John Francis Hitchcock (b. 1884) - Last Will and Testament

The following is a transcription of the Last Will and Testament of Catholic Priest John Francis Hitchcock (b. 1884), who died 14 November 1944, aged 60. The will was written on 23 October 1944, shortly before his death.

He was the son of Charles Joseph Hitchcock and his wife Catherine, and cousin of director Alfred Hitchcock.

The executrix of the will was his spinster sister Mary Frances Teresa Hitchcock.

The will was proven on 12/May/1945 and the follow valuations recorded:

• gross value of estate — £744 4s. 9d.
• net value of personal estate — £690 4s. 7d.
• Estate Duty and tax — £13 17s. 4d.

Notes

• The will was handwritten and any uncertain words are followed by "(?)".
• The will has been reformatted to improve readability

Last Will and Testament

Last Will & Testament of the Rev. John F. Hitchcock of 22 Roxborough Park, Harrow, Middlesex.

In the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost.

I give and bequeath my books and furniture to my two sisters, Mary Frances and Teresa Mary Hitchcock residing presently at 34 St. John's Road, Golders Green.

I desire that my chalice be given to Father Patrick MacLaring(?) of St. Swithun's, Waverley Road, Southsea. It's only value lies in the fact that it once belonged to a saint — Canon John Brenan.

I desire that the sum of £50 be given to the Hospital of Saints John & Elizabeth, Grave End Road, St. John's Wood, as a very small recognition of the wonderful kindness and care shown to me there.

I desire that my sister Mary would ask Father James Thanter(?), of St. Edward's Church, Golders Green, to settle up my manual(?) Mass Book, without delay, and that he receive £20 for his trouble, and this to impose no obligation whatever upon him.

Any monies, including War Loan, remaining, after my debts have been paid, to go to my two sisters above-mentioned.

Signed, on the night of October 23, 1944

[ signature of John F. Hitchcock ]

in the presence of the two following witnesses signing in his presence and that of each other

[ signature of witnesses ]