Volume 2 – Kent: The Alchins of Meopham, Leybourne and the Mallings

Part 3 – Alchins of Leybourne and the Mallings, Kent 1680 – 1901 ...continued...

1.2.1  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was born, possibly at New Barns or Leybourne, before at least 1675. He was probably baptised at Ryarsh near Leybourne on 9th April 1675. Thomas married Ann and they had at least nine children – Thomas (c 1696), Mary (c 1698), Ann (1700), Elizabeth (1702), Jane (1704), William (1706), George (1707), Henry (1709) and Lydia (1711).

Thomas was bequeathed the sum of 5 pounds by his grandfather, Thomas Alchin of Leybourne, in 1701.  Most of the children of Thomas and Ann were baptised at West Malling where the family no doubt lived. Thomas was described as a corn merchant of West Malling when he applied at Maidstone Quarter Sessions for a licence as a 'badger' on 18th April 1710 (Papers in Causes – Testamentary).

When his father died in 1717, Thomas junior was made one of the trustees of the money bequeathed to his sister Elizabeth Tonge. Thomas himself was left the sum of one guinea to buy a mourning ring in remembrance of his father. It is probable that his father had earlier settled property on Thomas when he married in the mid 1690's.

Thomas died at the age of 61 years and he was buried at West Malling on 23rd September 1737. Ann died less than three weeks later and she was buried at West Malling on 16th October 1737.

1.2.1.1  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was born in about 1696, probably either at Leybourne or West Malling. He was bequeathed five pounds by the will dated 1701 of his great grandfather Thomas Alchin of Leybourne. In 1758 Thomas was described as a mercer of Town Malling when he brought an action against William Knowles, Eleanor Tomlyn and Elizabeth Burren of Ryarsh (Papers in Causes – Testamentary).

There is a possibility that he did marry but had no surviving children. Mrs Lydia Alchin was buried at West Malling on 10th May 1764 – was this Thomas' wife. Thomas died at the age of 73 years (the burial register reads "Mr Thomas Alchin, Gentleman" ) and he was buried at West Malling on 8th November 1769.

	Two box tombs in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, West Malling – Top left: Thomas Alchin & Bottom Left: Nicholas Alchin Graham

Thomas left a will leaving the bulk of his estate to his four nephews, George Alchin, Stephen Hooper Alchin, Thomas Alchin and Thomas Rowley:

"In the name of God Amen I Thomas Alchin of West Malling in the County of Kent Gentlemen being sound in mind and memory and understanding praised be God therefore do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say Imprimis I commend my soul unto Almighty God my Creator hoping and trusting for salvation by and through the only ……….  and mediation of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ my body to the earth to be decently not pompously buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named and as to the worldly estate God hath been pleased to bless me with I give and dispose thereof in manner following that is to say I give and devise unto my nephew George Alchin all that my moiety or half part of all those several pieces or parcels of land hereditaments and premises with their appurtenances now in the occupation of Mr Francis Brooke lying and being in the parishes of East Malling and West Malling in the said County of Kent to have and to hold the said moiety and premises with their appurtenances unto him the said George Alchin his heirs and assigns forever Also I give and bequeath unto my said nephew George Alchin the sum of four hundred pounds to be paid him at six months next after my decease and I give unto him his fathers and brothers pictures and his own picture in miniature and I give and devise unto my nephew Stephen Hooper Alchin all those my several houses and tenements outhouses barns stables buildings yards gardens and premises with their appurtenances now in the several occupation of George Webb (?) Thomas Whiffen George Chubb John Drury and Benjamin Meopham (?) situate and being in the town of Tonbridge in the said County of Kent which I purchased of my late brother Mr George Alchin deceased to have and to hold the said several houses and tenements outhouses barns stables yards gardens and premises aforesaid unto my said nephew Stephen Hooper Alchin for and during the term of his natural life and from and after his decease I will that the same shall go to the heirs male of his body to be begotten on his now present wife Susanna equally to be divided between them share and share alike and in default of such issue I will that the same shall go to my nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and his heirs forever. Also I give and bequeath unto my said nephew Stephen Hooper Alchin the sum of six hundred pounds to be paid to him at six months next after my decease and I give and bequeath unto my nephew Thomas Rowley the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid him at six months next after my decease and I give and bequeath unto my niece Ann Sanders the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid her at six months next after my decease Also I give and devise unto my said niece Ann Sanders all those my houses and tenements yards gardens and appurtenances now in the several tenures and occupations of Thomas Hodges (?) Widow Marshall Widow Large and Richard Firth (?) situate and being in the town and parish of West Malling to hold the said houses and tenements with their appurtenances unto my said niece Ann Sanders for and during the term of her natural life she keeping the same in good and tenantable repair and from and after her decease I will that the same shall go to my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and his heirs forever and in case my said niece Ann Sanders should be left a widow and should choose to come and live in Town Malling then and in such case I hereby give her the house and premises now in the occupation of the Widow Lye situate and being in the Middle Row in the said town for and during the time she shall continue Thomas Sander's widow and no longer then and from thenceforth I will that the same shall go to my nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and his heirs for ever and I give unto my said niece Ann Sanders my late dear sister Ann Alchin's picture whom she dearly loved but to be returned to my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin at her decease and  give and devise unto my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin all that my own house wherein I now dwell and also the house in the occupation of Edward Brownson situate and being in Town Malling aforesaid with the yards and appurtenances thereunto belonging and also all that my stable in the occupation of William …………… to hold the said houses stable and premises with their appurtenances unto my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin for and during the term of his natural life and from and after his decease I will that the same shall go to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten share and share alike and for default of such issue I will that the same shall go to the heirs female of his body lawfully to be begotten share and share alike and for want of such issue I will that the same shall go to my nephew George Alchin and to his heirs for ever provided always and I do hereby declare my mind and will to be that the aforesaid several legacies and bequests herein before contained are given devised and bequeathed unto my said nephews George Alchin Stephen Hooper Alchin Thomas Alchin and Thomas Rowley as aforesaid ……And I give unto my said nephews George Alchin Stephen Hooper Alchin Thomas Alchin and Thomas Rowley and to my nephew Thomas Sanders and to their four respective wives five pounds each for mourning And I give unto William Mason my kinsman at Boxley in the said County of Kent the sum of twenty pounds and to his sister Mary Mason the like sum of twenty pounds to be paid to them respectively at six months next after my decease and I give unto Henry Alchin of Plaxtoll wheelwright and to his sister Ann Alchin ten pounds apiece to be paid to them respectively at six months next after my decease Also I give unto Richard Knowles now at Birling the sum of ten pounds to be paid him at six months next after my decease and I give unto John ………. Twelve pence a week every Monday morning provided he attend Divine Service if he is in health and able so to do Also I give and bequeath unto my good cousin William Arthur …………….  ………….. Wapping the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid him at six months next after my decease and lastly I do nominate constitute and appoint my said nephews George Alchin Stephen Hooper Alchin and my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin Executors of this my last Will and Testament and my mind and will after all my just debts funeral charges the charges of the probate of this my will legacies and bequests are fully paid and satisfied I do hereby give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever the ………….. not being before by me disposed of unto my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and to his heirs for ever and I hereby revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament contained in two sheets of paper set my hand and seal to wit my hand at the bottom of the first sheet and my hand and seal to the last sheet and my seal at the top of the first of the two said sheets where both the said sheets are fixed together this fifth day of April one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine Thos Alchin The writing contained in this and the preceding sheet of paper was signed and sealed by Thomas Alchin the Testator and by him published and declared as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and the presence of each other of us have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereof Thos Newnham Rebeckah Brownson Edwd Brownson.

This Will was proved at London on the fourteenth day of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful George Kay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oaths of George Alchin and Stephen Hooper Alchin the nephews of the deceased and two of the Executors named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased having been first sworn duly to administer power reserved of the making the like grant to Thomas Alchin the nephew also of the said deceased and the other Executor named in the said Will whom it shall apply for the same.

This Will was proved at London on the twenty second day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy before the Worshipful George Harris Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful George Kay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Thomas Alchin the nephew also of the deceased and the other Executor named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased having been first sworn duly to administer."

1.2.1.2  ~~  Mary Alchin

Mary was probably born at West Malling around 1698. There is no surviving record of her baptism and we first know of her from the will dated 1701 of her great grandfather Thomas Alchin of Leybourne:

"Item I give and bequeath unto my greate grandchild Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Grandsonn Thomas Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him att his Age of One and twenty Yeares by my Executor if he shall live to attaine that Age but if he dye before he attaine his Said Age of One and twenty Yeares then I give and bequeath the Same Sume of five pounds unto my greate grandaughter Mary - the daughter of my sd. grandSonn Thomas Alchin to be paid att her Age of one and Twenty Yeares".

Mary probably married Thomas Rowley who was the Supervisor of Excise for the district. Thomas and Mary had at least two children – Thomas (c 1730) and Ann (1735). The West Malling parish register  of 1735 records the baptism of Ann Rowley, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Rowley. Both Thomas Rowley junior and Ann Sanders nee Rowley were left bequests when their uncle Thomas Alchin died in 1769.

Thomas Rowley senior was buried at West Malling on 28th December 1746. Mary Rowley died aged about 60 years and she was buried at West Malling on 22nd April 1759.

1.2.1.2.1  ~~  Thomas Rowley

Thomas was probably born in the early 1730s but there is no surviving record of his baptism. Thomas may have married a woman named Martha. The parish register records that Mrs Martha Rowley was buried at West Malling on 8th October 1797. Thomas Rowley was left a substantial bequest on the death of his uncle, Thomas Alchin in 1769:

"I give and bequeath unto my nephew Thomas Rowley the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid him at six months next after my decease………."

1.2.1.2.2  ~~  Ann Rowley

Ann was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 26th September 1735, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Rowley. Ann married Thomas Sanders at Snodland on 22nd November 1764. She was left a bequest when her uncle Thomas Alchin died in 1769:

"………and I give and bequeath unto my niece Ann Sanders the sum of three hundred pounds to be paid her at six months next after my decease Also I give and devise unto my said niece Ann Sanders all those my houses and tenements yards gardens and appurtenances now in the several tenures and occupations of Thomas Hodges (?) Widow Marshall Widow Large and Richard Firth (?) situate and being in the town and parish of West Malling to hold the said houses and tenements with their appurtenances unto my said niece Ann Sanders for and during the term of her natural life she keeping the same in good and tenantable repair and from and after her decease I will that the same shall go to my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and his heirs forever and in case my said niece Ann Sanders should be left a widow and should choose to come and live in Town Malling then and in such case I hereby give her the house and premises now in the occupation of the Widow Lye situate and being in the Middle Row in the said town for and during the time she shall continue Thomas Sander's widow and no longer…………. and I give unto my said niece Ann Sanders my late dear sister Ann Alchin's picture whom she dearly loved but to be returned to my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin at her decease"

1.2.1.3  ~~  Ann Alchin

Ann was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 20th November 1700. Ann may have been buried (the burial register records that she was a single woman ) at East Malling on 11th March 1720 but in view of her brothers will dated 1769 this now seems unlikely. Ann was certainly dead by 1769 when her elder brother's will read "and I give unto my said niece Ann Sanders my late dear sister Ann Alchin's picture whom she dearly loved but to be returned to my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin at her decease".

1.2.1.4  ~~  Elizabeth Alchin

Elizabeth was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 1st April 1702. Elizabeth may have married a man named Mason at Boxley  (see the above will of Thomas Alchin died 1769)

1.2.1.5  ~~  Jane Alchin

Jane was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 25th December 1704. Jane died almost straight away and she was buried at West Malling on 27th December 1704.

1.2.1.6  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 4th January 1706. William may have been buried at West Malling on 13th October 1757. However he may also be the same William Alchin, who with his two wives, Sarah and Elizabeth baptised four children at Cuxton near Gravesend. Gravesend is located only a few miles north of  East Malling. If this is correct then his children were John (1734), William (1738), Ann (1741) and Thomas (1743). There is as yet no evidence to support this.

1.2.1.7  ~~  George Alchin

George was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 17th August 1707. He became an Attorney at Law and practised at Totherfield, Sussex in the late 1730's and at Tonbridge on the Kent / Sussex border in the 1740s and 1750's. George married Mary (probably the daughter of Stephen and Mary Hooper) in the early 1740's.

In the Public Record Office at London there is surviving documentation of a legal dispute between the Alchins and the Hoopers – possibly initiated by George over his wife's dower (disputes over land were the most common reason for legal action until the 20th century). There are also surviving legal papers that George witnessed concerning assignment of mortgages at Rotherfield between 1738 and 1742. This lends weight to the credence that the Alchin family can trace their origins to Rotherfield.

George and Mary had at least four children all of whom were baptised at Tonbridge  – George (1744), Stephen (1746), Thomas (1749) and William (1754). It is possible that they also had a daughter Mary who was buried at Tonbridge on 1st September 1754.

George died at Tonbridge aged only 48 years and he was buried at West Malling on 3rd January 1755. Mary probably died at Robertsbridge, Sussex and she was buried at West Malling on 12th October 1780.

1.2.1.7.1  ~~  George Alchin

George Alchin was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 9th March 1744. George married Frances Davies at Little Paxton, Huntingdonshire on 24th October 1767. George and Frances had at least two children who were both baptised at Addington – Frances (1769) and Harriett (1771). George was an Executor and a major beneficiary of his uncle Thomas Alchin who died in 1769. George moved back to West Malling, possibly on the death of his mother in 1780.

George died at the relatively young age of 41 years and he was buried at West Malling on 19th February 1785. He is recorded in the burial register as "Mr George Alchin" indicating that he was well-to-do. George's will (reproduced below) left his entire estate to his wife Frances:

"In the name of God amen this is the last Will and Testament of me George Alchin of West Malling in the County of Kent Gentlemen (as follows) I give devise and bequeath all that my house garden and premises with all and every the appurtenances thereunto belonging in my own occupation which I lately purchased of Mr Andrew Dawes Esq (?) unto my dear and loving wife Frances for and during the term of her natural life and I likewise give and bequeath unto my said wife Frances all and every my household goods plate linen and furniture of what kind soever the same be in and belonging to my said house and premises and to be her own entire property And lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my said wife Frances and my good tenant Mr William Simmons of Redcage (?) Farm Executor and Executrix of this my last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four Geo Alchin Signed sealed published and declared by George Alchin the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto Samuel Rowley James Weller Sarah Hills

This Will was proved at London the eleventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five before the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Frances Alchin and William Simmons the Executors named in the said Will to whom administration of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the deceased was granted they having been first sworn duly to administer."

Frances Alchin subsequently married William Simmons of Tonbridge, her fellow executor and "my good tenant Mr William Simmons of Redcage (?) Farm" at St Mary's church, West Malling on 8th June 1790. One of the witnesses to their marriage was George's daughter Frances. The ceremony was performed by the Rev'd Robert Husband.

1.2.1.7.1.1  ~~  Frances Alchin

Frances was baptised at St Margaret's church, Addington on 16th April 1769. She was a witness to her mother's remarriage in 1790. Like many of her cousins Frances never married. She died at Ticehurst in 1846 aged about 76. Her will was proved on 14th February 1846 (PROB 11/2030).

1.2.1.7.1.2  ~~  Harriett Alchin

Harriett was baptised at St Margaret's church, Addington on 25th February 1771.

1.2.1.7.2  ~~  Stephen Hooper Alchin

Stephen was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 26th March 1746. He married Susanna Whitting at St Mary's church, West Malling on 1st September 1767. Both Stephen and Susanna were living in the parish of West Malling at the time of their marriage. They were married by a provincial  licence from the Archbishopric of Canterbury. The witnesses to their wedding were Amy Whiting and John Edwards (clerk).

Stephen was an Executor and one of the major beneficiaries of his uncle Thomas Alchin who died in 1769. Both Stephen and Susannah were witnesses to the marriage of his niece Susannah Alchin who married John Henry Gooding at West Malling on 20th August 1806. Stephen was also a witness to the will of Rachel Alchin (a cousin through both the Alchin and Whitting families) which was written in 1779 and proved in 1812.

Susanna died aged 68 years and she was buried at West Malling on 23rd December 1813. Stephen died at West Malling aged about 71 years and he was buried at West Malling on 30th September 1817. His will, wherein he is described as a Gentleman of West Malling, was proved at London on 29th October 1817.

Stephen left the bulk of his estate to his wife's great-nephew John Norman Crampton, the son of William Crampton of West Malling. William Crampton was appointed the Executor of Stephen's will. William Crampton married Susannah Weller (there was also a link between the Weller family and the descendants of John Alchin and Esther Loader of Meopham – see the will of their daughter Cassandra at paragraph 1.1.1.2.1.15) at West Malling on 25th November 1801.

John and Susanna Crampton  had four children including John Norman Crampton (baptised 11th December 1802) and Susanna Alchin Crampton (baptised 16th May 1806). Susanna Weller was baptised at Tonbridge on 1st August 1771 and she was the daughter of James Weller and Ann Whiting.

Stephen left small legacies to three of the children of his brother Thomas Alchin. The legacy of one guinea that he left to his nephew, also named Stephen Hooper Alchin, was derisory. It seems that his nephew was the black sheep of the family. Stephen Hooper Alchin's will is reproduced below:

"This is the last Will and Testament of  me Stephen Hooper Alchin of West Malling in the County of Kent Gentleman made published and declared this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen. First and principally I surrender up my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merit ( ? ) and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried by and at the discretion of my Executor herein after named Also I give and bequeath unto my niece Charlotte the wife of John Weeks of Maidstone in the said county of Kent veterinary surgeon and daughter of my late brother Thomas Alchin if she shall be living at the time of my decease but not otherwise the sum of one hundred pounds Also I give and bequeath unto my niece Susannah the wife of (John Henry) Gooding one other of the daughters of my said late brother Thomas Alchin if she shall be living at the time of my decease but not otherwise the sum of fifty pounds Also I give and bequeath unto my nephew Stephen Hooper Alchin son of my said late brother Thomas Alchin the sum of one guinea in gold and no more which said several and respective legacies I devise and direct shall be paid within six months next after my decease by my Executor hereinafter named Also I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my ready money and securities for money household goods and implements of household Debts Goods Chattels and personal estate whatsoever my Debts the said several legacies and funeral expenses being first paid and satisfied unto John Norman Crampton son of William Crampton of West Malling aforesaid Gentleman to and for his own use Also I give and devise all and every my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and real estate whatsoever and wheresoever unto the said John Norman Crampton his heirs and assigns for ever and I do make and appoint the said William Crampton sole Executor of this my Will and I do revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and to declare this to be my last Will and Testament In witness thereof I the said Stephen Hooper Alchin the Testator have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written Step Hooper Alchin Signed sealed published and declared by the said Stephen Hooper Alchin the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto Jas Selby Wm Williams Thos Goodpyne

Proved at London 29th October 1817 before the ……. Samuel ……. parson Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of William Crampton the sole Executor to whom admin was granted having been first sworn duly to administer (PRO catalogue reference: prob 11/1597)."

1.2.1.7.3  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 17th February 1749. Thomas was the godson of his uncle and namesake Thomas Alchin (1696 – 1769). Thomas junior was an Executor and major beneficiary of his Uncle's will:

"I do hereby give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature kind or quality soever not being before by me disposed of unto my said nephew and godson Thomas Alchin and to his heirs for ever"

Thomas married Mary (surname unknown) and they had at least one child – Charlotte (1775). Mary died sometime before 1782 (or was their marriage annulled – there was a Mary Alchin of Robertsbridge who was buried at West Malling). Thomas subsequently married Ann Cutbeard or Cutbush at St John's church, Lewes in Sussex on 15th July 1782.

John and Ann had at least two known children – Susannah (1782) and Stephen (1785). His eldest child was baptised at Tonbridge in 1775 and the other two at Salehurst in Sussex. Their existence is confirmed by his brother's will reproduced above. Thomas died sometime before 1817. A Thomas Alchin was the owner of "Goodgrooms", Salehurst from 1776 to 1801 and it was probably this man. Surviving letters record that Thomas was insane for the last few years of his life.

1.2.1.7.3.1  ~~  Charlotte Alchin

Charlotte was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 12th March 1775. She married John Weeks at Salehurst on 28th September 1798. In 1817 John was a veterinary surgeon of Maidstone when Charlotte was left the sum of 100 pounds when her uncle Stephen Hooper Alchin died.

John and Charlotte had at least two children – Mary and Stephen. Charlotte died at Pleasant Row, Maidstone aged 57 years and she was buried at Maidstone on 20th April 1832.

1.2.1.7.3.1.1  ~~  Mary Weeks

Mary was buried at All Saints' churchyard, Maidstone on 20th September 1812.

1.2.1.7.3.1.2  ~~  Stephen Hooper Weeks

Stephen was probably born at Salehurst around 1800. He married Elizabeth Munn at All Saints' church, Maidstone on 12th March 1833. The witnesses to the ceremony were Joseph Bushnell (a Richard Bushnell married Elizabeth Alchin at East Malling in 1821) and Sophia Seagar.

1.2.1.7.3.2  ~~  Susannah Alchin

Susannah was baptised at Salehurst on 26th November 1782. She married John Henry Gooding or Goodridge at St Mary's church, West Malling on 20th August 1806. John Gooding was from Bloomsbury in London. The witnesses to the wedding were the bride's uncle and aunt Stephen and Susannah Alchin of West Malling. Susannah's uncle left her the sum of 50 pounds when he died in 1817.

1.2.1.7.3.3  ~~  Stephen Hooper Alchin

Stephen was baptised at Salehurst on 1st May 1789 (was he the same person as Stephen Hooper Weeks?). There is no surviving record of his marriage. His uncle left him the derisory sum of one guinea and it is seems obvious that his uncle disinherited him for some reason:

"Also I give and bequeath unto my nephew Stephen Hooper Alchin son of  my said late brother Thomas Alchin the sum of one guinea in gold and no more".

Stephen may have died at London in 1844 (Marylebone 1844 December qtr Volume 1 Page 191).

1.2.1.7.4  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 21st June 1754. He died within the month and he was buried at Tonbridge on 13th July 1754.

1.2.1.8  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 11th March 1709. The marriage and children attributed to Henry Alchin (at paragraph 1.3.5) may actually relate to this man.

1.2.1.9  ~~  Lydia Alchin

Lydia was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 11th December 1711. Lydia possibly died at a very young age although there is a burial record for "Mrs Lydia Alchin" at West Malling on 10th May 1764.

1.2.2  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was baptised at St Martin's church, Ryarsh on 18th December 1676. He was bequeathed five pounds by his grandfather Thomas Alchin of Leybourne in 1701. Henry was left one guinea in 1717 by his father Thomas in order to buy a mourning ring in remembrance of him. It is probable that Henry's father had previously settled land on him.

1.2.3  ~~  Elizabeth Alchin

Elizabeth was probably born at Ryarsh in the 1670's. She married William Tong or Tonge at Aylesford on 20th July 1699. The parish register records that William was from Offham and Elizabeth was from Ryarsh. She was bequeathed five pounds by her grandfather in his will dated 1701.

When her father died in 1717, he left his daughter Elizabeth an annuity of 5 pounds 4 shillings and a weekly allowance of 2 shillings. Her husband obviously could not be trusted however and Elizabeth's father went to great pains to ensure that William Tong could not access his wife's legacy:

"I give and devise unto my daughter Elizabeth Tong wife of William Tong for and during the natural life of her mother in law Ann Tong one annuity or yearly rent charge of five pounds and four shillings of lawful money of Great Britain to be issuing going forth payable and paid out of all and every my said messuage lands tenements and hereditaments tax free by quarterly payments (viz) at Michaelmas Christmas Lady Day and Midsummer the first payment thereof to begin and be made at the first of the said feasts or days of payment which shall next happen after my decease And I do hereby appoint my son Thomas Alchin and my friend Edward Sedgwick and their heirs to receive and take the said annuity or yearly rent charge of five pounds and four shillings upon trust and confident and to the intent and purposes that my said son Thomas and the said Edward Sedgwick and their heirs shall and may during the natural life of her said mother in law Ann Tong pay out and dispose of the same and every part thereof not unto the said William Tong the husband of my said daughter Elizabeth to his Executors Administrators or Assigns or to any other person or persons for his use or by his order or appointment but unto the proper hands of my said daughter Elizabeth or for her separate use or benefit as they the said Trustees or the survivor of them his heirs and assigns shall in their or his discretion from time to time think fitting or most for the benefit and good of my said daughter Elizabeth by weekly payments only of two shillings per week and not otherwise and so as and provided always that the same annuity or yearly rent charge or any part thereof may not be subject or liable to the control (?) debts forfeitures assignments or encumbrances of my said son in law William Tong"

William and Elizabeth had at least three children – Sarah (1710), Thomas (1716) and Thomas (1719). William Tong (parish register reads "Tongue" was buried at West Malling on 29th May 1719. Elizabeth was buried at West Malling on 5th November 1722.

1.2.3.1  ~~  Sarah Tonge

Sarah was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 20th November 1710. Sarah soon died and she was buried at West Malling on 11th December 1710.

1.2.3.2  ~~  Thomas Tonge

Thomas was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 10th December 1716. He probably died before 1719.

1.2.3.3  ~~  Thomas Tonge

Thomas was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 3rd April 1719. Thomas died aged 54 years and he was buried at West Malling on 17th December 1773.

1.2.4  ~~  Nicholas Alchin

Nicholas was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 27th March 1712. As a small boy in 1717 Nicholas was left half of his father's estate in trust. However within two years he had inherited the other half of his father's estate when his younger brother John (1714 – 1719) died.

Nicholas married Dorothy Pattenden, possibly at Sevenoaks. Dorothy was baptised at Sevenoaks on 3rd August 1714, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Pattenden. Nicholas and Dorothy do not appear to have had any surviving children. Nicholas became quite wealthy  from his inheritance and from farming and running a malting business. From his will it is apparent that he either owned or leased quite a bit of land.

Nicholas does not appear to have been a very nice person though. In her will dated 1746, Nicholas' mother Dorothy Alchin nee Richards bequeathed him the amount of money he was in arrears of her annuity payments. In his own will Nicholas left a weekly income to his niece Ann Fisher but if she sold or mortgaged that income then for the purposes of his will she was "dead" and the income would revert to her cousins.

Dorothy died at New Barns aged about 55 years and she was buried at West Malling on 4th January 1779. Nicholas died at his home at New Barns aged about 61 years. He was buried at West Malling on 7th January 1773. Nicholas left a will (PRO reference PROB 11/984) on which probate was granted at London on 22nd February 1773. He was described as a yeoman of West Malling. Nicholas left most of his estate to his nephew Nicholas Graham:

"In the name of God Amen the fifth day of July in the ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine I Nicholas Alchin of West Malling in the County of Kent Yeoman do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) First and principally I surrender up my soul into the hands of Almighty God my creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merits and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the earth to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named Item I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Dorothy Alchin the sum of twenty pounds for mourning And I give and bequeath unto my said wife the bed and all other the furniture of her own chamber and of such other chamber or parlour in my dwelling house as she shall choose and think fit to take and also six pair of sheets twelve napkins six table cloths and twelve towels such as she shall choose and think fit to take for her own use And I give and bequeath unto my said wife such sum and sums of money as shall be due and owing to me from William Freminger (?) of …………. in the parish of Leybourne husbandman Item I give devise and bequeath unto my said wife and her assigns for and during the term of her natural life one annuity or yearly rent charge of eighty pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be issuing and payable and had received and taken out of all and every my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments and real and personal estate the same annuity to be paid by four quarterly payments at the four most usual feast days or days of payment in the year (that is to say) the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the nativity of Saint John the Baptist of Saint Michael the Archangel and of the birth of our Lord Christ by even and equal portions without any deduction or abatement thereof for or by reason of any taxes charges or impositions imposed or to be imposed by authority of Parliament or otherwise howsoever the first payment thereof to begin and to be made on each of the said feast days as shall first and next happen after my decease Item I give devise and bequeath unto my sister Ann Grayham and her assigns from and after the decease of my said wife for and during the natural life of her the said Ann Grayham one annuity or yearly rent charge of forty pounds of like money to be issuing and payable and had received and taken out of all and every my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments and real and personal estate the same annuity to be paid by four quarterly payments at the four most usual feast days or days of payment in the year aforesaid by even and equal portions ……………. And my Will is and I do hereby declare that what I have herein before given devised and bequeathed to my said wife is given and intended by me to be in lieu and stead of her estate for life of me and in the messuage lands and hereditaments by me settled on her provided to our marriage as and for her jointure and of all other her right interest claim and demand of in and to my real estate made since our said marriage …………. Item I give and bequeath into my niece Ann Fisher ten pounds for mourning Item I give devise and bequeath from and after the decease of my said wife unto my said niece Ann Fisher the sum of eight shillings weekly and every week during her natural life to be issuing and payable and had ……….. and taken out of all and every my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and personal estate and to be paid unto her on Monday in every week during her natural life at or in my now dwelling house called (?) Newbarns in the parish of West Malling aforesaid without any deduction or abatement for taxes or otherwise the first payment thereof to begin and be made on the first Monday morning happening after my wife's decease and my Will is that the ……… of my niece and no other shall from time to time be a discharge for the same it being by me intended for her support and maintenance ………….. And my Will is that if the said Ann Fisher shall mortgage sell or assign the said weekly payments or any of them or any part thereof then and from thenceforth the said weekly payments shall cease and determine (?) as if the said Ann Fisher was dead and shall be no longer paid or payable Item I give and devise all and every my messuage lands tenements and hereditaments whatsoever with their and every of their appurtenances subject to the payment of the said annuities and to the weekly payment by me charged herein as, aforesaid and to the powers and remedies for the …………. Then and charged and chargeable therewith unto my nephew Nicholas Grayham second son of my sister Ann Grayham and to his heirs and assigns for ever But in case the said Nicholas Grayham shall die before he attained his age of twenty one years without issue of his body lawfully begotten then from and immediately after such the death of the said Nicholas Grayham I give and devise all and every my said messuage lands tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances subject and charged and chargeable as aforesaid unto my nephew Francis Grayham brother of the said Nicholas Grayham and to his heirs and assigns for ever but in case both of them the said Nicholas Grayham and Francis Grayham should depart this life  ………..  then from and immediately after such the deaths of the said Nicholas Grayham and Francis Grayham and the survivor of them without issue I give devise all and every my said messuages lands tenements hereditaments  ……. unto my said nieces Ann Grayham and Dorothy Grayham their heirs and assigns for ever to be equally divided between them share and share alike ……………. And my Will and mind is that my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall not at any time or times before he attains the age of forty years mortgage sell grant or convey away the said messuages lands tenements or hereditaments hereinbefore devised to him and his heirs or any part thereof to any person or persons whosoever save and accept making a jointure and settlement thereof on any woman or women he may think proper to marry and the issue of such marriage and save and except his giving devising and disposing of the same in and by his last Will and Testament (either of which he is to be at liberty to before he is of forty years of age) and my will and mind is that in case my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall before he attains this said age of forty years mortgage sell grant or convey away my said messuages lands and hereditaments herein before given and bequeathed to him and his heirs (except by will or marriage settlement as aforesaid) then the estate in fee herein before given and devised to him shall cease and be void and the said messuage lands and hereditaments shall immediately upon such mortgaging selling granting or conveying suspend and go to my nephew Francis Grayham and the heirs of his body and for want of such to my nieces Ann Grayham and Dorothy Grayham their heirs and assigns for ever to be equally divided between them share and share ………  Item I give and bequeath unto my said nephew Francis Grayham the sum of four hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain and to each of my said nieces Ann Grayham and Dorothy Grayham the sum of three hundred pounds of like money to be paid unto them within three months next after the decease of the survivor of them my said wife and sister Ann Grayson by my Executors hereafter named …………. I give and bequeath unto Thomas Henham of Wouldham in the said County of Kent Yeoman his Executors Administrators and Assigns my farm and lands at Wouldham which I hold and hire of the Governors of Sir Joseph Wilkinsons Free School at Rochester and all my estate term of years and interest of in and to the same and all my part share and interest of in and to the stock or other things which at the time of my decease shall be in or about the same Item as to all the rest residue and remainder of my money and securities for money goods chattels and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever the same to after and subject to the payment of my debts annuities legacys and funeral expenses I give and bequeath the same and every part thereof and all my estate and interest therein unto my said nephew Nicholas Grayham provided always and my Will and mind is that in case my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall die and depart this life before he attains the age of twenty one years without leaving any issue of his body then living by means whereof my real estate will descend and come to my nephew Francis Grayham shall cease and be void and then in such case I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of my personal estate after and subject to the payments of all my debts (as well on mortgage as otherwise) and legacys and also to the said annuities in case of my real estate shall not be sufficient to pay the sums unto my two nieces Ann Grayham and Dorothy Grayham to be equally divided between them And I do make constitute and appoint Mr Thomas Henham aforesaid and Mr Thomas Charlton of Loose in the said County joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament And I do give to each of them the sum of one hundred pounds as a recompense for the trouble they may have in the execution of this my Will and the Trusts herein trusted in them to be paid and allowed as hereinafter is mentioned And my Will is and I do order and direct them my said Executors as soon as conveniently may be after my decease to cause a true and perfect inventory and appraisement to be made and taken of all my personal estate and deliver the same into the Prerogative Court of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury and when and as soon as any sum of money shall come to their hands which they shall think will be more than sufficient to carry on the business of farming and malting in a proper and liberal manner my Will and desire is that they shall from time to time pay and apply the same towards paying off and discharging the principal money and interest due and owing by me to Mr Henry Bartholomew on mortgage of my real estate  ……….. and shall and do pay unto my said nephew Nicholas Grayham the yearly sum of ten pounds until he is seventeen years of age and twenty pounds a year afterwards until he shall attain his age of twenty one years by quarterly payments  out of the income of my personal estate to find him in clothes and for his personal expenses And whereas for some years last past I have carried on and do now carry on the trade and business of maltster in the house wherein I now dwell and the malt house thereunto belonging and do now and for some years last past have farmed used and occupied several lands and tenements in West Malling aforesaid and East Malling in the County of Kent part of which are my own and other parts I hire of Mr George Woolley Mr Charles Downham (?) Thomas Ward and Richard Ward or some or one of them and am desirous that in case of my death during the infancy of my said nephew Nicholas Grayham (who is now of the age of thirteen years or thereabouts) that my said business of farming and malting shall be continued and carried on and that the farms and lands I now occupy and use as aforesaid shall be also retained and kept on by my Executors and Trustees for the benefit of my said nephew Nicholas Grayham until he shall attain the age of twenty one years and that he may be instructed and brought up in such business by my said Executors which I think will be for his benefit and that my said dwelling house malt house and farms I now occupy or any part thereof shall not be let during the minority of the said Nicholas Grayham but be kept and continued on for his use and benefit Therefore my Will is and I do hereby order and direct that in case I shall die during the infancy of the said Nicholas Grayham that my said Executors of whose knowledge care and diligence I have the highest opinion so and shall from the time of my death until the said Nicholas Grayham shall attain his full age of twenty one years or die which shall first happen at the risque hazard and expense of my personal estate and not at the risque hazard or expense of my said Executors keep house in my now dwelling house together with the said Nicholas Grayham and such number of servants as shall be needful to do the said business of malting and farming in the best and thorough manner as they can and continue and carry on my said business of malting and farming in the best manner they can for the benefit and advantage of the said Nicholas Grayham and for that purpose shall and may retain and keep such of the stock and effects as shall be on the said farms and lands at my decease as shall be needful and necessary to be used and employed in and about the said businesses and they shall and may take and apply out of my personal estate such sums of money as my Trustees and Executors shall think proper for that purpose  ………….. my Will and desire is that my said Executors will employ my servant Thomas Richardson to live in my said house and to be their foreman or bailiff to superintend take care of and carry on the said business and that he shall once a month make up and take an account of all his receipts and payments of and concerning the said malting and farming business to and with my said Executors and my Will and desire is that the said Thomas Richardson shall be paid and all owed by my said Executors fifty pounds a year besides his board meal drink and lodging in my said dwelling house so long as he shall behave well and to the satisfaction of my said Executors and be employed in their service in carrying on the said business of farming and malting (and shall be employed in no other) for the benefit of the said Nicholas Grayham as a recompense for his care diligence and labour in and about the same And in case the said Thomas Richardson shall live and continue in my said house and in the service of my said Executors as aforesaid until my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall attain his age of twenty one years and shall behave honestly diligently and justly to the satisfaction of my said Executors in his service and employment Then I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Richardson the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid within three months next after the said Nicholas Grayham shall attain his age of twenty one years by my Executors out of the residue of my personal estate And my further Will is that when and so soon as my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall attain his age of twenty one years that my said Executors and Trustees shall render an account to him of all their receipts and payments any ways relating to their said Trust and Executorship in which account it is my will They have all just allowance made for their charges and expenses and also the sum of one hundred pounds each for them for their care and trouble in and about the said Trust hereby reposed in them and shall deliver up to him my said nephew Nicholas Grayham the possession of all my said farms and lands in such plight and condition as they shall then be and shall also deliver up to my said nephew Nicholas Grayham all and every the stock live and dead and all implements of husbandry farming and malting and all other my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever to and for his own use and in case my said nephew Nicholas Grayham shall depart this life before he attains the age of twenty one years Then my said Executors shall as soon after such the death of my said nephew as maybe deliver up the possession of all my real estates to such person or persons as by virtue of this my Will shall or may be Trustee to the same and shall and do make up and settle such accounts as before mentioned with my nieces Ann Grayham and Dorothy Grayham having such allowances made them as before mentioned and pay assign and deliver up to them all the residuum of my personal estate and also all gains profits or advantages had or made by them by the using and carrying on the said businesses or otherwise by or with my said personal estate  ………… And I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made In witness whereof I the said Nicholas Alchin the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament contained in nine sheets of paper set my hand and seal to wit my hand to the first eight sheets and my hand and seal to this last sheet dated the day and year first above written Nich Allchin signed by sealed published and declared by the above named Nicholas Alchin the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto the words (nine) and (eight) in this last sheet going …….. and ………. Wm Hensole(?) Geo Gates Thos Watts

This Will was proved at London the twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three before the Right Worshipful George Kay Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oaths of Thomas Henham and Thomas Charlton the Executors named in the said Will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the deceased they having been first sworn by commission duly to administer"

1.2.5  ~~  Dorothy Alchin

Dorothy was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 24th July 1713. Dorothy was bequeathed fifty pounds in trust by her father when he died in 1717. Dorothy married James Fisher and they had at least one child – Ann (1736). Dorothy was left most of her mother's furniture when Dorothy Alchin senior died in 1747:

"Item I give to my daughter Dorothy Fisher all of the furniture of the house that I have ….. Mr Player the paying the rent that will be due when I die Shall have power to take it all away so soon as I am buried excepting what I shall hereafter give away"

Dorothy died aged 48 years and she was buried at West Malling on 27th October 1761.

1.2.5.1  ~~  Ann Fisher

Ann was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 12th September 1736. When her grandmother died in 1747 Ann was bequeathed her wearing apparel:

" Item I give unto my unto my grand daughter Ann Fisher all my wearing apparel linen and woollen excepting some things that I shall give away".

	Top Left: New Barns as it appears today; Bottom Left: The oast houses at New Barns Farm, West Malling

Ann was still not married in 1773. Her uncle Nicholas Alchin left her the sum of 8 shillings per week when he died in that year but there was a caveat to the bequest that if Ann mortgaged or sold the income then she was to be considered dead and the income would revert to her Graham cousins:

"Item I give and bequeath into my niece Ann Fisher ten pounds for mourning Item I give devise and bequeath from and after the decease of my said wife unto my said niece Ann Fisher the sum of eight shillings weekly and every week during her natural life to be issuing and payable and had ……….. and taken out of all and every my messuages lands tenements hereditaments and personal estate and to be paid unto her on Monday in every week during her natural life at or in my now dwelling house called (?) Newbarns in the parish of West Malling aforesaid without any deduction or abatement for taxes or otherwise the first payment thereof to begin and be made on the first Monday morning happening after my wife's decease and my Will is that the ……… of my niece and no other shall from time to time be a discharge for the same it being by me intended for her support and maintenance ………….. And my Will is that if the said Ann Fisher shall mortgage sell or assign the said weekly payments or any of them or any part thereof then and from thenceforth the said weekly payments shall cease and determine (?) as if the said Ann Fisher was dead and shall be no longer paid or payable."

1.2.6  ~~  John Alchin

John was born at New Barns and he was baptised at St Mary's church, West Malling on 24th October 1714. John inherited half of his father's considerable estate in 1717 but unfortunately he did not survive to take possession of it. John died aged about 5 years and he was buried at West Malling on 3rd November 1719.

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