In the quiet Hertfordshire village of Much Hadham, Sarah Babbs—widow of William Babbs (Hertfordshire Pedigree (Hertford 1712), matriarch, and prudent investor—committed her final wishes to paper in the autumn of 1784. Her will, preserved in the National Archives, offers a rare glimpse into the financial agency of women in late 18th-century England. With clarity and resolve, she entrusted her entire estate—including a substantial holding in Bank of England stock—to her son Henry, naming him sole executor. This document not only reflects familial bonds and legal formality but also reveals the growing presence of women in Britain’s expanding financial world.
Sarah’s Last Will & Testament
Transcription:
This is the last Will and Testament of me, Sarah Babbs, of Much Hadham in the County of Hertford[shire], widow.
First, I will that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and the proving of this my Will be paid and discharged out of my personal estate.
I give and bequeath unto my son, Henry Babbs, all that five hundred and fifty pounds there permits, Consolidated Annuities, also including in my said sum Bank of England [stock], together with all other my personal estate of every kind whatsoever, after payment thereof, unto him, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns forever.
And I do hereby expressly nominate, institute, and appoint my said son sole executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty sixth day of September in the year one thousand seven hundred eighty-four.
Sarah Babbs (Signature & Seal)
Signed sealed published declared by the said Testatrix as her last Will & Testament in presence who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
Richard Hussey
Middle Temple
Thomas Elliston
Probate
Probate Transcription:
This Will was proved at London the sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four before the worshipful John Fisher Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert also Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Henry Babb the son of the deceased and sole executor named in this said will to whom administration was granted of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of this said deceased having been first sworn duly to administer.
The Tree
This very small tree is currently named Hertfordshire Pedigree (Hertford 1712). Sarah is the wife of person #3 in this report. The only known children are Henry Babb (b. 12 Mar 1744/45) and his sister Mary (b. 3 Jun 1747).
Source: Will of Sarah Babbs, Widow of Much Hadham, Hertfordshire | The National Archives