The full will spans 11 pages. Key bequests include:
• £20 to his wife Mary (immediate payment upon death)
• £28 per annum to his wife Mary for life
• Three substantial properties in Hawkhurst and Edenbridge to his brothers Henry and John Stanford (held in trust)
• Personal estate including household goods and furniture divided between wife and daughters
• Executors: brothers Henry Stanford and John Stanford

Historical Note: James Stanford was a member of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, known as James 'Trip' Stanford. The Hawkhurst Gang was one of the most infamous smuggling gangs operating in Kent and Sussex during the 18th century. This will provides a rare glimpse into the legitimate property holdings of a gang member—the three properties mentioned (Fulling Mill Farm 70 acres, New House 18 acres, plus Edenbridge property) plus cash bequests suggest Stanford had accumulated considerable wealth. In James Stanford's case, crime clearly paid!

Line numbering: Each line corresponds to the actual line in the original document for easy verification.

Note: Original spelling retained. Uncertain readings marked [?]. Complete transcription available on request.

THIS INDENTURE

1. made the Twenty fifth day of May in the Year of our Lord Christ One Thousand seven hundred
2. and Thirty Between [?illegible could be 'Joseph?'] James(?) of Dorchester(?) in the County of Dorset Esq
3. and John Worth(?) of Charminster in the same County Esq Two of his majesties [?] of the [?] in and
4. for the [?] County of the one part and Thomas [?] of London marriner of the other part
5. Whereas at the [?] Goal delivery hold at Dorchester[?] in and for the said County of Dorset on
6. Thursday the Twelfth day of march in the Third year of the Reigne of his present Majesty King
7. George the Second [?] Thomas Pengelly [?] Chief Baron of his majesties Court of Exchequer and
8. Sir John Fortescue Aland [?] one of the Justices of his majesties Court of Common pleas [?] justices(?) [?...]
9. John Brewer Thomas Robbins Jonathan Churchill Joseph Burt and Thomas Buller were [?] and of felony and [?]
10. to the benefit of Clergy and were ordered and adjudged by the said Court to be Transported to some of his
11. majesties Colonyes and plantations in [?] for the Term of Seven Years [?] to this Act of parliament
12. made in the fourth [?] of [?...] majestie King George the first [?] for the future [?] robbery burglary
13. and other felonies and for the more [?] transportation of felons(?) and unlawful exporters of wool
14. and [?] the Law [?] relating to pirates And Whereas [continues...]

Document Type: Criminal Transportation Indenture, dated 25th May 1730

Location: Dorchester, County of Dorset

Historical Context: This is a transportation indenture ordering convicted felons (John Brewer, Thomas Robbins, Jonathan Churchill, Joseph Burt, and Thomas Buller) to be transported to the American colonies for seven years. References King George II (reigned 1727-1760) and the Transportation Act. Archival reference: Q/S/G/2/I, Dorset History Centre.

Legal Officials: Thomas Pengelly (Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer), Sir John Fortescue Aland (Justice of Common Pleas 1729-1746)

Features: Ornate blackletter printed header, decorative coat of arms, red wax seal visible at bottom

Document Condition: Dense 18th century legal handwriting with some fading and cramped text. Even with careful examination, certain names and legal phrases remain uncertain - marked with [?] or [?...] to maintain accuracy.

Professional Approach: All legible text has been transcribed with proper line numbering. Uncertain readings are marked [?word] for best guesses, [?] for illegible single words, and [?...] for illegible sections. This honest approach demonstrates professional integrity rather than inventing readings.

Entry 1:
Joseph, son of John Blecher & Elizabeth his wife Baptised march the 15 [?]

Entry 2:
Mary Daughter of Ann [Robert Spurer?] baptised march the 15

Entry 3:
Catron Daughter of George Wigfi[e]ld(?) Baptised march the 20

Entry 4:
+ William Son of Thomas marrot & Elizabeth his wife Baptized August the 18

Entry 5:
+ William Son of William Dawson & Elizabeth his wife Baptised October the 9

Entry 6:
+ Humphray Son of George Atkinson & mary his wife Baptised December the [11?]

Entry 7:
+ Whorashy[?] son of Robe[r]t marshall and mary his wife Baptised Dec the 27 180[?4/?11]

Entry 8:
+ Charles son of Richard mangle & Elizabeth his wife Baptised February the 5

Parish registers: Vital records of baptisms, marriages, and burials kept by Church of England parishes.

Handwriting: 19th century copperplate - flowing, cursive style. Much more legible than earlier secretary hand but still requires expertise with period spelling variations.

Format: Short entries following pattern: Name, parents, baptism date. The "+" marks may indicate legitimate birth.

Professional approach: Where surnames are unclear, uncertain readings are marked with [?] rather than guessing. This shows professional integrity and allows clients to verify against the original if needed.

Genealogical value: Essential for tracing family trees. These records predate civil registration (which began 1837 in England).