Will of George Shum-Storey (1846) – Summary

Introduction

The following is a summary of the will of George Shum-Storey of Ham Common, Surrey, proved in 1846 (Public Record Office: PROB 11/2030).

The document provides valuable insight into the structure of the Shum-Storey family, their financial arrangements, and domestic life in the early nineteenth century.

Main Provisions of the Will

George Shum-Storey requested burial in the family vault at St James Chapel, or, if he died further than ten miles away, in a newly purchased vault in the nearest parish.
He directed that all just debts and funeral expenses be paid.

Provision for His Daughters

In accordance with the wishes of his late wife, he instructed that all jewels, trinkets, and valuables (kept either in a mahogany box at the Phoenix Fire Office or at his residence at Ham Common) be sold.
The proceeds were to be divided equally among his four daughters:
- Margaret
- Marianne
- Emily
- Eleanor
Alternatively, the daughters could divide the items among themselves.
He left to his daughter Margaret:
- his grand piano
- all associated music books
- and the piano stool

Residence at Ham Common

He expressed the wish that his daughters should continue to reside at the family home at Ham Common.
This arrangement was conditional upon at least two daughters (including Margaret) remaining unmarried or widowed.
If, within three months of his death, the house was no longer required as a residence, it was to form part of the residue of the estate.

Provision for His Sons

To his son Henry Shum, he left £500, noting that Henry had already been “amply provided for” under the will of his grandfather, Robert Storey.
The remainder of the estate was to be divided among his children, with certain conditions:
- John Shum was required to repay a loan of £1200 (advanced for his army promotion)
- Robert Shum was required to repay loans totalling £3000 (relating to his share in the firm of Pringle & Manisty, Solicitors)

Residue of the Estate

The residue included:

funds from the marriage settlement
stocks held under the will of Robert Storey
stocks from the estate of Mrs Ann Sarvrie (formerly Ann Burk of Blackheath)

These were to be divided equally among the children (excluding Henry).

Executors

The executors appointed were:

Rev. Joseph Cook of Purley
Henry Shum
Robert Shum
Thomas Richter of the Phoenix Fire Office

Additional legacies:

£50 each to Rev. Joseph Cook and Thomas Richter

Codicil

A codicil addressed financial provision for his son Charles Francis Shum, on the occasion of his marriage to Harriet Fenwick.

A marriage settlement of £6000 had already been made
Additional sums of £3000 and £1300 had been advanced

These amounts were to be taken into account as part of Charles’s inheritance under the will.

Proving of the Will

Signed: 9 June 1840
Proved in London: 30 January 1846

Witnesses:

Thomas Dawes
Richard Dawes
Samuel Overton (Messrs Dawes & Sons, Angel Court)

Source

Public Record Office (The National Archives)
Reference: PROB 11/2030

Will of George Shum-Storey (1846) – Summary