Sir Joseph ALSTON Knt. Bart of Chelsea & Bradwell [2676]

  General Notes:

SIR JOSEPH ALSTON, BART., was a successful merchant businessman, created first a Knight, and then elevated to the higher rank of Baronet on 20th January, 1681. His first wife Mary Crookenberg, was one of the daughters and co-heirs of a wealthy Dutch merchant, of Bergen-op-Zoom, in the province of Brabant. Her dowry was L12000. His second wife Anne was also women of considerable personal means.
Sir Joseph, who took up his residence in London, purchased, after the death of the Countess of Devonshire, the historic Shrewsbury House, Chelsea, said to be at one time the residence of Sir Thomas More, and re-named it Alston House. The exact date of purchase of this house is unknown, but Sir Joseph was in possession of it in 1664
He also purchased the estate of Bradwell Abbey, co. Bucks., two miles south of Wolverton, and a quarter of a mile west of Bradwell. The Abbey was formerly the Benedictine Priory of St. Mary, and was partly rebuilt as a mansion. It had a moat and a long avenue of trees. It is now a farm house, and the estate belongs to the Mercers' Company.

Joseph was mentioned for £5 in Isaac Alston's will, 20 May 1625, he was aged under 21 years at that date.

Lyson's Magna Britannia.
Priory of Bradwell - passed by purchase to the Lawrence's in 1647 and from them in 1664 to Sir Joseph Alston bart then of Chelsea who made Bradwell Abbey his residence.
After his death it was successively in the families of Fuller and Owen.

Bradwell Bucks. Monument for Sir Joseph Alston of Bradwell Abbey (in the adjoining parish of Wolverton) who died 1688.
The demesne of the manor of Houghton was sold to the Alstons and by them about the year 1699 to the Hanslapes.
Alstoniana Pg 365

ALSTON HOUSE, CHELSEA,
The residence of Sir Joseph Alston, the first Baronet of the Chelsea line and his immediate successors, is said to have been the old time residence of Sir Thomas More, the famous Chancellor of Henry VIII's reign. In this case Beaufort House would be its original name, and it would be from here that the upright Chancellor took boat to the Tower. The present Apothecaries Garden is said to have formed a part of the gardens attached to the house.
" In Alfred Beaver's Memorials of Old Chelsea is a note that during the week commencing May 30th, 1664 some Chelsea fishermen caught, it appears, off what is now known as Cheyne Walk, 172 pounds of salmon, which they sold to the Duchess of Ormond, Lord Cheyne, Squire Alston (afterwards Sir Joseph) and others at fourteen to eighteen pence per pound."
Sir Joseph Alston, Bt. one of the gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in 1701. for that year - See Compleat History of Europe
Alstoniana Pg 298

HALLAM v. ALSTON.
Bill, 21 May 1650, by John Hallam, citizen and draper of London, v. Joseph Alston and Mary Croukenbery.
The defendants (who are not described) were appointed executors of her will by one Clare Buck, widow of Robert Buck, citizen and draper of London, complainant's aunt, who was near one hundred years old at her death; they have possessed themselves of a considerable part of her estate, and defraud orator.
Bridges, 405. 1650.
Alstoniana Pg 199

SENTLEY v. ALSTONE.
This is the bill, dated 25 November 1650, to which the answer is filed in Reynardson, 6/189 (q. v.).
Mary Brakenbergh and Joseph Alstone are executors of Clare Buck, late of London, widow.
Of the bond in dispute orator was promised an indemnity: and he has really no responsibility whatever therein.
He prays defendants may be restrained from demanding payment.
Reynardson. 11/158, 1650.
Alstoniana Pg 199

SENTLEY v. ALSTONE & others.
Answer, 31 May 1651, by Joseph Alston, one of the defendants to the complaint of Robert Sentley, esq.
Defendant is executor of one Clare Buck, widow, who died about February 1648/9;. He is satisfied the bond given her by the complainant and others was not paid during her lifetime.
Reynardson 6/189 1651
Alstoniana Pg 200

SOUTHWOOD v. ALSTON.
Bill, 7 May 1653, by John Southwood the elder of London, merchant, v. Thomas Burton, Joseph Alston and Henry Hickford.
" One Joseph Alston " is made party to this suit, as having cognisance of certain bonds &c. given on the marriage of complainant's daughter Hannah to Thomas Burton, and now combining with said Burton to complainant's disadvantage.
In his answer Alston says he knows nothing whatever of the transactions had in connection with the said marriage. Burton was indebted to him in over L400, for divers pieces of Norwich stuffs supplied to him by this defendant. He attached the complainant's goods as a debtor of the said Burton.
Reynardson 13/133 1653
Alstoniana Pg 201

LENTHALL v. ALSTON.
Hamilton. 442
Bill, 6 November 1658, by Francis Lenthall of London, merchant, v. Joseph Alston of London, merchant. Relates solely to financial transactions between the Parties, and giving no personal details whatever.
Probably this Joseph is the above merchant baronet
& Hamilton 442 1658 & Reynardson 20/14 1658
Alstoniana Pg 202

WIGGOTT v. ALSTON.
Reynardson. 20/14.
Bill, 15 December 1658, by John Wiggott of London, merchant, v. Francis Lenthall and Joseph Alston of London, merchants.
This suit relates merely to bills and bonds, and contains no personal information whatever. See as above.
Alstoniana Pg 202

MARRIOTT v. ALSTON.
Bill, 6 February 1671/2, by Richard Maryott of the parish of St. Clement Danes, Middlesex, Esq. v. Richard Chandler, Joseph Alston, and Framlingham, Bussingborne, Charles, Mary and Sir John Gawdy.
In October 1667 complainant sold the manor of Knettishall Stantons Salhouse and Hopton, co. Suffolk to one Penning Alston of London, grocer, charged with several rent-charges laid on it by previous owners. Penning Alston took the conveyance of the estate in the names of Richard Chandler and Sir Edward Alston. Penning Alston is
since dead, leaving as his trustees the said Sir Edward Alston, Richard Chandler, Joseph Alston and William Cole, of whom Joseph Alston and Chandler only survive,
The suit relates to the payment of the rent-charges, etc., laid on
the manor as aforesaid.
Bridges, 61 1671/2,
Alstoniana Pg 205

ALSTON v. RYDER.
Bill 13 May 1672, by Joseph Alston the elder, of London, Esq. v. Dame Priscilla Rider and Thomas Rider.
One Wm. Courteene late of London, Esq. and afterwards Kt., borrowed a sum of money from Clare Bucke, late of London, widow, decd., who was aunt to Mary, your Orator's wife, late deed. The said Clare Bucke made complainant her executor.
Whittington,165. 1672.
Alstoniana Pg 179

Privy seal for the discharge of the baronet fee of L1,095. due to the King from Joseph Alston, senr., of Chelsea, co. Middlesex
30 Dec 1681 King's Warrant Book VIII, pp. 334-5. Money Book III, p. 256.

Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings before 1714, Whittington C 10/150/5
Sir Joseph Alston baronet v John Jaggard and Mary his wife, and Joseph Man: Edwardstone, Suffolk. Bill and two answers. Sir Joseph Alston baronet v John Jaggard and Mary his wife, and Joseph Man: Edwardstone, Suffolk. Bill and two answers Bundle 150:
Date: 1684.
Source: The Catalogue of The National Archives From: 'Entry Book: December 1681', Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 7: 1681-1685 (1916), pp. 353. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=83825 Date accessed: 05 July 2012.

  Research Notes:

Bradwell Abbey was also described in 1806 in "Magna Britannia" in the section on Wolverton as follows:
The priory of Bradwell adjoining to this parish, the site of which is now deemed extraparochial, was founded in the reign of King Stephen, for black monks, by Manfelin, Baron of Wolverton: it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and was originally a cell to Luffield. In 1526 it was given with other small monasteries to Cardinal Wolsey; after his attainder, the king granted it with the manor, in the year 1531, to the prior and convent of Sheen: the site was granted after the reformation, to Arthur Longueville esq. From the Longuevilles it passed by purchase to the Lawrences, in 1647; and from them, in 1664, to Sir Joseph Alston bart. then of Chelsea, who made Bradwell Abbey his residence: after his death it was successively in the families of Fuller and Owen. About the year 1730 the Bradwell Abbey estate was purchased by Sir Charles Gunter Nicholl, K.B. whose only daughter and heir married the late Earl of Dartmouth: it is now vested in their son, the present earl. The site of the abbey, of which there are no remains, is occupied as a farm-house.
Ref: G Dives 2012

. . . . . Sir John Lawrence, the purchaser of Bradwell, sold it in 1666 to Joseph Alston of Chelsea and his son Joseph. The elder Joseph was created a baronet as of Chelsea and Bradwell Abbey in 1682, and died in May 1688, his son Joseph, who had been sheriff in 1670, and who succeeded him, dying in March of the following year. His son, the third Sir Joseph Alston,who was likewise Sheriff of Buckinghamshire in 1702, made a settlement of the manor on his marriage in1690 with Penelope Evelyn, with whom he dealt with the manor in 1705, and again in 1713, when their son, the fourth Joseph Alston, was joined with them. The third baronet was succeeded in 1716 by his son, the fourth Sir Joseph, who immediately sold Bradwell to John Fuller . . . . .
From: 'Parishes : Bradwell', A History of the County of Buckingham: Volume 4 (1927), pp. 283-288. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=62585 Date accessed: 25 June 2013.

Original image of Sir Joseph, Courtesy of Dr A Sills
Roy Alston writes in 2021 The portrait of Sir Joseph Alston of Chelsea & Bradwell Abbey was at Lacy Scott & Knight`s Auction Room at Bury St. Edmunds some years ago. I did see it advertised in the Antiques Trade Gazette.

  Other Records

1. Sir Joseph Alston & Family: Boyd's Inhabitants of London.

2. Joseph Alston: Cloth Seal impressed with Alston Crest (19mm), c17th Century, Found in the Thames LND.
A good match has been found for these arms by Michael Yeti Yates, "I think it could be a merchants seal perhaps for Joseph Alston. With the link you gave me on facebook and the other one on your website found by mudlark,you can get the initials I and maybe an A from the pair either side of crescent hence James Alston. The Alston arms are the same as the seals and with the cadency of this branch you get a crescent and star above the shield. Joseph moved to Chelsea London and married the daughter and coheir of a Mr Crookenberg a Dutch merchant with whom he got the large sum of twelve grand. One link I did find says he was a successful merchant businessman."
http://www.bagseals.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=12298

3. Bradwell Chapel, Abbey house, and modern aerial view: Ancient home of Sir Joseph Alston and his family, 21st C, Bradwell Milton Keynes BKM.
Bradwell Abbey is the site and remains of a medieval Benedictine Priory and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (no.19062). Nationally it is significant because it contains the greater part of the medieval precinct of a priory, a relatively unusual survival, with a rare standing building - a dedicated pilgrimage chapel (on left) with a scheme of stunning contemporary wall paintings.
Ref: https://www.mkcdc.org.uk/discover-bradwell-abbey/

4. Hannah Wallin: Will, 1663, London.
Sir Joseph & wife Mary were executors, were they kin or friends.

Precis of Will of Hannah Wallin alias Poulter of St. Andrew Undershaft, London, spinster.
Dated 15 Mar 1662.
To be buried at St. Mary at Hill where my brother John Wallin alias Poulter is buried. L10 to Thomas Poulter now in Va. or overseas, brother of Mary Poulter who is daughter of my cousin John Poulter of Hitchin, Herts. Other principal bequests to: Mr. Joseph Alstone of London, Norwich merchant, Mary his wife and their children Joseph, Edward, Isaac and Clare Alstonc; Mr. Edward Alstonc; John Baldridge; my kinsman Thomas Hunt and his children Thomas and Hannah Hunt; the son and daughter of my cousin Isaac Poulter of Hitchin, deceased, whose names I know not; the poor of Hitchin where I was born. Execs: Joseph Alstone Sr. and Mary his wife. Wits: Thomas Goodwin, scrivener, and Timothy Howford. Pr. 7 Aug 1663 by Joseph Alston. (PROB 11/312/112).

5. Sir Joseph Alston 1st Bart: Chelsea Home Old Bible and seals, c 1670's, London & Bradwell.
Alston House
Alston House was for many years the residence of the Shrewsbury family. Francis, son and heir of George, Earl of Shrewsbury, is mentioned among the freeholders in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Chelsea, 35 Henry VIII. He died September 21, 1560.
George, Earl of Shrewsbury, son of the preceding, died November 18, 1590, possessed of a capital messuage in Chelsea, which he probably bequeathed to his second wife Elizabeth, as it appears to have descended to her son William, first Earl of Devonshire.
This Elizabeth, who survived him, was much celebrated for her beauty and accomplishments, and still more for her extraordinary fortune in the world. She was four times a creditable and happy wife, and rose by every husband to greater wealth and higher honours ; and, after all, lived seventeen years a widow in absolute power and plenty. She built three of the most elegant seats that were ever raised by one hand in the same county\emdash Chatsworth, Hardwick, and Oldcoats, all transmitted entire to the first Duke of Devonshire.
The Countess died in 1607, aged eighty-seven. She bequeathed all her estates to her son William, Earl of Devonshire, and we find this nobleman to have been in possession of this mansion at Chelsea soon after her death.
William, Earl of Devonshire, married, to his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Boughton, of the county of Warwick, and widow of Sir Richard Wortley. Dying in 1625, this lady survived him, and continued to reside at Chelsea till her death, which happened in 1643.
After the death of the Countess of Devonshire, this ancient house became the property of Sir Joseph Alston, who was created a baronet by Charles II. in 1682. Mrs. Mary Alston, the wife of this gentleman, died here in 1671, and her funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Littleton, who published it shortly after.
Sir Joseph was in possession of this house in 1664, at the time of Hamilton's survey ; (1:33) it afterwards came into the possession of Mr. Tate, and was occupied as a stained paper manufactory. In 1813 this venerable mansion, which had adorned the " village of palaces " for several ages, was pulled down, and the materials sold piecemeal by a speculating builder, who had obtained possession, and now not a stone remains to show where it once stood. The annexed view was taken some few years previous to its final demolition, when time and dilapidations had, however, destroyed much of its pristine form.

Sir Joseph's Bible.
This "Character Bible" is an interesting relic of the old merchant baronet - a copy of the holy scriptures written entirely by him in shorthand and handsomely bound in leather with engraved silver clasps.
Lionel Cresswell in 1898 discovered it in the possession of Sir Joseph's descendant, Mr Augustus J C Hare [3569].
Image courtesy Bloomsbury Auctions.

Alston Seals.
The three sided steel seal is mentioned in Stemmata (B&W images at start of book), however it mayhave belonged to John Alston of Scotland ?
It has an detailed monogram on one side, Alston coat of arms on the other & a large rock with a chain & a heart on the other.
The central one has two boars heads with a crescent in the central part. Surmounted by an eagle. Motto In Altum.
The third in agate. Has a monogram which could be NCA possibly.
These be from the Alston Roberts West family of Elmdon Hall ?
Certainly the two boars heads & central crescent is their coat of arms.
Displayed by Courtesy of Roy Alston 2021

6. Sir Joseph Alston 1st Bt of Chelsea & Bradwell: Will Extracts, 1684, Chelsea LND.
EXTRACTS from the WILL of SIR JOSEPH ALSTON:
Dated 17th March, 1684,
This is a much more interesting document than the usual run of Wills (see below), revealing as it does many pleasing traits of the aged merchant baronet's personality and a deep and devout faith in his religious belief.
It begins, " In the name of God Amen. I Sir Joseph Alston of the parish of Chelsea in the County of Midd. Bart. being. in good health of body and of perfect and disposing mind and memory thanks be therefore given to Almighty God and calling to mind the uncertainty of this present life that I am borne to change the same as my former deare wife hath done. And alsoe that as the change and death of this life is most certaine to every liveing creature so the time to us is most uncertaine as a signall proofe thereof the Lord hath manifested unto mee in my last most deare and well beloved consort.
Giveing thankes to God for all his benefitts bestowed upon me in this life doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following that is to say ffirst and principally I commend my Soule into the hands of Almighty God my Creator the ffather of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Jesus Christ my onely Saviour and Redeemer by whose death and passion I faithfully beleive to bee saved and to the Holy Ghost the Comforter of his elect three persons and one invisible imortall onely wise God blessed for evermore before Whome I shall at the generall day of judgment appear with joye in the Robes of Christs Righteousness through whose meritts I beleive my sinns shall not be imputed to me and by whome I hope and believe I shall enter into that everlasting Kingdome of Heaven with the faithful members of that triumphant church whereof Jesus Christ is the head."
After this pious but lengthy confession of faith, Sir Joseph orders his body to be buried in the Parish Church of Chelsea, "in the same place where my deare beloved wife lyeth buryed, my coffin to lye upon her coffin under the pew where we alwaises satt together in the Chancell and to be buryed in the coffin which I have provided and which is now in a closset at my dwelling house at Chelsea."
Sir Joseph died possessed of a very considerable estate, out of which he made many bequests to kinsfolk and dependents. Among the more interesting are those of his great silver Bason and Ures, his two silver flaggons, one paire Silver Candlesticks the best paire, his own Watch his Seale gold ring and his Character Bible writt" ¹ with his own hand to his son Joseph, also to the same son after his (testator's second) wife's decease the use of his great necklace of pearls for life, and then to Joseph Alston his grandson (Joseph's son). To Mary, wife of his son Isaac, his "greate Diamond Jewell" The rent of a certain house he orders to be distributed among his poor kindred as his executors think fit, which he says he does " In token of my thankfulness to Almighty God who did blesse extraordinarily my poore endeavours in the aforesaid parish of St. Edmond's the King where through his mercy and goodnesse I gott my estate. And I doe order and appointe that my said executors shall keepe a bagg on purpose to putt the rent of the said house in and not to make any other use of it.
Sir Joseph desires Dr. Littleton to preach his funeral sermon upon the same text he preached upon at his former wife's funeral, i.e., Acts xiii 39, with L5 for mourning and L5 for his sermon. Not more than L300 to be spent on his funeral for rings, mourning, and other charges.
He appoints his sons Joseph and Isaac executors, enjoining " them to be very carefull and faithfull in the performance of this trust which I repose in them as they will answer for it at the great day of account."
It was proved 12th June, 1688 (P.C.C. 74 Exton),
¹ The "Character Bible" is an interesting relic of the old merchant baronet - a copy of the holy scriptures written entirely by him in shorthand and handsomely bound in leather with engraved silver clasps - Lionel Cresswell in 1898 discovered it in the possession of Sir Joseph's descendant, Mr Augustus J C Hare [3569].

7. Sir Joseph Alston 1st Bt of Chelsea & Bradwell: Will in full, 1684, Chelsea LND.
THE WILL of SIR JOSEPH ALSTON Bart. of CHELSEA
Dated 17 March 1684
In the name of God Amen I Sir Joseph Alston of the parish of Chelsea in the County of Midd Bart. being in good health of body and of perfect and disposeing mind and memory thankes be therefore given to Almighty God and calling to mind the vncertainty of this present life that I am borne to change the same as my former deare wife hath done And alsoe that as the change and death of this life is most certaine to every liveing creature soe the time to vs is most vncertaine as a signall proofe thereof the Lord hath manifested vnto mee in my last most deare and welbeloved consort
Giveing thankes to God for all his benefitts bestowed vpon me in this life doe make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following that is to say flirst and principally I commend my, soule into the hands of Almighty God my Creator the ffather of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Jesus Christ my onely Saviour and Redeemer by whose death and passion I faithfully believe to bee saved and to the Holy Ghost the Comforter of his elect Three persons and one invisible imortall onely wise God blessed for evermore before whome I shall at the generall day of judgment appeare with joye in the Robes of Christs Righteousness through whose meritts I believe my sinns shall not be imputed to me and by whome I hope and believe I shall enter into that Everlasting Kingdome of Heaven with the faithfull members of that triumphant Church whereof Jesus Christ is the head My body I committ to the Earth from whence it came to be decently buryed according to the discretion of my Executors hereafter named in the parish Church of Chelsea in the same place where my late deare beloved wife lyeth buryed my Coffin to lye vpon her coffin vnder the pew where wee alwaies satt together in the Chancell and to be buryed in the Coffin which I have provided and which is now in a Closset at my dwelling house at Chelsea
And as touching the disposeing of all and singular my goods Chattells Leases Implements Plate Jewells readymoney household stuffe debts and all other my reall and personall Estate which it hath pleased God to endow me withall in this present world I dispose and bequeath the same in manner and forme following In the first place I give and bequeath vnto my deare and loveing wife Anne Alston All such my Messuages or Tenements as herein after are particularly mentioned (that is to say) All that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenannces commonly called or knowne by the name or signe of the George and Vulture being a taverne now in the tenure or occupation of Mr. Thompson Vintner who payeth me for it One hundred Eighty and one poundes a yeare (be the same more or lesse) And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr. Yardley lately dwelt and which is now in the tenure or occupation of Mrs Yardley widdow who payeth me for the same Sixty and six pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) : And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mrs Cooteley dwelleth the same being now or late a Coffee house who payeth mee for the same Seaventy poundes a yeare (bee the same more or lesse) To be had held and enjoyed by my said wife for and dureing the terme of her naturall life (my termes in the said houses soe long continuing) And from and after her decease I doe give devise and bequeath all the aforesaid Messuages or Tenements unto my eldest sonne Joseph Alston his Executors Administrators and Assignes for and dureing all the rest and residue of the severall and respective termes of yeares which in the said Messuages or Tenements shall be then to come and vnexpired. All which said Messuages or Tenements are scituate lying and being in or neare George yard or Lombard Street in London
And I doe give and bequeath vnto my said sonne Joseph Alston All that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances towards Lombard Street aforesaid late in the tenure or occupation of Mr Rawlinson deceased (who payed mee for it One Hundred pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse), And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr Thomas Ruddiard lately dwelt which is now in the tenure or occupation of . . . . . Springate who payeth me for the same ffifty pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr. Moore now or lately dwelt who paid me for the same seaven and forty pounds a yeare ( be the same more or lesse) And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the appurtenances wherein Mr Lee liveth who payeth me for the same ffifty pounds a yeare (be the same or lesse) And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr Bencon (deceased) lately lived who payd mee for the same ffifty pounds a year (be the same more or lesse) And all that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr Job Bolton liveth who payeth me for the same Sixty and foure pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) All which said last mentioned Messuages or Tenements are scituate lying and being in or near George Yard or Lombard Street aforesaid To be had held and enjoyed by my said sonne Joseph his executors and administrators for all my termes in the said houses
And I do give and bequeath vnto my said sonne, Joseph All that my Messuage or Tenement with the Appurtenances wherein Mr John Johnson now liveth who payeth me for the same Eighty pounds a
yeare (be the same more or lesse) and is situate lying and being in or near George Yard or Lombard Street aforesaid. Which said last menconed house shall be had held and enjoyed by my said son Joseph his Executors and Administrators To and for the vses intents and purposes herein after mentioned that is to say That hee his Executors and Administrators shall receive and take the rents issues and profitts thereof To his and their owne vse and behoofe for and vntill his the said Joseph's sonne Edward shall arrive and attaine the age of one and twenty yeares (and be then liveing) and then and from thenceforth my terme of Yeares in the said house continuing I doe will and appoint that the same messuage with the appurtenances shall be had held and enjoyed by the said Edward Alston his Executors and Administrators for all the residue of the terme therein to come and vnexpired But if the said Edward shall happen to dye before he arrives at the age of one and twenty yeares and Morrice the said Edwards Brother one other of the sonnes of the said Joseph Alston shall happen to survive him that then and in such case he the said Morrice at his said age of one and twenty yeares (being then liveing.) shall have hold and enjoy the said house with the appurtenances for the remainder of the terme of yeares therein then to come and vnexpired But if the said Morrice shall happen to dye before he shall attaine his said age of one and twenty yeares Then and in such case my mind and will is And I doe soe order and appoint that my said sonne Joseph Alston his Executors and Administrators shall have hold and enjoy the said house dureing the residue of the terme of yeares which shall be therein then to come and vnexpired
Item I give devise and bequeath vnto my said sonne Joseph Alston and to his heires and Assignes for ever All that my great house at Chelsea with the Appurtenances in the County of Middx in part whereof the Lady Bateman (deceased) heretofore lived And which said House is now in the tenure or occupation of the Honorable Banastre Maynard Esqr at the rent of one Hundred poundes a yeare (be the same more or lesse) And I give unto my said sonne Joseph Alston One Thousand and ffive hundred pounds in money and my great silver Bason and Ure my two silver flaggons one paire of Silver Candlesticks the best paire my owne Watch and seale gold ring and my Character Bible which I writt with my owne hand and one paire of Holland sheets one dozen of damasque napkins and one damasque Table Cloath And I will direct and appoint that my said sonne Joseph shall pay and satisfy all ground rent from time to time out of his owne Estate which is due and payable for all and any the said Messuages or Tenements Termes and Estates in or neare George Yard and Lombard Street aforesaid herein before given to my said sonne Joseph or any other the persons before menconed Which said ground rent amounts unto two hundred fforty and eight pounds per Annum (be the same more or lesse) and is payable unto the Lady ffairfax Sr Kingsmill Lucy and Sr Rowland Lytton or others the proprietors thereof And I doe likewise order that my said sonne Joseph shall and doe out of his owne Estate pay and satisfye another rent of fforty shillings yearely (more or lesse) payable unto Mr Hawkins Scrivener for a passage or way leading into or from Burching Lane London And all that my said Houses in or neare George Yard and Lombard Street aforesaid or either of them shall be enjoyed by those I have given or hereinafter doe give the same unto freed and discharged by my said sonne Joseph Alston of and from all ground rent payable for the same And alsoe my Will and mind is that my said sonne Joseph Alston and his Heires shall permitt and suffer And I doe charge him and them that they doe permitt and suffer my said deare and loveing wife from and immediately after my death quietly and peaceably to dwell in vse and enjoy And my Will and minde is that my said wife shall dwell in vse and enjoy the house I now live in at Chelsea with the Stable Hay roome Coach house and Cellar with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging dureing her life And I doe hereby enjoyn my said sonne Joseph to make vnto her a good Estate therein for and dureing her life (if he can) or otherwise to give her good security for her quiet enjoyment thereof for and dureing the terme of her naturall life without rendring or paying any rent for the same But if in case my said sonne Joseph doe not make or procure unto her a good Estate therein for her life or otherwise give unto her good and sufficient security for her quiet enjoyment thereof dureing her life as aforesaid Then whereas I have herein before given to my said sonne Joseph the sume of One Thousand and ffive hundred pounds I doe hereby in such case give my said sonne Joseph but the summe of one thousand pounds and that the residue of the said One Thousand and five Hundred pounds I doe then give unto my said deare wife in liew and compensacon of the Estate for her life in the said house And my Will and mind is And I doe hereby devise unto my said Wife the vse of all hangings plate lynnen Brasse pewter and all other household stuffe and furniture whatsoever which is now in the said house other then and except such parte of the said furniture plate and other things hereinafter otherwise disposed of for and dureing the terme of her naturall life
And I doe also Will devise order direct and appointe that the rent of my house in George Yard aforesaid wherein Mr John South (deceased) lately dwelt whoe paid me for it Sixty pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) be wholly imployed and disposed of by my Executors herein after named for the benefitt of my poore Kindred and such other the purposes as in this my Will I have and doe hereinafter order direct and appoint the same to be distributed dureing my terme in the said House Upon trust and to the intents and purposes following And I doe make ordaine and appoint my said sonne Joseph and my sonne Isaac Alston full and whole Executors of this my last Will And I doe hereby enjoyn them and the Executors of the Survivor of them to be very carefull and faithfull in the performance of this trust which I repose in them As they will Answer it at the great day of Account (that is to say) That they shall and doe pay and distribute dureing all my terme in the Lease of the said house All the cleare yearely rent of the said house over and above all reprizes in this manner (that is to say) Tenn pounds per annum by half yearely payments dureing all the said terme shall be paid by my said Executors to such the Curate or reader of the parish Church of St Edmond the King in Lombard Street London (for the time being) to his owne vse who shall read publicke prayers in the said Church according to the Liturgy and practice of the Church of England now vsed two daies in every weeke weekly over and besides the Sunday called the Lord's day dureing the continuance of my terme in the said house Provided alwaies And in case any neglect shall happen to bee made and Prayers not read in manner as aforesaid That then the said Legacy or bequest of Ten pounds per Annum in manner as aforesaid to be paid to the said Curate shall from thenceforth cease and be noe longer paid (any thing in this my said Will contained to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding) And I doe give five pounds a yeare more of the said Rent issueing out of Souths house to the poore of Edwardstone in the County of Suffolk the place where I was borne every Christmas yearely to be paid and distributed amongst the said poore in such manner and proportions as my Executors shall thinke most fitting and not otherwise And five pounds a yeare more of the said rent I Will shall be paid to Mrs Deborah Travill halfe yearely at Christmas and Midsummer dureing Twenty yeares next after my decease (if she soe long live) and six pounds a yeare more of the said Rent I will and appoint shall be paid halfe yearely at Christmas and Midsomer to Lydia Smith wife of Methuselah Smith a Silversmith dureing her life And foure pounds a yeare more of the said Rent at like half yearely payments I will and appoint shall be paid vnto Samuell Skinner brother to the said Lydia Smith dureing his life (my terme in the said house soe long continueing) And my mind and Will is that all the rest and residue of the rent of the said house shall be disposed of halfe yearely by my said Executors to and amongst such of my poore kindred and in such proportions as my Executors in their discretions shall thinke fitting and not otherwise And this I doe in token of my thankfulness to Almighty God who did blesse extraordinarily my poore endeavours in the aforesaid parish of St Edmonds the King where through his mercy and goodnesse I gott my Estate And I doe order and appointe that my said Executors shall keepe a bagg on purpose to putt the rent of the said house in and not to make any other vse of it but to dispose of the same in manner as before I have ordered and appointed
Item I give unto my said sonne Joseph All that my Stable and Interest therein which Stable Mr Cratford and his partner hold of me and pay me for the same Twenty pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) And I doe give unto my said sonne Isaac after the death of my said wife All the aforesaid furniture of my aforesaid now dwelling house at Chelsea And all my silver plate except what before I have given my said son Joseph and herein after doe give my sonne Edward Alston to be had held and enjoyed by my said sonne Isaac his Executors and Administrators
Item I give my said sonne Edwards sonne Joseph one hundred pounds And to all other the now borne Children of my said sonne Edward respectively Two Hundred pounds a peece the said Legacies to be paid to such of the said Children as are sonns at their respective ages of one and twenty yeares And to such of the said Children as are Daughters at their respective ages of Eighteene years or on their daies of marriage (which shall first happen) and Interest for the same If in case my Executors shall in the meane time putt the same moneyes out at Interest But in case any of the said Children shall happen to dye before their respective ages or daies of marriage then the said Child or Childrens part soe dying shall be devided between the Survivors of them (share and share alike) But if all the said Children shall happen to dye before thelr respective ages or daies of marriage as aforesaid That then all such their Specificall Legacys shall remain and be vnto, my said Executors and not otherwise And my mind and Will is That when any of the said Children shall be of yeares fitt to be putt and placed out Apprentices or to other fitting imployments That my said Executors shall out of the said Childrens said respective legacies lay out and dispose soe much thereof as they shall thinke convenient for such purpose as aforesaid
And whereas I have herein before given vnto my said deare and loveing wife Anne the house called the Vulture Tavern in Mr Thompsons possession and have given unto my said sonne Joseph the afore mentioned house to be in the said Rawlinsons possession both which houses upon my marriage with my said wife I setled on her as part of her Joynture But now calling to mind that I had setled the same on my said sonne Joseph on his said marriage Therefore in liew and compensation thereof and to make good my said Wife's Joynture therein I have herein before given and devised and doe hereby give and devise unto my said deare and loveing wife for her life the said houses herein before mentioned to be in Yardley and Cootleys possession And I doe will and appoint that the rent of the house wherein Sr Jeremiah Snowe Goldsmith lived who payed me for the same Eight and Twenty pounds a yeare
(be the same more or lesse) And the rent of the house in Mr Stories possession who payeth me for the same Eighty pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) shall be paid by my said Executors to my said sonne Edward dureing his life (my terme in the said premisses soe long continueing) and after his the said Edwards decease my said Executors shall out of the rents of the said premisses pay vnto the said Edwards wife (she her said husband surviving) one full third part of the cleare yearely profitts thereof soe long as she keeps herselfe a Widdow And the Surplusage of the Rents thereof and likewise the whole rents thereof after the determination of her Widdowhood and Estate therein shall be paid unto and equally divided
amongst all and every the younger sonns and daughters of my said sonne Edward as shall be liveing or his wife Ensient with at the time of his death and to the Survivors of them And whereas I was possessed or Interested in certaine Actions Stocke or Summes of money which I formerly had in the English East India Company consisting of an originall or principall stock of six hundred and ffifty pounds sterling or thereabouts the which I lately sold and parted with and now calling to mind that at or upon the marriage of my said sonne Joseph or otherwise I assigned setled or otherwise assured the same Actions and Stock to him for his benefitt vpon his said marriage Now my Will and mind is That if in case my said sonne Joseph or any others in his right or for his benefitt or otherwise by vertue or means of any Assureance Covenant or Agreement I made vpon his said marriage or otherwise shall take advantage thereof That then and in such case my mind and Will is And I doe soe order direct and appoint that my said sonne Joseph shall be defalked cutt of and loose double the value of what the said Actions or Stock shall amount vnto into vallue out of my personall Estate which by this my Will is given him or which shall otherwise be comeing vnto him by vertue of his being an Executor of this my said Will, and suche Sume soe defalked I doe will and appoint my said sonne Isaac shall have to his owne vse and benefitt
Item I give and bequeath vnto my said sonne Edward two silver pottingers, three paire of sheets, three dozen of diaper Napkins and three diaper Table cloths
Item I give vnto my said sonne Isaac the summe of Nine hundred pounds in money And also all those my Nine houses scituate in Ball Alley neare George Yard aforesaid in London the which houses I heretofore setled on him on his marriage He paying all the ground Rent for the said houses vnto St Sepulchres parish yearely dureing the termes in the said houses And I doe further give vnto my said sonne Isaac All my Estate and terme of yeares in my two houses with their Appurtenances scituate in George Court London in the one liveth Mr Banister who payeth me for it ffifty pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) and the other I have left with Mr Clithers who payeth me for it Sixty and five pounds a yeare (be the same more or lesse) the said Mr Clithers being obliged to pay all Taxes whatsoever Moreover out of which said two houses my said sonne Isaac is to pay vnto the parish of Cornhill Thirty poundes a yeare (be the same more or lesse) for both which payments I have made my Agreement with him in writing wherein I setled the Eleaven houses vpon him at his marriage
Item I give and devise unto my said sonne Isaac All those my Messuages Lands Tenements and Hereditaments whether freehold or Leasehold in Edwardstone the place where I was borne in the County of Suffolk which said last menconed premisses were heretofore the Estate of Mr Joseph Mann (deceased) To hold to my said sonne Isaac his heirs Executors Administrators and Assignes for ever
Item I give vnto my said deare wife One hundred pounds to dispose of for mourning And I give unto her my two Coaches and two Coach horses And all the hay Oats Coales and wood that are in my house
Item I give to my Son in Law James Clayton and to my daughter Mary his wife Twenty pounds a peece to buy them mourning which is all I doe give them by reason I lately gave my said daughter a portion of ffoure
Thousand two Hundred and ffifty pounds on her marriage
Item I give to my sister Mrs Elizabeth Gilbert and her daughter Tenn pounds a peece to buy them mourning And to Harrington and his wife sonne of my Brother Penning Alston Ten pounds a peece to buy them mourning And to Mrs Gould who was my now wifes Maid ffive pounds to buy her mourning To Henry Wood my Butler ffive pounds for mourning if he liveth with me at the time of my decease otherwise not To Margaret Ambler five pounds if liveing with me at the time of my decease otherwise not
Item I give to soe many poore men as I shall be yeares of age when I dye twenty shillings a piece to weare mourning Gownes at my funerall the said poore men to be had out of the parish of Chelsea where I now live or elsewhere at the discretion of my Executors And I doe desire Doctor Littleton to preach my funerall Sermon vpon the same Text which he preached vpon at my former wifes funerall (to witt) the Thirteenth Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles and the nine and Thirtieth verse And I doe give him five pounds for mourning and five pounds for his sermon And I doe order and appoint that not above three hundred pounds shall be expended in my funerall for Rings, mourning. and all other charges over and above what I have herein before given and herein after doe give And I leave and committ the same to the management of my deare wife and my said Executors as they shall thinke fitting
Item I give unto my grandaughter Mary Whitrong Three hundred pounds in money to be paid her at her marriage or age of one and twenty yeares which shall first and next happen But in case she dyes before her marriage or age of one and twenty yeares as aforesaid Then the said Legacy to be null and voyd And I give vnto her one of my silver Trenchard plates
And I Will that my said Executors shall pay vnto Twenty poore Ministers whome my said Executors shall name and thinke most fitting objects of such charity five pounds a peece within Six Moneths next after my decease And I give to Sr James Clerke of Moulsey in the County of Surrey Knight and to his wife Tenne pounds a peece to buy them mourning and to my Cozen Saunders my sonne Isaacs wifes Sister Tenne pounds for mourning and to Mr William Milman my Attorney Tenne pounds to buy him a ring And to my said Grandchild Joseph Alston my sonne Isaacs sonne one Hundred pounds And to Mrs Deborah Travills daughter Mary Crew ffive and twenty pounds to be paid her vpon her day of marriage But if she dye before then the said Legacy to be voyd And to Mrs Joane Selden my wifes Chamber maid Ten pounds for mourning (if she be liveing with her at the time of my decease otherwise not)
And to Elizabeth Fisher and Dorothy King my Maids ffive pounds a peece for mourning (if liveing with me at the time of my decease otherwise not)
And I give unto my Grandchildren the said Maurice and Isaac my sonne Joseph's sonns one Hundred pounds a piece to be paid them at their respective ages of one and twenty yeares But if either of them Dye in the meane time the Survivor shall have the parties share so dying And I give unto my said sonne Joseph after my said wifes decease the vse of my great
Necklace of pearls during his life And from and after his decease I give and bequeath the same to Joseph Alston his sonne
And I give and bequeath vnto Mary Alston my sonne Isaacs wife after my said wifes decease my great Diamond Jewell And all the rest and residue of my goods Chattells and personall Estate whatsoever I doe give and bequeath vnto my said Executors Joseph and Isaac equally to be divided betweene them
And lastly I doe charge and comand my said Executors as they doe tender their duty to be contented and rest satisfied with what I have herein before given them and Doe waies goe about to disturbe alter change or hinder my purposes therein
And I doe hereby revoke adnull and make voyd all former Wills And doe declare this to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and Seale this Seaventeenth Day of March in the first yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord James the second by the grace of God of England Scotland ffrance and Ireland King Defender of the ffaith etc Anno Dni one Thousand Six Hundred Eighty foure.
JOSEPH ALSTON.
This Will consisting of two skinns of Parchment was signed and Sealed by the said Sr Joseph Alston and by him published and declared to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of vs the Witnesses herevnder Subscribed who Subscribed our names in the presence of the said Sr Joseph Alston
Bann: Maynard, Jo Preston, Will Milman, Nath: Gifford Cl. to Mr Milman.
Proved at London 12 June 1688 by Sir Joseph Alston Bart. and Isaac Alston Sons and Executors

There is a note in the the margin of the Will recording the grant of letters of administration (with Will annexed) 14th of April 1720 to Mary widow of Isaac Alston the younger of the two sons and executors named in the will both being dead and the estate not yet wound up.
Exton 74
Pages 121 - 124 Alstoniana

Letters of Administration
Sir Joseph Alston Knt. and 1st Bart. of Chelsea (died 1688).
Granted with will annexed 14 April 1720 to Mary widow and administratrix of Isaac Alston one of the executors and residuary legatees named in the will.
Exton 714
Admon April 1720
Page 133 Alstoniana.

Joseph married Mary CROOKENBERG [3215] [MRIN: 1088], daughter of CROOKENBERG of Bergen-Op-Zoom [3216] and Unknown, on 5 Nov 1639 in St Mary Undershaft LND. (Mary CROOKENBERG [3215] died in 1671 in Alston House and was buried on 7 Feb 1670/71 in St Lukes Chelsea LND.)

Joseph next married Lady Anne PHEASANT [3217] [MRIN: 1090], daughter of William PHEASANT [16632] and Joane [16633], on 5 Dec 1671 in Temple Church London. (Lady Anne PHEASANT [3217] died after Apr 1694 and was buried in Chancel Molesey Church SRY.)