In the Will of his paternal grandfather, John Maskelyne of Wootton Bassett (written 1731), John was bequeathed his messuage or tenement with outhousing and garden in Wootton Bassett.
---------------------------------
When John Maskelyne married Martha Holly, they were both residing in Clyffe Pypard where their eldest son, also John, was born. The remaining children were born in Wootton Bassett (just under 5 miles from Clyffe Pypard).
---------------------------------
Abstract of the Will of John Maskelyne of Harris Crofts in the Parish of Wootton Bassett in the County of Wilts, Yeoman, written 17 Aug 1767, proved 7 Mar 1768. 4
Gives, devises & bequeaths to his wife Martha Maskelyne all his messuage or tenements with garden ground and premises in Wootton Bassett for the term of her natural life.
Gives to his son John Maskelyne, after the death of Martha Maskelyne, his tenement currently occupied by Robert Hiscocks.
Gives to his son William Maskelyne, after the death of Martha Maskelyne, his tenement currently occupied by Daniel Kennedy.
Gives to his son Giles Maskelyne, after the death of Martha Maskelyne, his tenement currently occupied by Thomas Maskelyne.
Gives to his son Thomas Maskelyne, after the death of Martha Maskelyne, his tenement currently occupied by Thomas Smithers.
Gives to his daughter Anne Maskelyne, after the death of Martha Maskelyne, his tenement currently occupied by John Holly.
He directs his Trustees hereafter named to divide the backsider garden ground and premises of the above tenements into portions to be allotted as they deem fit.
Gives & bequeaths to each of his children a silver spoon with their names marked on them.
All his ready money, securities, debts, stock, chattels, goods, household goods, furniture and personal estate, he gives and bequeaths to his friends William Neate of Quidenhampton and Jesse Wilson of Binknoll, in Trust, to sell to the best advantage of his wife and children, instructing that, once his children have each reached the age of twenty-one years, they are to be paid £100, and that his wife Martha Maskelyne is to receive an annuity of £10.
He further directs his Trustees place forth and bind his three younger sons (at their proper ages) as apprentices to suitable trades with which they are agreeable, paying for their apprenticeships out of the money he has bequested each of them.
Nominates and appoints his said wife, Martha Maskelyne, sole executrix of his last will and testament.
Signed
Witnesses: Moses Sarraude, Thomas Maskelyne, Robert Hiscocks
Research Notes: