BRANSCOMBE TIMELINES

The Nineteenth Century

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


 

@1800

13 January, Newton Ferrers: Mary Brooking, widow, makes her will. [proved 1802][1]

 

13 February, Littleham: Thomas Branscomb buried.[2]

 

March: The Lady Nelson departs Portsmouth for Sydney Town.

 

5 April, St.Bride's, Fleet Street: Thomas Branscomb marries Mary Savage. (IGI)

 

13 April, Meppershall, Bedfordshire: Ann, daughter of Samuel & Sarah Bransome, baptised.[3] [cf: 1788, 1790 - their two previous children were baptised `Branscombe' in the register, although the Bishop's Transcript shows `Bransome']

 

2 June, St.Thomas, Exeter: Sarah Branscombe marries Thomas Pounsford. [4] [poss. Thomas Ponsford, carpenter, witness to agreement between William Branscombe of Exeter & Anthony Gibbs 1808. If so, this may indicate a family relationship between William, who married Honour Leigh in 1799 at Dartmouth, and Sarah. If Sarah was about 26 years old at the time of her marriage, she could have been bp. 1774 Clyst St.George, daughter of John & Sarah Branscomb. If so, she was the sister of a William, bp. 1770 Clyst St.George, who may have been the William who married Honour Leigh?]

 

14 June: Napoleon routs the Austrian army at Marengo. The English fleet continues to blockade France, preventing trade.

 

8 July: The Lady Nelson arrives at Table Bay, 99 days out from England.

 

October: The Geographe and Naturaliste sail from Le Havre under passport of safe passage from Britain, to explore New Holland under Captain Baudin.

 

7 October: The Lady Nelson sails from Cape Town for Bass Strait, and Sydney.

 

19 October, St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland: Richard, son of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, baptised.[5] [poss William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Leanora Sophia (bp. 1812), George Buckingham (bp. 1814), John Arthur (1816), Sydney (1818)? Richard d. 1849 St. John's, aged 48, when he is described as a blockmaker. He has a widow, Mary. Mention is made of two brothers, William & James, and two sisters, Amelia & Mary. Amelia married Dr. Winter & Mary married Dr. Crawford. Both marriages in Newfoundland. Richard left property in Newfoundland and on Prince Edward Island worth £1500. His estate in Newfoundland was worth £900.[6] cf: 1850 Mary Frances Branscombe, relict of Richard, marries George James Hogsett in St. John's]

 

St. John's, Newfoundland: `The only houses that stood off Water Street (about 1800) between McBride's Cove and Hutchings' House, at Barking Kettle, was Mr. Carter's house on Burstheart Hill (now Carter's Hill), and Mr. Branscombe's house, which stood back of where Mr. Smith built at the foot of Theatre Hill and a cooperage near Lion's Square.'[7]

 

November: The Harbinger departs Cape Town for Sydney; Jorgen Jorgensen is among the crew.

 

December: The Lady Nelson, under the command of Lieutenant James Grant makes the first recorded passage of Bass Strait from west to east, en route from England to Sydney.

 

16 December: The Lady Nelson arrives, Sydney Town.

 

The first of two years of poor harvests in England. The pressure of the population on food supply becomes acute.

 

London's population reaches nearly 1 million. (By 1900, it has exceeded 4 million)

 

The union of parliaments of the United Kingdom of England and Scotland with Ireland.

 

Compton Castle is sold out of the Gilbert family, and becomes derelict.

 

By 1800 the City of Exeter was well down the list of important provincial centres, while remaining the unquestioned capital of the south-west ... it was easier to graduate to the freedom in some [smaller] towns than in ... the larger like Exeter and Norwich. Much depended on the degree of control exercised by the craft guilds and by the oligarchy who ruled most if not all our towns from the medieval period onwards and probably earlier.

 

Samuel Waymouth, seaman of St.Marychurch, aged 23, completes a voyage on the packet Naples from St. John's, Newfoundland to Dartmouth.[8]

 

ON ENCLOSURES:

The law doth punish man or woman
Who steals the goose from off the Common
But leaves the greater felon loose
Who steals the Common
From the goose!

 

The Napoleonic War and agricultural depression combine to force the men of Branscombe to join the popular Jack Rattenbury of Beer in smuggling.

 

Littleham: Thomas Branscombe buried.[9]

 

@1801

January: Captain John Black of the Harbinger names King Island, and the Harbinger Rocks. [on which Captain William Waymouth Branscombe came to grief in 1871] Arrives Sydney Town 12th. January.

 

1 January: The union between Great Britain and Ireland comes into effect. The Union flag is altered to include the cross of St. Patrick.

 

6 January, Greensville County, Virginia: Patsy Branscomb marries Douglass Burnett.[10]

 

12 February: Robert and Joanna Branscombe of Dawlish petition Trinity House for relief.

 

16 March: H.M.S. Invincible wrecked off the Norfolk coast, drowning 400 crew. It was part of a battle fleet of 53 ships assembled off Yarmouth in February under Admirals Parker and Horatio Nelson for the Baltic Campaign. [formerly Robert Branscombe senr. served on this ship]

 

22 March, Whimple: William, fourth child of John & Alice Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [John; poss bp. 1765 Whimple, fifth child of Thomas Branscombe & Ann (Shepherd - m. 1756 Whimple)? Poss m. 1791 Alice Mitchell, in Broad Clyst? Poss siblings: Mary Ann (1793), Alice (1795), Betty (1798), Thomas (1803), Petronella/Peternella (1806), Henry (1808), Sarah (1811), all bp. Whimple. William prob. m. 1823 - Elizabeth Granger]

 

25 March: Czar Paul of Russia is assassinated, in St. Petersburg.

 

2 April: The Battle of the Baltic. A glorious victory for Horatio Nelson. The Danish fleet is destroyed at its moorings, in Copenhagen. [cf: description by Jorgen Jorgensen]

 

12 April, St.Andrew's, Holborn: Mary Ann, daughter of William & Sarah Branscombe of Grays Inn Lane, baptised.[11] [poss m. 1830 Dawlish, Lewis Gregory?]

 

1 June: Paddington & Grand Junction Canal opens. `... the first barge arrived, with passengers from Uxbridge, at the Paddington Basin. There were public rejoicings, and all the north-western suburb was en fête in honour of the occasion. Bells were rung, flags were hung out, and cannon were fired; and one enthusiastic Paddingtonian had good reason to remember the day, for the gun which he was firing burst and shattered his arm ... passenger boats went about five times a week from Paddington to Uxbridge; and the wharves at Paddington presented for some years a most animated and busy appearance, on account of the quantity of goods warehoused there for transit to and from the metropolis, causing the growth of an industrious population around them. But this was only a brief gleam of prosperity, for when the Regent's Canal was opened [1820], the goods were conveyed by barges straight to the north and eastern suburbs, and the wharfage-ground at Paddington suffered a great deterioration in consequence.'[12]

 

4 June: George III's birthday. At the age of 63, he has been on the throne for 41 years. He is subject to fits of madness.

 

19 June, Branscombe: William Cawley dies, aged 40. An inhabitant of Beer, but born in Branscombe, the son of John & Sarah Cawley. ` He had been on a smuggling expedition, and was found dead early in the morning by John Halse, in a field of oats called Five Acres, on the west side of Markel's Hill; lying on his back with his head downhill, and [a] cask of spirit at some distance from him, below.' Buried on 21 June.[13]

 

18 July: H.M.S. Investigator, under Captain Matthew Flinders, departs England to survey the south-east coast of New Holland.

 

22 August, St. Leonard's, Exeter: Ann Crook Branscombe marries William Pim. (IGI) [Ann is the daughter of Nicholas & Elizabeth and was baptised 30 June 1776 in St.George, Exeter. Nicholas & Elizabeth (Harris) were married 17 August 1775, in Holy Trinity, Exeter. In 1838, William Pim is a witness at the marriage of Susan Branscombe, daughter of Edward & Ann (Starling) Branscombe, in Exeter]

 

1 October: An armistice is signed with France. The British blockade of French ports is lifted on October 22nd.

 

2 October, St.Saviour's, Southwark: Thomas Branscomb marries Sarah Park. (IGI) [cf: 1802 Holborn, Sarah, daughter of Thomas & Sarah baptised]

 

6 October, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe buried.[14] [poss b. 1730 or 1735, Highweek or Newton Bushel or Wolborough. Poss m. 1758 Elizabeth Shapley in Highweek? She may have died in Highweek, 1772? Poss second wife m. 1772 Mary Call? Poss third wife m. 1775 Ann Quick? According to Jones,[15] the Branscombe family preceded the Vicary family as the most important in Newton Bushel's wool, cloth & leather industries, on which the economy of the town depended. `Samuel Branscombe senior conducted his wool business from the building on the corner of Halcyon Road (now White's Garage). The business failed and the owner sold out to the Vicary family, packed up his possessions, and left town. Samuel Branscombe junior owned a tanyard in Bradley Lane but was bought out by Moses Vicary in 1837, and thus started the Vicary's involvement in the leather industry.']

 

21 October, Dawlish: Robert Branscombe dies, aged 51.[16] [direct ancestor]

 

The first national census: the population of Britain is just under 11 million. The population of Branscombe village is 603. In Paddington, the population is less than 2000, but will increase to 25,000 by 1841. The population of Dawlish parish is 1424 - in 1841 it will be 3132.

 

The population of Torquay is 838 - by 1841 it will be 5982. `Torquay first began to gain repute during the Napoleonic wars [1793-1815]. In those stirring times, war ships and even fleets were often sent to Torbay to wait for orders - indeed it was seldom but that representatives of the Royal Navy were at anchor in the bay. As these ships were at times delayed for weeks and months, the officers would send for their wives and families, and to meet their requirements, villas and cottages were built.'[17]

 

The second of two years of poor harvests in Britain. The pressure of the population on food supply becomes acute.

 

`Labour was often hired on a family basis, particularly at harvest-time, when everybody tended to be roped in, and this proved more than satisfactory from the farmer's point of view, since women workers were paid less than men (and children less still). This was certainly the custom in Dorset and, as a result of wives working alongside their husbands in the fields `... the poor little ones are locked up all day, or left under the care of some young girl of seven or eight years of age, who has enough to do to mind the baby; and when the mother comes home, smashed crockery and sullen tempers have been the result of the family left without proper guardianship or control.' Boys in Dorset, moreover, often have to go to work at the age of eight or earlier, forced to get up with their fathers at four or five o'clock in the morning and then working almost continuously until early afternoon; as a result, not only is the boy's `mind deadened, but his poor little body is permanently injured.''[18]

 

The first Ordnance Survey map, of Kent, is published.

 

From 1340 to 1801, every English monarch adopted the title King or Queen of France.

 

James, Lord de Saumerez, promoted from Captain to Rear Admiral of the Blue. [to 1804]

 

Panshanger House built by the fifth Earl Cowper. [Demolished 1953]

 

22 December, East Stonehouse [Plymouth], Devon: Richard, second son of Richard Bowden Beard & Elizabeth, born.[19] [bap. 1802]

 

The population of Exeter in 1801 was about 17,000. It will almost double by 1851.[20]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1801

 

J Branscomb                Lottery Office               11 Holborn

 

Year of baptism of Charlotte Halsey, fifth child of fourth great-grandparents Edward & Sarah (Pratt - m. 1790 Redbourn). [siblings: Thomas (bp. 1790), Ann (bp. 1792), Edward (bp. 1793), James (bp. 1798), William (bp. 1802), Phoebe (bp. 1806), Elizabeth (bp. 1809), John (bp. 1809), Lucy (bp. 1810)]

 

@1802

6 January, Abbotsham: Catharine, daughter of Henry Brownscombe, christened. (IGI)

 

14 February: The Lady Nelson enters Port Phillip Bay, named after the Governor of the First Fleet, now retired, and living in Bath on a pension of £500 a year.

 

April (approx): The crew of the sealing ship, Harrington, anchored at  King Island for 2 months, encounter fresh wreckage on the southern point of the island. It was a large vessel, never identified. The only survivor was a cat.

 

5 April: Matthew Flinders, in the Investigator, names Kangaroo Island.

 

7 April: Flinders comes across the Baudin expedition, in Encounter Bay.

 

16 April, Stoke Damerel: Eliza Branscombe marries William Fitzgerald. (IGI) [or 14 December?][21]

 

18 April, Venn Ottery: Ann, daughter of Charles Branscombe & Sarah, christened. (IGI) [Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St.Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles m. 1799 Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), William (1804) - all bp. Venn Ottery, Sarah (1805), Lydia (1808/1811?) - both bp. Ottery St.Mary]

 

The Harbinger (re-named Norfolk), wrecked at Tahiti.

 

West India Docks, London, opened.

 

16 June: Will of Mary Brooking, widow living at Newton Ferrers, is proved. She gives everything to her daughter, Mary Dolling of Newton Ferrers.[22] [cf: 1841 William & Elizabeth Dolling of Dawlish]

 

4 July, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire: Thomas, son of John & Mary Bransfield or Bransome, baptised.[23] [cf: 1809 Charlotte Bransfield or Branscome] The 1851 census for Sharnbrook lists a Thomas Bransome aged 50, born in Sharnbrook. His wife, Mary, aged 50, was born in Bedford. Their daughters Ann, aged 11, and Sarah, aged 9, were both born in Sharnbrook.

 

1 August, St.Andrew's, Holborn: Sarah, daughter of Thomas & Sarah Branscomb of Charles Street, baptised.[24] [cf: 1801 Thomas Branscomb m. Sarah Park, Southwark. Also cf: 1805 Mary Ann, 1807 Elizabeth, 1808 Tho. Branscomb, licenced victualler, "The Two Brewers", Hog Lane, Shoreditch. A Sarah Branscomb, aged 62, dies in Oatlands, Tasmania, in 1865]

 

10 October, Emma Place Independent Chapel, East Stonehouse [Plymouth], Devon: Richard, second son of Richard Bowden Beard & Elizabeth, baptised.[25] [b. 1801 cf: 1804]

 

3 December, Branscombe: The wreck of the Danish frigate Ornen (Brown Eagle) off Branscombe. The Captain and two Hands are drowned and buried at St.Winifred's. 10 men and a boy are rescued.[26]

 

Captain Herman Simpsing of Huntspill, aged 42. Buried 28 December.

 

Neils Haagensen of Huntspill, aged 26. Buried 7 December.

 

Christian Rosenberg Holst of Grimsted, aged 19. Buried 11 December.

 

31 December, Aylesbeare: Mary Branscombe marries John Farrant. (IGI) [Mary poss widow of William, mother of Elizabeth & Susanna, bp. 1787 Aylesbeare?]

 

Charlotte Dundas, the first steam ship on the Clyde. Health and Morals of Apprentices Act.[27]

 

Approximate year of birth of Mary Eales, wife of tanner Samuel Branscombe of Highweek, b. 1792, m. 1829 Highweek, d. 1847 Highweek.[28]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1802

J Branscomb    Lottery Office               11 Holborn & 37 Cornhill

 

Year of baptism of William Halsey, sixth child of fourth great-grandparents Edward & Sarah (Pratt - m. 1790 Redbourn). [siblings: Thomas (bp. 1790), Ann (bp. 1792), Edward (bp. 1793), James (bp. 1798), Charlotte (bp. 1801), Phoebe (bp. 1806), Elizabeth (bp. 1809), John (bp. 1809), Lucy (bp. 1810)]

 

An estimated 200 men, mostly American sealers, are settled on islands in Bass Strait.

 

@1803

6 January, Paignton Samuel Branscombe of Highweek marries Mary Perrett, by licence and with the consent of (Mary's?) parents.[1] [poss Samuel b. 1780, d. 1805, father of Samuel, b. 1805, who marries Mary Hannaford, parents of Samuel Hannaford Branscombe?]

 

5 February: George now a private ship's captain, leaves Sydney for the South Island of New Zealand in his ship, the Reliance. He is never seen again.

 

6 February, Meppershall, Bedfordshire: James, son of Samuel & Sarah Bransome, baptised.[30] [cf: 1800 - some previous children were baptised Branscombe] The 1851 census for Holwell, Bedfordshire (later Herts.), shows a James Brandsom, aged 48, born in Meppershall, and his wife Mary, born in Shillington.

 

5 March: First edition of the Sydney Gazette and N.S.W. Advertiser, the first newspaper in .

 

14 April, St.Dunstan-in-the-West, Fleet Street, London: John Branscomb marries Mary Ann Lamberth. (IGI) [poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

21 April, Dawlish: William Branscombe, eighth and last child of John & Agnes (Pike - m. 1781 Dawlish), born. Baptised St.Gregory's, 8 May.[31] [Becomes a master mariner. Poss siblings: John (1782-1795?), Captn. Joseph (1784-1866), Anne (1787-1787), Sarah (1790-1849), Catherine (1793-1855), John (1796), Anne (1798)]

 

18 May: The Peace of Amiens is broken once again declares war on France. The British fleet restores the blockade of Brest. Napoleon assembles an army to cross the Channel.

 

10 July, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Richard Thomas, son of Richard & Mary Ann Branscomb, baptised.[32] [Richard senior poss third child of John Branscombe & Ann (? - m?), bp. 1772 Plymouth. Poss siblings: Ann (1764), Elizabeth (1767)? Poss m. 1798 East Stonehouse, Mary Ann Jury? Richard & Mary Ann may have moved to Southwark and baptised: Richard Thomas (1803), Amelia Elizabeth (1805), John Ould James (1807), William Edward Butler (1819)?]

 

26 July: `The Surrey Iron Railway, opened on [this day] between Wandsworth and Croyden, was the first railway in the world to provide a public service. In 1805 it was extended to Merstham ... This continuation was called the Croyden, Merstham and Godstone Iron Railway.'[33]

 

28 August: Lieutenant leaves Sydney on the Lady Nelson with the first settlers bound for the .

 

6 September: Lady Nelson anchors, Ralph's Bay.

 

9 September: Lady Nelson anchors, Risdon Cove.

 

25 September, Whimple: Thomas, fifth child of John & Alice Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [John; poss bp. 1765 Whimple, fifth child of Thomas Branscombe & Ann (Shepherd - m. 1756 Whimple)? Poss m. 1791 Alice Mitchell, in Broad Clyst? Thomas poss becomes a post-boy and dies at Willand, 1847? Poss siblings: Mary Ann (1793), Alice (1795), Betty (1798), William (1801), Petronella/Peternella (1806), Henry (1808), Sarah (1811), all bp. Whimple]

 

14 October, St. Marychurch, Tormoham: Elizabeth & Philip married. Susanna & Joan s, witnesses.

 

16 October: The first colony settles at Port Phillip, under Colonel David .

 

5 November, Gibraltar: Anne Graham, later wife of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge, is born, daughter of Robert & Catherine Graham.[34] [m. 1833 Cornwall, d. 1886 Islington]

 

From 1803 the ground between the old village of Dawlish and the sea begins to be `landscaped'. Houses are built on the north side of the stream, which is channelled down artificial waterfalls. [cf: 1809][35]

 

Thomas Jefferson agrees to purchase Louisiana from Napoléon for $15 million. `The land area of the United States virtually doubled at a stroke, and created an opportunity for developing a new empire of farmers (at the expense of the original inhabitants) ... [Jefferson] had anticipated the development of a chain of communities sharing broadly similar values but remaining politically separate from each other. After 1803 it became clear that the United States could become a single trans-continental nation.'[36]

 

The Exeter Militia List of this year includes William Brandscomb, accomptant of Holy Trinity parish. He is marked down as class 1, which means he is between 17 and 30 years of age, unmarried, with no children under 10 years.[37] [possibly William Tucker Branscombe, bp. 1784, only child of William & Mary (Tucker - m. 1783 Exeter)?]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1803

J Branscomb    Lottery Office               11 Holborn & 37 Cornhill

 

New Brunswick: Approximate year of birth of Arthur Branscombe, son of Nathaniel & Sarah (Miller). [Siblings: Rachel, Hannah, John, Polly, Ann & Conrad M, all born in New Brunswick. Nathaniel d. 1865 Ontario. Arthur d. 1847 Ontario] [38]

 

Morchard Bishop: Approximate year of birth of Mary Branscombe, registered in the 1861 census as an unmarried stay-maker lodging in Devonport.

 

Napoleonic War;. (to 1815)

 

`When a man was called for militia service, the maintenance of his dependents fell upon his own parish, and if he obtained a substitute from another parish, the costs still fell upon his own. Whatever parish the substitute belonged to, his family were paid by Dawlish parish, and the money was either paid to the County Treasurer, or direct to the parish concerned. That this was an expensive item can be gathered from the cost of maintaining the family of William Pike of Thorverton, who was a substitute for Mr. Linkhorn of Dawlish. Pike was apparently on service with the Militia from 1803 to 1813, and the parish of Dawlish paid for the relief of his family, in all, the sum of £50.8.4, which was a large sum of money for the period.'[39]

 

Baudin, Captain; & Freycinet carve Frenchman's Rock at Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island.

 

American sealers wrecked on Kangaroo Island build and launch theships Independence, at .

 

Approximate year of birth (St. Johns, Newfoundland?) of William Branscombe. He died 1865 (St. Johns, Newfoundland?) aged 62.[40]

 

@1804

21 February, St.Mary Major, Exeter: Ann Branscombe marries William Woodrough. [41]

 

1 April, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Eleanor Ann, daughter of John & Mary Ann Branscomb, baptised.[42] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

21 May, Venn Ottery: William Branscombe, son of Charles & Sarah, baptised. (IGI) [Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St.Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles m. 1799, Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), Ann (1802) - both bp. Venn Ottery, Sarah (1805), Lydia (1808/1811?) - both bp. Ottery St.Mary]

 

2 June, St.Peter's, Liverpool: William Prowse of Paignton marries Jane Birchall.[43] [William son of William Prowse & Elizabeth (Saunders - m. 1779 East Teignmouth). First son William b. 1780, 15 December, Paignton. He becomes a master mariner in 1826, founding Prowse & Co. of Liverpool in 1834, owning some thirty ships, including some captained by William Branscombe of Dawlish. Later founded Prowse, Cheshire & Co., shipsmiths and anchorsmiths. William & Jane's children include Joshua, Elizabeth, Frances, William, Thomas, John, Robert Saunders & George Christian (1819). Joshua formed his own company. Frances marries Henry Miller Barclay, who founds Prowse, Barclay & Co., with his father-in-law. Jane d. 1853, William her husband d. 1871, leaving £25,000]

 

23 September, St.Gregory's, Dawlish: Joanna , widow of Robert, & John Hodge, widower, marry. John & James witnesses. (IGI) [Robert d. 1801 - direct ancestor. cf: 1797, Hodge m. Joanna Pike]

 

Foveaux Strait, between Stewart Island and New Zealand's South Island, discovered by an named Smith.

 

John completes construction [begun 1800] of Luscombe Castle, Dawlish, for Charles a banker. [cf: 1817 Stonelands][44]

 

`At the close of the year 1804, Napoleon, having arrived at the zenith of his power, determined to invade this country, and for that purpose actually collected together at Boulogne an enormous flotilla of some 2000 craft, with 16000 sailors and 160,000 soldiers. The feverish excitement into which the audacious threat threw the inhabitants of the southern shores of England may easily be imagined, and resulted in the origin of the Volunteer Force. Every high-top hill became a beacon signal point; every citizen a soldier; every market town a military centre.'[45]

 

James, Lord de Saumerez, promoted from Rear Admiral of the Blue to Rear Admiral of the White. [to 1805]

 

Newton Abbot: Richard Bowden Beard & Elizabeth, of East Stonehouse, Plymouth, have established a grocery firm in East Street. Their second son, Richard, aged about three, will marry Elizabeth Branscombe of Newton Abbot in 1825 and become a photographic artist in London, patenting the daguerreotype process.[46]

 

St.Albans: Edward Halsey is born.[47]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1804

J Branscomb    Stock-broker               11 Holborn & 37 Cornhill

 

Approximate year of birth of Sophia Willis [d. 1873], wife of Captain William Branscombe. [cf: 1841 census]

 

@1805

17 February, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire: Edith, daughter of John & Mary Bransfield or Bransome, baptised.[48] [cf: 1809 Charlotte Bransfield or Branscome]

 

25 February, Bampton: Eliza Branscombe born, daughter of William Branscombe and Sarah (Passmore). [Eliza marries Charles Hazell in Hobart, 1843. Died in Hobart, 1881] [49]

 

Sunday 24 March, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Amelia Elizabeth, daughter of Richard & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[50] [Richard poss third child of John Branscombe & Ann (? - m?), bp. 1772 Plymouth. Poss siblings: Ann (1764), Elizabeth (1767)? Richard poss m. 1798 East Stonehouse, Mary Ann Jury? Richard & Mary Ann may have moved to Southwark and baptised: Richard Thomas (1803), Amelia Elizabeth (1805), John Ould James (1807), William Edward Butler (1819?]

 

Sunday, 24 March, 10am: Susanna Branscomb dies, aged 63. Wife of Bartholomew, tin-plate worker and freeman of the City of London, who survived her. Buried Great Marlow, Bucks.? Her maiden name was Maybrick. She married ? Barret, who died. She then married Bartholomew in 1784 at St Mary le Bone, Middlesex, at the age of about 42. They may have been the parents of tin-smith Robert, b. about 1786 in Middlesex? [51] [Buried 30 March. Burial register calls her "Susan". Bartholomew d. 1806, buried Great Marlow]

 

31 March, Meppershall, Bedfordshire: Mary, daughter of Samuel & Sarah Bransome, baptised.[52] [cf: 1800 - some previous children were baptised Branscombe]

 

7 April, St.Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster: Eliza Ann, daughter of George Bartlett Branscomb & Catherine, baptised.[53]

 

5 July, Oxford: George Hambridge [b. about 1785] found guilty of stealing or killing a sheep and sentenced to death at Oxford Assizes. Later commuted to transportation for the term of his natural life. [cf: 1806][54]

 

4 August, St.Leonard's, Shoreditch: Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas & Sarah Branscomb, baptised.[55] [cf: 1802 Sarah, 1807 Elizabeth, 1808, Tho. Branscomb, licenced victualler, "The Two Brewers", Hog Lane, Shoreditch]

 

21 October: The Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson is mortally wounded. Britain's command of the sea becomes absolute.

 

Among those serving on Nelson's flagship, H.M.S. Victory, is Captain Youll, a lieutenant, and resident at Barnell's, Branscombe [later called Trafalgar House for a number of years]. He attended 's funeral in an official capacity. [cf: 1806]

 

Among those present on H.M.S. Defiance, at the Battle of Trafalgar, was Jane Townshend. Despite a recommendation from Queen Victoria, in 1840, that all survivors present at the battle should be awarded the General Service Medal, Jane's application was refused, along with others by women, on the grounds that it would lead to innumerable further applications, there being a large number of women unofficially present in the fleet during the entire period 1794-1811.[56] [cf: 1853, Nancy Perriam of Exmouth granted a pension for service on HMS "Crescent" and "Orion" during this period]

 

27 October, St.George the Martyr, Southwark: William Samuel, son of John Branscomb & Mary, baptised. (IGI) [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss other children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

4 November, Topsham: Robert Branscombe marries Grace Trout. (IGI) [cf: 1806 birth of Mary Anne. Robert may have died soon after, as a Grace Branscombe marries in 1805 (or 1816!)]

 

13 November, Newton Bushel: Samuel Branscombe born.[57] [only child of Samuel (b. 1780 Highweek - d. this year in Highweek) & ? (poss Mary Perrett - m. 1803 Paignton?). Marries Mary (Hannaford m. 1827 Wolborough). Becomes father of Samuel Hannaford Branscombe, draper of Northants. d. 1858]

 

2 December, Branscombe: Rachel Perry dies, aged 20. Daughter of William & Susanna Perry. `She lost her life by a fatal accident. A young man named Henry Northcott, her Sweetheart, going into the house of James Gush where she was sitting by the side of Gush's wife, who had a young child in her lap, by the fire, and taking down Gush's Fire-Lock to see if it was clean, he incautiously touched the trigger, not suspecting the gun was loaded and the gun instantly going off, log's its whole contents in her Bowels. The muzzle of the Gun was so close to her when discharged, that the perforation (which was through the upper part of the thigh and over the groin, as she was sitting on a very low seat) was just as if it had been made by a Ball; tho' the Gun was loaded with Shot. She languished the whole of the day (it being about ten o'clock on the Monday morning when the accident happened) and died about two o'clock in the morning following, in the very bloom of life and in full health and strength.' Buried 5 December.[58]

 

28 December, St. George's, East Stonehouse, Plymouth: Eliza Brancombe marries Robert . (IGI)

 

25 December, Ottery St. Mary: Sarah, daughter of Charles & Sarah Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St.Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles of Ottery St.Mary m. 1799, Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), Ann (1802), William (1804) - all bp. Venn Ottery, Lydia (1808/1811?) - bp. Ottery St.Mary. Sarah poss. emigrated to Western Australia, arriving in Fremantle, 28 December 1831 per the “Egyptian” from London as did her future husband, Thomas Reece]

 

James, Lord de Saumerez, promoted from Rear Admiral of the White to Rear Admiral of the Red. [to 1810]

 

24 ?, Highweek: Samuel, son of Samuel Branscombe & Ann (Quick - m. 1775), dies, aged 25.[59]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1805

J Branscomb    Stock-broker               11 Holborn & 37 Cornhill

 

HOLDEN'S TRIENNIAL DIRECTORY OF LONDON 1805 [60]

Mr.James Branscomb                                       Hanwell, Middlesex

[cf: 1780 Thomas Branscomb of Hanwell]

 

Oxford: Approximate year of birth of William Branscomb, registered as a 46 year-old farmer in the 1851 census for the Oxford Workhouse.

 

@1806

28 April, St.Andrew's, Holborn: John Frederick Gap Branscombe, son of John & Sarah of Saffron Hill, baptised.[61]

 

18 May, Whimple: Petronella [Peternella? cf: 1826], sixth child of John & Alice Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [John; poss bp. 1765 Whimple, fifth child of Thomas Branscombe & Ann (Shepherd - m. 1756 Whimple)? Poss m. 1791 Alice Mitchell, in Broad Clyst? Married as Peternella, 14 September1826 in Whimple, to William Pratt of Whimple. Poss siblings of Peternella: Mary Ann (1793), Alice (1795), Betty (1798), William (1801), Thomas (1803), Henry (1808), Sarah (1811), all bp. Whimple]

 

26 May, Topsham: William Branscombe marries Jane James. (IGI)

 

31 May, Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire: Bartholomew Branscomb buried, aged 66.[62] [cf: 1805 for death of his wife, Susanna]

 

12 July: George Hambridge, sentenced to transportation for life at Oxford Assizes, 5 July 1805, arrives in New South Wales on board the convict transport Fortune, aged about 21.[63]

 

13 July, Topsham: Mary Anne Branscombe, first child of Robert & Grace, baptised. (IGI) [Robert & Grace Trout m. 1805 Topsham]

 

13 July, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire: Charlotte, daughter of John and Mary Bransfield or Branscome [Branscombe?], baptised.[64] The marriage of John & Mary, on 6 November 1796 at Sharnbrook, begins a period of official uncertainty about John's surname which persists for nearly twenty years. The entry in the marriage register notes that Mary Smith married John Bransfield or Bransome. Between 1793 and 1811 John & Mary baptise six children at Sharnbrook. At the first baptism, of Hannah in 1797, their surname is recorded as Bransfield. For the next two children, Thomas & Edith in 1802 & 1805, the registrar is obliged to record alternatives; Bransfield or Bransome. Charlotte, the next baptism, is Bransfield or Branscome. William, in 1810, is baptised Bransom, while the last attributed to parents of this name, James in 1811, is Bransome. This seems to settle down as the standard spelling (and pronunciation) by the time of the 1851 census, when there are 16 Bransomes in Sharnbrook, and this is the spelling in the registers for the rest of the century. The confusion, and the need to record alternative surnames, was sufficiently unusual for the editor of the parish register transcripts to write the following note:

 

`Every register affords instances of surnames with many variant spellings. In Sharnbrook, three families apparently had doubts as to the pronunciation of their names. The registrar between 1796 and 1808 was obliged to use alternatives; Bransfield or Bransome, Bransfield or Branscome ... it is common knowledge that there was much illiteracy in England until after the middle of the nineteenth century; this belief is well borne out by parish registers.' In 1754, the use of printed-form marriage registers and the signing of the entry by both parties first became compulsory. In Bedfordshire, an analysis of 22 marriage registers from this date shows 61% of men and 73% of women signed with a mark.[65]

 

30 September, Morchard Bishop: Eliza, daughter of John & Agnes Branscombe, christened. (IGI)

 

6 October, Morchard Bishop: Eliza, daughter of John Branscombe & Agnes (Mare - m. 1790 Morchard), baptised.[66]

 

(Kingsbridge?): Henry, fifth child of William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough), born.[67] [m. 1827 Plymouth, Mary Crouch? (cf: 1835 Bristol: Mary Crouch Branscombe, daughter of Henry and Mary Crouch Branscombe, baptised. Siblings: William (1790 Wolborough), Elizabeth (1791), Ann (1792), Charlotte (1794), John (1808). There was also a  seventh child, Catherine, mentioned as a sister in the 1851 will of Ann, as yet unaccounted for]

 

Bere Alston [nr.Plymouth & the Cornish border]: Approximate year of birth of John Branscombe, possibly the son of Richard Branscumbe of Bere Ferrers and widow Elizabeth (Culwill - m. 1794 Bere Ferrers). John becomes a pilot & waterman in Plymouth, marrying Sarah -? from Calstock, Cornwall (b. 1812?), possibly about 1831 and possibly in Calstock, as all their children up to 1851 were baptised there. They had a son, John Oliver, born Calstock about 1832, who was a labourer in the 1851 census for Plymouth St.Andrew, and married in 1856 East Stonehouse, Sarah Northsworthy of Kingsbridge, by which time he was described as a bargeman. This was his profession also in the 1881 census, by which time he had a fifteen-year-old bargeman son, Frederick, another son John Crews Northsworthy (1870 Plymouth), who becomes a seaman & m. 1905 Sydney, Amy Powell, by which time his father has become a pawnbroker in Plymouth. There was also a daughter Mary Louisa (1878 Plymouth), who marries Thomas William Richard Bateman before 1918, when Sarah (Northsworthy) dies. Her husband John Oliver died in 1908. [cf: 1881 census Plymouth St.Andrew] The 1851 census also shows John senior & Sarah of Calstock had at least two other children, Louisa, born about 1834, and Richard, born about 1838, both in Calstock. John senior's mother, Elizabeth, may have been recorded in the 1851 census for Bere Ferrers, as a blind widow. [Calstock is close to Callington, Cornwall, where a Branscomb family lived from at least 1720 to 1760. John Branscomb senior, whose will was proved in 1760, was the father of at least three sons; John (bp. 1720), Richard (bp. 1722) & Thomas (bp. 1728)]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1806

Branscomb & Co         Lottery Office Keepers
                                                 11 Holborn, 37 Cornhill & 38 Haymarket

 

Year of baptism of Phoebe Halsey, seventh child of fourth great-grandparents Edward & Sarah (Pratt - m. 1790 Redbourn). [siblings: Thomas (bp. 1790), Ann (bp. 1792), Edward (bp. 1793), James (bp. 1798), Charlotte (bp. 1801), William (bp. 1802), Elizabeth (bp. 1809), John (bp. 1809), Lucy (bp. 1810)]

 

A band of escaped convicts and renegades occupies Kangaroo Island.

 

Nelson's funeral. Captain Yule [Ewell?], of Branscombe (cf: 1805), carries a `bannerol of lineage' (?) Nelson buried in the crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral, in a sarcophagus originally made for King monarchsHenry VIII, and recovered when that king's body was exhumed and desecrated, during Cromwell's time.

 

St. John's Newfoundland: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth, eldest daughter of William Branscombe. She dies in St. John's aged 23, in 1829.[68]

 

@1807

12 March, (Shoreditch/Bishopsgate?): Elizabeth Branscomb born, daughter of Thomas & Sarah. Baptised Bishopsgate 1810. [cf: 1801 Thomas Branscomb m. Sarah Park, Southwark. Also cf: 1802 Sarah, 1805 Mary Ann, 1808 Tho. Branscomb, licenced victualler, "The Two Brewers", Hog Lane, Shoreditch]

 

22 April: James Branscombe of Bampton [1735-1809], stockbroker, lottery contractor & lay sheriff of London, aged about 72, awarded the order of Knights Bachelors. His wife Sarah, aged about 30 [d. 1847], is made a Dame. (EBMI) [Sarah may be the wife of his son James, b. 1770, but in that case James junior must also have been knighted, as Sarah died a Dame, widow of Sir James]

 

James' obituary in The Gentleman's Magazine of December 1809, says he served as one of the sherrifs of London & Middlesex in this year.

 

The slave trade is abolished within the British Empire.

 

Jorgen paints his self-portrait, in Copenhagen.

 

26 July, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Emily Sophia, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[69] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

28 August, West Teignmouth: Elizabeth Branscombe marries Robert Hayman. [Anna Harries Nicholas says this is Elizabeth, second child of Robert and Joanna of Dawlish. She says the husband is Robert Spry Hayman, and that they had four children, Robert Spry (b. 8 Nov 1807, bp. 22 Nov, d. 6 Jan 1808), Joanna Branscome (b. 15 July 1818), John (b.2 May 1820), Robert John Spry (27 July 1824)][70]

 

8 November, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: John Ould James Branscomb, son of Richard & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[1] [Richard senior poss third child of John Branscombe & Ann (? - m?), bp. 1772 Plymouth. Poss siblings Ann (1764), Elizabeth (1767)? Poss m. 1798 East Stonehouse, Mary Ann Jury? Richard & Mary Ann may have moved to Southwark and baptised Richard Thomas (1803), Amelia Elizabeth (1805), John Ould James (1807), William Edward Butler (1819?]

 

23 November, Stoke Damerel: William Branscombe, yeoman,  marries Elizabeth Steer.[72] [son George Ley b. 1808 St.Austell? - cf also 1769 William Steer & Abraham Branscombe of Morchard Bishop witness a marriage]

 

20 December, Meppershall, Bedfordshire: Hannah, daughter of Samuel & Sarah Bransome, baptised.[73] [cf: 1800 - some previous children were baptised Branscombe]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1807

Branscomb & Co         Lottery Office Keepers & Stock-brokers
                                     11 Holborn, 37 Cornhill & 38 Haymarket

 

‘At the east corner of the Middle Row, Sir James Branscombe kept a lottery-office for forty years, He had been footman to the Earl of Gainsborough, and was knighted when Sheriff of London and Middlesex, in 1806.’ [74]

 

@1808

24 January, Tiverton: Sarah Branscombe marries Robert Pring. (IGI) [Robert Pring, baker. Sarah prob bp. 1786, only child of miller James Branscombe & Rachel (Andrews - m. 1785 Tiverton). cf: 1821 will of grandfather Bartholomew, miller of Bampton]

 

3 May, Morchard Bishop: Frances Branscombe (Southcott), aged 75, is buried.[75] [wife of serge-weaver Abraham, m. 1758, mother of William? (attorney) bp. 1759 East Worlington, d. 1796, Joseph, bp. 1762, John bp. 1764 & Elizabeth bp. 1777 d. 1799]

 

12 May, Kingsbridge: John, sixth child of William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough), born. [m. 1833 St.Teath, Cornwall, Ann (Graham b. 1803 Gibraltar) d. 1874, 166 Highbury New Park.[76] Siblings: William (1790 Wolborough), Elizabeth (1791), Ann (1792), Charlotte (1794), Henry (1806 - Kingsbridge?). There was also a  seventh child, Catherine, mentioned as a sister in the 1851 will of Ann, as yet unaccounted for]

 

17 July, Ottery St.Mary: Lydia, daughter of Charles & Sarah Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St.Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles of Ottery St.Mary m. 1799, Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), Ann (1802), William (1804) - all bp. Venn Ottery, Sarah (1805) - bp. Ottery St.Mary. Poss duplicate bp. for Lydia, 1811?]

 

2 August, Hastings: George Branscombe, fisherman, marries Mary Hutchinson, by licence. [poss daughter Mary bp Hastings 1809? poss sibling: Georgina (1812)]

 

14 August, Whimple: Henry, seventh child of John & Alice Branscombe, is christened. (IGI) [John; poss bp. 1765 Whimple, fifth child of Thomas Branscombe & Ann (Shepherd - m. 1756 Whimple)? Poss m. 1791 Alice Mitchell, in Broad Clyst? Poss siblings: Mary Ann (1793), Alice (1795), Betty (1798), William (1801), Thomas (1803), Petronella/Peternella (1806), Sarah (1811), all bp. Whimple]

 

8 September: Article of agreement of co-partnership between Anthony Gibbs of the City of London, merchant, George Henry Gibbs [his son] of the same city, merchant, `but now in Cadiz in Spain & William Branscombe [m.Honour Leigh Dartmouth 1799?], now in England but bound on a voyage to Cadiz, merchant.' Trade carried on in Cadiz in the commission line. Witness Thomas Ponsford, carpenter, St.Thomas The Apostle, Exeter.[77] [poss. Thomas Pounsford who married Sarah Branscombe in Exeter, 1800? If so, this may indicate a family relationship between William, who married Honour Leigh in 1799 at Dartmouth, and Sarah. If Sarah was about 26 years old at the time of her marriage, she could have been bp. 1774 Clyst St.George, daughter of John & Sarah Branscomb. If so, she was the sister of a William, bp. 1770 Clyst St.George, who may have been the William who married Honour Leigh? cf: 1818 for further references to this partnership in regard to the administration of the late Captain Phillip Leigh's estate. Anthony Gibbs & Son, merchants, does not appear as a listing in the London Post Office Directory until 1810, when they are at 13 Sherborne Lane, Lombard Street]

 

24 September, Kingsbridge: Mary Hannaford, future wife of Samuel Branscombe of Newton Bushel, is born.[78]

 

16 October, St. Austell, Cornwall: George Ley Branscombe, son of William & Elizabeth Branscombe, baptised. (IGI) [William, yeoman m. 1807 Stoke Damarel, Elizabeth Steer? - George Ley Branscombe m. 1828 Mary Davis, St.George Hanover Square]

 

26 October, prob New Hampshire: Joseph Branscomb of Newcastle, New Hampshire, marries Elizabeth L. Dow.

 

The African slave trade is abolished, (cf: 1807?) but continues illegally for many years.

 

The estate of in Talaton, property of Sir J.totally destroyed by fire.[79]

 

6 December: H.M.S. Crescent wrecked on the coast of Jutland. [launched 1784]

 

`In 1808 some weavers on strike invaded the homes of others who would not join them and took away their shuttles.'[80]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1808

Sir J Branscomb & Co Lottery Office Keepers
                                       & Stock-brokers

                                                11 Holborn, 37 Cornhill & 38 Haymarket                                                          

 

HOLDEN'S TRIENNIAL DIRECTORY OF LONDON 1808 [81]


J Branscomb                                        Circus Coffee House
                                                                        Blackfriars Road


Tho. Branscomb                                   The Two Brewers
                                                                        Hog Lane, Shoreditch

[cf: 1801 Thomas Branscomb m. Sarah Park, Southwark. Also cf: 1802 Sarah, 1805 Mary Ann, 1807
Elizabeth]

 

@1809

12 February, Rock Spring Farm, Kentucky: Abraham Lincoln is born, in a log cabin.

 

13 February, St.George, Exeter: William Tucker Branscombe marries Betsy [Elizabeth?] Lake. [82] [Children: Henry Lake/Harry Luke (1809-1810), Helen (1811), William George (1813), George William (1815). William Tucker may have been an accountant and/or attorney. Henry/Harry died in Falmouth, where Helen was born. William was baptised in Exeter, George was born & baptised in London. He became a Lay Vicar at Exeter Cathedral]

 

27 April, (Shoreditch/Bishopsgate?): William Branscomb born, son of Thomas & Sarah. Baptised 1810 Bishopsgate. [this birth possibly 1808? William poss m. 1839 Shoreditch, Sarah Whelpdale? If so, he is the son of Thomas (by then deceased), a City Officer. William possibly becomes a publican in Hampstead. A Thomas Branscomb is a publican at the "Two Brewers", Hog Lane, Shoreditch, in 1808. There may be two couples called Thomas & Sarah in east London at this time. William seems to have a sister, Elizabeth, b. 1807 Shoreditch, bp. 1810 Bishopsgate. There may be another sister, Mary Ann, b. 1805 Shoreditch, and another, Sarah, bp. 1802 in Holborn. There may have been a brother, William, bp. 1810 Bishopsgate & another, George, b. 1811 in Spitalfields?]

 

1 June, St.Mary's, Marylebone Road, London: Elizabeth Branscombe marries Philip Husted. (IGI)

 

St.Mary le Bone, Middlesex: Philip Husted, bachelor, marries Elizabeth Branscombe, spinster. Witnesses: T.B., W.R..[83]

 

5 July, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: John Stephen, son of John & Mary Ann Branscomb, baptised.[84] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

2 August, Shillington, Bedfordshire: Eliz. Branscombe, daughter of Samuel & Sarah, marries Jas. Gray of Holwell.[85] [Elizabeth poss b. 1790 Meppershall,Beds. This is the only occurrence of the name Branscombe in the Shillington parish registers index]

 

10 August, Kenton: Sophia Pearce of Kenton marries Thomas Anning of Kenton, by banns. [Sophia's sister, Frances, married Thomas' brother Henry, and they made their home at Venbridge Farm, south of Kenton, where Henry continued to farm until his death. A James Pearce made his home with Henry and Frances at Venbridge until his death in 1831, aged 84][86]

 

16 August, St. Leonard's, Exeter: Harry Luke, first child of William Tucker Branscombe and Betty (Elizabeth Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), is christened. (IGI) [Could this be Henry Lake, d. Dec 1810 Falmouth? cf: 1809. Siblings: Helen (1811), William George (1813), George William (1815)]

 

DawlishThe Strand at Dawlish completed. Charles (1812-1870) knew and liked Dawlish very much, as did the novelist with whom he was deeply out of sympathy, Jane . The eponymous hero of Nicholas Nickleby (completed 1839) was `born' in Dawlish.

 

The new road from Dawlish to Teignmouth is completed, and marked by the arrival of the first stage-coach. Before this, passengers had to travel to Chudleigh by horse, to connect with the coach.[87]

 

7 December: Sir James Branscombe of Bampton, stockbroker, lottery contractor & lay sheriff of London, dies, aged 74. His wife Dame Sarah, [aged about 32?], survives him to 1847.[88] [Sarah may be the wife of his son James, b. 1770]

 

The Gentleman's Magazine
December 1809

At Four-tree hill, Enfield, after a short illness, much respected, aged 74, Sir James Branscomb, Knt., of Holborn, etc., upwards of 40 years a lottery office-keeper, and more than 30 a member of the Common Council for the Ward of Farringdon Without. He served the Office of one of the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, 1807, and was interred with grand funeral pomp at the church of St.Andrew, Holborn.[89]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1809

Sir J Branscomb & Edward Eyton        Lottery Office Keepers
                                                               & Stock-brokers

                                                11 Holborn, 37 Cornhill & 38 Haymarket                                                          

 

Ottery St.Mary: Approximate year of birth of Henry Davy, later Attorney-at-law in Ottery & executor of Honour Branscombe (Leigh - m. 1799 Dartmouth)'s will. In the 1851 census, Honour, a widow aged 81, is living with the Davy family. Henry's wife, (Hanna?) Branscombe Davy, is Honour's niece.

 

Approximate year of birth of Robert Brinscombe, baker of Bampton. [cf: 1841 census]

 

Barnstaple: Approximate year of birth of Henry Branscombe, later a haulier in Bath. [m. 1844 or 1845, Elizabeth -? in Bristol, d. 1870 Newport, Mon. cf: 1861 census]

 

Year of baptisms of Elizabeth & John Halsey, eighth and ninth children of fourth great-grandparents Edward & Sarah (Pratt - m. 1790 Redbourn). [siblings: Thomas (bp. 1790), Ann (bp. 1792), Edward (bp. 1793), James (bp. 1798), Charlotte (bp. 1801), William (bp. 1802), Phoebe (bp. 1806), Lucy (bp. 1810)]

 

Hastings: Mary, daughter of fisherman George Branscombe and Mary, is born.[90] [poss mar 1808 Hastings, Mary Hutchinson? poss sibling: Georgina (1812)]

 

@1810

21 January, St.Botolph, Bishopsgate: Elizabeth & William, children of Thomas & Sarah Branscomb, baptised. Elizabeth was born on 12 March 1807, William was born on 22 April (1808/9?).[91] [possibly the William, born in London, who is a licenced victualler in Hampstead, in the 1861 census? His son is baptised Thomas]

 

26 January, Branscombe: John Stuckey dies, aged 91. `He was more than [blank] years a Magistrate, and was the oldest Magistrate in the County for several years before he died. He died possessed of vast worldly property which, after he had long possessed without enjoying and without using, he was at length constrained to leave to others.' Buried 3 February.[92] [Weston Barton, Stuckey's main house (he also evidently owned Hole at this time) is reported to have burned down this year, under suspicious circumstances. As a Magistrate, Stuckey would not be liked by the smugglers who were popular heroes of the time]

 

30 June, Wayne County, Kentucky: Rowland Branscomb marries Nancy Barrow.[93]

 

22 July, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire: William aged 1 year, son of John & Mary Bransom, baptised.[94] [cf: 1806 Charlotte, his sister, baptised Bransfield or Branscome] The 1851 census for Sharnbrook lists a William Bransome, aged 42, born in Sharnbrook, and his wife Rhoda, 35, born in Harrold, Bedfordshire. Their two sons, Samuel aged 12 and George aged 10, were born in Sharnbrook. There is also a Mary Bransome aged 75, born in Harrold, living elsewhere in the village.[95]

 

A year of poor harvests in (cf: 1812/1813). Wheat reaches almost famine prices, at 100s a quarter.

 

Heavy rain causes extensive flooding on newly-reclaimed land adjoining the brook at Dawlish. Some new houses were washed away, as well as the Poorhouse, and the wooden bridges.[96]

 

In a single week, the imports to Sydney from sealing stations of Otago realised a sum, at London valuation, of more than £100,000.[97]

 

15 September, Morchard Bishop: Christian Branscombe [Morrish - wife of Joseph - m. 1785] is buried, aged 45.[98]

 

25 October, Highweek: Mary Branscombe marries Charles Crews. (IGI) [cf: Robert Crews Northsworthy Branscombe (b. 1870 Plymouth), whose mother Sarah Northsworthy was b. about 1838 in Kingsbridge. Also cf: 1840, John Branscombe Crews witnesses a marriage in Newton Bushell]

 

1 November, Exeter, St Stephen: Har Branscomb marries Jn E Pye. [99][poss Harriet, bp 1773, 19 June, Bow Presbyterian (now Mint) Meeting House, Exeter, daughter of Samuel & Elizabeth Branscomb? Or Harriet, bp 1793, 27 October, Topsham, daughter of William Branscombe & Jane (Pain - m. 1781 Topsham?). But this Harriet probably m. 1819 Topsham, Thomas Garlick. She and her husband are witnesses at her brother Robert Bradford's wedding to Amelia Clare, 1821. Pye is an Exeter watchmaker]

 

6 December, Falmouth, Cornwall: Henry Lake Branscombe buried, aged 1.[100] [Poss Harry Luke bp. 16 August, Exeter, first child of William Tucker Branscombe & Elizabeth (Lake - m. 1809 Exeter). Siblings: Helen (1811), William George (1813), George William (1815)]

 

James, Lord de Saumerez, promoted from Rear Admiral of the Red to Vice Admiral. [to 1814]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY [1808??]

Sir J Branscomb & Co Lottery Office Keepers
                                       & Stock-brokers

                                                11 Holborn, 37 Cornhill & 38 Haymarket

[Entries for Sir James' business are missing from the next two editions of the Directory, re-appearing in 1813]                 

 

Anthony Gibbs & Son, merchants         13 Sherborne Lane,
                                                                                   
Lombard Street

[cf: 1808 for agreement between Anthony Gibbs, his son George Henry, both of
London, and William Branscombe of Exeter]

 

Year of baptism of Lucy Halsey, tenth and last child of fourth great-grandparents Edward & Sarah (Pratt - m. 1790 Redbourn). [siblings: Thomas (bp. 1790), Ann (bp. 1792), Edward (bp. 1793), James (bp. 1798), Charlotte (bp. 1801), William (bp. 1802), Phoebe (bp. 1806), Elizabeth (bp. 1809), John (bp. 1809)]

 

Sussex: Approximate year of birth of Mary Branscomb, listed in the 1841 census for Hastings as daughter of Mary and brother of William. Her father may be Samuel Stace, a blacksmith, but he is not registered in the household in 1841. A Samuel Stace Branscombe, blacksmith, & Mary are the parents of Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb, mariner of Hastings (b. 1817 Hastings), who marries Mary Doubleday in Monkwearmouth, 1844, and Annie Elizabeth Vibarr, bigamously, in Ararat, Victoria, Australia, about 1866. By then a miner, he dies in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1870. William may be William Thomas, apprenticed as a mariner in 1845. [cf: 1811, 19 July, Mary Branscombe m. Samuel Branscombe, Stoke Damerel]

 

1810 U.S. CENSUS [101]

South Carolina

Jeremiah Branscom

Virginia

Edmund Branscomb                                                     Greensville County
Richard
              "                                                                                 "                       "
Thomas              "                                                                                 "                       "

 

St. Johns, Newfoundland: Richard Branscombe flourished during the years 1810-1849. He seems to have been a clerk to the firm of McCarthy, Hoyles and Brown of London and St. Johns He died in 1849 and in his will is described as a "blockmaker".[102]

 

@1811

2 January, Old Church, St.Pancras, London: John Branscombe marries Mary Hexter. (IGI) [Hexter is a Dawlish name]

 

14 January, Falmouth, Cornwall: Helen, second child of William Tucker Branscombe & Betsey (Elizabeth Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), is born. Baptised 13 February.[103] [Prior to 1877, Falmouth was in the diocese of Exeter. It was the leading Packet Station of England, and there are many strays. cf: 6 December 1810 for death of brother Henry. There are no other Branscombes born, baptised, married or buried in these registers, 1663-1812. Siblings: Henry Lake/Harry Luke (1809-1810), William George (1813), George William (1815)]

 

13 February, Falmouth, Cornwall: Helen, second child of William Tucker Branscomb & Betsy (Elizabeth Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), baptised. [Siblings: Henry Lake/Harry Luke (1809-1810), William George (1813), George William (1815). cf: 1809,1813,1815]

 

15 March, Morchard Bishop: Joseph Branscombe, widower [cf: 1785,1810], & Frances Horwell, both of Morchard Bishop, publish marriage banns.[104] [m.29 March 1812]

 

27 May: J. Parsons, Rector of Holwell, Bedfordshire, conducts a survey of the population in his parish:[105] [cf: 1821]

 

inhabited houses:                                                                    24
families:                                                                                 
30
houses building:
                                                                      0
houses uninhabited:
                                                                2
families chiefly employed in agriculture:
                                29
families chiefly employed in trade etc:
                                  1
males:
                                                                                      72
females:
                                                                                   75
persons:                                                                                  
147

 

NB: `one man in the Staffordshire local militia not included in the account’'

 

2 June, Exmouth: A sudden, violent tidal wave hits Exmouth in broad daylight and otherwise good weather.[106]

 

23 June, Whimple: Sarah, eighth and last child of John & Alice Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [John; poss bp. 1765 Whimple, fifth child of Thomas Branscombe & Ann (Shepherd - m. 1756 Whimple)? Poss m. 1791 Alice Mitchell, in Broad Clyst? Poss siblings: Mary Ann (1793), Alice (1795), Betty (1798), William (1801), Thomas (1803), Petronella/Peternella (1806), Henry (1808), all bp. Whimple]

 

19 July, Stoke Damerel: Mary Branscombe marries Samuel Branscombe. (IGI)

 

28 July, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire: James, son of John & Mary Bransome, baptised.[107] [cf: 1806 sister Charlotte baptised Bransfield or Branscome] The 1851 census for Sharnbrook shows a James Bransome aged 39, born in Sharnbrook. His wife Mary, aged 36, was also born in Sharnbrook. Their children Betsey aged 12, Thomas aged 10, William aged 7 and Mary aged 2, were all born in Sharnbrook.

 

17 August, Maidenhead: Charles Hazell born, son of John Hazell and Elizabeth (Draper). [worked for John Branscombe at 88 Pall Mall as a tea-taster. Married Eliza Branscombe (b.1808 Bampton) in Hobart, 1843. Died Sorell, Tasmania, 1882] [108]

 

15 September, Christ Church Spitalfields, Stepney: George, son of gentleman Thomas & Sarah Branscomb of Dorset Street, baptised. Born on 11 July.[109] [The terms `gentleman' or `esquire' meant men of some status though not necessarily of independent means]

 

28 September, Branscombe: William Stedham dies, aged 18. Son of Thomas Stedham of Coliton Raleigh. `This poor lad came very early in the morning to Mr Ford's Lime Kiln for a load of lime. It being very cold it is supposed that he sat down at the kiln's mouth and that, being overcome with sleep, he fell forward in upon the burning Lime, where he was found by Robert Perryman, one of the Kiln Men, burnt to death.' Buried St.Winifred's, 30 September.[110]

 

24 December: H.M.S. St.George wrecked on the coast of Jutland. [launched 1785]

 

29 December, Ottery St.Mary: Lydia, daughter of Charles & Sarah Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St.Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles of Ottery St.Mary m. 1799, Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), Ann (1802), William (1804) - all bp. Venn Ottery, Sarah (1805), Lydia (1808?) - both bp. Ottery St.Mary. Is this a duplicate baptism for Lydia?]

 

Marine artist Samuel Walters born on a sea passage from Bideford to London.[111] [cf: 1835]

 

Bampton: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth ?, wife of Joseph Pepler, wine merchant of 2-3 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall East. [cf: 1861 census]

 

London's population exceeds 1 million.

 

The new industrial centres of Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are growing rapidly. Britain's total population, at 12.5 million, has doubled since 1710.

 

Governor Macquarie lays down his street plan for Hobart. (including Macquarie Street?)

 

@1812

5 January, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Clara Elizabeth, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[112] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

A year of poor harvests in Britain (cf: 1810/1813). Wheat prices soar.

 

`The working people reacted [to their inability to peacefully and lawfully change their circumstances through political means] in many ways, and one of these was violence ... In 1812 someone shot dead an unpopular Yorkshire manufacturer called William Horsfall ... These were more or less spontaneous uprisings, made with little planning or forethought, but there was also an organised campaign of destruction, carried on by people calling themselves Luddites. These took their name from Ned Ludd who, according to one story, was an apprentice who smashed his employer's equipment as revenge for a beating. More likely, no such person ever existed, Ned Ludd being a name the workers made up and used when signing their threatening letters. The Luddite movement began in the counties where stockings were manufactured - Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. There was no power-driven machinery in this trade, instead the weavers worked at home on small stocking frames. In the early nineteenth century their trade was already depressed because fancy hose had gone out of fashion, and so many people had taken up stocking weaving that the employers could pay low wages. They now made things much worse by bringing in a new type of wide frame, which produced a cheap, inferior stocking that brought prices down even further and wages along with them The weavers banded together and went around at night, invading cottages where there were wide frames, and smashing them. By and large the weavers were successful and the masters had to meet their demands. This is a verse from a song called General Ludd's Triumph:

 

The guilty may fear, but no vengeance he aims,
At the honest man's life or estate,
His wrath is entirely confined to wide frames
And to those that old prices abate.
These Engines of mischief were sentenced to die
By Unanimous vote of the Trade:
And Ludd who can all opposition defy
Was the grand Executioner made.
'[113]

 

By 1812, exports of bar-iron exceed the imports of foreign iron retained for home consumption, although Swedish iron continues to be bought for the use of the steel-makers.

 

7 February: Charles Dickens born, New Town or Mile End, on the outskirts of Portsmouth. (to 1870)

 

29 March, Morchard Bishop: Joseph Branscombe, serge-weaver, aged 50, marries Frances Horwell, his second wife [cf: 1785], by banns, which Frances signed with a mark. Witnesses are Robert Horwill, Mary Branscombe [possibly Joseph's daughter aged 20, fourth child of his first marriage to Christian Morrish?], and Peter Comyns Tucker [who witnesses nearly all marriages at this time].[114] [cf: 15 March 1811. Also cf: 1851 census]

 

20 April, Topsham: John William Pearce, son of labourer John Pearce of Topsham & Mary, baptised.[115]

 

14 October, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: Eliza Sarah, daughter of John & Mary Ann Branscomb, baptised.[116] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss siblings: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars)]

 

25 October, North Tawton: Mary Branscombe, base child of Elizabeth Branscombe, baptised.[117]

 

13 December, St.Mary, Whitechapel: George, son of Thomas & Sarah Branscomb, baptised. Born 20 November `roadside'. [118] [cf: 1811. Poss second family with parents of this name in east London at this time? Poss siblings: Edward Richard, James Francis & Mary, all bp. 1822 Shoreditch]

 

Anthony Gibbs esquire of London's account current with Messrs. Anthony Gibbs, son & [William] Branscombe.[119] [cf: 1808,1813]

 

Calstock, Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of Sarah -?, who marries John Branscombe, pilot & waterman of Bere Alston about 1831. [cf: 1851 1881 censuses Plymouth St.Andrew]

 

St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland: Leanora Sophia, daughter of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, baptised.[120] [poss William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Richard (1801), George Buckingham (bp. 1814), John Arthur (1816), Sydney (1818)?]

 

Hastings: Georgina, daughter of fisherman George Branscombe and Mary, is born.[121] [poss sibling: Mary (1809)]

 

Dumfrieshire, Scotland: Margaret Branscombe born. Married Henry Fisher in Taunton, 1840. Children: William (1842), Henrietta (1844), Albert (1848), Margaret (1854 Melbourne, Victoria) [122]

 

@1813

11 January, Holy Trinity, Exeter: Elizabeth Branscombe marries John Banberry. Both of this parish. [John signed Banbery.[123] Mark Dalby says this name is Bunberry.[124]]

 

6 June, Morchard Bishop: Sophia, first child of Joseph Branscombe, weaver of Lower Town, and his second wife Fanny (Frances Horwell - m. 1812 Morchard), baptised. (IGI)

 

16 August, St.Mary Steps, Exeter: Jane Mary Branscombe marries shipwright John Bishop. Both of this parish.[125] [poss bp. 1791 Topsham, daughter of William & Mary Branscombe?]

 

5 September, Topsham: William Francis Buttall Pearce, son of William, mariner of Topsham, & Margaret, baptised.[126]

 

7 October, St.George's, Exeter: William George, third child of William Tucker Branscombe & Elizabeth (Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), baptised. (IGI) [Siblings: Henry Lake/Harry Luke (1809-1810), Helen (1811), George William (1815). cf: 1809]

 

A year of poor harvests in Britain (cf: 1810/1812). Wheat prices soar.

 

The East India Company monopoly on trade with India ends. Its monopoly of the China trade continues. (to 1833)

 

Kingsbridge: Approximate year of birth of carpenter William Branscombe. Married Grace (Neyle?) of Chillington, nr. Kingsbridge, in about 1834 [22 January @ St.Andrew's, Plymouth?]. By the 1851 census, they had four children - (Elizabeth?) Eunice (b. about 1835), Frederick (b. about 1837), Frocham/Fracham (b. about 1839) & Dorcas/Dorchas (Garland? b. about 1841), all in Kingsbridge. In the 1841 census, Grace and the children are registered without William, in Dodsbrooke.

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1813

Branscomb's Lottery Offices     1 Holborn Bars & 42 Cheapside            

 

London: Approximate year John Branscome born, relation of Maria B Barnes. (IGI)

 

Dawlish? Approximate year of birth of Joanna Branscombe who dies, aged 5, in 1818.

 

@1814

25 February, (Southwark?): Maria Mary, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, born. Baptised St.Ann's, Blackfriars, 1829.[127] [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars). Maria marries Rusk 1841?]

 

17 March, Axmouth: Susanna Branscomb marries Jeffery Jefford. (IGI) [Susanna poss bp. 1787 Aylesbeare, daughter of William & Mary?]

 

Start of Non-Conformist records for Dawlish parish (to 1837).

 

July: H.M.S. Orion broken up. (Robert Branscombe served, 1793-99)

 

9 August, Topsham: Grace Branscombe marries labourer George Herring. Both of this parish.[128] [George signed Hearing. cf: 1805 Grace Trout marries Robert Branscombe, Topsham Also cf: 1816 double entry for this marriage in IGI?]

 

12 August, St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland: George Buckingham, son of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, baptised.[129] [poss William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Richard (1801), Leanora Sophia (bp. 1812), John Arthur (1816), Sydney (1818)?]

 

19 August, St.George the Martyr, Southwark: Louisa Maria, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised. (IGI) [poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss children baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), William Samuel (1805), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Maria Mary (b. 1814, bp. 1829 Blackfriars). Maria marries Rusk 1841?]

 

11 September, Morchard Bishop: Mary Branscomb marries Henry Cheriton. Witnesses are Roger Cheriton, John Challice and Peter Comyns Tucker [who witnesses most marriages at this time].[130]

 

6 November, Venn Ottery: Henry Hayman Branscombe, son of Mary Ann Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [No husband listed. Henry d. 1816, buried Withycombe Raleigh. cf: 1796 Withycombe Raleigh, Mary Ann, daughter of William Branscombe & Sarah (Haymen - m. 1793 Withycombe), baptised. Sibling: John (1794). Mary Ann marries Beavis in 1827, is mother to William Branscombe, tinsmith of Mudgee? [131] 3rd great-grandmother of Robin Holmes of High Wycombe? Also cf: 1807 Elizabeth Branscombe m. West Teignmouth, Robert Hayman]

 

The Van Diemen's Land Gazette is first published.

 

Volcanic eruption of Tamboura. May have led to atmospheric conditions over England recorded in Turner paintings.

 

`Lysons notes that 7/12 of the property [of Branscombe villageEdge Barton] belongs to the Earl of  Ilchester by inheritance, and 5/12 to  B.J. Stuckey-Bertlett [Bartlett?][132], whose ancestor, John Stuckey, had purchased the moiety from the Hon. Percy Wyndham. As far as it is known, the house was occupied by tenant farmers from 1618 until 1933.'[133]

 

Gas becomes the primary lighting medium for .[134]

 

`Joanna Southcott was a native of Devonshire, and was born about the middle of the [eighteenth century]. In her youth, she lived as a domestic servant, chiefly in Exeter, and having joined the ts, became acquainted with a man named Sanderson, who laid claim to the spirit of prophesy, a pretension in which she herself ultimately indulged. In 1792, she declared herself to be the woman driven into the wilderness, the subject of the prophesy in the twelfth chapter of the Book of Revelation. She gave forth predictions in prose and doggerel rhyme, in which she related the denunciation of judgements on the surrounding nations, and promised a speedy approach of the Millennium. In the course of her "mission", as she called it, she employed a boy, who pretended to see visions, and attempted, instead of writing, to adjust them on the walls of her chapel, "the House of God." A schism took place among her followers, one of whom, named Carpenter, took possession of the place, and wrote against her: not denying her mission, but asserting that she had exceeded it. Altough very illiterate, she wrote numerous letters and pamphlets, which were published, and found many purchasers. One of her productions was called The Book of Wonders. She also issued to her followers sealed papers, which she termed her "seals", and which, she assured them, would protect them from the judgements of God, both in this and the other world, assuring them final salvation. Strange as it may seem, thousands of persons received these with implicit confidence, and among them were a few men and women of good education and respectable position in society. In course of time, Joanna is said to have imagined herself to have the usual symptoms of pregnancy, and announced that she was to give birth, at midnight of the 19th of October, 1814, to a second "Shiloh", or Prince of Peace, miraculously conceived, she being then more than sixty years of age. The infatuation of her followers was such that they received this announcement with devout reverence, prepared an expensive cradle, and spent considerable sums, in order that all might be suitable for so great and interesting occasion. The expected birth did not take place, but on 27 December, 1814, the woman died at her house in Manchester Street. On a post-mortem examination, it was found that the appearance of pregnancy which had deceived others and perhaps herself, was due to dropsy. Her followers, however, were not to be undeceived, and for some time continued to believe that she would rise again from her "trance", and appear, as the mother of the promised Shiloh.'[135] [at her death, according to a contemporary quoted in Walford, she had 50,000 followers]

 

While through all thy wondrous days,
Heaven and earth enraptured gazed;
While vain sages think they know
Secrets thou alone can show;
Time alone will tell what hour
Thou'lt appear to `greater' power

inscription on Joanna Southcott's
tombestone,

 

 

James, Lord de Saumerez, promoted from Vice-Admiral to Admiral. [to 1836]

 

George Stephenson's first locomotive runs at Killingworth Colliery.

 

`Oddly enough, [The Times] was involved in a `new technology' dispute in 1814 (as in the 1980s) when John Walter II introduced the steam printing press, and rolled up his sleeves to get the paper out himself when his men struck.'[136]

 

St.Thomas: Approximate year of birth of (Hanna?) Branscombe Davy, wife of Henry Davy in 1851 census and niece of Honour Branscombe (Leigh - m. William Branscombe 1799 Dartmouth).

 

Bristol: Approximate year of birth of Eliza(beth?) -?, future wife of Henry Branscombe of Barnstaple, haulier in Bath. They marry in Bristol in 1844 or 1845. She died in Newport, 1866. [cf: 1861 census]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1814

Branscomb's Lottery Office
1 Holborn Bars, near Middle row

 

@1815

26 February, Topsham: Frances, daughter of Charles Pearce, mariner of Topsham, & Elizabeth, baptised.[137]

 

18 April, St.Leonard's, Shoreditch: Sarah Branscomb marries Samuel Williams. (IGI)

 

16 September, St.David's, Exeter: William Chenneour, born in Lanteglos, Cornwall, marries Mary Southcombe, born in Tavistock, by banns. Both are of the parish. They both sign their names, as does the witness, John Keen.[138] [parents of Mary Ann Chenneour (bp. 1822 Exeter), who marries Edward Branscombe in Coventry, 1847. Therefore they are our third great-grandparents. cf: 1841 census for Bartholomew Street, Exeter]

 

24 September, St.Botolph-without-Aldgate, London: George William, fourth and last child of William Tucker Branscombe & Elizabeth (Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), baptised.[139] [cf: 1840 or poss 1843 marriage to Amelia J ? Children include Effie Julia (1846), (Louisa/Francis? c1854?), Clara (c1856?). 1851 census - George is a Lay Vicar at Exeter Cathedral & "professor of music" in Exeter. George’s siblings: Henry Lake/Harry Luke (1809-1810), Helen (1811), William George (1813)]

 

30 November, Brunswick County, Virginia: Benjamin Branscomb marries Tabitha Seward.[140]

 

24 December, Brailsford, Derbyshire: Anne, daughter of James & Anne Branscombe, baptised. (IGI)

 

Chillington, nr.Kingsbridge: Approximate year of birth of Grace (Neyle?), who married carpenter William Branscombe of Kingsbridge in about 1834. By the 1851 census, they had four children - (Elizabeth?) Eunice (b. about 1835), Frederick (b. about 1837), Frocham/Fracham (b. about 1839) & Dorcas/Dorchas (Garland? b. about 1841), all in Kingsbridge. In the 1841 census, Grace and the children are registered without William, in Dodsbrook.

 

`In about 1815 the death rate stopped falling and, in fact, it increased slightly. It did not start to fall again until after 1870. Obviously something had gone wrong, and we can get some idea as to what it was if we look not only at the increase of the population, but also at changes in its distribution. Between 1801 and 1841 the population of the whole country rose by about 60%, but the large towns grew by nearly 140%. Individual towns grew even faster than this, as we can see from Manchester and Bradford. In the sixty years before 1831, Manchester increased its size six times. Bradford grew by 50% every ten years between 1811 and 1851, and by that time only half the people living in the town had been born there. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people of England and Wales lived in the countryside; by 1851 half of them were town dwellers. From being a farming country we had become the first nation in the world to be mainly industrial. This was one of the most important developments in our history, but it brought its problems.'[141]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1815

Branscomb's Lottery Office
1 Holborn Bars, near Middle row

 

Topsham: The brig Flora is launched, owners in 1839/40 are Cockings, when its home port is Torquay, and it is engaged on the Teignmouth-Swansea run, and the master is W. Pearce.[142]

 

The Battle of battlesWaterloo.

 

Davy, Sir Humphry Davy invents his safety lamp for miners.

 

The will of Warren of Bishopsteignton, is proved.[143] [poss. m. 1782 Elizabeth Branscombe, sister of Robert?]

 

`During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain had enjoyed considerable prosperity, but in the years that followed - from 1815 almost to the accession of Queen Victoria - there was a long period of deflation. Lord Ernle saw this as `one of the blackest periods of English farming', although historians now consider that the distress was precipitated by plummeting wheat prices, and was largely confined to arable farming in the South and East.'[144]

 

The Statute of Artificers (or Apprentices), in force since 1563, is repealed. Although it had long ceased to be put completely into practice, it had largely controlled the development of the British industrial economy for 250 years.[145]

 

`The city ... was still essentially the Exeter of the Tudors, enclosed within the old city walls. The Chenneours would have witnessed the bustle and jostling of the street traders which caused considerable congestion in the High Street, a daily re-enactment of the scene going back to medieval times. Within the walls there remained much of the old city, its narrow alleys and packed slums interspersed with the open spaces formed by gardens and the courts that had once belonged to the wealthier merchants and industrialists. Exeter was no longer one of the wealthiest and largest cities of the kingdom as it had been in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when the wool trade was supreme. Water was still obtained from private wells, an ancient conduit, cisterns and a few public pumps. Through the narrow cobbled streets, open gutters provided the only means for the disposal of sewage and household slops.'[146]

 

St. John's, Newfoundland: William Branscombe serves on the Grand Jury during this period.[147]

 

John Branscombe Crews born. Mayor of Prahran, Victoria,1863-4. [148] [Died 1905. Early Prahran settler and identity. Councillor, Mayor of Prahran and founder of coffee palaces, M.L.A. cf: 1840, John Branscombe Crews witnesses a marriage in Newton Bushell]

 

@1816

3 March, Withycombe Raleigh: Henry Hayman Branscombe, aged 16 months, buried.[149] [cf: 1814 Henry Hayman bp., Venn Ottery, son of Mary Ann Branscombe, daughter of William Branscombe & Sarah (Haymen - m. 1793 Withycombe). Mary Ann marries Beavis in 1827, is mother to William Branscombe, tinsmith of Mudgee? [150] 3rd great-grandmother of Robin Holmes of High Wycombe?]

 

1 May 1816: W. Branscombe, Junr, Plymouth, Tanner, May 4, 18 and Jun 11 at Guildhall. [151]

 

2 May, Plymouth: W. Branscombe junior bankrupt.[152] [cf: 13 March 1828 - W. Branscombe senior. 1807 William Branscombe marries Elizabeth Steer in Stoke Damerel. 1848 Agnes Branscombe, widow of William Branscombe junior of Kingsbridge, dies]

 

3 June, St.Sidwell's, Exeter: John Branscombe, carpenter,  marries Elizabeth Seward.[153] [Both sojourners in St.Sidwell? Poss. son of William & Sarah, b.Withycombe Raleigh 1794? cf: 1854 Sept Q Exeter, Elijah Seward Branscombe's death registered. Also cf: 1818 Heavitree, John Branscombe, joiner & sub-postmaster]

 

2 July, Ashburton: Richard Branscombe, tanner of Newton Bushel, marries Mary Edwards (of Ashburton?), by licence.[154] [possibly bp. 1793 Highweek, third child of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m. 1787 Wolborough)? If so, he is brother of John the draper & Elizabeth (Beard). cf: 1817 for the birth of their first child, Richard, who becomes a carpenter, and then a licenced victualler in Hertfordshire and London. When Richard junior married Eliza Lovelace in Paddington, 1840, Richard senior was said to be a baker. Poss second son Frank? b. 1824/5 Newton Bushel? An apprentice wood-turner in Shoreditch in the 1841 census. Poss m. 1856 Chelsea, Ann Bartlett. If so, his father Richard is described as a clerk, while Frank himself is an engraver. By 1881, he is a wood-turner in Berkhampstead. He poss d. 1907 Christchurch district?]

 

14 July, St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland: John Arthur, son of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, baptised.[155] [poss William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Richard (1801), Leanora Sophia (bp. 1812), George Buckingham (1814), Sydney (1818)?]

 

8 August, Topsham: Grace Branscombe marries herring, George Herring. (IGI) [cf: 1814 - double entry in IGI for this marriage?]

 

15 September, Morchard Bishop: Henry, son of Joseph; Branscomb & Frances (Fanny Horwell - m. 1812 Morchard), christened. (IGI) [d. 1818. Second child of weaver Joseph, of Lower Town & his second wife. Henry's sister Sophia bp. 1813. Marjorie Thomas' transcript of parish register [156] says Joseph's wife is Anne]

 

13 November, Greensville County, Virginia: Polly Branscomb marries Thomas Hill.[157]

 

The Hobart Town Gazette is first published.

 

The first immigrant ship to Hobart, the Adamant, arrives.

 

`In Kelmscott House, Hammersmith, lived William Morris, whose influence on the artistic development of printing and in many other directions is well known. On a small outer building adjacent is a tablet stating that in this house Sir Francis Ronalds, F.R.S., made the first electric telegraph, eight miles long, in 1816.'[158]

 

`The Year Without a Summer', in Britain. Grain prices at record levels. `There were ... big variations in the price of bread, the staple food of working class families.'[159]

 

Mary Shelley writes Frankenstein.

 

Exmouth: Approximate year of birth of Joseph Perriam, future husband of Susanna Mary Branscombe, b. 1821 Topsham to Robert & Amelia (Clare). [cf: 1851 census]

 

Henrie County, Virginia: Joseph Edmond Branscome born, son of Benjamin & (Southwood). According to a letter written by Joseph’s son, Benjamin Franklin Branscombe, in 1903, Benjamin senior arrived in America from Scotland with his two brothers, one of unknown name and the other, Edmond, shortly after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Joseph Edmond moved to Ohio and married Dianah Pierce, a second cousin of Franklin Pierce, 14th president of the US (1853-1857). They moved to Knox County, Illinois, settling on the Spoon River in 1838. Joseph went to California in 1853 and returned in 1855, when the family moved to Iowa. They moved again, in the following year, to Maysville, Missouri, where he became Sheriff. In July 1865, he was shot and killed by a Mr Stoffel.[160]

 

@1817

January: Five acres of Dawlish Warren washed away.

 

`The passage from the Dawlish side to Exmouth was a ferry for a very long time. It is mentioned in our earliest Dawlish records simply as "passage". There was a passage house on the Exmouth side, with a bell to recall the ferryman, but no house or bell seems to have been provided on the Dawlish side.'[161]

 

23 February, Ashburton: Richard Brandcombe, son of Richard & Mary (Edwards), baptised. (IGI) [m. 1840 Eliza Lovelace, St.James Paddington. His father, Richard was then a baker, while Richard junior was a carpenter, living in Dudley Grove. By the time of his death in 1872, Richard junior was a licenced victualler]

 

27 March, Withycombe Raleigh: Mary Anne Branscombe marries John Basten. Both of this parish.[162] [Marjorie Thomas transcribes this as John Barker.[163] Robin Holmes transcribes it as Baslen.[164] This could be John Bastin, father of John Branscombe Basten/Bastin, born in Littleham circa 1818. The 1851 census for Withycombe Raleigh includes an aunt, Elizabeth Branscombe, aged 53, born in Payhembury, in his household]

 

8 April, St.Clement's, Townstal, Dartmouth: Bachelor Edward Branscombe, painter [& glazier] of Dawlish, marries Ann Starling of Townstal [direct ancestors]. Witnesses are Mary Fox and Henry Tuckerman.[165] Ann Starling's great-aunt Mary Merrygame married a Thomas Fox. Ann & Edward's fourth child, born in 1823, is called Thomas Fox Branscombe.

 

10 May, St.David's, Exeter: William Branscombe [d. 1859] marries Eliza Dacie. [166] [cf: 5 October - double entry? William d. 1859 Paddington]

 

8 June, Topsham: Samuel George Pearce, son of labourer John of Topsham, & Mary, is baptised.[167]

 

13 July, Tonbridge Independent Chapel: Martha, daughter of shoemaker Edward & Mary Crouch, is baptised. Born Penshurst, Kent. Becomes third wife of William Branscombe, shoe-maker of Torquay, in 1865, and dies at Eton in 1901. [sibling: Mary (about 1814), married Bird - a widow living with Martha in 1881 census]

 

18 July, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire: John, son of Thomas & Alice Branscomb, baptised. (IGI) [cf: 1886 Emily Mary J Branscomb born, Newport Pagnell]

 

21 July, St.Mary's, Newington, Surrey: Thomas Branscombe marries Mary Elizabeth Roxby. (IGI) [Possibly Thomas Branscomb, labourer/warehouseman, & Mary Elizabeth? If so, their son Henry (bp. 1825) marries Jane (Waterlow - m. 1849 Stepney). They run a hatters in Cambridge Road, Mile End. cf: 1824 Thomas Branscombe, china glass & earthenware dealer, 34 High Street, Mile End]

 

1 August, Withycombe Raleigh: Henry, son of John Branscombe, joiner, & Elizabeth (Seward - m. 1816 Exeter?), born.[168]  [bap. 9 Aug., m. 1836 Exeter, Mary Ann Horn. cf: 1851 census. Died 1876, Victoria, Australia]

 

9 August, Withycombe Raleigh: Henry, son of John Branscombe, joiner, & Elizabeth, baptised.[169] [b. 1 Aug. cf: 1818 John Branscombe, joiner & sub-postmaster of Heavitree]

_______________________________________________________________________
Exeter Flying Post

Thursday 21 August 1817

 

Whereas I, William Branscombe, of Exmouth, Boat-master, was on Monday 11th. instant, hired by Charles Gifford Esq. to take him in my boat to Teignmouth, where I grossly insulted him, from which he commenced a prosecution against me, but has condescended to withdraw it, on my paying one pound seven shillings to the Humane Society, in Exeter, and publicly acknowledging my fault: I hereby express my contrition for my offence, and my humble thanks for his foregiveness.

 

The Mark of William Branscombe
Witness Henry Southcott

 

[Charles Gifford, brother of Lord Gifford, resided permanently at Exmouth in what was known as "Brimstone House", Prospect Place, demolished before 1885. The Giffords owned considerable property in the area. cf: 1726 Sandford: Mary S. Brownscombe (d. 1778) & Robert Southcott, marry. Also cf: 1841 & 1851 censuses]

______________________________________________________________________

 

5 October, St.David's, Exeter: William Branscombe, Gentleman of Holy Trinity, Exeter [accomptant/common carrier/gentleman of St.Sidwell's], marries Eliza Dacie of St.David's, by licence.[170] [cf: 10 May - double entry? Children: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834)]

 

5 November, Morchard Bishop: Elizabeth Branscombe of Morchard Bishop marries William Holmes, husbandman and resident, by banns. Witnesses are Jas Branscombe, Roger Cheriton, William Oxnam. [a regular witness][171] [ancestor of Robin Holmes?]

 

Hobart is said to be `no more than a collection of huts'. Church services are held in the King's store. Convict women lack shelter at night, and `depravity' is widespread. Wives are bought and sold. Government officers keep concubines.

 

Captain William Bligh buried at St. Mary, Lambeth.

 

John Nash builds the villa of Stonelands, Dawlish, which became the home of Sir John Rennie, eminent architect and engineer.[172] [cf: 1804]

 

Hastings: According to the Merchant Navy records in the P.R.O. Kew,[173] this is the year of birth of Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb, master mariner (1851 Newcastle), ship-owner & miner of Sunderland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne & Australia. Married Mary Doubleday in Monkwearmouth, 1844. Living in St.Lawrence Row, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the 1851 census. Their children probably include: Mary (1845-1845), Mary (1846), Henry Samuel (1848), Charles (1850) & Isabella (1853), all born in Newcastle or the Tyne area. Samuel went to Australia in about 1853 and probably never returned. He married for the second time, bigamously, in 1866 in Ararat, Victoria, Annie Elizabeth Vibarr. They had no children. He died 1870 in Ballarat. [Victoria Pioneers Index gives his mother as Mary (U?)]

 

Devonshire: Mary Branscome born. Married John Cameron of Inverness, in London. Children: John (b1856 Prahran, Victoria, Australia).[174] [poss m.1837 Dec , St Mary Newington as Mary Branscomb?]

 

@1818

19 April, St. John's, Newfoundland: Sydney, (son/daughter?) of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, born. Baptised St. John the Baptist, St. John's, 24 July 1819.[175] [poss d. 1885 Barbados? William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Richard (1801), Leanora Sophia (bp. 1812), George Buckingham (1814), John Arthur (1816)?]

 

30 April, Dawlish: Joanna Branscombe, aged 5 years, dies.[176]

 

23 July, St.Gregory's, Dawlish: Anne Starling, daughter of Edward Branscombe, [painter &] glazier, & Anne (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), baptised.[177] [IGI says 22 Feb this year]

 

10 September: Thomas Bowden of Topsham, shipwright, marries Frances Hannaford.[178]

 

1 October: Article of agreement of co-partnership between Anthony Gibbs, George Henry Gibbs & William Branscombe. Trade carried on in Cadiz in the commission line. Resident in Cadiz - William Branscombe. Witnessed by M.O. Osborne, Attorney, Bristol, and Thomas Goddard, merchant, Cadiz.[179] [cf: 1808. Agreement lasted seven years? Corporation of London Records Office has correspondence in relation to this partnership 1818-25][180]

 

11 December, Greensville County, Virginia: Lucy Branscomb marries Herbert Harris.[181] [cf: 1793 Greensville Co., Frances Branscomb m. William Harris]

 

14 December, Morchard Bishop: Burial of Henry Branscombe of Lower Town, aged 2.[182] [b. 1816 son of Joseph, weaver of Lower Town & Anne (or Fanny?)]

 

Correspondence between William Branscombe [m.Honour Leigh Dartmouth 1799?] at 4 Longbrook Street, Exeter, and Henry Gibbs concerning the administration of the late Captain Philip Leigh's estate.[183] The beneficiaries listed are:

 

            Sarah Burrell                £35.00

            Honor Branscombe      £34.19

            W. Branscombe                       £ 3.10

            Mary Berry                  £ 3.10

            Wm. Burrell                  £ 1.15

            Sarah Richardson         £ 1.15

            Elizabeth Chorley          £ 1.15

 

Ring and Dump coins first introduced into Van Diemen's Land.

 

British forces defeat Marathas, and effectively become rulers of India.

 

John Sims Reeves, famous English tenor vocalist and later teacher of Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon], is born. [d. 1900][184]

 

`In 1818 some Stockport strikers seized a number of girls who were going to work, and held them under the pump ... there was an attack on a Stockport mill and troops had to come in to defend it.'[185]

 

Nathaniel & Henry Branscombe, sons of Arthur and Rachel of Grand Lake, move from New Brunswick, where they were born, to Hallowell, western Canada. Nathaniel married Sarah Miller, while Henry married Lydia Miller, who may have been her sister. Their brother Arthur [d. 1875], who stayed behind in New Brunswick, also married a Miller - Martha.[186]

 

Littleham: Approximate year of birth of John Branscombe Bastin, possibly the son of Mary Anne Branscombe and John Bastin/Basten, m. 1817 in Withycombe Raleigh. In the 1851 census, John junior's aunt, Elizabeth Branscombe, is shown living in his household. [cf: also 1841 census for Littleham]

 

Approximate year of birth of Emma Branscomb, bap.3 Jan 1831, St.Sepulchre, London [also known as Holy Sepulchre without Newgate], daughter of John (deceased in 1831) & Mary of 8 West Street, Smithfield (1831). Said to be thirteen years of age at baptism.[187] [cf: 1828 Finsbury, Hellen bapt., d. of John & Mary, 1846 Greenwich marriage of Emma Branscomb. Poss John & Mary Hexter, m. 1811 Old Church, St.Pancras?]

 

Approximate year of birth, in Middlesex, of John Branscombe, son of mercantile clerk John, who becomes a wood turner and marries Emma Scales, in 1840. [cf: 1841 census - Shoreditch. Could John senior be the John mentioned above, husband of Mary, father of Emma & possibly Hellen & John? Children of John & Emma Scales: Thomas (1845), Mary (1848), John (1852), William (1853), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice M. (1869)]

 

Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), clown, lived in Exmouth Market, London, from 1818 to 1828.

 

John Branscombe, joiner and sub-postmaster, lives at Fore Street, Heavitree. [directory listing.[188] cf: 1817 John Branscombe of Withycombe, joiner, & Elizabeth (Seward - m. 1816 Exeter?). Also cf: 1824 Mrs Branscombe registered in Heavitree]

 

1818 TENNESSEE CENSUS [189]

Joseph Branscomb

 

@1819

February-September: Series of letters sent to William Branscombe in Cadiz from Gibb & Sons Ltd., merchant & foreign bankers of London, and from his wife.[190] [William d. 1819 November, of yellow fever]

 

7 February, St.George The Martyr, Southwark: William Edward Butler Branscombe, son of Richard & Mary Ann Branscombe, baptised.[191] [Richard senior poss third child of John Branscombe & Ann (? - m?), bp. 1772 Plymouth. Poss siblings: Ann (1764), Elizabeth (1767)? Poss m. 1798 East Stonehouse, Mary Ann Jury? Richard & Mary Ann may have moved to Southwark and baptised: Richard Thomas (1803), Amelia Elizabeth (1805), John Ould James (1807), William Edward Butler (1819?). Emma (Bigwood), married William Branscombe, poss 1860 in Bristol? They had two sons. William Harcourt was born in Bristol in 1873. He went to Cambridge and rowed for his college. Working as a mining engineer, he was visiting what is now Ghana when he was attacked by natives and killed, in 1901. John Ernest Mackay was born in Barton district in 1879. He was a sculptor with studios in London. He died in Maidstone in 1956. Emma died in Herne Bay, in 1927. Her executor was Mary Elizabeth Branscombe, a spinster. cf: 1807 brother John Ould baptised?]

 

8 February, Dawlish: George Beard marries Mary Hoare. (IGI) [possibly George Beard, builder, father of Mary, who marries William Waymouth Branscombe 29 Nov 1854?]

 

19 April, Littleham: John Bishop of Littleham marries Alice Branscombe of Littleham. Witnesses Mary Ann Bastin and John Blackmore.[192] [cf: 1817 Mary Anne Branscombe m. John Bastin, Withycombe Raleigh. Also cf: 1813 - John Bishop m. Jane Mary Branscombe]

 

24 July, St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland: Sydney, (son/daughter?) of merchant William Brandscomb and Elizabeth, baptised. Born St. John's, 19 April, 1818.[193] [poss d. 1885 Barbados? Poss William m. 1799, Elizabeth Barnes? Poss siblings: Richard (1801), Leanora Sophia (bp. 1812), George Buckingham (1814), John Arthur (1816)?]

 

5 August, Withycombe Raleigh: Charles Branscombe son of John, carpenter, & Elizabeth, born [bap. 22 Aug].[194]

 

8 August, St.David's, Exeter: Louisa Branscombe, first child of William & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), baptised. (IGI) [William, gentleman of St.David's Hill.[195] siblings: William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834)]

 

Approximate year of Louisa Branscombe's birth. (Somerset?) She arrives in Adelaide, in 1849, as a spinster emigrant.

 

15 August, Dawlish: Susanna, daughter of Edward Branscombe, baptised.[196] [Edward, painter & glazier, & Ann(e) (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth). cf: 1841 census Littleham]

 

`In 1819, [the Dawlish Poor House] was removed from the Strand to a site near the present school in Old Town Street ... there were five separate poorhouses here, and they remained in use as a home for poor old people until 1850.'[197]

 

22 August, Withycombe Raleigh: Charles Branscombe, son of John, carpenter, & Elizabeth, baptised.[198] [b.5 Aug. Becomes a mason - cf: 1851 census]

 

25 August, Bratton Fleming: The will of William Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[199]

 

29 September, Topsham: Harriett Branscombe marries cordwainer Thomas Garlick. Both of this parish.[200] [poss bp. 1793 Topsham, third child of mariner William Branscombe & Jane (Pain - m. 1781 Topsham)? cf: 1821 marriage of Robert Branscombe & Amelia Clare. Also cf: 1834]

 

November (Cadiz?): William Branscombe dies of yellow fever.[201]

 

3 November, Withycombe Raleigh?: George Branscombe, son of Mary Ann Branscombe, spinster, born. [bap. 1827][202]

 

19 December, St.Andrew's, Holborn: Mary Ann Cross Branscumb, daughter of cooper George and Mary Ann, of Grays Inn Lane, baptised. Born 28 November.[203] [cf: 1801]

 

Approximate start of the reign of `Governor Wally' (Henry Wallen), on Kangaroo Island. (to 1836)

 

John Branscombe of Morchard Bishop - testamentary cause.[204] [John, son of Abraham and Frances (Southcott), bp. 1764?]

 

Approximate year Ann(e) (Bowden/Waymouth/Webber/Smith?) marries William Branscombe, shoe-maker, possibly in Torquay.

 

`Shoemakers had a reputation for radical politics, hard drinking, a fondness for pets, especially songbirds, and ideas above their station. The radical tradition was of long standing. The patron saints of the trade are Crispin and Crispinian and legend says that they were both martyred at Soissons in 285 AD for preaching the then heretical new religion of Christianity [they were both shoemakers] ... The shoe-making trade encompassed many different tasks, of varying skill and status. Though some shoemakers bought and cut their own leather and did all the work in their own establishments, most were employed in a "putting out" system. Under this arrangement the leather was cut to size in a "factory" or "college" (proper mechanised "manufactories" did not appear until around 1860) ... The man who did this was the clicker and had the highest income and status. His skill in cutting hides could make or break a business. In fact, many became merchants in their own right. The strange name comes either from the sound their knives made as they cut the leather, or from the Old French claquer to shout. In olden days, clickers had to advertise their merchant's goods by shouting for trade. Leftovers from the hides would be cut into pieces by a "rough-stuff cutter" and the pieces used for filling heels. The strips of leather were passed out to shoemakers proper, who assembled the shoes. The upper leathers were sewn into shape on a last, which was a wooden or iron foot-shaped template. This relatively light work could be done by women, children or old men, the "hand-binders" or "boot-binders" of census returns. Fit young men sewed the uppers onto the soles, a hard task because of the tough leather. The heels would be sewn on, then the new shoes would be given eyeholes for laces, if necessary, and buffed, polished and generally "finished". Once completed, the footware went back to the "college". The merchant paid his fees and organised the transport and sale of the finished shoes. The merchants were involved at the beginning and end of the system, putting out the raw materials and selling the finished goods. The shoemakers were "labour only" sub-contractors, supplying their skill and some modest capital, such as lasts and needles, though lasts could be hired from merchants ... Under this domestic system, the merchants risked very little capital. Any downturn in trade would result in giving out fewer strips, the cost of recession being borne, therefore, by the shoemakers. The shoemakers had the freedom to take strips from any merchants and do the work at their pace in their own time: they would reputedly spend half the week earning their monies by ferocious efforts, staying awake all night to complete their tasks, and the other half of the week getting drunk ... There was no distinction between left and right shoes until after mechanisation. Earnings were poor even by contemporary standards: only ten shillings a week or less in many parts of the country until the 1850s ... The shoemaking trades were widespread, as every city, town or village had its resident shoemaker, cobbler or clogger ... The trades employed 250,000 people in 1861, when they formed the sixth largest employment category in the national census, employing more people than the coal-mining, railways or engineering industries.'[205]

 

The American ship Savannah crosses the Atlantic using both steam and sail.[206]

 

Approximate year of birth of John Branscombe, registered in the household of Hannah Davis, in Littleham, in the 1841 census. Also in the household is John [Branscombe?] Bastin, a bricklayer. [cf: 1818]

 

St.Aldate's, Oxford: Robert Branscomb, tinman, marries Eliza(beth) Talboys (b. 1795 Oxford).[207] [Robert died 1858 in Birmingham, aged 72. Elizabeth d. 1862 Oxford, aged 68. Children: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Mary Ann (1822-1896), Richard Adolphus (1825), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838). A descendant says the Talboys were an `educated' family, who looked after Robert & Elizabeth's children, in later years]

 

@1820

8 February, Stockland, Dorset [Devon after 1844]: Ann Davey daughter of Richard & Hannah (Newberry), baptised. [m. William Beavis-Branscombe in Jersey, 1842, d. 1900 in Mudgee][208]

 

15 February, Topsham: Benjamin Ward Buttall Pearce, son of master mariner William of Topsham, & Margaret, is baptised.[209]

 

20 February, Cheriton Fitzpaine: Eliza & Sarah Ann, daughters of William & Sarah Branscombe, christened. (IGI)

 

25 March, Torquay: Robert Bowden Branscombe born, son of William the shoemaker & Ann(e).[210] [cf: 1836]

 

15 April, St.Martin's-in-the-Fields, Westminster: Walter Branscomb marries Sophia Brown. (IGI)

 

26 July, Wayne County, Kentucky: Wesley Branscomb marries Jane Dobbs.[211]

 

13 November, St.Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Mary Ann Branscombe marries James Davey, and Mary Branscomb marries Matthew Hudson. (IGI) [James Davey, husbandman.[212] cf: 1712]

 

Little Venice opens, and Regent's Canal.

 

1820's: Severe agricultural depression.

 

Britain's merchant marine is 2-2½ million tons.

 

`James Ladbroke was busying himself, in the 1820s, with plans and on an Act of Parliament for the layout of the great estate whose church, square, crescents and communal gardens were in due course to provide one of the last examples of London's great tradition of residential development.'[213]

 

`During the prime period [of the express post coach system] at the beginning of the 1820s, Carey's Itinerary shows that seven hundred and ninety-five mail and express passenger coaches spread out across the country from London every day of the week.'[214]

 

Possible year of marriage of Thomas Branscomb, labourer/warehouseman, & Mary Elizabeth ?, possibly in Whitechapel. Their son Henry (bp. 1825) marries Jane (Waterlow - m. 1849 Stepney). They run a hatters in Cambridge Road, Mile End. [poss m.21 July 1817, St.Mary's, Newington, Surrey, Mary Elizabeth Roxby? cf: 1824 Thomas Branscombe, china glass & earthenware dealer, 34 High Street, Mile End]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                 
19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                   
25 Jun 37                     St.Dunstan,Stepney

 

Redbourne: Third great-grandfather James Halsey marries Elizabeth Bingham. [children: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth ?, buried 1914 Appledore, aged 94, as Elizabeth Brownscombe. [cf: 1822 James Brownscombe b., d. 1867 Appledore]

 

Reign of George III ends (since 1760). George IV succeeds to the throne (to 1830).

 

Russelville, Logan County, Kentucky
Robert Branscomb

Greensville County, Virginia
Benjamin Brancomb
Edmund, Richard & Tabitha Branscomb
[215]       

 

@1821

19 January, Topsham: Robert Branscombe, bachelor fisherman of Topsham, marries spinster sojourner Amelia Clare, by banns. He signed his name, while she signed with a mark. Witnesses include Thomas & Harriett Garlick, (Peter Richards?), and one other whose name is indecipherable.[216] [Possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of mariner William & Jane (Pain - m. 1781 Topsham), described as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838). Thomas Garlick, cordwainer, married Harriett Branscombe in Topsham, 1819. She may have been bp. 1793 Topsham, fourth child of William & Jane above, so sister to Robert Bradford]

 

2 January, Tiverton: Bartholomew Branscombe of Bampton, miller, makes his will. He bequeaths Grist Mills, with lands and orchard, in Elmore, Tiverton, to his son James, miller of Tiverton. Bartholomew signs with a mark.[217] [cf: 1833]

 

6 February, Topsham: Mary Martha (Heander?) Pearce, daughter of master mariner William of Topsham & Margaret (Heander?) Pearce, is baptised.[218] [cf: 1820]

 

9 March, St.Gregory's, Dawlish: William, son of Edward Branscombe, [painter &] glazier, & Ann [direct ancestors], baptised.[219] If not already there, at some time during the next five years, the family moves to Exeter, St. Sidwell's parish, from where they are removed in 1826.

 

27 March, Tiverton: Bartholomew Branscombe of Tiverton dies. His will is proved on 6 July, in Exeter. The effects are under £20. Legatees are his daughter Sarah, wife of John Rossiter of Tiverton, his grand-daughter Sarah, wife of Robert Pring of Tiverton, baker, £10. His grand-daughter Lucy, wife of Benjamin Harris `now residing in London', £10. His son James Branscombe of Tiverton, miller, all his Grist Mills situated near Elmore, Tiverton, `together with the field or close of land called Paradise Meadow and the orchard thereto now in the occupation of son James. And also two garden plots near Elmore now in occupation of James Turner as tenant. Witnesses are Fred O. Patch, James Turner and Jno Loosemore. Executor is James Branscombe of Tiverton, miller.[220] [Bartholomew brother of Sir James of Holborn?]

 

1 April, Topsham: Susanna Mary Branscombe, first child of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 19 Jan. Topsham), baptised. (IGI) [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten children: Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

28 May: R. Lucas, Curate of Holwell, Bedfordshire, conducts a survey of the population in his parish:[221] [cf: 1811]

 

inhabited houses:                                                        26 (+2)
families:
                                                                      29 (-1)
houses building:
                                                          0
houses uninhabited:
                                                    0 (-2)
families chiefly employed in agriculture:                   
ALL (+1)
families chiefly employed in trade etc:                      
0 (-1)
males:
                                                                          89 (+17)
females:
                                                                       90 (+15)
persons:
                                                                       179 (+32)

 

Macquarie Harbour opens as a convict prison.

 

Bishop Carey of Exeter's census of Devon parishes: Dawlish has 500 families. There are 3 or 4 Papists, and a few Calvinists and Dissenters, including a teacher who resides in the parish, and preaches in a licenced chapel.[222]

 

`Between 1811 and 1821 the population [of Exeter] increased from 18,896 to 23,479, that is by 23.8%. Some compensation for the loss of the cloth industry was found in the demand for the new houses, and also in work on the extension and improvement of the canal. Except in severe weather there was therefore employment for masons, plasterers, carpenters, bricklayers and allied trades, who together now formed the largest single element among Exeter's working class.

 

Towards the end of the 1820s the full daily wage for a skilled carpenter ranged from 3s 6d to 3s 8d Bricklayers were paid between 3s 6d and 3s 9d. (At Manchester about this time, bricklayers and carpenters were paid just over 4s) Plumbers working for Richard Rouse at the Corn Market in 1828 were paid 3s a day. In general therefore, skilled craftsmen were paid 18s to 22s 4d a week, provided employment lasted the full six days.'[223]

 

The population of Torquay is 5982, compared with 838 in 1801.[224]

 

27 August, Morchard Bishop: Frances Branscombe marries George Edwards by banns. Both of this parish. Witnesses are Jane Cape (by mark), John Mare & and William Oxnam.[225] [daughter of Joseph & Christian (Morrish - m. 1785), bp. 1795. cf: Frances' uncle John m. 1790, Agnes Mare. John Mare also a witness at Frances' half-sister Sophia's wedding in 1844. William Oxnam seems to witness all weddings in Morchard, at this time]

 

5 September, St.Sidwell's, Exeter: William Dacie, second child of William Branscombe, accomptant of St. Sidwell's parish, and Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), baptised. [siblings: Louisa (1819), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834)]

 

9 September, Ottery St.Mary: Betsy Branscombe marries Richard Bending. Both of this parish.[226] [cf: 1851 census for Sandhill Street, Ottery St.Mary - Richard is a master tailor employing two men, born in Ottery, as was Betsy. He is aged 52, which would give his age at marriage about 22 and his birth year about 1799. Betsy is shown aged 61, giving a marriage age of 31 and a birth year of about 1790. The 1851 census also lists Joahanna Branscombe, aged 98, a widowed pauper & shopkeeper, as Richard's mother-in-law. This would tally with the baptism, in 1789 in Ottery, of Elizabeth, daughter of William & Johannah (Radford - m. 1784 Topsham). Johanna gives her place of birth as Whimple]

 

11 November, St.Mary, Whitechapel: Rebecca, first child of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb of High Street, baptised. She was born on 3 October. Thomas is said to be a labourer at the E.I. warehouse.[227] [East India warehouse? cf: 1824 Thomas Branscombe, china glass & earthenware dealer, 34 High Street, Mile End]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                 
19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                   
25 Jun 37                     St.Dunstan,Stepney

 

Edward Branscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland. (EBMI) [cf: 1827 Edward Brownscombe buried, East Buckland, aged 68. (b. circa 1764?)]

 

Future site of Mudgee, N.S.W., discovered by Lt. William Lawson, who becomes a pioneer landowner there.

 

Approximate year of birth of John Branscombe, tanner, in Plymouth. [cf: 1851 census]

 

Redbourne: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth Halsey, first child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourne). [Baptised 1827. Siblings: James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

St.Aldate's, Oxford: Approximate year of birth of Frederick Alphonso, first child of Robert Branscomb, tinman (b. 1785 London, d. 1858), & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford). [Frederick, a printer, m. 1839 in Oxford, Harriett Hitchcock, d. 1902 Birkenhead. Robert died 1858 in Birmingham, aged 72. Siblings: Mary Ann (1822-1896), Richard Adolphus (1825), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838). Children of Frederick & Harriet: (Iavav?) E (c.1842), Harriet L (c.1848), Frederick John Pennington (1849), Rosette (1851). A Frederick Bronscombe, 80, born Oxford, retired, is registered in the 1901 census for Birkenhead]

 

Greenslades Farm, on the east side of Crosspark Hill, Oakford, is leased to William Branscombe until 1823 or later.[228] [William & Grace? cf: 1823 son John Hinam b.]

 

Dawlish: approximate year Mary Beard born. [later wife of William Waymouth Branscombe - daughter of George Beard, builder of Dawlish, and Mary (Hoare - m. 1819 Dawlish?) cf: 1841 census]

 

@1822

20 January, St.Mary The Virgin, Sunbury-on-Thames: William Branscomb, son of labourer Edward & Sarah Branscomb, baptised.[229]

 

5 February, Tormoham, Torquay: Ann(e) Smith Waymouth Branscombe born to William, shoe-maker of Torquay, and Ann. Baptised Tormoham, 28 February 1822.

 

26 March, Exmouth: Newspaper report. `Devon Assizes. John Pidgely for stealing a rope from Richard Perriam at Exmouth, given 6 weeks imprisonment.'[230]

 

23 May, Bere Ferrers: John Gregory marries Elizabeth Branscumbe. Both of this parish.[231] [both signed with a mark. cf: 1830 Dawlish, Lewis Gregory m. Mary Ann Branscombe]

 

23 June, Withycombe Raleigh: Charlotte Branscombe, aged 6, buried.[232]

 

Monday, 1 July, Littleham: Robert Hooper, branch pilot at Exmouth, owner & master of the King George, pilot sloop, marries Miss Jane Perriam, daughter of Mrs Jane Perriam of the Swan Inn, Exmouth.[233]

 

9 July, North Molton: Richard Edward Branscombe Gibbs is baptised. [Richard’s sister was baptised Catherine Brownscombe Gibbs, also in North Molton. Their grandparents originated in North Molton. cf: 1831 North Molton, John Brownscombe marries Ann Gibbs] [234]

 

4 August, Withycombe Raleigh: John Branscombe, son of John, carpenter, & Elizabeth, baptised.[235]

 

30 August, Topsham: Mary Jane Harriot [Harriet?] Branscombe, second child of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham), is baptised. (IGI) [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten children: Susanna Mary (1821), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

11 September, St.Leonard's, Shoreditch: Edward Richard, James Francis & Mary, children of Thomas & Sarah Branscomb, baptised.[236] [cf: 1880 Edward Richard Branscombe, stoker, is executor of the will of Mary Branscombe of Walworth. Edward poss d. 1887 Camberwell?]

 

16 October, Dawlish: Fourth Great Uncle Edward Branscombe, aged 70 years, buried.[237] [son of Edward & Elizabeth née Pearce][238]

 

Approximate year Henry Firman Salmon, father of Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon] is born in Rochford, Essex, to Henry, wine merchant.[239]

 

William Cobbett begins his "rural rides" [to 1826].

 

St.Aldate's, Oxford: Approximate date of birth of Mary Ann, second child of tinman Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London) & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford).[240] [Remained a spinster. Became a matron and house-keeper to Summerfield Preparatory School, Oxford, established by her cousin Gertrude (Talboys) husband, Archibald MacLaren. Died in 1896 and buried in the same grave as Archibald and Gertrude. Siblings: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Richard Adolphus (1825), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838). In the 1881 census for Oxford, Mary Ann is listed as Marianne. Her approximate year of birth, judging from her age, is 1826. She gives her birth parish as Summertown]

 

Chalon-sur-Saône: Joseph Nicéphore Niepce fixes an image on a glass plate and claims to have invented photography.

 

Approximate year of birth of James Brownscombe, buried in Appledore, aged 45, in 1867. [cf: 1820 Elizabeth b., d. 1914 Appledore]

 

@1823

11 January, Oakford, Bampton: John Hinam Branscombe born, son of William & Grace.[241] [John m. 1855, d. 1895. William probably farmer son of William & Sarah, b. 1789, m?, d. 1835]

 

8 February, Whimple: William Branscombe marries Elisabeth Granger. (IGI) [cf: 1825 for possible duplication. Probably the fourth child of John & Alice (Mitchell - m. 1791 Broad Clyst?) of Whimple, baptised 22 March 1801. Also cf: 1767 Woodbury, William Branscombe m. Ann Granger]

 

25 March, Newcastle: William Doubleday born. Becomes a master mariner in 1846.[242] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Samuel Branscombe of Hastings?]

 

25 May, Headington, Oxford: Mary Branscomb marries William Day. (IGI) [cf: 1824 St.Aldates, Oxford, Ann Branscomb buried, aged 75]

 

21 June, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Anstey, aged 46, arrives from Gravesend with his wife and three children on board the Berwick.[243] He is given 2560 acres on a tributary of the Jordan River near Oatlands, which he called Anstey Park. The fine home he built was called Anstey Barton.[244] He died in Oatlands, 23 March 1851, aged 73.[245]  [b. 1777, Highercombe near Dulverton, Somerset, to John Anstey and Elizabeth née Branscombe. Refs. also to Jorgen Jorgenson, Sorell, Lake Dulverton. Judy Hellstrom [246] claims Thomas Branscombe, Anstey’s “cousin” arrived on the same ship. She also says Thomas Branscombe’s sister, Eliza, emigrated to Tasmania after 1838 and was pursued by Charles Hazell, a former tea-taster in John Branscombe’s Pall Mall tea emporium. Charles married Eliza in Hobart, in 1843. cf: 1824 Thomas Branscombe granted land in “Dalverton”]

 

17 September, St. Sidwell's, Exeter: Selina, third child of William Branscombe, common carrier of St. Sidwell's parish, and Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), baptised. (IGI) [In 1821 William was described as an accomptant. Siblings: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834)]]

 

22 September, Bratton Fleming: The will of Mary Brownscomb is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[247] [cf: 1819, William of Bratton Fleming also]

 

2 October, Exeter: Thomas Fox, fourth child of third great-grandparents Edward & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth) Branscombe of Dawlish, born. [becomes a plasterer - m. Mary Hill 1855, Notting Hill. Thomas d. 1907 Uxbridge] Between the birth of Susan in 1819 and 1823, the family has moved from Dawlish to exeterSt. Sidwell's parish, Exeter. Ann Starling's great-aunt merrygame, Mary Merrygame married foxThomas Fox in 1747. foxMary Fox was a witness at Ann & Edward Branscombe's marriage, in 1817. Thomas is not baptised until 1828, in Tormoham, Torquay]

 

12 November, Brunswick County, Virginia: Thomas Branscomb marries Mary Ann Wyatt.[248]

 

20 November, Grayson County, Virginia: Tabitha Branscom marries Samuel Maberry.[249]

 

21 December, St.Mary, Whitechapel: Emma, daughter of labourer Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb of High Street, baptised. Born 24 September.[250] [m. 1846 Grenwich? cf: 1824 Thomas Branscombe, china glass & earthenware dealer, 34 High Street, Mile End]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St.Mary,Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                 
19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel,Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                   
25 Jun 37                     St.Dunstan,Stepney

 

23 December, Topsham: William Clare Branscombe born, son of Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham). Baptised 17 March 1825.[251] [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

`A map of London, published [in this year], exhibits Paddington as quite distinct from the metropolis, which has the Edgeware Road as its western boundary. A rivulet is marked as running from north to south through Green, parallel with Craven Place; and House is marked with the name of its resident owner, Mr. (cockerell, Samuel Pepys] Cockerell, just like a country manor house fifty miles from London; while half a mile further are two isolated farms, named and Notting Barns respectively.'[252]

 

The first iron steamboat is trialed, on the Thames.[253]

 

Approximate year Jane Beard, daughter of plumber John, is born in Saxmundham, Suffolk. She marries Henry Firman Salmon in 1846 and produces a (second?) son, Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon], in 1864.[254]

 

Thomas Bransome, farmer of Chalgrove, Tebworth, Bedfordshire - probate record.[255]

 

Steyning, Sussex: Approximate year of birth of Mary Branscombe, registered as a housemaid in the 1851 census for Argyll House, 7 Argyll Street, Golden Square sub-district, the home of George G -?, the Earl of Aberdeen.

 

Frankfort Street, Plymouth: William Branscombe listed as a tanner & glue manufacturer  in the 1823/4 Pigot’s Directory.

 

1824

16 January, Greensville County, Virginia: Eliza L Branscom marries William B Allen.[256]

 

2 February, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe granted 3000 acres in Dalverton parish.[257] [poss Dulverton? Thomas Anstey, b. 1777, Highercombe near Dulverton, Somerset, to John Anstey and Elizabeth née Branscombe, emigrated to Van Diemen's Land with his wife and three children, arriving June 1823, aged 46. He was given 2560 acres on a tributary of the Jordan River near Oatlands, which he called Anstey Park. The fine home he built was called Anstey Barton.[258] He died in Oatlands, 23 March 1851, aged 73.[259] Refs.also to Jorgen Jorgenson, Sorell, Lake Dulverton. A Thomas Branscombe m. 1827 Hobart, Hannah Regan. Thomas & his wife were registered in the 1837 census at New Town. A Hannah Branscombe d. 1873 Hobart, aged 87. Thomas Branscombe also owned land at Glenorchy (1841) & Melville (1844). A Sarah Branscomb d. 1865 Oatlands]

 

19 February, Morchard Bishop: Abraham Branscombe of Street buried, aged 87.[260] [b. 1737 Morchard, son of John, serge-maker? Poss m. 1758 Morchard, Frances Southcott?]

 

17 June, Dawlish: John Branscombe, aged 77 years, buried.[261] [b. about 1747? possibly husband of Agnes Pike, m. 1781 Dawlish? Poss father of John (1782-1795), Captn. Joseph (1784-1866), Anne (1787-1787), Sarah (1790-1849), Catherine (1793-1855), John (1796), Anne (1798), Captn. William (1803)?]

 

26 August, Wolborough: John Branscombe of Wolborough marries Sarah Alsop of Wolborough, by licence.[262] [this could be John the draper, bp. 1789 Highweek, firstborn child of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m. 1787 Wolborough). They may have had a child called Sarah, who is born about 1827. She is recorded living with John in the household of Richard Beard, photographer husband of John's sister Elizabeth, in the 1851 census]

 

September: oxley, John Oxley lands at the future site of Brisbane.

 

9 October, Ipswich, Suffolk Emily Womack Ridley born, future wife of John Hinam Branscombe of Bampton. [m. 1855 Islington][1]

 

14 October, St.Aldate's, Oxford: Ann Branscomb buried, aged 75.[264]

 

5 November, Topsham: George Branscombe born. Goes to sea in 1839 as a Boy, served six months in the Royal Navy and is issued his seaman's ticket in 1845.[265] [cf: 1826]

 

Imperial Gas Company; introduces first gas supply to Paddington:

 

`Up to this time, during the long winter evenings, the muddy roads which led to the cottages on the Paddington estate were in total darkness, unless the "parish lantern" chanced to offer its acceptable light.'[266]

 

St.Gregory's, Dawlish, is re-built. `The east lychgate ... was removed, and an adjoining house, the property of Mr.James Hexter (b. 1758, m. 1782?), was purchased for £60.'[267]

 

Redbourne: Approximate year of birth of James Halsey, second child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourne). [Baptised 1827. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

The  Bank of Englandd loses its monopoly on joint-stock banking.

 

Newton Bushel? Approximate year of birth of Frank Branscombe, listed in the 1841 census for Shoreditch as an apprentice wood-turner to Gilbert Clampit. Neither were born in Middlesex. A Frank Branscombe, engraver, son of Richard, clerk, married Ann Bartlett, in 1856 Chelsea. In the 1881 census for Berkampstead, a Frank of the right age is a wood-turner. He may d. 1907, Christchurch district?

 

Heavitree: a Poor Rate survey shows a Mrs Branscombe living in a house owned by Mr S. Hore, worth £12 a year. She does not appear in the 1838 and 1854 surveys.[268] [cf: 1818 John Branscombe of Heavitree, joiner & sub-postmaster]

 

PIGOT'S 1823-24 DIRECTORY OF LONDON

Thomas Branscombe    china glass & earthenware dealer
                                               
34 High Street, Mile End

[poss bp. 1799 Morchard Bishop? Described in 1823 as a labourer, in the register of St.Mary, Whitechapel, on the baptism of his second child, Emma]

 

Thomas Telford recommends the building of a ship canal from the Bristol to English Channels.

 

@1825

3 January, Torquay: William Waymouth Branscombe born.[269] [cf: 1840. Granted Captain’s ticket 1855]

 

6 January, St. Bride's, Fleet Street: Sarah Branscomb marries John Currie. (IGI)

 

15 January: Arthur, of New Brunswick; Branscombe [b. about 1751 Devon?] dies `in his new home in the wilderness' and is buried at Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada, aged 74.[270]

 

8 February, Whimple: William Branscombe marries Elisabeth Granger. Both of Whimple.[271] [cf: 1823 for possible duplication. Also cf: 1767 Woodbury, William Branscombe m. Ann Granger]

 

9 March, India: Eliza Branscombe is registered as a servant to Mrs Ann Coppin. [272]

 

12 March, Wolborough: Marriage of Elizabeth Branscombe [b. 1797 Highweek, daughter of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m. 1787 Wolborough)] to Richard Beard junior, grocer, by licence. Both of Wolborough.[273] [sister of John Branscombe, draper - cf: 1851 census for St. Pancras - Richard becomes a coal dealer, one of Britain's pioneer photographers, and a "medical galvanist"]

 

17 March, Topsham: William Clare Branscombe, third child of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821), baptised. (IGI) [Presbyterian Church. William was born 23 December 1823. Father possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

20 March, East Buckland: Mary Brownscombe, aged 25, is buried.[274] [cf: 1821 Edward Brownscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland, 1827 Edward & William Brownscombe, 1832 Susan Brownscombe & 1834 Catherine Brownscombe, all buried East Buckland]

 

2 April, Withycombe Raleigh?: William Branscombe, son of Mary Ann Branscombe, spinster, born [bap.1827]. William emigrates to Australia with his family in 1854, and becomes a tinsmith in Mudgee, where he is buried.[275]

 

21 August, St. Mary, Whitechapel: Henry, son of labourer (E.I.H? = East India H? - Thomas is called a warehouseman on Henry's 1849 marriage certificate) Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb of High Street, baptised. Born 30 June.[276] [becomes a hatter - marries Jane Waterlow 1849 - dies between 1862-1870]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

26 August, St. Sidwell's, Exeter: John Austwick, fourth child of William Branscombe, common carrier of St. Sidwell's parish, & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), christened. (IGI) [Dalby says this middle name is Answick.[277] Siblings: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834). William senior d.1859 Paddington]

 

1 September, Tiverton: R. Voysey, glazier & plumber, dies.[278]

 

22 December, Newton Abbot: Report of a fire on the premises of  Samuel Branscombe, tanner.[279]

 

Charles Pearse, plumber of Topsham, has premises in Fore Street, (Exeter/Topsham?).[280] [In 1879, James Crocker sketches a ceiling and fireplace at #171 Fore Street, Exeter, then the showroom of messrs. James Pearse & Co.][281]

 

The repeal of a law preventing export of machinery and skilled men from England results in the export of textile machinery to India and North America, forming the basis of new industry in those countries.

 

The Bubble Act of 1720 is repealed. There is a financial crash in Britain - many English banks fail.

 

Oxford: Approximate year of birth of Richard Adolphus, third child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford).[282] [Siblings: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Mary Ann (1822-1896), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838)]

 

@1826

A year of widespread unemployment and distress. [cf: 1837]

 

`... over a thousand power looms were destroyed in the area around Blackburn and Bury.'[283]

 

26 January: An order to the chuchwardens and overseers of the poor in St. Sidwell's parish, Exeter and in Dawlish, for the removal of Edward & Ann Branscombe and their children from Exeter to Dawlish. The order is signed on behalf of the City of Exeter by the mayor of Exeter, ?W. Payne?, and a J.P., ?Thomas Froud? It names Edward, Ann, Ann Starling aged 8 years, Susan aged 6, William aged 5 and Thomas aged 2. It says Dawlish was place of their last legal settlement. The order is made under the provisions of the Poor Law.  A second document, dated the same day, refers to the family as paupers. It notes a suspension of the removal order has been granted because Edward is ill.

 

11 February, Exeter: Second Great Grandfather Edward Branscombe, third son of Edward & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), born. [baptised Tormoham 1828]

 

4 March: A second removal order, signed by the same people. It states Edward is now well enough to travel. It also includes a bill to Dawlish churchwardens and overseers of the poor of £12.5.2, being expenses incurred in keeping the family at public expense in the interim, to be paid to William Smallridge.

 

9 March, Dawlish: The minutes of a Select Vestry meeting of the churchwardens and overseers of the poor contain the following note -

 

`It is agreed to pay Edward Branscom £3.10.0 in need, and to allow him and his family 10/- per week while (ill? jaundice?)'

 

They would normally have ended up at a workhouse, under the Poor Law [is this true at this date? cf: 1834], but may have gone to Torquay, to brother William, as Edward was baptised in Torquay.  To qualify for removal, the Branscombes must have been resident in Exeter for less than one year, or Edward must not have been in continuous work, or he was self-employed. Temporary or permanent shifts of settlement required certificates from the parish of origin. Removals sometimes followed arrival without such certification. The removal order was always to the last place of legal settlement, not always the parish of birth. There was a hearing before a magistrate to determine the last legal place of settlement, and to generate the paperwork.

 

14 May, Topsham: George Branscombe born. Goes to sea as a Boy in 1838, awarded seaman's ticket in 1848.[284] [cf: 1824,1848]

 

25 June, St. Marylebone parish church: John, son of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[285] [cf: 1814 Maria Mary born]

 

16 July, Bratton Fleming: Ann, daughter of Thomas Brownscombe, christened. (IGI)

 

29 July, Withycombe Raleigh?: Sarah Ann Branscombe, daughter of Mary Ann, spinster, born.[286]

 

29 August, Kingsbridge: Elizabeth Branscombe of Kingsbridge marries scrivener Francis Collins of St. Andrew's, Plymouth, by licence.[287] [parents of writer Mortimer Collins, b. 1827 Plymouth? Elizabeth was born in Kingsbridge in 1791, second child of William & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough). By 1851, Elizabeth was a widow, as she is registered in the census of that year at Ringmore, Shaldon, living with her sister Ann. Also cf 1881 census: Patience Collins, aged 39, b. West Indies, living off investments, is living at Warberry Villa, Warberry Lane, St. Marychurch, Torquay, in the household of Martha Branscombe (Crouch - m. 1865, third wife of William Branscombe the shoemaker)]

 

14 September, Whimple: Peternella Branscombe marries William Pratt. Both of Whimple.[288] [Petronella? cf: 1806 - probably sixth child of John & Alice of Whimple]

 

30 September, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe is a tenant and agent at Kensington.[289] [cf: 1832 a Thomas is owner of a farm at O'Brian's Bridge]

 

Governor Arthur is appointed to sort out the chaos of bushrangers and administrative disorder, in Van Diemen's Land.

 

The first permanent photographic image is produced by Joseph Neipce. [cf: Fox-Talbot 1835].

 

William Halsey, bricklayer, lives in Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire.[290] [cf: 1841 census]

 

`The first really successful reaper was brought out in 1826 by Patrick Bell of Forfarshire ... his reaper was pushed by horses, and not pulled behind them ... Before the introduction of mechanical reaping more labour per unit was required for harvesting than for any other task on the farm. It was customary to hire extra labour every year to harvest the crops.'[291]

 

Year of birth of Henry Voysey, master bootmaker of Portsmouth, father of Edwin George Voysey, master shoemaker. [1863-1941: traded in Gosport & Portsmouth][292]

 

State-run lotteries are wound up. Private lotteries were banned in England in 1698. `... even though they had helped finance such worthy schemes as fresh-water supplies for London. Politicians were worried about the evils of gambling, and the Treasury found it hard to control the profits of the private firms contracted to run the lotteries.'[293]

 

Redbourne: Approximate year of birth of George Halsey, third child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1827. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Bideford: Edwin Browncombe born. Married 1853, Gloucestershire, Sarah Martin Mountjoy. [294][cf: 1829 duplicate entry]

 

@1827

13 January, Topsham: George Eastman, fourth child of Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham) Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Father possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

22 January, Withycombe Raleigh: Mary Ann Branscombe, daughter of William & Sarah, marries Josias Knight Beavis, blacksmith. She was his third wife, and his junior by 31 years. Although the register describes her as a spinster, Mary Ann had three children baptised on the day of her marriage: George (b.3 November 1819), William (b.2 April 1825), and Sarah Ann (b.29 July 1826). They were all baptised as Branscombe, although they immediately adopted the name Beavis. There is no direct evidence Josias was the father of all or any of them, but he did leave his business to George, which may indicate he was the natural heir. Josias and Ann produced two children after their marriage, Charlotte and Josias Knight.[295] [cf: 1841 census]

 

1 February, Dawlish: Joseph Branscombe marries Hannah Williams.[296] [Master mariner in the merchant service, yeoman farmer & owner of houses. b. 1784 Dawlish, son of John & Agnes (Pike - m. 1781 Dawlish). Poss siblings: John (1782-1795), Anne (1787-1787), Sarah (1790-1849), Catherine (1793-1855), John (1796), Anne (1798), Captn. William (1803)? Hannah dies, Dawlish, 1831. Joseph dies, Dawlish, 1866]

 

19 February, Bampton: James Branscombe, son of William [d.1828] dies, aged 29.[297] [possibly Chelmsford tea-dealer, husband of Susan & father of Susan, brother of Eliza, Sarah, Francis [draper], Thomas, William, Robert, John [tea-dealer], & Richard [lime-merchant/farmer?]

 

25 February, Torquay?: Elizabeth Webber Branscombe born. [daughter of William, bootmaker of Torquay?]

 

15 March, East Buckland: William Brownscombe aged 30 is buried.[298] [cf: 17 December this year - Edward Brownscombe, aged 68, buried, East Buckland. Also cf: 1821 Edward Brownscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland. Also 1825, Mary Brownscombe, 1832 Susan Brownscombe & 1834 Catherine Brownscombe, both buried East Buckland]

 

22 March, Hobart, Tasmania: Thomas Branscombe marries Hannah Regan.[299] [poss second marriage for Thomas, as Hannah is probably aged about 38 or 41, if she is the same Hannah Branscombe who dies in Hobart in 1873, aged 84 or 87]

 

25 March, Withycombe Raleigh: Sarah Ann Branscombe, daughter of John, carpenter, & Elizabeth, baptised.[300]

 

(16/18?) May, Wayne County, Kentucky: (Hiram/Henry?) Branscomb marries Elizabeth Burris.[301]

 

29 June, Plymouth: Poet & novelist Mortimer Collins born, son of a Plymouth solicitor. [probably the first child of Francis & Elizabeth (Branscombe - m. 1826 Kingsbridge)]

 

2 August, Wolborough, Newton Abbot: Samuel Branscombe of Highweek marries Mary Hannaford of Wolborough, by licence.[302] [b. 1805 Newton Bushel, only child of Samuel (b. 1780 Highweek - d. 1805 in Highweek) & ? (poss Mary Perrett - m. 1803 Paignton?). Samuel & Mary become parents of Samuel Hannaford Branscombe (bp. 1828 Newton Bushel), draper of Northants. Samuel d.1858, Mary d.1857]

 

2 August, Wayne County, Kentucky: Isaac Branscomb marries Ruth Gregory.[303]

 

23 August, Holy Trinity, Exeter: Harriet Underhill (Branscombe?), daughter of labourer Thomas (Branscombe?) & Mary Underhill of Magdelen Street, baptised privately. Married Andrew Badgery, 29 August 1849 as Harriet Underhill Branscombe, giving her father as Thomas Branscombe, farmer. But the birth certificates of her 9 children gave her maiden name as Underhill. She was also unsure of her birthplace. In 1851 it is St. David's, Exeter; in 1861/71 Ide; in 1881 Exeter. Her mother, Mary, describes herself as unmarried in all censuses except 1871, when she says she is a widow. She is described as the daughter, not the daughter-in-law of William & Joanna. Each of her three other children named a different father.[304] [siblings of Harriet: Anna Maria (b. 1829), William Thomas (bp. 1834), John (b. 1838, d.1858)]

 

11 September, St. Andrew's, Plymouth: Henry Branscombe, tanner of Kingsbridge, marries Mary Crouch of St. Andrew's, by licence, with consent of (Mary's?) parents.[305] [she was underage? Henry may have been born in 1806, Kingsbridge, the fifth child of tanner William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough)? Poss children: Elizabeth (1830-1835), Mary Crouch (1835-1853), Elizabeth (1837)]

 

11 September, St. Sidwell's, Exeter: Frederick Branscombe, fifth child of William Branscombe, gentleman of St. Sidwell's parish, & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), christened. [William is described as an accomptant in 1821 and a common carrier in 1823 & 1825. This Frederick is the only candidate so far for Frederick George Branscombe, house decorator/oil & colorman of Chelsea & Mayfair, m. 1850 Elizabeth ? Siblings: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831), Eliza Austwick (1834)]]

 

30 September, Sundon [nr. Dunstable], Bedfordshire: Elizabeth Ann Brancom baptised, daughter of Thomas & Mary. (IGI)

 

4 October, St. Peter's, Exeter: Betty Branscombe marries Henry Rowe. Both of Cathedral Close.[306] [George Rowe, artist, born 1796 - spent some time on the goldfields of Victoria, Australia - any relation?][307]

 

6 December, Bampton: William Branscombe, yeoman, makes his will. [proved 4 September 1828][308]

 

16 December, St. Aldate's, Oxford: William Branscombe is buried, aged 66.[309] [cf: 1824 St. Aldate's, Ann Branscomb buried, aged 75. William poss bp. 1762 Clyst St. George, son of William and Elizabeth Branscomb, poss William & Elizabeth (Chapple - m. 1757 Clyst?). This may have been their only son and Elizabeth may have died in childbirth?]

 

17 December, East Buckland: Edward Brownscombe, aged 68, is buried.[310] [poss will proved in Barnstaple Archdeaconry, 25 January 1829? cf: 15 March this year - William Brownscombe, aged 30, buried, East Buckland. Also cf: 1821 Edward Brownscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland. And cf: 1825, Mary Brownscombe, 1832 Susan Brownscombe & 1834 Catherine Brownscombe, both buried East Buckland]

 

Newton Abbot: Approximate year of birth of Sarah Branscombe, who is registered as an unmarried fund-holder and head of household at 4 Mount Pleasant, Wolborough, in the 1881 census. This may be the daughter of John Branscombe of Newton Bushel. Both are registered in the Mecklenburgh Square household of photographer Richard Beard, in 1851. Richard is married to John's sister and Sarah is described as a neice, which could mean she is the daughter of John, who is a widower by this time, or his brothers Samuel, Richard or Philip. It may be the same Sarah who dies a spinster at 9 Mount Pleasant, Wolborough, in 1899, aged 71.

 

Approximate year of birth of Ann Branscombe, who is a 14 year-old female servant in the household of tailor William Clay of Littleham, in the 1841 census.

 

St. Aldate's, Oxford: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth, fourth child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford). [Elizabeth junior poss living in Abingdon and working as a music teacher, in the 1851 census for North & South Hinksey. Lived in Park Lane, Aston when she was married, in 1868, in  Birmingham, to Charles Hunt. According to a descendent, she later ran a school for young ladies. When teaching piano, she used to tap the child's knuckles with a ruler, every time there was a wrong note. When Queen Victoria died, she burst into tears and said, "Oh, the dear Queen - how I shall miss her!". She died 14 May 1902.[311] Siblings: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Mary Ann (1822-1896), Richard Adolphus (1825), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838)][312]

 

Redbourne: Approximate year of birth of Emmanuel Halsey, fourth child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1827. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Morchard Bishop: Approximate year of birth of Eliza Branscombe, registered in the 1851 census a 24 year old unmarried assistant in a linen drapers in Milsom Street, Bath.

 

@1828

January, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe granted land in Buckingham County.

 

Sunday, 20 January, Carbonear, Newfoundland: Mr. William Branscombe marries Margaret, daughter of the late Mr. James Kennedy of Carbonear. Married by the Rev. Mr. Devereaux.[313] [according to the Summers documents, James Kennedy had two sons and five daughters. William was described as a "planter and landholder" of St. Johns. In 1829, premises in St. Johns owned by him or his father William, were leased for £140 a year, which would indicate a large establishment. A William may, in the 1830s, have been involved in the mercantile firm of William Wilking Bulley and Thomas Chancey, in Conception Bay. A William was a prominent member of St. Johns "society" until the 1850s] [314]

 

12 March, Edmonton: Richard Branscombe born. Is apprenticed to the sea in 1845. In that year, his address is given as 2 Ely Place, Edmonton.[315] [cf: 1845]

 

13 March: Branscombe senior, tanner of Gittisham/Kingsbridge/Plymouth, discharged.[316] [bankrupt? - cf: 1816 William Branscombe junior bankrupt in Plymouth - Samuel Branscombe, tanner of Newton Abbot 1825. Also 1848 - Agnes, widow of William Branscombe junior of Kingsbridge, dies in Stoke Damerel]

 

11 April, Bampton: William Branscombe, yeoman farmer, dies aged 73. Executors are John Branscombe of 88 Pall Mall, tea-dealer and Richard Branscombe of Bampton, yeoman [sons]. Proved 4 September 1828, Exeter. Effects under £600. Testator confirms marriage bond to wife Sarah Branscombe [d.1837] for £200 and gives her a further sum of £400. His daughters Sarah Greenaway and Eliza get £150. His farmer son William Branscombe [d.1835 - husband of Grace -?, father of John Hinam, draper] gets an annuity of £5 per annum out of lands in Birch Down, Bampton. Other sons mentioned are Thomas, Richard [above], Robert and Francis [draper, d.1863 Marylebone]. Also mentioned is Susan Branscombe, daughter of James Branscombe, son of testator [d.1827]. The residue of the estate to sons Richard and John Branscombe [above]. Will made and signed 6 December 1827. Witnesses John Partridge of Tiverton, Thomas Tarrant and John Edwards.[317]

 

21 April Tormoham, Torquay?: Joanna, sixth child of Edward & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth) Branscombe [direct ancestors], born. She is baptised privately on 3 May, possibly because she was not expected to live. [she died, aged 5, in 1833]

 

25 April, Newton Bushel: Samuel Hannaford Branscombe, son of Samuel [b.Newton Bushel 1805] & Mary Hannaford [b.Kingsbridge 1808, m. 1827 Wolborough], is born.[318] [1st m. 1861, 2nd m. 1865. d.1874 Chelveston, Northants., a draper]

 

8 June, Tormoham, Torquay: A triple Branscombe baptism. Joanna [6 weeks old - d.1833], is baptised for the second time, also Thomas Fox, aged 4 [b. 2 Oct 1823 Exeter], and second great- grandfather Edward, aged 2, children of third great-grandparents Edward & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth).

 

7 July, Greensville County, Virginia: Enoch Branscom marries Margaret Richardson.[319]

 

18 July, All Saints, Highweek: John Branscombe buried, aged 68.[320] [husband of Mary, d.1834]

 

19 July, St. George's, Hanover Square: George Ley Branscombe marries Mary Davis.[321] [George Ley bp. 1808 St. Austell, Cornwall, son of William & Elizabeth Branscombe, poss. William, yeoman m. 1807 Stoke Damarel, Elizabeth Steer?]

 

12 October, Sion Chapel, Union Street, (Lady Huntingdon's)-Nc, Mile End Old Town: Eliza, daughter of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb, baptised.[322] [m. 1850 John Scarlett Gale, wood-turner]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

24 October, St. Luke's, Old Street, Finsbury: Hellen, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[323] [cf: 1818 birth of brother John, 1840 - John & Emma Scales marry]

 

Plumbers working for rouse, Richard Rouse at the Corn Market, Exeter, in 1828 were paid 3s a day. In general therefore, skilled craftsmen were paid 18s to 22s 4d a week, provided employment lasted the full six days.'[324]

 

Stanton, Suffolk: Approximate year of birth of Eliza(beth), wife of Frederick George Branscombe. Married 1850 St. George Hanover Square district. Mother of Elizabeth (b. about 1851 Chelsea), George William (b. about 1855, oil & colorman), & Horatio Arthur (b. about 1857 entered New College Oxford 1875, married 1878 Holborn, poss registered in Liverpool 1905 as a Professor of Music (?), d.1941 north Wales). Frederick George was a house decorator in Chelsea, in 1861-2. cf: 1861 census for Chelsea. He became an oil & colorman in Mayfair. Eliza(beth) senior took over the business after his death in 1879 at 18 Shepherd's Market. She died 1884 Mayfair.

 

@1829

25 January, East Buckland: The will of Edward Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[325]

 

20 January, St. John's, Newfoundland: `Much and deservedly respected, Mr. William Branscombe, a native of this town, aged 78. Friends of the family are requested to attend his funeral, which takes place on the 25th at one o'clock.'[326] [b. circa 1751]

 

11 March, St. Ann's, Blackfriars: Maria Mary, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb, baptised.[327] [adult christening - born 25 February 1814 - marries Rusk 1841? Poss daughter of John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss siblings baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812), Louisa Maria (bp. 1814), Maria Mary (b. 1814)]

 

14 April, St. John's, Newfoundland: Elizabeth, eldest daughter of William Branscombe, dies aged 23. Funeral on the 18th at 11 o'clock.[328] [b. circa 1806]

 

24 April, Topsham: Robert Branscombe, fifth child of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham), baptised. (IGI) [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838). Robert junior apprenticed to sea 1844]

 

13 May, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe marries Mary Eales by licence. Both of Highweek.[329]

 

14 May, Newton Abbott: Advertisement for Branscombe, milliner.[330]

 

2 June, Exmouth: Notice that the John & Jane will ply weekly to the Channel Isles from Topsham, for particulars to Captain Michael Perriam opposite the Dolphin, Exmouth.[331]

 

4 July, Grayson County, Virginia: Frances Branscom marries Alfred O'Neal.[332]

 

31 July: Johanna Branscombe born, daughter of William & ?

 

13 August, Tormoham, Torquay: Elizabeth Jane Sparkes, seventh child of Edward & Ann Branscombe [direct ancestors], born. Baptised, 6 September (3 weeks). [cf: William Sparks, an officer of the Exeter Relief Society - a neighbour, and on friendly terms with Edward and his family at the time of his drowning in 1843. Perhaps William showed the Branscombes some kindness in pursuit of his duties, at the time of their removal from Exeter in 1826? Perhaps they therefore called their next child after him?]

 

22 October, St. Marylebone parish church Charlotte Branscomb, daughter of ? Branscomb & Charlotte Singleton, baptised.[1]

 

December, Exeter: Anna Maria, illegitimate daughter of Mary Underhill of Magdalen Street, born. Baptised 24 January 1841. Married in 1866, giving her father as Thomas Underhill, deceased, clerk, but father possibly Thomas Branscombe, labourer? [334] [siblings: Harriet (bp. 1827), William Thomas (bp. 1834), John (b. 1838, d.1858)]

 

Hobart; is described as having rough streets and squalid houses. Drunkenness is said to be common; murder and robbery commonplace. There were chain gangs in the streets, two or three hundred yards long, in heavy irons. However a visitor from England, a Mrs. Bessie Fenton, recounts a visit to a cottage in Macquarie Street that is:

 

`... within a little compound of shrubs and flowers, with a small, cheerful drawing-room, being evidence of the high tone of its occupants.'

 

The London Metropolitan Police are formed.

 

Western Australia's first colonists arrive at the on board the Parmelia & Caroline. On board the Caroline, Henshaw, fisherman, who will become the second husband of Sarah Branscombe, in 1836.[335]

 

John & Henry Branscombe are assessed for tax on their stock-in-trade [tannery] at Kingsbridge at 5s [to 1832]. They have taken over the business established by their father William in 1792. It only lasted another two years. [defrauded?][336] [cf: 1831]

 

Redbourne: Approximate year of birth of second great-grandfather John Halsey, fifth child of third great-grandparents James and Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [m. 1850 Paddington to Martha Hiller. d. ABOUT 1872. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Exmouth: The largest part of Bicton Street was built during this year.[337]

 

Devonshire: Edwin Branscombe born. Marries Sarah Mountjoy in Gloucestershire. Children: William James (b. 1857 Fryer’s Creek, Victoria, Australia).[338] [duplicate entry lists Edwin Browncome, b. 1826 Bideford, married Sarah Martin Mountjoy in Gloucestershire, 1853. Also lists two more children: Mary Ann Brownscome (b. 1858 Forest Creek, Victoria), Edwin Brownscombe (b. 1861 Inglewood, Victoria]

 

Plymouth: A pre-1830 edition of Pigot’s directory lists the following:

 

Wm. Branscombe, tanner, Frankfort Street.

Wm. Branscombe, glue manufacturer, Frankfort Street.

 

@1830

24 January, Dunchideock: Thomas Branscombe marries Mary Jackman. Both of St. Thomas, Exeter.[339] [poss children baptised in St. Thomas: Thomas & William (1833), Mary (1835), Eleanor (1837)]

 

25 January, Grayson County, Virginia: Isaac Branscom marries Anne Buman.[340]

 

18 March Newton Bushel?: Letter from Sam Branscombe (jun?), tanner, to Sir Thomas Acland M.P., regarding a case Acland `mentioned in the House on Monday', of Sam's workers tanning two aprons for their own use, and thereby putting Sam `in jeopardy'. Sam refers to a court appearance connected with the matter, set down for Teignmouth, 29 March 1830.[341] [cf: 1825 Samuel Branscombe, tanner of Newton Abbot]

 

18 April, Sion Chapel, Union Street (Lady Huntingdon's - non-conformist), Mile End Old Town: Matilda, daughter of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb, baptised.[342] [m. 1853 Bethnal Green?]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

The Alfred or West of England Journal and General Advertiser
8 June 1830

 

WRESTLING

At Blue Ball

Competitors

John Bastin, Exmouth
24 years, 5 feet 8 inches, 8 score & 6 lbs

James Cann, Exeter
38 years, 5 feet 10 inches, 8 score

Richard Dennis, Sowton (formerly of Littleham)
30 years, 5 feet 10 inches, 8 score & 4 lbs

WRESTLING - ST.THOMAS - A.CANN

 

September: Approximate year and month of the birth of Elizabeth, daughter of John Branscombe and Mary (Crouch - m. ? Plymouth). Buried at Kingsbridge 4 November 1835. [Parents poss Henry Branscombe (b. 1806 Kingsbridge, 5th child of tanner William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough)? Henry m. 1827 Plymouth, Mary Crouch. Poss siblings: Elizabeth (1837), Mary Crouch (1835-1853). Also cf: Martha Crouch, third wife of William Branscombe, shoemaker of Torquay, b. Penshurst, Kent]

 

3 November, Greensville County, Virginia: Edmund Branscom marries Martha R. Caudle.[343]

 

24 November, St. Mary Somerset, London: Elizabeth Branscomb of Upper Thames Street, buried, aged 54.[344] [cf: 1834 Richard Branscombe, wholesale ironmonger of 195 Upper Thames Street]

 

25 December, St. Gregory's, Dawlish: Lewis Gregory marries Mary Ann Branscombe. (IGI) [there appears to be some kind of family connection here, other than the name of the bride, but we don't yet know what that is. A Lewis Gregory of Bartholomew Street was the informant of the death of Ann Branscombe, first wife of William, shoemaker of Torquay, in 1849. Ann died in Bartholomew Street. Also cf: 1841 census Bartholomew Street, Exeter - Lewis Gregory (b. Exeter, circa 1796-1801) husband of Mary, (not b. Exeter, circa 1801-6. Mary poss bp. 1801, St. Andrew's, Holborn, daughter of William & Sarah Branscombe of Grays Inn Lane? Also cf: 1822 Bere Ferrers, John Gregory m. Elizabeth Branscumbe]

 

Approximate year of birth in Burford, Oxfordshire, of Henry Hambridge. In the 1851 census he is recorded as a patient at St. George's Hospital, Hanover Square.

 

Highweek: Elizabeth Branscombe, first child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829), born. [remained a spinster. cf: 1831 - sibling Anna]

 

`In the 1830s, amid the building that was going on over the western fringe of London, main drainage was not yet common; it was to be another 30 years before Joseph Bazalgette could build London's full sewerage system.'[345]

 

`By a great effort Manchester had built thirty-two miles of sewers by 1830, but this still left nearly half the town without. Things were much worse in Liverpool where there were only eleven miles of sewers, and these were in the wealthiest areas that needed them least.'[346]

 

William Branscombe, gentleman of St. Sidwell Street, Mrs. Branscombe of Heavitree & Elizabeth Branscombe, butcher of (85/86?) Fore Street. [directories] [347]

 

Reign of King George IV ends (since 1820). William IV succeeds to the throne (to 1837).

 

As late as 1830, when the cotton industry might truly be said to have lived in a turmoil of invention for sixty years, there were still, in England and , at least 200,000 hand-looms working in cotton.

 

George Augustus Robinson rounds up the last Tasmanians, and takes them to Flinders Island.

 

1830's: Commencement of Britain's main railway lines.

 

410-12 Macquarie Street, South Hobart built?

 

`... mounting rural discontent in the early nineteenth century produced widespread riots in southern England in 1830 - where `night after night [the] blazing sky told that Captain Swing had been at work'- many men found themselves condemned even more arbitrarily to imprisonment, transportation or death.'[1]

 

Branscombe: Trafalgar House (now Barnells) built by Captain Yule, R.N., into whose arms, it is said, Nelson fell, at the Battle of Trafalgar.

 

Kingsbridge: Approximate year of birth of William Branscombe, who marries Emma Bigwood in Bristol, 1860. Children: Henry James (1862 St. Kilda, Melbourne), Mary Elizabeth (1863 Richmond, Victoria), William Harcourt (1873 Bristol), John Ernest Mackay (1879 Barton K district). William d.1912 Eastbourne, Emma d.1927 Herne Bay, Kent, William Harcourt d.1901 Ashanti. William, aged 72, is registered in Swansea in the 1901 census, possibly with Emma, John and Mary.

 

PIGOT’S DIRECTORY OF DEVON (pre-1830?)

 

Branscombe                             tanner                           Fore Street, Kingsbridge

[poss William Branscombe (m. Charlotte Mortimer 1789 Wolborough) or Henry, their son?]

 

Branscombe, James                  miller                            Elmore Street, Tiverton

[poss James, nephew of Sir James of Holborn. James the miller dies intestate, in 1833]

 

Branscombe, John                    linen-draper                  East Street, Newton Abbot

[poss bp. 1789 Highweek, firstborn child of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m. 1787 Wolborough). John junior m. 1824 Wolborough, Sarah Alsop of Wolborough. They may have had a child called Sarah, who is born about 1827. She is recorded living with John in the household of Richard Beard, photographer husband of John's sister Elizabeth, in the 1851 census]

 

Branscombe, Samuel                fellmonger                     Newton Bushel, Newton Abbot

Branscombe, Samuel                tanner                           Newton Bushel, Newton Abbot

[poss Samuels junior & senior. Samuel junior b. circa 1802. Married 1829 Highweek, Mary Eales. Samuel senior poss bp. 1791 Highweek, second child of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m. 1787) poss siblings: John (1789), Richard (1793), Philip (1796), Elizabeth (1797). Samuel and Mary have nine children. Mary dies 1845-51, Samuel dies 1874 in Highweek]

 

Branscombe, William                glue manufacturer          Frankfort Street, Plymouth

Branscombe, William                tanner                           Frankfort Street, Plymouth

 

[poss William, b. 1790 Kingsbridge, first child of William bp. 1765 Wolborough Street Salem Chapel (independent) son of Samuel & Elizabeth (Shapley - m. 1758 Wolborough), m. 1789 Charlotte Mortimer in Wolborough? The couple, William junior may have moved to Kingsbridge in 1791, where Samuel becomes a tanner. Poss formerly an inn-keeper?]

 

PIGOT’S DIRECTORY OF DEVON 1830

 

Branscombe, Henry                  corn merchant               Fore Street, Kingsbridge

Branscombe, Henry                  tanner & fellmonger      Fore Street, Kingsbridge

Branscombe, Henry                  carrier from Dodbroke to Dartmouth every Saturday

 

Year of birth of Hiram Branscum. Married Mary A. Black. Children include: John James (aka Little Jim). Hiram d. 1895, Wayne County, Kentucky. USA.[349]

 

Tasmania: Thomas Branscombe subscribes to the New Town Church appeal. [Launceston Examiner] [350]

 

Ottery St Mary: William Branscombe, shopkeeper, Sandhill Street. [351]

 

@1831

3 January, St. Sepulchre, London (also known as Holy Sepulchre without Newgate): Emma, daughter of John (deceased) & Mary Branscomb of 8 West Street, Smithfield, baptised. Said to be thirteen years of age at baptism.[352] [cf: 1818 for poss. birth, 1846 for poss. marriage]

 

8/12? January, Dawlish: Hannah [Williams], wife of Captain Joseph Branscombe [m. 1827], dies, aged 42.  Buried at .

 

 

SACRED
to the memory of
HANNAH the wife of
JOSEPH BRANSCOMBE
who departed this life
January 8th 1831
aged 42 years

 

 

 

22 February, East Stonehouse, Plymouth: John Branscombe, labourer, marries Sarah Allen. Both of East Stonehouse.[353] [Bishop's transcript]

 

6 April, St. Sidwell's, Exeter: George Henry Dacie & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), christened. (IGI) [Sixth child of William, gentleman, accountant & common carrier of St. Sidwell's. William d.1859 - George becomes a Reverend - cf: 1855. Siblings: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Eliza Austwick (1834)]

 

7 September, Tormoham or Dawlish: Adelaide Salome Branscombe, daughter of William the shoemaker & Ann, born. [m. Alfred Nye 1850]

 

30 September, Stoke Damerel: Charlotte Branscombe marries draper Edward Granville. Both of this parish.[354] [bp. 1794, Kingsbridge, fourth child of William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough)? Siblings: William (1790 Wolborough), Elizabeth (1791), Ann (1792), Henry (1806 - Kingsbridge?), John (1808). There was also a  seventh child, Catherine, mentioned as a sister in the 1851 will of Ann, as yet unaccounted for]

 

October: Asiatic cholera first reaches Britain.

 

11 October, The Alfred or West of England Journal, Exmouth: `The fishing boat we mentioned in our last as being swamped while boming over the bar at Topsham belonged to Mr. Beavis of Exmouth. Four men perished, George Andrews leaving a widow and 7 children, Joseph Beavis a widow and a child, Thomas Parker a widow and child and George Perriam who was unmarried. Andrews belonged to Topsham and the other 3 to Exmouth.'[355]

 

6 November, Grayson County, Virginia: Rhody Branscom marries Nathan Thompson.[356]

 

28 December, Fremantle, Western Australia: Sarah Branscombe, spinster, & Thomas George Rees/Reece (b. 1801 - d.1834) arrive ex-London per the Egyptian.[357] [Sarah poss baptised 25 December 1805, Ottery St. Mary, daughter of Charles & Sarah Branscombe. Charles poss. bp. 1773 Ottery St. Mary, son of Peter Branscomb & Ann Davies? Charles of Ottery St. Mary m. 1799, Venn Ottery, Sarah Hellier. cf: John Hellier m. 1749. Poss other children of Charles & Sarah: Mary (1799), Ann (1802), William (1804) - all bp. Venn Ottery, Lydia (1808/1811?) - bp. Ottery St. Mary]

 

An account of the previous year's (?) voyage to the settlement from London, by the same ship and under the same captain (W. ) is published in Durack's book To Be Heirs Forever.[358]

 

`The settlers who arrived at the Swan River Colony after 1 June 1829 confronted an inhospitable environment. Those two hundred or more who landed from the pioneer ships Parmelia [June 2 1829] and Sulphur [December 25, 1830] spent the first three months in makeshift huts of limestone, canvas and thatched bushes built on the lee side of swan River, W.A.Garden Island. When land was eventually allocated, the settlers were too busy with survival to be concerned about the australiaAborigines, and there are few records of their first encounters.'[359]

 

2 December, Wayne County, Kentucky: Lucinda Branscomb marries Marcum Vaughan. [360]

 

North Molton: John Brownscombe marries Ann Gibbs. [361]

 

Paddington:Green; Green: Siddons dies.

 

The Helene of Russia visits Lower House, Branscombe. With about 100 servants, she took up residence in Sidmouth for some months.

 

New London Bridge opens to traffic. It cost £1,458,311.

 

`By 1830-31, a number of tradespeople were occupying premises in the Strand [Dawlish], including:

 

            No 16   Daniel Litton jun., Chemist & Druggist

                        (now #26-7 Brunswick Place)
[362]

 

 

Henry & John Branscombe are owners and occupiers of estates or property in Kingsbridge assessed for land tax at £1.1.8d, or £9 if rented [to 1832] [363]

 

James Pearce dies at Venbridge Farm, Kenton, aged 84. The farm is the property of Henry Anning & Frances (Pearce).[364] [cf: 1809]

 

William Bransome of Meppershall, Bedfordshire - probate record.[365]

 

Ashton [nr.Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter]: Approximate year of birth of Thomas Branscombe, recorded as a general carrier's clerk lodging in the household of coach-driver Peter Jones, in Plymouth St. Andrew, in the 1851 census. The 1881 census shows a Thomas Branscombe, aged 50, born in Ashton, living with his family in Islington. He is a clerk. His wife, Mary A., 47, a milliner, was born in High Laver, Essex. Their three children were born in Brixton and Highbury. This is possibly Mary Ann Nottage, who marries a Thomas Branscombe in Lambeth, 1863.

 

Calstock, Cornwall?: Possible date and place of marriage between Elizabeth -? of Calstock & John Branscombe, pilot and waterman of Bere Alston. They are recorded in the 1851 and 1881 census living in Prospect Place, Plymouth St. Andrew. Their son, John Oliver, is born in Calstock in 1832.

 

Highweek: Anna, second child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829 Highweek), is born.[366] [d.1836] [cf: 1829,1832 for siblings]

 

`In the sixty years before 1831, Manchester increased its size six times.'[367]

 

EXETER POCKET JOURNAL 1831


Eliz Branscombe, butcher, 85 Fore Street

[this entry repeated every year from 1830-1837 but not after]

 

The Earldom of Devon, held dormant since 1556 by seven successive descendants of Edward Courtenay, owners of Powderham Castle, is recovered by William, Viscount Courtenay of Powderham.[368] [There were another five earls between 1831 and 1892]

 

@1832

24 January, Kingsbridge: Elizabeth Branscombe, widow,  marries William Roberts, widower, by licence. Both of this parish.[369]

 

11 February, Topsham: Elizabeth?/Amelia? Branscombe, daughter of Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham) christened. (IGI) [possibly sixth child of mariner Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

 

2 April, Van Diemen's Land: Henry Branscombe, steward,  departs on the James Pattison for Madras & Calcutta.[370]

 

19 May, Hobart: Thomas Branscomb sworn in as a juror in the case of Molloy vs Sorrell, Supreme Court of Van Diemen's Land, Justice Pedder presiding.

 

5 June, Dulverton: Frederick Branscombe born. Seaman's ticket issued in 1849.[371] [poss the subject of a newspaper appeal for next of kin, in 1858? Poss married Elizabeth ? Liverpool, 1862? Poss children: Matilda (1863-1863), Frederick John (1865), Elizabeth (1866), Ellen (1869)? Poss d.1869 W Derby? ]

 

3 July, St. Andrew's, Plymouth: Richard Dare marries Harriet Branscombe. Both of this parish.[372]

 

20 September, East Buckland: Susan Brownscombe aged 28 is buried.[373] [cf: 1821 Edward Brownscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland, 1825 Mary Brownscombe, 1827 Edward & William Brownscombe, 1834 Catherine Brownscombe, all buried East Buckland]

 

21 September: Sir Walter Scott dies.

 

20 October, Barnstaple: The will of Susanna Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[374]

 

23 November, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe is the owner of a farm at O'Brian's Bridge.[375] [cf: 1826 - a Thomas is a tenant and agent at Kensington]

 

17 December, Tormoham, Torquay: Robert John, eighth and last child of third great-grandparents Edward Branscombe & Ann ( - m. 1817, Dartmouth), born. [bp. 27 Jan, Tormoham. Cf: 1901 census for St Pancras. Poss d.1911 Pancras?]

 

Approximate year of marriage of Walter Branscomb to Jane ? [Walter James, b. 1797 Holborn, son of James & Sarah (Jackson). Jane dies before 1861 census, Walter James d.1865, Newington. Children: Sarah Marianna (1833), Walter James (1836), (Samuel ABOUT 1837?), James Alexander (1838), Marianna Ursula (1839), Alexander Charles (1846). Descendant Joan Margaret Lubbock says Jane’s maiden name was Cowling]

 

There are two weekly coaches between Hobart and Launceston. The one-way fare is £5.

 

There are theatres operating in Sydney and Hobart.

 

The Reform Act. Registers of parliamentary voters first began to be systematically kept. Before this, constituancies were unequal, and electoral qualifications varied from district to district. Some areas of the country were entirely unrepresented in Parliament, whereas ancient boroughs returned two M.P. s to the House of Commons, even those that had dwindled in size and importance, the so-called Rotten Boroughs. The grouping of boroughs gave a preponderance of representatives to the south and east of the country, at the expense of the new industrial towns of the midlands and the north, and the boroughs returned approximately three times as many M.P. s as the counties. Most people recognized that reform of parliament was of paramount importance, since much-needed reforms in other administrative institutions, such as the church, the universities and the law courts, was unlikely to come about until its inception. The electoral system as it stood gave the landed aristocracy an unacceptable hold over the House of Commons, which needed a wider basis for its authority. The obvious remedy lay in an extension of the franchise and the redistribution of seats.

 

The Act created a uniform franchise in the boroughs, consisting of owners and occupiers of property worth £10 in annual value. Franchise in the counties was given to £10 copyholders and £50 leaseholders, while the long-standing rights of 40s. freeholders were upheld. This added about 217,000 voters to an electorate of 435,000 in England and Wales. Prior to the Act, Devon had returned 26 MPs - 2 county members, 2 for the city and county of Exeter, and 2 each for the boroughs of Ashburton, Barnstaple, Beer, Alston, Dartmouth, Honiton, Okehampton, Plymouth, Plympton, Tavistock, Tiverton and Totnes. After the Act, the number of MPs was cut to 22, and split the county into two divisions, North and South, each returning 2 MPs. The boroughs of Beer, Alston, Okehampton and Plympton were disenfranchised. Ashburton and Dartmouth each lost 1 MP, and 2 members were given to the new borough of Devonport ... Before 1832 there were no comprehensive lists of voters; the electorate was small in most boroughs, while in the counties, most voters could prove their qualification by producing receipts for payment of land tax ... the increased franchise made a list necessary, and the duty of compilation was given to the overseers of the poor. Annual lists of eligible voters were to be deposited with the Clerk of the Peace, who produced printed registers from them.'[376]

 

The decade of political frenzy that accompanied the Reform Acts of 1831 and 1832 fostered an increasing interest in science. Debates developed on such themes as `The decline of science in England', and whether the Royal Society had too dominant a role in leading English science. The computer pioneer Charles Babbage played an active part in leading these debates.

 

The British Association for the Advancement of Science came into existence in 1831 as a rival to the Royal Society, but it differed by being both provincial and itinerant.[377]

 

Carbonear, Newfoundland: (Captain) George Branscombe born.[378] [cf: 1867, receives captain’s ticket, Greenock. Poss d.1874?]

 

Great cholera epidemic, Exeter.

 

Dawlish: `When cholera was raging all over Devon, the Select Vestry took precautions about a Cholera Hospital and burial gound, but there does not appear to have been a single case in the parish, though many in the neigbouring parishes.'[379]

 

The Western Australia census mentions Sarah Branscombe [arrived Fremantle 1831], and describes her as a servant. Her daughter, Elizabeth, is born in September of this year. She is married in 1833.[380]

 

Kingswear: Approximate year of birth of Sarah Hannaford, recorded as an unmarried servant imprisoned in Devon County prison, Exeter, in the 1851 census.

 

Highweek: Emily Branscombe, daughter of Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829 Highweek), born.[381] [m. 1854? to ? Cooke, d.1872]

 

Calstock, Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of John Oliver, son of pilot & waterman John & Sarah (- ?, m. 1831 Calstock?). John Oliver becomes a waterman/bargeman also & marries Sarah Northsworthy of Kingsbridge, in 1856, East Stonehouse. John Oliver dies 1908 Plymouth, by which time he is a pawnbroker. [cf: 1851,1881 censuses]

 

Kingsbridge: Last year in which the tannery of John & Henry Branscombe, established by their father William in 1792, is in their possession.

 

Chester: The 208 ton barque Jane Prowse is launched, owner W. Prowse. Registered at Liverpool. In 1838-40, her master is Captain William Branscombe. [William Prowse of Paignton, m. 1779 East Teignmouth Elizabeth Saunders.[382] cf: 1837 for sister ship "Margaret"]

 

Torquay: W. Branscombe ‘boot & shoemaker to Her Majesty’ 8 Braddens Row. Also, Henry Branscombe, tanner & fellmonger, Fore Street & Henry Branscombe, carrier, to Dartmouth every Saturday.  [383]

 

@1833

8 January, Bideford: William Brownscombe born, son of James and Ann of Alverdiscott. Baptised 13 February. [384]

 

22 January, Hastings: William Thomas Branscombe born. Apprenticed to the sea in 1845. Awarded his seaman's ticket in 1848.[385] [cf: 1841 census for Hastings. Poss son of Mary & (Samuel Stace - blacksmith?). Also cf: 1810 poss year of birth of sister Mary & 1817 year of birth of poss brother, mariner/miner Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb of Hastings]

 

Possible year of birth of William Branscomb, [house?] painter. Died St. Kilda, Melbourne, 1877.

 

Approximate year of birth of Henry Branscombe, former sailor with the Royal Navy and postman of Sheerness, Kent, who is jailed for twelve months, in 1880, for making death threats to a Post Office employee.

 

27 January, Tormoham, Torquay: Robert John (1 month), eighth & last child of Edward Branscombe & Ann ( - m. 1817, Dartmouth), baptised.

 

28 January: James Branscombe, miller, dies intestate[386] [i.e. leaving property but no will] in Tiverton, aged 73. [b. 1760?] The Gentleman's Magazine decribes him as the nephew of `... the late well-known Sir James Branscombe, stock-broker and lottery-office keeper [& lay sheriff of London]. The deceased had been in business for fifty years; and it is a remarkable fact that, though his mill [Grist Mill at Elmore - see below] was completely surrounded with water, no death had occurred under his roof for the last seventy years.'[387] He was the son of Barthomew Branscombe, who died 6 July, 1827 [1821?]. James left one child, Sarah, who married Robert Pring, baker of Bampton.[388] [cf: 1841]

 

13 February, Bideford: William Brownscombe baptised, son of James and Ann of Alverdiscott. Born 8 January. [389]

 

26 February, Tiverton: John Hussey marries Sarah Branscombe. Both of this parish.[390]

 

27 March: Mortgage by demise for 1000 years of Grist Mills Close of Land and Orchard in Elmore, Tiverton, by Robert Pring, baker of Bampton, and Sarah his wife [née Branscombe), upon trust to Rebecca Maunder, widow of Bampton, for sale, for securing £200 and interest.[391] [cf: 1821]

 

16 April, St. Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Thomas & William, sons of Thomas & Mary Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Thomas senior, accountant of Oakhampton Street.[392] Poss Thomas & Mary Jackman `of St. Thomas', m. 1830 Dunchideock? Poss siblings, both bp. St. Thomas: Mary (1835), Eleanor (1837). Thomas junior poss b. Ashton, nr Exeter? If so, may be accountant’s clerk husband of Mary Ann Nottage (m. 1863 Lambeth)?]

 

24 April, Fremantle: Sarah Branscombe (b. 1797 - d.1867) marries Thomas George Rees/Reece. They both arrived on the same ship in 1831. Thomas was a boatman & fisherman at Fremantle. He was recorded as having recovered the Challenger Buoy (?) Both were unable to write their names on the register. They already had a child, Elizabeth Branscombe-Rees (b. 1832 - d.1883) Thomas dies the following year, 1834.[393]

 

27 April, St. Saviour's, Dartmouth: George Buckingham Branscombe buried, aged 19. Son of William & Elizabeth of St. John's, Newfoundland.[394] [b. Carbonear. Keith Matthews in the Earl Kennedy papers says he died 27 March, and that he was an employee of Samuel Codner and Company, of Dartmouth and St. John's. cf: 1834, 30 July - marriage of Leonora Sophia, fourth daughter of William Branscombe of St. John's]

 

7 May, Withycombe Raleigh: William Branscombe, aged 81, buried. Grandfather of William Branscombe, tinsmith of Mudgee.[395]

 

28 June, Hobart: A letter is published in the Hobart Mercury addressed to Thomas Anstey, Police Magistrate at Oatlands and requests that he convene a meeting to discuss the building of a church in Oatlands. [396]

 

5 July, Tormoham, Torquay: Joanna, sixth child of Edward Branscombe & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), dies aged 5. [cholera? Approximate year in which Edward begins work for Messrs. White & Rouse, Exeter. By 1841, the family is resident at Bartholomew Street (North), in a small cottage opposite the New Cemetery. Employer possibly John H White, master plasterer b. about 1802 Kenton?]

 

11 July, Newton Bushel: Mary Hannaford Branscombe [d.1863], daughter of Samuel Branscombe [b.Newton Bushel 1805] & Mary Hannaford [b.Kingsbridge 1808], born.[397] [sister of Samuel Hannaford Branscombe (1828)]

 

9 September, St. Teath, Cornwall: Marriage between John Branscombe of Kingsbridge, bachelor, and Anne Graham of St. Teath, spinster [b.Gibraltar 1803], by licence. Witnessed by Robert R. Bake & John Oliver.[398] [John b. 1808, son of William & Charlotte (Mortimer). Children: John Graham (1834), Ellen (1837), Charlotte Mortimer (1841), Henry (1844). cf: 1874 death of John, & 1881 census for 166 Highbury New Park, Highbury. Executor of John's will was Samuel Graham Bake of 166 Highbury Park. St. Teath is about 2 miles from Lanteglos, home of the Chenneours]

 

24 September, Grayson County, Virginia: Horbert Branscom marries Nancey Dalton.[399]

 

24 October, St. Andrew's, Holborn: Sarah Marianna, daughter of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb [Walter son of Sir James Branscombe?] of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, baptised. Born (21 January?)[400] [Siblings: Walter James (1836), (Samuel ABOUT 1837?), James Alexander (1838), Marianna Ursula (1839), Alexander Charles (1846). In 1994, 1 Wine Office Court is still there, opposite the famous "Cheshire Cheese" pub, and just around the corner from Gough Square, home of Samuel Johnson. The inn and court are associated with many literary figures, including Dickens, who features Wine Office Court in "A Tale of Two Cities"]

 

17 November, Great Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire: Martha Brancom is baptised, daughter of David & Mary. (IGI)

 

6 December, Highweek: Samuel Quick dies, aged 69.[401] [cf: Samuel Branscombe & Ann (Quick - m. 1775) of Highweek. Also widow Mary Quick d.1834]

 

`From 1833, schools in England & Wales received Government grants. Before it became clear an organized system was necessary, educating the poor was a religious and moral duty; an outlet for charity. Middle-class children were brought up to learn that social inferiors were acceptable if they were diligent, and acquiescent. The schoolchild in the charity school could be tolerated, if it were clean, orderly and deferential. This attitude is clearly reflected in the juvenile literature of the period. All conform to the standards demanded; the teacher is a symbol of moral worth, rather than of intellectual power. This contrasts with the later fashions, where non-conformity is all, and the teacher is often an object of ridicule.'[402]

 

The East India Company's monopoly of trade with China ends.

 

`In these early decades of the nineteenth century, science gained a place in popular debate, helped especially by the Penny Magazine and the Penny Cyclopaedia. When the Cyclopaedia started, in 1833, 75000 copies of each issue were printed, priced at a penny. Geology was at the heart of many of the popular debates. The age of the earth came under scrutiny as scientists began to move away from a version of history taken literally from the bible. The fossils that collectors such as Mantell had gathered inspired further debates over whether species had evolved or were the results of separate acts of divine creation.'[403]

 

William Devonshire Saull, London wine merchant, opens a museum. Saull, a socialist, believed firmly in education for the masses, and his museum was open to all, even the working classes, on Thursdays.

 

The Royal William completes the first crossing of the Atlantic using steam power only. It takes 20 days.[404]

 

`... the cotton mills employed 60,000 men, 65,000 women, and 84,000 children and young persons.'[405]

 

William Halsey, baker & mealman, at High Street, Berkhampstead.[406] [cf: 1841 census & 1855]

 

Rugby: Approximate year of birth of William Branscombe, registered in the 1881 census for Rugby as a railway engine driver and married to Charlotte ?, born in Bilston, Staffordshire.

 

Oxford: Approximate year of birth of Emily, fifth child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford). [Emily m. 1850 to glass-maker Joseph Tomey.[407] She died in 1872.[408] Siblings: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Mary Ann (1822-1896), Richard Adolphus (1825), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Edward (1836-1893), James Adolphus (1838)]

 

Approximate year of birth of Ann Halsey, sixth child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1843. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Approximate year of birth (St. Johns, Newfoundland?) of Captain George Branscombe, who dies at his residence, Victoria House, Waldegrave Street, of heart disease, aged 41, in 1874.[409]

 

@1834

19 January, Sion Chapel, Union Street, Lady Huntingdon's non-conformist, Mile End Old Town: Thomas, son of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb, baptised.[410]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

22 January, St. Andrew's, Plymouth: William Henry Branscombe marries Grace (Neyle?). Both of this parish.[411] [William possibly a carpenter. By the 1851 census, William & Grace had four children - (Elizabeth?) Eunice (b. about 1835), Frederick (b. about 1837), Frocham/Fracham (b. about 1839) & Dorcas/Dorchas (Garland? b. about 1841), all in Kingsbridge. In the 1841 census, Grace and the children are registered without William, in Dodsbrook. Grace poss d.1866, Kingsbridge district?]

 

22 January: William Branscombe of St. Sidwell's, gentleman, by order of the Mayor and Council, is made a Freeman of the City of Exeter. [Also on the same day, Burne Gurney, surgeon, is created a Freeman by order of the Mayor and Council]

 

14 February, St. Sidwell's Exeter: Eliza Austwick, seventh and last child of William Branscombe, gentleman of St. Sidwell's parish & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), christened. [William described in 1825 as a `common carrier'. cf: 1851 census, where Eliza is found at Larkbeare House School, Topsham Road, Heavitree. m. 1858 Kingsbridge to ? Siblings: Louisa (1819), William Dacie (1821), Selina (1823), John Austwick (1825), Frederick (1827), Rev. George Henry Dacie (1831)]

 

27 February, Willand [Tiverton]: Mary Branscombe marries Thomas Richards.[412]

 

16 March, Highweek: Mary Quick, widow of Samuel [d.1833], dies, aged 69.[413] [cf: Samuel Branscombe & Ann (Quick - m. 1775) of Highweek]

 

24 May, Topsham: Harriet Garlick, Robert Branscombe & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham), christened. (IGI) [seventh child of mariner Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837 and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838). Also cf: 1819]

 

On Ascension Day, the first ceremony of `beating the bounds' of the new Parish of Hammersmith. (formerly included with Fulham)

 

`The West London Railway runs in the bed of an ancient stream (Counters Creek] which rose north of Wormwood Scrubs, and ended at Chelsea Creek, and this brook was crossed by a bridge at the place where the railway bridge (Addison Bridge) now stands on the Hammersmith Road. The stream was evidently the determining factor in the old parish boundary line between Hammermith and Kensington, but Hammersmith Borough includes the line in its course from Willesden to Uxbridge Road, going beyond it to the Harrow Road and Kensal Green Cemetery at the northern end; further south it runs out in an irregular loop to include Latimer Road Station, returning to the railway at Uxbridge Road; subsequently it dips just westward of the railway to Hammersmith Road. Northward it runs to the Uxbridge Road, follows this eastward for a few yards, and strikes again northward up Old Oak Road and Old Oak Common Road, until it reaches Wormwood Scrubs public and military ground. It then trends north-eastward, curves back to meet the Midland and south-Western line as it crosses the canal, and follows Old Oak Common Road until on a level with Willesden Junction Station, from thence eastward to the Harrow Road.'

 

`Goldhawke Road is an old Roman road, a fact which was conclusively proved by the discovery of the old Roman causeway, accidentally dug up by workmen in 1834.'[414]

 

16 July: John Graham Branscombe, first child of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Ann Graham of Gibraltar [m. 1833], born. Baptised 12 November 1834 in Kingsbridge. Went to sea in 1850, as a Boy, awarded seaman's ticket in the same year.[415] [siblings: Ellen (1837), Charlotte Mortimer (1841), Henry (1844)]

 

24 July, St. Gregory's, Dawlish: Captain William Branscombe (b. 1803), son of John & Agnes (Pike - m. 1781 Dawlish), marries Sophia Willis (aged 29 - d.1873), witnessed by Samuel and Ann Branscombe. [by licence?] [Sophia may be the daughter of Thomas & Anna Willis, and the brother of William. Thomas Willis was the tenant of the Branscombe estate in Dawlish Water 1793-8. By 1840, this is owned by Joseph Branscombe, Captain William's brother. Anna Willis, aged 75 and possibly widowed, is a farmer in Dawlish Water in the 1841 census. William Willis, aged 40 and possibly her son, is living on the farm with her. Sophia, by then married with her 6 year-old daughter Sarah Ann, is living in the same household, although marked as a separate family. Her husband, William, is away at sea, half-way through a trip to Sydney. William's poss siblings: John (1782-1795), Captn. Joseph (1784-1866), Anne (1787-1787), Sarah (1790-1849), Catherine (1793-1855), John (1796), Anne (1798)]

 

24 July, Dawlish: William Branscombe marries Elizabeth Preston, spinster? [416]

 

30 July, St. John's, Newfoundland: Leonora Sophia, fourth daughter of Mr. William Branscombe of this town, marries Mr. George Winter of Winter and Preston, Demerara. Married by the Rev. F.H. Carrington.[417]

 

13 August: The Poor Law Amendment Act. The system of Workhouses is introduced, in Britain. `... it came as near to the work of the devil as it is possible to imagine ... a reform conceived in the hard inhuman spirit of modern science.' [It] so lacked humanity that the poor preferred to starve in their cottages rather than enter the new workhouses, for these aptly named bastilles: `... lacerated their bruised souls in the only spot where feeling was left: the law tore asunder husband and wife, parents and children.''[418]

 

`...in effect, [it] nationalised the poor... [It was] the first major social reform to follow the great Reform Act. [It was] brought about by changing times... industrialisation, unemployment, and a rapid increase in the population - it established a pattern of social relief which lasted for more than 100 years. Had it worked the way it was planned as a self-operating test of need, providing humane care for the indigent, and deterring the idle from sponging off the rates, it might have proved a benefit to all. In the event, it punished the poor for even demanding the right to eat and, by many cruel economies, cutting the cost of relief to the bone, achieved substantial savings in the rates to the benefit only of those who grudgingly paid them.' [419]

 

`... working men did not have any political power. There was no party in Parliament to represent them and they did not have the vote. There was no legal way at all to make Parliament change an old law, or make a new one, except to send in a petition. It was not usual for Parliament to pay much attention to petitions from working men, so it is not surprising that many of them became frustrated and tried to win their way by illegal means.'[420]

 

11 September, East Buckland: Catherine Brownscombe, aged 25, is buried.[421] [cf: 1821 Edward Brownscombe, Clerk's Award, East Buckland, 1825 Mary Brownscombe, 1827 Edward & William Brownscombe, & 1832 Susan Brownscombe, all buried East Buckland]

 

25 September, Holy Trinity, Exeter: William Branscombe marries Betty Woolaway.[422]

 

26 September, Pilton: The will of Catherine Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[423]

 

29 December, Exeter: William Thomas, son of Mary Ann Underhill, spinster of St. James' Street, baptised privately. Married Harriet Westcott in Plymouth, 1859, giving father as William Underhill, accountant. William Thomas has been described as a splendid and proud old man who would never say who his father was. It was thought by his family that his reticence was due to resentment of the fact that his parents were not married.[424] [father possibly Thomas Branscombe, labourer/farmer/accountant? siblings: Harriet (bp. 1827), Anna Maria (b. 1829), John (b. 1838, d.1858)]

 

Thomas George Rees/Reece, fisherman of Fremantle, dies. [cf: 1833][425] His wife Sarah (Branscombe) re-marries in 1836.

 

Calstock, Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of Louisa, daughter of pilot & waterman John & Sarah (-?, m. 1831 Calstock?). [cf: 1851,1881 censuses]

 

Highweek: Charlotte Branscombe, daughter of Samuel [tanner, b. 1792, d.1874] & Mary (Eales - m. 1829, d.1847), & sister of Anna (1840-1913) born. [remained a spinster - d.1883]

 

Approximate year of birth of Thomas Halsey, seventh child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1838. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Hobart's population c.14000.

 

Point Puer juvenile reformatory opened.

 

`Any sensible Englishman of the upper or middle class might wish that he had been born in the Spring of 1834, and had died in the Spring of 1914, at the age of 80. It was the latest time when he would have had a real continuity of life, and have been warmed by a steady belief in progress; the latest when he would have enjoyed all but a minute fraction of his income; the latest when he would have left his capital and his possessions almost undiminished, to his heirs; the earliest at which he could have enjoyed inventions of the modern age-railways, steamships, good sanitation, anaesthetics, antiseptics, electric light and, in his old age, telephones and motor-cars.'[426]

 

`... the quantity of water daily supplied by the eight different water companies of London [is] upwards of 21,000,000 imperial gallons. By far the greatest portion of this [is] drawn from the Thames, a small quantity from the springs and ponds of Highgate and Hampstead, and the rest from the River Lea and the New River.[427]

 

Invention of the first mechanical reaper, in America.

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1834


R Brandscombe                        Wholesale Ironmonger
                                                195 Upper Thames Street

[May be Robert Bradford, son of William & Jane of Topsham, baptised 23 July 1797? - cf: 1841 Marylebone census. cf: 1830 Elizabeth Branscomb dies, Upper Thames Street. cf: 1840 premises at 27 Old Fish Street]

W Brandscomb                        Solicitor
                                                1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street

 

Approximate year of birth of Henry Branscombe, former sailor with the Royal Navy and postman of Sheerness, Kent, who is jailed for twelve months, in 1880, for making death threats to a Post Office employee.

 

@1835

26 February: Title deed to John Branscombe, builder of Exmouth & Joseph Gay, mason of Exmouth. Lease of land and six houses in Bicton Street, Littleham, Exmouth, from Thomas Teed of Salterton, East Budleigh; his wife Hannah; also William Teed of Salterton, shoemaker (a minor) & others, for sixty years, at £2 a year. (EPNI) [cf: 1856] [cf: 1893 John Teed, boot & shoemaker & 1841 census - Thomas Gay, mason of Dawlish. Also John Gay Wilkinson, husband of Lydia Obrecht Branscombe]

 

5 April, St. John The Baptist, Shoreditch: Jane Branscumb marries Edward Williams. (IGI)

 

Monday 6 April, Home Circuit Kingston: Mr Justice Gaselee considers the case of Foote v Branscombe and another.

 

At a little after 8 o/c on the evening of February 4th last year, Foote was knocked down crossing Blackfriars Road by a gig which belonged to and was being driven by Branscombe, an Ironmonger, accompanied by Pocklington, a butcher.  Witnesses could not be sure if it was the gig that knocked him down or a cab behind.  Branscombe and Pocklington pleaded Not Guilty.  Verdict was a payment of damages of 20/-.  The defendants had been to Epsom that day to course. [428] [cf: 18 November. The 1834 Postal Directory for London lists an R Brandscombe, Wholesale Ironmonger, at 195 Upper Thames Street. May be Robert Bradford, son of William & Jane of Topsham, baptised 23 July 1797?  cf: 1841 Marylebone census. cf: 1830 Elizabeth Branscomb dies, Upper Thames Street. cf: 1840 premises at 27 Old Fish Street]

 

22 April, St. Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Mary, daughter of Thomas & Mary Branscombe, and Joshua Branscombe, son of Joshua, are baptised. (IGI) [Thomas, accountant of Oakhampton Street.[429] Poss Thomas & Mary Jackman `of St. Thomas', m. 1830 Dunchideock? Poss siblings, all bp. St. Thomas: Thomas & William (1833), Eleanor (1837)]

 

6 June, Dawlish: Catherine Branscombe dies, aged 61.[430] [b. about 1774]

 

9 June, Dawlish: Sarah Ann, daughter of William Branscombe, seaman, and Sophia (Willis - m. 1834), baptised.[431] [Sarah Ann m. 1856 Henry Holman]

 

30 July, Wayne County, Kentucky: Sarah Branscomb marries Travis Thomas.[432]

 

August: William Henry Fox-Talbot makes the world's first photographic negative, a tiny exposure of an oriel window at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire. [cf: Joseph Neipce 1826, Daguerre 1839]

 

23 August, St. James, Westminster: Eliza Branscombe marries Charles George. (IGI)

 

30 August, Tormoham: Emma, daughter of Isaac Starling/Sterling, labourer of Torr, and Elizabeth, born.

 

11 October, Castle Green Independent, Bristol: Mary Crouch Branscombe, daughter of Henry and Mary Crouch Branscombe, baptised. (IGI) [d.1853 Clifton district. Henry may have been born in 1806, Kingsbridge, the fifth child of tanner William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough)? Henry m. 1827 Plymouth, Mary Crouch. Poss siblings: Elizabeth (1830-1835), Elizabeth (1837). Also cf: Martha Crouch, third wife of William Branscombe, shoemaker of Torquay, b. Penshurst, Kent]

 

18 October, Calstock: Ann Allen Branscombe baptised, daughter of John & Sarah of Calstock. [cf: 1836 Calstock, Ann Allen Branscombe buried, also 1837 Calstock, Richard Branscombe baptised]

 

4 November: Elizabeth, aged 5 years 2 months, daughter of Henry & Mary Branscombe of Bristol, dies. Buried at Kingsbridge.[433] [cf: 11 Oct.above. Elizabeth b. 1830 Sept?]

 

Wednesday 18 November, Bail Court: Foote v Branscombe and Pocklington.

 

Mr Shee applied to the Court to discharge a rule nisi for a new trial.  The action was tried at the Surrey March assizes when the plaintiff obtained a verdict for 20/- damages against both the defendants who, from careless driving, had run over and seriously injured the plaintiff in Blackfriars Road.  The application for a new trial alleged that the defendant Branscombe, who held the reins, was the only party against whom a verdict ought to have been returned, and that Pocklington should have been examined as a witness.  He had an Affidavit, stating that a collusive settlement had been since entered into with the plaintiff, under which he had accepted a reduced sum of 15/- and had been, by the hand of the defendants, removed to Ireland, the object being to deprive the attorney who had conducted the plaintiff’s case, of the means of obtaining his costs and Rule granted. [434] [cf: 6 April & 26 November]

 

Tuesday 26 November, Bail Court: Foote v Branscombe and Pocklington.:

 

Mr Turner appeared to show cause against a rule nisi obtained by Mr Shea ... to be continued. [435]

 

6 December, Bampton: William Branscombe junior, farmer, dies aged 46.[436] [son of William d.1828 - possibly husband of Grace & father of John Hinam Branscombe, b. 1823?]

 

29 December, Dodbrooke: William Henry Branscombe, aged five weeks, buried.[437] [poss son of William Henry & Grace (Neyle? - m. 22 January this year?]

 

`One of the first of the Bog People was Queen Gunhild, who was discovered in Haraldskjaer Fen, in 1835. Her fame spread immediately throughout the country, and she was given a coffin by King Frederick VI, and taken to the church of St. Nicolaj, in Vejle.'[438]

 

Time-capsules...vehicles for a 300-year journey...a wooden coffin-tree of Oak.

 

One log had a small hole cut in it...big enough for a small child to get in and loot it. In some cases, this tomb-robbing had been done soon after burial.  Either way, and in particular considering the superstitious nature of the people then, and even in recent times, the children thus employed must have developed a strong stomach, and an even stronger psyche. Another, which had been looted soon after burial, had only a small hole, big enough to insert a small, hooked Hazel branch, which was found nearby. It was suggested such a branch could not only have been the instrument of invasion, but may also have been the divining rod, by which the location of the grave, and its precious metal contents was determined.

 

John Batman founds Melbourne at Port Phillip.

 

The Neva wrecked, at Cape Wickham. 219 drowned, 7 starved to death, 15 survived.

 

The Rothschild family buys Gunnersbury Park as a suburban residence.

 

Aloysious Hansom introduces his two-wheeled closed carriage to the streets of London, where it remains a familiar feature until ousted by the motor-car, in about 1910.

 

A painting of the Jane Prowse off New Brighton [mouth of the Mersey] by Samuel Walters, is dated this year. It was in the collection of Sir Ernest Royden, of Hillbark, Frankby.[439]

 

Samuel Walters (1811-1882) ... `dominated the Liverpool scene, and understandably so ... As is well recorded, Samuel Walters was in the most literal sense born into his profession, being born on a sea passage from Bideford to London on 1 November, 1811.'[440]

 

Highweek: Louisa Branscombe, daughter of Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829), born. [may have m. 1876 Totnes?]

 

Kingsbridge: Approximate year of birth of (Elizabeth?) Eunice, first child (? - cf: 1834 William Henry buried Dodbrooke aged 5 weeks) of carpenter William Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Grace (Neyle? of Chillington, nr. Kingsbridge - m. 1834 Plymouth?). [cf: 1837. Also June Q 1863 - poss marriage, Plymouth?]

 

Devon: Approximate year John Branscombe born. He is registered in the 1841 census, aged 6, in the household of William Bartlett, farmer of Goveton, nr.Kingsbridge.

 

St. John's, Newfoundland: William Branscombe donates £5 to the Winton Fund.[441]

 

@1836

24 March, Jackson, Fayette County, Ohio: Benjamin Franklin Branscombe born. Son of Joseph Edmond Branscome & Dianah Pierce.[442] [B.F. Branscombe founded the township of Branscomb, California. cf: letter from B.F., 1903]

 

The family soon moved to Dekalb County, Missouri, where Joseph became Sheriff. He was shot and killed 3 days before President Lincoln was assassinated. In 1857, Benjamin joined an ox-team wagon train that was headed for California. He settled in Somoma County and farmed there for about twenty years. He married one of the daughters of the captain of the wagon train, Mary Jane Taylor, and they had 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls. They moved to Jackson Valley, Mendocino, in 1880, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land and 40 acres more under the Timber Act. He was instrumental in starting the first school in that area. He built a large home which, after his family had grown up, he turned into a hotel. A small grocery store, meat market and livery stable were added later. After more people came into the area, he was even able to establish a post office. This was named after him. After his death, in 1921, one of his sons, John, inherited the property and ran it until 1959, when he sold it to the Harewood family, who built the timber mill in Branscomb.[443]

 

24 April, Calstock: Ann Allen Branscombe, aged 7m, buried. [probably daughter of John & Sarah of Calstock. cf: 1835 Calstock, Ann Allen Branscombe baptised, also 1837 Calstock, Richard Branscombe baptised]

 

April: The James Matheson launched, Dumbarton. 408 tons, registered at Liverpool. Built of spruce with copper bottom. Owner in 1842/3: W. Prowse. Wrecked 1844/5, on a voyage from Liverpool to China. [William Prowse of Paignton, m. 1779 East Teignmouth, Elizabeth Saunders]

 

3 May, St. Mary Major, Exeter: Henry Branscombe marries Mary Ann Horn. Both of this parish.[444] [carpenter & builder, b. & bp. 1817 Withycombe Raleigh, son of John Branscombe, joiner, & Elizabeth (Seward - m. 1816 Exeter?). cf: 1851 census. Henry d.1876 Victoria, Australia. cf: 1780 Littleham, Mary Brandscombe Horn buried]

 

a.m., 21 June, St. George's, Demerara, Newfoundland: Mary Branscombe, daughter of Mr. William Branscombe of St. John's marries George Smith Crawford, M.D., son of the late Rev. Oliver Crawford of Trinity College, Dublin. Married by the Rev. James Lugur.[445]

 

9 August, Withycombe Raleigh: Henry, son of John Branscombe, joiner, & Elizabeth, baptised.[446] [b. 1 Aug cf: 1851 census. Henry becomes a builder in Withycombe Raleigh, after some years in Bath]

 

13 June, St. Andrew's, Holborn: Walter James, (second child? - cf: 1833) of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, baptised. Born 21 January.[447] [siblings: Sarah Marianna (1833), (Samuel c1837?), James Alexander (1838), Marianna Ursula (1839), Alexander Charles (1846). In 1859, a Walter James Branscomb is the proprietor of a "fancy repository" in King Street, Hammersmith. Walter James married Maria ? in Southwark, in 1860; he died 1865, in Newington. Also cf: 1863 Henry Branscomb's death registered in Newington. Walter senior, b. 1897, may be son of James & Sarah of Holborn]

 

27 July, Reeves' Point, Kangaroo Island: Official colonisation of South Australia.

 

22 September, Dawlish: Agnes (Pike), wife of John Branscombe, dies aged 76 years.[448]

 

 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
AGNESS
WIFE OF JOHN BRANSCOMBE
WHO DIED ?? SEPTEMBER 1836
AGED 76 YEARS

 

 

 

September, Perth, Western Australia: Sarah Branscombe-Rees remarries, Thomas Henshaw [cf: 1833].[449]

 

8 October: Admiral James, Lord de Saumerez, dies.

 

30 November, Clyst St. George: George Waldron Pearse, bachelor of Topsham, marries Ellen Gaynor (Finch?), spinster of Clyst St. George. Witnesses are Anna Maria Pearce & P.J. Pearce.[450]

 

6 December, Wayne County, Kentucky: Polly Branscomb marries John Bertram.[451]

 

Francis Smith and John Ericsson individually solve the problem of screw propulsion, and its superiority [over paddle wheels] was soon apparent.[452]

 

Heavitree: Approximate year of birth of Ellen ? [d.1911 Heavitree], future wife of John Branscombe.[453]

 

Robert Bowden Branscombe becomes an apprentice at sea.[454] [b. 1820, Torquay - son of William the shoemaker & Ann(e) cf: 1845]

 

The Dissenter's Marriage Act allows non-conformist churches to be licenced for marriage ceremonies.

 

Oxford: Birth of Edward Branscomb, glass manufacturer. [marries Sarah Yardley, Birmingham 1854.[455] Sixth child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford).[456] Edward died 1893. cf: 1855 for son Frederick's birth]

 

Admiral Saumarez dies.

 

The United States takes 25% of all British exports. 80% of Lancashire's raw cotton comes from the Southern states.

 

The Breech-loading gun is invented, in Prussia.

 

London's first railway station, at London Bridge, opens.

 

Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of William (dec'd) & Sarah. (EBMI)

 

The Tithe Commutation Act establishes a Tithe Commission, empowered to effect a commutation of tithes in kind to an annual money payment, by voluntary agreement between tithe owner and landowner wherever possible, but by compulsion if necessary ... The principles of the 1836 Act remained the basis of rent-charge conversion until the 1936 Tithe Act provided for the gradual redemption of all tithes by the end of the century.'[457] [cf: 1839 for Dawlish]

 

Newfoundland: Arthur Kennedy Branscombe, poss son of William Branscombe, planter of St. Johns & Margaret (Kennedy - m. 1828 Carboneur), dies in this year.[458]

 

@1837

14 February, Bampton: Sarah Branscombe, wife of William [d.1828] dies, aged 73.[459]

 

17 March, Kingsbridge: Ellen Branscombe, daughter of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Anne (Graham - m. 1833), born. Baptised at Kingsbridge on 9 April 1837.[460] [remained a spinster. cf: 1881 census for Highbury. Siblings: John Graham (1834), Charlotte Mortimer (1841), Henry (1844)]

 

31 March, Topsham: George Waldron Pearse, son of yeoman George Waldron Pearse & Eleanor Gaynor Pearse, is baptised.[461] [m. 1836 Clyst St. George, d.1838]

 

19 April, St. Thomas the Apostle, Exeter: Eleanor, daughter of Thomas & Mary Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [Thomas, accountant of Oakhampton Street.[462] Poss Thomas & Mary Jackman `of St. Thomas', m. 1830 Dunchideock? Poss siblings, all bp. St. Thomas: Thomas & William (1833), Mary (1835)]

 

26 April, Moretonhampstead: Mary Branscombe marries Walter Mortimore. Both of this parish.[463]

 

22 May, Cheltenham: Death of Sarah, wife of Robert Long esq., of the Manor House, Dawlish. Buried in a vault at Swindon with her husband, who died at Leamington on 13 December, 1842.[464]

 

25 May, Castle Green Independent, Bristol: Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Mary Crouch Branscombe, baptised. (IGI) [Henry Branscombe m. 1827 Plymouth, Mary Crouch. Henry may have been born in 1806, Kingsbridge, the fifth child of tanner William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m. 1789 Wolborough)? Poss siblings: Elizabeth (1830-1835), Mary Crouch (1835-1853). Also cf: Martha Crouch, third wife of William Branscombe, shoemaker of Torquay]

 

15 June, Calstock: Richard Branscombe baptised, son of John, a labourer, and Sarah. [poss sibling Ann Allen (1835-36)]

 

25 June, St. Dunstan's, Stepney: Edwin, son of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb, baptised.[465] [possibly d. December quarter, Whitechapel district?]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

1 July: Civil registration of births, deaths and marriages commences in England & Wales.

 

`... following a Royal Commission, 7000 non-parochial registers from all over the country were sent to Somerset House. These were subsequently transferred to the Public Records Office... '[466]

 

30 July, Holwell, Bedfordshire (later Herts): James, son of James Branscombe, labourer of (Fakeswell?) and Mary, baptised.[467] [Possibly son of John & Mary Bransome, bp. Sharnbrook 1811, or son of Samuel & Sarah Bransome, bp. Meppershall 1803?]

 

16 August, Topsham: Susan & Sophia Branscombe [twins?], eighth & ninth children of rope-maker Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821 Topsham), baptised.[468] [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837, a pilot on the 1848 marriage certificate of Mary Jane Harriet, and a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other cwheels] was soon apparent.[1]

 

Heavitree: Approximate year of birth of Ellen ? [d.1911 Heavitree], future wife of John Branscombe.[1]

 

Robert Bowden Branscombe becomes an apprentice at sea.[1] [b. 1820, Torquay - son of William the shoemaker & Ann(e) cf: 1845]

 

The Dissenter's Marriage Act allows non-conformist churches to be licenced for marriage ceremonies.

 

Oxford: Birth of Edward Branscomb, glass manufacturer. [marries Sarah Yardley, Birmingham 1854.[1] Sixth child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, hildren: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Thursa or Thirza (1838)]

December quarter, St. Mary Newington district: Mary Branscomb marries ? [1]  [poss Mary Branscome born Devonshire 1817, m. John Cameron of Inverness in London. Children: John, b.1856 Prahran, Victoria, Australia?] [1]

 

December quarter, Whitechapel district: Edwin Branscomb's death is registered.[1] [possibly bp. June thiario: Henry William Branscombe born, son of Arthur (b. ABOUT 1802 New Brunswick) & Catherine (Burlingham). Siblings: Reuben B., Sarah A., Phebe, Nathaniel, Elizabeth & Huldah. Henry William was the father of Gena Branscombe Tenney, pianist & composer (b. 1881). He died in 1924.[469]

 

Approximate year of birth of Emma Halsey, eighth child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1844. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Charles (1839?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Chester: The 253 ton barque Margaret launched, owner W. Prowse, master in 1839/40 is ? Prowse. Registered at Liverpool. Sister ship of the Jane Prowse (1832), master Captain William Branscombe, 1838-40. There is a picture of the Margaret at Torquay in about 1855 in Michael Bouquet's book, No Gallant Ship. [William Prowse of Paignton, m. 1779 East Teignmouth, Elizabeth Saunders]

 

Holborn? Possible year of birth of Samuel Branscomb, mystery third child of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb, of 1 Wine Office Court. Samuel is mentioned once only in the 1841 census, in which James Alexander (b. 1838) is not mentioned. Perhaps they are the same person? [siblings: Sarah Marianna (1833), Walter James (1836), (Samuel ABOUT 1837?), James Alexander (1838), Marianna Ursula (1839), Alexander Charles (1846)]

 

`After 1837 ... productivity shot up ... and agriculture entered its so-called "golden age" of apparently effortless expansion, which continued for nearly three decades.'[470]

 

The Hippodrome was a racecourse covering the area later occupied by the Ladbroke Estate in North Kensington. It operated from 1837-1841, but was not a success.[471]

 

Kingsbridge: Approximate year of birth of carpenter Frederick, second child of carpenter William Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Grace (Neyle? of Chillington - m. 1834 Plymouth?). [cf: 1835,1839]

 

ROBSON'S LONDON DIRECTORY 1837


R Branscombe              Nail factor                    27 Old Fish Street

[May be Robert Bradford, son of William & Jane of Topsham, baptised 23 July 1797? - cf: 1841 Marylebone census. cf: 1834 Directory, described as a wholesale ironmonger with premises in Upper Thames Street. cf: 1840 Directory, premises at 27 Old Fish Street]

A year of widespread unemployment and distress. [cf: 1848]

 

Reign of King William IV ends (since 1830). June: Queen Victoria ascends the throne (to 1901). [whenever her wedding to Albert was, the £1000 lace wedding dress was made in Beer and Branscombe][472]

 

Jack Rattenbury of Beer, one of Devon's most notorious smugglers, publishes Memoirs of a Smuggler (Sidmouth). Gout has caused him to give up his career.[473]

 

Hobart: Thomas Branscombe and his wife are registered in the census of this year at New Town.[474]

 

@1838

29 January, St. Andrew's, Holborn: James Alexander, (third child?) of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, baptised. Born 22 September 1837.[475] [siblings: Sarah Marianna (1833), Walter James (1836), (Samuel ABOUT 1837?), Marianna Ursula (1839), Alexander Charles (1846). Walter (b. 1797) is the son of James & Sarah (Jackson - m. 1795) of Holborn]

 

26 February, St. Olave's, Exeter: Susan Branscombe, servant of Bartholomew Yard, an underage spinster, daughter of painter Edward Branscombe & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), marries labourer Henry Box Thomson, an underage bachelor also of Bartholomew Yard, son of labourer John Thomson. Bride and groom sign with a mark. Witnesses are William Pim and Matt Bennett.[476] Registered March quarter, Exeter district.[477] [William Pim married Ann Crook Branscombe in St. Leonards, Exeter, in 1801. Ann was the daughter of baker Nicholas & Elizabeth (Harris - m. 1775 Exeter) and was baptised 30 June 1776 in St. George, Exeter. Was Bartholomew Yard off Bartholomew Street, where Edward & Ann were, 1841 census?]

 

March, poss Exeter: John, bastard son of Mary Underhill of Magdalen Street, born. Baptised 12 October 1840. Became Brigadier Underhill of the Cavalry Regiment. Died unmarried, 1858, while serving in the Indian Mutiny campaign. His sister Harriet (bp. 1827 Exeter) married in 1849 as Harriet Underhill Branscombe, giving her father as Thomas Branscombe, farmer.[478] [siblings: Harriet (bp. 1827), Anna Maria (b. 1829), William Thomas (bp. 1834)]

 

March quarter, Tiverton district: John Francis Branscombe's birth is registered.[479] [poss. d.1838 Sept Q.Tiverton?]

 

June quarter, St. Thomas district: Richard George Branscombe's birth is registered.[480] [poss d.1874 St. Thomas?]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: John Branscombe's birth is registered.[481] [prob seventh child of tanner Samuel Branscombe of Highweek & Mary (Eales - m. 1829 Highweek), d.1839. Or could have married, 1861?]

 

18 June: Deed of Release from George Rossiter, druggist of Kingsbridge, to Mrs. Rachael Branscombe of Tiverton (d.1842), widow of the late James Branscombe of Tiverton, miller, and Robert Pring, baker of Tiverton, and Sarah, his wife, daughter of James, and others - James Salter, stationer of Tiverton, administrator of the will of the late William Salter, stationer of Tiverton; John Puddicombe, inn-keeper of Tiverton, and Jane Matilda, his wife, heretofore Jane Matilda Rossiter, widow, mother of the said George Rossiter; and Ann Catford of Tiverton, aforesaid widow of the other part. According to a deed poll signed by James Branscombe and William Salter on 28 February, 1823, there is £233.6.8d to be divided equally. James died on 28 January, 1833.[482]

 

Rival steamships Sirius and Great Western race across the Atlantic. The Great Western wins with a time of fifteen days.[483]

 

William Halsey, baker, at High Street, Berkhampstead.[484] [cf: 1841 census & 1855]

 

George [Eastman?] Branscombe of Topsham [b. 1826], goes to sea as a Boy.[485] [cf: 1848]

 

19 August, Topsham: Sophia Gaynor Pearse, daughter of yeoman George Waldron Pearse & Eleanor Gaynor (Finch - m. 1836 Clyst St. George), is baptised.[486] [cf: 1837]

 

September quarter, Newton Abbot district: Mary Ann Branscombe marries ? [487]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: Sarah Branscombe marries ? [488] [poss daughter of John Branscombe, farmer of St. Mary Arches, married James Wilmott?]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: Elizabeth Branscombe's death is registered.[489]

 

September quarter, Tiverton district: John Francis Branscombe's death is registered.[490] [possibly b. Tiverton district, March Q?]

 

17 October, Topsham: George Waldron Pearse, aged 18 months, buried.[491] [cf: 1837]

 

Approximate year of birth of (Thursa/Thirza), tenth child of mariner Robert Bradford Branscombe and Amelia (Clare - m. 1821) of Topsham/Littleham. [possibly Robert Bradford Branscombe, aged 40, son of William & Jane (Pain), described as a fisherman on his marriage, as a rope-maker in 1837, a pilot on the 1848 marriage certificate of Mary Jane Harriet, and as a mariner in the 1851 census when he has moved to Littleham. He and Amelia had at least ten other children: Susanna Mary (1821), Mary Jane Harriet (1822), William Clare (1824), George Eastman (1827), Robert (1829), Elizabeth or Amelia (1832), Harriet Garlick (1834), Susan & Sophia (1837), Thursa or Thirza (1838). Also cf: 1851 census]

 

Calstock, Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of Richard, son of pilot & waterman John & Sarah (-?, m. 1831 Calstock?). [cf: 1851,1881 censuses]

 

December quarter, Kingsbridge district: (Male) Branscombe's birth registered.[492] [poss Fracham, s. William & Grace (Neyle? - m. 1834 Plymouth?) of Kingsbridge - cf: 1851 census Kingsbridge]

 

December quarter, Bloomsbury district: Catharine Branscombe marries ?[493]

 

6 December, Wayne County, Kentucky: Polly Branscomb marries John Butram.[494]

 

28 December, St. Aldate, Oxford: James Adolphus, seventh and last child of Robert Branscomb (b. 1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m. 1819 Oxford), is baptised. [James marries Amy Parsons, Birmingham 1860.[495] He dies before 1891. Siblings: Frederick Alphonso (1820-1902), Mary Ann (1822-1896), Richard Adolphus (1825), Elizabeth (1827-1902), Emily (1833-1872), Edward (1836-1893)][496]

 

Torquay: W. Pearce is the master of the brig Flora, launched in Topsham in 1815, and owned by Cockings. Her home port is Torquay, and she is engaged on the Teignmouth to Swansea route. N. Prowse is master of the brig Usk, also owned by Cockings, whose home port is also Torquay. She is employed on the Teignmouth to Quebec run.[497]

 

Plymouth: The Tolpuddle Martyrs return from Australia.

 

Captain William Branscombe skipper of Jane Prowse on a voyage from Liverpool to Lima.

 

The original Paddington station is opened, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. (It was re-built in 1850-4)

 

The first electric telegraph in Britain is commissioned.
[? cf: 1816]

 

Thomas Gould, artist, and Elizabeth, arrive in Hobart, where their fifth child is born.

 

`The most characteristic Victorian colony is New Zealand, founded in 1838 through the enthusiasm of William Wakefield, (cf: South Australia) a man of dubious reputation, and persuasive tongue, who sold £100,000 worth of `land orders' to emigrants and speculators by every device of publicity, and the aid of commission agents, before he had a right to any land to meet their claims.'[498]

 

@1839

a.m., 21 January, St. John's, Newfoundland: William Branscomb, blockmaker, dies. His will, dated 11 July 1834, names P.W. Carter & Samuel Mudge, merchant of St. John's, as executors. He is survived by 3 sons and 4 daughters. His property is worth £5-6000. The will is probated on 11 July 1839.

item:     Executors to pay rents on part of his estate on
                 the north side of Water Street now let to John
                 Bovey and that part let to Thomas Connell and on
                 his field on the (Barrens?) near Topsail Road.

item:     To son Richard for his natural life, his Water
                 Street workshop premises, which adjoin part let
                        to Bovey. To be conveyed in trust to his heir.

item:     To son William premises fronting on Water Street
                 and on Williams Lane now on lease to John
                        Sanders, and premises fronting on the lane leased                      to Patrick Kelly, and that part of those other
                 premises fronting on Duckworth let under (grant?)
                 lease to William Freeman and William Thomas,
                 presently possessed by William Freeman, and large
                 meadow on north side Duckworth between land of
                 William Thomas and French plantation, in trust.

item:     To son James when he is 21. Premises fronting
                        Duckworth and adjoining Williams Lane let to
                        William Freeman & William Thomas and dwelling
                        house Branscomb occupies and all his plantations
                        between Thomas Williams' meadow and the road
                        leading to the Amateur Theatre at the S.W. (est?)
                        of Mr. Peter Carter's house to the (Barrens?),
                        including the houses behind my own at present let
                        to Dunn, Ennett, Bridget Duggan & John Murphy,                                 and my present workshop, but not including the                              house and premises adjoining my own at present
                        let to John (Ni-?). Rents from these to support
                        and educate son James, to put him in a business
                        and profession.

item:     To 4 daughters Mary, Amelia, Leanora & Sydney,
                        after the youngest has become 21. They are to get
                        Water Street premises (South side of) which is
                        between Thomas Williams & John (Dunscomb's?)
                        premises and currently let to Benjamin Williams &
                        John Nichols. Also the field and premises near
                        Easeys Farm let to Pat Casey.

item:     To neice Amelia Davis, £130.

item:     His pew in Established Church for use of family.

                                    Codicil, 19 January 1839:

item:     All household furniture, plate, linen, china,
                        books & pictures to executors in trust, for use
                        of unmarried daughter.

 

[In 1810, Richard is described as a clerk to the firm of McCarthy, Hoyles and Brown of London and St. Johns. According to Keith Matthews in the Earl Kennedy papers, James Branscombe of St. Johns was a ship's captain who flourished between 1820-1840, in the West Indies trade]

 

20 February, Carbonear, Newfoundland: The fiftieth annual meeting of the B.I.S. is held at Mr. William Branscombe's Long Room.[499]

 

Royal Gazette
St. John's, Newfoundland
21 February

`All persons having demands against the estate of the late Mr. William Branscombe of this town, are hereby requested to send their accounts to the subscribers, to whom all debts due the said estate are requested to be paid. P.W. Carter & Samuel Mudge ...

 

WHO OFFER FOR SALE
Belonging to the above estate

 

1          horse
3          cows
       tons of hay
1          carriage
1          sleigh & harness
2          carts and harnesses
A quantity of sticks, blocks, etc..'

 

2 April, Highweek: John Branscombe dies, aged 10 months.[500] [seventh child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829)]

 

6 May: Brealey, carpenter of Dawlish aged 23, his wife aged 21, and one male child, accepted by Mr.James, agent, for a free passage to South Australia. Although an embarkation number #2774 is noted, it doesn't necessarily mean applicants actually embarked or arrived.[501]

 

June quarter, Whitechapel district William Joseph Branscomb's birth is registered.[1] [No marriage registered - could have died Sept Q 1843?]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: Ann Branscombe's death registered.[503]

 

June quarter, Bolton district: John Branscombe's death is registered.[504]

 

17 June, London: Richard Beard of East Stonehouse, husband of Elizabeth (Branscombe - m. 1825), files British patent #8109, relating to the colour printing of calicoes and other fabrics.[505]

 

23 July: Daniel Branscombe born, son of Josiah L. & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Cynthia (1841), Anna Mariah (1834), Sarah Elisa (1846), Stephen Henry (1849) Alice M. (1853).]

 

August, Paris: L J M Daguerre announces the world's first commercially successful photographic process. `H de St Croix, who had attended Daguerre's first demonstrations, started similar shows in London on 13 September ... Richard Beard purchased the right to use the process for £150 annually, and in June of 1841 bought outright Daguerre's patent rights for the process in England.'[506]

 

2 August, St. Andrew's, Holborn: Marianna Ursula, fourth child of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, baptised. Born 7 March.[507] [Walter (b. 1797) is the son of James & Sarah (Jackson - m. 1795) of Holborn. In the 1861 census, Marianna, still unmarried, says she was born in St. Brides parish. siblings:  Sarah Marianna (1833), Walter James (1836), (Samuel ABOUT 1837?), James Alexander (1838), Alexander Charles (1846)]

 

9 August, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe receives the title deed for 500 acres of land in Launceston.[508] [cf: 1826 a Thomas is tenant and agent in Kensington & 1832 is owner of a farm at O'Brian's Bridge, Glenorchy]

 

13 August, St. John The Baptist, Shoreditch: William Branscombe, bachelor porter of full age, marries Sarah Whelpdale by banns. William is living at Gloucester Street, Hoxton, and is the son of Thomas Branscomb (deceased), a City Officer [& Sarah?]. Sarah is a widow of full age, of New Inn Yard. Her father, John Park (deceased?) was a milkman. Both parties signed their names. The witnesses were John Park & William Ballard [who witnesses many marriages at this time].[509] Registered as William Branscomb, September quarter, Shoreditch district.[510] [Poss b. 1809 Shoreditch, bp. 1810 Bishopsgate, son of Thomas & Sarah? William & Sarah possibly registered in the 1861 census for Hampstead, licensees of the "White Horse"? Sarah and son Thomas (1845) are registered in the 1881 census for West Ham occupying the same house. Sarah is listed as a widow]

 

September quarter, St. Thomas district: Elizabeth Jane Branscombe's birth is registered.[511] [poss. m. 1865 Lambeth?]

 

24 October, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe buys 29 perches of land in Hobart.[512] [cf: 1841 & 1844 - more land purchases in Glenorchy & Melville]

 

24 October, Grayson County, Virginia: Nancey Branscom marries John Marshall. [entry also for 7 November, Nancy Branscum marries John Marshall][513]

 

24 December: `Three quarters of a mile of Dowland Cliff split off and sank into the sea overnight.'[514] [east of Seaton] `About 20 acres of land subsided, carrying with it cottages, fields and hedgerows, leaving a ravine 150' deep and 300' wide, and forcing land ahead of it into the sea. Offshore, a mile-long reef was forced up about 40' high, but it subsided shortly afterwards. Astonishingly, one cottage was borne along with events to arrive near the shore more or less intact, and the crops in the transported fields were harvested the following year, when there were great celebrations and people came from far and wide to look and wonder.'[515]

 

Captain William Branscombe skipper of the barque Jane Prowse, 208 tons, on a voyage from Liverpool to Lima.

 

William Waymouth, builder, apprentice of Robert Cornish junior, made a freeman of the City of Exeter

 

Alfred Stephen of Van Diemen's Land, is appointed to the bench of New South Wales. An address of thanks is published in the Australian newspaper on 9 May 1839. Among the dozens of signatures of grateful residents and land-owners of Hobart and surrounding areas is one Thomas Branscomb. [poss Thomas who m. 1827 Hobart, Hannah Regan?]

 

John Sims Reeves [1818-1900], famous English tenor and later teacher of Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon], makes his first public appearance as a vocalist.[516]

 

Samuel Cunard is granted a large subsidy to carry British mail across the Atlantic. His first regular service used four wooden paddle steamers.[517]

 

George Branscombe of Topsham [b. 1824] goes to sea as a Boy.[518] [cf: 1845]

 

Highweek: Anna Branscombe, daughter of Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829), born. [cf: 1851 census for Exeter St. David - unmarried visitor in the household of George Cline? Anna d.1913?]

 

December quarter, Oxford district: Frederick Alphonso Branscomb marries ? [519] [Frederick b. ABOUT 1821 d.1902 Birkenhead, m. Harriet Hitchcock d.1891, Birkenhead.[520] Children: Susan Elizabeth (1841), Harriet L (c.1848), Frederick John Pennington (1849), Rosette (1851), George Arthur (1852), Samuel (c.1858). Sidney/Sydney (1855)?]

 

28 December, Topsham: Fanny Pearse, daughter of builder Samuel Whiteway Pearse of Topsham, & Barbara, is baptised.[521]

 

Approximate year of birth of Charles Halsey, ninth child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1839. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Eliza (1843?)]

 

Tithe commutations in Dawlish produce a detailed assessment of landowners and tenants for this year. An estimate of titheable land in the prologue to the apportionment tables gives a total of 4217 acres; 2725 arable, 500 pasture, 429 wood, 25 common, 172 orchard & garden, 368 furze & course land. The gross rent estimated for the parish, including the Glebe, is £800.3s, of which £440.3s goes to the vicar and £360 to the appropriators.

 

PIGOT'S 1839 DIRECTORY FOR CHELMSFORD, ESSEX


Susan Branscombe                                           grocers and tea-dealers

[poss m. 1847 Heavitree, Stephen Farmer?]

 

ROBSON’S 1839 DIRECTORY FOR BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

 

Branscomb & Benson, solicitors, Church Street, Aylesbury

 

@1840

15 February, Greensville County, Virginia: George L Branscomb marries Mary A.D. Robinson.245

 

March quarter, St. George in the East district: Sarah Branscomb's death is registered.[523]

 

3 May, Topsham: William Shepherd Salter Pearse, son of builder Samuel Whiteway Pearse of Topsham & Barbara, is baptised.[524] [cf: 1839]

 

June quarter, Islington district: Sarah Elizabeth Branscomb's birth is registered.[525] [poss married 1881 St. Saviour (Southwark)?]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: Anna Branscombe's birth is registered.[526] [remained a spinster - d.1913, eighth child of Samuel (tanner of Highweek, b. 1792, d.1874) & Mary (Eales - m. 1829, d.1847), & sister of Elizabeth (1829-60), Anna (1831-36), Emily (1832-72), Charlotte (1834-83, spinster), Louisa (b. 1835 - spinster), Mary (1837-52), John (1838-39), Lucy (1842-57), John (1843-51), Amelia (1846-63) & Rebecca (b & d 1847)]

 

12 June, Bratton Fleming: The will of Thomas Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[527]

 

29 July, Wesleyan Chapel, Newton Bushell: John Branscombe Crews witnesses the marriage between John North and Mary Gillard.[528][cf: 1810 Highweek, Charles Crews marries Mary Branscombe]

 

4 August, The Royal Gazette, St. John's, Newfoundland:

 

Lately, in St. John's Church, Amelia Branscombe, third daughter of the late William Branscombe, was married to John Winter M.D., the son of George Winter, of the Ordnance Department, by the Reverend T.F.H. Barnes.

 

[William Branscombe, `much respected inhabitant of this town', d.21 January 1839]

 

17 August, St. John The Baptist, Shoreditch: John Branscombe, bachelor wood turner of full age, marries Emma Scales, spinster of full age, by banns. John is resident at Pritchards Place, and is the son of John Branscombe (deceased), mercantile clerk. Emma, of the same address, is the daughter of Thomas Scales (deceased), coachman [& Sarah?]. They both signed the register, and the witnesses were Frances Muckett & William Ballard [who witnesses many marriages at this time].[529] Registered September quarter, Shoreditch district.[530] [In the 1881 census for Hackney, John says he was born in London circa 1819. cf: 1818 for poss. birth of John & 1841 census. Children of John & Emma: Thomas (1845), Mary (1848), John (1852), William (1853), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice Maud. (1869)]

 

September quarter, Bath district: Elizabeth Emily Branscombe's birth is registered.[531] [possibly d.1841 December Q, or 1849, Bath district?]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: George William Branscombe marries ? [532] [poss son of William Tucker Branscombe & Elizabeth (Lake - m. 1809 Exeter), b. 1815 London? Lay vicar & `Professor of Music'? cf: 1851 census. Also cf: 1843 marriage of George William Branscombe - the same person? This marriage may be to Elizabeth Wedderburn Sydney, who dies in 1841, shortly after the birth of their daughter Effie. The second wife may be Amelia Julia -?]

 

14 September, St. James, Paddington: Richard Branscombe marries Eliza Lovelace. (IGI) Registered in the September quarter, Kensington district.[533] [poss. b. 1817 Ashburton, first child of Richard, tanner of Newton Bushel, & Mary (Edwards - m. 1816 Ashburton). At the time of this marriage, Richard is a carpenter living in Dudley Grove and his father has become a baker. On his death in 1872, Richard junior is a licenced victualler]

 

29 November, Manchester Cathedral: George La French, son of Mary Ann Branscombe, christened. (IGI) [cf: 1846, 12 July, Manchester Cathedral, spinster Mary Ann Branscomb of 1 New Street, Salford, daughter of William Branscomb, Engineer, marries Henry Wall]

 

December quarter, Bolton district: George Branscome marries ? [534]

 

December quarter, Bolton district: William Branscome's birth is registered.[535] [poss d.1841 March Q Bolton?]

 

December quarter, Clifton district: Mary Branscombe's death is registered.[536]

 

19 December: Captain William Branscombe departs Liverpool with the James Matheson, en route to Cape Town and Sydney. (First voyage in charge of this vessel?)

 

James Matheson (1796-1878) and William Jardine (1784-1843) formed an opium trading business called Jardine and Matheson. They even published newsletters called Opium Circulars, which gave information about various opium markets and their current prices.

David Matheson, a younger family member resigned from the family business rather than profit from the drug trade, since opium destroyed many lives. Matheson's nephew, Hugh Matheson, used his profits in the mining industry. His company, Rio Tinto Zinc Company, still exists today.

James Matheson's mother's family, the McKays, held the title of Earl of Inchcape. The McKays conrolled the board of steamer lines. The first opium clipper ships, were called the Alexander Baring and the Falcon. [537]

 

Cowes: The Grecian Queen is launched. (William Waymouth Branscombe to captain, in 1855)

 

`It was, for the first time in English history, an age of emigration on a large scale. In 1840, 90,743 emigrated.' [538]

 

The population of New Zealand is estimated at 100,000. (reduced to 40,000 by 1870.)

 

The `penny post' is introduced. One of the great innovations of Victorian Britain, it lasted 78 years, to 1918. It saw the introduction of the world's first postage stamp.

 

Tithe map of Dawlish shows the estate called , consisting a house, yard & orchard, owned and occupied by [Capt] Joseph Branscombe. [d.1866 Dawlish, b. 1784 Dawlish, son of John & Agnes (Pike - m. 1781 Dawlish), brother of John (1782 - 1795?), Anne (1787 - 1787), Sarah (1790 - 1849), Catherine (1793 - 1855), John (1796), Anne (1798) & Capt. William (1803). Married Hannah Williams in 1827. She died in 1831]

 

Hounds Pool is owned and occupied by brock, Richard Brock.

 

Shutterton is owned by eales, Richard Eales and occupied by pitts, William Pitts.

 

Duck Aller is owned and occupied by newman, Sir Robert Newman.

 

The Great Western Railway opens.

 

`[The Times] obtained its nickname of `The Thunderer' in the 1840s, from the tough leaders of Captain Edward Sterling.'[539]

 

The Royal Navy General Service Medal is issued to survivors of naval campaigns of the late eighteenth-century, including the Battle of the Nile.

 

DIRECTORIES 1840

John Branscombe & Co., tea dealers, are established at 88 Pall Mall East. Lord de Saumerez has an address in Pall Mall, at the United University Club.

Walter Branscomb, solicitor, has offices at 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street [cf: 1841 census].

Robert Branscombe & Co., iron & steel merchants & wholesale ironmongers, have premises at 27 Old Fish Street. [cf: 1834 R Brandscombe, wholesale ironmonger, 195 Upper Thames Street. May be Robert Bradford, son of William & Jane of Topsham, baptised 23 July 1797? - cf: 1841 Marylebone census]

William Salmon, linendrapers, are at 22 Red Lion Street, Holborn.

Also in Red Lion Street, number 12, in Clerkenwell, is John Beard, engine-turner.

William John Beard, plumber & painter, is at 9 Bedford Place, Southwark Buildings Road.

John Halsey & Son, painters & glaziers, are at 1 Jewin Crescent, Cripplegate.

Charles Hambridge, coachsmith, spring and hoop tire manufacturer, is at 73 Curtain Road, Shoreditch.

Edward Charles Hooton, merchant, is at 2 Walbrook Buildings.
[540]

Thomas Bartlett, dealer in marine stores, is at High Street, Hadley, Chipping Barnet.
[541]

 

David Howie settles on Robbins Island.

 

The James Matheson is surveyed at Dartmouth for a voyage from Liverpool to Sydney.

 

William Branscombe of Torquay [b. 1825] is apprenticed to the sea.[542] [cf: 1845]

 

Dawlish: The parish church, dedicated to St. Gregory the Great since before 1301, changed dedication after 1840 to St. Michael. `Dedications to St. Gregory indicate churches of an early date, and they represent Saxon recognition of St. Gregory's influence in the conversion of England.'[543] Other churches in east Devon dedicated to St. Gregory are Harpford, Seaton & Venn Ottery.

 

William Doubleday, b. 1823 Newcastle, first goes to sea as a boy, according to information on his mariner's ticket, 1846.[544] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Monkwearmouth, Samuel (James) Branscombe of Hastings?]

 

Taunton: Margaret Branscombe, born 1812 Dumfriesshire, Scotland, marries Henry Fisher. Children: William (1842), Henrietta (1844), Albert (1848), Margaret (1854 Melbourne, Victoria) [545]

 

Approximate year of birth of William Brankston, who dies at sea in 1884, aged 44, on board the Gulf of Venice.

 

Westminster: Approximate year of birth of Joseph Branscombe, d.1919 Portsmouth, aged 78. [cf:1901 census for Portsmouth]

 

@1841

6 January, Grayson County, Virginia: G.M. Branscom marries Sally Lundy.[546]

 

24 January, Exeter: Anna Maria Branscombe, illegitimate daughter of Mary Underhill of Magdalen Street, baptised. Born December 1829.[547]

 

7 February, Morchard Bishop: John, son of Sophia Branscomb, of Polson Hill, single woman [serge-weaver], christened. [no father listed] [548] Birth possibly registered in March Q. Crediton district? [549] Sophia was the daughter of Joseph, serge-maker, and Frances Horwell. She married widower John Davy in Morchard Bishop in 1844.[550] In the 1851 census, by which time Sophia is a widow, her son John is known as Branscombe, although her other two sons are called Davy. [John Branscombe, d.1888 Heavitree, future husband of Ellen & father of Robert Douglas][551]

 

14 February: Captain William Branscombe departs Cape Town in the James Matheson.

 

March quarter, Tiverton district: Charles Branscombe's birth registered.[552] [could have died, Sept Q 1842? Could have married 1869?]

 

March quarter, Kingsbridge district: Dorcas Garland Branscombe's birth is registered.[553] [Dorcas/Dorchas Garland, fourth child and second daughter of carpenter William Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Grace (Neyle? of Chillington, nr. Kingsbridge - m. 1834 Plymouth?). m. 1883 Camberwell? cf: 1839,1841 census]

 

March quarter, Bolton district: William Branscombe's death is registered.[554] [poss b. 1840 Dec Q Bolton? cf: 1842 John Dodd Branscombe's death registered, Bolton district]

 

23 March, London: Richard Beard opens England's first commercial photographic portrait studio on the roof of the Royal Polytechnic Institution, 309 Regent Street. He employed the Daguerrotype process, for which he was paying  Daguerre £150 annually in rights. With rights also to the recently-invented Wolcott mirror camera, which cost him over £7000, and a faster exposure process which he had paid a chemist, John F Goddard, to perfect, he was ready to make money. In June, he bought Daguerre's exclusive rights in England, which didn't prevent a rival, Antoine Claudet, from opening a studio in a glasshouse on the roof of the Royal Adelaide Gallery, just off the Strand, in the same month. In his first three months, Beard made £3000.[555]

 

27 March, Tiverton: Mortgage by demise for 1000 years of Grist Mills close of land and orchard in Elmore, Tiverton, upon trust for sale, for securing £200 and interest. Mrs. Rebecca Maunder, widow of Bampton, is lending the money to Robert Pring of Bampton, baker, and Sarah his wife. The late Bartholomew Branscombe of Tiverton, miller, died seised of the property. In his will, dated 22 January, 1821 and proved on 6 July 1821, he bequeathed it to his son James. Bartholomew died on 27 March 1821. On 28 January, 1833, James died intestate. Sarah (Pring) was his only child.

 

29 March, Bristol: Charlotte Mortimer Branscombe born. Daughter of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Anne (Graham, of Gibraltar - m. 1833). Baptised 28 April 1841 at St. Paul's, Bristol.[556] Registered June Q. Bristol district.[557] [Named after John's mother, Charlotte Mortimer, who married William Branscombe, (inn keeper?)/tanner, at Wolborough in 1789. cf: 1881 census for Highbury - Charlotte, aged 40, is in residence. She died in 1923, a spinster, at "Kingsbridge House", 166 Highbury New Park, the house her father is said to have built on his return from China. Siblings: John Graham (1834), Ellen (1837), Henry (1844)]

 

15 April: Captain William Branscombe arrives in Sydney Town, master of the barque, James Matheson. The voyage from Liverpool has taken 98 days.

 

20 April, St. James, Westminster: Maria Mary Branscombe marries Nathaniel Rusk.[558] [poss. Maria Mary, daughter of John & Mary Branscomb? bp. 11 March 1829, St. Ann's, Blackfriars - adult christening - born 25 February 1814. Parents poss John & Mary Ann (Lambeth - m. 1803 London)? Poss siblings baptised in Southwark: Eleanor Ann (1804), Emily Sophia (1807), John Stephen (1809), Clara Elizabeth & Eliza Sarah (1812)]

 

22 May: Captain William Branscombe departs Sydney for Valparaiso, in ballast. (coal?)

 

June, Plymouth: Richard Beard opens the first commercial photographic portrait studio outside London, in his home town.[559]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: Robert Bowden Branscombe marries Mary Linnards. [560] [apprentice seaman, aged about 21, son of William, shoemaker of Tormoham, & Ann(e). Children: William (1841), Mary (1843), Eleanor (1845), John (1849). Robert is dead by the 1881 census, when Mary, a monthly nurse, is registered in Paddington with her daughter Katherine, an unmarried upholsterer b. about 1858 in London. Mary says she was born in Dawlish (c.1818)]

 

1841 CENSUS

6 June: The British census records a population of 14,995,508 in ; 91,321 in . has nearly 2 million. Only 5 other cities have populations over 100,000. The enumerators are charged with recording in detail for the first time who slept in which premises on the night preceding, even if they are not physically present at the time of the census. They also had to estimate the numbers sleeping in boats, barges, sheds, tents, in the open air or in mines or pits. Ages had to be accurate for those 15 and under, but all other ages were supposed to be rounded down to the nearest five. Thus a 19 year-old would be registered as 15. [in fact many enumerators simply recorded the exact age] Place of birth was only indicated, in this census, by a mark if the person was or wasn't born in that particular parish of England or Wales. Foreigners, Irish and Scots had special marks. Enumerators were also to make a note of any extraordinary movements of population on the day which would otherwise distort the figures for an area, including an assessment of the reasons why. There was as a stiff fine for anybody refusing to answer.

The population of Devon is estimated at 532,959.
[561]

The population of Torquay is 5982, up from 1925 in 1821.
[562]

 

London - City

At 1 Wine Office Court, off Fleet Street, Walter Branscomb (43), solicitor, is head of his household. He was born in the County of Middlesex [1797 Holborn, to James & Sarah (Jackson - m. 1795)]. His wife, Jane (38), was not born in Middlesex, or in England and Wales. The three children listed were all born in Middlesex: Walter [James - b. 1836 Holborn], Samuel (4) [no record so far of his birth - try St. Brides?], Marianna [Ursula - b. 1839 St. Brides]. There are two house-servants, both born in Middlesex: Jane Brown (24) & Anne Glendon (17).[563]

According to the St. Andrew's, Holborn, register, there were two other children baptised to Walter & Jane before this date: Sarah Marianna [bap.1833] & James Alexander [b. 1837]. Sarah would have been about 8 if she survived. James Alexander goes on to get married [1860] and die [1897]. He was born at about the same time as Samuel above, of whom there is so far no further mention, and for whom there is so far no sign of baptism. Perhaps the two are somehow the same person? There is a fifth child, Alexander Charles, born to this couple in 1846, listed in the 1861 census for 3 Ormond Place, Camberwell, by which time Walter senior is a widower.

 

Old Fish Sreet:[564]

Henry Holt                   30        packing-case maker                  No
Ann         "                                40                       (?)                             Yes
Charlotte (Hailes?)20                   (?)                             "
Ann                              "           15                                                                    "
Ann Beckett                 12                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
John (Gould?)               17                       (?)                             No
John Bush                     40        book-keeper                            Yes
Lydia  "                         40                       (?)                             "
_________________________________________________________
Robert Branscombe      44        ironmonger                               No
James (Millman?)          21                    N                                             "
_________________________________________________________
[Robert may be Robert Bradford, son of William & Jane of Topsham, baptised 23 July 1797? - cf: Marylebone census]

 

London - Shoreditch

Pritchard's Place, Hackney/Shoreditch:[565]

Sarah Scales                 55        seamstress        Born in Middlesex
John Branscombe         20        turner                             "
Emma                           20        dressmaker                     "

[John, possibly born in 1818, is the son of John Branscombe, mercantile clerk, deceased by the time of his marriage to Emma in 1840. Sarah is Emma's mother, widow of Thomas Scales, coachman, also deceased by 1840]

 

New Inn Yard, Shoreditch:[566]

Gilbert Clampit 36        turner               Not born in Mdx
Dianna                          27                                                          "
Elizabeth                       5                                                           "
Ellen                             3                                             Born in Middlesex
Frank Branscombe       17        apprentice        Not born in Mdx
William (Harvie?)          28        cabinet maker

[Poss b. ABOUT 1824 Newton Bushel, son of Richard? cf: 1856 Frank Branscombe marriage. Poss d.1907 Christchurch district? John Clampit, 30, man servant born in Devon, resident at Luscombe House, Dawlish, home of Charles Hoare, in the 1841 census]

 

London - Marylebone

19 Upper George Street:[567]

James Hunt                   40        (corndealer?)                No
Sophia  "                       40                                                        "
Mary    "                       6                                                         Yes
_________________________________________________________
Sarah Little                   15        F.S.                                          "
Jane Morel                   35        Ind.                                          "
_________________________________________________________
John Taylor                  75        Ind.                                          "
Jane   "                         65                                                        "
Ann Barrett                  20        F.S.                                          "
_________________________________________________________
Geo. Goddard              15        architect                                   "
_________________________________________________________
[Jane Morel may be the future wife of Robert Branscombe, merchant, m. St. Mary's, Bryanston Square, 5 February 1842. If so, she is a widow, born Jane Randall, daughter of William Randall, livery stable keeper, deceased at the time of the marriage. Robert is the son of William, a farmer, also deceased at the time of the wedding. This may be William Branscombe of Topsham, in which case Robert would be Robert Bradford Branscombe, bap. Topsham 1797, or it may be William of Bampton. Robert may be the Robert Branscombe who is registered in Old Fish Street, City of London, as an ironmonger, aged 44, in this year's census]

 

London - St. Pancras

Egremont Place:[568]

Richard Beard              35        coal merchant               No
Elizabeth "                     25        ind.                                           "
Richard            "                      15                                                        "
Mary    "                      13                                                        "
Ann                  "                      11                                                        "
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Ralphs           25        F.S.                                          "
_________________________________________________________
[Richard Beard, (b. 1801 East Stonehouse, m. 1825 Wolborough) opens London's first public photographic studio, in Regent Street, this same year. Elizabeth his wife is Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of John & Mary of Highweek]

 

Exeter

The census finds third great-grandfather Edward Branscombe and family resident in exeterBartholomew Street, Exeter. Edward is working for Messrs. . [cf: 1843. Ages over 15 in this census are supposed to be rounded down to the nearest 5 years][569]
                                                                                                Not born in Exeter
Edward Branscombe                50        painter                                         "
Ann
                                          47                                                           "
Thomas
                                    17        tailor (app.)                                 "
Edward                                    15        labourer                                       "
Elizabeth
                                   10                                                           "
Robert
                                      7                                                            "

Also in Bartholomew Street, William Sparke, probably the person described as a friend and neighbour, in the Exeter Flying Post report on Edward's death, 1843:[570]

William Sparke             35        mason                          Born in Exeter
Ann                                          30                                            Not born in Exeter
William                         3                                             Born in Exeter
Edward                                    1                                                         "

8 dwellings further on in Bartholomew Street:[571]

Lewis Gregory              40        smith                Born in Exeter
Mary                            35                                            Not born in Exeter
Jane                             7                                                            "
Charles                         3                                             Born in Exeter
William                         1                                                         "
Johanna (Tucker/                      (house-keeper/
Tuckerman?)                82        seamstress?     Not born in Exeter

[cf: 1830 - Lewis Gregory marries Mary Ann Branscombe in Dawlish. A Lewis Gregory of Bartholomew Street was the informant of the death of Ann Branscombe, first wife of William, shoemaker of Torquay. She died in Bartholomew Street in 1849]

 

Still in Bartholomew Street:[572]

William Chenneour       48        labourer                        Not born in Exeter
Mary                            45                                                           "
Mary Ann                     19                                            Born in Exeter
Frederick                     15                                                        "
William             14        brickmaker                               "
Charles             13                                                        "
John                             10                                                        "
Richard                        8                                                         "
Charlotte                      6                                                         "

[This is the family of Mary Ann Chenneour, here aged 19, who married second great-grandfather Edward Branscombe in Coventry, 1847. Mary's father, William, is then described as a servant. William's parents were from Lanteglos, Cornwall. His wife Mary's maiden name was Southcombe. They were married at St. David's, Exeter, 16 September 1815]

 

In Mary Arches Street, 7 dwellings up from Fore Street:[573]

Grace Holman              50        (laundress?)      Not born in Exeter
(Thirza/Theresa?)          24                                                           "
William                         20        (coppersmith?)                "
James                           30        plasterer                       (Scotland?)
Sarah                           30                                            Not born in Exeter
Frederick                     1m                                           Born in Exeter

 

Dawlish

The population of parish is 3132, spread over 5017 acres. [cf: 1871] Returns include:

jewell, King Street


Samuel; Jewell              70                                                        DawlishBorn in Devon

Old Town Street:[574]

Olivia Knighton 49        independent                              "
Jane Railton                  9         visitor                           Scotland
Louisa Stentiford          25        F.S.                                          Born in Devon
_________________________________________________________
George Voysey                        25        shoemaker                                            "
Jane     "                       25                                                                    "

[cf: 1826 & 1863 Henry Voysey, master bootmaker of Portsmouth, father of Edwin George Voysey, master shoemaker, traded in Gosport & Portsmouth]
[575] [cf: 1850 trade directory - Dawlish]
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Dolling           62        nurse
William     "       33        j. carpenter

[cf: 1802 Mary Dolling of Newton Ferrers]

 

Mariner Cottage, Old Town Street:

Elizabeth Tucker           45        independent                              "
Mary       "                    40                    "                                               "
_________________________________________________________
Mary Bassett                20        F.S.                                                      "

 

voysey, Dawlish Water

Joseph; Branscombe     50        independent means       dawlish

Sarah      "                    40        F.S.                                                      "

[Joseph was born in 1784, so should be 57. Could Sarah be Joseph's sister b. 1790? If so, she should be 51. She dies at Dawlish Water in 1849, aged 59. One of my notes also has a male, Stuckey/Starling aged 20, in this household. Joseph married Hannah Williams in Dawlish in 1827, but she died in 1831]
_________________________________________________________
Anna Willis                   75        farmer                                      "
William "                       40                                                                    "
Sophia Branscombe      35        independent means                   "
Sarah Ann "                  6                                                                     "

[This is Sophia (Willis), m. Captain William Branscombe 1834. Sophia may be the daughter of Thomas & Anna Willis, and the brother of William. Thomas Willis was the tenant of the Branscombe estate in Dawlish Water 1793-8. By 1840, this is owned by Joseph Branscombe, brother of Captain William, registered in Dawlish Water (above). If Thomas was the above Anna's husband, and if he has perhaps died, Anna could be working the farm with the help of her son. Sarah Ann is Sophia & William's only child. William is away at sea, half-way through a trip to Sydney]

 

Eastdon:[576]

Richard Eales               80                    Clerk of the Peace                    "
Elizabeth "                     75                                                                    "

Ann Branscombe          35        F.S.                                                      "
Elizabeth Drake            30        "                                                          "
Jane Underhill               15        "                                                          "
Sarah Elson                  20        "                                                          "

[In 1840 the Shutterton estate is owned by a Richard Eales. Also cf: 13 May 1829, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe marries Mary Eales. In the 1851 census, Michael Eales is the head of the household, while his cook is Elizabeth Hodge, an orphan b. about 1804 in Starcross. cf: Robert Branscombe's widow, Joanna, married a Hodge in Dawlish, in that year]

 

[Aller is occupied by Battins (cf: John Branscombe Battin of Exmouth) - Richard & Ann Brook are at Botchell Farm - Samuel, William & Ann Maunder are ag labs at Branscombe Farm - William Pike is an ag lab at Duckaller with his wife Mary, and William & Sarah Gilpin]

 

Cockwood:

[William Ferris, farmer, is resident and also the census enumerator. There is a Louisa Morrish, 26, shop-keeper]

Marine Parade:[577]

William Pearse              60        mariner             Born in Devon
Jane     "                                  30                                                        "
Louisa  "                                  20                                                        "
Anna    "                                  20                                                        "

[cf: 1775 Kenton, William Pearce, mariner of Dawlish, marries Mary Pearce of Kenton]
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Knighton                    60        lodginghouse
                                                                                    keeper              "
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Harding                      30        independent                  "
Mary Hill                                  20        upholstress                   "
_________________________________________________________
Frederica Carmichael    45        independent      Not born Devon
            "                       "                       20                                                        "
_________________________________________________________
George Beard                           50        builder              Born in Devon
Mary      "                                  50                                                        "
George    "                                 20        j. carpenter                   "
Mary      "                                  15                                                        "
Jane      "                                    15                                                        "
Thomas    "                                45        cabinet-maker              "
Mary      "                                  35                                                        "
Albert    "                                   9                                                         "
Elizabeth "                                 7                                                         "
Mary      "                                  1                                                         "

[George senior's wife Mary is probably Mary Hoare. They married in Dawlish, 1819. Mary aged 15 (actually 19) will marry William Waymouth Branscombe in 1854]

Teignmouth Hill:[578]

Thomas Beard              75        independent                  Born in Devon
Sophia  "                       55                                                                    "

Mill Row:[579]

John Beard                   55        builder                          Born in Devon
Ann         "                                45                                                        Not born Devon
John   "                         20        j. carpenter                   Born in Devon
Susanna "                      15                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
Charles Miller   9                                                         Not born Devon

Brunswick Place:[580]

Nicholas Beard 45        builder                          Born in Devon
Sarah     "                     45                                                        Not born Devon
Ann                    "                     15                                                        Born in Devon
_________________________________________________________
Ann Cott                                  45        grocer                          Not born Devon
Lucy "                           45        H.S.                                                     "

[Nicholas Beard is the enumerator for this book]

Strand:[581]

John Knighton              60        independent                  Born in Devon
Amelia  "                       70                                                        Not born Devon

[A Jno. Knighton of Dawlish, aged 10, joined the crew of HMS "Orion" in 1795, with Roberts Branscombe father & son]
_________________________________________________________
Daniel Litton                 40        chemist                         Not born Devon

[+ wife & child] [cf: 1831 - then at #16 Strand]

Beach Lane:[582]

John Pearce                  50        ag labourer                   Born in Devon
Mary   "                                    45                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
William Knighton          60        shoemaker                                Not born Devon
Ann                    "                     50        independent                  Born in Devon
_________________________________________________________
Mary Battin                  50        independent                              "
Caroline "                     7                                                                     "
Richard            "                       14        apprentice                                ?
_________________________________________________________
Edward Welch             20        coastguard service        Born Ireland
Dinah   "                       20                                                        Born in Devon

 

Lea Grove House, Little Park Street:[583]

Thomas Holman                       75        gardener                                   Born in Devon
Johanna            "                       40        H.S.                                                     "
Mary    "                       45        H.S.                                                     "
_________________________________________________________
Margaret Casely           35                                                                    "
Charles   "                     1m                                                                   "

[This is a dwelling attached to Lea Grove House, residence of Lady Watson, 45, of independent means, not born in Devon. She has five servants living in the main house]

Park Street:[584]

Samuel Blackmore        30        ag labourer                   Born in Devon
Elizabeth  "                    30                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
James Connatt              75        dairyman                                              "
Mary Connett               70                                                                    "

[cf: 1854 James Connatt m. Johanna Branscombe, dtr. William of Torquay & Ann]
_________________________________________________________
Edward Luscombe       35        victualler                                   "
Sarah   "                      35                                                        Not born Devon
Frances            "                      2                                                         Born in Devon
_________________________________________________________
Nicholas Beard 80        Navy H.P.                                            "
Elizabeth  "                    65                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
William Fish                  45        post boy                                               "
Ann                  "                       30                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
William Hill                   45        coastguard service        Not born Devon
Charlotte "                    40                                                                    "
            "           "                      15                                                                    "
Harriet  "                      13                                                                    "
George "                      4                                                         Born in Devon

[Also in Park Street, Henry Coombes, 35, ag lab, & Ann Coombes, 35, both born in Devon; Richard Friend, 35, j. mason, & Sally, 30, both born in Devon; Thomas Smith, 45, shoemaker, born in Devon]

 

Park Lane:[585]

Thomas Holeman          35        plumber                                    Born in Devon
Ann                  "                       35                                                                    "
Richard            "                       13                                                                    "
Mary Ann         "                       11                                                                    "
Eliza                                         9                                                                     "
William "                       7                                                                     "
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Bowden         60        independent                              "

Queen Street:[586]

William Hayman           48        plumber                                    Born in Devon
Mary    "                      48                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Berry 60        independent                              "
Jeffery Knott                38        tinman                                      "
Thomas Shipton            19        plumber                                                "
Richard (Shamell?)       20        painter                                      "
_________________________________________________________
William Sparke(s?)       50        baker                                       "
Mary       "            (50?)                                                                        "
_________________________________________________________
Frederick Battin            15        M.S.                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Brooking        30        (sh?)                                         "
Mary        "       7                                                                     "
Elizabeth    "      7m                                                                   "

King Street:[587]

John Tucker                 23        mason                                      "
Anna   "                                    25        laundress                                              "
Anna   "                                    5m                                                                   "
_________________________________________________________
James Tucker               65        independent                              "
Mary    "                       65                                                                    "
Elizabeth "                     35                                                                    "

Chapel Street:[588]

John Pike                     35        cordwainer                               "
Elizabeth Pike   35                                                                    "
Mary    "                      12                                                                    "
Robert  "                      10                                                                    "
John     "                      8                                                                     "
Amelia  "                      6                                                                     "
Emma   "                      4                                                                     "
Christopher Pike           2                                                                     "
Susanah                "       8m                                                                   "

Brook Street:[589]

James Davey                40        blacksmith                                "
Susanna "                      35                                                                    "
Mary    "                       14                                                                    "
Elizabeth "                     12                                                                    "
Susanna            "                      10                                                                    "
Maria   "                      4                                                                     "
Charlotte "                    10m                                                                 "

[cf: 1820 Exeter - Mary Ann Branscombe marries James Davey. Also, two Beavis-Branscombes of Withycombe Raleigh marry Daveys from Stockleigh - see below]

 

Manor Row:[590]

Henry Pike                   27        cordwainer                               "
Sarah  "                                    24                                                                    "
Lucy   "                         2                                                                     "
_________________________________________________________
William Hooper            30        carpenter                                              "
Mary    "                      25                                                                    "
Elizabeth "                     1
_________________________________________________________
Thomas Gay                 30        mason                                      "
William "                       8                                                                     "

[cf: 1835 Branscombe & Gay, builders of Exmouth]
_________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Pike   40        laundress                                              "
Frederick  "                  20        shoemaker                                            "
Thomas     "                  16                                                                    "
George     "                   10                                                                    "

Merifield's Row:[591]

James Pike                   30        ag labourer                               "

 

Torquay

[8 Church Lane, Tormoham, Lower Union Street & Bradns Row - to be checked]

(Ballsdon?) Terrace:

Mary; Branscombe       20        laundress

[possibly Mary Jane Harriet, second child of Robert Bradford Branscombe & Amelia (Clare), bp. 1822 Topsham, m. 1848 Plymouth?]

 

Lower Union Street:

Wm. Brimmacombe?    45        marble mason
Elizabeth                       45        wife?
Susan                           20        daughter?
Elizabeth                       15        straw bonnet-maker
William                         12        son?

[cf: 1850 Whites Directory - Henry Branscombe, clothes dealer of Lower Union Street, Torquay. Polwhele; says (1793) the cliffs near Marychurch
contain the best marble in Devon][592]

Withycombe Raleigh

 

Josias Beavis                75        blacksmith
Mary    "                       45
George "                       20
William"                        15
Charlotte "                    12
Josias   "                       9

[Mary Ann Branscombe, daughter of William & Sarah, married Josias Knight Beavis, blacksmith, in Withycombe Raleigh, 1827. She is his third wife, and his junior by 31 years. Although the register describes her as a spinster, Mary Ann had three children baptised on the day of her marriage: George (b.3 November 1819), William (b.2 April 1825), and Sarah Ann (b.29 July 1826). They were all baptised as Branscombe, although they immediately adopted the name Beavis. There is no direct evidence Josias was the father of all or any of them, but he did leave his business to George, which may indicate he was the natural heir. Josias and Ann produced two children after their marriage, Charlotte and Josias Knight. Between this date and 1842, their son William, aged 16 at this time, a tinsmith, travels to Jersey, where he marries Ann Davey from Stockland. The marriage register says he is from Exmouth. He and Ann migrate to Australia in 1854, where they are both buried, in Mudgee cemetery. Note Sarah Ann, b. 1826, is missing from this entry]

 

Berkhampstead, Herts.

Glossoms End:[593]

William Halsey  50        labourer                        Born in Herts
Elizabeth                       52           "                                            "                     
George                         11           "                                            "

 

High Street:[594]

William Halsey  45        baker                            "
(Jean/Joan?)                 30                                            Not born in Herts
William             10                                            Born in Herts
Harry                           8                                                          "
Isabella             6                                                          "
Charlotte                      3                                                          "

 

Littleham

22 Beacon:[595]

George Westcott          55        Ind.                              Not born in Devon
Mary      "                     40                                                           "
Amelia    "                     20                                                           "
Mary Gilman                70        Ind.                                             "
Susan Branscombe       20        F.S.                              Born in Devon
Harriet Kinsey              15        F.S.                              Not born in Devon

[There are at least two candidates for Susan, who could have been born any year between 1816-1821: Susanna Mary, first child of Robert Branscombe of Topsham & Amelia (Clare), bap.1821 - see below OR Susan(ne?), daughter of Edward & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), bap.1819. Joseph Westcott, aged 11, is a house-servant for Joseph Branscombe at Dawlish Water, in the 1861 census]

 

The Quay:[596]

Thomas Perriam           26        mariner Born in Devon
Mary Ann                     25                                            "
_________________________________________________________
William Branscombe     57        mariner             "
Jane        "                    57                                            "
Mary Ann Giles            10                                            "

[This may be William, bp. 1781 in Topsham, whose newspaper apology to Charles Gifford appeared in 1817. His brother Robert, bp.Topsham 1797, also a mariner, married Amelia Clare in 1821. Their first child, Susanna Mary, who may be the Susan at 22 Beacon, above, would have been the niece of William & Jane. She  married a Joseph Perriam in about 1843, who would have been about 25 at this time. He and all their children, were  born in Exmouth. cf: 1851 census for more on Perriam connection. An Exmouth newspaper
[597] report of 16 April 1852 refers to a Richard Giles, who was slain with a knife on board the schooner "Richard Hill" of Exeter on 14 August 1851 in Lowestoft Roads, Richard Street of Exmouth was tried at Ipswich in April 1852, charged with the "feloneous slaying" of Giles. He was sentenced to one day in prison]

Bicton Street:[598]

Joseph Perriam 50        master RN half-pay      Born in Devon
Ann      "                                  40                                                                    "
George   "                     10                                                                    "
Ann      "                                  9                                                                     "
_________________________________________________________
John Branscombe         45        carpenter                                              "
Elizabeth  "                    50                                                                    "

[John Branscombe, carpenter, aged 46, baptised Withycombe Raleigh 1794, son of William & Sarah (Haymen - m. 1793 Withycombe)? His first wife, Elizabeth (Seward -  m. 1816?) also hails from there, she's 53. He marries his second wife, Mary Ann ? after the 1851 census and before he died in 1872 in Exmouth. cf: 1851 census for Bicton Street. Children of John & Elizabeth: Henry (1817) & Charles (1819), both builders. Henry d.1876 in Victoria, Australia]

 

Fore Street:[599]

Sarah Eveleigh  40        shopkeeper                              "
  "         "                                  23        dressmaker                               "
_________________________________________________________
Hannah Davis               32                                                                    "
John Branscombe         22                                                                    "
John Bastin                   23        bricklayer                                 "
Thomas Charles            14        bricklayer ap.               Not born Devon          

[could be John Branscombe Bastin, b. 1818 Littleham, possibly the son of Mary Anne Branscombe and John Bastin/Basten, m. 1817 in Withycombe Raleigh. In the 1851 census, John junior's aunt, Elizabeth Branscombe, is shown living in his household]
_________________________________________________________
William Beavis  38        coal dealer                    Born in Devon
Elizabeth  "                    36                                                                    "
William   "                     15                                                                    "
Thomas              "                     13                                                                    "
Faith       "                     5                                                                     "
Charlotte  "                   5m                                                                   "
_________________________________________________________
Susan Star                    75        lodger                                       "

Webbers Lane, Cross Street:[600]

William Clay                 43        tailor j.                                      "
Sarah   "                       43                                                                    "
Thomas            "                       12                                                                    "
Ellen     "                       7                                                                     "
_________________________________________________________
Ann Branscombe          14        F.S.                                                      "

 

Bishopsteignton

In the village:[601]

Andrew Holman                       40        ag labourer       Born in Devon
Mariah "                       35                                                        "
Andrew            "                       1                                                         "
_________________________________________________________
William Weeks             12        F.S. child                      "
_________________________________________________________
Richard Holman            40        shoemaker                    Born in Devon
Elizabeth  "                    40                                                        "
Henry     "                     9                                                         "

[This is the Holman family whose son, Henry, marries Sarah Ann Branscombe, only child of Captain William & Sophia (Willis), in 1856. By the 1851 census, Richard has become a farmer and has taken in William's sister, Catherine, as a lodger]

 

Bampton

Brook Street:[602]

Susan Branscombe       35        independent      Not born in Devon
Susan   "                      15                                                           "

[could this be Susan junior, daughter of James (d.1827 Chelmsford/Bampton?) & the future Mrs Phillips of Heavitree?]

 

(Britain?) Street:

James Greenaway         50        -? officer          Born in Devon
Sarah   "                      50                                                        "
Mary Ann         "                      20                                                        "
Thomas            "                      14                                                        "
Matthew Brown                       20        M.S.                                        "
Edward Cottrell            15        M.S.                                        "
Jane Lyddon                 40        F.S.                                          "
(Ellen?) Greenaway      75                                                        "

[James Greenaway is the enumerator for this census. His wife is Sarah Branscombe, daughter of William & Sarah, brother of Richard, below. (Ellen?) may be his mother]

 

Box Hedge, Petton Quarter:[603]

Robert Brinscombe       30        baker               Born in Devon
Martha   "                     35                                                        "

Luke Street:[604]

Richard Branscombe    35        maltster                        Born in Devon
Francis    "                    30        independent                  "
Matilda   "                     30                                            Not born in Devon
Frederick   "                 7                                                         "
Charles   "                     4m                                                       "
Betsey Cottrell  40        F.S.                              Born in Devon
Sarah Hill                     40        F.S.                                          "

[Richard and Francis are the brothers of Sarah Greenaway above]

 

Dulverton - Somerset

Wood Living:[605]

Betty Rice                    70        farmer              Born in Somerset
Grace Boaden              70                                                          "
Ann Frost                     55        independent                    "
Grace Branscombe       55                    "                                     "
Robert Bindon              40        butcher                           "
_________________________________________________________
Robert Sully                 15        ag labourer                     "
Mary Woodbury                      14        F.S.                                            "
William Austen 25        ag labourer                     "
_________________________________________________________
[Grace Branscombe may be the widow of William Branscombe, farmer of Bampton, and mother of John Hinam Branscombe. Her maiden name may have been Hinam. There is a John Hinam of similar age living nearby - perhaps her brother? It may be that Grace came from here, originally]

 

Higher Marsh:[606]

John Hinam                  55        independent      Not born Somerset
Jane   "                         40                                                           "
Lawrence Hart             17        independent                     "
Harriet   "                      20                                                           "
Charlotte "                    20        F.S.                              Born in Somerset
Richard Mogford          20        ag labourer       Not born Somerset
Isaac Venn                   20                    "                                      "
William Balmont           16                    "                       Born in Somerset
John Wolcomb             -                      "                                      "

 

[Also in Dulverton, at Fore Street,[607] George Anstey, 30, Clerk Ind., & Eliza his wife, 29, neither born in Som., and their 5 children]

 

East Teignmouth

Quay Street:[608]

James Brimblecombe    40        master mariner              Born in Devon
Ann        "                                 40                                                                    "
_________________________________________________________
Sophia Thomas             29                                                                    "
George "                       9                                                                     "

[Also in East Teignmouth,[609] John Bidwell, painter & glazier, and family]

 

Dodbrooke - Kingsbridge

Eburyton Street OR Barrack Street:[610]

Grace Branscombe       28                                                        Born in Devon
Eunice   "                     7                                                                                     "
Frederick  "                   4                                                                                     "
Frocham             "                     2                                                                                     "
Dorcas   "                     3m                                                                                   "

[cf: 1851 census, when this family is living in Kingsbridge, at Fore Street. William Branscombe aged 38, a carpenter, is then head of the household. As with all his family except his wife Grace, he was born in Kingsbridge. Grace (Neyle?), aged 36, was born in nearby Chillington. They possibly married in St. Andrew's, Plymouth, 22 January 1834. Their daughter (Elizabeth) Eunice is 16 and unmarried. Son Frederick, though only 14, is said to be a carpenter. Another son, aged 12, has the unusual name of Fracham. Their youngest daughter, aged 10, also has an unusual name, Dorchas (Dorcas Garland) poss m. 1883 Camberwell]

 

Goveton - Charleton (Kingsbridge)

William Bartlett 50        farmer                          Born in Devon
Mary      "                     50                                                                    "
Stephen Nichols           25        M.S.                                                    "
William Di**nd 12        M.S.                                                    "
Hanna (Dine?)              20        dressmaker                               "
Elizabeth (Dine?)          20                                                                    "
John Branscombe         6                                                                     "

[Bartletts & Branscombes were together in East Budleigh in 1782 - cf also: George Bartlett Branscombe & wife Catherine 1805 in London]

 

Ensham - Oxfordshire

Queen Street:[611]

George Hambridge                   33                    Born in Oxfordshire
Sarah   "                                   31                                            "
Mary    "                                   8                                             "
Thomas            "                                   6                                             "
George "                                   3                                             "

 

Hastings - Sussex

West Hill Cottages (Hill Street?):[612]

Mary Branscomb          55                                ? wife               Born in Sussex
Mary      "                     30                                daugh                               "
William   "                     8                                 son                                   "

[Mary may be the wife of blacksmith Samuel Stace, and the mother of Samuel (James) Henry, mariner/miner of Newcastle, who marries 1844 Monkwearmouth, Mary Doubleday and again 1866 in Ararat, Victoria, Annie Elizabeth Vibarr? In 1847, a Mary Branscom marries in the Hastings district. William is the right age to be William Thomas, mariner, apprenticed 1845. Samuel (James) d.1870 Ballarat, Victoria]

 

6 July, Wayne County, Kentucky: Harrison Branscomb marries Polly Ann F Hamilton.[613]

 

August: Wheat prices in are 86s/quarter.

 

`On 2 August 1841, Owen gave his famous lecture to the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Plymouth, on the subject of the land-dwelling fossil reptiles. Owen was a rising star at the Royal College of Surgeons and St. Bartholemew's Hospital, in London.

 

16 September: Cynthia Branscombe born, daughter of Josiah L. Branscombe & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Daniel (1839), Anna Mariah (1834), Sarah Elisa (1846), Stephen Henry (1849, Alice M. (1853)]

 

September quarter, St. Thomas district: John Branscombe's birth registered.[614] [could have married 1859?]

 

September quarter, London West district: John Branscombe's birth is registered.[615]

 

September quarter, Headington district: Susan Elizabeth Branscomb's birth is registered.[616] [prob daughter of Frederick Alphonso Branscomb & Harriet (Hitchcock - m. 1839 Oxford, d.1891, Birkenhead) [617] Poss siblings: Harriet L (c.1848), Frederick John Pennington (1849), Rosette (1851), George Arthur (1852), Samuel (c.1858)]

 

September quarter, Newton Abbot district: Lucy Branscombe's birth is registered.[618] [prob daughter of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829) of Highweek. d.1857 aged 15]

 

18 September, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe buys 74 acres 2 roods of land at Glenorchy.[619] [cf: 1839 & 1844 for other land purchases at Hobart & Melville]

 

25 November, Holy Trinity, Exeter: Effie, daughter of accountant Charles William Branscombe & Elizabeth Wedderburn Sydney, Friars, baptised.[620] Birth registered December quarter, Exeter district.[621] December quarter, Exeter district: Elizabeth Wedderburn Sidney Branscombe's death is registered.[622] [Registered as Effy, daughter of accountant Charles William & Elizabeth Wedderburn Sydney, of Friars (Walk), baptised 25 November, Holy Trinity.[623] No marriage registered, so may have died in childhood - cf: 1845 Effie d. Lambeth district? 1846 Effie Branscombe born, Exeter]

 

December quarter, Bath district: Edwin Harry Branscombe's birth is registered.[624] [no marriage found, so may have died in childhood]

 

December quarter, Bath district: Elizabeth Emily Branscombe's death is registered.[625] [possibly b. 1840 September Q, Bath district?]

 

December quarter, Newton Abbot district: William [Linnards?] Branscombe's birth is registered.[626] [cf: William Branscombe, who is registered in the 1871 census at 105 Albany Street, St. Pancras, as head of the household, married, aged 30, born in Devon and a comedian by profession! Also registered in the 1881 census at 4 New Street, Kensington, aged 39, a clothier - poss. son of Robert Bowden Branscombe & Mary (Linnards - m. 1841, June Q). A William L marries 1866, St. James'. A William Linards marries 1875 St. Giles. A William L Branscombe d.1916 in Fulham, aged 74. Siblings: Mary (1843), Eleanor (1845), John (1849)]

 

A private survey of land in Kingsbridge, carried out this year, shows the tannery formerly owned by William Branscombe (bp. 1765 Wolborough? Husband of Charlotte Mortimer), on a lowland site adjacent to the River Dod, in the centre of town, is owned by Henry Grant.[627]

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1841

 

Robert Branscombe & Co., iron & steel merchants & wholesale ironmongers    27 Old Fish Street. Drs Commons

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1841

 

Branscombe, Samuel    hide & leather merchant (Boutcher, Mortimer & Co.), 13 Brougham Terrace, West Derby Road
[Boutcher, Mortimer & Co. are listed separately at 19 Brunswick Street]

Prowse, Cheshire & Co.           ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, Hope Cottage, Old Chester Road, Tranmere
Prowse & Co.              shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, William                       shipchandler (J.P. & Co.) & ship & anchorsmiths (P.C. & Co.), Holt Hill, Tranmere
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 43 Newsham Street

 

EXETER JOURNAL & ANNUAL COMPANION 1841


P Branscombe, fellmonger, Okehampton Street

[this entry is omitted in the 1846 Companion - look this up in the census!]

 

Newspapers were divided about what interest such science might have for their readers. The Times, long unenthusiastic about the BAAS, simply reported that Owen's lecture was `very long'. The West of England Conservative newspaper definitely did not believe in any advancement of science. In its 4 August issue, the paper `opposed the almost general expectation that men would be made wise by the fertilising overflow of science.''[628]

 

LONDON DIRECTORIES 1841

Walter Branscomb, solicitor, 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street.

Robert Branscombe & Co., iron & steel merchants & wholesale ironmongers, 27 Old Fish Street.
[629]


Richard Beard & Co., coal merchants. Purfleet wharf, Earl Street, Blackfriars, & Western wharf, Edward Street, Regent's Park basin. [Richard Beard, (b. East Stonehouse, m. 1825 Wolborough) opens London's first public photographic studio, in Regent Street, this same year. His wife is Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of John & Mary of Highweek. cf: 1841 census St. Pancras, above]

Wm J. Beard, painter & plumber, 9 Bedford Place, Southwark (Building?) Road.
[630]

 

Rachel Branscombe (Lafurgie), widow of Arthur of Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada, dies aged 90.[631]

 

`Numbering of houses within streets was not generally in use until a quite late date. [in Dawlish] only a few thoroughfares were numbered as late as 1851, though some of the census enumerators went to the length of inventing numbers, which did not agree with those in use at the time, and later, for every house in their districts. Numbering grew up gradually and far from consistently over the next 70 years, and the chaos was finally resolved by an official re-numbering which was completed in April, 1933.'[632]

 

There are some 380 lamp-lighters employed in London streets. The city's eighteen gasworks, employing 2½ thousand people, burn 180,000 tons of coal a year to produce 1.46 billion cubic feet of gas for more than 400,000 customers.[633]

 

`Between 1801 and 1841 the population of the whole country rose by about 60%, but the large towns grew by nearly 140%.'[634]

 

`In addington, the population increased from less than 2000 in 1801 to over 25,000 in 1841. Paddington, through an extension of the Grand Junction Canal in 1795 had, for a short while, become an inland port, and in 1831 half the male population of the parish was engaged in retail trades and small businesses.'[635]

 

The Hippodrome was a racecourse covering the area later occupied by the Ladbroke Estate in North Kensington. It operated from 1837-1841, but was not a success.[636]

 

118,592 emigrants left in this year.

 

The rise of the Benefit Societies, providing mutual assistance against sickness and accident. Independent Oddfellows, , , , Order of the Ark and of the Peaceful Dove, the Loyal Ancient Shepherds and Shepherdesses, Order of Ancient Buffalos, etc.. The Unity had 8000 members in Leeds alone.  The working people of Leeds subscribed an estimated £15,000 annually to benefit societies, which paid 10s a week to members while sick, with medical attendance; £10 on the death of a member, and £5 to the widow, if the deceased's brother was married.

 

`By 1841, improvements in printing and technology and paper manufacture meant that newspapers and magazines were becoming both cheaper and more common. And better education meant that more people could read.'[637]

 

Approximate year of birth (St. Johns, Newfoundland?) of Elizabeth Catherine Branscombe, second daughter of William. She dies in 1861, aged 20.[638]

 

Queens County, New Brunswick: John Branscombe born. Receives his captain’s ticket, St John, New Brunswick, 1873.[639]

 

@1842

The James Matheson is surveyed at Dartmouth for another Liverpool to Sydney voyage, under Captain William Branscombe. Owner William Prowse. [cf: 28 June, below]

 

? St. Helier, Jersey: William [Beavis?/Branscombe?], tinsmith from Exmouth, marries Ann Davey from Stockland, Devon.[640]

 

5 February, St. Mary's, Bryanston Square, St. Marylebone: Robert Branscombe of full age, bachelor merchant of [19?] Upper George Street, son of William Branscombe, deceased farmer [of Bampton? or Topsham?], marries Jane Morel, widow of full age, of same address [cf: 1841 census], daughter of William Randall, deceased livery stable keeper.[641] Marriage registered in the March quarter, Marylebone district.[642] [Robert may be the Robert Branscombe who is registered in Old Fish Street, City of London, as an ironmonger aged 44, in the 1841 census. Possibly d.1843 Marylebone? OR 1854 St. Olave?]

 

March quarter, St. George's, Southwark district: Susan Branscombe marries ? [643]

 

March quarter, Bolton district: John Dodd Branscome's birth registered.[644] [poss d. June Q this year, Bolton?]

 

7 March, Greensville County, Virginia: Mary Ann Branscomb marries John A Bailey.[645]

 

22 March, St. Thomas district: Eliza, wife of William Branscombe, dies.[646] Registered in the March quarter.[647] Said to be of “Topshaw” in the May edition of the Gentleman’s Magazine.

 

8 April, Huntshaw: The will of James Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[648]

 

21 May, Grayson County, Virginia: Elizabeth Branscom marries Churchwell Combs.[649]

 

June quarter, Tiverton district: Rachael Branscombe's death is registered.[650] [cf: 1838 - possibly widow of the late James Branscombe of Tiverton, miller?]

 

June quarter, Bolton district: John Dodd Branscombe's death is registered.[651] [poss b. March Q this year, Bolton? cf: 1857 Bolton district - John Dodd Branscomb born and died]

 


                                                                        Liverpool 28th June 1842

Capt Branscombe

                                                            Dear Sir
                                                                                                The Ship James Matheson under your command being now loaded and ready for Sea you will with the first opportunity sail and proceed to China and there consigning the vessel to Messrs (Diron?) & Co deliver your cargo according to Bills of Lading (which are at Whampoa or Hong Kong) and you will perceive that if the Vessel proceeds up to Whampoa you are to receive 17 P ton additional which you will (see?) and recover.                We have consigned to you for sale on our account the undermentioned

                        49 coils de cordage
                        4 bales canvas and 3 bales twine
                        100 barrels ale and porter
                        58 kegs paint
                        100 jars paint oil
                        A quty of naval stores
                        180 deals

The whole of these articles being invoiced very low and by the last accounts being all scarce we anticipate a very handsome profit upon them you will dispose of them for the best price you can get but should you think your consignees could dispose of any of them on better terms than yourself you can authorise them to do so and if you are not able to sell the whole while you stop leave the remainder with them along with the invoices instructing them to dispose of them as soon as possible and on the best terms they can account to us for the proceeds

With regard to your homeward freight the present unsettled state of China prevents us from giving you any definite instructions and we must leave it entirely to yourself to obtain the best that may be going for Liverpool or London but on your arrival and discharge should freights be low or scarce you might then endeavour to obtain employment for the vessel in the Country until an Amendment took place if you could obtain a fair offer

In chartering for Tea see that in your Bills of Lading the freight is expressed P ton of 50 cubic feet and not by the Company's Weight

You must keep us advised by every opportunity both by ship and the Overland Mail (especially by the Mail as the vessel is only insured out and (hle?) 30 days after arrival) of your progress and proceedings during the voyage letting us have a duplicate of each letter and as we have given you a discretionary power in the management of the vessel we trust to your judgement and exertions for our Interest as well as the Interest of all concerned

Wishing you a pleasant and prosperous voyage we remain your respectfully

                                                                        I Prowse Co.

 

 

`In those days of slow communications the Captain of a ship was usually his own agent, responsible not only for the safety of the ship but for securing payable freight. It was for this reason that many captains were sold a small share in the ship in the belief (or hope) that he was more likely to be careful in his business transactions when he was going to participate in any resulting profit. If the master was not the owner of a small number of shares in the ship (the legal ownership of ships was, and still is, divided into sixty four shares - for reasons lost in the mists of time, but generally assumed to be derived from the number of oarsmen in a Norse galley who each shared in the loot gained in raiding parties) the Captain was often tied to the interests of his owners by payment of a small retainer and a percentage of the profit of the voyage. Either way, the system often worked to the detriment of passengers. The Captain, naturally seeking the highest return from his cargo or passengers, supplied the latter with as little as possible, be it food, water or space.'[652]

 

September quarter, Bath district: George Branscombe's birth is registered.[653] [poss m. 1869 St. Thomas?]

 

September quarter, Tiverton district: Charles Branscombe's death is registered.[654] [possibly b. 1841 Tiverton district?]

 

Sir Edwin Chadwick publishes his parliamentary report, On the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population. In it she showed the link between insanitary living conditions and disease. He urged strong Government action to bring sanitation reform. He said disease costs more than sanitation would. The report was an instant success and over 30,000 copies were sold or given away. It forced the reluctant Home Secretary, Sir James Graham, to appoint a Royal Commission, the Health of Towns Commission, to look into the state of the towns. Not surprisingly, when the Commission reported in 1844, it endorsed everything Chadwick had said in his report of 1842.[655]

 

Lord Shaftesbury introduces a famous reforming law, prohibiting the employment of women and children underground.

 

The Vagrancy Act is brought in to deal with the problem of homeless soldiers after the Napoleonic Wars. Under its provisions, begging became an offence. It was still in force in 1994.

 

128,592 emigrate from England.

 

John Branscombe born, Carroll County, Virginia. (cf: 1864)

 

@1843

7 January: Third great-grandfather Edward Branscombe, painter, of Bartholomew Street, Exeter, goes missing. He is found in the Exe River, five weeks later. His pocket-watch had stopped at 11:21pm.

 

8 January, Bratton Fleming: Betsy (Elizabeth), daughter of Thomas Brownscombe, christened. (IGI)

 

5 February, Withycombe Raleigh: Sarah Branscombe, aged 80, buried. Wife of William (deceased) and grandmother of William, tinsmith of Mudgee.[656]

 

16 February, Exeter: Third great-grandfather Edward Branscombe, found drowned in the Exe River, aged 52.  The death is registered in the St. Sidwell's sub-district. The Coroner is Jno. Warren, of Bradninch Place. The death is registered on 15 March by Frederick (Granley?) Farrant, Registrar.[657]


The Exeter Flying Post

DISCOVERY OF THE BODY, AND INQUEST ON THE LATE UNFORTUNATE EDWARD BRANSCOMBE.

It may be recollected that on the night of Saturday the 7th of January last, Edward Branscombe of this city, painter, was missed - supposed to have been accidentally drowned - but although publicity was given to the circumstance, and other means used, the body of this unfortunate man was not discovered until Thursday last. The deceased was 52 years of age, a married man with a family - of very steady habits - and latterly residing in a small cottage opposite the entrance to the New Cemetery, Bartholomew Street (North). He had been in the employ of Messrs. White & Rouse, of this city, painters etc., for ten years, being highly valued by his masters, and respected by his fellow workmen and all who knew him. Indeed such was his steadiness, and the confidence reposed in him, that whenever men in this line were required to work at Haldon House (Messrs. White & Rouse being among the tradesmen employed by Sir Lawrence Palk), Branscombe was always sent as one of them, and had been so employed in the week preceding his death. His body was discovered in this way. Other means having failed, on Wednesday last (12 March], William Sparks, an officer of the Exeter Relief Society - a neighbour, and on friendly terms with the deceased and his family - employed two men, named William Finnemore and George Baker, to search the river commencing at Head Weir. They pursued their search through that day, and resumed it on Thursday morning, and about half-past two o'clock in the afternoon, discovered the body (with the exception of one leg), imbedded in sand and mud, a few yards below the landing place opposite the ferry at the quay, and rather towards the Haven Banks side of the river than otherwise. The deceased had all his clothes, including his great-coat, on, and his hat missing. And such was the quantity of sand held by his clothing, particularly the great coat, that it was with difficulty the body was raised. His pockets were full of sand.

The body was in a state of decomposition, and being placed in a boat, was taken up the lake by the foundry, and there lodged. The inquest was taken at five o'clock that evening before John Warren Esq., Coroner for Exeter, at Balcock's Custom House Inn, Quay Gate. On an inspection of the clothing, it was found the watch of the deceased stopped at twenty-one minutes past eleven o'clock, but was not down, and it was judged this must have been about the time that, by some means, he became immersed in water. In his pockets, there were 14s.9d. three-farthings. It was learned that the deceased has recently suffered from attack of jaundice, and that this was only the second week of returning to his work. From Haldon House he had a commission to execute, and money to pay to a person residing on St. David's hill, and this he had done. From the evidence of Mr.Rouse (White & Rouse), it appeared that Branscombe arrived at the shop about half-past six in the evening, and was paid his wages. Messrs. W. & R. that evening gave a supper to the men and persons in their employ at Bromfield's Victory public house, Sidwell's Street, and there, with his fellow workmen, Branscombe went, but complaining that he did not feel very well, did not stop to supper. he was, however, prevailed upon while he sat there, to take a couple of glasses of brandy and water. From this place he returned home, and gave his wife his wages. He then said he would go to the Three Cranes public house, South Street, in the expectation of finding Mr.White, slater and plasterer, there, with whom the deceased had a son an apprentice, to enquire how the youngster was going on. His wife accompanied him as far as the shop of Mr.Treffry, grocer, Fore-street, which she entered while he pursued his way. Mr.Richard Pain said Branscombe came to his house about half-past nine o'clock on the night in question, and was in conversation with Mr.White, in a small room adjoining the bar. While there he drank two half-pint glasses of beer. Mr.White left at about a quarter-past ten, and hearing no-one in the room, Mr.Pain considered Branscombe had left with him. About a quarter of an hour afterwards, however, he saw Branscombe go out, and then thought he must have fallen asleep. He noticed that Branscombe did not go out at the front door into South Street, but by a back entrance which opens into a lane leading, according to the direction taken, either into Guinea Street or Sun Street. Mr.Pain did not notice that he at all appeared the worse for liquor - he walked steadily and straight on - Mr.White was not in Exeter at the time the inquest was held. William Wreford, tailor, in the employ of Mr.Ridge, resides near the Quay. On the night of the 7th of January, soon after 11 o'clock, he was returning home from New Bridge-street, by the Commercial-road, and when near Mr.Northam's foundry met an apparently elderly man wearing a drab great coat and bearing a resemblance in dress and otherwise to the person whose body had been found. This man asked the witness to tell him the way to Mary Arches-street. He directed him to follow the lamps until he came to Bridge-street,and then turn to the right. The person replied that when he came there, he should know where he was. This man did not appear to Wreford, intoxicated; he walked very well. This was all the evidence that could be adduced, and after considering the circumstances, the jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned, but by what means he came into the water no evidence has been produced before the jurors. At 10 o'clock that night the remains of Branscombe were placed in a coffin, and removed to the room at the entrance to Bartholomew-yard, and on Sunday - followed by his sorrowing family, and some 16 or 20 fellow workmen and friends - interred in the New Cemetery.

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: John Branscombe's birth is registered.[658] [probably tenth child of tanner Samuel of Highweek & Mary (Eales - m. 1829 Highweek). d.1851 Highweek.[659] Also cf: 1874 Poll Book]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: Catharine Branscombe marries ? [660]

 

June quarter, St. Thomas district: Sarah Branscombe's death is registered.[661]

 

15 June, Hobart, Tasmania: Eliza Branscombe, aged 37, marries Charles Hazell, aged 32.[662] [Eliza b. Bampton 1805.] [663] [poss son William Branscombe Hazell born, c.1847]

 

September quarter, Whitechapel district: William Branscombe's death is registered.[664] [possibly b. 1839 Whitechapel, June Q?]

 

13 September, St. Helier, Jersey: Mary Ann, daughter of William Henry Beavis, tinsmith of Bath Street, & Ann (née Davey), born.[665]

 

16 November, Claiborne County, Tennessee: Benny Branscomb marries Andrew J Harmon.[666]

 

The James Matheson is surveyed at Dartmouth for a voyage from Liverpool to China, under Captain William (M?) Branscombe.

 

Bishop Nixon arrives in Hobart, the first Protestant bishop.

 

Queen Victoria declares open Brunel's Thames tunnel, between Wapping and Rotherhithe, after 18 years and £600,000. The road approaches to the tunnel were never built, and it became a favourite spot for prostitutes and pickpockets. It was never used, as intended, by road traffic, and is now a part of the Metropolitan Railway Line.[667] [now called the East London line]

 

church, Exeter, is pulled down, to widen South Street. It had been built originally by the Saxons, probably in the 10th. century.[668]

 

Perthshire, Scotland: Birth of Katherine Clarke, diarist of the 1864 voyage of the Hamilla Mitchell to Dunedin under Captain William Waymouth Branscombe.[669]

 

Brunel designs the first successful iron ship, the Great Britain. `Although she proved that iron ships could be lighter and roomier than wooden ones of similar size, the prejudice against iron gave way very slowly.'[670]

 

December quarter, Bristol district: Charlotte Branscombe's death is registered.[671] [possibly b. 1841, June quarter, Bristol?]

 

December quarter, Marylebone district: Robert Branscombe's death is registered.[672] [possibly m. 1842 Marylebone?]

 

December quarter, Honiton district: William Branscombe's death is registered.[673]

 

December quarter, Exeter district: George William Branscombe marries ? [674] [poss duplication or second marriage of George William, son of William Tucker & Mary, b. 1815 London, a lay vicar and `professor of music' in the 1851 census. cf: 1840 marriage. Or could this be George's brother, William George, bp. 1813 Exeter?]

 

December quarter, Greenwich district: Mary Ann Branscomb marries ? [675]

 

December quarter, Bath district: Elizabeth Ann Branscombe's birth registered.[676] [probably third child of Henry Branscombe, carpenter of 6 Beaufort Square, formerly of Littleham, & Mary Ann (Horn - m. 1836 Exeter). Elizabeth is the only one of their children born out of Devon. By 1847 they are living in Withycombe Raleigh. cf: 1851 census]

 

December quarter, Newton Abbot district: Mary Branscombe's birth registered.[677] [poss d.1847? Or pauper, born Tormoham, Torquay, in 1851 census, Newton Abbot Workhouse? daughter of Robert Bowden Branscombe & Mary (Linnards -  m. 1841). Siblings: William (1841), Eleanor (1845), John (1849)]

 

Approximate year of birth of Eliza Halsey, tenth and last child of third great-grandparents James & Elizabeth (Bingham - m. 1820 Redbourn). [Baptised 1843. Siblings: Elizabeth (1821?), James (1824?), George (1826?), Emmanuel (1827?) John (1829?), Ann (1833?), Thomas (1834?), Emma (1837?), Charles (1839?)]

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1843

 

Branscombe, Samuel    hide & leather factor & commission agent, 11 Brougham Terrace, West Derby Road. Office: 18 Brunswick Street

Prowse, Cheshire & Co.           ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, Parkfield, Claughton Road, Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.              shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, Wm.               book keeper, Camden Cottage, Claughton Road, Birkenhead
Prowse, Wm.               shipchandler (J.P. & Co.) & shipsmith (P.C. & Co.), Brook Lane, Holt Hill, Tranmere
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 13 Belle Street

 

The first garden gnomes are imported to Britain.

 

Bristol: Approximate year of birth of Emma Bigwood, who marries William Branscombe of Kingsbridge in Bristol, 1860. Children: Henry James (1862 St. Kilda, Melbourne), Mary Elizabeth (1863 Richmond, Victoria), William Harcourt (1873 Bristol), John Ernest Mackay (1879 Barton K district). William d.1912 Eastbourne, Emma d.1927 Herne Bay, Kent, William Harcourt d.1901 Ashanti. William, aged 72, is registered in Swansea in the 1901 census, possibly with Emma, John and Mary.

 

@1844

4 January: Anna Mariah Branscombe born, daughter of Josiah L. Branscombe & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Daniel (1839), Cynthia (1841), Sarah Elisa (1846), Stephen Henry (1849, Alice M. (1853)]

 

5 March: Henry, son of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Anne Graham of Gibraltar [m. 1833], born. Registered 1 April 1844 in the parish of St. Paul's, Bristol.[678] Baptised at St. Barnabas, Holloway, London, 8 July 1862.[679] [poss married, Kensington district, September Q, 1871? Henry is an executor of his father's will, in 1874. Siblings: John Graham (1834), Ellen (1837), Charlotte Mortimer (1841)]

 

18 March, Van Diemen's Land: Thomas Branscombe and Edward Chaplin buy 100 acres of land at Melville.[680] [cf: 1839 & 1841 for other land purchases in Hobart & Glenorchy]

 

June quarter, Marylebone district: Ellen Branscombe marries ? [681]

 

26 July: Conveyance from William Hartropp Hull and others, to Henry Branscombe. A piece of land, being a part of Seven Acres, with house erected, in Brunswick Road.[682] [Withycombe Raleigh - cf: 1848 for similar conveyance]

 

September quarter, Bristol district: Mary Branscombe's death is registered.[683]

 

5 November, St. Peter's, Monkwearmouth, County Durham: Samuel Branscomb, of full age, bachelor shipowner & master of Monkwearmouth, marries Mary Doubleday, of full age, spinster of Bishop Wearmouth, daughter of Henry Doubleday, gentleman, by licence. Samuel's father, Samuel, is a blacksmith. Witnesses are Sarah (Maddison/Naddison?) & (Frances?) Doubleday.[684] Registered September quarter, Sunderland district.[685] [On the birth certificate of their son Henry Samuel (1848), Samuel is shown as Samuel Henry Branscombe. By the time of the 1851 census, he is calling himself James Henry Branscomb, born in Hastings. cf: 5 February 1849 - Samuel Branscombe the prosecutor in a case of simple larceny. Also cf: 1850 launch of the ship "Branscombe" at Sunderland. There are no Branscombes registered in Monkwearmouth in the 1841 census, and no other Branscombes in Newcastle in the 1851 census. In an 1844 Directory of Sunderland [686] there is a Captain Henry Doubleday at 1 Tatham Street, Bishopwearmouth, but no Doubledays in Tatham Street in the 1841 census. A Mrs. Ann Doubleday, teacher, is listed at 13 South Durham Street, Bishopwearmouth, but again, she is not there in the 1841 census. There is a Philip Maddison, joiner, cabinet-maker and undertaker, at 15 Coronation Street, Bishopwearmouth, who is registered at this address in 1841.[687] He is then aged 53, and was born in County Durham. Also in his household is a Sarah Maddison, then aged 70. There is an R. Maddison at the Customs House Tavern, Thomas Street, Sunderland, in the 1844 Directory, and also at the Brewer's Arms, 93 High Street, Sunderland. An 1856 directory lists a Mary Doubleday running a seminary at 12 Norfolk Street, Bishopwearmouth, and an R. Maddison, victualler, at the "Friendly Tavern", 1 Thomas Street, Sunderland. Neither Samuel Branscombe nor Henry Doubleday are mentioned in the poll lists of this period. Also cf: 1767 Samuel Branscombe, blacksmith, son of Joshua Branscombe, becomes a freeman of the city of , by succession. cf: 1708 Joshua Branscombe, locksmith, freeman of Exeter. 1752 will of Joshua Branscombe of Exeter administered. In the 1851 & 1871 censuses, Mary's birthplace is shown as Durham. Samuel went to Australia in about 1853 and became a miner. He married again, bigamously, in 1866 in Ararat, Victoria, Annie Elizabeth Vibarr. He died in Ballarat in 1870. Children born to Samuel & Mary: Mary (1845-1845 Tynemouth), Mary (1846 Tynemouth), Henry Samuel (1848 Newcastle), Charles (1850), Isabella (1853)]

 

12 November: Private Thomas F Branscombe of the 34th Regiment of Foot, begins 2 years and 272 days of service. He is finally discharged on 10 August 1847.[688]

 

16 November, Morchard Bishop: Sophia Branscombe, spinster, of full age [31], weaver, daughter of Joseph, serge-maker, and Frances (Horwell), marries John Davy, widower, of full age, tailor [d.before 1850]. Son of Richard, tailor. Witnesses Ann Southcott & Samuel Mare.[689] Registered December quarter, Crediton district.[690] [cf: 1790 Sophia's uncle John married Agnes Mare - also John Mare witness at marriage of Sophia's half-sister Frances, 1821]

 

December quarter, St. Thomas district: Henry Branscombe's birth registered.[691] [poss. m. 1871 Kensington?]

 

December quarter, Bristol district: Henry Branscombe [b.Barnstaple about 1809] marries Elizabeth -? [born about 1814 in Bristol].[692] Henry becomes a haulier in Bath. He and Elizabeth have four children - Jane Elizabeth (b. 1847), Sarah Ann (b. 1849), William Henry (b. 1852), in Newport, Mon., and John Thomas (b. 1856) in Bath. Henry dies in Newport, 1870. [a Henry also married in Bristol in 1845 - could be this Henry, or could be his second marriage? cf: 1861 census]

 

The James Matheson is surveyed at Dartmouth for a voyage from Liverpool to China, under Captain William Branscombe. Owner William Prowse. Lloyds of London records show it was wrecked, on this voyage.

 

The West London Railway built, from Willesden to West Kensington.

 

The South Devon Railway commences construction.

 

The Devon parish of including the site and demesne of the former Forde Abbey, (dissolved, 1539) is transferred to Dorset. Previously, the parish had been in the unusual situation of being an `island' of Devon, surrounded by Dorset and Somerset. [Stockland Parish, formerly part of Dorset, is transferred to Devon from this date]

 

Torquay: Pigot's 1844 Directory of Devon has no listing for Branscombe under "Boot & Shoe Makers", but does list, under that heading, William [cordwainer of Combe Pafford in the 1841 census] & Samuel Waymouth, in St. Marychurch. In Exeter, it shows, under "Gentry", William Branscombe of Summerland Place. No other Branscombes are listed.[693]

 

`... less than a quarter of the 420,000 workers in the cotton industry were men over eighteen.'[694]

 

Robert Branscombe [b. 1829 Topsham], son of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821), is apprenticed to the sea as a Boy.[695] [cf: 1845]

 

`Co-operative stores were established by the working classes in the second half of the nineteenth century following the example of the Rochdale Weavers who organised the first successful co-operative in 1844.'[696]

 

@1845

7 January, Plymouth: Robert Bowden Branscombe of Torquay is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is a Mate, aged 25, with brown hair, fair complexion scarred by smallpox, hazel eyes, and is 5'7½" tall. He can write.[697] [b. 1820 - son of William the shoemaker & Ann(e), m. 1841 - Mary Linnards. cf: 1849]

 

10 January, Newhaven: Robert Branscombe of Exmouth is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is a Boy, aged 16. He can't write. He's described as 4'9" tall, with a clear complexion and no distinguishing marks. He has brown hair and grey eyes.[698] [b. 1829 Topsham - son of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821)]

 

17 January, Dartmouth: William [Waymouth] Branscombe of Torquay [b. 1825] is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is a Seaman, aged 20, with brown hair, fair complexion, grey eyes, and is 5'10" tall. He can write.[699]

 

2 March, St. Luke's, Old Street, Finsbury: Thomas, first child of John Branscombe & Emma (Scales - m. 1840), baptised.[700] Registered March quarter, St. Luke's district.[701] [cf: 1841 census. Poss d.1907? Siblings: Mary (1848), John (1851), William (1853), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice Maud (1869). Married Mary A. (?) of Southwark. By the time of the 1881 census, he was living in Shoreditch with 6 children, working as a wood carver]

 

26 March, London: Richard Branscomb of 2 Ely Place, Edmonton, is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is an Apprentice, aged 17. He can write. He is decribed as "growing", with a fresh complexion and smallpox scars, light brown hair and hazel eyes.[702] [b. 1828. cf: 1856 Richard Branscomb's death registered, City of London district]

 

28 May, Exmouth: `A singular attempt was made at Exmouth, which may prove a step to the long-coveted art of flying. At day-break, a man singularly clad was observed to leave the beach near the sea wall and, by a series of motions with his apparel, almost similar to those of a bird attempting to fly, he crossed the water and landed safely on the Warren. The time occupied was about ten minutes. On his landing he was observed to make some alterations in his dress, and he then proceeded across the Warren, so that no more was seen of him.'[703]

 

June quarter, Pancras district: Thomas Branscomb's birth registered.[704] [son of William & Sarah (Whelpdale?). In the 1861 census, Thomas is an apprentice, possibly to his father, a licenced victualler at the White Horse public house in Hampstead. poss d.1907 Kensington? cf: 1881 census, Thomas is unmarried, an “artizan” living with his widowed mother. a housekeeper]

 

4 August: The Cataraqui is wrecked, on King Island. 399 drowned. The 9 survivors are found by David Howie, on August 15.

 

28 August, Linskill Street, Tynemouth: Mary Branscombe born. First child of master mariner Samuel Henry and Mary (Doubleday - m. 1844 Monkwearmouth). Registered 27 September by mother.[705] [d. 25 September. Siblings: Mary (1846), Henry Samuel (1848), Charles (1850), Isabella (1853)]

 

25 September, Linskill Street, Tynemouth: Mary Branscombe dies, of diarrhoea. First child of master mariner Samuel Henry and Mary (Doubleday - m. 1844 Monkwearmouth). Registered 27 September by mother.[706] [b.28 August. Siblings: Mary (1846), Henry Samuel (1848), Charles (1850), Isabella (1853)]

 

27 September, Tynemouth District: Mary (Doubleday - m. 1844 Monkwearmouth Samuel Henry Branscombe) registers the birth and death of her first child, Mary. Referred to as “occupier” of Linskill Street. [cf: 31 October 1846 - birth of second child, Mary]

 

September quarter, Huntingdon district: Lydia Branscombe's birth is registered.[707]

 

September quarter, Lambeth district: Effie Branscombe's death is registered.[708] [cf: 1841 December Q. Exeter district - Effy b. & 1846 Exeter - Effie Julia b.]

 

15 September, Tormoham, Torquay: Ellenn, daughter of mariner Robert Bowden Branscombe & Mary (Linnards - m. 1841), is born. Registered by the mark of Mary, of 8 Church Lane, Tormoham, on 26 September.[709] [registered at St. Catherines House as Ellenor.[710] In the 1851 census, she is Eleanor, a pauper in the Newton Abbot Workhouse. Siblings: William (1841), Mary (1843), John (1849)]

 

2 October, Portsmouth: George Branscombe of Topsham [b. 1824], is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is a Seaman, aged 21. He can't write. He is described as 5'7½" tall, with brown hair, a fair complexion and hazel eyes. He is said to have an anchor tatooed on his left arm and a man and a woman on his right hand. He has served six months in the Royal Navy. Last entry reads: `Deserted at Baltimore 19 May 1847.'[711]

 

Friday Nov 21, Thames Police Court: Samuel Branscombe, master of  The Countess of Malmesbury, appeared to a summons charging him with having broke bulk of cargo of coals on the 21st October without paying city dues. Mr Pearson attended on the part of the city, and Mr Ballantine, a barrister, attended for the defence. The case was a curious one.  The fact of breaking bulk was admitted, but it was contended that the article upon which the dues were sought to be collected did not come within the operation of the act, being neither cinders, culm, or coal. A large square brick-shaped mass was here placed on the table by Mr Ballantine, whilst Mr Pearson produced a smaller piece of the same substance, and a long discussion ensued as to whether it was or was not coal. Mr Rose, inspector of the city coal dues, said the article produced was no other than coal reduced to powder, and then by some process of mixture with drying by heat, or otherwise moulded to the present form. Being cross-examined by Mr Ballantine, the witness expressed as his opinion , that no heat to which the coal could be subjected would totally disengage the sulphuric acid gas, which formed one of its inherents. Mr Ballantine said his client had been served with three separate summonses, describing the article in three different ways, a fact which implied a doubt even on the part of those who issued them.  When dues of this kind were sought to be exacted, it should be shown affirmatively that the article came within the meaning of the act; but, in this instance, persons most conversant with coals hesitated to denominate it by that name. Mr Rose, though not a practical chymist, yet having great experience as to coals, refused to admit that the sulphuric acid could be wholly evolved from them.  Why did he refuse to make the admission?  Because he was aware that, if sulphuric acid gas were wholly evolved, the coal, losing one of its elements, would become another substance, as one of the ingredients which constituted coal would be absent.  It could be shown that the “fuel” (Wyam’s patent), though principally composed of coal in the first instance, was so changed by the process thorough which it went - had been so changed by abstraction of one of the elements - that it became another substance, to which, if a mineralogist chanced to alight on it, he must, to preserve scientific distinctions, assign another designation.  From any substance composed of several elements, extract one of the elements, and it is no longer the same substance. The Magistrate, having viewed the mass of “fuel”, which looked like a block of blackened granite, and having also examined the lesser piece produced by Mr Pearson, said that, in his opinion, the substance was coal, and would present all the phenomena of that body to the mineralogist.  Even the chymist, though discovering the absence of sulphuric acid gas, which was not one of the primary elements of coal, would call it by the same name. Mr Ballantine - Why you may as well call it wood. Magistrate. - So I should, if it assumed the appearance and qualities.  (Laughter.)  If we are rightly informed coal beds were originally deposits of wood, but being subjected to certain influences assumed another form. Mr Ballantine. - That is what I contend for.  The coal here has undergone a change. The Magistrate. - But not to an extend which changes it as a generic substance.  It has not been deprived of an indispensable ingredient.  I cannot consider that substance any other than coal.  If you have a power of appeal you can try, and as to the sulphuric gas, I consider it not a necessary but an accidental ingredient.  You are doing the best for your case, but all the writers on identity are against you. Mr Ballantine. - Perhaps so, as to the human being, but not so as to animals, and much less as to inert matter.  If there were a duty on the importation of sheep, but not upon mutton, and that circumstances induced parties to kill sheep at sea, would you, for the duty’s sake, on the landing, insist on giving the mutton a misnomer.  (Loud laughter).  If I can shew, by scientific men, that this substance is not coal, surely you’ll pause to consider.  If one of the gasses were omitted from our atmosphere, it would not be the same substance. The Magistrate. - It would still be an atmosphere, though there would be a difference, as there is between the atmosphere of this court and that of Hampstead-heath. Mr Pearson. - If you think you have a case, pay the dues under protest, and try the question by an action.  That has been done in another case, but the action is allowed to stand over. Mr Burnell, of No.1, Great Winchester-street, who was acquainted with the process since the commencement, thought the coal, as a substance, was completely altered by the process to which it was submitted.  The small coals were subjected to the action of a very high temperature, until the volatile sulphurous portion was evolved, then bitumen and a portion of peat were added, which greatly increased the power of combustion. In his cross-examination by Mr Pearson, Mr Burnell admitted that the bitumen used was coal-tar, and the portion of peat, as compared with the tar, was but as one to a hundred.  He would not swear that all the sulphuric acid gas had been evolved from the “fuel” on the table. John Greaves, formerly captain of one of the Waterman steam-boats, had a good deal of experience in coal.  He would not call the substance on the table by that name.  He would call it “fuel”.  There was no sulphurous exhalation from it, and he wished for the sake of the poor that it was in more general use, as they could not then be cheated either in quantity or quality.

The Magistrate. - Well, this inquiry seems likely to make an advertisement for it.  I am held in some suspense, but if I am called upon to come to an immediate decision, I must express it as my opinion that the article is coal. Mr Ballantine. - We are desirous of your decision, Sir, but should like it to remain over for a time, that you may consider the subject, and that I may produce other evidence. After some further conversations with respect to arrangement, it was agreed to defer the hearing until the week after next. [712]

 

December quarter, Haverfordwest district: Matilda Branscomb's death is registered.[713]

 

December quarter, East Stonehouse district: John Branscombe marries ? [714] [poss John Branscombe, tanner, a widower in the 1851 census?]

 

December quarter, Bath district: Harriet Mahala Branscombe's birth is registered.[715] [cf: death registered St. Thomas, Dec Q 1849. Also Mahala Branscombe b. 1853 St. Thomas]

 

December quarter, Bristol district: Henry Branscombe marries ? [716] [poss duplication or second marriage of Henry, m. 1844 Bristol district?]

 

13 December, Devonport: Private #1092 John Branscombe, carpenter & joiner, born Exmouth, aged 22 years 4 months, joins the 12th Company, Royal Sappers and Miners. He serves 305 days and is discharged with a diseased lung, 13 October 1846.[717]

 

The Great Britain makes her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York.

 

`In North Kensington, in 1845, 137 houses were built by 31 firms, of which two were responsible for 26 and 28 each, while none of the other 29 firms had more than 11 houses each ... we are told that house-builders seldom ventured more than a mile from their yards, or engaged to build more than 10 houses at a time... '[718]

 

H.M.S. Rattler, 888 tons, 200 h.p., fitted with the newly developed screw propulsion, is lashed to the stern of H.M.S. Alecto, 796 tons, 200 h.p., fitted with paddle-wheels, for an official tug o'war. Rattler towed Alecto backward at 3 knots, thereby proving the superiority of screws over paddles.[719]

 

William Thomas Branscombe of Hastings [b. 1833] is apprenticed to sea.[720] [cf: 1841 census for Hastings. Poss son of Samuel & Mary? Also cf: poss brother Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb of Hastings, married Monkwearmouth, 1844 & Ararat, Victoria, 1866]

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1845

 

Branscombe, Samuel                hide & leather factor & commission agent, Mersey Lodge,                                                        Bootle. Office: 18 Brunswick Street

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, 2 Parkfield Terrace, Conway Street,                                                                    Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.                          shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, Wm.                           master mariner, Camden Cottage, Claughton Road,                                                                   Birkenhead
Prowse, Wm.                           shipchandler (J.P. & Co.) & shipsmith (P.B. & Co.), Brook                                         Lane, Holt Hill, Tranmere

William Doubleday, master of the Mary, sails twice from Newcastle to London, this year.[721] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Samuel Branscombe of Hastings? William b. 1823 Newcastle. Receives mariner's ticket 1846]

 

@1846

4 January, Christ Church Spitalfield, Stepney: Henry Firman Salmon, bachelor of full age [24], marries Jane Beard, spinster of full age [23]. Henry's father, Henry Salmon, is a wine merchant. Jane's father, John, is a plumber. They are both residing at 24 Union Street, at the time of the marriage. Henry Firman was born in Rochford, Essex, Jane was born in Saxmundham, Suffolk. Witnesses are Eliza Ann Beard and Jonathan (Root?).[722] [This is the father of "Edward George" Salmon/Branscombe, b. 1864, m. 1892, d.1931, singer with/manager of, the Westminster Glee Singers]

 

17 January, St. Helier, Jersey: Charlotte Emily, daughter of William Henry Beavis, tinsmith of Commercial Street, & Ann (née Davey), born.[723]

 

6 February, Exeter: Effie Julia, daughter of accountant George William Branscombe, of Friars Walk, & Amelia Julia, born. Baptised Holy Trinity, 8 February 1847.[724] Registered March quarter, Exeter district.[725] [poss first child of lay preacher & professor of music, William & Amelia J (? - m. 1840 or 1843 Exeter)? Effie m. 1871 St. Pancras? cf: 1841 - Effy Branscombe b. Also 1845 September Q. Lambeth district - Effy Branscombe d. Also cf: 1871 census for St. Pancras. cf: 1848 sister Emma Elizabeth born. Possible other siblings: Louisa/Frances (185-?), Amelia Clara (1854)?]

 

March quarter, Holborn district: Mary Branscombe's death is registered.[726]

 

March quarter, Marylebone district: Male Branscombe's birth is registered.[727]

 

March quarter, Newton Abbot district: Amelia Branscombe's birth is registered.[728] [poss b. Highweek, eleventh child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829)? Remained a spinster. d.1863]

 

March quarter, Exeter district: Charles Branscombe marries ? [729] [his first wife, Harriet. m. second wife Jane (Baker?) in 1770. Charles is second son of builder John Branscombe of Littleham & Elizabeth (Seward - m. 1816). He was baptised in Withycombe Raleigh in 1819. He died in Exmouth in 1872, the same year as his father]

 

30 May: The South Devon Railway is opened as far as Teignmouth.

 

June quarter, St. Thomas district: Sophia Branscombe's death is registered.[730] [b. 1837, daughter of Robert & Amelia?]

 

16 June: William Doubleday receives his mariner's ticket #331744. Born Newcastle 25 March 1823. Literate. Sails as master of the Mary from Newcastle to London and return, this year.[731] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Samuel Branscombe of Hastings?]

 

19 June, St. Andrew's, Holborn: Alexander Charles, fifth child of solicitor Walter & Jane Branscomb of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, baptised. Born 25 May.[732] [Walter son of Sir James Branscombe & Sarah (Jackson - m. 1795?). In the 1861 census, Alexander, a scholar aged 14, is said to have been born in St. Brides parish. siblings:  Sarah Marianna (1833), Walter James (1836), (Samuel c1837?), James Alexander (1838), Marianna Ursula (1839). Later known as Charles Alexander Branscomb, he marries Maria Ellen Goodwin in St Olave’s district, Sept quarter 1876, and is the father of Ettie Marianne. Registered in the 1881 census for West Ham, Essex, as a dock clerk. Children include: Charles George (1877), Walter Alexander (1879), Gertrude Ellen (1880-1882)]

 

12 July, Manchester Cathedral: Spinster Mary Ann Branscomb of 1 New Street, Salford, daughter of William Branscomb, Engineer, marries bachelor Henry Wall, porter of the Royal Hotel, Market Street, son of John Wall, joiner, by banns. Witnesses: Deborah & ? Grant.[733] [cf: 1840, 29 November, George La French Branscombe christened, son of Mary Branscombe]

 

September quarter, Greenwich district: Emma Branscomb marries ? [734] [b. 1818? bapt.1831? or bp. 1823 St. Mary Whitechapel, daughter of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth, sister of Henry the hatter of Mile End?]

 

13 October, Woolwich: Private #1092 John Branscombe, carpenter & joiner, born Exmouth, discharged from the 12th Company, Royal Sappers and Miners, with lung disease. He joined up at Devonport on 13 December, 1845 and served 305 days. His discharge papers[735] note ‘he has never been tried by a court martial and ... his general character is exemplary.’ His medical report states:

 

‘In January last, whilst engaged in extinguishing a large fire in Wellington Street, Woolwich, he caught a severe cold by getting wet ... the following day he was admitted in Hospital suffering from a formidable attack of inflammation of the right lung, which ended in solidification of the organ. The disease has proved extremely obstinate, and the symptoms now lead to the conclusion that he labours under confirmed organic disease of the lungs. Disability caused by his military services.’

 

The opinion of the Principal Medical Officer at Woolwich is dated 7 September 1846:

 

‘After a careful examination, I am of the opinion that John Branscombe is unfit for service and likely to be permanently disqualified for military duty and incapable of contributing to earn a (-?)’

 

Discharge approved at Woolwich, 22 September 1846. Final Description:

 

age                     23 years 2 months

height                 5 feet 8 and a half inches

hair                    dark brown

eyes                    blue

complexion        dark

trade                  carpenter

 

31 October, Linskill Street, Tynemouth: Mary Branscombe born. Second child of master mariner Samuel Henry Branscombe and Mary (Doubleday - m. 1844 Monkwearmouth). Registered Tynemouth District, 10 December, by the mother.[736] [Not baptised Christ Church, Tynemouth, 1 Jan 1846-12 July 1848. Not baptised All Saints, Newcastle, 1 Jan 1846-31 Dec 1850. Siblings: Mary (1845-1845), Henry Samuel (1848), Charles (1850), Isabella (1853)]

 

30 November: Sarah Elisa Branscombe born, daughter of Josiah L. Branscombe & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Daniel (1839), Cynthia (1841), Anna Mariah (1834), Stephen Henry (1849), Alice M. (1853)]

 

December quarter, Eltham district: John Branscombe marries ? [737]

 

December quarter, Bristol district: Charlotte Waddams Branscombe's birth is registered.[738] [m. 1870 Clifton district]

 

General Tom Thumb tours England. In London, he appears at the Egyptian Hall. `They rush by thousands to see [him]. They push, they fight, they scream, they faint, they cry "Help!" and "Murder!"'[739]

 

Halsey Street, London SW3, is named about this time, probably in honour of the Reverend John Halsey, one of the persons heir to a portion of land of which the street site forms a part.[740]

 

BATH DIRECTORY 1846


            Henry Branscombe       carpenter                      6 Beaufort Square

Probably Henry Branscombe, builder of Littleham (m. Mary Ann Horn 1836 Exeter). Their daughter Elizabeth is born in Bath, registered December quarter 1843, the only one of their children born out of Devon. By 1847 they are living in Withycombe Raleigh. [cf: 1851 census]

 

Stoke Gabriel: Approximate year of birth of Robert Branscombe, carpenter. [cf: 1868 & 1881 census]

 

John Branscombe discharged from the Royal Sappers and Miners Regiment, aged 23. He claims to have been born in Exmouth. He enlisted in 1845.[741]

 

Devon: approximate date of birth of Sarah Branscombe, registered with Eliza Branscombe (b. 1856? Devon) as unmarried dressmakers, in the 1881 census for Lambeth.

 

@1847

24 January, Willand: Thomas Branscombe, aged 42, a post-boy, dies.[742] [poss bp. 1803, Whimple, fifth child of John & Alice Branscombe?]

 

31 January, Chatham: Discharge proceedings for Private Thomas F Branscombe of the 34th Regiment of Foot, are commenced. He started service on 12 November 1844. He is finally discharged on 10 August.[743]

 

March quarter, Tiverton district: Thomas Branscomb's death is registered.[744] [Poss Thomas, aged 42, above?]

 

March quarter, St. Pancras district: William Branscomb's death is registered.[745]

 

19 May, Baltimore: George Branscombe of Topsham, seaman, deserts his ship.[746] [cf: 1845]

 

June quarter, Edmonton district: Edward Branscombe marries ? [747] [cf: 1828,1845 Richard Branscombe of Edmonton]

 

June quarter, Tiverton district: Maria Branscombe marries ? [748]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: Rebecca Branscombe's birth is registered.[749] [twelfth child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829). Rebecca dies 15 July 1847, aged 10 weeks.[750] Mary, the mother, dies on 3 November this year]

 

15 July, Highweek: Rebecca Branscombe [above] dies.

 

25 July, St. Woolas, Newport, Monmouthshire: Jane Eliza Branscomb christened, daughter of Henry & Eliza (b. about 1814 Bristol - m. 1844 or 1845 Bristol). (IGI) Registered September quarter, Newport district.[751] [Henry, haulier of Bath (b. ABOUT 1809 Barnstaple). Jane m. 1871 Newport? cf: 1849 - sister Sarah Ann]

 

August, Exeter: Selina, [b. 1823] second daughter of William Branscombe Esquire & Eliza (Dacie - m. 1817, Exeter), marries the Reverend William Sloane Evans.[752] Registered September quarter, Exeter district.[753]

 

August, Heavitree: Susanna, only child of Mrs. Phillips (re-married?) of Heavitree and the late James Branscombe of Chelmsford, marries S[tephen?] Farmer of Edinburgh.[754] Registered September quarter, St. Thomas district.[755] [Susan poss a grocer and tea-dealer in Chelmsford, 1839? Stephen Farmer cf: will of John Branscombe 1860]

 

2 August, Wayne County, Kentucky: Levena Branscom marries Thompson Guffey.[756]

 

10 August, Chatham: Discharge for Private Thomas F Branscombe of the 34th Regiment of Foot. He started service on 12 November 1844, serving a total of 2 years, 272 days. His medical report says he has impaired motion of the left wrist joint.

 

‘This man has become unfit for Military Duty on account of contraction and stiffening of left wrist joint, the consequence of a severe attack of rheumatic inflammation following (???) for which he was (???) treatment in February 1846, and since that period he has never performed any duty in the Ranks. This man’s disability has been contracted in the service, but is not the consequence of Military Duty. It has not been aggravated by vice or misconduct. He has been 143 days in hospital for this disease and his conduct while under treatment has been good.’

 

His discharge is signed at Horse Guards, by the General Commander-in-Chief. His final description:

 

Age                    21

Height                5 feet 7 inches

Hair                   Light Brown

Eyes                   Grey

Complexion       Fresh

Trade                 (slater/plaisterer?)

            No Marks or Scars  [757]

 

September quarter, St. Thomas district, Exeter: Susannah Branscombe marries ? [758]

 

September quarter, Plymouth district: Philip Branscombe's death is registered.[759]

 

September quarter, Newton Abbot district: Rebecca Branscombe's death registered.[760] [twelfth child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m. 1829, d.3 November 1847). Rebecca dies 15 July 1847, aged 10 weeks.[761] Mary, the mother, dies on 3 November this year]

 

5 September, St. Michael's, Coventry: William Branscombe (26), bachelor mason, son of painter & glazier Edward Branscombe [deceased] & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth - m ?), marries (Mary) Ann Mitchell, spinster minor, daughter of labourer John Mitchell, by banns. They both give their address as Much Park Street, Coventry. Witnesses are Edward Branscombe and Mary Simmonds, who signs with a mark.[762] In 1851, William & Ann are living with Ann's parents in Rugby.

 

3 October, St. Michael's, Coventry: Second great-grandfather Edward Branscomb (21), painter and glazier, younger brother of William and son of plumber & glazier Edward Branscombe & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth - m ?), marries Mary Ann , daughter of servant William Chenneour of Exeter, by banns. They both give their address as Much Park Street. Witnesses are Mary Simmons, as at William's wedding a month earlier, who signs with a mark, and William Johnson. In 1851, Edward & Mary Ann are living in Manchester.[763] [Mary Ann was living in Bartholomew Street, Exeter, a few doors away from Edward, at the 1841 census. Her father William was a labourer at that time, as was Edward. Edward & Mary Ann’s first child, Henry was born in Exeter this year. Possibly dies Windsor, 1892?]

 

3 November, Highweek: Mary (Eales - m. 1829 Highweek) Branscombe, first wife of tanner Samuel, dies, aged 45.[764] [Mother of: Elizabeth (1829-60), Anna (1831-36), Emily (1832-72), Charlotte (1834-83, spinster), Louisa (b. 1835 - spinster), Mary (1837-52), John (1838-39), Anna (1839-1913, spinster), Lucy (1842-57), John (1843-51), Amelia (1846-63). Mary's last child, Rebecca, was born and died, earlier this year]

 

24 November: Otago's first emigrant vessel, the John Wickliffe departs Gravesend, bound for Dunedin.

 

`In its humble way, this exodus of Scottish folk was perhaps the last expression of that religious impulse which reached its climax with the Puritan migration...During the `Hungry Forties', the departure of an emigrant ship from Great Britain possessed a poignancy which iron fortitude and inspiring resolutions could do little to dispel. The breaking, with the abruptness of death, of hallowed ties, the uprooting of families with the inevitable separation accepted with the resignation of utter despair, the tears of the last sad farewell - all these were the accompaniments of scenes that repetition could never dull.'[765]

 

December quarter, Newton Abbot district: Mary Branscombe's death is registered.[766] [wife of Samuel of Highweek - daughter Rebecca died, September Q this year]

 

December quarter, Bristol district: William Branscombe's death is registered.[767]

 

December quarter, Hastings district: Mary Branscom marries ? [768] [poss Mary of West Hill Cottages, aged 30, in the 1841 census for Hastings? Or poss Mary, her mother, aged 55 in the 1841 census? Mary senior may be the wife of blacksmith Samuel Stace, and the mother of Samuel (James) Henry, mariner/miner of Newcastle, who marries 1844 Monkwearmouth, Mary Doubleday & again in 1866 Ararat, Victoria? In 1864, a Mary Branscombe's death is registered, in the Hastings district. cf: 1833 William Thomas Branscombe, poss son/brother]

 

6 December, St. James Register Office: Ann Smith Waymouth Branscombe, spinster boot-binder of full age, sister of Captain William, marries bachelor tailor Robert Hannaford, of full age. They are both shown as living at 47 Carnaby Street. Robert's father is William Hannaford, a cordwainer, as is of course Ann's father William. Witnesses are James and Emma Edgson.[769] [cf: 1859] [neither 1841 or 1851 censuses show any sign of Branscombes or Hannafords in Carnaby Street]

 

11 December: Dame Sarah Branscombe [Jackson? - m. 1795], wife of Sir James, dies, aged 70. (EBMI) [cf: 1848]

 

John Towson recommends the Great Circle route for the first time.[1]

 

John Branscombe & Co., 88 Pall Mall, tea dealers & purveyors of coffee to the Lord Steward's Department. (by appointment to Queen Victoria)[771] [Possibly daughter Cecilia married a Hazell or Bender of Van Diemen's Land? cf: 1851 census]

 

Walter Branscomb, solicitor of 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street [son of James & Sarah Jackson - m. 1795].

 

William Branscomb grocer & beer retailer of 20 Harmwood Street, Hampstead Road.[772]

 

John Sims Reeves [1818-1900], famous English tenor vocalist and later teacher of Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon], assumes the name of Sims Reeves.[773]

 

Ontario: Arthur Branscombe dies. b. ABOUT 1803 New Brunswick, son of Nathaniel & Sarah (Miller). Married Catherine Burlingham. Children: Reuben B., Sarah A., Phebe, Nathaniel, Henry William (1837-1924), Elizabeth & Huldah. Henry William was the father of Gena Branscombe Tenney, pianist & composer.[774]

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1847

 

Branscombe, John                    gentleman, Belle View, Netherfield Road North
Branscombe, Samuel                hide & leather factor & commission agent, Mersey Lodge,                                                        Bootle. Office: 18 Brunswick Street

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, Geo.                           anchorsmith (P.B. & Co.), 17a Hill Street, Toxteth Park
Prowse, John                            sailmaker, 28 Essex Street, Toxteth Park
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, Hemingford Terrace, Parkfield, Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.                          shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, William                       master mariner, 11 Portland Place, Everton
Prowse, William                       shipchandler (Joshua P. & Co.) & shipsmith (P.B. & Co.),                                                       Holt Hill, Tranmere, Cheshire
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 4 Harford Street

Approximate year of birth of Harriet L., (second?) child of Frederick Alphonso Branscomb & Harriet (Hitchcock - m. 1839 Oxford). [siblings include: Susan Elizabeth (1841), Frederick John Pennington (1849), Rosette (1851), George Arthur (1852), Samuel (c.1858)]

 

William Doubleday, master of the Mary, sails from Belfast to London and return, this year.[775] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Samuel Branscombe of Hastings? William b. 1823 Newcastle. Receives mariner's ticket 1846]

 

Mile End: Approximate year of birth of William Branscombe, who is registered in the 1881 census for London (St. George) as a deaf and dumb potman servant in the household of George Gumprecht.

 

Approximate year of birth of William Branscombe Hazell, poss son of  Eliza Branscombe & Charles Hazell, m. 15 June, Hobart, Tasmania. [Eliza b. Bampton 1805.] [776] [William m. 31 Oct 1872, Sorell, Tasmania, Susannah Newitt. He died on 28 May 1874 in Tasmania]

 

@1848

January: First edition of the Otago News published, new ZealandDunedin.

 

6 January, London: George [Eastman?] Branscombe of Tooley Street [b. 1826 Topsham], a Seaman aged 22, is awarded his seaman's ticket. He went to sea as a Boy in 1838. He is described as 5'9" tall, with dark brown hair and dark complexion, with brown eyes. He has a (GB?) anchor and crown tattoo on his left hand. He can't write.[777] [possibly son of mariner Robert & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821). If so, his brother Robert (bp. 1829) is also a mariner]

 

16 January, Stoke Damerel: Agnes, widow of William Branscombe junior of Kingsbridge, and `mother', dies.[778] Registered as `Branscomb', March quarter, Stoke Damerel district.[779] [cf: 1816 William Branscombe junior bankrupt in Plymouth]

 

22 February, St. Andrew's, Plymouth: Jane Mary Harriet Branscombe, spinster of full age, of York Street, Plymouth, daughter of Robert Branscombe, a pilot, marries James Hooke Anthony, a bachelor of full age, mariner on the schooner Queen Esther, the son of Thomas Anthony, a dyer, by licence. Jane signs with a mark. Witnesses: James Hooke Anthony and Elizabeth Bayly.[780] Registered March quarter, Plymouth district.[781]  [Mary Jane Harriet, second child of Robert Bradford Branscombe & Amelia (Clare - m. 1821), bp. 1822 Topsham. cf: 1841 census for Torquay]

 

24 February, Exeter: Emma Elizabeth, daughter of accountant George William Branscombe, of Friars Walk, & Amelia Julia, born. Baptised Holy Trinity, Exeter. Buried 3 May 1848, aged 3 months.[782]

 

March quarter, Marylebone district: Mary Branscombe marries ? [783]

 

March quarter, Tiverton district: Sarah Branscomb's death is registered.[784] [Milton: Dame Sarah Branscombe, wife of Sir James of Bampton (d.1809), dies, aged 70. cf: 1847]

 

March quarter, Bolton district: William Branscom's birth is registered.[785] [cf: 1849 Benjamin Branscomb b. & 1852, 30 October, Little Bolton, Lancashire: George Arthur Branscomb baptised. Benjamin possibly d. March Q, Greenwich district?]

 

23 March: Otago's first emigrant ship, the John Wickliffe arrives at new ZealandPort Chalmers after a voyage of a hundred days from Portsmouth roads.

 

6 April, Withycombe Raleigh: Conveyance of a piece of land in Brunswick Road, Withycombe Raleigh, from William Hartropp Hull & others to Henry Branscombe of Exmouth, builder, currently engaged in building a house on the land.[786] [cf: 1844 - similar conveyance]

 

10 April, House of Commons: Chartist M.P., F.O'Connor, tables a petition signed by 5,706,000 persons, and another signed by 30,000, praying for annual parliaments, universal suffrage, vote by ballot, equal electoral districts, no property qualifications, and the payment of Members. `The petition was then, amidst great laughter, ordered to be brought up, and the simple sheet containing the petition without the signatures was brought up and read by the clerk at the table.'[787]

 

14 May, St. Luke's, Old Street, Finsbury: Mary, second child of John Branscomb & Emma (Scales - m. 1840), baptised.[788] Registered as Branscombe, June quarter, St. Luke's district.[789] [Poss. m. 1875 Bethnal Green? Siblings: Thomas (1845), John (1851), William (1853), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice Maud (1869)]

 

June quarter, Exeter district: Emma Elizabeth Branscombe's death is registered.[790]

 

June quarter, St. Thomas district: Harry Branscombe's birth is registered.[791] [prob b. Withycombe Raleigh, son of Henry, builder, & Mary Ann (Horn - m. 1836). Cf: 1851 census for Withycombe. In the 1881 census for Camberwell, a Harry Branscomb, bricklayer, of the right age is registered with his wife Emma and four children. He states he was born in Bath, but there’s no record of it. In the 1901 census for Southwark, he’s almost certainly working as a bricklayer,registered  with his wife Emma. He now says he was born in Exmouth, while she says she was born in the City of London. Poss d.1924 Southwark district?]

 

21 August, St. Lawrence, All Saints, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Henry Samuel Branscombe born. Son of master mariner Samuel Henry & Mary (Doubleday - m. 1844 Monkwearmouth). Registered by Mary 22 September.[792] [Not baptised All Saints, Newcastle, 1 Jan 1846-31 December 1850. In the 1851 census for St. Lawrence Row, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Samuel is shown as James Henry Branscomb. Possible siblings: Mary (1845-1845), Mary (1846), Charles (1850), Isabella (1853). Henry marries Mary Swan of Durham, poss Dec Q 1870 in Gateshead? They have at least four children, all baptised in Newcastle: Robert Oliver (1871), Mary (1873), Henry Samuel (1874), Charles (1876). Henry is described as a boot & shoemaker in 1871, a boilermaker in 1873, and a rivetter in 1874]

 

27 August, Sun Street, Exeter: William Henry, first child of plasterer Thomas Fox Branscombe I & Mary (Hill - m. 1855 Notting Hill), born. Registered September quarter, Exeter district.[793] [Thomas is son of third great-grandparents Edward (deceased) & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth). William Henry becomes a plasterer, like his father, & marries Caroline Newson in 1873, in Paddington. He is still alive, living in Paddington, in 1931. Possible siblings: Ann Starling (1849), Edward Thomas (1852-55), Emily (1856), Thomas Fox II (1857), Mary Jane (1859), Eliza Esther (1860)?]

 

29 August: Cape lighthouse comes into service, the second on the Australian mainland.

 

3 September, St. Matthews, Rugby: Ann Elizabeth, daughter of William Branscomb & Ann, is christened. (IGI) Registered June quarter, Rugby district.[794] [daughter of William & Ann (Mitchell), niece of Edward of Dawlish]

 

12 October, Rye: William Thomas Branscombe of Hastings [b. 1833], Apprentice aged 15, is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is described as 5'0" tall, with sandy hair and fair complexion, hazel eyes and no distinguishing marks. He can write.[795] [cf: 1847 Mary Branscom & 1818 Samuel (James) Henry Branscombe, mariner/miner of Hastings]

 

December quarter, Whitechapel district: Henry Branscomb's birth registered.[796] [poss m. 1873 St. Olave?]

 

December quarter, West Ham district: John Branscombe's birth registered.[797] [poss John, b. Canning Town, general merchant, registered with his family in the 1881 census for Newington? If so, he is the father of Frederick John, cork merchant. Poss m. 1872 December quarter, Camberwell, Agnes P? cf: 1901 census – John registered in Lambeth, a wholesale stationer’s accountant, born Canning Town]

 

December quarter, St. Thomas district: Joseph Branscombe's birth is registered.[798] [m. 1864 Torrington?]

 

December quarter, London East district: Matthew Branscomb's birth registered.[799]

 

21 December, St. Leonard's, Shoreditch: George Bartlett, bachelor bricklayer of King Street, son of labourer John Bartlett, marries servant Emma Bonnett, spinster of full age, daughter of gardener Charles Bonnett, by banns. They both sign with a mark. Witnesses are George Yarrow and Martha Baker, who signs with a mark.[800]

 

Karl and Friedrich publish their Manifesto of the Communist Party.

 

Richard Jeffries is born, at Coate.

 

`It was as early as 1848 that [electricity's] use for lighting was first demonstrated in London when battery-powered arc lamps lit up a part of Trafalgar Square.'[801]

 

Bryant Waymouth, grandson of Henry Waymouth, founder of the Western Bank in Exeter, migrates to Adelaide with his young family. His uncle, Colonel Samuel Waymouth, is on the board of the South Australian Company. Waymouth Street in Adelaide is named after him.[802]

 

John Sims Reeves [1818-1900], famous vocalist and later teacher of Edward George Branscombe [George Edward Salmon], becomes the premier English tenor of the period.[803]

 

Approximate year Bradbury House (White House) Hare Street [built c.1600] is re-built.

 

LONDON POST OFFICE DIRECTORY 1848

 

John Branscombe esquire, 11 Noel Street, Islington
Mrs. Branscombe, 14 Beaufoy Terrace

Stoke Reming, Devon: Approximate year of birth of John Hannaford, bootmaker. [boarder with Emmanuel Back, (Beedles?) Terrace, Exeter, 1871 census]

 

M'CORQUODALE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1848

 

Branscombe, Samuel                hide & leather factor & commission agent, Mersey Lodge,                                                        Bootle. Office: 18 Brunswick Street

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, Hemingford Terrace, Parkfield, Birkenhead
Prowse, Joshua & Co.              shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, William                       shipchandler (Joshua P. & Co.) & shipsmith (P.B. & Co.),                                                       Holt Hill, Tranmere, Cheshire
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 4 Harford Street

A year of widespread unemployment and distress.

 

William Doubleday, master of the Mary, sails from Newcastle to Belfast, this year.[804] [poss relative of Mary Doubleday, m. 1844 Samuel Branscombe of Hastings? William b. 1823 Newcastle. Receives mariner's ticket 1846]

 

Calcot, Somerset: approximate year of birth of Lucy Chare, daughter of John Hinam Branscombe and Emily Womak (Ridley). [cf: 1881 census Hackney]

 

@1849

21 January, Bartholomew Street, Exeter: Ann Branscombe, first wife of William, shoemaker of Torquay, and mother of William Waymouth, dies. She was born about 1789, and may have had the surname Waymouth, Smith, Bowden or Webber. She and William probably married about 1819, possibly in Torquay. Her death certificate says she died of "a pectoral complaint". The informant was Lewis Gregory of Bartholomew Street, present at the death.[805] [A Lewis Gregory married a Sarah Ann Branscombe in Dawlish, in 1830. It may be that Ann(e) Branscombe was staying with them when she died, but as yet we have no family connection established, nor do we know who Sarah Ann's parents were. The Bartholomew Street address, however, is another puzzle, as it is the same street where William's brother and our third great-grandparents Edward Branscombe and his wife Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), lived from at least 1841 to at least 1843, when he was drowned in the River Exe. Further to that, the 1841 census shows a Lewis Gregory living with his family in Bartholomew Street, but his wife is Mary, not Sarah Ann. He is a smith aged between 40-44]

 

5 February, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Samuel Branscombe is the prosecutor in a case against Hugh Johnston, heard in the Quarter Sessions. Hugh is convicted of simple larceny, and sentenced to four months hard labour. Samuel is awarded expenses of £6 10s 4d.[806] [cf: 5 November 1844 - Samuel Branscomb, shipowner & master mariner of Monkwearmouth, marries Mary Doubleday. Also cf: 1850 launch of the ship Branscombe at Sunderland]

 

March quarter, Bolton district: Benjamin Branscomb's birth is registered.[807] [cf: 1848 William b., Bolton district, 1852, 30 October, Little Bolton, Lancashire: George Arthur Branscomb baptised. Benjamin possibly d. March Q, Greenwich district?]

 

March quarter, Bristol district: Emily Janes Branscombe's birth registered.[808] [probably dies 1852 Clifton district]

 

March quarter, Newton Abbot district: Ann Branscombe marries ? [809] [d. of John?]

 

March quarter, Greenwich district: Benjamin Branscombe's death is registered.[810] [cf: Benjamin, b. March Q this year, Bolton district]

 

11 March, Catcott, Somerset: Richard Branscombe Chave is born, fourth child of John Richard Chave, yeoman of Catcott, and Eleanor (?Greenway?). Registered 13 April 1849 in the Sub-district of Polden Hill, Bridgewater, Somerset, by the father.[811] [cf: 1861 census for Exeter. Richard Branscombe Chave, author of ‘Adventures of a Guano Digger in the Eastern Pacific’ (1871), an autobiographical manuscript held at the National Library of New Zealand.[812] May be related to actor Branscombe Richmond through Delphine & John Chave, aunt and uncle to Branscombe’s father, Leo, who raised him in Tahiti after his parents, who were not married, split up.]

 

14 March, Dawlish Parish Church: James Coombe of Dawlish, bachelor miller of full age, son of miller James Coombe, marries Ann Branscombe of Dawlish, spinster of full age, daughter of labourer John Branscombe. Witnesses are William Branscombe and Elizabeth Drake.[813]

 

21 April, Dawlish Water: Sarah Branscombe [b. 1790], spinster domestic servant, daughter of John & Agnes, sister of John (1782 - 1795?), Joseph, master mariner (1784 - 1866), Anne, (1787 - 1787), Catherine (1793 - 1855), John (1796), Anne (1798) & Captain William (1803), dies of a seizure aged 59 years. The informant is Susanna Perkins, present at the death, who signs the certificate with a mark.[814] [An 1840 tithe map of Dawlish shows an estate called dawlishBotchell & Branscombe estates;, consisting a house, yard & orchard, owned and occupied by Joseph Branscombe. Sarah is almost certainly registered there as a female servant in the 1841 census]

 

St Gregory’s, Dawlish:

 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
SARAH BRANSCOMBE
DAUGHTER OF JOHN & AGNES BRANSCOMBE
WHO DIED APRIL 21 1849
AGED 59 YEARS

 

2 May, St. John's, Newfoundland: Mr. Richard Branscomb, blockmaker, dies. Besides his widow, Mary, he left two brothers, William & James, and two sisters, Amelia & Mary. Amelia married Dr. Winter & Mary married Dr. Crawford. Both marriages in Newfoundland. He left property in Newfoundland and on Prince Edward Island worth £1500. His estate in Newfoundland was worth £900.[815] [Kennedy papers say this was Wednesday 8 May, and that Richard was aged 48. cf: 1850 Mary Frances Branscombe, relict of Richard, marries George James Hogsett in St. John's]

 

25 May, Newport [Mon?]: Robert Bowden Branscombe of Torquay [b. 1820 - son of William the shoemaker & Ann(e)] is issued with his second seaman's ticket [cf: 1845]. The physical description given differs markedly from that of 1845. He is described as 5'8¼" tall [5'7½"], of dark complexion [fair] with no distinguishing marks [smallpox scars], with dark hair [brown] and grey eyes [hazel].[816]

 

26 May, Cambridge: George Henry Dacie Branscombe is admitted to Trinity College, aged 18. The son of William Branscombe [& Eliza Dacie - m. 1817] of Exeter, he studied at Exeter School under Mr. Roper, matriculating this year. George gains his B.A. in 1853, is ordained as a deacon in 1854, is a priest in Exeter in 1855, C. of Exbourne (?) 1854-5. He disappears from Crockford in 1890, when he was living at Alresford, Hants., without cure of souls.[817]

 

June quarter, Newton Abbot district: John Linnards Branscombe's birth is registered.[818] [son of Robert Bowden Branscombe & Mary (Linnards - m. 1841). m. 1875 St. Giles? Siblings: William (1841), Mary (1843), Eleanor (1845)]

 

11 June, St. Dunstan's, Stepney: Henry Branscomb, bachelor hatter of full age, son of Thomas, warehouseman, & Mary Elizabeth, marries Jane Waterlow, spinster of full age, by banns. John & Jane are both living in Stepney. Jane is the daughter of John Waterlow, horner. They both sign their names.[819] Registered in the June quarter, Stepney district.[820] [Henry baptised St. Mary Whitechapel 21 August 1825]

 

Children of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth Branscomb

            Rebecca Branscomb                 11 Nov 21                   St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Emma Branscomb                    21 Dec 23                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Henry Branscomb                     21 Aug 25                    St. Mary, Whitechapel
            Eliza Branscomb                       12 Oct 28                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Matilda Branscomb                  18 Apr 30                    Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Thomas Branscomb                  19 Jan 34                     Sion Chapel, Mile End
            Edwin Branscomb                    25 Jun 37                     St. Dunstan, Stepney

 

8 July: Stephen Henry Branscombe born, son of Josiah L. Branscombe & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Daniel (1839), Cynthia (1841), Anna Mariah (1834), Sarah Elisa (1846), Alice M. (1853)]

 

16 July, St. Marylebone Parish Church: William Weston of St. Marylebone, bachelor undertaker of full age, son of grocer Thomas Weston, marries full age spinster Helena Putt of St. Marylebone, daughter of custom house officer William Putt, by banns. Witnesses are James Weston and Emma Ann Tate.[821]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: Harriett Underhill Branscombe marries ? [822] [Marries Andrew Badgery. The marriage certificate gives her father as Thomas Branscombe, farmer, but the birth certificates of her nine children give her maiden name as Underhill. She is also unsure of her birth-place. In the 1851 census it is St. David's, Exeter; in 1861/71 Ide; in 1881 Exeter. She was bp. 1827 Exeter][823]

 

September quarter, St. Thomas district: Sarah Ann Branscombe marries ? [824]

 

September quarter, St. Thomas district: William Branscombe's death is registered.[825]

 

21 September, Plymouth: Louisa Branscombe departs on board the Harry Lorrequer, bound for Adelaide. A matron (?), she is probably a needlewoman, from Somerset, aged 30.

 

7 October, Church St, St. Alkmond, Shrewsbury: Frederick John Pennington Branscomb, (third?) child of compositor Frederick Alphonse & Harriet (Hitchcock - m. 1839 Oxford) is born.[826] Baptised John P Branscomb, 25 November, Swan Hill Independent, Shrewsbury. (IGI) Registered by Hariett on 22 October, Shrewsbury district. [cf: 1851 sister Rosetta born, & baptised at the Swan Hill Independent (Chapel?), Shrewsbury. Other siblings include: Susan Elizabeth (1841), Harriet L (c.1848), George Arthur (1852), Samuel (c.1858). Frederick may marry in 1882, Barton R (Glos) district?]

 

2 November, Liverpool: Frederick Branscombe of Dulverton [b. 1832], Seaman aged 17, is awarded his seaman's ticket. He is decribed as 5'7" tall. In the column for comments it is noted that his last voyage was in 1853.[827]

 

December quarter, Birmingham district: Charlotte Louisa Branscombe's birth is registered.[828] [d.1849 Dec Q, Birmingham]

 

December quarter, Birmingham district: Charlotte Louisa Branscombe's death is registered.[829] [b. 1849 Dec Q, Birmingham]

 

December quarter, Newport District, Monmouthshire: Sarah Ann Branscombe born, daughter of Henry, haulier of Bath & Eliza(beth - m. 1844 or 45).[830] [cf: siblings Jane Elizabeth (b. 1847), William Henry (b. 1852), John Thomas (b. 1856). Sarah married in Bristol 1873?]

 

December quarter, Tiverton district: Richard Branscombe marries ? [831]

 

December quarter, St. Thomas district: Harriet Mahala Branscombe's death is registered.[832] [b. 1845, December Q, Bath? cf: Mahala Branscombe b. 1853 St. Thomas]

 

26 December: After 89 days at sea, Louisa Branscombe arrives, Port Adelaide.

 

Harry Lorrequer: 847 tons, three-mast ship rig. Built 1846, in Quebec. Owners - Lapham & Waterford. Captain Jeffares.[833]

 

Western Australia: Elizabeth Branscombe-Rees marries William Henry Edward Russell. [cf: 1833][834]

 

28 December, 1 Surrey Street, Landport, Southsea, Hants: Ann second child of Thomas Fox Branscombe, plasterer, son of third great-grandparents Edward [deceased] & Ann (Starling - m. 1817, Dartmouth), is born. The mother is shown on the certificate as "Mary Branscombe formerly Hill". Mary also registers the birth, signing herself with a mark, but Thomas does not marry Mary until 1855. [poss siblings: William Henry (1848), Edward Thomas (1852-55), Emily (1856), Thomas Fox II (1857), Mary Jane (1859), Eliza Esther (1860)? Also cf: 1851 census - Plymouth]

 

Also approximate birth-year of George Henry who marries Ann Starling Branscombe, in 1874.

 

Repeal of the British Navigation Acts opens British ports to ships from all nations.

 

A great increase in the demand for tea in Britain stimulates the building of tea clippers.

 

Calstock, Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of Bessey Langman, a visitor in the Plymouth St. Andrew household of pilot & waterman John Branscombe & Sarah (-?, m. 1831 Calstock?). [cf: 1851 census]

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1849

 

Branscombe, Samuel                hide & leather factor & commission agent, Mersey Lodge,                                                        Bootle. Office: 18 Brunswick Street

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, George Christian         gentleman, 4 Nelson Street, Birkenhead
Prowse, John                            sailmaker, 35 Catharine Street, Toxteth Park
Prowse, Joshua                        shipchandler, 2 Hemingford Terrace, Parkfield, Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.                          shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, 24 Ansdell Street
Prowse, Robert Sanders           book keeper, 3 Brook Terrace, Brook Street, Birkenhead
Prowse, William                       master mariner, 11 Portland Place, Everton
Prowse, William                       shipchandler (Joshua P. & Co.) & smith (P.B. & Co.), Holt                                         Hill
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 4 Harford Street

Cock-fighting is banned by law. `The sport of putting game cocks to fight was said to have been introduced to England by the Romans and became very popular, in fact the great National amusement, particularly in the north of England ... Berwick-upon-Tweed was the place most celebrated for it. It was a sport for schoolboys on holidays, particularly on Shrove Tuesday.'[835]

 

‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑

 

@1850

30 January, Trinity Church, Paddington: Second great-grandfather John Halsey of Westbourne Park Place, bachelor waiter of full age, son of carpenter James Halsey, marries spinster Martha Hiller of 5 Woodfield Road, of full age, daughter of labourer John Hiller, by banns. Witnesses are William Harmer and Jane Trembath.[836] [John b.1829 Redbourne, d. ABOUT 1872. Children: James (1850-1850), Mary Ann (1854-1860), Martha (1857-1857), Frederick (1858-1932), David (1862), Alice (1867)]

 

March quarter, Exeter district: Elizabeth Jane Sparkes Branscombe marries ? [837] [aged 20, seventh child of Edward (deceased) & Ann, sister of Edward]

 

March quarter, Bradford district: Esther Branscombe marries ? [838]

 

March quarter, St. George, Hanover Square: Frederick George Branscombe marries ? [839] [Elizabeth -? of Stanton, Suffolk. cf:1861 census for 2 Cadogan Terrace, Chelsea, where Frederick is a house decorator. Father of Elizabeth (b. about 1851 Chelsea), George William (b. about 1855, oil & colorman), & Horatio Arthur (b. about 1857 entered New College Oxford 1875, first marriage 1878 Holborn, second 1924 Birkenhead. Poss a Professor of Music 1905 Liverpool, d.1941 north Wales). Frederick George became an oil & colorman in Mayfair. He died Mayfair 1879. His wife Elizabeth took over the business cf:1881 census for Mayfair. She died 1884 Mayfair. The only candidate so far for the identity of Frederick is the one b.1827 Exeter, son of William Branscombe, gentleman of St. Sidwell's parish, & Eliza (Dacie - m.1817, Exeter)]

 

March quarter, St. Thomas district: Clement Branscombe's birth is registered.[840] [Clement Courtney, son of builder Henry & Mary Ann (Horn - m.1836 Exeter?). Married 1877 Marylebone to ? Children: Clement William (b.1878 St. Saviour Southwark), Florence Isabel Courtney (b.1879 Marylebone), Mabel Beatrice Courtney (b.1882 Marylebone). Clement senior is a baker in Exmouth, in 1893, where he dies, 1929. His executors/benefactors are daughters Florence & Mabel, spinsters of London]

 

March quarter, Portsea district: Ann Branscombe's birth is registered.[841] [Ann Starling Branscombe, daughter of Thomas Fox I & Mary (Hill - m.1855 Notting Hill), b.28 December 1849, Landport, Southsea, Hants. Poss siblings: William Henry (1848), Edward Thomas (1852-55), Emily (1856), Thomas Fox II (1857), Mary Jane (1859), Eliza Esther (1860)?]

 

2 April, St. John's, Newfoundland: Mary Frances Branscombe, relict of the late Richard Branscomb, marries George James Hogsett, Barrister at Law. Married by the Right Rev. Dr. Mullock.[842] [cf:1849 St. John's, Mr. Richard Branscombe dies]

 

June quarter, St. George's Hanover Square district: Frederick George Branscombe marries ? [843] [duplication? cf: March quarter this year]

 

10 June, St. Helier, Jersey: Henry "Harry" William, son of William Henry Beavis, tinsmith of 3 Aquila Road, & Ann (née Davey), born.[844]

 

11 June: Newspaper report of a meeting of the Tidal Harbour Commissioners, Port of Exeter Authority, at which evidence was given by Captain J.W. Perriam in support of a sea wall constructed by Mr. Hull, which Mr. Julian considered prejudicial to navigation. The embankment, half a mile in length on the higher side of Exmouth, had enabled Mr. Hull to reclaim 60 acres of land, now occupied by several houses.[845]

 

21 June, Queen Street, Rugby: William Edward, son of William Branscomb, stone mason, and Mary Ann (Mitchell - m.1847 Coventry), is born.[846] Registered June quarter, Rugby district.[847] Baptised, St. Matthews, Rugby, 9 Nov 1851. (IGI) [William Edward married for the second time, March Q 1881 Rugby? Poss d.1915 Rugby? William senior son of Edward & Ann (Starling - m.1817, Dartmouth), brother of second great-grandfather Edward]

 

June quarter, Exeter district: Elizabeth Branscombe's death is registered.[848]

 

1 July, St. Matthew, Bethnal Green: Adelaide Salome Branscombe [b.1831], of 41 Cole Harbour Street, daughter of William Branscombe, shoemaker of Torquay and sister of Captain William Waymouth Branscombe, marries Alfred Nye, bachelor of full age, a performer. He is of 15 Cole Harbour Street, son of Alfred (Abbott?) Nye, a traveller. Witnesses are William Arthur and Mary (Maria?) Miller. Registered September quarter, Bethnal Green district.[849] [cf:1892 P.O. Directory for London - there are Nyes in the chimney-sweep profession, while there is an Alfred Nye, linendraper, at 131 Ladbroke Grove. Neither Alfred is in Bethnal Green by the 1851 census. Adelaide & Alfred are registered in Tormoham in the 1851 census - on that occasion, his profession is "perfumer"]

 

August: New Barnet station on the Great Northern railway opened, heralding a new phase of development for East Barnet. `Before then, apart from the stage coaches on the Great North Road, the only public conveyance to London was a coach which passed along Cockfosters Road near Bohun Lodge at 9.30 am and reached Oxford Street in London about two hours later, leaving on the return journey at 3.30 pm. The improved communications did not bring about a rapid increase immediately. In 1851 the population of East Barnet parish was 663 and it had only increased to 851 ten years later.'[850]

 

7 August, Plymouth: John Graham Branscombe of Kingsbridge, a Boy aged 16, is awarded his seaman's ticket. He can write, but there are no other personal details recorded.[851] [bp.1834 Kingsbridge, first child of John Branscombe of Kingsbridge & Ann (Graham of Gibraltar - m.1833). Siblings: Ellen (1837), Charlotte Mortimer (1841), Henry (1844)]

 

22 August, St. Martin's, Birmingham: Emily Branscomb marries Joseph Tomey. (IGI) Registered September quarter, Birmingham district.[852] [Emily was aged 17. Born 1833 Oxford, fifth child of Robert Branscomb (b.1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m.1819 Oxford). Joseph was a glassblower/maker/manufacturer, the son of Nathaniel Tomey of Newtown & Mary (Hingeley).[853] Emily & Joseph had 11 children and Emily died giving birth to the last child in December 1872. Joseph then married again. A descendant of her third son says Emily was an active member of the Weslyan Church. She says they lived in a large house beside the factory, both of which he had built. Each Christmas Day, all his relatives were invited for dinner, with turkeys cooked in the glass furnaces being a feature][854]

 

September quarter, Stepney district: Eliza Branscomb marries ? [855] [this should probably be December Q - see 25 December]

 

October: Henry Ryton, ex-tailor of Finsbury Circus, owner of brickfields and small-time developer, acquired this 100-acre estate [Highbury New Park], and employed Charles Hambridge as his overseer. `...the choice of dwellings available, and its good railway connection to the City, made it attractive to mid-Victorians of solid but unspectacular means.'[856]

 

22 October, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Samuel Henry Branscombe's boat the Isabella and Jane, is registered. She is of 62 tons, and carries a crew of four: captain, mate, able seaman and cabin boy. She made occasional voyages between Newcastle, Shields, Belfast and France, in 1851 and 1852. She sailed from London on 21 June 1853 and seems then to disappear from the records. Samuel received his Master Mariner's certificate in Newcastle on 25th January 1851.[857]

 

November, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Approximate month Charles, son of master mariner Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb, & Mary (Doubleday - m.1844 Monkwearmouth) is born. [cf:1851 census for Newcastle. Possible siblings: Mary (1845-1845), Mary (1846), Henry Samuel (1848), Isabella (1853)]

 

December: The shipsOriental, the first American to unload its cargo in London.

 

25 December, St. Thomas, Stepney: Eliza Branscomb, spinster of Stepney, of full age, daughter of Thomas, warehouseman, marries John Scarlett Gale, bachelor of Stepney, of full age, a [wood] `turner', son of William Gale, undertaker, by banns. Witnesses are Henry Gale & Frederick Hooper. John Scarlett signs his name, Eliza signs with a cross.[858] [bp.1828 Sion Chapel, Mile End, daughter of Thomas & Mary Elizabeth]

 

December quarter, Barnstaple district: Charles Branscombe's death is registered.[859]

 

Captain in the ships:Constance;, sails Plymouth to Adelaide in 77 days, half the usual time [?], using the great circle route. [May have been the first to do so, but cf: the 1849 voyage of the Harry Lorrequer; - 89 days]

 

End of the "Little Ice Age" (since 1450).

 

The britainMines Act imposes the first regulations on mining safety and inspection.  The estimated output of British britaincoal mines is 56 million tons. Very little is exported.

 

Greater London's londonpopulation is about 2½ million.

 

There is a rapid expansion of European europerailways, mainly used for transporting freight.

 

`By the mid-century, British agriculture was almost universally admired: for the excellence of its institutions - notably the landlord/tenant system, its technical accomplishments, its profitability, and as much as anything for its general air of well-being and stability.'[860]

 

The 412 ton barque shipsBranscombe is launched, at Sunderland, for the Bridgewater-based . It is surveyed at Sunderland for a voyage to Calcutta, under Captain .[861]

 

Oliver [862] says she was 481 tons, built by John Robinson. There is some confusion in the records about where the Robinson family, James, John & William, actually built which vessels. John certainly worked, at around this period, out of Hylton and Ayre's Quay. It was there that he launched the Heroine, 478 tons, in January of this year, the Aurore, 811 tons, in October,[863] and the Queen of The Isles, 240 tons, in December.[864] The Sunderland Herald, which lists many, if not most, launches, fails to mention the Branscombe for the entire year, and it's not mentioned in the index, either as a launch or a shipwreck, up to 1900.

 

By 1850, shipbuilding output on the Wear had reached 51,374 tons. During this year, there were 158 ships launched, at an average 325 tons.[865] Most of the shipbuilders in the area were only on a small scale. In fact in 1851, only eight firms employed more than a hundred men, and none more than two hundred and fifty.

 

 

DIRECTORIES - LONDON

William Branscombe, grocer & beer retailer, is established at 20 (Harmwood?) Street, Hampstead Road.

[The 1851 census for St. Pancras shows 20 Harmwood Street to be the residence of Joseph Gardiner, 41 year old grocer born in Bosley, Gloucestershire]

John Branscombe, of Green & Branscombe, haberdashers, has premises at Church Street, Hackney

[John Hinam Branscombe, see will of John Branscombe 1860, also marriage 1855 & 1892 London P.O. Directory].

 

John Branscombe, wood-turner, 4 Orchard Street, St. Luke's.

[Probably son of John, mercantile clerk. cf:1840 marriage to Emma Scales & 1841 census. Also cf: Branscombe & Riches, engravers on wood, 1892 P.O. Directory. Check this address in 1851 census?]

 

William Branscomb, solicitor [son of Sir James], is still at 1 Wine Office Court, Fleet Street [cf:1840].

William Henry Halsey, plumber & painter etc., is operating from 51 Jamaica Street, Commercial Road East.

The Court Directory lists W Branscomb, solicitor [above], &  John Branscombe esquire, 11 Noel Street, Islington. [cf:1851 census for this address]

Mrs.Branscombe, 14 Beaufoy Terrace.

Henry Salmon esquire, 284 Regent Street.

Henry T. Salmon esquire, 3 Low[er?], Notting Hill Terrace.

Edward Salmon esquire, 47 Charlotte Street, Portland Place.[866]

 

1850 DIRECTORIES - DEVON

 

In Exmouth, at 22 Bicton Street, John Branscombe, carpenter, is registered in White's Directory. [cf:1851 census]

Henry Branscombe, builder, Albion Street, Exmouth.

William Branscombe is a tenant farmer at Hounds Pool, Dawlish.

George William Branscombe is a lay vicar in Melbourne Place, Exeter.

Richard Rouse is a plumber at 43 Paris Street, Exeter.

John James White is a builder in Barthomew Street, Exeter.

Thomas Branscombe runs an "Academy" at Bridford, four miles east of Moreton Hampstead, nine miles south-west of Exeter.

William Branscombe is a farmer at Rugg House, Holcombe Burnell, four miles south-west of Exeter.

In Bampton, Richard Branscombe, lime-merchant, is listed [cf:1851 census].

William Brownscombe is a licenced victualler at the White Hart, Bratton Fleming.
[867]

William Brownscombe, brazier & plumber, Chulmleigh.

 

Whites Directory for Devon, 1850, shows William Branscombe, boot & shoemaker, in Bradns Row, Torquay.

In Lower Union Street, Torquay, Henry Branscombe is a clothes dealer.

Another clothes dealer in Torquay at this time was Bne Smith, of Madrepore Place.
[868] This may be a clue to help discover how Anne Smith Waymouth Branscombe (b.1822 Torquay) acquired her second name.

George; Voysey, boot & shoe-maker,  dawlishOld Town Street
, Dawlish.
           
voyseyWilliam
Voysey, baker, Starcross.

Thomas Anning, baker, Kenton

James Pearse & Son, joiners & builders, Piermont Place (Exeter?).

John Bastin, farmer, West Down, Littleham.

Robert Bastin, farmer, 19 Beacon Hill, Exmouth.

Hy. Bastin, licenced victualler, Globe Hotel, Strand & Marine Hotel, 19 Beacon Hill.

Henry Bastin & Benjamin Butter, wine & spirit merchants, Wellington House, Exmouth.

Mrs Eliz. Perriam, Chapel Street, Exmouth.

Mr John Perriam, Australia Cotg., Exmouth.

Henry Perriam, master mariner, 4 Bicton Street, Exmouth.

John Perriam, master mariner, 15 Bicton Street, Exmouth.

Hy. Southcott, colr. (collier?), 3 Stafford Place, Exmouth.

Hy. Southcott, tailor (constable), Fore Street, Exmouth.

Ts. Brownscombe, farmer, Atherington.

Chas. Brownscombe, maltster & victualler, Golden Lion, (High) Bickington.

J. Brownscombe, farmer, Huntshaw (nr. Torrington).

Philip Brownscombe, licenced victualler, Malt Scoop, Quay, Bideford.

P. Brownscombe, brewer & maltster, Cooper Street, Bideford.

 

`In 1850 the equipment of the farm was coming in ever increasing quantities from the factories of industrial Britain ... A country man living on one of the more progressive farms between 1770 and 1850 might have witnessed a complete transformation of farming during his lifetime ... The factory-made plough would have replaced one made locally; seed formerly broadcast would be sown in rows by drills and the plants hoed by horses; intricate machines would have replaced the sickle or scythe for harvesting and the flail for threshing.'[869]

 

The last inmate of Dawlish's Poor House is removed to the Union Home in Newton Abbot, and the poorhouses are sold.[870] [cf:1851 census for Newton Abbot Union Workhouse]

 

Kensington: James Halsey, first child of second great-grandfather John & Martha (Hiller - m.1850 Paddington), is born. Baptised and died this same year. [siblings: Mary Ann (1854-1860), Martha (1857-1857), Frederick (1858-1932), David (1862), Alice (1867)]

 

1850 U.S. CENSUS [871]

 

Kentucky

Robert Branscom                                 District 1, Muhlenberg County
Isaac Branscom                                    District 2, Wayne County
John Branscom                         District 2,
Wayne County

 

Tennessee

Joseph Branscomb                               7th sub-div., Claiborne Co.
Edmond Branscom                               9th division, Greene County
Nancy J Branscom                               9th division, Greene County
Cyntha Branscomb                               District 9, Greene County
George Branscomb                               District 9, Greene County
Margaret J Branscomb             District 9, Greene County
Martha E Branscomb                            District 9, Greene County
Nathan Branscomb                               District 9, Greene County
Susan A Branscomb                             District 9, Greene County

 

Pennsylvania: painter Jennie Augusta Brownscombe is born. [d.1936]

 

@1851

13 January, 1 St. John Street, Islington: The will of Ann Branscombe of Ringmore, spinster, is made. Ann dies on 30 July 1852 in Ringmore. Proved 26 August 1852, Exeter. [The census of this year, taken on 30 March, shows this address as the residence of Charles Lavender (37), a clerk in public office, born in St. Leonard's, Middlesex, his wife, three daughters and a son. Also resident, his unmarried sister-in-law, Susannah Saunders (22), born in St. Luke's, Middlesex]

 

Will of Ann Branscombe

late of Ringmore Devon Spinster Decd



Executor

Henry Branscombe of
Norwood Villa, Ashley Road in the
City of Bristol Currier -



Proved 26th August 1852 in

The Principle Registry of the Lord
Bishop of Exeter.


Effects sworn under £200



I Ann Branscombe at present residing at No 1 St John Street Islington Do make this my last Will as follows Whereas under and by virtue of the Last Will and Testament of Mrs Diana Hugo late of Newton Abbott in the County of Devon Widow deceased I am entitled to the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds payable at the expiration of twelve months after the decease of Miss Mary Mortimer of Ringmore in the said County Spinster Now I do hereby give and bequeath the said sum of one hundred and fifty pounds unto between and amongst my three sisters Charlotte Granville Elizabeth Collins and Catherine Frowde share and share alike, and in case of the decease of either of them before the same shall become payable then to the survivors or survivor of them equally if more than one I also give and bequeath unto my said three sisters equally all my household goods and effects and whatever other property I may be possessed of at my decease for their absolute use and benefit And I appoint and request my Brother Henry Branscombe of the City of Bristol to be the Executor of this my last Will. Dated this thirtieth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty one

Signed and declared by the said Ann Branscombe as her last Will in the presence of us both present at the same time who in her presence and at her request have subscribed our names as witnesses

Thos Amos  14 Lincolns Inn                            Ann Branscombe
                                    New Square

John Sowter  8 Hemingford Cottages
                                                Barnsbury Park


Proved 26th August 1852 in the Principal Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter by the Oath of Henry Branscombe the sole Executor - Testatrix died 30th July 1852 - Effects sworn under £200 -

                                                Ralph Barnes
                                                            Dep. Registrar


 

 

25 January, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Samuel Henry Branscombe, b.1817 Hastings, receives his Master Mariner's certificate #599993. He seems to have acquired the Isabella and Jane (62 tons), registered in Newcastle on 22 October 1850.[872]

 

4 February, Exmouth: Newspaper report of a case in Exeter District County Court. Blackmore v Branscombe. This was a case adjourned for his Honour's judgement. The defendent, a builder of Exmouth, did not appear. He was ordered to be committed for Contempt of Court.[873] [cf:11 March this year. Henry Branscombe, bp.1817, son of builder John & Elizabeth (Seward - m.1816), brother of builder Charles. A George Blackmore was appointed parish clerk of Littleham in 1831, `a post he held upward of 50 years with zeal and fidelity This office has been in his family for the last 100 years; his father and grandfather having held it before him.'[874]]

 

21 February, 74 Oxford Street, Manchester: Great-grandfather Edward John, son of Edward Branscombe, painter & glazier, & Mary Ann (Chenneour - m.1847 Coventry), is born.[875] Registered June quarter, Manchester district.[876] Christened 27 June, Manchester Cathedral. (IGI) Edward senior's older brother, William, is living at 10 Queen Street, Rugby, with his wife's parents. Edward John m.1873 Kensington, Ellen Bartlett. d.1931 Kensington, aged 79.

 

25 February, Exmouth: Newspaper notice. `Whereas a petition of Henry Perriam of No.4 Bicton Place, Exmouth, in the parish of Littleham, in the County of Devon, previously of Bicton Street, formerly of Adelaide Place, Exmouth, aforesaid, master mariner, an insolvent debtor, having been filed in this County Court of Devon, etc., and an interim order for protection from process having been granted to the said Henry Perriam, he is required to appear before the said court to be holden at the Castle, Exeter, on the 8th day of March next at 10 o'clock in the forenoon precisely for his first examination.'[877] [cf:11 March newspaper report]

 

March quarter, St. Thomas district: Abraham Branscombe's birth is registered.[878]

 

March quarter, Tiverton district: Richard John Branscombe's birth registered.[879] [born in Bampton, son of Richard & Sarah, m.1880 Bridgewater? Possibly registered in Hemel Hempstead in the 1871 census, a shopman aged 20, in the premises of Edward Morgan, draper & clothier born in Ashford, Kent? cf: census for Bampton below. In the 1881 census, Richard is living alone in Lambeth, a widower draper’s asistant]

 

11 March: Newspaper reports of cases in the Exeter District County Court.[880]

 

`Henry Branscombe, late of Exmouth, builder, a prisoner in St. Thomas' Ward, insolvent debtor. Debts were £2356 7s 7d and credit £237 7s 2d. Messrs. Blackmore & Snow opposed. Insolvent had built several houses on borrowed money and mortgaged them, transferred the mortgage and his concerns to a Building Society, to the expenses of which must be attributed his embarrassment. He stated that while he had money from an attorney, who had left Exmouth, at 5% he was going on well but when he was induced to join a building society, what with ... and enormous law expenses - at one time seven lawyers were ... involved. The creditors submitted that the arrest was a ... the debt for which he was sent to prison was not a `bona ... fraudulent preferences by the insolvent handing over a ... discharged.' [some words missing, due to bad photocopy. cf: 4 February for previous hearing. Henry is registered in the census of 30 March in Withycombe Raleigh]

 

`Henry Perriam, 4 Bicton Place, Exmouth. Debts £124. Assets nill. Insolvent was in possession of £80-90 a year and had not made any proposition to his creditors. He stated he was master of the Vansittart, belonging to Mr. Parker. His wages were £1 a week and he had 5% on the freight which had amounted to £40 in 48 weeks. He had recieved £6 from a club for his wife's funeral, but the expenses were £15 charged in the schedule, and the £6 was not accounted for. He had received £20 from Captain Parker two days after signing the schedule being the balance due to him, but he had to pay the crew out of it and had only £4 himself. He was asked to give a detailed statement of what he paid to three seamen and a boy, but as his book was on board, he could not. He remembered he had paid a boy 30s and £5 to Bond, £3 to one of the men - he believed Patten and £4 to the other man, he then paid Customs House charges so there was only £3-4 left for him. He was not aware that he was indebted until after his wife's death, he had four children, his wife had all his earnings nearly, the charge of 10s a week personal charges was on account of his being sick for some time and he was not now fit for sea. There was £20 in his schedule for clothing and medical attention, almost every harbout he came to it cost him £2 for medicine, but he could not tell the name ofthe doctors except Mr.Land of Exmouth who attended him three weeks ago. He had been obliged to go ashore at different Ports to lodge which he included in his personal expenses - he had been in a very ill state of health having broken a blood vessel there was a medicine chest on board but it had run out. He had not paid any creditor since last August he had not contracted any debts since that time. A debt of £30 to Mr. Land, surgeon of Exmouth, he did not know anything about until after his wife's death. He had given his brother a clock worth £4 because he owed it him for more money. He sold his goods for the purpose of paying the rent as far as it would go. Adjourned to the 12th of April to have Captain Parker's evidence on his earnings.' [cf:25 February for previous hearing]

 

23 March, Oatlands, Tasmania: Thomas Anstey dies, aged 73.[881] Born 31 December 1777 at Highercombe near Dulverton, Somerset, to John Anstey and Elizabeth, (née Branscombe). Thomas emigrated to Van Diemen's Land in 1823, and was given 2560 acres on a tributary of the Jordan River near Oatlands, which he called Anstey Park. The fine home he built was called Anstey Barton.[882] [Refs. also to Jorgen Jorgenson, Sorell, Lake Dulverton? The East window of All Saints church, Dulverton, is a memorial to George Hall Peppin, a member of a long established family in Dulverton. He died in Australia, where he is credited with having introduced the Merino sheep, though this claim is disputed]

 

26 March, South Molton: Ann Branscombe, wife of John Branscombe, woolcomber, dies at the age of 36, of `exhaustion from flooding', a condition she has suffered for two months. Mary Kingdon of South Molton was present at the death. She registered the death with her mark on 27 March.[883]

 

29 March, 43 Albion Street, Withycombe Raleigh: James Hook, son of mariner James Hook Anthony and Jane (Branscombe - m.1848 Plymouth), is born. Registered in the St. Thomas district by Jane, who signed with a mark.[884]

 

30 March, Wayne County, Kentucky: Hiram Branscomb marries Mary Black.[885]

 

1851 CENSUS

30 March: The national census puts the population of Devon at 567,098 and of Branscombe at 1017.

 

Dawlish

Hounds Pool Farm:[886]

William Branscombe     head     mar      47        Farmer, 40 acres                      Dawlish
Sophia      "                   wife      mar      46                                                           "
Sarah       "                   dtr        unm      15                                                           "
Ellen Burney                 vis        unm      16
Joseph Hillinan  svt        unm      32        Agricultural labourer     South Bovey
Richard Back               svt        unm      18             "                  "           Dawlish
George Skinner            svt        unm      13             "                  "              "

[Richard Back, unmarried labourer aged 38, born in Dawlish, is an inmate of the new Newton Abbot Union Workhouse]

 

Dawlish Water:[887]

Joseph Branscombe      head     wdw     65        proprietor of houses                  Dawlish

[Joseph's wife, Hannah, d.1831, aged (42?)]

 

Eastdon:[888]

Michael Eales               head                             clerk of the peace                                 Ashburton
Elizabeth Hodge                       orphan  unm      47        cook                                        Starcross

[Elizabeth was born about 1804, the year Joanna Branscombe, widow of Robert, marries John Hodge, widower, in Dawlish. There was another Hodge marriage in Dawlish, in 1797, when Joanna Pike married one]

 

Morchard Bishop

West side of Green:[889]

Sophia Davy     head     wdw     38        hand-loom weaver (serge)        Morchard Bishop
Richard            son                   4                                                                 "
William                  "                      1                                                                 "
John Branscombe "                   10        scholar                                             "
Fanny   "           mother  wdw     77        pauper, hand-loom weaver (serge) "

[Sophia Branscombe m.1844 John Davy, son of tailor Richard Davy of Morchard Bishop. John Branscombe, her bastard son, bp.1841 Morchard Bishop, no father registered. Sophia was baptised 1813 in Morchard, daughter of Joseph & Frances (Horwell - m.1812). Fanny must therefore be Frances. She poss d.1863 Crediton district?]

 

EXETER - ST. MARY MAJOR

178 Preston Street;:

Ann (Starling - m.1817, Dartmouth) Branscombe, widow aged 58 (b.Plymouth, 29 September 1793), is shown as head of household. Her son Robert John is unmarried, a jobbing labourer aged 18 (b.Torquay, 17 December 1832). A grandson Henry, aged 2, is also registered. This must be William Henry, the son of Thomas Fox Branscombe I & Mary (Hill), born in Sun Street, Exeter, 27 Aug 1848. He is missing from their household in Plymouth (see below). Thomas Fox I & Mary wrongly say they are man and wife on the census form. They don't in fact get married until 1855, in Ladbroke Grove. [Robert John's future wife, Charlotte, may be the spinster listed in Coombe Street, below]

Coombe Street:[890]

Charlotte Cave             head     unm      30        tailoress                        Exeter

[possibly the future wife of Robert John Branscombe, above, m.1853 Exeter. However, in this census, Charlotte's age is given as 30, whereas the Charlotte on the marriage certificate is 27. Charlotte is the only resident of this dwelling in Coombe Street, where Robert says he is living, in 1853]

 

EXETER - ST.LEONARD'S

Larkbeare House, Topsham Road:

Caroline Williams                      head     ?          39                    proprietor of school      Exeter
Louise      "                   sister    ?          34                                "                         "
John (W?)   "                father    mar      71                    ship-owner                   (Portsea?), Hants
Jane         "                   mother  mar      73                                                        Exeter
           
[Eliza [Austwick] Branscombe, aged 17, is a pupil. She was born in Exeter. [1834 to William Branscombe, accomptant/common carrier/gentleman of St. Sidwell, & Eliza (Dacie - m.1817, Exeter) Eliza junior marries ? in Kingsbridge in 1858]

 

EXETER - ST.DAVID'S

1 Eldon Place:

George William Branscombe (d.1861?), aged 35, lay vicar born in Middlesex, is head of the household. He is the son of William Tucker Branscombe and Elizabeth (Lake - m.1809 St. George, Exeter), and was baptised on 24 September 1815, at St. Botolph's-without-Aldgate. The 1850 Devon Directory lists him as a "lay vicar" with premises in Melbourne Place, Exeter. The Exeter Journal & Almanack of this year lists him as the proprietor of a "lodging house" at this address. The 1856 Kelly's Directory advertises him as a "Professor of Music", with rooms in Gandy Street. The 1860 & 1861 Trewman's Pocket Journals list him as a lay vicar living at New Buildings (Gandy Street). His wife, Amelia J. (?) is aged 33, and was born in Devonport. They have a daughter, Effie J[ulia - m.1871, St. Pancras?], aged 5, born in Exeter (1846), and a general servant, Martha Mogridge, unmarried, aged 21, born in Belstone, Devon.

 

6 North Street:

John Branscombe, tanner, is a visitor at the premises of Joseph & Ann (Chiland/Irland?). Joseph is an inn-keeper, and as there are various staff, including a brewer, cook and ostler living in, it may be that 6 North Street is an inn. Whether that means John is actually a paying guest not a visitor, is unclear. John is unmarried, aged 30 and was born in Plymouth.

[cf:1816,1828, William Branscombe, tanner of Plymouth & 1825 Samuel Branscombe, tanner of Newton Abbot]

 

Devon County Prison:[891]

Sarah Hannaford                      prisoner            unm      19                    servant             Kingswear,
Devon

 

EXETER - ST.OLAVE'S

[64?] Mary Arches Street:[892]

William Chenneour                   head     mar      59        servant             Cornwall
Mary        "                   wife      "          58                                Tavistock, Devon
Elizabeth   "                   daug     unm      28        servant             Exeter
Charles     "                   son       "          22        labourer                          "
John         "                   "          "          19            "                     "
Richard                "                   "          "          17            "                     "
Edwin       "                   "          "          10        scholar               "
Charlotte   "                  daug                 14           "                      "
James       "                   son                   5            "                      "
Henry Branscombe                   g/son                4            "                      "

 

EXETER - ST.MARY STEPS

Ewings Street:[893]

Robert Hannaford                     head     mar      53        general labourer                        Widdecombe, Devon
Susan      "                    wife      "          50                                            Chagford, Devon
George    "                    son                   19        general labourer                        Moreton, Devon
Nathaniel  "                   "                      15        blacksmith                           "

 

EXETER - ST.SIDWELL'S

Devon & Exeter Hospital:

Arthur Hannaford                     patient  mar      60        farm labourer                (Sear?) Bovey
Richard Robert Hannaford           "        unm      15        farm servant                  Princes Inn, Dartmoor
Jane (Lydia?) Hannaford              "        "          20        servant                         Widdecombe-in-the-Moor
Elizabeth Hayman                        "        "          17           "                                Exmouth

[Jane Hannaford - cf:Robert Hannaford, Ewings Street, also from Widdecombe]

 

PLYMOUTH - East Stonehouse

46 George Street:[894]

Thomas (Fox) Branscombe I & Mary (Hill). He is a plasterer aged 27, born in Exeter, son of third great- grandparents Edward & Ann (Starling - m.1817, Dartmouth). Exeter is also the birthplace of his wife, aged 26. They marry officially in Ladbroke Grove in 1855, when they are living at 22 Lonsdale Terrace, Kensington. Their son William Henry (b.1848 Sun Street, Exeter) is not listed with them, but their daughter Ann (Starling), aged 2 (b.1849 Landport, Southsea, Hants.), is. However, this census claims she was born in Exeter. William Henry may be the "grandson" Henry staying with Thomas's mother, Ann, in Preston Street, Exeter. William Henry & Ann Starling are not necessarily twins. It's possible Ann could have been 21 months old on 30 March, and thus counted as two.

 

PLYMOUTH - St. Andrew

8 Courtenay Street:[895]

Thomas Branscombe, an unmarried general carrier's clerk aged 20, born in Ashton [nr. Doddiscombsleigh, Exeter], is one of four lodgers at the home of Peter & Elizabeth Jones and family. Peter is a coach-driver. [probably Thomas the accountant’s clerk, listed with his family in the 1881 census for Islington]

 

7 Prospect Place:[896]

John Branscombe         head     mar      44        pilot                  Beer Alston, Devon
Sarah   "                       wife      "          40                                Calstock, Cornwall
John     "                       son       unm      19        labourer                                    "
Louisa  "                       dtr        "          17                                            "
Richard            "           son       "          13                                            "
Bessey Langman           vis                    2                                             "

[John possibly son of Richard Branscumbe & Elizabeth (Culwill, widow - m.1794 Bere Ferrers)? cf:1881 census for Plymouth St. Andrew. John Oliver b. circa 1832 Calstock, m.1856 East Stonehouse, Sarah Northsworthy of Kingsbridge. Becomes a pawnbroker & d.1908 Plymouth]

 

Bere Ferrers - Bere Alston

Fore Street:[897]

Elizabeth Branscombe, a blind pauper widow aged 83, formerly a house-servant, is a visitor at the house of Thomas & Elizabeth Keen. Thomas is an agricultural labourer aged 48. Another visitor is Ann Gregory, a house-servant aged (16?). They were all born in Bere Ferrers. [nr.Plymouth]

[this may be Elizabeth Culwill, who married Richard Branscumbe in Bere Ferrers, 13 May 1794. She was a widow]

 

KINGSTON - SURREY

Heather Street:

Mary Branscomb, a spinster seamstress, is  head of the household, aged 63. She was born in Kingston.

[b. circa 1788. cf:1856, Walter Harry Branscombe death registered, Kingston district]

 

LITTLEHAM - EXMOUTH

Bicton Street:

John Branscombe, carpenter, aged 56, born in Withycombe Raleigh [b.1794 s. William & Sarah]. His wife Elizabeth [Seward -  m.1816?] also hails from there, she's 63. They have a visitor on census day, Isabella Coram, a widowed nurse aged 62, born in Exmouth. [cf:1841 census, Bicton Street. Also cf:1856 Kelly's Directory, which shows John Branscombe, carpenter, at Bicton Street. The Billing's Directory of 1857 shows Francis Branscombe, carpenter, at 22 Bicton Street. By his death in 1872, John has acquired a second wife, Mary Ann. cf: below for son Charles & census for Withycombe Raleigh for son Henry - both builders]

 

John & Elizabeth's son, Charles Branscombe, mason, and his wife Harriet are also living in Bicton Street. Charles is 32, born [5 August 1819] in Withycombe [Raleigh]. Harriet is 28, born [1813] in Exmouth.

[Charles m. second wife Jane (Baker?) 1870? He died 1872 Exmouth, four months before his father. Charles was then described as a builder. cf: census for Withycombe Raleigh for brother Henry]

 

Giles Court:

68 year-old fisherman William [Payne?] Branscombe [b.1783, the son of William & Jane (Pain)? cf: Robert Bradford Branscombe, below] from Topsham, is living with his wife Jane, of the same age, born in Exmouth. The only other person present is a niece, Lydia Holman, a `scholar' aged 4 born in Exmouth. There is a Holman family registered next but one, in `Shard/Shand?': John, aged 33, is a mariner from Lyme in Dorset; Jane, his wife, is aged 33 also, and born in Exmouth. They have a scholar son John, aged 8, born in Exmouth and a daughter Eliza Jane aged 1, also born in Exmouth. [cf:1841 census & 1817 newspaper apology]

 

Back Street:

Robert [Bradford? bp.1797 Topsham, son of William & Jane (Pain)?] Branscombe, aged 59, is a mariner from Topsham, and perhaps brother of William, above. Although he is shown as married, and not a widower, his wife [Amelia Clare m.1821 Topsham] is not present at the census (possibly helping with the birth of her daughter Jane's first child, in Withycombe Raleigh?). His son Robert is unmarried, aged 22, also a mariner born in Topsham [cf:1845]. His daughter Harriet [Garlick], aged 16, is unmarried and a lace-maker. Thursa [Thirza - m. St. Thomas 1865] is a daughter aged 13, also a lace-maker. Another family also lives in the same household. Joseph (Perriam?) is a son-in-law to Robert, aged 35, married and a mariner also. He was born in Exmouth. His wife Susan is down as a daughter-in-law, married [presumably to Joseph] and aged 30. She was born in Topsham, and is probably another of Robert's daughters, Susanna Mary [bp.1821 - m.1847?]. George (Perriam?), a grandson [of Robert] and therefore the son of Joseph & Susan, is aged 7 and is a `scholar'. He was born in Exmouth, as were are his brother and sisters; Susan aged 5, Georgianna aged 3, and James aged 1. Not present, apart from Robert's wife, are six of his ten children: Mary Jane Harriett bp.1822 Topsham (m.1848 Plymouth, James Hook Anthony) has given birth to her first child, James Hook, just one day before the census, at 43 Albion Street, Withycombe Raleigh; William Clare bp.1825 Topsham, now aged at least 26; George Eastman bp.1827 Topsham, now aged at least 24 [possibly a mariner living in London cf:1838,1848]; (Elizabeth/Amelia?) bp.1832 Topsham, now aged at least 19; Susan and Sophia, bp.1837 Topsham, now aged at least 14.

 

WITHYCOMBE RALEIGH

42 Albion Street:[898]

Henry Branscombe/head/mar/34/builder/Withycombe
Mary Ann   "/wife/mar/35/Littleham
William   "/son/14/joiner/               "
George    "/ "/13/at home/               "
Elizabeth  "/daug/ 7/scholar/Bath, Somerset
Harry      "/son/ 4/Withycombe
Clement   "/ "/ 1/                "

[Henry Branscombe was born in 1817, the son of Littleham builder John Branscombe, & Elizabeth (Seward - m.1816 Exeter?). Henry's wife is Mary Ann (Horn - m.1836 Exeter?). Several houses in Albion Street are shown to be under construction. In 1848, a piece of land in Brunswick Street, Withycombe was transferred to Henry, who was described as a builder from Exmouth. He was currently building a house on the site. The birth of a William Branscombe, who could have been Henry's oldest son, was registered in St. Thomas district in the December quarter of 1837. A Richard George was registered in St. Thomas, June quarter 1838. He may have died in St. Thomas in 1874. Daughter Elizabeth Ann's birth in Bath was registered in the December quarter of 1843. John was listed as a carpenter living at 6 Beaufort Square, Bath, in 1846. Son Harry's birth was registered in the June quarter of 1848, in St. Thomas district, that of Clement (Courtney) in the same district, March quarter 1850. Clement became a baker in Exmouth by 1893. He died in Exmouth in 1929, aged 79. See Bicton Street, Littleham, census above for Henry's parents, and his brother Charles. Henry has only just been discharged from prison as an insolvent debtor. See newspaper report of 11 March, above. By the end of 1852 he is reported to have gone to Australia, where he died, in Victoria, in 1876. At 43 Albion Street, on the day before the census, James Hook is born, to mariner James Hook Anthony and Jane (Branscombe - m.1848 Plymouth). Jane was baptised Mary Jane Harriet in 1822, in Topsham, the daughter of mariner Robert Bradford Branscombe and Amelia (Clare - m.1821 Topsham)]

 

Charles Street:[899]

John Bastin                   head     mar      33        journeyman mason                    Littleham
Sarah   "                       wife      mar      33                                                        Aylesbeare
Mary Jane "                  daug                 4                     scholar                         Withycombe
Elizabeth Branscombe aunt       wdw     53                    charwoman                   Payhembury

[John Branscombe Bastin, b.1818 Littleham, possibly the son of Mary Anne Branscombe and John Bastin/Basten, m.1817 in Withycombe Raleigh. Possibly a Freemason - see 9 Jan 1857 for a newspaper cutting. John Branscombe Bastin is registered as a freeholder of property in the Withycombe Raleigh poll-book of 1874. He is also resident at 34 George Street]

 

HIGHWEEK

Highweek Street:[900]

Samuel Branscombe                 head     wdw     59                    tanner, master employing 10 men          Highweek
Emily       "                    daug     unm      19                                                                       "
Louisa     "                    "          "          16                                                                       "
Mary       "                    "          "          14                    scholar                                        "
Anna       "                    "                      12                                                                       "
Lucy        "                    "                      9                                                                        "
John        "                    son                   7                                                                        "

[Samuel Branscombe was born in Highweek, 1791, son of John & Mary (Mountstephen). There are 3 other daughters, Elizabeth 21, Charlotte 17 & Amelia 6, not listed, running a bakery at 1 Wolborough Road, Wolborough. Also in the bakery at the time of the census, Richard Anning, baker journeyman of Kenton, unmarried. According to Jean Stevenson, he later married and ran a bakery in Heavitree
[901] cf:13 May 1829, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe marries Mary Eales - 18 June 1857, Highweek: Lucy Branscombe, aged 15, buried - 5 January 1874, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe, Gentleman, father of Charlotte, Louisa & Anna, dies. His will is proved on 25 February 1874. Probate is granted to his three daughters, all spinsters of Highweek. Under £12000 - 10 January 1874, Highweek: Samuel Branscombe, aged 82, buried - 22 February 1883, Highweek: Charlotte Branscombe, aged 49, buried]

 

Bampton

Churchyard:[902]

Richard Branscombe                head     mar      48        landed proprietor          Bampton
Sarah       "                               wife      "          37          "         "                       Tiverton
Richard                "                   son                   3m                                           Bampton
Mary Snow                              svt        unm      14        general servant                 "

[Richard is variously described as a maltster and lime-merchant. His son Richard's birth is registered in the March quarter, Tiverton district. He is possibly registered in Hemel Hempstead in the 1871 census, an unmarried shopman aged 20, in the premises of Edward Morgan, draper & clothier born in Ashford, Kent? This is more likely when remembering he has an uncle, Francis, and a cousin, John Hinam, in the drapery trade. He may have married in the Bridgewater district, 1880?]

 

LONDON

17 Waterloo Place (just off Pall Mall):

Charlotte Halsey, a widow aged 67, is a house servant. She was born in Cambridge.
[903]

 

88 Pall Mall:

John Branscombe of Bampton, a tea dealer aged 60 is at home with his wife Ann. She is aged 70 and also born in Bampton. There are three male shop assistants on the premises, two male porters and a cook. The housemaid was also born in Bampton. She is aged 25 and unmarried. Her christian name is Mary. Her surname is unclear: (Intsen?)
[904] [John, son of William & Sarah, d.1860]

 

Argyll House, 7 Argyll Street, Golden Square sub-district:

The home of George G -?, the Earl of Aberdeen, Mary Branscombe, aged 28, is a housemaid. She is unmarried, and was born in Steyning, Sussex.
[905]

[poss George Hamilton Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen (1784-1860). Also known as George Gordon and George Hamilton-Gordon. British diplomat, politician, scholar, and farmer. George Gordon was the grandson of the 3rd Earl of Aberdeen. His mother died in 1791 and his father in 1795, leaving him in the care of two guardians: William Pitt the Younger (the Prime Minister) and the future Lord Melville. He was sent to Harrow private school when he was 10, and succeeded to the earldom when his grandfather died in 1801. For a few years he did the Grand Tour of the Continent, becoming especially fond of Greece: he was later president of the Society of Antiquaries from 1812 to 1846. From 1813 to 1855 he was more or less continuously in politics, in Parliament, and first as a diplomat (for which he was made Viscount Gordon of Aberdeen), then chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1828, and foreign secretary from 1828 to 1830 and 1841 to 1846. As foreign secretary he was responsible for settling the boundary disputes between the USA and Canada. He was secretary of war and the colonies from 1834 to 1835. He was prime minister from 1852 to 1855, and was awarded the Order of the Garter in 1855, but his government resigned over the mishandling of the Crimean War. He also spent many years as a successful agriculturist and was a popular landowner of his Scottish estates. He added the name Hamilton in 1818, after marrying his second wife.] [906]

 

 

London - Paddington

14 Hyde Park Street:

There is a male servant called Branscombe, although the christian name is unclear. It could be Walter/Martin/Matthew. He is married, and aged 49, from Bampton. A visitor, Margaret (Wali-?), was also born in Devon (Bampfield/Branfield?). She is aged 54. The head of household is Isabelle ? Goldie, a `Major's widow Queen's service', aged 58.
[907]

 

London - St. Pancras

31 Mecklenburg Square:[908]

Richard Beard              head     mar      49        photographic artist        Stonehouse, Devon
Elizabeth "                     wife      "          52                                            Newton Bushel "
Mary Elizabeth Beard   dtr        unm      23                                            Newton Abbot  "
Anna             "              "           "          21                                                  "
John              "              son       "          19        tea broker's assistant           "
Caroline         " dtr        "          16                                            London, Middlesex
Henry            "              son       "          13        scholar                                     "
Maria Louisa     "          dtr                    11        scholar at home                                    "
John Branscombe         b/law    wdw     61        retired draper               Newton Bushel, Dev
Sarah   "                       neice    unm      24                                            Newton Abbot     "
Jane West                    serv      "          40                                            Reigate, Surrey
Sarah Ann West             "         "          20                                            Westminster "

[In 1841, this house is occupied by solicitor Henry Vansandon, his wife Emma, & family. Missing from this census is Richard junior, b.1826. He opened a Daguerreotype studio in Liverpool in April 1849.
[909] During this decade, Richard junior switches to the manufacture of india-rubber. By 1860, he is living in America. Pritchard says [910] Beard was bankrupt by this time, filing in 1849 and granted in 1850, although he evidently continued to operate and set up new photographic businesses until the mid-1850s, when his involvement with photography began to contract. Eventually, he left the business altogether and set up as a "medical galvanist". He retired to Hampstead, where he died on 7 June 1885. John Branscombe bp.1789 Highweek, first child of John & Mary (Mountstephen - m.1787 Wolborough). May have married Sarah Alsop in Wolborough, 1824. Elizabeth Beard is his sister, (bp.1797 Highweek). Sarah Branscombe could be John's daughter?]

 

London - Camberwell

1 Trafalgar Place:

Nathan Salmon aged 46, a master baker born in Peckham, is at home with his wife Susannah aged 42, of (Charlton?) Kent, and their six children, George aged 9, Ann aged 8, Nathan aged 6, Emily aged 5, Samuel aged 2 and Elizabeth also aged 2.

Joseph Salmon, a carrier, is at 6 Hill Street, Camberwell.

N.B. There are no Branscombes in Camberwell at this time.

 

London - Bethnal Green

26 Cambridge Road:[911]

Henry Branscombe, a hatter, born in Stepney, aged 25, is head of the household. His wife Jane is 29, born in St. Mary, Whitechapel. They have a daughter Jane, aged 4, and a son Henry, aged 2, both born in St. Mary, Whitechapel. There is a visitor, Margaret (Galliger?), a widowed milliner aged 28, born in Bethnal Green.

[Henry bp.1825, St. Mary Whitechapel, son of warehouseman Thomas Branscombe & Mary Elizabeth. m.1849 Stepney, Jane, daughter of horner John Waterlow. Has been a hatter since at least 1849. Henry d. before 1871 (1864?). cf:1871 census]

 

?where?

Emma Nye, born in Brighton, Sussex, is aged 55. George Nye, aged 24, was born in Clerkenwell. Harriet, aged 21, was born in Shadwell, while Harriet aged 4 was born in  Bethnal Green, where James, aged 1, was also born.

 

London - Hackney

Church Street:[912]

Samuel Green/  Head    mar      28        Silk mercer & draper    Shefford, Bedfordshire
John H Branscombe/ -  -          27                    "                       Oakford, Devon
Elizabeth Green/Wife    mar      27                                            Marylebone, Middlesex
George Summerfield/Asst/unm/31         Draper's assistant          Hackney, Middlesex
John Lawton/Asst         unm      22                    "                       Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Richard Thomas/Asst    unm      13                    "                       Bridgewater, Somerset
Jane Hill/          Asst     unm      23                    "                       Fratton, Hampshire
John Goring/     Serv     unm      22        General servant Portsmouth, Hampshire
Mary (Perin?)   Serv     unm      34                    "                       Woodford, Essex

[John Hinam Branscombe, b.1823, son of William & Grace - cf:1841 census Dulverton]

 

London - Belgrave (Westminster)

?where?:

John Hannaford, a 35 year-old unmarried carpenter from Kingsbridge, Devon.

King's Arms P.H., Ranalagh Road:

James Halsey, a carpenter and joiner aged 49, born in Great Berkhampstead, Herts., and his wife Jane, aged 38, also from Great Berkhampstead.

St. George's Hospital, Hanover Square:

Henry Hambridge, aged 21, a labourer born in Burford, Oxon., is a patient.

London - Islington

11 Noel Street:[913]

John     Branscombe     head     mar      43        manager of a Gutta Percha manufactory            Kingsbridge, Devon
Anne         "                    wife      "          47                                                        Gibraltar
Ellen         "                    dtr                    14        scholar                                     Kingsbridge
Charlotte   "                  dtr                    10           "                                            Bristol
Henry       "                    son                   7            "                                               "
Emily Hancock vis                    14           "                                            St. George, Mddx.
Alice    "                       "                      3            "                                            Brompton,          "

[Gutta Percha is an early name for rubber. It had been known in London since the mid eighteenth century as a child's toy material and a means of erasing pencil marks from paper. By 1821, coats coated with rubber were on sale in America. In 1823 Charles Macintosh invented an improved method of waterproofing cloth, which laid the foundations of a vast industry. Charles Goodyear patented the vulcanisation process in America in 1844, but T. Hancock had made the same discovery in England, taking out his patent in 1843. Until the 1880s almost the only source of raw rubber was the latex gathered by natives from wild trees in the Brazilian forests]

 

NEWTON ABBOT

Union Workhouse, Wolborough:

Mary Branscombe                    pauper              8                                             Tormoham
Ellen     "                         "                     6                                                "
Richard Back                 "         unm      38                    labourer                        Dawlish
Samuel Cook                 "         "          64                    carpenter                         "
John Martin                    "         "          59                    labourer                        Kenton
Jane Payne                     "         "          22                        "                   Dawlish
John   "               "         "          12                                               "
George Staddon                         "         "          32                                               "
Harriet Taylor                 "         "          12                                               "
Louisa    "                       "         "          11                                               "

[Ellen = Eleanor? poss married 1864 St. Luke?, or 1872 Islington? Richard Back: cf labourer aged 18 registered at the Hounds Pool, Dawlish, farm of William & Sophia Branscombe]

 

KINGSBRIDGE

Fore Street, Kingsbridge:

William Branscombe aged 38, a carpenter, is head of the household. As with all his family except his wife Grace, he was born in Kingsbridge. Grace (Neyle?), aged 36, was born in Chillington, nr. Kingsbridge. Their daughter (Elizabeth) Eunice is 16 and unmarried. Son Frederick, though only 14, is said to be a carpenter. Another son, aged 12, has the unusual name of Fracham. Their youngest daughter, aged 10, also has an unusual name, Dorchas.

[In the 1841 census, Grace and the children are registered without William, in Dodsbrook. Grace poss d.1866, Kingsbridge district? Dorcas Garland - poss m.1883 Camberwell?]

 

MEPPERSHALL - BEDFORDSHIRE

Meppershall & Upper Stondon:

Elizabeth Brandsom aged 59, born in Meppershall may be the Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of Samuel & Sarah, baptised there in 1790. However, the index shows a Thomas Brandsom aged 56, born in Meppershall, and an Elizabeth, possibly their daughter, also born in the village, aged 19.
[914]

 

CLIFTON - BRISTOL

N.B: There are no Branscombes in Clifton at this time.

 

OTTERY ST.MARY

Broad Street:[915]

Henry Davy                              head     mar      42        attorney-at-law         Ottery St. Mary
(Hanna?) Branscombe Davy                 wife      mar      37                                        St. Thomas
(Hanna?) Elizabeth   "                daug                 13        scholar at home                    Ottery St. Mary
(Eleanor?)           "                    "                      12                "                              "
James Tresilian    "                    son               (4/11?)     scholar                            "
Harriet                 "                    daug                 7         scholar at home                           "
Caroline              "                    "                      3                                                "
Edith                   "                    "                      ?                                                "
Honour Branscombe            (wife's cousin/aunt?)           wdw     81        annuitant                              

 

St. Saviour, Dartmouth
Mary Berry                  (wife's mother)  wdw     69            "                           St. Petrox,Dartmouth
Elizabeth (Batten?)                    serv      unm      31        nurse or child's maid       Ottery St. Mary
Mary Ann Giles                                    "          "          18        servant of all work                         "
Elizabeth Pile                            "          "          17        housemaid & cook               Clyst Hydon, Devon
Mary Elizabeth (Letterman?)          (governess)  "          22        governess                           (Castislos?), Cornwall


[(Hanna?) Branscombe Davy is Honour's neice. A Mary Berry is, like Honour Branscombe (Leigh), a beneficiary of Captain Philip Leigh's will, in 1818. Whereas Honour, a daughter, gets £34.19s, Mary gets only £3.10s, the same as Honour's husband, William. In this census, they are both "annuitants". When Honour dies in 1862, Henry is her executor]

 

Sandhill Street:[916]

Richard Bending                       head     mar      52        tailor, master employing 2 men  Ottery St. Mary
Betsy       "                    wife      mar      61                                                               "
Richard               "                    son       unm      17        tailor's apprentice                                         "
Johanna Branscombe     (mother/law)    wdw     98        pauper, shopkeeper                              Whimple

[Perhaps Johanna kept the family shop? She is probably Joanna Radford who married William Branscombe in Topsham in 1784. If this is so, Betsy is probably Elizabeth Branscombe, daughter of William & Joanna, baptised in Ottery St. Mary in 1789? Betsy married Richard in Ottery, 1821. They were both `of this parish']

Josias Hayman              head     mar      42        agricultural labourer                  Farway, Devon
Sarah   "                      wife      mar      30                                                        Ottery St. Mary
Mary    "                      daug     unm      16        silkweaver                                       "
Eli        "                      son       unm      12        agricultural labourer                         "
Sarah   "                      daug                 2                                                                "
James Mackintire                      lodger   unm      70        matchmaker                             
Liverpool

 

Bishopsteignton

(Westtown?) Farm, in the village:

Richard Holman                        head     mar      51?      farmer                          Dawlish
Elizabeth  "                    wife      mar      55                                            Stockleigh English
Henry       "                    son       unm      20        farmer's son                  Bishopsteignton
Catherine Branscombe  lodger   unm      56        fundholder, annuitant     Dawlish
Ann (Stowe?)               visitor   unm      25        servant                         Templeton, Devon
Mary Martin                 servant             13                                            Bishopsteignton

 

Shaldon - Newton Abbot

Ringmore:[917]

Ann Branscombe                      head     unm      58        annuitant                                   Kingsbridge
Elizabeth Collins                       sister    wdw     57                                                "

[bp.1792 Kingsbridge, second child of William & Charlotte (Mortimer). Ann made her will at 1 St. John Street, Islington in January of this year. She died at Ringmore in July of 1852. Elizabeth was born in 1791. She married Plymouth scrivener Francis Collins in Kingsbridge, 1826. They may have been the parents of writer Mortimer Collins (b.1827 Plymouth)? This property in Shaldon may be the result of the will of Joseph Mortimer, mariner of Ringmore, their grandfather?]

 

Bath

11 & 12 Milsom Street:

Eliza Branscombe                     assist    unm      24        linen draper's assistant   Muchant Bishop, Devon
(Fryer?) Quick [male]   apprent unm      20        linen draper's apprentice           Exeter
Mary Tucker                assist    unm      45        draper's assistant                      Tiverton

[probably Morchard Bishop. Eliza(beth?) was one of 26 assistants, servants & apprentices in what appears to be a large drapery store]

 

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE

St. Lawrence Row:[918]

James Henry Branscomb          head     mar      33        master mariner              Hastings
Mary           "                wife      mar      31        master mariner's wife    Durham
Mary           "                daughter           unm      4                                             (South Shields?)
Henry Sml      "              son       unm      2                                             Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Charles        "                "                      5m                                                       "
Mary (Maugham?)                    servant unm      15        general servant              (Benwell?) Northumb'd

[Samuel (James) Henry b.1817. He dies 1870 in Ballarat, Victoria. James & Mary (Doubleday) are married 1844 in Monkwearmouth. He marries again in Ararat, Victoria, in 1866. The marriage certificate states he's been living in Australia for 18 years. Mary (Doubleday) is still alive in 1871, when she is listed in the census for Newcastle as a widowed needlewoman living with her unmarried daughter Isabella (b.1853). For Charles see 1881 census for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which lists him as a domestic servant coach(man?), born in Hastings c1852]

 

BISHOPSWEARMOUTH, SUNDERLAND

12 Norfolk Road:[919]

Mary J. Doubleday                   head     unm      23        teacher                         Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Susan   "                      sister    unm      22                                                        "
(Antonia?) "                    "         unm      20                                                        "

[also 2 boarders and a servant in the household. Poss relatives of Mary Doubleday, m.1844 Monkwearmouth, Samuel Branscombe of Hastings?]

 

MANCHESTER

74 Oxford Street:[920]

[incomplete as film too poor to read]

?                                  head                 65        cabinet maker               ?
(male)                                                   18
(female)                                                27
________________________________________________________
?                                              mar      25        house painter                Exeter
                                                                        (employing 8 men?)
Mary Ann  "                  wife                  29                                              "
Edward                                    son                   1m                                           Manchester

[Great-grandfather Edward John;, son of Edward
Branscombe, painter & glazier, & Mary Ann (Chenneour - m.1847 Coventry), born 21 February. Edward & Mary Ann's first child, Henry, is registered with her parents at Mary Arches Street, Exeter. Edward senior's older brother, William, is living at 10 Queen Street, Rugby, with his wife's parents]

 

RUGBY

10 Queen Street:[921]

John       Mitchell          head     mar      44        labourer                                    Stratton, Warwickshire
Elizabeth    "                   wife      "          43                                            (Beartor?)     "
E               "                  dtr                    8                                             Rugby       "
William Branscombe     ldgr      mar      27        stone mason                 Exeter
Ann          "                   "          "       (27?)                                           Rugby
Ann          "                   dtr                    3                                               "
William     "                   son                   9m                                             "

 

TORMOHAM - TORQUAY

10 Braddons Row:[922]

William   Branscombe   head     wdw     55        cordwainer       Dawlish
William       "                 son       unm      26        seaman             Torquay
Elizabeth     "                 dtr        "          24        lace worker         "
Joanna        "                 "          "          21        dress maker         "
Alfred   Nye                 s/law    mar      21        perfumer                       London
Adelaide  "                    dtr        "          19                                Torquay

[Adelaide Salome Branscombe m.1850 Bethnal Green, Alfred Nye, said to be a "performer" or possibly “perfumer”]

 

6 Hisketts Crescent:[923]

Ann Branscombe                      svt        unm      17        housemaid                    Brent, Devon
Elizabeth Bolton                        ldgr      wdw     80                               
Ireland

 

3 Madeira Place:[924]

Mary    Branscombe     head     mar      33        laundress                                  Dawlish
William     "       son                   9         scholar                         Torquay
John         "                   "                      2            "                                              "
Mary Crispin                vis                    34        plain needle worker      (Portlemouth?), Dev

 

OXFORD - CITY

Brunscombe:[925]

 

OXFORD - HEADINGTON

Oxford Workhouse:[926]

William Branscomb                   IM       unm      46        farmer              Oxford

 

ABINGDON - BERKSHIRE

North & South Hinksey.[927]

Elizabeth Branscombe               unm      23        teacher of music                        Oxford

[bp.1827, St. Aldate's, Oxford, fourth child of Robert Branscomb (b.1786 London), tinman, & Eliza(beth) (Talboys - m.1819 Oxford). Elizabeth junior lived in Park Lane, Aston when she was married, in 1868, in  Birmingham, to Charles Hunt. A descendant refers to her as "Aunt Bessie", and confirms she was a teacher of music]
[928]

 

SHREWSBURY - SHROPSHIRE

53 Baker Street, St. Chad? [929]

Frederick Alphonso      Branscombe     Head    M         30        Printer compositor                    Oxford
Harriet                                      "                    Wife     M         28
Susan E.                                  "                    Daur                 9         Scholar
Harriet L.                                "                    Daur                 3
Frederick John Pennington            "                   Son                  1
John P. Hughes                                     Vis

[Frederick John Pennington becomes a merchant seaman and marries Sarah Ann Lewis. They have ten children]

 

31 March, St. Marylebone Parish Church: Abraham Clark, full age bachelor painter of St. Marylebone, son of painter Abraham Clark, marries Ann Morriss, full age spinster also of St. Marylebone, daughter of gardener William Morriss, by banns. Witnesses are Samuel Carder and Ellen Maize.[930]

 

28 April, Highweek: John Branscombe dies, aged 7 years.[931] Death registered in the June quarter, Newton Abbot district.[932] [tenth child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m.1829)]

 

1 May, 12:00: The Great Exhibition is opened by Queen Victoria. Inspired, and partly organized by, the Prince Consort, Albert. The Queen pays 44 visits, between February and October. 

 

`The Great Exhibition gave a temporary impetus to the devonlace trade of Devon but by the 1860s it was again declining.' [933]

 

`Like a fairy palace of comfortably solid proportions grew the crystal halls, and men could not tire of wandering through them. The Great Exhibition was the symbol of an age that was passing away and the premonition of an age that was to come. It stood representative of early Victorianism; secure, industrious, pacific. What made it possible was a force destined to shatter that security.'[934]

 

`The Great Exhibition was the self-expression of a metropolis which had multiplied its inhabitants mightily within a short span of years. In 1801, had some 865,000 citizens; these had grown to 1.5 millions by 1831, and the following twenty years witnessed a vast increase. It was these who were the originators and first supporters of the Exhibition. With their help alone, however, the project could not have hoped to succeed; it required the attendance of many thousands from all parts of Britain, required too the visits of other thousands from France and Germany. In 1800 such visits would have been an impossibility, but by 1850 practical scientific development had provided means of transport undreamed of in the past. Before 1830 had miserably inadequate methods of conveying its inhabitants from one part of the city to another; twenty years later, suburbia was in full process of growth. The britainfirst railway (between Manchester and Liverpool) did not come until 1828; by 1843, the foundations at least of the present railway system had been laid.

 

The very means of conveyance which brought the Great Exhibition from a dream to realisation were the same which wrought a complete change in the world theatrical. Up to the middle of the nineteenth century, the potential playing-public was exceedingly small. Although London might be increasing annually, the fact that no suitable provision was made whereby the ordinary citizens might traverse its extending area automatically cut off many of these from possible attendance - save on rare and festive occasions - at the metropolitan londontheatres. When however the railway and the omnibus became familiar, at once the circumstances were altered. The whole of the suburban area, west, north and south, was brought into easy association with the theatrical district, and quantitatively the number of likeley ticket-buyers was increased a hundredfold.'[935]

 

19 May, Wayne County, Kentucky: John W Branscomb marries Eliza C Lair.[936]

 

20 May, Exmouth: Newspaper report.[937]

`Insolvents. Henry Perriam. (Absent at sea) proposed a payment of 8s in the pound. His creditors, although feeling he should pay all, were however satisfied. Adjourned and protection withdrawn.'

 

A very hot summer, in England.

 

June quarter, Manchester district: Edward John Branscombe's birth is registered.[938] [Great-grandfather, son of Edward & Mary Ann (Chenneour - m.1847 Coventry), m.1873 Kensington, Ellen Bartlett. d.1931 Kensington district, aged 79?]

 

June quarter, Honiton district: Joanah Branscombe's death is registered.[939]

 

8 June, St. Luke's, Old Street, Finsbury: John, third child of John & Emma (Scales - m.1840) Branscombe, baptised.[940] [Registered June quarter. Siblings: Thomas (1845), Mary (1848), William (1853), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice M., (1869). John poss d.1923 Kensington?]

 

28 June, Baker Street, St. Chad, Shrewsbury: Rosette, (fifth?) child of printer Frederick Alphonse Branscombe & Hariett (Hitchcock - m.1839 Oxford), is born.[941] Baptised 24 October, Swan Hill Independent, Shrewsbury. (IGI) [Rosetta. cf:1849 for birth of brother Frederick John Pennington Branscombe in Shrewsbury district. cf:1852 for birth of brother George Arthur, in Little Bolton, Lancashire. Rosetta dies, Shrewsbury district, December Q this year. Other siblings: Susan Elizabeth (1841), Harriet L (c.1848). Also cf:1859/60 Liverpool Directories - Frederick living at Upper Beau Street]

 

3 August, 2 Norton Street, Marylebone: William Frederick, son of William Weston, undertaker, & Helena (Putt - m ?), is born.[942]

 

September quarter, Whitechapel district: Thomas Branscomb's death registered.[943]

 

September quarter, Tiverton district: Grace Branscombe's death is registered.[944]

 

15 October, Hobart, Tasmania: Thomas Branscombe dies, aged 58. Born in Devon. Buried St. Matthews Presbyterian Church, O'Brian's Bridge.[945] [cf:1873 death of wife Hannah (Regan - m.1827 Hobart)]

 

9 November, St. Matthews, Rugby: William Edward, son of William Branscombe & Anne, baptised. (IGI) [b.1850 Rugby, son of William Branscomb, stone mason, and Mary Ann (Mitchell - m.1847 Coventry)]

 

December quarter, Newton Abbot district: Emily Branscombe's birth is registered.[946] [poss Emily Jane, daughter of John Branscombe, builder of Exmouth, & his first wife, Elizabeth (Seward - m.1816)? - unlikely]

 

December quarter, Shrewsbury district: Rosetta Branscomb's death is registered.[947] [b. 28 June this year]

 

December quarter, Great Boughton district: Francis Branscombe's death is registered.[948]

 

December quarter, Brighton district: Mary Branscombe's death is registered.[949]

 

19 December, Huntshaw: The will of Thomas Brownscombe is proved in the Court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple.[950]

 

`Bradford grew by 50% every ten years between 1811 and 1851, and by that time, only half the people living in the town had been born there. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people of England and Wales lived in the countryside; by 1851 half of them were town dwellers. From being a farming country we had become the first nation in the world to be mainly industrial. This was one of the most important developments in our history, but it brought its problems.'[951]

 

Chelsea: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth, first child of house decorator/oil & colorman Frederick George Branscombe & Elizabeth (? - m.1850 St. George Hanover Square district). [cf:1861 census for 2 Cadogan Terrace, Chelsea. Siblings: George William (b.1854 Chelsea), Horatio Arthur (b.about 1857 Chelsea). Frederick d.1879 Mayfair. Elizabeth senior d.1884 Mayfair]

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1851

Branscombe, Samuel    hide & leather factor & commission agent
                                    Office:
4 Mathew Street

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, George Christian         gentleman, 4 Nelson Street, Birkenhead
Prowse, Joshua                        shipowner, 2 Hemingford Terrace, Parkfield, Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.              shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, 21 Ansdell Street
Prowse, Robert Sanders           shipsmith (P.B. & Co.), 16 Claughton Terrace
Prowse, William                       shipowner (J.P. & Co.), & shipsmith (P.B. & Co.), 2 Whetstone Lane, Tranmere
Prowse, William jun.     shipowner (J.P. & Co.), 3 Whetstone Lane, Tranmere
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 4 Harford Street
[a rose-engine turner was responsible for the intricate designs engraved on a fob-watch cover]

 

The londonMarble Arch moved from outside londonBuckingham Palace to present location, when it was discovered it was too narrow to allow the State Coach to pass through it.

 

The australiaVictorian goldrush. In August, gold is discovered in Ballarat. Over the next ten years, £580,548 worth is mined. 712 ships arrive in Victoria from overseas.

 

Stoke Gabriel: Approximate year of birth of Samuel Brimicombe, labourer. [cf:1881 census]

 

`... there were over 66,500 people engaged in building in . Building was, in fact, London's biggest single industry and during the previous decade alone over 43,000 new houses had been built there.'[952]

 

`It has been found that the nineteenth century development of the London suburbs was substantially financed from investment by the trustees of family and marriage settlements.'

 

@1852

23 February, Holwell, Bedfordshire (later Herts): William Brandsome, bachelor butcher of full age, living in (Fakeswell?), son of labourer James Brandsome, marries Lydia (Mill/Mell?), spinster of (Fakeswell?), daughter of farmer Robert. Witnesses are Henry James (Brothers?) and Eliza Ward.[953] [cf:James Branscombe, baptised 1837, son of James, labourer of (Fakeswell?) and Mary]

 

25 February: The wreck of the Birkenhead.

 

March quarter, Exeter district: Edward Thomas Branscombe's birth is registered.[954] [poss third child of Thomas Fox Branscombe I & Mary (Hill - m.1855)? d.1855 Kensington? Poss siblings: William Henry (1848), Ann Starling (1849), Emily (1856), Thomas Fox II (1857), Mary Jane (1859), Eliza Esther (1860)?]

 

16 March, Exmouth: Newspaper reports. `On Tuesday last some thief in the absence of the inmates, who were attending a sale in the neighbourhood, entered into the dwelling house occupied by Mr S Perriam, painter of this town, and stole two £5 notes and one half sovereign. Information has been received which will likely lead to a conviction of the offenders.' [cf:20 July 1857, death of Tabitha, only daughter of Mr Perriam, painter, aged 16]

 

`Court of Bankruptcy. Clement Courtenay, late of Exmouth, Innkeeper. Henry Branscombe of Exmouth was execution creditor. Matthews and Opie of Exeter (wine merchants) were petitioning creditors. Alleged debts of £95 for work done to his premises owing to Branscombe. Under a warrant of 17th February property was seized and sold on 26th February. Both had bills against them for wilful perjury.'[955] [Henry's fifth child, b.1850, was baptised Clement Courtney Branscombe. Clement's 3  children were all given Courtney as their middle name. Clement, the Innkeeper, spends the next eight months in debtor's prison. When he is next brought before the Court, on 14 December, it's stated that Henry Branscombe has gone to Australia]

 

21 March, Highweek: Mary Branscombe dies, aged 15 years.[956] Death registered March quarter, Newton Abbot district.[957] [sixth child of tanner Samuel & Mary (Eales - m.1829)]

 

March quarter, Taunton district, George Branscombe's death registered.[958]

 

22 March, Wayne County, Kentucky: Margaret Ann Branscomb marries William Hair.[959]

 

June quarter, Marylebone district: Elizabeth Webber Branscombe marries Thomas Blackie.[960] [daughter of William Branscombe, shoemaker of Torquay & sister of Captain William Waymouth Branscombe. Thomas, Elizabeth Webber & Elizabeth (H/K?) Blackie are witnesses at the marriage of James Connatt, innkeeper, to Elizabeth's sister Johanna, at St. Pancras Church, 17 June 1854. Thomas Blackie, law clerk of 10 College Street, Camden Town, is the executor of William's will in 1873]

 

June quarter, Tavistock district: Elizabeth Branscombe's death is registered.[961]

 

June quarter, Clifton district: Emily Jane Branscombe's death is registered.[962] [probably b.1849 Bristol district]

 

1 June, 19 Devonshire Place, Maida Hill, Paddington: William Branscombe, gentleman, dies of diseased prostate & bladder & typhoid, aged 62. The informant is Jane Pritchard of 30 Richmond Street, Marylebone, who was present at the death.[963] [possibly bp.1790 Wolborough or Highweek, first child of William & Charlotte (Mortimer)? The 1851 census for this address shows no sign of William. It is the residence of Sarah Perring (73), an independent widow born in London, and her unmarried grand-daughter, A. Perring (15), born in Ceylon]

 

11 July, St. Woolas, Newport, Monmouthshire: William Henry, son of Henry and Eliza Branscombe, baptised. (IGI) [Third child of Henry of Barnstaple & Elizabeth, registered September quarter, Newport district.[964] Married 1895 Newport? cf:1856 - brother John Thomas born. Also cf: Jane Elizabeth 1847, Sarah Ann 1849, William Henry 1874. A William Henry Branscombe, b. circa 1853 Newport, married, is registered as a Sargeant of P(olice?) in Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1881. This William poss d.1909, Newport?]

 

15 July, Dawlish: Captain William (M?) Branscombe, son of John & Agnes, makes his will before Sydney Pearson, Solicitor of Dawlish and Hugh Oliver Pearson, Clerk.[965] [proved 27 March 1854]

 

30 July: Ann Branscombe of Ringmore dies.[966] Registered September quarter, Newton Abbot district.[967]

 

26 August, Exeter: The will of Ann Branscombe of Ringmore, spinster, made at 1 St. John Street, Islington, on 13 January 1851, is proved in the Principle Registry of the Lord Bishop of Exeter. The executor is her brother, Henry Branscombe of Norwood Villa, Ashley Road, Bristol, a currier. Effects are worth under £200.[968]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: Jeanie Gertrude Branscombe's birth is registered.[969] [m.1876 Strand?]

 

30 October, Little Bolton, Lancashire: George Arthur Branscomb baptised. (IGI) Born at 5 (Haydock/Haycock?) Street, the son of Frederick Alphonso Branscomb, printer, (b. ABOUT 1820 Oxford) & Harriett (Hitchcock - m.1839 Oxford).[970] Registered December quarter, Bolton district.[971] George Arthur becomes a bricklayer and emigrates to Australia, where he marries twice, and dies in Maitland, NSW, 1931. [cf:1849 Benjamin Branscom born in the Bolton district. Also cf:1859/60 Liverpool Directories - Frederick living at Upper Beau Street. Frederick d.1902 Birkenhead. Siblings of George include: Susan Elizabeth (1841), Harriet L (c.1848), Frederick John Pennington (1849), Rosette (1851)]

 

December quarter, Bath district: William Branscombe marries ? [972]

 

2 December, Wayne County, Kentucky: John Branscomb marries Melinda Thompson.[973]

 

14 December: Exmouth newspaper report.[974] `Exeter District Court of Bankruptcy. Clement Courteney late of Exmouth, Innkeeper, was again before the Court. Henry Branscombe who was acquitted with Clement and Charles Courteney had now gone to Australia. Clement Courtney had been in debtor's prison 8 months, he was discharged at this hearing but made a statement telling the truth about the pocket of hops and the alleged debts to Henry Branscombe, builder and carpenter. The witness Thomas Toby and others had told the truth regarding the removal of the hops sold to Branscombe by him for £9. He paid £6 of it to Mr Tilbury the Accountant for his balance sheet. He did not owe money at all to Branscombe but paid him every Saturday night for fitting up his late public house at Exmouth, for he was too poor to trust him or anyone else to a large amount. He gave some jewellery to Branscombe for sale probably to about £4 value. Under oath he admitted that his brother conveys the hops to Branscombe's house at New Town. Discharged.' [Henry d.1876 in Victoria, Australia]

 

`By the nineteenth century the word `discipline' had come to signify the most prized of all British imperial qualities; a specialised cold-bloodedness and readiness to take punishment which the OED finds itself unable to define. Its classic case was perhaps the wreck of the Birkenhead troopship ... when five hundred soldiers found themselves on a sinking ship with inadequate lifeboats, in a shark-infested sea. They were drawn up on deck, maintaining, says the Annual Register for 1852, `perfect discipline', and told eventually to jump overboard and make for the few boats which had been launched. But the ship's captain begged them not to, as the boats with the women in would inevitably be swamped. `Not more than three', he reported, `made the attempt'. Under this heroic obedience to discipline, the whole mass were engulfed in the waves by the sinking of the ship. The event became a part of British mystique, as did the quality.'[975]

 

1657 ships arrive in Melbourne from overseas. The value of gold mined in Victoria is £10,953,936.

 

The Great Britain makes its first voyage to Melbourne, in 81 days.

 

George W. Branscombe is a lodging-house keeper in Eldon Place, Exeter. [Directory][976]

 

Hastings: approximate year of birth of Charles Branscombe, registered as a domestic servant/coach(man?) in the 1881 census for Newcastle-upon-Tyne. [poss Charles, son of (Samuel) James Henry Branscomb and Mary (Doubleday - m.1844 Monkwearmouth), registered as 5m old in the 1851 census for Saint Lawrence, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, above?]

 

[From: ‘London by Day and Night’, by David W.Bartlett, 1852 - Chapter 3 - Places and Sights

 

GUTTA PERCHA FACTORY.

    ‘We made a visit one day to the "Gutta Percha Company's Works," and as they are the only company in the United Kingdom holding the original patent, and first imported gutta percha from "over the seas," and as a necessary consequence are at the head of the world in their manufactures, we will give a hasty sketch of what we saw on our visit. The manufactory is situated in the northern part of London, near a canal which runs into the interior of the country, and is large and commodious.
    We were introduced to the manager, who is a man of politeness and urbanity (qualities not too common in the business life of London), and sat down in his office for a few moments while he gave out orders for various and distant departments of the large manufactory without leaving his desk, by simply applying his lips to different mouth-pieces close at hand, the sound being carried through gutta percha tubes to the farthest corner of the vast building.
    In a few minutes, we repaired to the cutting department. Here the lumps of gutta percha are sliced into thin pieces by revolving knives, which cut six hundred slices per minute, propelled by steam. The gutta percha as it is imported from India is not fit for use - the collectors being careless - and it must undergo a process of purification here. The slices, when they drop from the revolving knives, are thin, and have the appearance of old leather. The manager next took us to the boiling and kneading-room. The slices are first put into enormous iron boilers, and boiled till of the consistency of tough dough, when they are thrown into a machine with rows of teeth, revolving eight hundred times per minute, and which tear the masses of gutta percha into infinitesimal shreds The shreds are put into cold water, the gutta percha
[-57-] pure and unalloyed rising to the surface, while the dirt and refuse matter sinks to the bottom. It is then skimmed off, and put into lumps, to which a heat of 200 degrees is applied, and in this state the lumps, while plastic, are put into steam kneading-machines, to work out all the air and water that may exist in the pores of the substance. This process is a very curious and interesting one. After the gutta percha comes from the kneading-machine, it is by machinery moulded into the thickness of common leather, and is ready for use, or perhaps it is left in lumps, as occasion may require.
    We next went into the department where soles are made for boots and shoes. The gutta percha was in a plastic state, and while thus the soles are cut and shaped. The shoemaker, or mender, by applying enough heat, can shape the sole of the shoe, or any one can mend his own boots with slight trouble, by merely applying one side of the sole to a hot fire, and at once placing it to the bottom of the boot - when cold, it adheres better than if it had been pegged on, and will not only outwear leather, but will entirely keep out the wet. There were many boys in this department, and we ascertained that their wages were about one dollar and a quarter, or a half, per week - they, of course, boarding and lodging themselves.
    We visited the tubing department, and saw the process of manufacturing gutta percha tubes. A very long one was being tried ; it was for a mine, down in the country ; the mouth-piece was to be above ground, from which orders could be given to workmen in the vaults below. It was more than four hundred feet in length, and was well constructed. Here, too, pumps were made, pipes for fire-engines, and all manner of tubes. Here we saw the identical electrical wire, covered with gutta percha, which first connected England with France - the true chain of brotherhood. The manager gave us a piece, as a memento of the great feat of connecting the
[-58-] English and French shores, though twenty miles of sea intervenes between them.
    Next we visited the most interesting department of all- that where the nicer and more delicate articles are constructed. Here we first saw a beautiful frame, with the borders exhibiting every appearance of the finest carving, and with the inner portions exquisitely gilded. We were surprised that plaln gutta percha could thus be made to resemble the choicest carved or gilded oak, rosewood, or mahogany. And not with the chisel, but merely by pressing the ungainly lumps into a mould, so that once a mould constructed, hundreds and thousands of beautiful frames are turned out with out the usual expense of artist-work. And they have a great advantage over wood in the fact that they never can be broken; dash them to the ground with all your strength, and it will not harm them. The manager took some delicate-looking flower-vases and threw them to the floor with violence; they bounded back into the air, but were not shivered. Here, too, we saw beautiful works of art - the head of a deer, with the ears falling, like real ears, the horns were slender and natural, but could not be broken. Impressions of faces and busts hung about the walls of the room, or were issuing from the hands of ingenious workmen. Some of the faces were those of distinguished Americans. We also saw some very clever stereotyping that had been done with gutta percha. There was a beautiful gutta percha life-boat, which though full of water, and without the usual air-buoys, will not sink, gutta percha is so much the lighter than water.
    There were sou'-wester hats for sailors-capital things, as they are impervious to water and the action of salt. With leather it is otherwise, for water saturates it, and salt is its deadliest enemy. There was lining for bonnets, soft and flexible as silk, yet made of gutta percha. What surprised as more was an array of liquid gutta percha in bottles, to cure wounds and cuts and chilblains! There were stethoscopes, and battery-cells, and insulating-stools, speaking-trumpets, tiller-ropes, &c. &c.
    Yet the first sample of gutta percha which ever saw England was sent by Dr. Montgomerie, in 1843. The tree of which it is the sap, was discovered by an Englishman in the forests of Singapore. The tree bears a much-esteemed fruit, the timber is good, a kind of ardent spirits is made from it, a medicine, and the flowers are also used for food. The first year of the discovery only two hundred weight were imported into England, while last year over 30,000 cwt. were entered at the docks.’
]

 

@1853

March quarter, Bethnal Green district: Emma Branscomb's birth is registered.[977] [poss daughter of hatter Henry & Jane (Waterlow - m.1849)? Poss d.1853 Dec Q?]

 

March quarter, Bury district: Hannah Branscomb's birth is registered.[978]

 

March quarter, West Ham district: Charles Branscombe's birth is registered.[979] [Charles d.1936 in Balham, aged 83. Executor was Charles William Branscombe, his son. Charles probably m.1890 Lambeth. Charles William b.1891 Lambeth district (Stockwell). Or poss Charles Alexander, m.1876 St Olave, Maria Ellen Goodwin, father of Walter Alexander (b.1879 Camberwell) and Ettie Marianne (b.1882 West Ham)? Charles is probably registered in the household of his widowed mother, Henrietta, in the 1881 census for Newington. The 1901 census for Lambeth lists a Charles Branscombe, 48, born Plaiston (Plaistow?) Marsh, London, an ‘artist in black and white’]

 

5 May, Topsham: William John Pearce, son of publican Henry Pearce of Topsham & Mary Jane, is baptised.[980] [cf:1854]

 

June quarter, St. Thomas district: Mahala Branscombe's birth is registered.[981] [poss. m.1873 St. Thomas? cf:1845 Harriet Mahala Branscombe b.Bath]

 

June quarter, Brighton district: Ann Branscomb's death is registered.[982]

 

June quarter, Chelsea district: Frederick George Branscombe's death is registered.[983]

 

13 June, Exeter Register Office: Robert John Branscombe (21), bachelor labourer of Coombe Street, Exeter, eighth and last child of glazier Edward [deceased] & Ann Branscombe, marries Charlotte Cave (27) spinster tailoress, also of Coombe Street, daughter of mariner Samuel Cave. Witnesses are Thomas Rowe and Mary Anne Staddon.[984] [poss second marriage 1873 Kensington for Robert? cf:1851 census Coombe Street for Charlotte. There are several Thomas Rowes registered in Coombe Street]

 

21 June, London: Samuel Henry Branscombe's boat the Isabella and Jane (registered 22 October 1850, Newcastle-upon-Tyne), leaves the Thames and disappears from the records. She is of 62 tons, and carries a crew of four: captain, mate, able seaman and cabin boy. She made occasional voyages between Newcastle, Shields, Belfast and France, in 1851 and 1852. Samuel received his Master Mariner's certificate in Newcastle on 25th January 1851.[985] [Samuel's daughter Isabella b. this year]

 

5 July, Exmouth: Newspaper Report.[986]

 

`A woman named Perriam (Nancy) of this place has lately had a pension of £10 per year awarded to her by the Government for assistance she rendered on board one of her Majesty's ships in Nelson's action. She was employed in supplying the guns with cartridges. She is 84 years old. The poor woman would have felt more grateful if it had been settled on her some years since as it is not likely she can live long to enjoy it.' [cf:1865 - Nancy dies, aged 98, and £140 better off!]

 

26 July, Exmouth: Newspaper report.[987]

 

`[A] farmer named Bastin ... had the misfortune to lose a bullock ... the animal falling over the cliffs and was dashed to pieces. It appears singular that these cliffs are not protected by a fence.' [cf:1874 electoral rolls - John Branscombe Bastin of West Down, Exmouth, owns freehold lands at Oakey Field & Orchard, Payhembury District]

3 August: Alice M. Branscombe born, daughter of Josiah L. Branscombe & Charlotte (Brewer, m.1836). [poss siblings: Daniel (1839), Cynthia (1841), Anna Mariah (1834), Sarah Elisa (1846), Stephen Henry (1849). Alice m. Daniel E. DeMerritt. She d.1944]

 

23 August, Exmouth: Newspaper reports.[988]

 

`A few days since a seaman named (Samuel) Franks belonging to this place met his death off Dawlish under the following melancholy circumstances. [precis ...] The deceased was aboard the Fleur de Marie the proprty of F Thierens of Exmouth which was off Dawlish at anchor. Franks who had won a pize the previous day and had been drinking freely. His master went ashore without him as he was asleep and on his waking he decided to swim ashore. He attempted with his clothes tied to the top of his head. He was heard to sigh once but has not been seen since.'

 

`Sometime since we stated that an aged woman named Perriam of this town had been granted by the Lords of Admiralty a pension of £10 a year for services rendered by her at the Battle of the Nile. [precis ...] A woman named Salter of Devonport staying with Mr Youd, tidewaiter of Exmouth (a relative) aged 79 also had an excellent claim for the same services.'

 

September quarter, Bethnal Green district: Matilda Branscombe marries ? [989] [bp.1830 Sion Chapel, Mile End, parents Thomas & Mary Elizabeth? Sister of hatter Henry of Mile End?]

 

September quarter, Clifton district: Mary Crouch Branscombe's death registered.[990] [b.1835 Bristol, daughter of Henry Branscombe, tanner of Kingsbridge, & Mary (Crouch - m.1827 Plymouth). Henry may have been born in 1806, Kingsbridge, the fifth child of tanner William Branscombe & Charlotte (Mortimer - m.1789 Wolborough)? Poss siblings: Elizabeth (1830-1835), Elizabeth (1837)]

 

4 September, Topsham: Charles Pearce, bachelor rope-maker of Topsham, son of Nathaniel Pearce, rope-maker, marries Eliza Avery, spinster of Topsham, daughter of John Crabbe Avery, mariner. Witnesses are James Pearce & E.C. Philips.[991]

 

13 September, Exeter: Death of Captain George Perriam, aged 84. According to the Exmouth newspaper obituary of 20 September, his death was sudden. It was said that for many years he was the master of an Exmouth trading vessel.[992]

 

7 October, St. Helier, Jersey: Jane Louisa, daughter of William Henry Beavis, tinsmith of 13 Poonah Road, & Ann (née Davey), born.[993]

 

Josias Knight Beavis, son of Mary Ann Branscombe & Josias Beavis, and brother to William Beavis, tinsmith of Jersey, marries Elizabeth Davey, sister of his sister-in-law Ann, William's wife.[994]

 

30 October, Under Hill, Chipping Barnet: Ellen, daughter of George Bartlett, bricklayer, & Emma (Bonnett - m ?), is born.[995]

 

December quarter, Kensington district: Emily Branscombe's birth is registered.[996] [poss daughter of Thomas Fox & Mary Hill? (IGI)]

 

December quarter, Bethnal Green district: Emma Branscomb's death is registered.[997] [poss daughter of hatter Henry & Jane (Waterlow - m.1849)? Poss b.1853, March Q?]

 

4 December, St. Luke's, Old Street, Finsbury: William, fourth child of John & Emma (Scales - m.1840) Branscombe, baptised.[998] William registered December quarter, St. Luke's district.[999] [poss buried Abney Park cemetery, Stoke Newington, 20 Feb 1855, aged 15 months? [1000] Siblings: Thomas (1845), Mary (1848), William or John (1851), Edwin (1856), Emma (1861), William Mortlock (1863), Ernest (1865), Alice M., (1869)]

 

29 December: Among the many desertions from ships recorded in the New South Wales Government Gazette this year are able-bodied seamen Ratchford and Wakeham, from the barque Branscombe, at Port Jackson.[1001] [cf:1854]

 

George Henry Dacie Branscombe (b.1831) graduates from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a B.A.. [cf:1855]

 

Cornwall: Approximate year of birth of Elizabeth Ann Branscombe, registered as a 28 year old barmaid/servant in the Dartmouth pub of Henry C Collier, in the 1881 census. Her marital status is not given.

 

Lloyd's Register for this year notes the barque Branscombe, launched Sunderland 1850, has been certificated for a voyage from Sunderland to Calcut, under Captain Harrison.

 

St. Lawrence parish, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Approximate year of birth of Isabella, daughter of master mariner/miner Samuel (James) Henry Branscomb of Hastings & Mary (Doubleday - m.1844 Monkwearmouth). [Samuel goes to Australia at about this time, and probably never returns. cf:21 June this year, his boat, the "Isabella and Jane" leaves London and disappears from the records. He marries again in 1866, in Ararat, although his first wife Mary is still alive. He dies, 1870, in Ballarat. cf:1851, 1871 censuses. Isabella m.1872 Sunderland, William Young. She d.1878 Sunderland]

 

Between 1851 and 1861, the North-East increased its population by a quarter, while the average increase for England and Wales was just over ten per cent.

 

GORE'S DIRECTORY OF LIVERPOOL 1853

 

Branscombe, Samuel    hide & leather factor & commission agent
                                    Office:
4 Mathew Street

 

Prowse, Barclay & Co.            ship & anchorsmiths, 10 Roberts Street North
Prowse, John                            sailmaker, 15 Spring Street, Toxteth Park
Prowse, Joshua                        shipowner, 2 Hemingford Terrace, Parkfield, Birkenhead
Prowse & Co.                          shipowners, shipchandlers & sailmakers, Ansdell Street, Salthouse

 

Dock
Prowse, Robert Sanders           shipsmith (P.B. & Co.), 15 Claughton Terrace
Prowse, William                       master mariner, 58 Nelson Street
Prowse, William                       shipowner (J.P. & Co.), & shipsmith (P.B. & Co.),

 

Whetstone Lane, Holt Hill, Tranmere
Prowse, William jun.                 shipowner, Whetstone Lane, Tranmere
Prowse, William Henry rose-engine turner, 4 Harford Street

The value of gold mined in Victoria exceeds £12 million.

 

Possibly this is the year of the first voyage of Captain William Waymouth Branscombe to Melbourne.

 

The Welch family leave Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, for Port Adelaide. They travel on the ship Belmont (190 tons). Description of voyage in Pat Roberts, Emily's Journal.

 

Van Diemen's Land officially becomes Tasmania.

 

The first railway and telegraph lines are built, in India.

 

`The late Mr Henry Howe, son of the well-known actor of the same name, and himself for many years on the staff of the Morning Advertiser, informed me that during a visit paid to Branscombe in 1853 he saw an old woman, reputed to be a witch, who was followed by a number of boys pelting stones at her. On speaking to one of the inhabitants about it, he was informed "Oh, she's a witch." She had a blind husband.'[1002]

 

Gloucestershire: Edwin Branscombe (b.1826/9 Bideford), marries Sarah Martin Mountjoy. Children: William James Branscombe (b.1857 Fryer’s Creek, Victoria, Australia), Mary Ann Browncome (b.1858 Forest Creek, Victoria), Edwin Brownscombe (b.1861 Inglewood, Victoria).[1003]

 

@1854

6 January, Dawlish Water: Captain William Branscombe, son of John & Agnes dies, aged 50. (EBMI) Registered March quarter, Newton Abbot district.[1004] [cf:1873]

 

 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
(CAPT?) WILLIAM BRANSCOMBE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JAN 6TH 1854 AGED 50 YEARS

My days are gone like a
shadow; and I am withered
like grass  Ps cii.II

ALSO SOPHIA
WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 26 MAY 1873
AGED 69 YEARS

 

His will gives wife Sophia (Willis - m.1834 Dawlish) and only child Sarah Ann, as beneficiaries. A `messuage [large house] & land tenements' in Dawlish are involved. Trustees and executors are Charles Jewell the younger, a blacksmith of Dawlish, and Moses Paul [Paul Moses? - cf:1839 Tithe Apportionment, Dawlish] the younger, yeoman of Dawlish, who are charged with holding `all my monies and stocks, the interest therein to be paid to testator's wife during her lifetime or widowhood'. The will was made on 15 July 1852. Effects under £800. The solicitor is Sydney Pearson of Dawlish, and Hugh Oliver Pearson is the solicitor's clerk.[1005] [his barometer and writing-desk were preserved in 1994 by a descendent of Sarah Ann & Henry Holman, Mary Swales of Ramsey, Isle of Man. She mentions also a `large oil painting of his' which her parents owned `in Dawlish', but which has since disappeared][1006]

 

20 January, Port Jackson: The N.S.W. Government Gazette posts as missing William Legg, described as 5' 5½" tall, of fair complexion, with brown hair and dark eyes. He was part of the ship's company on board the Branscombe.[1007] [cf:1853]

 

Index to assisted migrants arriving in Sydney & Newcastle, 1844-59, Vol. 1, Archives Authority of NSW, 1987

 

Branscombe family arrive, Sydney, 21 October 1854
 from Southampton, on an assisted passage, vessel
 Anglo-Saxon:

                                                William age 29
                                                Anne                age 34
                                                Mary A.           age 11
                                                Charlotte          age 9
                                                Henry               age 4
                                                Jane                 age 1

 

The shipping list for the Anglo-Saxon gives his birthplace as Withycombe Raleigh, and his trade as tinsmith. It said he was Church of England, and that he could read and write. Ann was shown as being able to read but not write; Mary Ann could read and write; Charlotte could read.[1008]

 

March quarter, Lambeth district: Edward Branscombe marries ? [1009]

 

March quarter, Exeter district: Amelia Clara Branscombe's birth is registered.[1010] [possibly second child of George William Branscombe & Amelia J (? - m.1840 Exeter)]

 

March quarter, Bethnal Green district: William Branscomb's death registered.[1011]

 

March quarter, Bolton district: William Branscomb's death registered.[1012]

 

April: The Times begins to carry notices of births, marriages and deaths.

 

18 May, All Souls, St. Marylebone: Jane Walton Chenoweth marries Charles Howard. (IGI) [Chenoweth is probably the original spelling of Chenneour]

 

17 June, Old Church, St. Pancras: Johanna Branscombe, spinster of full age, marries James Connatt, inn-keeper, bachelor of full age, by licence. They are both of St. Pancras.[1013] [Johanna is the daughter of William Branscombe, bootmaker of Torquay. Thomas, Elizabeth Webber & Elizabeth (H/K?) Blackie are witnesses. Thomas Blackie married Elizabeth Webber Branscombe in Marylebone, June quarter 1852. Thomas Blackie of 10 College Street, Camden Town, is the executor of William's will in 1873]

 

1 August, Lawrence, Kansas: Charles Branscomb guides the first group of eastern emigrants to settle in Lawrence. [1014]

 

… a party of about thirty settlers, chiefly from New England … Mr. C. H. Branscomb, of Boston, on a tour in the territory a few weeks earlier in the summer, had selected this spot as one of peculiar loveliness for a town site.[1015]

 

"The New England Emigrant Aid Company," which had been chartered by the legislature of Massachusetts in April, was then called "The Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society." But afterwards a new charter was obtained for "The New England Emigrant Aid Company." The men engaged in it, Eli Thayer, Amos A. Lawrence, and others, began their work at once, arousing public interest and making arrangements to facilitate emigration to Kansas. As early as June, 1854, they sent Dr. Charles Robinson, of Fitchburg, and Mr. Charles H. Branscomb, of Holyoke, to explore the territory and select a site for a colony.[1016]

 

Charles H. Branscomb, a lawyer from Holyoke, Mass., was appointed as a general agent in August, 1854. He worked in various advisory capacities until the summer of 1857 when it was discovered that he had padded his expense account. Despite the evidence, it seems likely that Branscomb was less dishonest than incompetent. He later served in the Kansas territorial legislature and the Missouri state legislature. During the Grant administration he was appointed consul to Manchester, England. In 1886 he was the unsuccessful Prohibition party candidate for governor of Kansas. He died in 1891.—See Johnson, The Battle Cry of Freedom, pp. 58-59; "Collected Biography, Clippings," v. 3, p. 148, library division, KSHS. … Although Mrs. Nichols's opinion of Branscomb's ability as a general agent was rather favorable, one Kansas historian has called him "the least important and also the least satisfactory of the original general agents of the Company."—Johnson, The Battle Cry of Freedom, p. 58.[1017]

‘Branscomb, Charles H., who with Charles Robinson selected the site for the town of Lawrence, was a native of New Hampshire. He was educated at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H., and Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1845. Subsequently he studied law at the Cambridge Law School, was admitted to the bar and practiced for six years in Massachusetts. Upon the organization of the Emigrant Aid Society (q. v.) Mr. Branscomb became one of its agents. He came to Kansas in July, 1854, and went up the Kansas river as far as Fort Riley to select a location for a town, but finally agreed with Dr. Robinson on the site of Lawrence. On July 28 he conducted the pioneer party of 30 persons sent out by the society to Lawrence, where they arrived on Aug. 1. The second party, also conducted by Mr. Branscomb, arrived in October. He continued to act as agent for the aid society until 1858, when he located in Lawrence and opened a law office. He immediately began to take an active part in the political life of the territory; was elected to the territorial house of representatives; was a member of the Leavenworth constitutional convention; and after his removal to St. Louis, Mo., was a member of the Missouri legislature. [Page 230 from volume I of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar. Transcribed May 2002 by Carolyn Ward.] [1018] [poss grandson of Charles Branscomb & Elizabeth Turner, m.12 December 1779, prob Hampton, N.H.]

 

15 August, Wayne County, Kentucky: Thomas Branscomb marries Lydia Ellis.[1019]

 

September quarter, Newton Abbot district: Emily Branscombe marries ? [1020] [possibly Emily, daughter of Samuel Branscombe (b.1832) to ? Cooke.[1021] cf:1872, Highweek, Emily buried & 1884, daughter Loui[s]e buried. Emily is probably the daughter of Samuel, tanner of Highweek, and Mary (Eales - m.1829 Highweek)]

 

September quarter, Exeter district: Elijah Seward Branscombe's death registered.[1022] [poss related to carpenter John Branscombe of Withycombe Raleigh & his first wife Elizabeth (Seward - m.1816 Exeter)? Also cf: December Q this year for apparent birth of Elijah Seward - wrong birth year?]

 

September quarter, Marylebone district: Emily Branscombe's death is registered.[1023]

 

September quarter, St. Olave district: Robert Branscombe's death registered.[1024]

 

September quarter, Chelsea district: Birth of George William, second child of house decorator/oil & colorman Frederick George Branscombe & Elizabeth (? - m.1850 St. George Hanover Square district) is registered. [cf:1861 census for 2 Cadogan Terrace, Chelsea. Siblings: Elizabeth (b. about 1851 Chelsea), Horatio Arthur (b.about 1857 Chelsea). Frederick d.1879 Mayfair, and George takes over the business of oil & colorman with his mother. George marries 1858 Eleanor E.J. ? Daughter Edith Gertrude born 1880 Pancras. cf:1881 census Pancras. Elizabeth senior d.1884 Mayfair]

 

24 September, Topsham: Harriett Susannah Pearce, daughter of victualler Henry Pearce of Topsham & Mary Jane, is baptised.[1025] [cf:1853]

 

29 November, Dawlish Parish Church: William Waymouth Branscombe, bachelor of full age and master mariner of Tormoham, son of William Branscombe, cordwainer, marries Mary Beard, full age spinster of Dawlish, daughter of George Beard, builder. Witnesses are John & Jane Honor Beard.[1026]

 

December quarter, Exeter district: Elijah Seward Branscombe's birth is registered.[1027] [Should this be 1853? Cf: Elijah Seward Branscombe's death registered, September Q this year. Also cf:1816 Exeter - John Branscombe, builder of Exmouth, m. his first wife, Elizabeth Seward]

 

December quarter, St. Thomas district: Elizabeth Branscombe's death registered.[1028]

 

12 December, Saint James’ Place, Winchester: George Herbert, son of valet George Branscombe of Saint James’ Place, Winchester, and Mary (Wright), born. Registered 19 January 1855 Winchester, by George Smith, occupier, Saint James’ Place.[1029][bp.28 April 1855, Saint Lawrence, Winchester]

 

15 December, Chawton, Hants: Mary Ann Halsey, second child of second great-grandfather John Halsey, "waiter at an inn", & Martha (Hiller - m.1850 Paddington) of 23 Victoria Place, Paddington, is born.[1030] [Baptised 1855 Chawton, died 1860 Kensington. siblings: James (1850-1850), Martha (1857-1857), Frederick (1858-1932), David (1862), Alice (1867)]

 

24 December, All Saints, Birmingham: Edward Branscomb, bachelor "striker" [at a forge - cf:1855 birth certificate for son Frederick] aged 19, of Steward Street, marries spinster Sarah Yardley, aged 20, of Cope Street, by banns. Edward's father Robert is a labourer. Sarah's father William is a Steel Toy Maker. The marriage is witnessed by Robert & Elizabeth Branscomb. All parties sign their names [cf:1855 birth certificate of their son Frederick - Sarah signs with a mark].