Will of composer George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) June, 1750. Handel, though born in Germany, lived most of his life in England. King George I was a great patron of his music, an early piece composed for the king was the’ Water Music’ in 1716 for a concert on the River Thames, he later composed his famous ‘Messiah’ in 1741. (Catalogue ref: PROB 1/14)
Transcript
In the Name of God, Amen.
I George Frideric Handel considering the uncertainty of Human Life doe make this my will in manner following.
Viz [giving more detail]
I give and bequeath unto my servant Peter the Blond, my clothes and linen, and three hundred pounds [sterling]; and to my other servants a year wages.
I give and bequeath to Mr. Christopher Smith my large Harpsicord, my little House organ, my music books and 500 pounds [sterling]
Item, I give and bequeath to Mr James Hunter … [Words crossed out] five hundred pounds [sterling].
I give and bequeath to my cousin Christian Gottlieb Handel of Copenhagen one hundred pounds [sterling].
…
All the net [rest] & residue of my estate in Bank annuity’s [pension-sum of money] 1746. Ist [subject] or of whatever kind or nature, I give and bequeath unto my Dear niece Johanna Friderica Fluëcken of Gotha in Saxony (born Michaëlsen in Halle) whom I make my sole executrix [female who has to make sure the will is carried out] of this my last will.
In witness of where I have here unto set my hand this 1 [first] Day of June 1750.
George Frideric Handel
Simplified transcript
I make this my will knowing that you never know what will happen in life, so here are the details of my will.
I leave to my servant Peter the Blond, my clothes and linen sheets and £300, and to my other servants a year’s pay.
To Mr Christopher Smith I leave my large harpsicord, my small house organ and my music books and £500. I leave Mr. James Hunter £500. To my cousin, Christian Gottlieb Handel from Copenhagen, I leave £100.
The rest of my possessions and money in the bank, I leave to my dear niece Johanna Friderica Fluëcken of Gotha in Saxony (born in Michaëlsen in Halle) and make her the person to ensure that this my last will, is carried out and witness that I have written this on 1st June, 1750.
George Frideric Handel