An extraordinary will!

[ElizabethHerts]

I have just finished transcribing the will of Anne Powne Fletcher (maiden name Gully). It is classified by the NA as a "will in unusual format". It is 13,927 words long!

This will is listed on the Gorran page of the Cornwall OPC website, although Anne died in London. It is of some importance to researchers of the Gully and Slade families.

Also, it contains a lot of information about Cornish history and people, although I can't vouch for its accuracy! It is also a remarkable insight into the social history of the period.

Basically, this lady, who leaps off the page at you, is trying to have lands / estates restored to her family. She believes that many people over the years have deceived, tricked and stolen from her family. She lists pedigrees, often in very confused terms, and substantiates her claims by referring to documents and papers she has in her possession. She has a particular gripe with the Duchy:
"but I disclaim all Parliamentary Acts for Cornwall a separate State not part of the Queen of Englands Dominions nor under her Lords and Commons but under Duchy Officers now In Trust for the legal Duke the Coryn Cornewaille the Prince of Wales is only deputy of the Queen and is not Lord of the Duchy Lands which only owe fealty and service to the Crown and are entitled to their own reigning Duke at Restomel Castle and at Trematon as in time of Henry 4th 5th and 6th"

She is already involved in Chancery.

Anne Powne Gully married Samuel James Fletcher on New Year's Day 1828 at Newport, Isle of Wight. The marriage broke down and I found that Samuel actually divorced her in America.

When probate was granted, they basically said that the only part that could be administered was where she leaves possessions she owned.
Three of the appointed executors renounced, probably with a sigh of relief!
She sounds a truly formidable lady who is totally obsessed with her life's mission.