In the quiet parish of St Stephens near St Albans, Hertfordshire, a drama unfolded in 1729 that would echo through generations of the Babb family. It was not a tale of war or politics, but of inheritance, deception, and the quiet power struggles that shaped the lives of ordinary people—and in this case, the legacy of Sarah Babbs, widow of Thomas Babbs, and mother to Sarah Tucker.
Though the wills of Thomas and Sarah Babbs remain elusive, what survives is a damning secondary inventory and sworn accusation, preserved in Probate Reference PROB 31/68/398, that reveals a bitter dispute over the estate. The document, introduced on 7 May 1729, is a rare glimpse into the material life of a widow and the treachery that followed her death.
The inventory was compiled not by court-appointed executors, but by John Tucker and Sarah Tucker, the latter being the apparent daughter of Sarah Babbs. These “extants,” as they are called in the document, were not merely grieving relatives—they were whistleblowers.
They accused Thomas and Hannah Malbrow, the official executors, of absconding with a substantial portion of the estate, omitting valuable items from the original inventory and denying Sarah Tucker her rightful inheritance.
The extants’ sworn declaration lists a modest but meaningful collection of household goods and personal effects—tools, furniture, clothing, religious texts, and kitchenware. But it’s what was left out that reveals the betrayal:
– Two cows, a horse, and agricultural tools—essential assets for rural survival.
– A large Bible, silver cup, and gold rings—items of both spiritual and monetary value.
– A tankard worth £10 and a broad gold coin valued at £1.5.0—completely omitted.
– A bond for £110 lent to Thomas Malbrow himself, with interest unpaid at the time of Sarah Babbs’ death.
The Malbrows, it seems, not only failed to disclose these items—they may have actively concealed them.
The accusations culminate in a chilling revelation: Sarah Babbs had lent Thomas Malbrow £110, secured by bond, with instructions that part of it be repaid to her daughter and son-in-law. That repayment never came. Instead, the Malbrows took possession of the goods and money, leaving the Tuckers to fight for scraps.
The final section of the document, sworn before surrogate E. Kinaston on 21 November 1728, is a solemn affirmation of truth. John and Sarah Tucker stood before the court, not just to claim what was theirs, but to expose a betrayal that had robbed a daughter of her mother’s legacy.
This case is more than a probate dispute—it’s a window into the social and familial dynamics of 18th-century Hertfordshire. It reveals how widows and daughters could be vulnerable, even when named executrix, and how executors could exploit their position to enrich themselves.
For descendants of the Babb family, this document is a testament to resilience. Sarah Tucker’s fight to reclaim her inheritance is a reminder that history is not just written by the powerful—it is preserved by those who refuse to be silenced.
Analysis
While there is a record in the Bishops Transcripts of the estate of Thomas Babbs and him leaving it to his wife and executrix Sarah, the original seems elusive. At the time of this writing (09 Sep 2025) we are not aware of exactly who the Malbrows are. Given the lack of formal spellings of surnames in this timeframe, the name could perhaps be Marlborough.
Please note that this was an exceptionally brutal document to transcribe. I’m only confident of about 80% of the words I’ve chosen to represent the arthritic scribble that I’ve tried to bring into modern text. While individual words may be mis-transcribed, the intent of the people who told their story here is exceedingly clear!
Also know that £110 was just shy of a king’s ransom to a commoner. The huge quantity of possessions of the deceased Sarah Babbs attests to her station in life as a person of means.
Yet, the complex network of ecclesiastical records can easily obscure the details of exactly which archdeaconry estate records were filed in. The abstract we do have of Thomas Babbs’ will are contained in the Hitchin Division of the Huntington Archdeaconry. Yet, the will does not seem to appear in that set of records.
Without it, we cannot know if his widow was merely granted possession of his estate for her lifetime. We cannot know who the Malbrows were and why they were able to exert such influence with the court. Their inventory is also unaccounted for at this time.
While there are more questions than answers there are a few things we can count as certain. John and Sarah Tucker felt cheated and went to great lengths to set the record straight and expose the Malbrows for their treachery!
Secondary Inventory & Accusations Regarding the Estate of Sarah Babbs widow of St Stephens near St Albans, Hertfordshire, 1729
[Folio] 398UK National Archive Reference: Prob 31/68/398
Sara[h] Babbs deceased
Inventory: introduced 7 May 1729
Prerogative Court of Canterbury
URL: Exhibit: 1729/398. Sarah Babbs widow, of St Stephens near St Albans, Hertfordshire…. | The National Archives
Early Modern English/Latin transcription
[Opening Statements]
A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular this the goods and chattels and credits of Sarah Babbs late of the parish of Saint Stephen near St. Albans in the county of Hertford widow deceased which since her death have come to the hands possession or knowledge John Tucker and Sarah Tucker his wife follows, viz. [abbreviation for the Latin word “videlicet” which means “that is to say.”]
[Section 1]
Imprimis a pair of stilliards [a scale] two axes a hand saw augers and other tools — a stand three vessels two little cupboards a glass case and earthen chafeing dish a Sermon book & bible five thirty four shills
One gown and petticoat one pair of stockings three aprons two white hoods and one black
one suite of spinners three knobbs three capes four pair of gloves a riding hood an old hat a pair of patterns napkins and table cloths pillowbeers –
One silver work button three or four knives and forks Some stack wood a cane and powder horn a beef fork a brass morter and pestle a brass straining and over lid one _____ Stool about sixteen shillings in Money
a candle box a cleaver a deal box a pitcher an iron oven meal an earthen plate a sullibub pott three sacks two sun alls a toasting iron a pudding pan an old lid e pannell a cloaths brush a little brush a silver cup four pewter dishes a cheese plate five plates a bd pan and
one fish filale and Kettle one porridge pott two pott hangers a pair of iron doggs hoo gridirons a little iron hook a sander fire shovel and tongs a pair of bellows a feather bed and all furniture thereunto belonging
a chest of drawers four old chairs an old bedstead with curtaining a chest four pair of sheets one silver spoon & finesh box a gurners and spit a clock & Jaike three hibbs two bowl one table which are all ye goods that there responded and received belonging to the said deceased upon her death
[Section 2]
Item these extants declare that they are informed and believe that the deceased dyed possessed of and entitled unto the several Goods mentions?
And set forth in a extended inventory given in by virtue of the corporal oaths of Thomas Malbrow and Hannah his wife on or about
[Page break]About the twenty fourth day of October 1728 to which thereof Extantore [Latin] for themselves and these extants further declare that ye deceased dyed possessed of and entitled unto the following goods which falled to the custody & possession of Thomas Malbrow and Hannah his wife which are totally omitted and left out in the Inventory by them Executors as also a fire grate and iron back a large frying pan olde Carl Harrow and two ploughs a cubbord [cupboard] one picture in a frame one powerdering tub a box with drawer a large table leaf a large Bible a grinding stove two cows a horse and flaggotts [cut wood] ladle bridle & plough harness one kettle.
[Section 3]
Item these extants further declare that the said deceased dyed possessed of and entitled unto ye several goods mentioned in ye 2nd [p]arte or item of the inventory executed by the said Thomas and Hannah Malbrow of which said goods of these Extants wish their proportion either was false in this inventory in & [cheat] testor out of moneys arising from the sale thereof.
[Section 4] The margin note indicates “10” which appears to point to 10 pounds as the value of the section
Item these extants declare that they are informed and believe this deceased dyed possessed of and entitled unto a flores (sp?) Bankhard worth about ten pounds which the said Thomas and Hannah Malbrow either immediately before or after the death of the said deceased possessed
Themselves of and that of said Tankard as nowin their as one of their custody or possession or with custody or possession of said person for them that also and is not mentioned or set forth with said Inventory by them Exed as by these give & may appear reformed being thereunto had
[Section 5] The margin note indicates “1:5:0” which appears to point to 1 pound, 5 shillings and 0 pence, as the value of the section
Item these extants declare that they are informed and believe that the deceased was possessed of an entitled with one broad coins of gold value 25 which said coins of gold value have custody and possession of the said Thomas and Anne Malbrow or one of them which said Broad force is totally omitted in the said inventory by them Exter [Executors] as by the said inventory may appear referred being thereunto had.
[Next column][Section 6]
Item this extant John Tucker declares that they has been informed and believes that of said deceased dyed possessed of two Gold Rings ye one a plane one and ye other with a stone set therein valus two points in consideration of a morely of which ye extant Sarah Tucker without this extant John Tuckers privity and ______ Sarah a silver spoon & snuff box valued at eleven shillings and more wherefore this extant wish that ye said Thomas & Hannah Malbrow may be chargeable with ye further fined of eighteen shillings to wake up ye real value of the said rings Five shillings of which this extant valued as one to have
[Section 7]
Item These extants are informed and believe that ye deceased about 11 years next before her death did lend to Thomas Malbrow of North Mimms in the county of Hertford the picture of one hundred and ten pounds for the following ye repayment of which ye Thomas Malbrow gave his bond payable with Interest as these extants have been informed and believe and these extants declare ye said Thomas Malbrow did by ye deceased orders in her life into pay to these extants of deceased of 2nd part of the moneys one for principal and Interest upon ye said bond accd[ordingly] that the remaining part of ye said moneys one for priced accd [accrued] interest upon ye said bond remained unfalsified and due when at the filled of the said deceased’s death which said moneys so due and totally omitted with aforesaid inventory exhibited by the said Thomas & Hannah Malbrow
[Closing Statements]
Lastly these extants John Tucker and Sarah Tucker his wife to both declare that no other goods chattels or credits of the said deceased have come ye these extants hands possession
[Page break that wraps back around to the left column of the first page]Or knowledge having cot are herein before mentioned and set forth.
John Tucker
Sarah Tucker
[This section is similar to a notarization of this sworn record and is originally in Latin]Latin:
21 Nov 1728
Dieh Johannes Tucker et Sara Tucker uxor eius jurati formintug veritate Coram me
E. Kinaston Surr.
English:
On 21 Nov 1728, John Tucker and Sara Tucker, his wife, sworn [to speak] the truth before me.
E. Kinaston, Surrogate.
Modern English Translation of 1728 Estate Inventory and Sworn Accusation
[Opening Statements]
A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular this the items and personal belongings and credits of Sarah Babbs late of the parish of Saint Stephen near St. Albans in the county of Hertford widow deceased which since her death have come to the hands possession or knowledge John Tucker and Sarah Tucker his wife follows, viz. [abbreviation for the Latin word “videlicet” which means “that is to say.”]
[Section 1]
Firstly, a pair of stilliards [a scale] two axes a hand saw augers and other tools — a stand three vessels two little cupboards a glass case and earthen chafeing dish a Sermon book & bible five thirty four shills
One gown and petticoat one pair of stockings three aprons two white hoods and one black
one suite of spinners three knobbs three capes four pair of gloves a riding hood an old hat a pair of patterns napkins and table cloths pillowbeers –
One silver work button three or four knives and forks Some stack wood a cane and powder horn a beef fork a brass morter and pestle a brass straining and over lid one _____ Stool about sixteen shillings in Money
a candle box a cleaver a deal box a pitcher an iron oven meal an earthen plate a sullibub pott three sacks two sun alls a toasting iron a pudding pan an old lid e pannell a cloaths brush a little brush a silver cup four pewter dishes a cheese plate five plates a bd pan and
one fish filale and Kettle one porridge pott two pott hangers a pair of iron doggs hoo gridirons a little iron hook a sander fire shovel and tongs a pair of bellows a feather bed and all furniture to it belonging
a chest of drawers four old chairs an old bedstead with curtaining a chest four pair of sheets one silver spoon & finesh box a gurners and spit a clock & Jaike three hibbs two bowl one table which are all the items that there responded and received belonging to the said deceased upon her death
[Section 2]
Additionally, these individuals declare that they are informed and believe that the deceased died possessed of and entitled to the several items mentions?
And set forth in a extended inventory given in by virtue of the corporal oaths of Thomas Malbrow and Hannah his wife on or about
[Page break]About the twenty fourth day of October 1728 to which of it Extantore [Latin] for themselves and these individuals further declare that the deceased died possessed of and entitled to the following items which falled to the custody & possession of Thomas Malbrow and Hannah his wife which are totally omitted and left out in the Inventory by them Executors as also a fire grate and iron back a large frying pan olde Carl Harrow and two ploughs a cubbord [cupboard] one picture in a frame one powerdering tub a box with drawer a large table leaf a large Bible a grinding stove two cows a horse and flaggotts [cut wood] ladle bridle & plough harness one kettle.
[Section 3]
Additionally, these individuals further declare that the said deceased died possessed of and entitled to the several items mentioned in the 2nd [p]arte or Additionally, of the inventory executed by the said Thomas and Hannah Malbrow of which said items of these individuals wish their proportion either was false in this inventory in & [cheat] testor out of moneys arising from the sale of it.
[Section 4] The margin note indicates “10” which appears to point to 10 pounds as the value of the section
Additionally, these individuals declare that they are informed and believe this deceased died possessed of and entitled to a flores (sp?) Bankhard worth about ten pounds which the said Thomas and Hannah Malbrow either immediately before or after the death of the said deceased possessed
Themselves of and that of said Tankard as nowin their as one of their custody or possession or with custody or possession of said person for them that also and is not mentioned or set forth with said Inventory by them executed as by these give & may appear reformed being to it had
[Section 5] The margin note indicates “1:5:0” which appears to point to 1 pound, 5 shillings and 0 pence, as the value of the section
Additionally, these individuals declare that they are informed and believe that the deceased was possessed of an entitled with one broad coins of gold value 25 which said coins of gold value have custody and possession of the said Thomas and Anne Malbrow or one of them which said Broad force is totally omitted in the said inventory by them executors [Executors] as by the said inventory may appear referred being to it had.
[Next column][Section 6]
Additionally, this extant John Tucker declares that they has been informed and believes that of said deceased died possessed of two Gold Rings the one a plane one and the other with a stone set therein valus two points in consideration of a morely of which the extant Sarah Tucker without this extant John Tuckers privity and ______ Sarah a silver spoon & snuff box valued at eleven shillings and more wherefore this extant wish that the said Thomas & Hannah Malbrow may be chargeable with the further fined of eighteen shillings to wake up the real value of the said rings Five shillings of which this extant valued as one to have
[Section 7]
Additionally, These individuals are informed and believe that the deceased about 11 years next before her death did lend to Thomas Malbrow of North Mimms in the county of Hertford the picture of one hundred and ten pounds for the following the repayment of which the Thomas Malbrow gave his bond payable with Interest as these individuals have been informed and believe and these individuals declare the said Thomas Malbrow did by the deceased orders in her life into pay to these individuals of deceased of 2nd part of the moneys one for principal and Interest upon the said bond accd[accrued] that the remaining part of the said moneys one for priced accd [accrued] interest upon the said bond remained unfalsified and due when at the filled of the said deceased’s death which said moneys so due and totally omitted with aforesaid inventory exhibited by the said Thomas & Hannah Malbrow
[Closing Statements]
Lastly these individuals John Tucker and Sarah Tucker his wife to both declare that no other items personal belongings or credits of the said deceased have come the these individuals hands possession
[Page break that wraps back around to the left column of the first page]Or knowledge having cot are in this document before mentioned and set forth.
John Tucker
Sarah Tucker
On 21 Nov 1728, John Tucker and Sara Tucker, his wife, sworn [to speak] the truth before me.
E. Kinaston, Surrogate.