Introduction

William Strode was the tenant of Kingswood Farm, Hardington, during the early 1820s. Before moving to Hardington, he and his family lived at East Chinnock and Drimpton. Although he did not marry until he was about 37, his wife was much younger, and they had nine children. He left his estate to be divided equally among his children following the death of his wife.

Birth

William was born at East Chinnock in about 1764, the first of seven children born to Samuel and Mary Strode.

Marriage

On 24 January 1800, William married Jane Webber by banns at Broadwindsor. At the time, William was about 37 years old, and Jane was about 21. Both signed the marriage register and the witnesses were James Browne and Robert Webber.

East Chinnock

William and Jane settled at East Chinnock, where they lived until at least March 1810. During their time there, they had six children.

Drimpton

By October 1814, they had moved to Drimpton, where they had two sons.

Hardington

By September 1821, they were residing at Kingwood Farm, Hardington, where they had one child, Amelia, who was born in 1821.

Death

William died in November 1824, at the age of 60, and was buried at East Chinnock.

Jane died in November 1832 at the age of 53 and was also buried at East Chinnock.

Children

William and Jane had five sons and four daughters. Among them were William, who married Elizabeth, the daughter of Emanuel Slade, and Mary, who married John Bullock.

The will of William Strode, the older, of Hardington Mandeville

Executors: my sons, Thomas and Robert.

Trustees: my beloved brother, Thomas Strode of East Chinnock, Yeoman, and my worthy friend, William Guppy, Yeoman, of Hardington Mandeville. until my executors arrive at the age of 21.

To my children [9 of them], Jane Strode, William Strode, Mary Strode, Samuel Strode, John Strode, Elizabeth Strode, Thomas Strode, Robert Strode, Amelia Strode: the whole of my property to be equally divided among them share and share alike after the death of my wife, Jane, the whole to remain in her possession for the support and bringing up of the youngest part of our family during her life unless she changes her widow state and marries again. In such case, my trustees are to secure the whole for my children until my executors are 21, at which time the whole is to be equally divided amongst children unless my wife is alive and my widow the amount necessary to remain in her possession for her support during her life.

The trustees have the power to give the older children their share at 21 and to pay for apprenticeships.

Wit: John Eastment, Charles Templeman, Emanuel Slade