, Osborn and Buckingham, and Mr. A. S. Midgley, secretary, T. P. Willis, Esq., (with whom deceased had been for over 17 years) and G. Willis, Esq., also followed.  The service was continued at the grave by Mr. Riordan, and was concluded by Mr. Edwin J. French reading the Odd Fellows’ funeral service.

Silver wedding of T.P. and Sarah Willis

Buckingham Advertiser, 1 July 1893
  Sunday, June 26th, was the anniversary of the silver wedding of Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Willis, which was signalised by a peal from the bells, and on Monday, the 26th, they (Mr. and Mrs. Willis) celebrated the occasion by a garden party to their relatives and friends.  The bells were rung at intervals during the day, and many congratulations and good wishes, and a number of valuable and useful presents were given to them in recognition of the event.  The following is a list of the gifts:-
Antique silver claret jug from the Brothers and Sisters of Mr. Willis.
Silver bread fork from Miss David.
Silver bowl from Mrs. and the Misses Bass.
Ice bowl from Dr. Kennish.
Silver revolving dish from Mr. G. D. E. Wigley.
Box of cigars from Mr. W. S. Neal
Silver pencil case from the Misses Hawley.
Pair of silver salt cellars, in case, from the Clerks and Employees
Pair of silver napkin rings from the Servants.
Pair of silver picture frames from Mrs. Pain’s Servants.
Silver fusee case given by Mrs. Willis to Mr. Willis
Silver Brooch and Ear-rings given by Mr. Willis to Mrs. Willis.
Fruit case, presented by the Members of the Loyal Western Lodge of Oddfellows, with which Mr. Willis is much identified, accompanied by the following illuminated address- “M.U.I.O.O.F., Loyal Western Lodge. No. 6478”…

  On Wednesday evening, the 28th inst., Mr. and Mrs. Willis gave a supper to their employees, from Winslow and Nash, when Wm. Verney (by seniority of service), occupied the chair.  Several of Mr. and Mrs. Willis’ lady visitors entertained the company during the evening with music and singing, and the health of Mr. and Mrs. Willis was cordially drunk, and other toasts given.  The men were plentifully supplied with tobacco, cigars, &c., and a large wedding cake was also distributed among the party, which separated at about 10.30, after singing the usual verse of the National Anthem.

Death of Sarah Cowley Willis

Buckingham Advertiser, 22 April 1905:
Widespread sympathy will be shown for Mr. T. P. Willis, of Winslow, in his severe bereavement in the death on Friday evening last of Mrs. T. P. Willis.   Mrs. Willis was the daughter of the late Mr. D. T. Willis, and granddaughter of Dr. Cowley, both well-known public men in Winslow in past years.   Mrs. Willis, who was a most benevolent lady, will be greatly missed by the poor of the town, to whom she was one of the best friends.  She has been ill for some time past, and recently Mr. Willis found it necessary in consequence to sever his official connection with the Winslow Horticultural Society, in which he has taken a great interest from its inception.   Only as recently as Friday morning the members of the Winslow Board of Guardians passed a vote of sympathy with Mr. Willis (Clerk), in the illness of his wife, and the sympathetic condolence of the whole district will now be expressed in this much greater sorrow.

Sarah Cowley Willis, younger daughter of D.T. Willis, married her first cousin Thomas Price Willis, son of Frederic, at Winslow on 25 June 1868.

Epitaph of Sarah Cowley Willis

Will of Sarah Cowley Willis, 1884 (proved 1905)

Oxford Probate Registry

BE IT KNOWN  that Sarah Cowley Willis (Wife of Thomas Price Willis) of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, who at the time of her death had a fixed place of abode at Winslow aforesaid, within the district of the Counties of Oxford, Berks and Buckingham, died on the Fourteenth day of April 1905, at Winslow aforesaid.
AND BE IT FURTHER KNOWN  that at the date hereunder written the last will and Testament of the said deceased was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of His Majesty’s High Court of Justice at Oxford, and that administration of all the estate which by law devolves to and vests in the personal representative of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to the said Thomas Price Willis of Winslow aforesaid, Solicitor, the Husband of the Deceased, the sole Executor named in the said Will.
                Dated the 27th day of May 1905
                                                               
Gross value of estate                  £3580–12–6
Net value of Personal Estate       £20-15-6
Extracted by Willis & Willis, Solicitors, Winslow. 
                                                                                                                                                                               
This is the last Will and Testament of me Sarah Cowley Willis, Wife of Thomas Price Willis of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor. Whereas by virtue of and under the last Will and Testament of my late Father David Thomas Willis of Winslow aforesaid, Solicitor I have power to appoint and dispose of certain real estate therein particularly mentioned  Now therefore in exercise of the powers vested in me by virtue of the said Will and of all other powers if any enabling me in this behalf I do hereby direct and appoint That all the hereditaments of whatsoever tenure and wheresoever situate over which I have the power of appointment as aforesaid shall henceforth go remain and be To the use of my said Husband Thomas Price Willis absolutely And I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my Husband the said Thomas Price Willis to be the sole executor of this my Will. In Witness whereof I have hereuner set my hand this Twentieth day of November One thousand eight hundred and eighty four.

S. C. Willis [signature]

Signed by the said Sarah Cowley Willis
the Testatrix as and for her last Will and
Testament in the presence of us present
at the same time and who at her request                            
in her presence and the presence of each
other have hereunder subscribed our names
as Witnesses
David Thos. Willis [signature] Solicitor Leighton Buzzard
Geo: Willis [signature] Solicitor Leighton
                                                                                                                                                (3 folios)
                                                               
On the Twenty seventh day of May 1909 Probate of this Will was granted at Oxford to Thomas Price Willis the Husband, the sole Executor.

It is hereby certified that the above is a correct copy.
Dated this First day of June 1905

Will of T.P. Willis, 1905 (proved 1909)

Oxford Probate Registry

This will wasn't what it appeared, as you can see from the reference to debts on the first page, and the poor of Winslow never got any benefit; read more in the next sections. We haven't yet found out what happened to Gertrude Williams, but she had left Winslow by 1911.

BE IT KNOWN  that Thomas Price Willis of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor, who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at Winslow aforesaid, within the district of the Counties of Oxford, Berks and Buckingham, died on the 13th day of December 1909, at Winslow aforesaid.

AND BE IT FURTHER KNOWN  that at the date hereunder written the last will and Testament with a Codicil thereto, of the said deceased was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of His Majesty’s High Court of Justice at Oxford, and that administration of all the estate which by law devolves to and vests in the personal representative of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to William Gravely Woolston Willis of Leighton Bussard in the County of Bedford, Solicitor, the Nephew of the Deceased, one of the Executors named in the said Will. William Norris Midgley, the other Executor named in the said Will having renounced the Probate and execution of the said Will and Codicil.
                Dated the 22nd day of December 1909                                                   
Gross value of estate     £3537–1–8   Resworn £19060–16–9
Net  \Debts exceed the value/ of Personal Estate
Extracted by David Thomas Willis, Solicitor, Leighton Buzzard.    

[p.2] This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Price Willis of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor. I appoint my Nephew William Gravelly Woolston Willis (Solicitor) and my Clerk William Norris Midgley (if in my employ at the time of my decease) Executors of this my Will and Trustees for the purposes hereinafter expressed and I bequeath to each of them the legacy of Fifty pounds. I bequeath to Gertrude Williams the Friend and Companion of my late Wife the legacy of One hundred pounds and direct that the same shall be paid to her within three calendar months of my decease. I bequeath to my Groom George Airey and my Gardener William Goodger (if in my service at the time of my decease) the legacies of Twenty five pounds apiece and to each of my household servants who shall have been in my service twelve months at the time of my decease the legacy of Ten pounds. I bequeath to my Clerk Stanley Walter Midgley (if in my employment at the time of my decease) the legacy of Twenty five pounds. I bequeath to the said Gertrude Williams such of my household goods and furniture as she may select not exceeding in value the sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds. And I direct that all the aforesaid legacies shall be free of legacy duty. I bequeath all my jewellery pictures and personal effects to the said Gertrude Williams to be disposed of by her in accordance with directions which I may mention in any memorandum which I may leave signed by me and in default of such directions In trust to divide the same at her discretion amongst my own Nephews and Nieces. I direct my Trustees to set apart and invest the sum of Two hundred pounds (free of duty), and to apply such of the income thereof as may be necessary for the purpose in keeping in order the Gravestones and Monuments over the Vault and in painting from time to time the railings around the gravestones and Vault at Winslow in which the members of the Willis Family are interred and to pay the balance of such income in augmentation of the income arising from my residuary personal estate. I bequeath all my personal estate not hereby otherwise disposed of unto my Trustees In trust thereout to pay my debts funeral and testamentary expenses and the duties on the legacies hereinbefore bequeathed and to stand possessed of the nett residue thereof In trust to invest the same in their names or in the names of Trustees to be appointed by them and to apply the income in perpetuity for the deserving poor of the Parish of

[p.3] Winslow and I direct that during the life of the said Gertrude Williams the income shall be paid to and applied by her as before directed and that her receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for the same. And I declare that it shall be lawful for my Trustees or for the survivor of them or for the executors or administrators of the survivor of them to appoint by deed new Trustees of my said nett residuary personal estate Provided always and it is my express wish desire and direction that no Minister of any denomination shall at any time be appointed a Trustee of my said nett residuary personal estate nor have anything to do with any of my affairs at any time. I devise all my real estate in the Parish of Winslow to my said Trustees Upon trust during the life of the said Gertrude Williams to let the same and out of the rents thereof to pay the said Gertrude Williams the annuity of One hundred and fifty pounds (free of duty) during her life by four equal quarterly instalments it having been my late Wife’s desire that ample provision should be made for her during her life and to apply the balance of the said rents in payment of the duties upon the said annuity and in keeping the houses and buildings upon the said real estate in good repair and condition. And upon the decease of the said Gertrude Williams In trust to sell the said real estate and after payment of the expenses of sale to divide the nett proceeds of the sale between and amongst my own Nephews and Nieces in equal shares. I devise all my real estate not hereby otherwise disposed of unto my Trustees Upon trust to sell the same and out the proceeds of thereof to pay the expenses of the sale and the legacy of [blank] hundred pounds to my late Wife’s Nephew Hugh Basil Greaves Newham (to whom I hereby bequeath the same) and to stand possessed of the ultimate nett proceeds thereof in augmentation of my said residuary personal estate. And I direct that upon the decease of the said Gertrude Williams her body shall be interred in the said Vault at Winslow of the Members of the Willis Family provided that she shall so desire and shall have given expression to such desire in her lifetime. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Twenty seventh day of May One thousand nine hundred and five

Thos. Price Willis [signature]

Signed and declared by the above named Thomas Price Willis, the Testator, as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us both being present at the same time and who at his request in his presence and the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses
Thomas R. Hearn [signature] Solr. Buckingham
H. J. Turner [signature] Clerk to Messrs Hearn & Hearn,  Solrs. Buckingham

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Price Willis of Winslow in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor. It is my desire and I direct that my Housekeeper Miss Gertrude Williams shall distribute the watches jewellery trinkets and personal ornaments belonging to me and the residue of those which belonged to my late Wife among the persons and in the manner in which she shall in her absolute discretion think fit she first retaining thereout such articles as she may select for her own absolute use and benefit and it is also my desire that my Clerks William Norris Midgley and Stanley Walter Midgley shall each receive a scarf pin in remembrance of me. And in all other respects I confirm my said Will.  In Witness whereof I the said Thomas Price Willis, the Testator, have hereunto set my hand this Sixth day of February One thousand nine hundred and nine

Thos. Price Willis [signature]

Signed and acknowledged by the above named Thomas Price Willis, the Testator as a Codicil to his last Will in the presence of us present at the same time and who at his request in his presence and the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses
Sarah Anne Canning [signature], The Elms, Winslow, Bucks, Cook.
Frances Louise Rowe [signature], The Elms, Winslow, Bucks, Parlourmaid.

(14 folios)

On the Twenty second day of December 1909 Probate of this Will with one Codicil was granted at Oxford to William Gravelly Woolston Willis the Nephew one of the Executors.

It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a correct copy.
Dated this Thirtieth day of December 1909

Death of T.P. Willis, 1909

The death of T.P. Willis produced fulsome obituaries.

Bucks Herald, 18 Dec 1909

Winslow has sustained a severe loss in the death of Mr. T.P. Willis.   A man of a very genial and robust presence, no one, to look at him, would have thought he was a solicitor in good practice, and he certainly seemed most at home when taking the chair at a fat stock or flower show meeting.  Both of these institutions have now grown to be big ones, but in their early days they owed almost everything to Mr. Willis’ unfailing support.   Coming just at Christmas time, too, his death will mean a serious loss to many poor people in the town, who for years had enjoyed his kind gifts of beef.   Like his great friend, Mr. Wigley, Mr. Willis never seemed to quite recover from the effects of one or two accidents he met with whilst out driving.

DEATH OF MR. T. P WILLIS.

On Monday afternoon, there passed away a most familiar figure in the town and district.   The name of Mr. Thomas Price Willis was until recently a household word.  In the hunting field, the market, the Petty Sessions, the District Council, the Pension Committee, or anything for the welfare of the town and the community at large, Mr. Willis always took a leading part, and Winslow does not seem quite the same without him.  Mr. Willis was the surviving partner of the firm of Willis and Willis, who have been in practice as solicitors for about 200 years.   The son of Mr. Charles [actually Frederic] Willis, of Leighton Buzzard, he as a young man joined his uncle, Mr. David Thomas Willis, at Winslow, and ultimately married his cousin, Miss Willis, and settled down at the Elms, in High-street.   Both Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Willis have been dead for many years, but Mr. T. P. Willis carried on the practice under the old name of the firm.  In addition he was clerk to the Magistrates, clerk to the Board of Guardians, clerk to the Rural District Council, and to the recently created District Old Age Pension Committee;  also Superintendent Registrar of births, deaths, and marriages.   In local associations he was particularly rich – Chairman of the Winslow New Gas Company, chairman of the Winslow Fat Stock Show, and until quite recently chairman and treasurer of the Winslow Floral and Horticultural Society, of which indeed he may be said to have been the founder, taking the greatest interest in it, lending the ground, giving special prizes for roses, and always handing his prize money back to the Society’s fund.  The love of flowers was a marked feature with him, and he nearly always had a choice bloom or fern in his button-hole.  Of agriculture he likewise was extremely fond.  He was a constant visitor at his farm at Nash, and as long as he was well was not many hours away from his Winslow land.  At Christmas-time he was exceedingly proud when the choice black bullocks which he used to show swept all before them.  Although not on the Shire Horse Committee he took a keen interest in the Society’s work, and a few years ago won the Town Challenge Cup.   In company with his great friend, the late Mr. Wigley, he was largely instrumental in placing the Odd Fellows’ Lodge on its present firm foundation.  In the Bowling Club he took a deep interest and when the Green was for sale some years back, purchased it, so that it should not be lost to the members.  In fact nearly every movement for the good of the place found in him a first-class adviser and helper, financially and in other ways, while the poor of the town had in him and Mrs. Willis most generous friends in times of hardship and adversity.

Mr. Willis met with one or two accidents in recent years and from these he never fully recovered, gradually growing weaker.  His last public appearance was at a property sale at the Bell Hotel in the summer.  Mrs. Willis predeceased him in 1905.

At a meeting of the Christmas Fat Stock Show Committee, at the Bell Hotel, on Wednesday morning, Mr. W. Monk (vice-chairman), before commencing the business, said they had to deplore the loss of their chairman, Mr. Willis, who was practically the founder of the Show.   He always took a delight in it, subscribing handsomely from the commencement up to the present, also feeding and showing some good cattle, and always using his influence to make the show a success.   He moved that the Committee’s sense of their loss be recorded on the minutes, which was carried unanimously.

Epitaph of TP Willis Buckingham Advertiser, 1 Jan 1910

WINSLOW
PETTY SESSIONS, Wednesday, DEC. 22, Before the Hon. Cecil Fremantle, M. Selby Lowndes, Esq., and Thomas Biggs, Esq.
THE LATE MR. WILLIS,

The Chairman said at this, the first meeting of the Court since the death of Mr. Willis, he desired to express the loss the Bench had sustained.   He had acted at the Court for something like 18 years, and long before this time Mr. Willis had acted as Clerk for upwards of 25 years he believed and for some 20 years had taken an active part as assistant to his uncle, and during all this time he believed there was not a case of appeal against the Bench’s decisions. He was sure they all wished to express to Mr. Willis’ family their great appreciation of his services in the capacity of Clerk during all these years, and also their sincere sympathy with them in their bereavement.  He, therefore, proposed that the following be recorded on their minutes. - “The Justices present at the first meeting after the decease of Mr. Thomas Price Willis, their Clerk, for upwards of 25 years past, and for many years previously acting in that capacity with his uncle desire to place on record their appreciation of his long and valuable services, and their sincere sympathy with the members of the family in their bereavement, and direct that this be placed on to-day’s minutes.”

Mr. J. R. Whitehorn, solicitor, said on behalf of those practising at this Court, he could say they deeply felt the loss of Mr. Willis, the fact that he had been the Clerk for 25 years, and 20 years before that Assistant Clerk, and that there had been no appeals during all that time spoke volumes for the services which he had rendered, and the care with which the Justices had considered the cases which came before them.

Mr. W. Gravely W. Willis said that it was with varied feelings that he rose to thank the Bench for the very kind remarks that had been uttered by the Chairman on their behalf about his late uncle, and he also thanked Mr. Whitehorn for the way in which he had endorsed those remarks.  He thought he need not say that his chief feeling was one of sorrow that one whom he had known so long had passed away, and with whom some of the happiest years of his early boyhood were spent, but he did regret, that owing to his practice being at Leighton Buzzard, he had not seen so much of his uncle in later years.  It was a very great pride to him when he realised that he stood there as a direct descendant of those ancestors of his, who for so many years had carried on their practice in Winslow, commencing with his great-grandfather, then his great-uncle and lastly his uncle their late Clerk, and it was a great satisfaction to him to know there had been no appeals from their decisions.   In conclusion, he hoped he might long be spared to carry on that practice which his ancestors had built up and consolidated, and when in the ordinary course of events he had passed away, he trusted that his son might be spared to carry on what he considered a sacred duty to their memories.

Supt. Bunker said it was 28 years since he first came into contact with Mr. Willis, and he had always experienced great kindness and assistance from him.  In fact, Mr. Willis was always ready to render assistance to the police, and he had great pleasure in endorsing all that had been said about him.

The tributes were soon followed by a lawsuit brought by Willis' creditors. Lucy Pain seems to have been a wealthy woman from Leighton Buzzard (presumably a client of the Willises who thought her money had been invested safely) who had gone to live at Bournemouth.

Pain v Willis, 1910

National Archives, J15/3087

[p.338] In the High Court of Justice                                                         
Chancery Division
Mr. Justice Eve
at Chambers
1910 W.  24                                                                                   
[Royal Courts of Justice Official Ten Shillings Stamp]

                                                Wednesday the 9th day of February 1910

In the matter of the Estate of Thomas Price Willis deceased.

Between Lucy Pain widow on behalf of herself and all other the Creditors of the above named Thomas Price Willis.  Plaintiff.
William Gravly Gravely Woolston Willis.  Defendant.

Upon the application by originating Summons dated the 4th January 1910 of the Plaintiff and upon hearing the Solicitors for the Applicant and for the Defendant and upon reading the Probate of the Will of Thomas Price Willis granted on 22nd December 1909 to the defendant a Disclaimer dated 19th January 1910 by William Norris Midgley and an affidavit of the Plaintiff filed 3rd February 1910 and the exhibit therein [p.339] referred to It is ordered that the following Accounts and Enquiry be taken and made that is to say

  1. An account of what is due to the Plaintiff and all other the Creditors of the above named Testator Thomas Price Willis.
  2. An Account of the Testators Funeral Expenses.
  3. An Account of Testators personal Estate come to the hands of the defendant the Executor of his Will or to the hands of any other person or persons by the order or for the use of the defendant.
  4. An Enquiry what parts (if any) of the testators personal Estate are outstanding or undisposed of.

And it is ordered that the testators personal Estate be applied in payment of his debts and funeral expenses in a due course of administration and in case the testators personal Estate shall be insufficient for the payment of his debts and Funeral Expenses It is ordered that the following further Enquiries and Account be made and taken

  1. An Enquiry what real Estate the testator was seized of or entitled to at the time of his death.
  2. An Enquiry what Incumbrances (if any) [p.340]  affect the testators real estate or any and what parts thereof.
  3. An Account of what is due to such of the Incumbrancers (if any) as shall consent to the sale hereinafter directed in respect of their Incumbrances
  4. An Enquiry what are the priorities of such last mentioned Incumbrances
  5. And it is ordered that a sufficient part of the testators Real Estate to make good the deficiency of the Testators personal Estate or if necessary the whole of such Real Estate be sold with the approbation of the Judge free from the Incumbrances (if any) of such of the Incumbrancers as shall consent to the Sale and subject to the Incumbrances of such of them as shall not consent

And it is ordered that the money to arise by such sale be paid into Court in the Credit of this action Re Willis Pain v Willis 1910. W. 24. Proceeds of Sale of real Estate and if such money or any part thereof shall arise from Real Estate sold with the consent of Incumbrancers the money so arising is to be applied in the first place in payment of what shall appear to be due to such Incumbrancers according to their [p.340] priorities. The further consideration of this action is adjourned and the parties are to be at liberty to apply for the appointment of the Receiver and as to the said testators business generally as they may be advised
[signatures]

Bucks Herald, 12 March 1910

PURSUANT to an Order of the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice in the matter of the Estate of

THOMAS PRICE WILLIS, Deceased,

And in an action PAIN v. WILLIS, 1910, W. No. 24, the creditors of THOMAS PRICE WILLIS, late of Winslow, in the County of Buckingham, Solicitor, who died on the 13th day of December, 1909, are on or before the 5th day of April, 1910, to send by post, pre-paid, to Mr. DAVID THOMAS WILLIS, of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, the Solicitor for the defendant, WILLIAM GRAVELY WOOLSTON WILLIS, the Executor of the deceased, their Christian and Surnames, addresses, and descriptions, the full particulars of their claims, a statement of their accounts, and the nature of the securities (if any) held by them, or in default thereof they will be peremptorily excluded from the benefit of the said Order.

Every Creditor holding any security is to produce the same before Mr. Justice Eve at his Chambers, the Royal Courts of Justice, London, on TUESDAY, the 12th day of APRIL, 1910, at 12 o’Clock noon, being the time appointed for adjudicating on the claims.

Dated this 25th day of February, 1910,
H. B. SIMEON, 80, Chancery Lane, London, W., PLAINTIFF’S SOLICITOR.

Letter about the case, 31 May 1910

Centre for Bucks Studies, D/WIG/2/7/1911/23

Russell-Cooke & Co.
Sir Henry Paget-Cooke.                                                
Herbert R. Clarke.      

11, Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn,
London  31 May 1910

Telegrams, Russellannum, London
Telephone, No. 1924 Holborn

Dear Sir,                               re T. P. Willis deced

We to-day attended before the Master on the appointment as to the sale of the real estate, when he pointed out an order was not necessary as the Administration Order provided for this. He directed, however, that the auctioneer should proceed to lot the property at once & we could then carry in “particulars” thereof verified by affidavit, which we will prepare when we receive the particulars as to lots & their value, which Mr. W. G. W. Willis has written to Wigley & Son to prepare. Messrs. Emmett & Co. attended for Miss Sotheran & stated they were proceeding to sell under the Power of Sale, but the Master altho’ he could not stop them, thought we had better proceed as there appeared to be a likelihood of realising something over & above the Mortgage. He, however, added that we should try & get the various Mortgagees to work amicably with us. I agree to Messrs. Wigley acting, & concurring in the sale by the Court. Will you at once please communicate with Messrs. Sharman & Trethewy & the Banks Solrs (as we understand tho’ we are not sure, that Messrs. Field Roskoe & Co: are agents for some Solrs at Winslow) with a view to this \& let us hear as soon as possible/. We will communicate with Messrs. Emmett & Co. on the subject of their Mortgage. As to the personal estate, this we will mention to the Master when we are next before him. Will you let us know who valued the furniture & whether the house at Winslow is Mortgaged occupied by a caretaker. If so we presume rates & taxes have to be paid. If this is so we apprehend on a short affidavit being produced to the Master to this effect, he will at once order the furniture to be sold & the house shut up.
                With regard to the claims Nos. 7, 8, 9 (at £6:10:4) 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 (at £2:16[?]:5) 23, 24, 26, 46, 60  (at £2:16:10) 84, 89, 93 & 94 have been allowed & Nrs. 14, 22 & 85 disallowed – The others have not been dealt with, except that Mr. Pritchard has given us Notic an appointment for the 10 prox: at 12 o’clock, at which all the promisory Notes & Notes of hand are to be produced & we are giving the parties Notice to attend for this purpose, unless they will send them to us for the purpose.  With regard to No. 14 (Charles Willis) & 96 (Frederick Willis) we understand that you have, or can get, these & we shall be glad if you will do this & let us have same in the course of a week. We presume the first 4 items of No. 96 are P/Ns or notes of hand, but that \as to/ the £500 there are no documents. If there are, please let us have them.
                                                                                                Yours faithfully, Russell-Cooke & Co.

[addressed to] David Thomas Willis Esq.

P.S. When we get Mr. Wigley’s report as to lots & value we think you had better see us as to proceeding with the sale, having regard to the assets & costs.

Willis sale, 1910

Bucks Herald, 9 July 1910

IMPORTANT PROPERTY SALE.

On Wednesday afternoon Messrs. Humbert and Flint, of Watford, in conjunction with Messrs. Cumberland and Sons, of Luton, offered for sale at the Bell Hotel a group of pasture accommodation fields such as had not been for sale so close to the town within the memory of man, comprising eight fields, the property of the late Mr. T. P. Willis, but sold by direction of the mortgagees.   There was a most representative company of about sixty present, and the bidding was fairly brisk,   but it was noteworthy that some of the land realised only about half what it was originally bought at.   Lot 1, known as the Flower Show Field, comprising 7 acres, close to the High-street, was purchased by Messrs. Matthews Bros. at £600.  They also purchased Long Close adjoining, and containing 3a. 3r. 17p., for £300.  Lot 3, “The Mordens,” [= Nordens] comprising 10a. 0r. 30p., was purchased by Mr. J. C. Hawley for £610.  Lot 4, “Rose Close,” containing 4a. 1r. 29p., by Mr. Stock, of Chiswick, for £450.  Lot 5, “Pond Close,” containing 6a. 2r. 31p., by Mr. J. C. Hawley for £530.  Lot 6, “Burleys,” containing 7a. 3r. 27p., with a farmstead and rickyard, by Messrs. Matthews Bros. at £900.  Lot 7, “Western Close,” containing 4a. 1r. 10p., with three timber-built thatched cottages, by Messrs. Fulks and Sons for £490.  Lot 8, “Spring Close,” containing 3a. 3r. 33p., by Mr. Silvanus Jones for £305.  Lot 9, two freehold cottages with gardens, immediately adjoining the High-street and let at £15:12:6, by Messrs. Matthews Bros. for £230.

Lot 1 = St Laurence & St Albans Roads. Lot 2 = Angels Close & west of Byford Way. Lot 4 = west of 2, now Stocks Lane. Lot 5 = west of 4, now Horsmead Piece and Brook Dene. Lot 6 = Burleys Road, Demoram Close, north of Western Lane. Lot 7 = south of Western Lane. Lot 8 = Cours-la-Ville Close.

Sale of Nash Brakes Farm

[This sale was done separately and there is no mention of it being by court order. Perhaps W.G.W. Willis was able to keep it out of the court's hands.]

Buckingham Advertiser, 9 July 1910

On Thursday afternoon, after the market, Mr. J.C.H. Robinson, auctioneer, of Kempston, Bedford, submitted for sale by public auction the Brakes Farm, Nash, Bucks. This is freehold and contains 87 acres, of which 67 are pasture and 19 arable. The residence is of moderate and convenient size, and like the farm buildings is brick and slated, all being in good condition, and at present let to Mr. W.C. Cowell at £130 per annum. The milk produced on the farm is taken daily by the Buckingham Dairy Factory. A good company was present, and bidding was brisk, the farm falling to Mr. J.R. Labrum, of Leighton Buzzard, at £2,510. Messrs. Sharman and Trethewy, solicitors, Harpur Street, Bedford, acted for the vendors.

Sale of the contents of The Elms

Buckingham Advertiser, 27 Aug 1910

T. P. Willis, Esq.,
T O   S E L L   B Y   A U C T I O N,
On THURSDAY and FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th and 9th, 1910, at Eleven o’Clock each day exact time,
THE WHOLE of the VALUABLE ANTIQUE AND MODERN FURNITURE,

INCLUDING
THE APPOINTMENTS of 4 RECEPTION ROOMS, a Set of fine old Carved Oak James II. Chairs, Charles II. brass Lantern Chamber Clock, Early English Bracket Clocks, Pair of old Dutch Marqueterie Candle Tables, and other examples of Early English and Georgian Furniture, Grandfather’s Clock, roll-top Desk.  Oil Paintings by W. Watson, H. Garland, J. Callow, and others, Old Mezzotint Engravings, Pair of “Le Blond” Prints, 7-Octave COTTAGE PIANOFORTE (by Collard and Collard), Costly Turkey, Indian, Axminster, and Brussels CARPETS;  a few specimens of Nankin, Worcester, Delft, Oriental, and old Armorial China, Battersea enamel Snuff Boxes;  the CONTENTS of 9 Bed and DRESSING ROOMS, including some fine Old Needlework Panels in Sheraton frames, Queen Anne Secretaire, Georgian upright Mirror, Walnut, Mahogany and Birch BEDROOM SUITES, Antique Chest of Drawers;  a large quantity of Bed and Table Linen.  300 Ounces of SILVER, Sheffield and Electro-plate, antique cut-glass;  Wedgwood, Copeland, and other China Services.  A small Cellar of Choice WINES;  about 500 Volumes of BOOKS, Breeches Bible, Illustrated Edition of the Stowe Catalogue, Lipscomb’s History of Bucks.  Also the Contents of the Domestic Offices, and out-door Effects.  WAGONETTE and 2 DOG CARTS, Harness, Dairy Utensils, and a multiplicity of miscellaneous effects.
→ On View Wednesday, Sept. 7th, by Catalogue only (price 6d. each), Auction Offices, Winslow, Newport Pagnell, and 9, Regent Street, Waterloo Place, .S.W.

Buckingham Advertiser, 17 Sep 1910

ANTIQUE FURNITURE SALE.

Great local interest was exhibited in the sale of the furniture and effects of the late Mr. T. P. Willis, The Elms, Winslow, by Messrs. Geo. Wigley and Sons, on Thursday and Friday last, when there were buyers present from Brighton, Folkestone, Leicester, Bristol, London, etc.   A grandfather eight-day clock in inlaid oak case, by Packer, of Buckingham, realised £5 10s.;  an old Charles II, lantern clock, £5;  a Queen Anne Secretaire, £11 10s.; a Sheraton knife cabinet, £1 11s.;  an old sampler, £1;  an old lacquer corner cabinet (Queen Anne period), £4 12s. 6d.; an old Mezzotint, £2 5s.; a pair of old English needlework panels embroidered with classical figures, £6;  an oval ditto, £2 2s. 6d.; an old English eight-day bracket clock by Wieland, of Walworth, £9;  a ditto by Field, of Aylesbury, £10 10s.; an old oak panel in three sections (St. George and the Dragon and other figures), £3;  an old blue and white Nankin vase and cover (broken) £1 10s.; a handsome antique cut glass service, £3 10s.; the silver, of which there was 350 ounces (mostly Georgian), made up to 14s. per ounce; a pierced Sheffield plated cake basket realised £5;  a pair of 16in. Sheffield plated candelabra, £8, and a Sheffield plated centre ornament, £4; a pair of small “Le Blond” prints made £2 5s.;  a set of six old carved chairs made £30;  a pair of old Dutch marquetiere candle tables, £2 17s. 6d.; a handsome old Oriental bowl, £3 5s.;  a Chinese rose bowl (faulty), £1;  pair of old armorial goblets and a bowl to match, £9;  a Barkers’ Geneva version Breeches Bible, £1 10s.;  Lipscomb’s History of Bucks (4 vols., folio) £13;  subscribers’ edition of the Stowe House catalogue (1848), priced and annotated, £1 17s. 6d.;  pair of oil paintings by H. Garland, “Highland Scenes,” £16;  oil painting by W. Watson, “Highland Sheep,” £8 10s.;  an old oil painting (French School), £6.

According to Wigleys' bill (CBS, D/WIG/2/7/1911/23), the receipts from the sale were £1,082.

Willis sale, 1911

The main sale of the Willis property in Winslow and Leighton Buzzard took place on the orders of the Court of Chancery.

Buckingham Advertiser, 1 April 1911

THE LATE MR. T. P. WILLIS. SALE OF THE ESTATE.

LEIGHTON BUZZARD.

An important sale of Property was held by Messrs. Geo. Wigley and Sons at the Corn Exchange, Leighton Buzzard, on Tuesday, March 28th, when Mr. S. P. Wigley officiated under instructions from the Court of Chancery.

Lot 1.- Comprising 21a. 0r. 2p., of Accommodation Grass Land, forming part of the Bossington Estate, with the exceptionally fine building sites, was withdrawn at £1,200.

Lot 2.- 9 Acres of Accommodation Grass Land was withdrawn at £400.

Lot 3.- A grass Field of 16 acres, with frontage to the canal and with a valuable bed of sand, also failed to reach the reserve and was withdrawn at £525.

Lot 4.- The Residential Property known as “Beechcroft,” was started at £1,000 but withdrawn at £1,100.

Lot 5.- Found a purchaser at £37, being knocked down to Mrs. Watson.

We understand the Auctioneers have been approached since the auction with regard to the sale of the unsold property for which negotiations are proceeding.

WINSLOW.

On Wednesday afternoon, March 29th, Messrs. Geo. Wigley and Sons offered for sale by public auction 19 lots of property belonging to the estate of the late Mr. T. P. Willis, at the Bell Hotel, Winslow.   The sale was held in the large Assembly Room, which had been specially seated by Mr. W. S. Neal for the company which numbered about 100 persons, and which gave ample testimony to the great interest that was taken in the sale, and several of the lots realised exceptionally good prices.

The solicitors were Mr. D. T. Willis, Leighton Buzzard;  Mr. W. G. W. Willis, Winslow;  Messrs. Russell-Cooke and Co., 11, Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London, W.C.; Mr. H. B. Simeon, 80, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.; Messrs. Whitehorns and Law, Winslow.   Mr. Sidney P. Wigley, in introducing the property, said as he remarked at the sale at Leighton Buzzard on the previous day no eloquence on the part of the auctioneer could possibly make any difference as to the price that would be realised in such a company as he was favoured with that afternoon.  He need only remind them that land still remained and would always remain the premier investment in the country.  He added that for recently-bought properties largely increased prices had been offered without avail, and that in the present instance those present, who were desirous of becoming purchasers, were fully aware of the intrinsic value of the properties he had the honour to submit to them, and he hoped the biddings would be brisk and the prices satisfactory.  He then proceeded with the sale as follows:-

LOT 1.
Two Enclosures of Accommodation Grass Land, comprising 12a. 1r. 4p., situate at the corner of Vicarage Lane, Winslow.  It was put in at £500 and rose by £25’s to £800, and after two £10’s and two £5’s it was knocked down to Mr. Fred Hurst, Swanbourne, at £830.
[This seems to be the land at the corner of Verney Road and Furze Lane, now the site of Furzedown School.]

LOT 2.
An Accommodation Grass Field, containing about 4a. 0r. 18p., known as “Matthews Close,” situate in Featherbed Lane, Winslow.  This was put in at £100 and rose by £20’s and £10’s to £310, at which figure it became the property of Mr. Thomas Walker, of Winslow.
[includes the land which is now the Furze Lane Burial Ground]

LOT 3.
The Freehold Residential Property known as “The Elms,” Winslow, with frontage to the High Street, the residence of the late Mr. T. P. Willis.  An offer of £300 was made but £400 was substituted, and it rose by £50’s to £1,000, and £25’s to £1,425, when it was withdrawn.
[= 30 High Street, now demolished]

LOT 4.
The Block of Offices adjoining the last Lot, in High Street, Winslow.
[= 28 High Street]

Lots 3 and 4 were put up together and were started at £1,500, and after two bids of £1,600 and £1,700 were withdrawn.
[They were later sold to Norman McCorquodale for £2,000; see below]

LOT 5.
A range of 4 Loose Boxes and 3 other Sheds.  This was started at £100 and rose by four bids to £160, at which figure it was knocked down to Mr. Geoffrey Barker, Winslow.

LOT 6.
A Free and Fully-licensed Inn, known as “The King’s Head”, High Street, Winslow, let to Mr. E. A. Lines at £29 per annum. There was sharp and exciting bidding for this Lot.  It started at £350 and no less than 30 bids brought it to £700, at which figure it was purchased by Mr. Trollope;  for Mr. N. McCorquodale, Winslow.

LOT 7.
2 Houses with Shops, in High Street, Winslow, let to Messrs. Rowe and Stubbs at rentals of £46 16s. per annum.  This lot was started at £500 and rose by £25’s to £700, given by Mr. Trollope for Mr. N. McCorquodale.
[= 40 & 38 High Street]

LOT 8.
A House, known as the Winslow and District Hand Laundry, situate in the High Street, Winslow, let to Mrs. Elizabeth Hornsby at £22 per annum.  Only five bids were required to secure this Lot, started at £250, and bought by Mr. Trollope, for Mr. McCorquodale, at £350.
[= 24 High Street]

LOT 9.
A Grass Close, situate in the Vicarage Lane, close to the town of Winslow, and known as Barn Close, containing 2a. 0r. 27p.   This Lot was put in at £150 and rose by £10’s  to £270, and then by £5’s to £285, at which it became the property of Mr. J. C. Hawley, Winslow.
[probably = Selby Lane]

LOT 10.
A piece of Freehold Garden Ground, situate in Addington Lane, Winslow, containing about 30 poles, and let to Mr. W. H. Stevens, at £1. 15s. 0d. per annum.  Started at £10, it gradually rose to £27, with Mr. Stock, Chiswick, the purchaser.

LOT 11.
An enclosed Kitchen Garden, adjoining the Churchyard, Winslow, containing 1r. 20p., lately in the occupation of the late Mr. T. P. Willis.  For this Lot the bidding was very spirited.  It was put in at £75, and after 17 bids was bought by Mr. W.H. Stevens, at £225, for Mr. McCorquodale.
[= the Walled Garden and adjacent land which is now part of the Churchyard]

LOT 12.
A highly attractive and picturesque Freehold Enclosure, comprising nearly three-quarters-of-an-acre, known as “The Bowling Green,” a fine piece of old turf, believed to have been the favorite retreat of the bowlers of the Winslow district for 150 years past, being tastefully planted round to ornamental shrubs and bushes, forming, and acknowledged to be, one of the sylvan beauty spots of Winslow;  lately let to Mr. W. S. Neal at a rental of £21 per annum.  Mr. Wigley remarked that his grandfather sold it in 1876 in auction to the late Mr. T. P. Willis, who was persuaded at that time to purchase it for the good of the Bowling Green members, at £550.   He added that the late Lord Beaconsfield addressed the electors on the Bowling Green.  It was started at £200, and with four £25’s it was bought at £300 by Mr. W. H. Stevens, for Mr. McCorquodale, in order, it was stated, that it might be retained by the members of the Bowling Green Club.

LOT 13.
A Freehold Plot of Building Land, situate in Park Road South, Winslow.  Put in at £30.  This Lot was purchased by Mr. W. Wise, Winslow, for £37. 10s.

LOT 14.
A small Accommodation Holding of good pasture land, situate on the Grandborough Road, close to Winslow, containing 24a. 3r. 5p., in the parishes of Winslow and Grandborough, let to Mr. E. A. Illing on a yearly (Christmas) tenancy, at £60 per annum.  There was sharp bidding for this Lot.  It was started at £800 and rose by £25’s to £1,050, and then by two £10’s to £1,070, at which figure was knocked down;  but it appeared there were two bidders, and the auctioneer said he must re-enter it.  It then progressed by £10’s to £1,140, at which price Mr. Gaius Chapman, Little Horwood, became the purchaser.

LOT 15.
An Accommodation Grass Close, containing 6s. 3r. 21p., situate on the Winslow Road, in the parish of Grandborough, and let to Mr. Thomas John Rawlins, at a rental of £16 per annum.  This Lot was put in at £200, and rose by £10’s and £5’s to £280, at which figure if was knocked down to Mr. W. Wise, for Mr. W. T. Cannon, Bierton, Aylesbury.

LOT 16.
Three Cottages at Mursley, let to Messrs. John Marshall and F. Justice, at £20. 16s per annum, together with a freehold close of Grass Land, with farm yard and buildings,, let to Mr. F. W. North at £4 per annum.  Gross aggregate rentals £24 16s. per annum.  This Lot has an area of about 1a. 2r. 23p.  This was started at £250, and rose by £10’s to £330, at which figure it was purchased by Mr. Fred W. North, London.

LOT 17.
An enclosure of Freehold Arable Land, containing about three-quarters of an acre, situate on the Great Common (Nash Road) in the parish of Great Horwood, and let to Mr. W. C. Cowell.  A bid of £10 started this Lot, and it rose by singles to £19, when it was knocked down to Mr. York, for Mr. A. Clarke, Great Horwood.

LOT 18.
An Allotment in Goode’s Corner, Great Horwood, containing about 18 poles, and let to Mr. Percy Taylor, at 15s. per annum.  This was started at £12, and rose by singles to £17, at which price it became the property of Mr. E. Sear, Great Horwood.

LOT 19.
Two closes of Freehold Grass Land, situate in the parish of Oving, containing 14a. 2r. 5p., let to Mr. Jesse G. Knight, at £25 per annum.  Put in at £300, it rose by £25’s to £375, and after two £10’s to £395, and then by £5’s to £410, at which price it was knocked down to Mr. W. T. Cannon, Bierton.

GREAT HORWOOD.

Mr. Wigley then offered for sale four lots by the instructions of the surviving executor and trustee of the late Mr. D. T. Willis as follows:

LOT 1.
A Cottage, let to Mr. Christopher Lambourne.  It was put in at £30, and gradually rose to £52, at which price it was purchased by Mr. Heritage.

LOT 2.
A plot of Arable Land, situate in Goode’s Corner on the Nash Road, Great Horwood, containing about 19 poles and let to Mr. Christopher Lambourne.  This rose from £10 by singles to £16, at which figure it became the property of Mr. Collier.

LOT 3.
A plot of Freehold Garden Ground, situate at Wigwell, Great Horwood.  From a start of £5 it rose to £9, and at that price became the property of Mr. Warren.

LOT 4.
A fee farm rent of £2. 1s. 4d. per annum, issuing out of the Hartwell Estate, Bucks, and secured on the rental of that estate.  This started at £20, and rose by two £10’s to £40, and then by two singles to £42, at which price it was knocked down to Mr. G. H Harrison, Buckingham.

The two residences, Nos. 1 and 2, Station Road Terrace, Winslow, belonging to the estate of the late Mrs. Cuthbe, were offered.  They were started at £400, and rose to £630, when they were withdrawn, the auctioneer stating that he should be willing to sell the property privately.

This ended the sale, and the auctioneer thanked the large company for their attendance.

National Archives, J15/3159/326

This and the following TNA documents were printed.

1910 W.  24 Folios.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE. (Chancery Division) MR. JUSTICE JOYCE at Chambers 
Wednesday the 5th day of April 1911 MR. Gresswell  Registrar.
In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS PRICE WILLIS deceased.

Between LUCY PAIN (widow) on behalf of herself and all other the CREDITORS of the above named  Thomas   Price   Willis. Plaintiff.
AND WILLIAM GRAVELY WOOLSTON WILLIS.   Defendant.

[stamp] ENTERED 20 MAY 1911 [signed] W. Hayes

UPON THE APPLICATION of the Plaintiff (by Summons dated the 28th October 1910) and upon hearing from the solicitors for the Applicant for the defendant and for Rosetta Florence Annie Sotheran and Beatrice Maria Ross Sotheran and upon reading an affidavit from Alfred Warren  Melhuish dated the 3rd November 1910 and the exhibits therein referred to the exhibit A W M 2 being the mortgagee’s account and two Inland Revenue receipts for Forty eight pounds one shilling and eight pence both being dated the 5th April 1911 for payment of estate duty—
IT IS ORDERED that Rosetta Florence Annie Sotheran spinster and Beatrice Maria Ross Sotheran spinster the mortgagees of certain Real Estate at Winslow in the County of Buckingham be at liberty to lodge in Court as directed in the schedule hereto the sum of Nine hundred and ninety-one pounds three shillings and four pence being the balance of moneys in their hands as shown in their said account of the proceeds of sale of the said real estate.

LODGEMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.) 5th April 1911
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. As Above          “Subject to Increment Duty and Estate Duty (if any)”

Particulars of Funds to be lodged   to the account of the Paymaster-General. Person to make the lodgement.              
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Cash Rosetta Florence Annie Sotheran spinster and Beatrice Maria Ross Sotheran spinster
991
3
4

The two Misses Sotheran, who were apparently twins, were living in a boarding house at Barmouth in the 1911 Census. They were originally from London.

National Archives, J15/3159/316

1910  W.  24   Folios.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (Chancery Division) MR. JUSTICE EVE at Chambers  
Wednesday the 26th day of April 1911   MR. THEED    Registrar.
In the Matter of the Estate of THOMAS PRICE WILLIS deceased.

Between LUCY PAIN (widow) on behalf of herself and all other the CREDITORS of the above named  Thomas   Price   Willis. Plaintiff.
AND WILLIAM GRAVELY WOOLSTON WILLIS.        Defendant.

[Royal Courts of Justice Chancery registrars’ office official stamp reads ‘ENTERED 16 MAY 1911’ and signed ‘W. Hayes’]

UPON THE APPLICATION (by Summons dated the 11th April 1911) of the Defendant and upon hearing the solicitors for the Applicant for the Plaintiff and upon reading the Order for sale dated 9th February 1910 the certificate of result of the sale dated 5th April 1911 an affidavit of Sidney Prudden Wigley dated 4th April 1911 an affidavit of the Defendant filed 4th April 1911 the conditional agreement dated 10th April 1911 hereinafter mentioned --
IT IS ORDERED that the conditional contract dated 10th April 1911 and made between Sidney Prudden Wigley of the one part and Geoffrey Metcalfe Barker of the other part for the sale to Mr. Norman McCorquodale for the sum of Two thousand pounds of the hereditaments and premises therein described or referred to being lots 3 and 4 parts of estates directed to be sold by the order dated the 9th day of February 1910 be carried into effect.
And It is ordered that the Two hundred pounds deposit money in respect of such sale be lodged in Court as directed in the schedule hereto.
[signatures]

LODGEMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)    26th April 1911
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. ______ As Above     “Proceeds of sale of real estate”

Particulars of Funds to be lodged   to the account of the Paymaster-General. Person to make the lodgement.              
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Cash

Invest and accumulate in Consols each to be lodged as above
Sidney \Prudden/ Prubben Wigley [handwritten]
200
0
0

[signatures]

National Archives, J15/3159/488

Preamble as above. 23 May 1911

UPON THE APPLICATION (by Summons dated the 12th May 1911) of the Defendant and upon hearing the solicitors for the Applicant and for the Plaintiff and for George Willis Sarah Ann Watson Anna Maria David Charles Willis Frederic Willis Lucy Pain and David Thomas Willis the purchasers and upon reading the Order dated the 9th of February 1910 the certificate of result of the sale dated the 5th of April 1911 an affidavit of the Defendant filed the 22nd of May 1911 and the exhibit W G 1 (being the conditional agreement dated the 22nd of April 1911 hereinafter mentioned)  therein referred to -
IT IS ORDERED that the conditional contract dated the 22nd day of April 1911 made between the Applicant of the one part George Willis of Leighton Buzzard in the County of Bedford of the other part for the sale to the said  George Willis Sarah Ann Watson Anna Maria David Charles Willis Frederic Willis Lucy Pain and David Thomas Willis for the sum of One hundred and fifty pounds of all the above-named testator Thomas Price Willis’s share and interest of the hereditaments and premises therein described or referred to in lot 4 of the particulars and conditions of sale of the Leighton Buzzard property part of the estate directed to be sold by the order dated the 9th day of February 1910 (to which share and interest in the said hereditaments and premises the above-named testator became entitled under the will of the above named Elizabeth Sophia Willis dated the 12th of May 1866) be carried into effect.
And It is ordered that Fifteen pounds deposit and the balance of the money to arise by such sale be paid into Court as directed in the schedule hereto.

[signed] Russell Cook for the defendant & for Geo Willis & others the purchasers
W.H. Simeon for Plaintiff

LODGEMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)    23rd May 1911
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. ______ As Above     “Proceeds of sale of real estate”

Particulars of Funds to be lodged   to the account of the Paymaster-General. Person to make the lodgement.              
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Cash (being deposit)

Cash (being balance of purchase money)
Invest and accumulate in Consols each to be lodged as above

The Defendant William Gravely Woolston Willis
15
0
0
George Willis the purchaser
135
0
0
       

[signatures]

National Archives, J15/3159/489

[Preamble as before]     Thursday the 15th day of June 1911.

UPON THE APPLICATION (by Summons dated 25th May 1911) of the Defendant and upon hearing the solicitors for the Applicant for George Hollier Harrison the purchaser and for the Plaintiff and upon reading the Order dated the 9th of February 1910 an affidavit of the Defendant filed the 14th June 1911 and the exhibits therein referred to an affidavit of Sydney Prudden Wigley filed 15th June 1911 and the exhibits therein referred to Exhibit W G W 2 being the contract for the sale dated 29th March 1911 hereinafter mentioned –
                And George Hollier Harrison the purchaser by his solicitor accepting the vendor’s title to the premises hereinafter directed to be sold
IT IS ORDERED that the contract dated the 29th  day of March 1911 made between George Wigley and Sons and George Hollier Harrison for the sale to the said  George Hollier Harrison for the sum of Forty-two pounds of a fee farm rent of Two pounds one shilling and four pence per annum issuing out of the Hartwell estate Bucks and secured on the rental of that estate therein described or referred to in lot 4 of the particulars of a supplemental sale held immediately after the sale of the Winslow property belonging to the above-named testator be carried into effect.
And It is ordered that Forty pounds being the residue of the purchase money after deducting Two pounds as the proportion of the costs of such sale be lodged in Court as directed in the schedule hereto.

[signed] Russell Cook & Co

LODGEMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)                 15th June 1911.
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. ______        “Proceeds of Sale of Real Estate."

Particulars of Funds to be lodged   to the account of the Paymaster-General. Person to make the lodgement.              
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Cash George Hollier Harrison (the purchaser)
of the town and county of Buckingham
40
0
0

National Archives, J15/3161/796

[Preamble as before]     Friday the 3rd day of November 1911.

UPON THE APPLICATION (by three summonses dated respectively the 13th July 14th July and 14th July 1911) of the Defendant and upon hearing the solicitors for the Applicant and for the Plaintiff and for Lloyds Bank Limited the mortgagees of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 Elizabeth and Sarah Illing the mortgagees of lot 8 Sidney Prudden Wigley and Edwin John French the mortgagees of lot 7 and the said \Edwin Edmund/ John French Charles Osborn and Ebenezer Alfred Illing the mortgagees of lot 15 and for Frederick Thomas Hurst Lloyds Bank Limited Henry Charles Stock James Caleb Hawley Thomas Walker Martha Mary Cannon (married woman) and Norman McCorquodale holding restraints on the funds in Court and upon reading the judgement dated the 9th of February 1910 an order dated the 26th April 1911 four orders dated respectively 8th May 1911 two orders dated respectively the 17th May 1911 and five orders dated respectively 18th May 1911 the certificate of result of sale of the Winslow property dated the 5th April 1911 the Paymaster’s certificates of lodgement dated the 20th April 1911 the 20th May 1911 the 12th May 1911 the 20th May 1911 respectively an affidavit of Edward Robert Mayor filed the 2nd November 1911 and several exhibits therein referred to an affidavit of Elizabeth and Sarah Illing filed the 2nd November 1911 and several exhibits therein referred to an affidavit of Sidney Prudden Wigley and Edwin John French filed the 2nd November 1911  and several exhibits therein referred to an affidavit of Charles Osborn and Ebenezer Alfred Illing filed the 2nd November 1911 and several exhibits therein referred to and certificate of the fund -
IT IS ORDERED that the funds in Court be dealt with as directed in the schedule hereto.
And It is ordered that it be referred to the Taxing Master to tax as between solicitor and client the costs of Lloyds Bank Limited the mortgagees of lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 of the Winslow property as such mortgagees.

[signed] H B Simeon

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)                 3rd November 1911.
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. ______ As Above “Proceeds of Sale of Testator’s Real Estate."
FUNDS IN COURT             0l.  2s.  8d. Cash.
40l.  0s.  0d. Money on deposit.
10472l.  0s.  0d. Consols.

Particulars of payments, transfers, or other Operations, to be carried out by the Paymaster. Payees and transferees, or titles of separate accounts.
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Discharge the restraints dated respectively the 8th 8th 8th 8th 17th 17th 18th 18th 18th 18th and 18th days of May 1911 requiring notice respectively to Frederick Thomas Hurst Lloyds Bank Limited Henry Charles Stock James Caleb Hawley Thomas Walker and Lloyds Bank Limited Mrs Martha Mary Cannon Norman McCorquodale Norman McCorquodale Norman McCorquodale Norman McCorquodale Norman McCorquodale
       
Sell sufficient Consols to raise with cash and
money on deposit 5143l.13s.6d.  £5,144.9.4		              
Out of proceeds :-  Pay [figures deleted] £4157.7.9
Balance of principal due on three memorandums of charge dated respectively the 25th March 1902 the 30th October 1902 and the 23rd March 1903 together with 114l. 12s. 0d. interest at 5 per centum on 4093l. 12s. 3d. from 31st December 1909 to 5th August 1910 and 239l. 17s. 6d. Interest on 3802l. 18s. 3d. at 5 per centum from \5th/ 6th August 1910 to 7th December 1911 less tax

Lloyds Bank Limited of Winslow Bucks
4157
7
9
      
Pay Tax  
21
17
6
      
Pay £355 on account of mortgage dated 23rd May 1890 with 5l. for interest thereon [deletion] less tax                            Elizabeth Illing of Nottingham spinster and Sarah Illing of Great Horwood Bucks spinster 
355
0
0
      
Pay tax  
5
10
      
Pay 350l. the amount of principal due on mortgage dated 21st December 1907 together with 12l. 13s. 5d. interest thereon at 4 per centum per annum from 21st December 1910 to 7th December 1911 less tax Sidney Prudden Wigley and Edwin John French both of Winslow Bucks
362
13
5
      
Pay income tax  
0
15
9
      
Pay amount of mortgagee's costs relating to lot 7 Messieurs Russell-Cooke and Company of 11 Old Square Lincoln's Inn London W.C. solicitors
2
12
6
      
Pay being 235l. principal due on mortgage dated 10th November 1892 together with 5l. 7s. balance of interest due from 10th May 1911 to 7th December 1911 less tax Edwin John French Charles Osborn and Ebenezer Alfred Illing all of Winslow Bucks
240
7
0
      
Pay income tax  
0
6
7
      
Pay mortgagee's costs relating to lot 15 of Winslow property Messieurs Russell-Cooke and Company of 11 Old Square Lincoln's Inn London W.C. solicitors
3
3
6
      

Sell sufficient of residue of Consols to raise amount out of costs to be taxed under this order

  
     
Out of proceeds :-  
     
Pay such costs   
     

Until June 1911 the court was collecting all T.P. Willis' assets, mainly the results of the various sales. This document is the first stage of payment to his creditors but payments to most the mortgagees apparently did not go through the court. It appears that T.P. Willis had been borrowing money from Lloyds Bank since 1902 and from his clients (presumably) since 1890. The next document refers to another addition of funds in May 1912.

National Archives, J15/3215/401

[Preamble as before]     Wednesday the 22nd day of May 1912.

UPON THE APPLICATION (by Summons dated the 20th May 1912) and upon hearing the solicitors for the Applicant for the Plaintiff and upon reading the Order dated the 9th February 1910 –
                And the defendant by his Solicitors admitting that he has in his hands the sum of Three thousand three hundred and eleven pounds sixteen shillings and four pence being moneys collected by him on behalf of the estate of the above testator Thomas Price Willis (deceased) -
IT IS ORDERED that the defendant be at liberty to lodge the said sum of Three thousand three hundred and eleven pounds sixteen shillings and four pence in Court as directed in the Schedule hereto.

LODGEMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)     22nd May 1912
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W. 24
LEDGER CREDIT. ______      As Above

Particulars of Funds to be lodged   to the account of the Paymaster-General. Person to make the lodgement.              
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Cash
Invest and accumulate in Consols		 William Gravely Woolston Willis (Defendant)
3311
16
4

National Archives, J15/3215/582

[Preamble as before]    Thursday the 11th day of  July 1912.

UPON THE APPLICATION (by Summons dated the 21st of June 1912) for further consideration of this action (adjourned by order dated the 9th February 1910) and upon hearing the solicitors for the Plaintiff and Defendant and upon reading the said order and three orders dated respectively the 23rd May 15th June and 3rd November 1911 and Master’s certificate date the 18th June 1912 an affidavit of Vivian Vere Willis filed the 5th July 1912 and the certificates of the funds -

IT IS ORDERED that the outstanding personal estate belonging to the above testator Thomas Price Willis and set out in the said affidavit be sold to the Defendant William Gravely Woolston Willis for Fifteen pounds and fifteen pounds to be retained by him on account of his costs of this action hereinafter mentioned.

And It is ordered that it be referred to the Taxing Master to tax the costs of the Plaintiff and of the Defendant of this action as between solicitor and client including in the Defendant’s costs any charges and expenses properly incurred by him as executor in relation to the testator’s estate not already paid or allowed.

And the Defendant is at liberty to retain his costs when taxed out of the said Fifteen pounds and the sum of Three hundred and sixty-two pounds sixteen shillings and ten pence certified to be due from him on account of personal estate or so far as the same will extend and in taxing the Defendant’s costs the Taxing Master is to certify the balance of the said sum of Fifteen pounds and Three hundred and sixty-two pounds sixteen shillings and ten pence after such retainer or of the said costs as the case may be.

And It is ordered that the defendant do lodge in Court the balance (if any) of the said sums.

And It is ordered that the funds so be lodged and the funds in Court be dealt with as directed in the schedules hereto the payments directed by Schedule III. to be made to the Creditors therein named being on account on the principal of several debts set opposite their respective names. And the parties are like at liberty to apply as they may be advised.

[Three official stamps of the Supreme Court of Chancery Judicature, bearing name of Registrar W. O. Goldschmidt or his initials W.O.G.]

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division.)  11TH July 1912
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24
LEDGER CREDIT.______ As Above “Subject to Increment Duty and estate Duty if any.”
FUNDS IN COURT 
16l. 10s. 3d.    Cash
991l.   3s. 4d.    On account

Particulars of payments, transfers, or other Operations, to be carried out by the Paymaster. Payees and transferees, or titles of separate accounts.
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Carry over funds
“Re Willis Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24"
107
13
7
16
10
3
Carry over any further interest The same account

[Two official stamps of the Supreme Court of Chancery Judicature and handwritten signature initials of Registrar W. O. Goldschmidt]   

PAYMENT SCHEDULE II.
11TH July 1912
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24
LEDGER CREDIT.______ As Above “Proceeds of sale of Real estate.”
FUNDS IN COURT 
22l. 16s. 8d.  Cash
3880l.   6s. 2d.  Consols

Particulars of payments, transfers, or other Operations, to be carried out by the Paymaster. Payees and transferees, or titles of separate accounts.
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Carry over funds
“Re Willis Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24"
22
16
8
3880
6
2

 W.O.G.  [official stamp]

PAYMENT SCHEDULE III.
11TH July 1912
Re Willis               Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24
LEDGER CREDIT.______ As Above.
FUNDS TO BE DEALT WITH 
4299l.   3s. 5d.         Consols in Court.
1007l. 13s. 7d.         Cash and Money on deposit and any further Interest to be carried over by Payment Schedule I. and 22l. 16s. 8d. Cash and 3880l. 6s. 2d. Consols to be carried over by Payment Schedule II. 

Particulars of payments, transfers, or other Operations, to be carried out by the Paymaster. Payees and transferees, or titles of separate accounts.
Amounts
   
Money
Securities
   
£
s
d
£
s
d
Sell the Consols

Out of proceeds money on deposit
and any interest :-
Pay Plaintiff’s costs to be taxed under this order
Pay balance of Defendant’s costs to be certified under this order
Pay increment duty and estate duty of any on funds carried
over under Payment Schedule I.
Pay residue of funds and any interest to the creditors named in the second column rateably in proportion to the sums set opposite to their names in this column :- [continued below]

 “Re Willis Pain v. Willis 1910. W 24"      
8179
9
7

W.O.G.  [official stamp]

List of creditors 

The sums of money and names were printed, but various handwritten alterations were made, indicated here as insertions with \.../

Money owed
Creditor
 Additional handwritten notes
£0 4s 8d
 Louisa Bathe spinster Winslow Bucks - tailoress  
£355 15 4
 Louisa Bathe spinster of the same address \Winslow Bucks/   
£452 7 5
 Thomas Bowden Pear Tree Villa Great Horwood Winslow Bucks as surviving executor of the will of John Mayeatt Bowden deceased.  
£21 9 0
 Messieurs Berry Brothers and Company 3 St. James’ Street
 London W wine and spirits merchants		  
£228 1 0
 Edwin Burton Fairfield Road Basingstoke Hants as sole executor of Alfred Burton the surviving executor and trustee of will of Richard Baldwin
\ Frederick Pridmore of 21 Winchester Street Basingstoke Hants Solicitor’s Clerk and Reginald Lamb of Worting Hants gentleman executors of Edwin Burton deceased. /		 W.O.G. 26:2:1913
according to Master's direction endorsed in summons dated 16:1:1913 filed with me
£506 16 3
 John Ellingham Brooks Villa Mura Isola di Capri Napoli Italy as surviving trustee of marriage settlement of Mr. Frank and Mrs. Fanny Katherine Monk dated 10th December 1895  
£79 9 8
 Mary Emma Boughton spinster Sarah Ann Boughton spinster and Rebecca Boughton spinster all of Swanbourne Winslow Bucks  
£356 18 8
 Harriett Colgrove widow Winslow Bucks  
£0 15 11
 Joseph Colgrove High Street Winslow Bucks butcher  
£20 6 7
 The legal personal representative of Thomas Colton deceased when constituted  
£20 8 6
 Fanny Eliza Hannah Cook married woman Fir Tree Farm Bletchley  
£0 17 9
 Cripps and Son Winslow Bucks builder  
£866 10 8
 Henry Dancer Holcombe Farm Swanbourne Winslow Bucks farmer  
£613 6 2
 Anna Maria David widow 7 Osborne Road Clifton Bristol  
£24 7 10
 William Dickens Mattishall East Dereham Norfolk  
£6 10 4
 R A Easton Winslow Bucks chemist  
£101 8 11
 George Egleton High Street Winslow Bucks  
£2 16 10
 Messieurs Egleton and Sons High Street Winslow Bucks grocers  
£3 9 0
 E J French Winslow Bucks stationer  
£1 11 2
 E V George Winslow Bucks newsagent  
£6 3 0
 Gibbs and Son Winslow Bucks builders  
£99 19 7
 Charles George Guyatt Padbury Bucks stud groom as surviving executor of the will of Miss Mary Treadwell  
£0 2 8
 John Hill Gas Works Winslow Bucks gas fitter  
£20 0 0
 Frederick Hurst and Joseph Hanson both of Swanbourne Winslow Bucks as executors of Abraham Hurst deceased  
£59 7 6
 Muriel Hubbard spinster Hilda Hubbard spinster and Irene Hubbard spinster all of Kingsbridge Steeple Claydon Bucks  
£52 4 0
 Sophia Illing spinster Great Horwood Winslow Bucks  
£115 1 4
 Elizabeth Illing spinster Nottingham and Sarah Illing spinster Great Horwood Bucks  
£1 1 10
 William Ingram Market Square Winslow Bucks butcher  
£0 1 8
 Henry Jackson and Company Leighton Buzzard Beds advertising agents  
£97 12 10
 Rebecca Jones widow 30 Norham Road Oxford  
£227 13 10
 Silvanus Jones Winslow Bucks and Thomas Jones Kettering as executors of the will of William John Jones deceased  
£33 12 0
 Charles Keys “The Chandos Arms” Winslow Bucks  
£3 0 8
 F E King Biddlecombe Fairfield Christchurch Hants  
£306 8 1
 Clara King spinster Station Road Winslow Bucks  
£101 14 2
 Frederick George King St. Edbury’s [=Edburg's] Cottage Bicester Oxon  
£506 2 10
 Grant Charles King 9 Malpas Road Brockley London S.E.  
£0 7 6
 Messieurs W. and H. King Euston Square London N.W. fishmongers  
£1533 14 11
 Maria King widow and William John King both of Whaddon Bletchley Bucks as the surviving trustees of the will of George King deceased of Whaddon  
£102 7 10
 Martha Jane Lownds widow 24 College Road Bromley Kent  
£826 15 3
 Sidney John Lofty and Esther Cataline Read Lofty married woman both of Stockings FarmColeshill Amersham  
£2 17 5
 Messieurs Matthews Brothers Winslow Bucks builders  
£4 6 11
 Messieurs Mussett and Pedlar 9 Great Turnstile Holborn W.C. Stationers  
£2 15 3
 G A Midgley Winslow Bucks builder and ironmonger  
£2547 12 7
 William Norris Midgley Winslow Bucks as the surviving trustee under the deed of conveyance and assignment by way of settlement dated 6th February 1885  
£152 5 0
 S C H Moberly M.D. Winslow Bucks  
£408 14 4
 Mary Morecraft spinster Winslow Bucks  
£12 3 0
 W S Neal Winslow Bucks  
£0 10 0
 Nelson and Young Winslow Bucks pianoforte tuners  
£2002 1 3
 Reginald Powell Newham The Bank of England London and Mayrick Selby Lowndes \of Bedford/ as the surviving trustees of the settlement made on the marriage of George Richard Greaves with Mary Ellen Newham dated 22nd August 1885\3/  
£8 15 6
 George Pass The Maples Winslow Bucks  
£207 1 7
 Thomas Charles Phipps 19 Catherine Street Doncaster Yorks  
£3184 14 6
 Lucy Pain widow Depperhaugh West Southbourne Bournemouth  
£71 9 3
 Messieurs George Reader and Company 35 Coleman Street E.C. solicitors  
£652 5 11
 Edward Roberts Castle Ashby Northampton and Ernest Edward Bird \5/ Gray’s Inn Square W.C. as the trustees of the will of Joseph Walter Simonds  
£406 7 4
 Rosetta Rogers widow Radnor Villa Sherington Newport Pagnell Bucks  
£136 3 4
 Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation  London E.C.  
£1 1 6
 T W Saunders Winslow Bucks hairdresser  
£2 2 11
 Messieurs Savory and Moore 143 New Bond Street London chemists  
£183 11 1
 Rebecca Scott spinster Station Road Winslow Bucks  
£1 8 6
 Messieurs Shaw and Son 78 Fetter Lane London E.C. stationers  
£100 17 2
 \Thomas Samuel Simonds  Holloway Sanatorium  Virginia Water Surrey/ W.O.G. 26:2:1913 (see note on page 7)
£204 11 2
 Sarah Starkey widow Winslow Bucks  
£338 0 0
 Brooks Thomas \Brookes/ Smith Tyringham near Newport Pagnell as surviving executor of will of Benjamin Parrott deceased the surviving executor of William Tomes deceased WOG. 26:2:1913 (see note above)
£107 13 7
 Helen Anne Milne Walker married woman Ferndale The Crescent Belmont Surrey Edith McWhinnie spinster 85 Weymouth Street Portland Place London W. and Mary Eliza
McWhinnie spinster Ferndale Belmont Surrey		  
£1102 19 6
 Mary Jane White spinster Greenway Farm Great Horwood near Winslow Bucks  
£352 2 6
 Sidney Prudden Wigley Herbert Wigley George Osborn all of Winslow Bucks \as/ the legal personal representatives of George Davys Wigley deceased   
£202 12 6
 William Wilmore and Jane Wilmore married woman North’s Hill Swanbourne Winslow Bucks  
£182 15 1
 Mary Jane \Ann/ Wilks spinster 7 Old Grimsbury Road Banbury  
£816 14 1
 Charles Willis Beaudesert Leighton Buzzard Beds  
£1581 5 3
 David Thomas Willis Leighton Buzzard Beds  
£3361 8 5
 Frederick Willis Fairfield Northumberland Road Leamington  
£1919 13 8
 William Gravely Woolston Willis Winslow Bucks solicitor as the executor of Thomas Price Willis the surviving executor of the will of George King deceased senior  
£87 2 11
 William Gravely Woolston Willis of the same address as executor of Thomas Price Willis the sole executor of Henry Ash  
£201 8 9
 The Trustees of Winslow Free School Winslow Bucks  
\£207 8 9/
 \The Right Honourable Thomas Francis Baron  Cgtesloe Cottesloe of Swanbourne House Winslow Bucks on behalf of himself and others the Trustees of Rogers Free School/ W.O.G. 26:2:1913 (See note above)
£21 7 11
 The Winslow New Gas Company Winslow Bucks  
£53 19 10
 Henry Young 1 Well Street Buckingham as surviving executor of the will of Benjamin King deceased  
£825 3 6
 Robert Young Great Horwood Bucks farmer and John Dickins Ladymead Farm Quainton Bucks farmer as trustees of the will of Ferdinand Loffler deceased  
\W.O.G.  Carry over rateable proportion of £100:17:2/ 
\"Account of Thomas Samuel Simonds”/ £18 9 4
WOG. 26:2:1913   (See note above)
Copyright 29 December, 2023