Tawstock Extracts from Trewman's Exeter Flying PostThursday, March 19, 1801 Lately died, in a very advanced age, the Rev. Mr. Hill, Rector of Tawstock, near Barnstaple, a very worthy and respectable Clergyman, universally esteemed by all who knew him. Thursday, April 23, 1801 This day the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, M.A. Domestic Chaplain to the Countess Dowager of Darnley, and rector of Combinteignhead in this county, was instituted by the Rev. Chancellor Nutcombe, to the rectory of Tawstock, in the same county, on the presentation of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. void by the death of the Rev. Charles Hill. Thursday, March 23, 1809 On Monday last, the 13th instant, died, at Barnstaple, Robert Wrey, esq. in his 89th year, brother of the late Sir Bourchier Wrey, of Tawstock; a Major-General in her Majesty the Queen of Portugal's service, and many years governor of one of the northern provinces of that kingdom. He was one of the last surviving field officers who served the campaigns under General Wolf, in North America, and commanded the Louisburg grenadiers;—a man of the most amiable manners, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Thursday, February 4, 1813 On Thursday last died, in London, after only a few days illness, Lady Wrey, wife of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. of Tawstock Court, in the county of Devon. Her death will be felt as an irreparable loss by her afflicted family, to whom she held forth an example of the most pure and unaffected piety, combined with that tenderness of affection and sweetness of temper, which form the peculiar charms of domestic life. As a wife and mother she displayed in the highest perfection all those amiabilities of nature which adorn and dignify the female character. Thursday, March 9, 1815 [On Tuesday] was married at Tawstock Church, by the Rev. William Wrey, Albany Savile, Esq., M.P. of Sweetlands, in the county of Devon, to Eleonora Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Sir Bourchier Wrey, of Tawstock-house, in the same county, Bart. Thursday, December 14, 1815 On Saturday last was married, at Tawstock Church, Devon, by the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, Sir Lawrence Vaughan Palk, of Haldon-House, Bart. to Ann Eleanora, eldest daughter of Sir Bouchier Wrey, of Tawstock Court, Bart, and widow of the late Edw. Hartoop, of Dalby-House, Leicestershire, Esq. Thursday, September 6, 1821 Married. Lately, K.B. Wrey, Esq. second son of Sir B. Wrey, Bart. of Tawstock-House, Devon, to Mary Ann James, niece to William Peterson, Esq. chief-magistrate of Lyme. Thursday, October 11, 1821 Died. On the 1st instant, at Milton-Damarel Parsonage, Mrs. Hill, wife of Mr. Wm. Hill, of Instow, third son of the late Rev. Charles Hill, of Tawstock, near Barnstaple. Thursday, February 16, 1826 The residence of the Rev. B.W. Wray, Corffee, Tawstock, was last week attempted to be broken into by some persons, but being overheard, alarm was given and they decamped. Thursday, April 27, 1826 Whilst a farmer named Symons, of Upcott, in the parish of Tawstock, was ploughing in one of his fields, last week, the horses took fright, and in his endeavours to check them, he was thrown under the plough, the coulter of which coming under his arm, nearly severed it from his body. He now lies in a very dangerous state. Thursday, December 7, 1826 Funeral of the late Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart.—On Saturday morning last, the funeral procession moved from Tawstock, the family seat, towards the parish church, (in which the remains of the late Sir Bourchier were to be deposited) in the following order:—The Undertaker—Mutes—Bearers—The Hearse—Three Mourning Coaches, containing, the 1st, Sir B.P. Wrey, Mr Robert Wrey, Mr. Hen. Wrey. 2nd, Mrs. Whinfield, Mrs. Harding, Mr. Wrey, Mr. Savile, Sire L.V. Palk.—3d, Mr. Wrey Harding, Mr. R. Harding, Mr. Wm Harding, Mr. John Wrey.—The family carriage, empty—The carriages of Sir L.V. Palk, A Savile, Esq. Rev. B. Wrey, Mrs. Harding, Mr. R. Harding, Earl Fortescue, and other friends, with a long train of tenantry, tradesmen, labourers, &c. amounting to about 600 persons, all clad in decent mourning.—The pall-bearers were Earl Forescue, Viscount Ebrington, Hon. Newton Fellowes, Sir Arthur Chichester, R.N. Incledon, Esq. James White, Esq. A.S. Willett, Edq. Thomas Harding, Esq. Thomas Lee, Esq. John Marshall, Esq.—The whole was under the direction of Mr. Porter, of this city, undertaker. Thursday, May 17, 1827 Died. On the 20th ult, in the Kent-road, London, Rebecca, wife of Roger Chapel, Esq. and daughter of Mr. John Moore, of Wick, Tawstock, aged 32. Thursday, January 1, 1835 On the morning of Sunday, the 21st inst., The Rev. J.B. Jebb, placed a valuable pony in a shed, adjoining the church of Tawstock, in this county, used generally for this purpose, while he performed his duties as Minister: but at the close of the service the pony was gone, and there is no doubt but that had been stolen. I had a double rein bridle, and new saddle, with a label containing the maker's name "Turner, Barnstaple." A person in black was afterwards seen in possession of a pony answering the description of that stolen from Mr. Jebb: a reward of £5 has been offered for its recovery, and it is hoped the owner may yet become repossessed of his property, and the thief be punished. Thursday, July 21, 1836 Died. On the 22nd ult., at Pisa, in the 16th year of her age, Emily, second daughter of Sir Bouchier Palk Wrey, Bart, of Tawstock Court, in this county. Thursday, December 21, 1837 A serious accident occurred last week to Mr. N. Symonds, yeoman, of the parish of Tawstock, who, while out shooting, having occasion to cross a hedge, incautiously happened to pu his hand on the muzzle of his gun, which by some means went off, the charge entered the palm of his hand, and passed into longitudinal direction up his arm to about half way between his wrist and elbow, lacerating the flesh dreadfully, but providentially escaped the bone; a few shots also entered his shoulder and face. It is hoped that the amputation of the arm may not become necessary. Thursday, March 25, 1841 FATAL ACCIDENT.—On the 16th inst. as a boy named Oliver, about 12 years old, in the service of Mrs. Petherbridge, of Pill, in the parish of Tawstock, was going with a horse and cart, in passing a gateway the horse started, and the cart being upset on the unfortunate boy, his head was crushed in such a manner that the brains literally protruded through the fissures caused in the bone of the skull. An inquest was taken on the body, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned. Thursday, April 8, 1841 Barnstaple Union.—The foundation stone was last week laid of a Chapel of Ease in the parish of Tawstock. The lady of the highly-esteemed Rector, the Rev. H.B. Wrey, fixed the stone, under which was placed a table with the following inscription:— Thursday, December 28, 1843 On Tuesday, the 12th inst., the tenants of Sir Bourchier Wrey, dined with the Hon. Baronet, by invitation, at his hospitable mansion, Tawstock Court; and we understand that, in consequence of the depreciation in the prices of agricultural produce, Sir Bourchier has very considerately thrown back ten per cent. on his rental. In the course of the evening, Charles Roberts, Esqr., with his accustomed good humour and urbanity, proposed the health of Lady Wrey, which was drunk with great enthusiasm, and ably responded to by the worthy Baronet. Thursday, May 2, 1844 INQUESTS.—In the parish of Tawstock, on Saturday last, before J.H. Toller, Esq., on the body of Mr. William Webber, aged 65. He was taken suddenly ill after he got down stairs on the morning of that day, conveyed back to bed, and a surgeon sent for, but before his arrival he expired. It was the opinion of the medical man, that death resulted from apoplexy, and a verdict to that effect was returned. Thursday, June 13, 1850 The half yearly rent audit of Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, for his property in the parishes of Tawstock, Instow, Bishopstawston, and Braunton, was held at Tawstock Court last week, when the Hon. Baronet abated 20 per cent of the rents due upon the arable land, and 12½ per cent of the rents due upon the pasture land. Thursday, 26 December, 1850 MARRIAGES. December 19, at Combeinteignhead, the Rev. John Clare Pigot, eldest son of J.M.B. Pigot, M.D., of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, to Elizabeth, third daughter of the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, rector of Tawstock and Combeinteignhead, in this county. Thursday, February 5, 1852 TAWSTOCK.—The lands have become so much flooded in the valley of the Taw during the last month, that a complete stop has been put to agricultural pursuits in connection with the tillage of spring crops. Unless the weather gets more settled the barley crops will be very late in the ground, and potatoe planting which is generally acknowledged to derive great advantage from early operations, will be unusually late the present season. Thursday, September 9, 1852 CORONER'S INQUESTS.—Another serious accident occured on the same day [Monday, September 6, 1852], which unhappily terminated in death, in the parish of Tawstock. A lad named John Smallridge, the only son of Mr. James Smallridge, a respectable yeoman of that parish, was riding a pony belonging to his father, at a moderate pace, when a pig which had been allowed to graze near the spot suddenly ran across the path, and getting between the legs of the pony, it fell and threw the rider on his head. We are sorry to hear that the contusions were so severe, that notwithstanding the best medical assistance that could be procured was immediately in requisition, the unfortunate sufferer expired the following day. Verdict "Accidental Death." Thursday, December 9, 1852 TAWSTOCK. Thursday, April 28, 1853 MARRIAGES. April 14, at Tawstock, by the Rev. James Harris, M.A., brother of the bride, Henry Bencraft, Esq., surgeon, Swymbridge, to Grace, third daughter of George Harris, Esq. Thursday, January 12, 1854 MARRIAGES. December 28, at Tawstock Church, near Barnstaple, by the Rev. R.E. Wallis, Mr. Charles Ridd, to Mary Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. J. Westacott, both of the former parish. Thursday, November 30, 1854 MARRIAGES. November 23, at Tawstock, near Barnstaple, by the Rev. E. Wallis, William Turner, Esq., of Bideford, to Annie, the only daughter of the late Richard Pethebridge, Esq. of Tawstock. Thursday, July 10, 1856 MARRIAGES. July 3, at Tawstock, by the Rev. H.B. Wrey, rector of Tawstock, the Rev. Richard Fayle, M.A., incumbent of Trinity Church, Torquay, to Eleanora Elizabeth, relict of Albany Savile, Esq., of Oaklands, and sister to the present Sir. B.P. Wrey, Bart., of Tawstock Court, both in the county. Thursday, August 28, 1856 THE EXTERMINATORS OF "QUAKERY."—On Saturday, Thorne and Mullins, adepts in crime, were committed for trial under the charge of stealing eight ducks from Mr. R. Pethebridge, of Pill Farm, Tawstock. The police were apprised of the robbery on the morning preceding the examinations of the prisoners; and Sergeant Chanter was not long in getting a clue to the alleged depredators. For the reduction of an incipient hirsute appendage, the police-officer entered a barber's shop, and whilst there became acquainted with the circumstance that the accused had offered eight ducks for sale early that morning to Mr. Leaker, a dealer in poultry. A scheme was at once devised; Leaker was to pretend to purchase the ducks, and the Oak public-house, in Holland-street, was to be the place for the ratification of the bargain. Whilst this part of the performance was going on the policeman made his appearance, and the prisoners were apprehended just as they were congratulating themselves upon the successful issue of their recent conveyancing pursuits. Upon the decision of the magistrates the delinquents began to impeach each other—a method of proceeding which was scarcely necessary to establish their guilt. Thursday, January 8, 1857 THE TAWSTOCK BARONET AT HOME.—On Tuesday week Sir Bourchier Wrey distributed one fat bullock, eight fat sheep, and two cart loads of bread amongst the poor of Tawstock. Acts of this kind stand forth prominently, whatever might be the honourable baronet's failings in other respects. Thursday, September 10, 1857 MARRIAGE FESTIVAL.—Tawstock was the scene of great festivity on Thursday last, in consequence of the marriage of Miss Wrey, the only daughter of the Rev. H.B. Wrey, the respect rector of the parish. A large number of friends and relatives were in attendance, and about 300 of the parishioners sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by Mr. Thorne, of Barnstaple. In the evening a grand display of fireworks conclued the proceedings of a delightful gathering. Thursday, October 29, 1857 SHEEPSTEALING.—On Saturday night, or Sunday morning last, a fine fat wether was stolen from some ground adjacent to Tawstock Park, the property of Mr. Richard Pethebridge, of Pill Farm. On examination it was found that the sheep had been slaughtered in the middle of the field, and carried clean off. The thieves passed over one field of Mr. Dennis', where sheep were folded, to get to Mr. Pethebridge's. The footsteps of a man and woman were clearly traced, as were marks of a horse; and it is considered that the thieves came some considerable distance for their ill-gotten prey. Thursday, April 7, 1859 Mr. Bremridge held an inquest at Tawstock, on Saturday, upon the body of a little girl named Eliza Burnell, who met with her death through her clothes catching fire. The verdict was in accordance therewith. The deceased was the daughter of Mr. Robert Burnell, of Rowden Farm. Thursday, June 6, 1860 DEATHS. May 22, at Tawstock, Grace, widow of Mr. John Andrew. Thursday, March 6, 1861 BRAUNTON DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS, Feb. 27. (Before the Reverends J. Pyke, J. Arthur, and F. Hole, and R. Budd, Esq.)—[Thomas Lovering of Fishley Barton, Tawstock, was summoned by Policeman Hines for having left a horse and cart on the highway at Bishopstawton. According to the evidence of the complainant Mr. Lovering remained at the the Three Tuns Inn for one hour and a half, and his horse and cart were left on the road in the vicinity of the public-house. Mr. Bromham appeared for the defendant, who was fined 2. 6d., with 7s. 6d. expendes.—[Mr. Lovering, the defendant in the former case, was charged with assaulting Policeman Hines. Mr. Bromham appeared for the defendant. This offence was said to have occured on the same evening. On leaving the public house the defendant found Hines holding the head of his horse, and he would not let the animal go until Mr. Lovering told him his name. In the course of the altercation the complainant declared he was struck by the defendant—hence the summons. The Magistrates dismissed the case. Wednesday, July 31, 1861 BIRTHS. July 24, at Pill House, Tawstock, the wife of Mr. R. Pethebridge, a son. Wednesday, February 14, 1866 DEATHS. Feb 3, at Chappletown, Tawstock, after a long and painful illness, Mr. George Lovering, aged 66. TAWSTOCK.—Supposed Poisoning.—In the parish of Tawstock, which is three miles from Barnstaple, live a Mr. James Ridge, a farmer, who has a wife and three children. Mrs. Alice Dodd, the mother of Mrs. Ridge, has lived with the family for a few months. The family's breakfast on Sunday morning was prepared by Mrs. Dodd, who excused herself from breakfasting with the family as usaul by leaving the huse to go and see if her own house was blown down. Some fried potatoes were prepared for the breakfast, and one of the children threw a little potato to the dog, which soon commenced vomiting. All the family (with the exception of one of the children who refused to eat any potatoes because he saw his grandmother rub them in her hands) were similarly attacked; but by the timely assistance of a surgeon from Barnstaple the four lives were saved. The patients have since almost entirely recovered. It was the opinion of the medical gentleman that some irritant poison had been administered, and suspicion pointing towards Mrs. Dodd. Policeman Angel was soon on her heels. He met her on the road to Beaford, and when he charged her with mixing poison with the potatoes she denied having done such a thing; but she expressed her belief that there must of been poison in the vessel the potatoes were boied in for she felt very bad only through skinning them. She is in custody. Wednesday, August 10, 1870 On Friday an old man, named Thorne, was received into the North Devon Infirmary, having, whilst thatching a stack of wheat, at Mr. Andrews's, a farmer, of Tawstock, fallen a height of some ten feet. He received injuries to the back of his head and shoulders. Wednesday, September 13, 1871 BIRTHS. September 6, at Tawstock Court, the wife of Henry B. Bruce, Esq., a daughter. Wednesday, October 23, 1872 DEVON QUARTER SESSIONS. Wednesday, May 28, 1873 BARNSTAPLE.—John Bowden, a native of Tawstock, ner Barnstaple, was a confidential clerk in March last with Messrs. Welsh, Fargo, and Co., of Ontario. he is said to have appropriated 10,260 dollars in Canadian bills to his own use and to have left America. It was considered that he might have come to this country, and information of the robbery, with a description of Bowden, was sent to Scotland-yard, from which particulars were sent to Police-constable Balsdon at Barnstaple. On Wednesday morning that officer went to Tawstock and met the young man, who he charged with theft. The correctness of accusation was at once acknowledged. The prisoner stated the circumstances of his departure, and said that, fearing to cash the bills, he had left them with his brother in America, with instructions to return them. He said he had an accomplice, who, he suspected, betrayed him to his employers. The prisoner was taken before the magistrates, who remanded him to London, whence he is to be taken back to America. Wednesday, April 1, 1874 A beautiful heraldic window has been erected in Tawstock Church to the memory of Albany Bouchier Savile, grandson of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. The window has been furnished by the well-known firm of Beer, of Exeter, which firm has been recently reinforced by Mr. Driffield, an artist in glass, who was for eleven years in the celebrated establishment of Messrs. Clayton and Bell. Wednesday, October 22, 1879 SIR BOURCHIER WREY'S WILL.—The will, dated December 5th, 1878, with a codicil, dated July 9th, 1879, of Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, late of Tawstock, devon, who died on the 11th ult. at Ilfracombe, was proved on the 6th inst. by Henry Smith, the sole executor, the personal estate being sworn under £50,000. The testator leaves to his brother and successor in the baronetcy, the Rev. Henry Bourchier Wrey, all the pictures, furniture, and effects at the family house, Tawstock Court; to his servant, John Sergeant, £200; to the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, £2,000—£1,000 to be applied at his discretion towards the maintenance of a Roman Catholic priest at Barnstaple, and £1,000 towards the maintenance of a Roman Catholic priest at Illfracombe: to the rector and churchwardens of the parish of Tawstock £1,000, upon trust to apply the dividends for ever to the most deserving parishioners not receiving parochial relief, and without distinction of religion, the charity to be called "Lady Eliza Wrey's Donation." There are special legacies to his executor, Mr. Smith, and to Mrs. Matilda Prime, and he bequeaths to them the residue of his personal estate. Wednesday, February 25, 1880 DEATHS. February 17, at Rose Cottage, Lake, Tawstock, Frances, widow of John Jones, aged 85. Wednesday, March 21, 1883 Lady Wrey, widow of the late. Rev. Sir Henry Wrey, rector of Tawstock, has recently left Tawstock and taken up her residence at Broadgate House, near Barnstaple. As a mark of the respect felt towards her, the parishioners have subscribed for a handsome silver tea set and sugar tongs, and a silver salver; and on Wednesday last the Rev. J.C. Downes (rector of Tawstock) and Mr. R. Lethbridge waited on her ladyship at Broadgate and made the presentation. Wednesday, March 9, 1884 BARNSTAPLE.—There are some quaint epitaphs in Tawstock churchyard. For poetic jumbling and antique orthography the annexed might be taken as an example: "As I stand by ce here her lith as i am now so once was her as her is now so I must be therefore i most prepar for deth and follow after her." Wednesday, January 12, 1889 DEATHS. Monday, July 29, 1889 DEATH OF THE DOWAGER LADY WREY.—It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the Dowager Lady Wrey, mother of Sir Henry B.T. Wrey, of Tawstock Court, Barnstaple. Since the death of the late Rev. Sir H.B. Wrey, his widow (the deceased) has resided at Ashleigh House, Barnstaple. Her decease was not unexpected on Friday but her loss will be much felt among the poor. Saturday, February 18, 1893 MARRIAGES. Saturday, April 1, 1893 The circumstances of the resignation of the Rectory of Tawstock by the Rev. C.J. Down are being generally commented on. "Vanity Fair" to-day says:—A testimonial was presented last week to the Rev. C.J. Down, who is vacating the Rectory of Tawstock, which is valued at close upon £1,000 a year, with a capital house, under an agreement he entered into with the patron (the late Sir Bourchier Wrey) when he was appointed in 1883. The new Rector, a member of the Wrey family, has been in Priest's orders a comparatively short time. It is to be hoped that the new Patronage Bill of the Archbishop of Canterbury will illegalize, or delegalise, whichever is the right word, these warming-pan arrangements, which, however, convenient to the family concerned, and, to a minor extent, to the temporary substitute, are decidedly not to the credit or benefit of the Church at large, and they are by no means so uncommon as many people imagine. Mr. Down has been very much liked in the parish. Saturday, August 19, 1893 BARNSTAPLE PETTY SESSIONS.—THURSDAY.—ABUSE. |