[Manuscript copy of Byng's last will and testament 12 March 1757]

[Manuscript copy of Byng's last will and testament 12 March 1757]

In the name of God Amen : I the Honourable John Byng Esq.r being of sound and disposing mind and memory (praised be God) do make and publish this my last will and testament .... ratify and confirm the settlement which I made ... the twenty sixth and twenty seventh days of October One thousand seven hundred and fifty six ...

Portsmouth Harbour 1757

[3] double leaves ; 49 x 37 cm.

IN L2005F180 1698/1811 ff

Signed in three places: at the foot of the first leaf; at the foot of the will itself on the second leaf, and again after the codicil at the foot of the second leaf. Also initialled in left margin of leaf two above an apparent addendum.
Written two days before his execution on board the Monarque at noon on 14 March 1757.
Distributed more than 16,000 "pounds sterling in annuities plus silver plate and substantial real estate. Among the personal items was an ornamental French clock which he bequeathed to ... Captain Augustus Hervey. His London house went to a nephew, John. Wrothan Park was bequeatherd to [his nephew] George, fourth Viscount Torrington, and served as the family seat thereafter." -- Oxford DNB, vol. 9, p. 316. His personal valet, John Hutchins, is given all his clothes, his silver watch and ten pounds for mourning.
With portions of the wax seal intact, at head of leaf [1] and foot of leaf [2]; docketed on verso of otherwise blank leaf [3]: Will March 12th 1757/ Admiral Byng
Laid in at leaf 266 of The Tragedy of Admiral Byng, 1756-1757

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