George Prior (1735-1814) was the most significant clockmaker exporting clocks and watches to Turkey in the late 18th century. In order to supply an expanding trade he also retailed clocks made by other makers, adding his name to the clock faces. He exported thousands of watches, and a smaller number of lantern clocks and musical bracket clocks. Many clocks supplied by Prior and others were made and packaged ready for export by the firm 'Thwaites', whose name appears on the movement of this clock. 4
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In 1775 George Prior, already owner of land in the parish of Halse, purchased the manor house from William Webber and his wife Mary. 5
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George Prior Eqr of Sydenham Kent died aged 79 years (burial record).
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Abstract of the Will of George Prior of Sydenham in the Parish of Lewisham in the County of Kent, Esquire, written 1 Oct 1813, proved 4 May 1814. 6
Gives to his wife Mary (over and above his farm of Stringston which is her jointure) his house at Sydenham where he now lives, with its gardens & fields, along with all his household furniture, plate, books, stock of wines, carriage horses and cows. Also gives his wife Mary his freehold tenement in Sydenham, which after her decease he gives to their son Edward, and the interest on £30,000 in the Bank of England, which after her decease, he gives to his three sons William, John and Edward, to be equally divided between them. Additionally he gives his wife the interest on £300 per annum, with the same going to his grandsons Richard and George Alexander after her decease.
Gives £2,000 to his wife Mary.
Gives to his son William his farm in . . . . . . . in Somerset along with its manorial? rights. Also gives to his son William his bond for £100 on the Wivelscombe Turnpike.
Gives to his son John his mansion house at Halse and lands now rented by Mr. Worthington. Also gives to his son John £1,500 stock of the Bank of England, as well as £10,000 in 3 percent reduced or 3 percent consols.
Gives to his son Edward his farm called . . . . . . . in the parish of Halse, as well as his farm at Whitewick in the parish of Stogursey, and his farm at Stoke Hill in the parish of Stoke St. Mary. Also gives to his son Edward his six shares in the Commercial Sale rooms . . . . . . . Lane, along with £4,000.
Gives to his daughter Mary Alexander £10,000 in the four percent consols in the Bank of England for her life and thereafter to her sons Richard and George to be divided equally among them. He also gives to his daughter Mary £500.
Gives to his daughter Amelia £20,000 in the three percent reduced or three percent consols, along with £500.
Gives £50 to his nephew George Burrough. Gives £40 to George's sister Martha Burrough.
Gives £20 to his nephew Lawrence White.
Gives £50 to his housekeeper Judith Berry.
Gives to each of servants £5 and one year['s wages].
Gives to his son Edward his furniture, iron chests in his counting house...
All the rest of his property and effects he gives to his three sons William, John and Edward, share and share alike.
Makes his wife Mary and his son Edward joint executors of his last will and testament.
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