Will of Thomas Hardyman, 1702

Thomas Hardyman was the St.John's steward at Lydiard Tregoze. Some of the correspondence between Hardyman and Lady Johanna survives and can be found in the St.John correspondence. He would have known and worked with Richard Gorham, whose will is also available.

In his will Thomas describes Elizabeth as his 'loving and wellbeloved wife' and leaves her an annuity of £30 per annum, but is their relationship as loving as he suggests? She will only receive the annuity if she agrees to surrender her rights to all the property purchased by Thomas and which he still held at his death. If she refused to give up her rights she would only receive £100. He also allowed her all the table linen, two pairs of sheets and the trunks and chest of drawers which were hers before their marriage. She can also have the silver cup which Lady St. John had given her. Thomas treated his daughter Sarah in similar manner, leaving her £600 provided she too gave up any claim or right she might have in his property. She was also to have his silver server. If his wife were pregnant, then a boy would receive £400, a girl £300, if it were twins £250 each. This seemingly harsh treatment of the women in his life was to enable his son Thomas to succeed to all his property and estates.

To all of his servants who had been with him for at least six months he gave 10 shillings each.

As a steward to the St.Johns he had managed to acquire considerable income and property.