Benjamin
was a corn merchant living in Chatham, Kent but described in his will as
"perukemaker". (NB The French word "peruque" was anglicised to
"periwig" then "wig")
He inherited Thunder
Hall and other property in Ware from his brother John.
Thunder Hall is a large mid-19th century alteration to a 17th
century mansion (the council's description) on the edge of the
old part of Ware town. It is partly empty and decaying, and partly
converted into flats.
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Will
dated June 15th 1782: "I Benjamin Usborne, Perukemaker bequeath to my wife Ann all my estate in Ware, called Thunder Hall, now
in the occupation of Mrs Wright to be sold immediately after her death
and the proceeds to provide the following legacies:
viz a 1/6th part to each of my children John Usborne, Elizabeth Hide,
Thomas Usborne, Esther Usborne, William Usborne and my grand-daughter
Elizabeth Crandall. If my son Thomas continue abroad upwards of 3 years
after the said estate is sold, his share shall be divided among the
other legatees. If my daughter Elizabeth Hide shall die before the
legacy is payable it shall devolve to her heirs." |
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