BRANSCOMBE TIMELINES

The Eighteenth Century

The header for each year is preceded with an @ sign to facilitate searching

 

 

@1700

14 February, St.Mary Arches, Exeter: Thomas Braunscombe marries Joan Bawden. (IGI) [Bowden?]

 

15 July, Withycombe Raleigh: Mary, daughter of William & Jone Brancsomb, baptised. [poss d.1701? Poss fifth & last child of William & Joan ? No marriage date yet, but William poss bp.1662 Woodbury? Poss siblings: Charity (1689-1695?), John (1690), William (1695/1696?), Martha (1698)? William senior poss d.1716 & Joan 1736?]

 

3 September, Sandford: Joan, first child of Robert Brownscomb & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698), baptised. [siblings Mary Dec 1700, Elizabeth 1704-1706, Elizabeth 1709]

 

7 September: Complaint regarding presence of Captain Branscomb's ship in St Johns harbour, Newfoundland. [cf: 1701]

 

27 September, Clyst St.George: Hannah Branscombe of Woodbury marries Jacob Dolling of East Budleigh.[1] [cf:Dollings of Dawlish 1841. Also, Hannah bp.1706 Woodbury, daughter of Phil Branscombe, overseer of apprentices 1702. Is it possible that this is the widow of John bp.1659 Woodbury, second child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury), poss will administered 1698 Broad Clyst? If so they had at least five children, all bp. Broad Clyst: An (1686), William (1688), Samuel (1691), Sarah (1693), Philip (1694)]

 

17 October, St.Sidwell's, Exeter: Jone Branscomb marries Robert Ridler. (IGI)

 

??, Woodbury: John Branscombe, son of Philip, christened. (IGI) [poss first child of Philip, overseer of apprentices, poss bp.1664 Woodbury, fourth child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)? Poss siblings: Philip (1705), Hannah (1706). John junior poss m.1720 Woodbury, Mrs Mary Adams?]

 

16 December, Sandford: Mary [S?], second child of Robert Brownscombe & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698), baptised. [siblings Joan Sept 1700, Elizabeth 1704-1706, Elizabeth 1709. Mary married 1726 (John Southcott), died 1778. Robert prob d.1737 Sandford]

 

Captain Branscombe mentioned in a letter to the Admiralty Office from J.of St.Johns, Newfoundland. The letter is a list of complaints against Captain William Lilburne, Captain William, Commander of H.M. forces in Newfoundland. Included is a complaint that a local fishing vessel was ejected from the harbor to make room for Captain Branscombe's ship, on 7 September, 1700. (cf:1702)

 

[A John Branscombe of Topsham, ship's captain in the Newfoundland trade, is flourishing at this time. The Branscombes in the Newfoundland trade are said to mainly sail from Topsham, but sometines also Beer][2]

 

`England and Wales at the beginning of the eighteenth century were inhabited by about 5½ million people - far fewer than the population of present day London ... Roughly a third of the total population lived in south-eastern England ... It was estimated that in many towns in the early eighteenth century half the children born died before they were five. Consequently the total population increased only slowly - especially up to about 1750 ... smallpox, dysentry, typhus and consumption were widespread ... in the period 1720-50 cheap gin was consumed in great quantities, especially in the London area. However in 1751 Parliament greatly increased the tax on spirits, and strictly controlled their sale by distillers and shopkeepers ... Queen Anne (1702-14) had seventeen children, yet none reached maturity. However the death rate fell in the second half of the eighteenth century. Consequently the population of England and Wales reached 9 million by 1801.'[3]

 

Upton Hellions: poss year of birth of Ann Branscombe, who m. 1721, Edward Haydon?

 

`Between 1697 and 1815 there are, for Britain, more years of war than of peace.'

 

`By the early 1700's there were no less than 26 coffee-houses, and 30 taverns, where financiers of various kinds met, mostly situated around 'londonChange Alley, at the back of the Royal Exchange, between londonCornhill and londonThreadneedle Street.'

 

`Nothing today could look less like an important harbour than the mouth of the , for its tiny stream struggles with difficulty between cliff and shingle, to reach the sea. Yet as recently as monarchsWilliam III's reign [1689-1702], ships traded here from distant countries. And though now the little bay is silted up, it is admirably sheltered from rough weather...it is easy to believe that prehistoric shipping would have found it a commodious harbour.' [4]

 

`Until the 1700's, much of the paper used in Britain is imported from the Continent.'[5]

 

St.Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: poss marriage of Joan Branscombe? [6]

 

@1701

2 March, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Bartholomew Brunscombe baptised, son of Bartholomew & Agnes.[7] [Bartholomew m.1701 Oakford, Agnes Lake. Prob siblings: James (1703), Andrew (1707)]

 

24 April, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Bartholomew Brunscombe marries Agnes Lake.[8] [prob children: Bartholomew (1701), James (1703), Andrew (1707). The old calendar makes it look as if their first child was born out of wedlock!]

 

10 November, Withycombe Raleigh: Mary Branscom, daughter of William, buried.[9] [Mary poss bp.1700?, poss fifth & last child of William & Joan?]

 

Knowstone: Thomas Brownscombe marries Elizabeth (Tar?) and Agnes Brownscombe marries ? [10]

 

Dawlish: poss marriage of Thomas Branscombe and Joan (Bowden?).[11]

 

@1702

6 March, Woodbury: Phillip Braunscombe is an Overseer of Apprentices. [12]

 

5 April, Littleham: Thomas Branscom marries Joan Adames of Exmouth.[13] [poss. son of Nicholas & Susanna, bp.1681 Dawlish? If so, brother John marries Mary, daughter of Thomas & Bessie Adams. OR poss second child of Thomas Branscombe & Susanna (Elson - m.1646 Littleham)? Poss d.1715?]

 

29 April, Talaton: Robert Branscombe marries ayres, Agnes Ayres. (IGI) [cf:1717 Talaton, John Branscomb m. Anne Mare]

 

19 May, Broadhempston, Devon: Philip Pearse (b.1678?) son of Philip, marries Purthesay Avery. They have at least three children: Philip (buried 1711), Philip (bapt. 1713), Thomas (bapt. 1717)[14]

 

22 July, Crediton: Ann Brownscomb marries Thomas Jacob. (IGI)

 

Reign of King William III of Orange ends (since 1689). monarchsAnne succeeds (to 1714).

 

Captain Nicholas Branscombe, Shipmaster, given permission by the King to embark for Newfoundland, despite an embargo, on condition of being ready within a month. Nicholas is the Master of a 60-tun vessel, the shipsSusan & Mary, carrying 12 seamen and 10 landsmen. The fortifications being built in Newfoundland are almost complete. A long list of ships, perhaps including the Susan & Mary, are given permission to sail against the embargo, providing they carry a minimum cargo of supplies for this.

 

There is a reference to a ship called the Susan & Mary being taken as a prize by a Captain Norriss, Captain in 1703.

 

Woodbury Phillip Braunscombe an overseer of apprentices. (EBMI) [poss bp.1664 Woodbury, fourth child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)? Poss children: John (1700), Philip (1705), Hannah (1706). John junior poss m.1720 Woodbury, Mrs Mary Adams?]

 

Grand Junction Canal extended to londonPaddington.

 

@1703

14 April, North Molton: Philip Braunscombe marries Alice Okeham. (IGI) [there appear to be no baptisms for North Molton in the IGI, so this parish may be worth checking, as there are two later marriages here, both of which could be descendents of Philip & Alice: Agnes m.1758 Jonathan Pasmore, Betty m.1790 Thomas Dinner]

 

22 April, Topsham: Martha Branscome marries Renolds, Joseph Renolds. (IGI)

 

13 July, Newton St.Cyres: Mark Branscombe marries helmore, Hanna Helmore. (IGI) [cf:1710 Mark Branscombe of Thorverton makes his will. Also cf:1740, Martha Brownscombe, daughter of Mark, mason of Thorverton. Mark Brownscombe's will administered in 1763]

 

9 November, Plymouth St Andrew: George, son of George Branscum senior, baptised.[15]

 

23 November: Marriage allegation between Edward Edwards of Washford Pine, cooper, and Sarah Philp of Morchard Bishop, spinster. Bound by Peter Crapp of Kenton, (master/mariner?)

 

23 November: Marriage allegation between Peter Crapp and Elizabeth Branscombe of Dawlish, spinster. Bound by William Sp(ring?) of Topsham, (master/mariner?), and William Barrett of (eadam/cadam?), (master/mariner?). [16]

 

23 November, Highweek: Elizabeth Branchcumb marries Peter Crapp. (IGI) [poss Elizabeth, bp. 16 November 1679, St.Gregory's, Dawlish, daughter of Nickolas Branscame. Poss siblings: Thomas (1681), Nicholas (1685-1692?), John (1687), (Susanna/Sarah? - 1689). Also cf:1656, Clapp/Branscombe]

 

3 December: Marriage allegations between Thomas Leigh of Dartmouth and Honor Hayman of same. Bound by Daniel Downe of Topsham, (master/mariner?). [17][cf:1770 bp of Honor Leigh, future wife of William Branscombe]

 

17 December, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?) James Brunscombe baptised, son of Bartholomew & Agnes.[1] [Bartholomew m.1701 Oakford, Agnes Lake. Prob siblings Bartholomew (1701), Andrew (1707)]

 

Thomas Branscombe of St.Thomas's, Exeter, makes his will.[19] [poss. son of Nicholas & Susanna, bp.1681 Dawlish? m.1702 to Joan Adams?]

 

Foundation of St.Petersburg, capital of the Russian empire.

 

A great storm hits Britain... possibly a tornado. Daniel says up to 8000 people died.

 

Eddystone lighthouse destroyed, with its designer inside.

 

Dawlish: Thomas Tripe rents the Dawlish Fishery, let by the Dean & Chapter of Exeter, for the antient [?] rent of £2.13.4d with a covenant to review for a further five years if he thinks fit.[20] [cf: typed ms. by P.R. Whiteaway, The History of Rixdale Farm, Dawlish and the Tripe Family, WCSL Exeter]

 

Dawlish: poss marriage of Elizabeth Branscombe? [21]

 

Littleham: poss marriage of Jane Branscombe and Thomas Hooper? [22]

 

@1704

5 March, Feniton: Peter Branscomb, son of Peter, baptised. (IGI) [Peter senior poss bp.1659, son of Peter & Dorothy (Palmer - m.1649 Feniton)? cf:1707 for poss brother Thomas & 1724 for reference to Peter, churchwarden of Feniton]

 

27 March, Sandford: Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Brownscombe & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698), baptised. [siblings Joan Sept 1700, Mary Dec 1700, Elizabeth 1709. Poss d.1706, as Robert & Joan christen another daughter Elizabeth in 1709]

 

1 June, Kenton: Timothy, son of sailor John Pearce & Jane, baptised.[23]

 

England takes Gibralter from Spain.[24]

 

`The politico-literary magazine was born in 1704, with defoe, Daniel magazines & newspapersDefoe's Review, followed by magazines & newspapersSteele's Tatler (1709). magazines & newspapersAddison and Steele's Spectator (1711) and magazines & newspapersDefoe's Mercurius Politicus. They were opposed by the Tory magazines & newspapersSwift's Examiner (1710) dominated by Swift.'[25]

 

@1705

12 March, Bishopsteignton: Susanna, daughter of mariner Thomas Branscombe & Joan, of Coombe [Combeinteignhead?], baptised. [cf:1707] [poss. son of Nicholas & Susanna, bp.1681 Dawlish? m.1702 to Joan Adams of Exmouth?]

 

26 April, Knowstone: The will of ? Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[26]

 

5 July: Marriage allegations between Rich Williams of Crediton, carpenter, and Sarah Brounscombe of same, spinster. [27]

 

5 July, St.David's, Exeter: Sarah Branscombe marries Ric Williams. [28]

 

7 July, Woodbury: Philip Brannscomb, son of Phil, baptised. (IGI) [poss second child of Philip, overseer of apprentices, poss bp.1664 Woodbury, fourth child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)? Poss siblings: John (1700), Hannah (1706). John junior poss m.1720 Woodbury, Mrs Mary Adams?]

 

1 August: Elizabeth Michell, only daughter and heir of Benjamin Michell of Seaside, Branscombe, is born. Married 1726 John Heard of Bridgwater, mother of Elizabeth, b.1726/7 and m.1747 to James Branscomb of Exmouth.[1]

 

16 August, St.Dunstan's, Stepney: James, son of James, mariner of Upper Wapping & Sarah (Martin - m.1697 Stepney) Branscome, baptised.[30] [cf:1699 for brother John & 1707 for brother William]

 

21 August, Sussex County, Delaware: Sarah Branscomb witnesses the marriage of George Ely & Jane Pettitt.[31] [cf:1694]

 

Thomas Newcomen [b.Dartmouth, 1663], inventor of the first effective steam pump (called an atmospheric engine), marries Hannah Waymouth, daughter of a Malborough farmer.[32]

 

Littleham: There is a gap in the registers from 1705-1743.[33]

 

Crediton: Jas Brownscomb marries Gra Mathews. [34]

 

@1706

1 March, oodbury: Hannah Brannscombe born to Phil Brannscombe. (IGI) [poss third and last child of Philip, overseer of apprentices, poss bp.1664 Woodbury, fourth child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)? Poss siblings: John (1700), Philip (1705). Hannah poss mother of John Taylor Branscombe bp.1731 Woodbury?]

 

4 September, andford: Elizabeth Brownscombe, buried. [poss bp.1704, daughter of Robert Brownscombe & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698)? They name a second daughter Elizabeth, in 1709]

 

@1707

4 March, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Andrew Brunscombe baptised, son of Bartholomew & Agnes.[35] [Bartholomew m. 1701 Oakford, Agnes Lake. Prob siblings: Bartholomew (1701), James (1703). Andrew poss m. 1752 Exeter, Catherine Cooke/Grinning?]

 

11 March: Abraham Branscombe, son of John Branscombe, a pauper of Morchard [Bishop?] goes up to Exeter College, Oxford, aged 18. He gains his B.A. in 1710, is appointed rector of Eggesford, Devon, in 1723; of Chawleigh in 1732.[36] [poss m.1728 Wembworthy?]

 

21 March, St.Dunstan's, Stepney: William, son of mariner James Branscum of Upper Wapping and Sarah (Martin - m.1697), baptised.[37] [cf:1699 for brother John & 1705 for brother James. William poss m.1734 St.Mary Magdalene, Old Fish Street? James senior may be the member of the Liveried Company of Weavers mentioned in 1713. There are no Branscombe baptisms indexed between 1745-1816, in this parish]

 

1 June, Kenton: Mary, daughter of John Pierce [Pearce], sailor, and Jane, baptised.[38]

 

15 September, Feniton: Thomas Branscomb, son of Peter, baptised. (IGI) [Peter senior poss bp.1659, son of Peter & Dorothy (Palmer - m.1649 Feniton)? cf:1704 brother Peter bp. Feniton & 1724 - Peter is churchwarden]

 

28 September, St.Edmund's, Exeter: Mary, daughter of George Branscombe, baptised. (IGI)

 

Withycombe Raleigh: Jno Raymond esq., Overseer of the parish, authorises payment to Joan Branscomb.[39] [poss Joan, wife of William - d.1716? Poor relief?]

 

United Kingdom formed, when Scottish parliament is persuaded to merge with the england:union;English parliament.

 

Fielding born; novelist, playwright, magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners. (d.1754)

 

The will of Thomas Branscombe [mariner?] of Teignton Episcopi [ishopsteignton], is proved in the exeterConsistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter.[40] [Thomas of Coombe? (Combeinteignhead?) poss son of Nicholas & Susanna, bp.1681 Dawlish? m.1702 to Joan Adams of Exmouth? Father of Susanna, bp.1705 Bishopsteignton? Poss brother of John Branscombe (1687 - 1720) who married Mary Adams, daughter of Thomas & Bessie? cf:1763 the will of Thomas Branscombe of Bishopsteignton, proved]

 

@1708

19 April: Ford, locksmith, apprentice of Joshua Branscombe, is admitted to the freedom of the city of Exeter.

 

17 November, St.Petrock's, Exeter: James Brannscombe marries Magdalen Hennocks. (IGI) [poss James bp 1686 Littleham, son of William & Mary (Crutchet - m.1676 Littleham)? Summers documents say this bride is Magdalene Hancock and the church is St.Peter's. cf:1713 or 1718 - son Thomas baptised in Withycombe Raleigh. Poss sibling James (bp.1711 Littleham). Poss Magdalen remarries in Ilsington 1716?]

 

The will of Samuel Waymouth of Paynton is proved in the Consistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter.[41]

 

Sardinia (to 1714), and Minorca (to 1783) become British bases.[42]

 

Wren'sSt.Paul's Cathedral, begun in 1675, is finished, at a cost of more than £700, 000.

 

Knowstone: Hugh Brownscombe marries Joan Ridler, Margery Brownscombe marries ? [43]

 

Rose Ash: (Tomsin?) Branscomb marries (Lewis Baker?).[44]

 

Petty Harbour, Newfoundland: William Blescom is registered in the census, with his wife and one child.

 

At St.John's, John Branscome is registered in a census as the master of the Exon of Topsham, bound for `Porto' with 300 quintals of fish and 3 tunns of train oil. His ship is 180 tuns burthen, with 26 men, 14 guns, 3 boats kept.[45]

 

@1709

22 May, Sandford: Elizabeth Branscomb, daughter of Robert Brownscomb & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698), baptised. [poss second daughter with this name, as the first, bp.1704, may have died in 1706. Other siblings: Mary & Joan (1700). Robert may have died in 1737]

 

August: William Branscomb, later to become a sea captain of Maine & New Hampshire, is born. [m.1732 Elizabeth White? And/or (date unknown) Prudence Page? d.16 May 1788, Hampton N.H. aged 78 years and 9 months.[46] Poss related to Charles & Joseph Branscomb, also of N.H. around the same time. Also poss Arthur Branscomb, who owned land in Durham & Newmarket, N.H.?]

 

Abraham Darby uses coke to smelt iron.[47] [a key pre-requisite of the Industrial Revolution]

 

The will of Edward Waymouth of West  Teignmouth proved in the Consistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter.[48]

 

Drewsteignton: Edward Brounscombe marries An Small.[49]

 

@1710

7 May, Dawlish: Gavin Painter dies. [b.1657?] [cf:1627]

 

Here lyeth ye Body of Mr
Gawyn Painter Senr of this pish
who died ye 7th day of May 1710 in ye
53D YEAR OF HIS AGE

 

 

Binford, locksmith, apprentice of Joshua Branscombe, becomes a Freeman of the city of Exeter.

 

Branscombe of Thorverton [mason?] makes his will.[50] [cf:1703, Newton St.Cyres;, Mark Branscombe marries helmore, Hanna Helmore. Also cf:1740, Martha Brownscombe, daughter of Mark, mason of Thorverton. Mark Brownscombe's will administered in 1763]

 

Abraham Branscombe, son of John Branscombe, a pauper of Morchard [Bishop?], gains his B.A. He went up to Exeter College, Oxford, aged 18, in 1706/7. He is appointed rector of Eggesford, Devon, in 1723; of Chawleigh in 1732.[51]

 

Britain's britainpopulation set to double by 1810.

 

Charles; Pearse, tailor, apprentice of Pearse, tailor, made a freeman of Dartmouth.[52]

 

Knowstone: John Brownscombe marries Mary Neckells.[53]

 

@1711

20 January, Dawlish: Nicholas Branscomb buried? [unclear - not N.B. mariner cf:1724][54]

 

6 July: Marriage allegation between John Salter of Budleigh, tanner, and Ann Branscombe of Woodberry, spinster. Bound by Georg(ina?) Beard(on?) of Woolborough, clothier. [55][poss An bp,1686, 12 September, Broad Clyst, (first child?) of John Brannscombe. John poss b.1659 Woodbury, second child of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)? Poss siblings for An: William (1688), Samuel (1691), Sarah (1693), Philip (1694)]

 

20 September, Dawlish: Nicholas Branscombe of Bishopsteigton buried.[1] [poss bp.1685 son of Nicholas?]

 

15 November, Littleham: James Branscombe, son of James, baptised.[57] [poss James & Magdalen (Hennocks - m.1708 Exeter)? Poss sibling: Thomas (1718 Withycombe)? OR poss son of James bp 1686, and grandson of William Branscombe of Exmouth & Mary (Crutchet - m.1676 Littleham)?]

 

William, weaver of Crediton; Brownescombe, serge-weaver of Veny Tedborne, Crediton, father of James. (EPNI)

 

Deborah Branscomb of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, mentioned in a deposition concerning the parents of Davis [her husband?], in Swansea, South Wales.[58]

 

Addison on Britain's increased trade at the expense of France and Holland, as the British Empire began to expand, particularly in North America and the West Indies:

 

`Our ships are laden with the harvest of every climate; our tables are stored with spices and oils and wines; our rooms are filled with pyramids of china and adorned with workmanship of Japan; our morning draught comes to us from the remotest corners of the earth; we repair our bodies by the drugs of America and repose ourselves under Indian canopies. The vineyards of France are our gardens, the Spice Islands our hot beds; the Persians are our weavers and the Chinese our potters ... our English merchants convert the tin of the country into gold and exchange wool for rubies. The Mahometans are clothed in our British manufactures, and the inhabitants of the frozen zone are warmed with the fleeces of our sheep.'[59]

 

The rate for postal delivery in England is set at a minimum of 3d (the price of a good meal at a respectable inn or eating-house) for the shortest journey. `Only London had a penny post service until a change in the regulations permitted other cities to emulate it after 1765. Speeds were laid down according to formulae calculated under Charles II. The administration of the service was marred by private profiteering and political corruption. Postmasters had been given a monolpoly of `posting' travellers in 1660 and did their best to exclude competitors. Strictly speaking it was illegal for one not of their number to hire out a horse with a guide. So far as the mail itself was concerned, postmasters were entitled to charge (at their own rates) for local delivery of letters beyond the network provided by the Post Office, until an important court case in 1772 found these exactions unjustified by law. The mail was notoriously open to inspection for reasons of State. These included party politics as well as national security. The men involved served every government with impartial, patriotic cynicism ... the post was traditionally carried by post-boys riding in all weathers and risking many hazards, both natural and man-made ... The American Quaker John Woolman, visiting England in 1772, was so shocked by the cruelty which the postal system inflicted on boys and horses alike, that he advised his correspondents at home not to write to England by means of the public post except in dire necessity.'[60]

 

Invention of the Newcomen Steam Pump, or "atmospheric steam engine".[61]

 

@1712

6 February: Marriage allegations between Philip Furse of Spreyton and Mary (Batcliffe?) of Cheriton, spinster. Bound by Simon Branscombe of Littleham, (captain/nautain?) and Thomas Bowell of (eadem?), (nautain?). [62]

 

11 March: Marriage allegations between Simon Branscombe (above) and Elizabeth Weekes of Littleham, spinster. Bound by Moses Webber of Luppitt, agr, and John Chaplin of Exeter, (Sutorem?). [63]

 

John Brownscombe, serge-weaver of Veny Tedbourne, Crediton. (EPNI)

 

6 May: Marriage allegation between Mathew Hudson of Topsham, (nautain?) & Mary Branscombe of St Thomas, widow. Bound by George Vicary of Broadclyst (agr?) and Jacob Boyle of Shobrooke, yeoman. [64]

 

8 May, St.Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Mary Branscomb marries Matthew Hudson. (IGI) [cf:1820]

 

21 July: Marriage allegations between Thomas Pooke of Knowstone, agr, and Mary Delbridge of same, spinster. Bound by William Brannscombe of Woodbury, yeoman, and Philipp Brannscombe of Clyst St George, yeoman. [65]

 

24 July: Marriage allegations between William Branscombe (above) and Elizabeth Hart of Colyton Raleigh, spinster. Bound by John Page of Woodbury, miller, and William Cornish of (endem/eadem?), cordwainer. [66]

 

24 July, St.Peter's, Exeter: William Branscombe marries Elizabeth Hart. (IGI) [poss William bp 1682 Littleham, son of William & Mary (Crutchet- m.1676 Littleham)? William poss d.1728? cf:1715 Branscombe/Hart marriage settlements since 1650]

 

`Newspapers have always been looked upon with suspicion by governments and an attempt at control and at the same time raise money was made in 1712, by the Stamp Tax. The official minute stated there were 44, 000 newspapers published weekly - the total combined circulation, not titles - and the tax imposed was a halfpenny on a half sheet or less, and a penny up to a full (folded) sheet. The result was that the `quality' papers, like the Spectator had to close down, but the scandal sheets were buoyant enough to survive.'[67]

 

Exeter, St Thomas: My Branscomb marries Mat Hudson. [68]

 

@1713

March: John Branscombe arrives in New England from Exeter, aboard the Leghorn Marchant. He may not have been an immigrant, as he is mentioned in the records as a “shipper” for John Pym's emigration from Exeter to New England on the Leghorn Marchant. [69]

 

11 March, Littleham: Simon Branscombe marries spinster Elizabeth Weekes. Both of this parish.[70] [cf:1712, 11 March for allegations]

 

16 April, Broadhempston, Devon: Philip Pearse, son of Philip & Purthesay (Avery - m. 19 May 1702 Broadhempston), baptised. Marries Grace Grant, Broadhempston, 22 May 1743. They have six children: Elizabeth (1744), Joan (1747), Philip (1756), William & Joan (twins - 1757), Joseph (?)[71]

 

22 August, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Thomas Brunscombe marries Sarah Webborn.[72] [poss children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?) Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768]

 

James; Brownscombe, member of the Livery Company of Weavers, recorded as voting for all four Whig candidates in the London .[73] 

 

Treaty of Utrecht, between England and France, ends the war of the Spanish Succession, or Queen Anne's War. The French had to give up all settlement in Newfoundland, but they did retain their fishing rights.[74] By leaving the Spanish empire and its trading monopolies substantially intact, the treaty sought to establish a stable state system in Europe and overseas based upon the balance of power. Instead, it perpetuated the principle causes of colonial conflict. territorial expansion continued throughout the eighteenth century and led to serious clashes between Portugal and Spain in the Banda Oriental (Uruguay), between Spain and Great Britain in Georgia and between Great Britain and France in North America. Trading monopolies proved an even greater source of friction. Illegal trade with the Spanish empire flourished and Spanish attempts to supress British and Dutch smugglers from Jamaica, St.Eustatius and Curacao reduced the Caribbean to a state of undeclared war. Further north, British efforts to enforce similar restrictions on its American colonists provoked resistance and finally open revolt.[75]

 

Philip de Branscomb churchwarden of Clyst St.George.[76] [poss bp.1694 Broad Clyst, son of Richard?]

 

`The churchwardens were not only ecclesiastical officers, but they were also Civil officers. For the civil part of their duties, they were under the Justices of the Peace of the district. They were also locally responsible for the military affairs of the parish. Previous to the establishment of the Militia, in 1757, each parish had to supply its quota of trained soldiers, who had to muster occasionally, for training ... Another part of the churchwarden's duties was the extermination of vermin such as wild cats, badgers, foxes, otters, hedgehogs, etc.. The prices for killing these vermin were paid by the churchwardens, and ranged from 6s 8d for a vixen to a penny for a stoat or weasel.[77]

 

2 December, Littleham: Arthur Branscombe (bp.1689 Littleham, sixth child of William Branscombe of Exmouth & Mary (Crutchet - m.1676 Littleham)), marries spinster Elizabeth Callard. Both of this parish.[78] [poss children of this marriage: Mary (1715), Arthur (1718), John (1723-1723), Elizabeth (1725)? According to Summers documents, Arthur senior lived in Newfoundland and Arthur junior was buried at St.John's (1800)]

 

Exeter, St Edmund: Jos Branscomb marries Ele Pine. [79]

 

@1714

16 January, Sandford: Philip Brownscomb of Crediton, & Mary Peck of Crediton, marry.[80] [son Philip bp.1724 Crediton]

 

7 March, Withycombe Raleigh: Thomas Branscoom, son of James & Magdalen (Hennocks - m.1708 Exeter), baptised.[81] [Or 1718? poss sibling James (1711 Littleham)? Poss Magdalen remarries in Ilsington 1716?]

 

25 June, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): William Brunscombe baptised, son of Thomas & Sarah.[82] [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas senior d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this death could be Thomas junior, bp.1719? Sarah d.1768]

 

1 July, St.Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Joshua Branscomb marries Mary Childon. (IGI) [cf:1715]

 

10 July, St.David's, Exeter: Martha Brannscombe marries Zechariah Scutt. [83]

 

11 December, Morchard Bishop: William Brawnscomb, son of Joseph, buried.[84]

 

Reign of Queen Anne ends (since 1702). She is the last monarch of the Stuart Dynasty (1603-1714). George I of Hanover succeeds (to 1727), the first monarch of the House of Hanover & Windsor (to present).

 

Crediton: John Branscombe, serge-maker, marries Sara Pitts.[85] [cf:1719 marriage allegation]

 

Exeter, St Thomas: Jos Branscomb marries My Childon. [86]

 

@1715

1 January 1715, George Regina - 1804: Indenture between William Branscombe, yeoman, & Elizabeth his wife, of Colaton Raleigh, and William Fforpe/Ffoch?, of Farringdon, regarding lands at Drupe. (EPNI) `Drupe Farm (now transformed into holiday cottages) was, in 1330, the home of William atte Thrope. In 1388 it was called Thorp and became Droope in 1679. The name is interesting in being the only example of the Old English Thorp (roughly, a dependent or outlying dairy farm belonging to a village or manor) which has been noted, in Devon.'[87]

15 January, St.Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Joshua, son of Joshua [& Mary Childon? - m.1714] Branscombe, christened. (IGI)

3 July, Littleham: Thomas Brancomb buried.[88] [poss m.1646 Littleham to Susanna Elson? OR poss Thomas, second child of Thomas & Susanna (Elson - m.1646 Littleham)?]

 

14 October, Littleham: Mary Branscomb, daughter of Arthur, baptised.[89] [Poss first child of Arthur and Elizabeth (Callard - m.1713)? Poss siblings: Arthur (1718), John (1723-1723), Elizabeth (1725)? According to Summers documents, Arthur senior lived in Newfoundland and Arthur junior was buried at St.John's (1800). Another poss sibling: Simon (1728, bp. Withycombe Raleigh)]

 

Jacobite Rising.

 

The last of the Branscombe/Hart marriage settlements (since 1650).[90] [cf:1712 William Branscombe marries Elizabeth Hart in Exeter]

 

Lancelot "Capability" Brown, landscape gardener, is born.

 

`A handful of great lords, the Dukes of Newcastle, Bedford, Devonshire and some others, received £30, 000 a year or more in rent, besides what they might get in government salaries and pensions, but the bulk of the landed gentry, the real country squires, received rentals of a few hundred pounds a year, but still many times the average family income. It had to be so, since they were the principal servant-keeping class, and they usually employed in their households and home farms from about five to forty servants. The aristocracy and gentry were not only te richest class, individually at least, but they were in the strictest sense the ruling class. As the only group with both the leisure and the wealth for politics in a system of government run mainly by amateurs, they were the rulers of England at every level from the Cabinet to the parish. The King's Ministers were, with a few exceptions in the law offices of state, great landowners or their relations. The civil service, as we should now call it, consisted of their appointees from among their friends and relations. The House of Lords was to all intents and purposes a House of landlords. Four fifths of the House of Commons comprised landowners and their relations, and the rest were chiefly their friends and dependants. In the counties the lords lieutenant and high sheriffs were drawn from the greatest landlords, while the effective county government for almost all purposes was in the Bench of Justices of the Peace, drawn from the landed gentry. In the villages the squire's word, whether or not he was a J.P., was law, backed up by the threat of eviction or the withdrawal of his custom from the village traders. Three quarters of the population lived in the coutryside, but even in the smaller towns the local landowners were often almost as influential as in the villages, and it was only in the comparitively few great cities - and no town outside London had more than 50, 000 inhabitants, and most had less than 20, 000 - that the men of the middle ranks, the greater merchants and lawyers, could control their own affairs and elect their own M.P.s.'[91]

 

The period 1600-1715 was the flowering of the south-west wool-weaving trade, centred on Exeter. The serges were renowned as hard-wearing. Barnstaple and Bideford were the main receiving ports for Irish wool. Crediton and Morchard Bishop were local weaving centres.

 

@1716

30 April, Withycombe Raleigh: William Branscoomb buried.[92] [poss husband of Joan? Poss bp.1662 Woodbury, poss second child of Bartholomew & Martha? No record so far of his marriage. Poss children: Charity (1689-1695?), John (1690), William (1695/1696?), Martha (1698), Mary (1700-1701?)?]

 

13 June, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Thomas Brunscombe baptised, son of Thomas & Sarah.[93] [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas senior d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this death could be Thomas junior? Sarah d.1768]

 

27 December, Ilsington [nr.Newton Abbot]: Magdalene Branscombe marries Edward Furlong. (IGI) [formerly Hennocks, m.1708 Exeter, James Branscombe?]

 

31 December: Inventory attached to the will of George Pike of Colaton Raleigh signed by William Branscombe, and others.[94] [cf:1715 William Branscombe, yeoman of Colaton Raleigh & his wife Elizabeth. Also Branscombe connections with Drupe farm, Colaton Raleigh, from 1614-1739]

 

Crediton: Dor Brounscombe marries Jn Woodyetts & Thos Brounscombe marries Jo Wills. [95]

 

@1717

2 January, Morchard Bishop: Elizabeth Brawnscomb, wife of John, buried.[96]

 

9 February, Withycombe Raleigh: Martha Branscombe marries Stephen Chard.[97] [or 1718? Poss bp.1698 Withycombe, poss fourth child of William (d.1716?) & Joan?]

 

12 February, Talaton: John Branscomb marries Ann Mare. (IGI) [cf:1699 Thomazine Branscombe/Mare - 1790 John Branscombe m. Agnes Mare. Also cf:1702 Talaton, Robert Branscombe m. Agnes Ayres. Poss children all bp. Talaton: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)?]

 

14 October, Morchard Bishop: Joanna Brownscomb, wife of John, buried.[98]

 

@1718

5 January, Littleham: Arthur Branscomb baptised.[99] [poss second child of Arthur & Elizabeth (Callard - m.1713)? Poss siblings: Mary (1715), John (1723-1723), Elizabeth (1725), Simon (bp.1728 Withycombe Raleigh)? According to Summers documents, Arthur senior lived in Newfoundland and Arthur junior was buried at St.John's (1800)]

 

9 February, Withycombe Raleigh: Martha Branscoomb marries Stephen Chard.[100] [or 1717? or 1719?]

 

7 March, Withycombe Raleigh: Thomas, son of James & Magdalen Branscombe, baptised.[101] [or 1713? Magdalen (Hennox - m.1708 Exeter) re-married in 1716?]

 

15 May, Bishopsteignton: Peter Pearse marries Mary Walters of Bishopsteignton.[102] [poss parents of Elizabeth, bapt. 1722, who may be future wife of Edward Branscombe of Dawlish?]

 

9 November, St.Edmund's, Exeter: Joshuea Branscomb marries Elener Pine. (IGI) [cf:1695, Roger Pyne, neighbour of Joshua Branscombe, locksmith, off Arch Lane]

 

3 December, Talaton: William Branscomb, son of John, baptised. (IGI) [poss first child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736). Poss. William d. Bampton 1751?]

 

William Branscombe of Colaton Raleigh mentioned in the will of George Pike of Colaton Raleigh, 1718. (EBMI) [cf:1716]

 

The will of Hugh Brownscomb of Knowstone is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[103]

 

St.Peter's, Exeter: John Brownscombe marries Mary Bellamy.[104]

 

@1719

9 February, Withycombe Raleigh: Martha Branscoomb marries Richard Chard. Both of this parish.[105] [duplicates of this marriage 1717, 1718? Poss daughter of William and (Joan?) of Withycombe? Poss siblings: Charity (1689-1695?), John (1690), William (1695/1696?), Mary (1700-1701?)?]

 

29 March, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): John Brunscombe baptised, son of Thomas & Sarah.[106] [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768]

 

9 April, Chittlehampton: James, son of Thomas & Elizth Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [cf:1721 possible sister Ann]

 

29 June, St.Andrew's, Plymouth: John Branscomb marries Mary Harris.[107][possibly parents of John (bp.1720), Richard (bp.1722), Thomas (bp.1728), all Callington? Also cf:1760 John of Callington’s will]

 

`Perhaps the only real factory in early eighteenth-century England was the Lombe brothers' silk mill on the Derwent near Derby in 1719, with its 300 throwing machines driven by a giant waterwheel. Such modern-seeming industrial workers were not only in a minority but scattered in small and mainly rural establishments near the water power, the clay, the saltings, the metal ore, the woodland charcoal, and so on, across the countryside. The majority of industrial wokers were individual outworkers and their families, working in their own homes for a capitalist merchant, to whose warehouse they tramped weekly with the finished goods on their own backs or on those of donkeys or packhorses. In addition to all these, the landless labour force supplied thousands of transport workers on the roads and the waterways - post-boys and packhorsemen, coachmen and guards, waggoners and their boys, bargees and `halers' [labourers who would haul boats and barges along waterways], dockers and sailors, and many more ... '[108]

 

27 August: Marriage allegation between John Brannscombe of Crediton, sergemaker, and Sarah Pitts of same, widow. Bound by John Norris of Milton Abbot, (...?). [109][cf:1714 marriage]

 

31 December: Marriage allegations between John Locke of Thorverton, mason, and Margaret Cross of same. Bound by John Brownscombe of Crediton, husbandman. [110]

 

@1720

10 January, Dawlish: John Branscomb buried.[111] Son of Nicholas & Susan. [b.30 October, 1687 - cf: 12 July IGI Adams marriage? Also cf: Thomas, poss brother of John, married Joan Adams in Exmouth, 1702]

 

 

Here lieth ye body of John ye son of Nicholas & Susan Branscomb of this psh and husband of Mary daughter of Thomas & Bethieh Adams who died January ye 6(?) Ano Doni 1720 Aged 33 years 2 months and six days

 

12 January, Whitestone: Elisabeth Pierce, daughter of Thomas, is baptised.[112] [cf:1725 - double entry?]

 

6 February: Marriage allegation between Charles Davis of Lympstone and Sarah Davis of the same, spinster. Bound by Richard Suxbitch of Clyst St George, yeoman. [113]

 

7 February: Marriage allegation between Richard Suxbitch and Grace Brannscombe of Woodbury, spinster. Bound by Henry Quentin of Topsham, (nautain?) and William Stone of Exeter, whitebaker. [114]

 

7 February, St.Peter's, Exeter: Grace Brannscombe marries Richard Suxpitch. (IGI) [cf:1657 Grace Brannscombe baptised, Woodbury, dtr of John & Grace (Clapp - m.1656 Woodbury)]

 

Polwhele says of the Suxpitch family:

 

`... perhaps the family of Sucpitch or Sokespitch is the only one which, from before the Conquest to the present day [1793], has existed without any material change of place or station. The Sucpitches possess two small parchment grants or feoffments, which were passed before the Conqueror's time: these curious antique charters are their only archives. The whole series of these people, from the original down to the present descendent, seem to have been actuated by one common disposition, to have adopted a narrow plan, and invariably adhered to it; that is, to preserve their estate entire, without addition or diminution: and to transmit a posterity uninterrupted in the male line, was their highest ambition.'[115]

 

12 July, Woodbury: Mrs Mary Adams marries John Braunscombe (sailor of Dawlish?).[116] (IGI) [cf: 10 January this year. Also cf:1730 for possible duplication? Poss John bp.1700, son of Philip? Also cf: Branscombe/Adams marriages, Dawlish]

 

15 July, St. Mary’s, Callington, Cornwall: John, son of John Branscomb, is baptised. (IGI) [poss. John & Mary (Harris, m.1719 Plymouth St Andrew)? cf:1722 Richard, 1728 Thomas, 1760 John's will]

 

2 October, Bishopsteignton: Peter, son of Peter & Mary (Walters? m.1718?) Pearse, is baptised.[117] [cf:1722 for sister Elizabeth - poss future wife of Edward Branscombe of Dawlish?]

 

27 October, London: George Branscomb ordered to be removed from Newgate Prison and transported to Maryland, aboard the ship Gilbert.[118]

 

2 November, Littleham: Sarah Branscomb marries James Geiles.[119] [poss bp 1693 Littleham, seventh child of William Branscombe of Exmouth & Mary (Crutchet - m.1676 Littleham)? Poss siblings: William (1679), James (1681), William (bp 1682, d.1728?), Simon (bp 1684, d.1741?), James (bp 1686), Arthur (bp 1689)? Sarah poss d.1720?]

 

Approximate year Richard Branscombe born. Emigrated to Maryland 1735/6? - m. Sarah Proctor 1744 Virginia. [cf:1722 Richard of Callington]

 

The Bubble Act: Panic measure passed by parliament as a direct consequence of public scandal caused by the collapse of the south Sea Company. The Act prohibited the formation of joint-stock companies, unless sanctioned by parliament. It was not very effective, and was repealed in 1825.

 

Dawlish: Nicholas Branscombe, & John Branscombe of (Corksbrook?), pay church rates for property in the parish.[120]

 

@1721

20? May, Dawlish: Johanna?, daughter of John ?Branscombe?, born.[121]

 

29? ?, Dawlish: (Doll?/Daff?), daughter of John Brownascombe?, born.[122] [cf:1723]

 

5 May, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Philip Brunscombe baptised, son of Thomas & Sarah.[123] [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768]

 

29 May: Marriage allegation between Edward Haydon of Kingston, Somerset, gardener, and Ann Branscombe of Upton Hellions, spinster. Bound by Peter Bolt of Exeter, woolcomber. [124]

 

29 May, St.Peter's, Exeter: Ann Branscombe marries Edward Haydon. (IGI)

 

11 June, Talaton: Thomas, son of John Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [poss second child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736). Poss Thomas m. before 1745 Anne ?, and baptised three children at Ottery St.Mary, Peter (1745), Elizabeth (1749), Sarah (1752)?]

 

14 July, Chittlehampton: Ann, daughter of Thomas & Elizabeth Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [cf:1719 possible brother James]

 

5 September, Shobrooke: Dorothy Brownscombe marries Matthew Cudmore. [125]

 

Guy's Hospital, Southwark, established by the bookseller Thomas Guy.

 

@1722

12 February, St Mary’s, Callington, Cornwall: Richard, son of John Branscomb, baptised. (IGI) [poss. John & Mary (Harris, m.1719 Plymouth St Andrew)? cf:1720 John, 1728 Thomas, 1760 John's will. This is a candidate for Richard of Virginia, who founded the American Branscombs]

 

22 March, Oakford [nr.Bampton]: Zacharias Branscombe, son of Thomas & Sarah, is baptised. (IGI) [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768. Zacharias prob m.1755 Cadeleigh, Tiverton]

 

27 March, Crediton: Ann Brownscombe marries John Sharland. (IGI)

 

20 April, St.Peter's Cathedral, Exeter: Mary Brannscombe marries William Baker. (IGI)

 

24 May, Bishopsteignton: Elizabeth, daughter of Peter & Mary (Walters? m.1718?) Pearse, baptised.[126] [poss future wife of Edward Branscombe of Dawlish? cf:1720 for brother Peter]

 

20 December, Dawlish: Joanna(?) Brimmacombe(?) [Branscombe?] born.

 

Abram Branscombe instituted to the living of Eggesford, Devon (to 1734).[127] [cf:1732]

 

`Perhaps the decline of smallpox [in the eighteenth century] was a result of the discovery of inoculation. Lady Mary Wortley Mantagu brought the idea from the Middle East in 1722. The usual way to carry out inoculation was to find someone suffering from smallpox and draw a thread through one of his sores. The doctor would then make a slight cut on the arm of the person to be inoculated and draw the thread through that in turn. If all went well the patient would have a mild attack of smallpox and thereafter be immune, but there were dangers. Possibly the attack of smallpox would be severe and the patient would die.'[128] [cf:1798 - Jenner discovers vaccination]

 

Samuel Weymouth [Waymouth], tobacconist, apprentice of Lazarus Mecho, admitted to the Freedom of the City of Exeter.

 

Daniel Defoe's Moll Flanders published.

 

@1723

2 January, St.Gregory's, Dawlish: Susannah Branscombe [b.1689?], daughter of Susanna & Nicholas Branscombe, mariner of Dawlish, & Andrew Norton marry.[129] [cf: Nicolas Branscombe's will, 1724. Sussana Norton pays a church rate at Shutterton & at Esdon, in 1782/3]

 

5 March: Marriage allegations between Thomas Branscombe of Morchard Bishop and Eliz Lane of same, spinster. Bound by William (Morchay?) of Thorverton, yeoman. [130]

 

6 March, St.Peter's Cathedral, Exeter: Thomas Branscombe marries Elizabeth Lane. (IGI)

 

17 June, Talaton: Mary Branscomb, daughter of John, baptised. (IGI) [poss third child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)]

 

5 August, Littleham: John Branscomb, son of Arthur & Elizabeth, baptised.[131] [d. October. Poss third child of Arthur & Elizabeth (Callard - m.1713)? Possible siblings: Mary (1715), Arthur (1718), Elizabeth (1725)? According to Summers documents, Arthur senior lived in Newfoundland and Arthur junior was buried at St.John's (1800). Another poss sibling: Simon (1728, bp. Withycombe Raleigh)]

 

2 October, Littleham: John Branscomb, son of Arthur & Elizabeth, buried.[132]

 

5 December: Marriage allegations between Gidley Burges of Topsham, Mariner, and Martha Peters of same, spinster. Bound by Nicholas Brannscombe of Dawlish (hant?) [133]

 

5 December: Marriage allegations between Andrew Norton of Littleham, Mariner, and Susanna Braunscombe of Dawlish, spinster. Bound by George Gould of Exeter, Linen draper, and John Truslake of Exeter, (agri). [134][married, 2 January, Dawlish]

 

24 December, Dawlish: (Doll?), daughter of John Browinacomb [Branscombe?], born. [cf:1721]

 

Abraham Branscombe, son of John Branscombe, a pauper of Morchard [Bishop?], appointed rector of Eggesford, Devon. He gained his B.A. from Exeter College, Oxford in 1710. He is appointed rector of Chawleigh [next village] in 1732.[135] [cf:1778 Abraham Branscombe & John Churchill, rector of Eggesford, witness the marriage of Robert Leach & Elizabeth Davy]

 

Crediton: Phil Brounscombe marries Sarah Buckingham, Sus Brownscomb marries Phil Buckingham, & Sar Brownscomb marries Jn Jerrett. [136][cf:1741 Branscombe/Buckingham marriage in Bideford]

 

@1724

9 June, Dawlish: Nicholas Branscombe, mariner of Dawlish, makes his will:

 

In the Name of God Amen

I Nicholas Branscombe of the Parish of Dawlish in the County of Devon marriner being now in health and of good Memory do Make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following First I comend my soul into the hands of almighty God who gave it me and my Body to the earth from whence it came in hopes of a joyfull resurrection thr'o the Merits of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and for all such Worldly Goods or Chattles Lands Estates as it hath plesed God to bestow upon me and Give and Bequeath as followeth - First I do order that my Body shall be buried in Christian Burial according to the discretion of my Executrix hereafter mentioned Item I give unto Joan Matter(face/fall/faie?) my Daughter in Law five Pounds starling to be paid in Six Months after my decease by my Executrix Or Order Item I give unto Julian Best widow formerly Wife of John Best deceased of Stokentinhead after mine and my wife Susanna Branscombe's decease all that cottage with the appurtnces belonging to it formerly in all Possession of John Bowdon Senr. lying and being in the Parish of Ashcombe during her natural life and after her death to John (Wilken?) her Grandson Son of Nicholas (Wilking?) deceased so long as they lives, I have now on it to say, Susanna Branscombe now Susanna (Nortton?) and Nicholas Arthur Son of James Arthur of Ashcombe do live Item I give unto John Best Son of Stephen Best Twenty Shillings to be paid in Six Months after my death

Item I give unto Susanna Gottbead wife of Anthony Gottbead Twenty Shillings to be paid in Six Months after my decease Item I give unto John Paddon son of

Elizabeth Paddon five Pounds starling to buy his Life on the House his Mother now lives in provided I do not buy it from him before, if not then not to have it, before he doth buy the House Item I Give unto the under bearers of my Body to my Grave a pair of Gloves and one Shilling each Item I give unto Mary Barker[137] formerly the wife of my Son John Branscombe[138] a plaine Silver Dish holding about a Pint of Liquor after my buriall Item I give unto Susanna (Frinde?) the Daughter of William (Kelly/Helly?) deceased Twenty Shillings to be paid in Six Months after my decease Item I give unto the Poor of the Parish of Dawlish Five Pounds Starling to be paid in Six Months after my decease As for all the rest of my Lands Tenements Goods moveable and immoveable and whatsoever I now enjoy I Give unto Susanna Branscombe my wife whom I make my sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament Revoking all other Wills and Testaments whatsoever and the Lands I bought of James (Rood?) Esqr to goe to Susanna Nortton's younger children after the death of Susanna my wife, that is to say the House I now live in with the two cotts adjoining and the (Exberries?) and Windgates to be equally divided amongst them But for Cofford in Kenton and (Cock/Cork) street in Dawlish to continue in the right Line of the Branscombes which is my desire

 

Whereunto I set my Hand and Seal this ninth day of June 1724

 

Nicho Branscombe  (seal)

 

Sealed Signed and Delivered in the Presence of

 

Edward Slocombe

Edward Tucker

The Mark of                John Kerswill

 

Note attached in 1793:

The Probate is with Sir Robert Palk Bart. the Purchaser of Cofford Estate in Kenton and this is a true copy whereof

            John Gribble                           John Luxton[139]

 

28 August, Crediton: Philip, son of Philip Branscomb & Mary (Peck - m.1714), baptised. (IGI)

 

22 November, Talaton: Sarah Branscomb, daughter of John, baptised. (IGI) [poss fourth child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss d. before 1727? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)]

 

24 November, East Budleigh: Sarah Brancom, daughter of Philip & Eleanor, baptised.[140] [siblings: Eleanor (1729), Mary (1731), Samuel (1734)]

 

Approximate year of birth of William Branscombe, probably in Tiverton/Bampton. [d. 1757 - husband of Sarah, father of William, Bartholomew & James]

 

Daniel Defoe begins his Tour of the Whole Island of Great Britain. (to 1726)

 

Feniton: At some stage after 1724, Peter Branscombs is churchwarden at St.Andrew's and possibly a tenant of William Skinner (?) He is shown in the tithe-book as making 10 hogsheads of cider from a smallholding of less than 56 acres in the parish.[141] [Peter senior poss bp.1659, son of Peter & Dorothy (Palmer - m.1649 Feniton)? If so, his sister Dorothy married Josias Skinner in 1609. In 1614, George Skinner was rector of Feniton. cf:1704 Peter bp. Feniton, son of Peter, 1707 Thomas bp. Feniton, son of Peter. This is the last reference to Feniton in the database. The first is in 1571, the approximate year of birth of George Branscombe, later a butcher in Feniton, and probably the son of weaver Osmund & Joan]

 

The will of Jn Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop, is proved.[142] [cf:1725 testamentary cause, John Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop. Also cf:1726 - Mary Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop makes her will]

 

Bideford: Elizabeth Brownscombe marries ? [143]

 

Crediton: Sar Brounscomb marries Jas Madge. [144]

 

@1725

2 June, Whitestone: James Brinscombe marries Mary Hawkes.[145] [IGI says 1735]

 

29 June, Whitestone: Elisabeth Pierce, daughter of Thomas, baptised.[146] [poss m. Edward Branscombe 1747 Dawlish? cf:1720 - double entry? In 1634, in Whitestone, which is about four miles west of Exeter, Agnes Branscombe marries John Pearse]

 

25 August, Littleham: Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of Arthur & Elizabeth, baptised.[147] [poss fourth and last child of Arthur & Elizabeth (Callard - m.1713)? Possible siblings: Mary (1715), Arthur (1718), John (1723-1723)? According to Summers documents, Arthur senior lived in Newfoundland and Arthur junior was buried at St.John's (1800). Another poss sibling: Simon (1728, bp. Withycombe Raleigh)]

 

12 September, Oakford [nr.Bampton]: Mary Branscombe, daughter of Thomas, baptised. (IGI) [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768. Mary poss d.1752]

 

27 October: Marriage allegations between John Dennis of Broad Clyst, agri, and Anne Branscombe, alias Lockington, of Whimple. Bound by John (Halfyard?) of Whimple, Smith. [148]

 

28 October, Rockbeare [nr.Whimple]: Ann Branscomb, or Lackington, marries John Dennis. (IGI)

 

John Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop - testamentary cause.[149] [cf:1726 - Mary Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop makes her will]

 

Vivaldi completes his Four Seasons.

 

Sandford: Mary Brownscombe marries ? [150]

 

Pinhoe: Mary Branscombe marries ? [151]

 

@1726

24 January, Sandford: Mary [S?] Brownscombe, [1700-1778], daughter of Robert & Joan (Carpenter - m.1698), marries Robert Southcott. [in Morchard Bishop 1758, weaver Abraham Branscombe marries Frances Southcott, b.1733]

 

11 June: Elizabeth Michell, only daughter and heir of Benjamin Michell of Seaside, Branscombe, is married to John Heard of Bridgwater. Parents of Elizabeth, b. 11 March 1726/7 Bridgwater, m.1747 to James Branscomb of Exmouth.

 

August: George Pierce sentenced by Devon Assizes to transportation to America. Mary Pearse reprieved, probably from sentence of death, or burning in the hand, to 14 years transportation.[152]

 

22 November, Talaton: Sarah, daughter of John Branscomb christened. (IGI) [poss duplication? cf:1724 Sarah]

 

10 December, Dawlish: John (Branscome?) buried.[153]

 

Mary Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop makes her will.[154] [cf:1724, the will of Jn Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop, is made. Also cf:1725 testamentary cause, John Brownscombe of Cheriton Bishop]

 

Lloyd's List is published, a revival of the failed Lloyd's News (1696), specialising in news of ships, voyages and merchant ventures.[155]

 

St.Petrock's, Exeter: John Brownscombe marries Mgy Small.[156]

 

@1727

1 March, Okeford (Oakford): Hugh Brunscombe baptised, son of Thomas and Sarah.[157] [Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in 1728? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716. Sarah d.1768. Hugh poss d.1751?]

 

10 March, Talaton: John, son of John Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [poss sixth child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)]

 

11 March 1726/7, Bridgewater: Elizabeth Heard, first child of John & Elizabeth (Michell of Seaside, Branscombe - m.1726), is born. Elizabeth junior m.1747 James Branscomb of Exmouth.[158]

 

3 April, Talaton: Sarah, daughter of John Branscomb christened. (IGI) [poss seventh child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John (1727), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)]

 

5 June, Morchard Bishop: William Brawnscomb, son of John junior, baptised.[159]

 

31 July: Joshua Branscombe becomes a Freeman of the city of Exeter, by apprenticeship as a woolcomber.

 

8 August, Crediton: Mary Branscombe marries Walter Hall. [160]

 

26 August, Morchard Bishop: William Brawnscomb, son of John junior, buried.[161]

 

22 October, Bampton: John Branscomb of Bampton dies, aged 64.[162] [poss bp.1664 Oakford, son of John & Ann (Lea - m.1655 St.Peter's, Exeter)? Poss siblings: Hugh (1658), Joyce (1661), Mary (1666). Bampton is 2½ miles from Oakford]

 

John Brownscombe of Powderham makes his will.[163] [this is the only Branscombe reference in Powderham, so far]

 

Reign of King George I of Hanover ends (since 1714). George II succeeds (to 1760).

 

@1728

19 January, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Thomas Brunscombe buried.[164] [poss Thomas m.1713 Oakford, Sarah Webborn. Or poss Thomas, their son, bp.1716? Poss other children: William (1714), John (1719-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768. Sarah d.1768]

 

9 February, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): John Brunscombe buried.[165] [poss third child of Thomas m.1713 Oakford, & Sarah Webborn. Poss other children: William (1714), Thomas (1716-1728?), Philip (1721), Zacharias (1722), Mary (1725-1752?), Hugh (1727-1751?). Thomas d. before 1768, poss in January of this year? Or this could be Thomas junior, bp.1716? Sarah d.1768]

 

10 April, Morchard Bishop: Mr. John Brawnscomb buried.[166]

 

3 June, Morchard Bishop: Elizabeth Brawnscomb, daughter of John, baptised.[167]

 

21 June, St. Mary’s, Callington, Cornwall: Thomas, son of John Branscomb, is baptised. (IGI) [poss. John & Mary (Harris, m.1719 Plymouth St Andrew)? cf:1720 John, 1722 Richard, 1760 John's will]

 

3 August, Littleham: William Branscome buried.[168] [poss m.1676 Littleham, Mary (Crutchet?) OR poss William, bp 1682 Littleham, third child of William Branscombe of Exmouth & Mary (Crutchet - m.1676 Littleham)? If so, poss siblings: William (1679), James (1681), Simon (bp 1684, d.1741?), James (bp 1686), Arthur (bp 1689), Sarah (bp 1659, m.1683?)?]

 

15 August, Crewe, Cheshire: Thomas Brancome marries Marie Gane. (IGI) [IGI93 notes: Relation of Clarence Olsen]

 

26 October, Wembworthy: Mr. Abr Branscom, rector of Eggesford, marries Mrs. Ann Scott of High Birchington.[169]

 

18 December, Withycombe Raleigh: Simon Branscoom, son of Arthur & Eliz, baptised.[170] [Possible siblings: Mary (1715), Arthur (1718), John (1723 d.1723), Elizabeth (1725), all Littleham baptisms. Simon possibly m.1754 in Stepney?]

 

Bering begins Russian reconnaissance of Alaska.

 

Newfoundland: Captain Arthur Branscombe (flourishes c1733-59). Master and owner of the sloop Hope, built 1728, registered at Exmouth. `A sober man, well-acquainted with the Halifax coast.' He is said to be `of Topsham'.[171]

 

Crediton: Mk Brounscomb marries An Smith. [172]

 

@1729

12 January, Dawlish: Susanna Branscombe buried.[173] [poss. wife of Nicholas, d.1724, but cf: note on Shutterton, below - could this date be 1730 in the old calendar?]

 

12 March, Morchard Bishop: Hannah, daughter of John Branscomb, christened.[174] (IGI) [poss mother Elizabeth?]

 

24 May, Crediton: Mary Branscombe marries Abraham Fulford. [175]

 

5 October, East Budleigh: Eleanor Branscomb, daughter of Philip & Eleanor, baptised.[176] [siblings: Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Mary (1731), Samuel (1734). Eleanor poss m.1752 Exeter, Joseph Guard?]

 

(9/15?) November, Dawlish: John Brimmescombe [Branscombe?] buried.

 

Widow Branscombe holds the estate of Shutterton in Dawlish parish, granted by Court Roll.[177] [Shutterton is at Cofton. cf:1696 - Nicholas Branscombe holds the estate of Shutterton, in Dawlish parish.[178] Poss. father of Thomas (1681), Nicholas (1685), John (1687), Susanna (1689) - poss. m.1677 Susanna Sawden - cf:1724 will for description of land holdings]

 

The hamlets around Dawlish include Cofton, Cockwood, Middlewood, Westwood & Holcombe.

 

Crediton: Jn Brounscomb marries An Tape. [179]

 

@1730

29 March, Crediton: Elisabeth Branscombe marries William Challacombe. [180]

 

12 July, Woodbury, Devon: John Braunscombe marries Mary ?Adames? (IGI) [cf:1720 for poss duplication]

 

First issue of The Gentleman's Magazine, including obituaries of the rich and famous. Marriages came later, and births later still.

 

In Kenton, George & Mary, George & Margaret, William & Ann and John & Anne Pearce suddenly appear in the parish registers, baptising children.[181] [cf:1707]

 

Dodbrooke?: Estimated year of birth of William Branscombe. [m. about 1750 Dodbrooke to Agnes C-? They have five children: Mary (1753), William (1755), James (1758), Richard (1759) & Samuel (1761), all baptised in Dodbrooke]

 

Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth Shapley, later first wife of Samuel Branscombe of Highweek. Died Highweek, 1772.[182]

 

Dawlish: Thomas Prowse becomes Vicar of St.Gregory's to 1789)

 

Abraham Branscombe of Teignmouth, a fishing captain who owns his own vessel, is said to be flourishing in the 1730s. [Newfoundland?][183]

 

@1731

1 January, Woodbury: John Taylor Branscombe, son of Hannah, christened. (IGI) [No father listed - cf:1706 for birth of Hannah, daughter of Phil. cf:1762 for marriage of John of Clyst St.George, to Sarah Howell of Woodbury]

 

20 March, Morchard Bishop: Dianisha, daughter of John Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [Dionysia m.1769 Exeter, Henry Westcott]

 

25 April, Talaton: Elizabeth, daughter of John Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [poss eighth child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Sarah (1733), Thomas (1736)]

 

August: John Pearse sentenced by Devon Assizes to transportation to Virginia.[184]

 

25 August, St Mary’s, Callington: Mary, dughter of John Branscomb and Mary his wife, buried, aged 6. [185]

 

1 October, Chittlehampton: Thomas Branscombe marries Mary Gilford. (IGI) [cf:1738 Thomas, 1740 William - poss children?]

 

29 December, East Budleigh: Mary Branscombe, daughter of Philip & Eleanor, baptised.[186] [siblings: Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Eleanor (1729), Samuel (1734)]

 

Jethro Tull's Horse-Hoing Husbandry published, giving first public details of the seed drill he invented in 1701. `[It] was not only the first practical drilling machine produced in England but the first important step towards the elimination of manual labour in farm operations in Britain.'[187]

 

Autobiographical account of New England pioneer life, written prior to 1691 by Captain Roger Clap, is published. [Clapp/Branscombe, cf:1656, 1703]

 

Captain Arthur Branscombe is the commander of the Molly of Exeter, on a voyage from Newfoundland to Exeter, with a cargo of molasses for Rufus Jordan and for himself. He is noted as commander of the same vessel, in 1732.[188]

 

Crediton: My Brounscomb marries Thos Ballamy. [189]

 

@1732

10 April: Marriage allegation between Nicholas Branscombe of Ilsington, farmer, and Elizabeth Stephens of same. Bound by Richard Bethell of St Thomas, inn-keeper. [190]

 

13 April, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): James Brunscombe marries Jone Carpenter.[191] [poss children: Bartholomew (1733), James (1740). Jone prob died, 1741]

 

25 December, St. Mary’s, Callington: Elizabeth Branchcombe buried. [192]

 

Abraham Branscombe, rector, instituted to the living of Chawleigh, Devon (to 1743).[193] [cf:1723]

 

William Branscomb, ship's captain of New Castle, New Hampshire, marries Elizabeth White.[194] [cf:1764]

 

Ilsington: Nicholas Branscombe, farmer? [195]

 

Exeter, St Thomas: Nic Brownscombe marries Eliz Stephens. [196]

 

@1733

7 February, Talaton: Sarah, daughter of John Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [poss ninth child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Thomas (1736)]

 

3 May, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Bartholomew Brunscombe baptised, son of James and Jone.[197] [James m.1732 Oakford, Jone Carpenter. Poss other child: James (1740). Jone prob d.1741]

 

July: Elizabeth Pearce sentenced by Devon Assizes to transportation to the American colonies.[198]

 

16 September, Witheridge: Andrew Brownscombe marries Elizabeth Mogford.[199]

 

The will of John Branscombe of Morchard Bishop is administered in the Consistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter.[200]

 

Kay's Fly Shuttle.[201]

 

Approximate year of birth of Frances Southcott of Morchard Bishop, d.1808. [wife of serge-weaver Abraham Branscombe of East Worlington, m.1758, mother of William? (attorney) bp.1759 d.1796, Joseph, bp.1762, John bp.1764 & Elizabeth bp.1777 d.1799]

 

Newfoundland: Captain Arthur Branscombe (flourished c1733-59) is commander of the Hope on a voyage from St.John's to Exeter with a cargo of 140 quintals of fish for `Self and Company'.[202] [master and owner of the sloop "Hope" (50 tons - seven men), built 1728, registered at Exmouth. `A sober man, well-acquainted with the Halifax coast.' He is said to be `of Topsham']

 

William Branscombe is the commander of the brig Charming Sally (75 tons) of Portsmouth, New England, on a voyage to Fayal and the Mediterranean.[203]

 

@1734

23 May, Branscombe: Margret Waymouth marries George Oatten. (IGI)

 

26 May, St.Mary Magdalene, Old Fish Street, London: William Branscombe marries Jane Robinson. (IGI) [poss child Sarah bp.1738 Holborn? William poss son of James & Sarah (Martin - m.1697 Stepney), bp.1707 St.Dunstan Stepney?]

 

23 July, Morchard Bishop: Anne, daughter of John Branscomb, christened. (IGI)

 

26 August, East Budleigh: Samuel Branscomb, son of Philip & Eleanor, baptised.[204] [siblings: Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Eleanor (1729), Mary (1731)]

 

25 December, Dorchester, Dorset: Thomas, son of Thomas & Mary Branscome, is baptised. (IGI)

 

The will of John Brownscombe of Crediton is proved, in the Consistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter.[205]

 

Parish register entries from this year are required to be in the Marriage Act form, requiring immediate signatures by parties & witnesses, and usually including professions of parties.

 

Newfoundland: Captain Arthur Branscombe (flourished c1733-59) is commander of the Hope on a voyage from St.John's to Spain or Portugal with a cargo of fish.[206] [master and owner of the sloop "Hope" (40 tons - five men), built 1728 in America, registered at Exmouth. `A sober man, well-acquainted with the Halifax coast.' He is said to be `of Topsham']

 

@1735

8 April, Crediton: Alice Brownscombe marries Will Anstey. (IGI) [cf:1777 Thomas Anstey bp. Dulverton, son of John & Elizabeth (Branscombe)]

 

2 June, Whitestone: James Brinscombe marries Mary Hawkes. (IGI) [or 1725?]

 

First practical ship's chronometer produced.

 

Richard Branscombe arrives in the Province of Maryland (or 1736), probably as an indentured servant. [b. circa 1720? - poss 1722 Callington, Cornwall?]

 

`Many a young man worked for passage-money to the Colonies, by going as an indentured servant. After the indenture was over, he was free to ask for a land grant, and bounty.'

 

Approximate year James Branscombe of Bampton is born. [d.1809 - Sir James, lay sheriff of London]

 

Approximate year Samuel Branscombe is born, possibly in  Highweek, Newton Bushel or Wolborough. He was a tanner in Kingsbridge, but may have been an inn keeper originally, owning The Miller's Wheel in Newton Abbot until it was destroyed by fire in 1791. Samuel marries Elizabeth Shapley in Highweek, in 1758, and they have at least four children: John (1760), Samuel (1764), William (1765), Richard (1767). Elizabeth dies in Highweek in 1772. There is a possibility Samuel then marries Mary Call (1772) and then/or Ann Quick, (1775), and produces four more children: Mary (1776-1784), Ann (1778-1784), Samuel (1780-1805) & Philip (1782-1795). Samuel probably dies in Highweek in 1801. [cf:1734 East Budleigh - Samuel Branscomb bp., son of  Philip & Eleanor]

 

Crediton: Jn Brounscomb marries Han Campe. [207]

 

@1736

3 February, Withycombe Raleigh: Joan Brandscomb buried.[208] [poss widow of William, d.1716? William poss bp.1662 Woodbury, poss second child of Bartholomew & Martha? No record so far of William & Joan's marriage. Poss children: Charity (1689-1695?), John (1690), William (1695/1696?), Martha (1698), Mary (1700-1701?)?]]

 

12 February, Littleham: Mary Branscom marries Joseph Wood.[209]

 

23 February, St.David's, Exeter: Phillip Branscombe marries Dorothy Braddick. [210]

 

13 March, Petton (Bampton): Hugh Branscombe marries Elizabeth Hill. (IGI) [cf:1737, Hugh Branscombe of Bampton makes his will. Also cf:1743, The will of Hugh Brownscombe of Bampton administered. There is no record, so far, of the baptism of Hugh. Also cf:1692 & 1751, Hugh Brownscombe of Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?), buried. Also cf:1727, Hugh Brunscombe baptised, Oakford, son of Thomas & Sarah]

 

10 May, St.Edmund's, Exeter: Joshua Branscombe marries Eleanor Hance. [211] [Joshua poss bp.1715 St.Thomas, son of Joshua & poss Mary (Childon - m.1714 St.Thomas)? Or poss son of Joshua & Eleanor (Pyne - m.1718 St.Edmund's?]

 

5 September, Talaton: Thomas, son of John Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [poss tenth and last child of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? Poss siblings: William (1718), Thomas (1721, d. before 1736?), Mary (1723), Sarah (poss d. before 1727), Sarah (possible duplication? 1726), John & Sarah (1727, Sarah poss d. before 1733?), Elizabeth (1731), Sarah (1733). Thomas poss m.1756 Anne Shepherd in Whimple?]

 

25 September, Littleham: Mary Branscom buried.[212]

 

28 December, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Elizabeth Brunscombe marries John Cook.[213]

 

Anti-Irish riots in London. Accusations that cheap Irish labour is taking the jobs of Londoners. The Tower of London Militia puts down the disturbances.

 

@1737

24 January, Sandford: Robert Brownscombe buried. [poss m.1698 Joan Carpenter. Children: Joan & Mary (1700), Elizabeth (1704-1706), Elizabeth (1709)]

 

27 March, St.Mary Steps, Exeter: Mary Branscombe, daughter of Joseph, baptised. (IGI) [cf: other children of "Joseph" baptised in St.Mary Steps about this time - Richard (1740), Samuel (1745), Charles (1749), Anne (1754)]

 

August: William Pearse sentenced by Devon Assizes to transportation to the American colonies.[214]

 

11 November, Morchard Bishop: Abraham, son of John Branscomb, christened. (IGI) [poss. m.1758 Frances Southcott of Morchard? d.1824 Morchard? John poss a sergemaker?]

 

Hugh Branscombe of Bampton makes his will.[215] [cf:1736, Petton (Bampton), Hugh Branscombe marries Elizabeth Hill. Also cf:1743, The will of Hugh Brownscombe of Bampton administered. Also cf:1692 & 1751, Hugh Brownscombe of Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?), buried]

 

North Molton: possible year of birth of Agnes Branscombe, m.1758, Jonathan Pasmore?

 

Sir Robert Walpole is Prime Minister. Samuel Johnson, and David Garrick, travel to London. Henry Fielding turns from the stage to the Bar, and the novel. Handel is composing his Messiah. Samuel Richardson is writing Pamela.

 

Chittlehampton: Thomas Branscombe marries Mary Gilford.[216] [cf:1731 - marriage of Thomas & Mary?]

 

Earl Kennedy papers note a marriage licence issued to Philip Branscombe, farmer of Woodbury, in this year.

 

@1738

6 January, Chittlehampton: Mary Branscombe, daughter of Agness, baptised. (IGI)

 

4 February, Dawlish: Robert Branscombe & Mary Dorson of Sandford marry. [cf:1739 for bp. & poss death of son Edward, Dawlish]

 

May: John Wesley experiences his "conversion".

 

18 June, St.Andrew's, Holborn: Sarah, daughter of William & Jane Branscomb of Saffron Hill, baptised.[217] [poss William, son of James & Sarah (Martin - m.1697 Stepney), bp.1707 St.Dunstan Stepney, m.1734 Jane Robinson, St.Mary Magdalene, Old Fish Street?]

 

24 July, Chittlehampton: Thomas Branscombe, son of Thomas & Mary, baptised. (IGI) [cf:1731 Thomas Branscombe m. Mary Gilford. Also cf:1740 possible brother William]

 

Captain Arthur Branscombe (flourished c1733-59) is commander of the sloop John (20 tons - built & registered in Newfoundland, 1737 - owned by Robert Haskell) on a voyage from San Locar to Barbados, with a cargo of Newfoundland fish, and salt.[218] [Arthur is master and owner of the sloop "Hope" (40 tons - five men), built 1728 in America, registered at Exmouth. `A sober man, well-acquainted with the Halifax coast.' He is said to be `of Topsham']

 

@1739

13 January: Henshaw Halsey Esquire of Gaddesden, dies. Charles Halsey, sixth son of Thomas and eldest surviving brother of Henshaw, inherits the estate.[219] [Charles d.1748]

 

3 March, Dawlish: Edward, son of Robert & Mary (Dorson of Sandford m.1738?) Branscombe, born. Baptised 6 March.[220] [poss d.16 March?]

 

16 March, Dawlish: Edward Branscombe buried.[221] [poss son of Robert & Mary?]

 

3 May, Ottery St.Mary: The Court Leet & Court Baron of the Hundred and Manor of Ottery St.Mary, held before Thomas Southcott, Steward. Thomas Branscombe is sworn in to serve as a juror. `At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the manor courts, having for the most part lost control over agricultural processes after the enclosure and partition of the common fields, found themselves responsible for much of the local government now (1913) performed by County & District Councils. The great increase in traffic throughout the land had drawn attention to the condition of the roads and bridges, and the old manorial courts struggled ineffectively either to discharge or to rid themselves of these constantly increasing demands on their resources - demands that had their origin in causes external to the interests of the localities affected thereby.'[222] [Thomas poss bp.1721 Talaton, son of John & Ann (Mare - m.1717 Talaton)? cf:1745 Ottery, Peter, son of Thomas & Anne Branscombe, christened]

 

Admiral Vernon RN, captures the Caribbean port of Puerto Bello, probably inspiring the re-naming of a farm in North Kensington in an anglicized form: Portobello.

 

Branscombe family deeds for Drupe, Colaton Raleigh, 1614-1739. (EPNI) `Drupe Farm (now transformed into holiday cottages) was, in 1330, the home of William atte Thrope. In 1388 it was called Thorp and became Droope in 1679. The name is interesting in being the only example of the Old English Thorp (roughly, a dependent or outlying dairy farm belonging to a village or manor) which has been noted, in Devon.'[223]

 

Approximate year that Richard Branscombe of Brunswick County, Virginia, marries. [or 1744 - Sarah Proctor?]

 

Captain Arthur Branscombe (flourished c1733-59) is commander of the Hope on a voyage from Antigua to South Carolina.[224] [master and owner of the sloop "Hope" (40 tons - five men), built 1728 in America, registered at Exmouth. `A sober man, well-acquainted with the Halifax coast.' He is said to be `of Topsham']

 

Crediton: Fra Brounscomb marries Thos Lee. [225]

 

@1740

30 January, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): James Brunscombe baptised, son of James.[226] [James m. Jone Carpenter in Oakford, 1732. Other poss child: Bartholomew (1733). Jone d.1741]

 

9 February, Dawlish: Elizabeth Bromblocombe [Branscombe?] & (Richard? Cador?) marry.

 

12 February, Chittlehampton: William Branscombe, son of Thomas & Mary, baptised. (IGI) [cf:1731 Thomas Branscombe m. Mary Gilford. Also cf:1738 possible brother Thomas]

 

4 April, Dawlish: Mary Branscombe buried.[227] [wife of Robert?]

 

29 June, St.Mary Steps, Exeter: Richard Branscombe, son of Joseph, baptised. (IGI) [cf: other children of "Joseph" baptised in St.Mary Steps about this time - Mary (1737), Samuel (1745), Charles (1749), Anne (1754)]

 

6 July, Topsham: John Pearce marries Sarah Branscombe. [cf:Charles Pearse - plumber with premises in Fore Street, Exeter][228]

 

Martha Brownscombe, daughter of Mark, mason of Thorverton. (EPNI) [cf:1710, Mark, mason of Thorverton; Branscombe of Thorverton [mason?] makes his will. Also cf:1703, Newton St.Cyres;, Mark Branscombe marries helmore, Hanna Helmore. Mark Brownscombe's will administered in 1763]

 

Jethro Tull dies.

 

Approximate year of birth, poss Great Marlow, Bucks., of Bartholomew Branscomb, later tin-plate worker and Freeman of the City of London. [d.1806 aged 66, buried Great Marlow]

 

Arthur Branscombe of Topsham, a ship's captain who flourished in the Newfoundland trade 1740-60s, commanded a Bristol ship in these years and then settled in St.Johns in the mid 1750s. He is said to have been `of Topsham', the son of Simon Branscombe, a small merchant and ship's captain of Exmouth, Devon, and St.Johns. He seems to have been a small "planter" and captain/owner of small vessels. In 1757 he was described as a "sober man and well acquainted with the Halifax coast" when engaged as a pilot by Admiral Shelborne for his projected expedition against French Canada and Captain Breton.[229]

 

Pinhoe: Nicolas Braunscombe marries An Mathews.[230]

 

@1741

7 April, Littleham: Simon Branscom buried.[231]

 

18 May: Samuel Waymouth, apprentice of Abraham Gilberd [Gilbert?], druggist, admitted to the Freedom of the City of Exeter. He or other Samuel Waymouths held a lease of 196 High Street, as druggists, until 1814.[232]

 

26 May, Okeford (Oakford - nr. Bampton?): Jone Brunscombe buried, wife of James.[233] [prob Jone Carpenter, m.1732 Oakford. Poss children: Bartholomew (1733), James (1740)]

 

5 June, St.Marychurch, Tormoham: Mary Banstone [Branscombe?] buried. [died?]

 

8 June, Dawlish: Mary Banscome [Branscombe?] buried.

 

October: David Garrick first comes to public notice as Shakespeare's Richard III, at Goodman's Fields Theatre, Leman Street, London.

 

`So enormous was the acclaim for Garrick's performance, one observer commented that 'there are a dozen dukes of a night at Goodman's Fields, sometimes.' Throughout the winter of 1741-2, Garrick's presence ensured that this little East End theatre was the most fashionable place in town, much to the annoyance of the proprietors of Drury Lane and Covent Garden Theatre, who finally had their unlicenced rival closed down, in May 1742. It was never re-opened, but Garrick himself went on to find fame and considerable fortune, leaving an estate worth more than £100, 000.'[234]

 

`The opening of the Devon & Exeter Hospital, in 1741, was a great boon to rural parishes. We constantly read of Dawlish patients being conveyed to the hospital, usually on horse-back.'