Item.—I give, devise, and bequeath MY ESTATE which William Aynsworth holds of me, in the Parish of Rowley Regis, to the intent TO CLOTHE, (according to Mr. Oliver’s will, who left One Hundred and Fifty Pounds for that purpose, to which was added Fifty Pounds more by his Wife, which money remains in my hands, and has not, as yet, been disposed of,) SIX POOR MEN, belonging to the Parish of Dudley, upon every 1st day of November for ever; and if the profits of the said Estate will bear it, to add a seventh then to the above-mentioned number.
“Whereas, my aunt Oliver had desired that FIFTY POUNDS might be given to erect a GALLERY in the NEW CHURCH in Dudley:—I desire my executrix, hereafter mentioned, to pay within twelve months after my decease, or begin the Gallery, and carry it on as far as the money will go, as soon as possible.
“I do hereby appoint and nominate the said Elizabeth Perry, sole executrix of this my last will and testament: CHARGING HER, AS SHE MUST ANSWER IT AT THE DREADFUL DAY OF JUDGMENT, to fulfil the Will of the Rev. Thos. Oliver, my aunt, and my own, as punctually as may be; and to have all the Charities enrolled in Chancery, as soon as possible; THAT THE POOR MAY NOT BE DEPRIVED OF THEIR RIGHTS!!! To this my last will and testament have set my hand and seal, this 30th day of December, 1762.”
Proved at London, 9th Dec. 1766, by the oath of Eliz. Antrobus, formerly Perry, widow, relict of the deceased.
ST. THOMAS’S PARISH CHURCH.
Much unkindly feeling and animosity was occasioned in the Parish when this fine Old Parish Church was doomed to be demolished, more especially when it became known that a heavy Church Rate for years to come would be levied upon the Ratepayers, partly to meet the cost of building the New Parish Church.[37]
On laying the Foundation Stone of the present St. Thomas’s Church, on October 25th, 1816, the following ticket was issued:—
ADMIT THE BEARER INTO ST. THOMAS’S CHURCH YARD,
On the 25th of OCTOBER, 1816.
N.B.—This Ticket will entitle the Purchaser to a Medal.