A forbear of mine, Henry Symonds F.S.A., spent much of his lifetime researching the pedigree of the Symonds family. It is sad to note that he passed away on February 11th 1933 before seeing the fruits of his work in the public domain, the book having been finished and in the printer’s hands. It was left to his executors (his widow and son) to oversee completion of the publication, which was distributed in a limited edition of 50 copies to various members of the Symonds’ clan.
It is my intention to publish here, for the benefit of a wider audience – particularly those descendants of the sire of our clan, Edward Symonds of Dowlish Wake, Somerset, who was born about 1676, parentage and birth-place being at present unknown, so that they may gain in knowledge and by so doing take pride in their own lineage.
Before I reproduce the text of Henry Symonds’ book, I would like to make a few comments of my own and by so doing, invite other serious-minded parties to contact me with observations, corrections and additions to the family tree.
Our crest, as described in Fairbairn’s Book of Crests, under Symonds of Woodsford Castle and Pilsdon Dorset and Dowlish Wake, Somerset, is given as: on a chapeau gules, turned up ermine, a Moor's arm, embowed proper, tied at the elbow with ribbons argent and azure, holding in the hand a fireball proper. The arms, may be described as Argent, a bend engrailed azure between two fireballs proper. Our family motto is Simplex Munditiis.
However, I have two carnelian rings, one with the crest above, and another with a coat of arms as follows: Quarterly Argent, a bend engrailed azure between two fireballs proper and Perfess argent and azure, a pale counterchanged on the first, three cinquefoils proper.
I believe armorial grants were received circa 1560 from the College of Arms.
I understand, there is another crest, which our branch never uses, described as on a mount vert, an ermine passant proper, holding in the mouth a cinquefoil of the first. I suspect, with the cinquefoil in common, it relates to this other unidentified family which appears on the escutcheon. I am still trying to identify the linked family, although I suspect it is that of another branch of the Symonds clan.
This other branch, the Gloucestershire family (of Hillesley) is related to our clan, and a chart pedigree linking the 2 families may be found in Hutchins History of Dorset (3rd Edn) Vol 2. page 237., showing the connection. Also there is reference in the Herald's visitation of Gloucester, about 1620, published by the Harleian Soc., - it is interesting that the same 3 Christian names, Giles, Edward, and John appear regularly throughout the lineage of both clans.
One of the earliest references to the Symonds family name found thus far is 32 Henry III where Johannes filius Simonius is elected to the position of Monetarius for Gloucester; also a reference of 1266-7 Agnes, relicta Symonis, held land in Gloucestershire (Relicto filii Symonis tenet unum molendium quod vocatur Mariensmalle et redut per annum sex solidas ad quatuer terminus.) and in 1382 John Symondes is recorded as a juror in Gloucestershire.
Somewhat nearer home, I have an early reference of 1380, in the patent roll, of John Symonds, rector of North Stoke by exchange with Richard Godfelow (13th July 4 Rich III)
There are many other branches, for example the Oxford Symonds’s belonged to our family and came from Shropshire; The Essex stock were at Black Nosley in that county. One of them (Revd Edward Symonds) wrote a well-known pamphlet on Charles Ist.
The Norfolk family were at Cley and at Sloday. Their printed pedigree is in the Proceedings of the Norfolk Archaeological Society. I read it many years ago and cannot remember the precise reference to it.
I invite the reader then to turn his attention to the Cornish family who have always spelled their name without a "d", as we, in fact, did in the 18th century as a rule. Ask for G Boase's Collectanea Cornubrensian which contains much information as to Symons of that County. Unfortunately, Boase does not give authorities for the various documents which he prints and it may be that some of them are more of less apocryphal.
Henry Symonds always maintained that we have no obvious connection with the Symondses of Woodsford Castle, but personally, I have a sneaking suspicion that we may be descended from a bastard son of Strangways. Alternatively, I have always thought it quite possible that we descended from a branch of the Cornish clan, but have never found a link which satisfied me even approximately.
Also look at the Parochial History of Cornwall which deals with Symons of Hall.
I would caution the reader to regard Boase's pedigree with some degree of Scepticism. It is an interesting document which, unfortunately gives no historical references by which the various descents can be tested; a serious fault when a genealogist is dealing with a period before the earliest Parish registers, say 1540 or thereabouts.
The persons mentioned by Boase probably existed, but whether they were related by blood in the manner stated by him is quite another question! I regard some portions of this pedigree, when unverified by external evidence, as being distinctly unreliable.
With regard to Thomas of Woodsford (d.1566), Boase has hitched him onto the bottom of the Cornish pedigree without showing any reason for so doing, beyond the fact that the date was suitable.
We should also remember that Hutchens was printed before Boase wrote his book; it is therefore not impossible that the latter author simply "lifted" Thomas S. from Dorset into Cornwall!!
Another point - Hutchins pedigree is itself wrong. I fear, as regards the earliest persons mentioned, because the compiler has confused men of the same Christian names who were living in the same part of Dorset at the same date. I have satisfied myself that there were at least two Thomases and two Giles in the district round Woodsford at the material date when Hutchins starts his pedigree. The Thomas who died 1566 according to Hutchens, was a bastard son of Strangways; consequently he cannot be presumed to be identical with the Thomas mentioned in the Visitation of Gloucestershire about 1620.
I would remind the reader that Brown's biography of John Addington Symonds states that his family originally came from Shropshire, and also that Hutchens (II, 237) records that a daughter of Giles Symonds of Woodsford married a man from "Hodnet" in Shropshire. (J.A.S. b1840 d.1893 acquired fame as a poet and writer on the Renaissance Period of Italy).
And now, without further ado, here follows the account of Henry Symonds F.S.A.
PREFACE.
The following pages are supplementary to a genealogical chart printed by me in 1901, and contain information which has since been acquired. The additional facts made it desirable to reconstruct the 1901 chart, but the changes are, with one exception, more in form than in substance. The evidence from original sources upon which the family history mainly rests is now printed for the first time, and can be found in the chapters dealing with the various classes of records.
The mass of names and dates in a compilation of this kind renders it impossible for me to believe that mistakes have not occurred, but I hope that such blemishes will be neither frequent nor important.
I regret that it was not practicable to include in these notes all relatives who are now living; in effect, therefore, the history ends with my own generation, marked F on the key chart.
Many of our kindred have helped me in preparing these evening memories by furnishing clues which I have been able successfully to follow. In particular, the late Mrs A.D. Hull of Symondsbury was always ready to allow me, during a period of nearly forty years, to draw upon her stores of knowledge. H.S.
THE FAMILY OF SYMONDS
THE PARISH BOOKS AND THE CHURCH OF DOWLISH WAKE
It will be remembered that in the eighteenth century each parish supported its own poor, tended the sick and aged who needed help, and provided the necessary funds by a rateable levy on the parishioners. In this village a house was set apart for the purpose and the accounts of the overseers of the poor were balanced every month, showing the disbursements in the parish, the sum collected by rates and the “stock” remaining in hand, if any. The book was produced from time to time at a meeting of the parishioners who signed and “allowed” the account as being correct.
In 1903 when I examined these records and made a few extracts the first entry in the earliest volume ran as follows:- “This book was begun April 23rd in the year of our Lord 1769 by Mr Giles Symonds overseer”; he prepared the first account which was signed on October 15th by himself and approved by Abraham Rooke, John James, William and Richard James and other persons. In November 1769 the signature of John Symonds was among those assenting.
In April 1770 Abraham Hull as overseer presented his account which was agreed and allowed by Honour and Giles and Edward Symons, with others.
I then found an unusual instance of a woman overseer, namely, Honour Symonds who held that office in 1771, her account being signed by John and William James and by Edward and Giles Symons; the signature of the last named appeared again in 1772.
In 1788 John Symonds acted as overseer and also subscribed the figures for the years 1789 and 1790. A resolution in 1792 was signed by Giles Symonds who was not identical with the earlier Giles of 1769-72 but rather the latter’s nephew, as the handwriting differed. Edward Symonds similarly approved the reckoning for 1796, but here again he should not be confused with the Edward who appended his name in 1771 and died in 1785. The account for the year 1796 was the latest in which I noticed the signature of any member of the family, but some names continued in the list of ratepayers until 1817 when they presumably ceased to be resident in Dowlish although they still owned certain lands.
To-day, alas, these memorials of village economics are no longer in existence. When I wished in 1921 to amplify the brief notes taken in 1903 and now printed for the first time, I was informed by the assistant-overseer, who was almost in tears, that the old books together with loose papers in the chest had been destroyed by burning in the course of an uncontrolled “spring cleaning” in the church. Such was the untimely fate of the parish civil records, which included apprenticeship bonds and the returns from Dowlish in connexion with the defence of Somerset in 1803 (Som. & Dor. N. & Q. x, 169). It was therefore a happy chance which led me to the village church on the occasion when the foregoing extracts were made; otherwise any knowledge of the interesting contents of those records would now of course be unobtainable. The lamentable destruction of the books and papers, other than the Church registers which most fortunately were kept in another place, caused me to make further enquiries from the present Rector in 1924 when I learnt that the earliest surviving rate book begins in 1834, in which year John Symonds (D12 on the chart) owned 13a. or. 9p. in the parish, of an annual value of £18 4s 0d. The Rector also confirmed my information as to the fate of the manuscripts in the parish chest during the incumbency of his predecessor.
THE CHURCH
(see frontispiece)
The church dedicated to St Andrew and standing at the upper end of the village should not be passed without a visit. The date of the building appears to be a matter of doubt among ecclesiastical antiquaries as it is evidently composite in style and period. The most recent alteration of the fabric was in 1861-2 when there was considerable restoration, but its present elevation within the setting of the picturesque church-yard provides a fitting centre for the little community. The interior has some attractive features, including three recumbent effigies on tombs of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with a brass of the Tudor period which tells us that the portion of the church containing the brass was rebuilt at that date (Som. & Dor. N. & Q. x, 1). We as a family are concerned only with two visible records, but with how many invisible appeals to memory? There is a mural tablet to the brothers Richard and William James, and another to Edward Symonds over the south door in the nave, the inscriptions on which are transcribed in another chapter together with those in the churchyard. An ancient font is the sole relic of West Dowlish church which became ruined, as is believed, about the year 1700, although its disused burial ground at Moolham can still be found about one mile distant.
THE CHURCH BELLS
The bells in the tower are now five in number, the fifth having been added in 1906 by my old friend the late F. H. Mules who was Rector for a quarter of a century. The inscription on No. I bell, now No. 2 (diameter 27 in.), of which I made a rubbing when the peal was re-hung, deserves a note in these pages as will be seen:-
“Mr. John Simons; Mr. James Bulgin; wardens 1736.”
“Geo, Rook gave this bell 1634.”
We may infer that the bell was re-cast in 1736 when John Symonds was the senior churchwarden. Without doubt many of our forbears were wardens at one time or another, but as there is not a list of those who held that office and as the churchwarden’s accounts are no longer extant, the evidence derived from the bell is the more welcome. We may perhaps regard it as a probability that the donor of the bell in 1634 was an ancestor of Abraham Rooke of the same parish who married a Symonds bride in 1757.
THE WATER MILL AT DOWLISH
It is my intention to publish here, for the benefit of a wider audience – particularly those descendants of the sire of our clan, Edward Symonds of Dowlish Wake, Somerset, who was born about 1676, parentage and birth-place being at present unknown, so that they may gain in knowledge and by so doing take pride in their own lineage.
Before I reproduce the text of Henry Symonds’ book, I would like to make a few comments of my own and by so doing, invite other serious-minded parties to contact me with observations, corrections and additions to the family tree.
Our crest, as described in Fairbairn’s Book of Crests, under Symonds of Woodsford Castle and Pilsdon Dorset and Dowlish Wake, Somerset, is given as: on a chapeau gules, turned up ermine, a Moor's arm, embowed proper, tied at the elbow with ribbons argent and azure, holding in the hand a fireball proper. The arms, may be described as Argent, a bend engrailed azure between two fireballs proper. Our family motto is Simplex Munditiis.
However, I have two carnelian rings, one with the crest above, and another with a coat of arms as follows: Quarterly Argent, a bend engrailed azure between two fireballs proper and Perfess argent and azure, a pale counterchanged on the first, three cinquefoils proper.
I believe armorial grants were received circa 1560 from the College of Arms.
I understand, there is another crest, which our branch never uses, described as on a mount vert, an ermine passant proper, holding in the mouth a cinquefoil of the first. I suspect, with the cinquefoil in common, it relates to this other unidentified family which appears on the escutcheon. I am still trying to identify the linked family, although I suspect it is that of another branch of the Symonds clan.
This other branch, the Gloucestershire family (of Hillesley) is related to our clan, and a chart pedigree linking the 2 families may be found in Hutchins History of Dorset (3rd Edn) Vol 2. page 237., showing the connection. Also there is reference in the Herald's visitation of Gloucester, about 1620, published by the Harleian Soc., - it is interesting that the same 3 Christian names, Giles, Edward, and John appear regularly throughout the lineage of both clans.
One of the earliest references to the Symonds family name found thus far is 32 Henry III where Johannes filius Simonius is elected to the position of Monetarius for Gloucester; also a reference of 1266-7 Agnes, relicta Symonis, held land in Gloucestershire (Relicto filii Symonis tenet unum molendium quod vocatur Mariensmalle et redut per annum sex solidas ad quatuer terminus.) and in 1382 John Symondes is recorded as a juror in Gloucestershire.
Somewhat nearer home, I have an early reference of 1380, in the patent roll, of John Symonds, rector of North Stoke by exchange with Richard Godfelow (13th July 4 Rich III)
There are many other branches, for example the Oxford Symonds’s belonged to our family and came from Shropshire; The Essex stock were at Black Nosley in that county. One of them (Revd Edward Symonds) wrote a well-known pamphlet on Charles Ist.
The Norfolk family were at Cley and at Sloday. Their printed pedigree is in the Proceedings of the Norfolk Archaeological Society. I read it many years ago and cannot remember the precise reference to it.
I invite the reader then to turn his attention to the Cornish family who have always spelled their name without a "d", as we, in fact, did in the 18th century as a rule. Ask for G Boase's Collectanea Cornubrensian which contains much information as to Symons of that County. Unfortunately, Boase does not give authorities for the various documents which he prints and it may be that some of them are more of less apocryphal.
Henry Symonds always maintained that we have no obvious connection with the Symondses of Woodsford Castle, but personally, I have a sneaking suspicion that we may be descended from a bastard son of Strangways. Alternatively, I have always thought it quite possible that we descended from a branch of the Cornish clan, but have never found a link which satisfied me even approximately.
Also look at the Parochial History of Cornwall which deals with Symons of Hall.
I would caution the reader to regard Boase's pedigree with some degree of Scepticism. It is an interesting document which, unfortunately gives no historical references by which the various descents can be tested; a serious fault when a genealogist is dealing with a period before the earliest Parish registers, say 1540 or thereabouts.
The persons mentioned by Boase probably existed, but whether they were related by blood in the manner stated by him is quite another question! I regard some portions of this pedigree, when unverified by external evidence, as being distinctly unreliable.
With regard to Thomas of Woodsford (d.1566), Boase has hitched him onto the bottom of the Cornish pedigree without showing any reason for so doing, beyond the fact that the date was suitable.
We should also remember that Hutchens was printed before Boase wrote his book; it is therefore not impossible that the latter author simply "lifted" Thomas S. from Dorset into Cornwall!!
Another point - Hutchins pedigree is itself wrong. I fear, as regards the earliest persons mentioned, because the compiler has confused men of the same Christian names who were living in the same part of Dorset at the same date. I have satisfied myself that there were at least two Thomases and two Giles in the district round Woodsford at the material date when Hutchins starts his pedigree. The Thomas who died 1566 according to Hutchens, was a bastard son of Strangways; consequently he cannot be presumed to be identical with the Thomas mentioned in the Visitation of Gloucestershire about 1620.
I would remind the reader that Brown's biography of John Addington Symonds states that his family originally came from Shropshire, and also that Hutchens (II, 237) records that a daughter of Giles Symonds of Woodsford married a man from "Hodnet" in Shropshire. (J.A.S. b1840 d.1893 acquired fame as a poet and writer on the Renaissance Period of Italy).
And now, without further ado, here follows the account of Henry Symonds F.S.A.
PREFACE.
The following pages are supplementary to a genealogical chart printed by me in 1901, and contain information which has since been acquired. The additional facts made it desirable to reconstruct the 1901 chart, but the changes are, with one exception, more in form than in substance. The evidence from original sources upon which the family history mainly rests is now printed for the first time, and can be found in the chapters dealing with the various classes of records.
The mass of names and dates in a compilation of this kind renders it impossible for me to believe that mistakes have not occurred, but I hope that such blemishes will be neither frequent nor important.
I regret that it was not practicable to include in these notes all relatives who are now living; in effect, therefore, the history ends with my own generation, marked F on the key chart.
Many of our kindred have helped me in preparing these evening memories by furnishing clues which I have been able successfully to follow. In particular, the late Mrs A.D. Hull of Symondsbury was always ready to allow me, during a period of nearly forty years, to draw upon her stores of knowledge. H.S.
THE FAMILY OF SYMONDS
THE PARISH BOOKS AND THE CHURCH OF DOWLISH WAKE
It will be remembered that in the eighteenth century each parish supported its own poor, tended the sick and aged who needed help, and provided the necessary funds by a rateable levy on the parishioners. In this village a house was set apart for the purpose and the accounts of the overseers of the poor were balanced every month, showing the disbursements in the parish, the sum collected by rates and the “stock” remaining in hand, if any. The book was produced from time to time at a meeting of the parishioners who signed and “allowed” the account as being correct.
In 1903 when I examined these records and made a few extracts the first entry in the earliest volume ran as follows:- “This book was begun April 23rd in the year of our Lord 1769 by Mr Giles Symonds overseer”; he prepared the first account which was signed on October 15th by himself and approved by Abraham Rooke, John James, William and Richard James and other persons. In November 1769 the signature of John Symonds was among those assenting.
In April 1770 Abraham Hull as overseer presented his account which was agreed and allowed by Honour and Giles and Edward Symons, with others.
I then found an unusual instance of a woman overseer, namely, Honour Symonds who held that office in 1771, her account being signed by John and William James and by Edward and Giles Symons; the signature of the last named appeared again in 1772.
In 1788 John Symonds acted as overseer and also subscribed the figures for the years 1789 and 1790. A resolution in 1792 was signed by Giles Symonds who was not identical with the earlier Giles of 1769-72 but rather the latter’s nephew, as the handwriting differed. Edward Symonds similarly approved the reckoning for 1796, but here again he should not be confused with the Edward who appended his name in 1771 and died in 1785. The account for the year 1796 was the latest in which I noticed the signature of any member of the family, but some names continued in the list of ratepayers until 1817 when they presumably ceased to be resident in Dowlish although they still owned certain lands.
To-day, alas, these memorials of village economics are no longer in existence. When I wished in 1921 to amplify the brief notes taken in 1903 and now printed for the first time, I was informed by the assistant-overseer, who was almost in tears, that the old books together with loose papers in the chest had been destroyed by burning in the course of an uncontrolled “spring cleaning” in the church. Such was the untimely fate of the parish civil records, which included apprenticeship bonds and the returns from Dowlish in connexion with the defence of Somerset in 1803 (Som. & Dor. N. & Q. x, 169). It was therefore a happy chance which led me to the village church on the occasion when the foregoing extracts were made; otherwise any knowledge of the interesting contents of those records would now of course be unobtainable. The lamentable destruction of the books and papers, other than the Church registers which most fortunately were kept in another place, caused me to make further enquiries from the present Rector in 1924 when I learnt that the earliest surviving rate book begins in 1834, in which year John Symonds (D12 on the chart) owned 13a. or. 9p. in the parish, of an annual value of £18 4s 0d. The Rector also confirmed my information as to the fate of the manuscripts in the parish chest during the incumbency of his predecessor.
THE CHURCH
(see frontispiece)
The church dedicated to St Andrew and standing at the upper end of the village should not be passed without a visit. The date of the building appears to be a matter of doubt among ecclesiastical antiquaries as it is evidently composite in style and period. The most recent alteration of the fabric was in 1861-2 when there was considerable restoration, but its present elevation within the setting of the picturesque church-yard provides a fitting centre for the little community. The interior has some attractive features, including three recumbent effigies on tombs of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries with a brass of the Tudor period which tells us that the portion of the church containing the brass was rebuilt at that date (Som. & Dor. N. & Q. x, 1). We as a family are concerned only with two visible records, but with how many invisible appeals to memory? There is a mural tablet to the brothers Richard and William James, and another to Edward Symonds over the south door in the nave, the inscriptions on which are transcribed in another chapter together with those in the churchyard. An ancient font is the sole relic of West Dowlish church which became ruined, as is believed, about the year 1700, although its disused burial ground at Moolham can still be found about one mile distant.
THE CHURCH BELLS
The bells in the tower are now five in number, the fifth having been added in 1906 by my old friend the late F. H. Mules who was Rector for a quarter of a century. The inscription on No. I bell, now No. 2 (diameter 27 in.), of which I made a rubbing when the peal was re-hung, deserves a note in these pages as will be seen:-
“Mr. John Simons; Mr. James Bulgin; wardens 1736.”
“Geo, Rook gave this bell 1634.”
We may infer that the bell was re-cast in 1736 when John Symonds was the senior churchwarden. Without doubt many of our forbears were wardens at one time or another, but as there is not a list of those who held that office and as the churchwarden’s accounts are no longer extant, the evidence derived from the bell is the more welcome. We may perhaps regard it as a probability that the donor of the bell in 1634 was an ancestor of Abraham Rooke of the same parish who married a Symonds bride in 1757.
THE WATER MILL AT DOWLISH
Having regard to the long association of my family with the mill and the adjoining land it will perhaps be fitting to chronicle some stray facts that are within my knowledge. Although this little mill cannot show a record beginning in Domesday Book, like its neighbour in Donyatt parish, nevertheless corn was being ground in feudal times and most probably on the same site. I have seen an ancient charter by which a bishop of Bath confirmed a gift by Ralph Wac (Wake?) of the mill at Duvelicium (Dowlish) to the monks of Ferleia in Wiltshire. [it was from the family of Wake, who then owned the Manor, that East Dowlish derived its alternative name]. The deed is undated and the bishop’s name is denoted only by the letter R, but the Ralph wake therein mentioned may be the member of the family who was living in 1285 and Lord of the Manor, as the script is of that period.
A long interval then elapses, during which the manor passed to the Keynes family and subsequently by marriage to the Spekes. In the days of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth the depositions in a Chancery suit yield a few particulars: one witness states that in 1651 the life-hold property included the dwelling house, the mill house and tenements, a back-side (yard) and a close of 3 acres, which were worth together about £24 yearly. The miller John Davys, then aged 51, deposed that he occupied the mill-house and a garden plot from which he paid 6 shillings rent weekly to the holder of the other part. The buildings then needed repair and a tree had been provided for the purpose, but the defendant objected and consequently £9 was spent on the timber. (Hutchins v. Moore, Chan. Dep. Mitford 640/35).
In 1680 the miller was William Vincent; he was succeeded about 1688 by William Milbourne, our ancestor, whose daughter Anne married Edward Symonds. Thenceforward our kinsfolk successively held the mill on lifehold tenure during a long period. When an invasion by Napoleon was threatened, returns were called for, in all parishes in maritime counties, as to their resources in men, animals and food. The tithingman of Dowlish made a return in July, 1803, stating, among other things, that there was a miller in the parish but that the want of water prevented him from engaging to supply a greater quantity of meal than his usual customers consumed; if there was no scarcity of water he could supply tem quarters of meal weekly, over and above his usual needs (Som. & Dor. N. & Q. x, 169).
The existing stone walls and main timbers of the dwelling-house and the mill-house, which face each other across a yard, can be dated as 17th century work, if not a little earlier; the modern slate roofs being doubtless substituted for the original coverings of thatch. In each building there is a large open fireplace framed with oak, one being 7ft 9 ins wide; alongside the fireplace in the mill-house is a small arched recess in the masonry 14 ½ in, x 11 in., perhaps for a food vessel when heated, which suggests that this portion of the building was formerly used as a dwelling, not improbably by John Davys in 1651 as above mentioned.
It was in the year 1901 that a friend drew Henry Symonds (author of the Symonds family book) to an inscribed block of Ham Hill stone in the exterior face of the north gable of the mill-house, about 12 feet above the ground level. On examining the inscription it read as follows:
S
E A
1710
To shorten a rather long story, the late William Speke very kindly allowed our forbear Henry Symonds to remove the stone, and since 1902 it remained one of his cherished possessions until his death. As will presently appear, however, the block might have remained in situ if future events could have been forseen. The meaning of the inscription is sufficiently clear, namely, that Edward Symonds having married Anne Milbourne became, through his wife, the yeoman miller; then having altered the mill-house, he caused his own and his wife’s initials, with the date, to be cut upon the stone (18 in. x 17 in.).
The dispersal of the Speke settled estates in 1920 enabled Henry Symonds to acquire the freehold of all the mill premises, including the machinery, together with the pleasant meadows between Mill Lane and the stream, some of which had formerly been owned by our clan. However, the water wheel is silent and the outlook is dark. The village mill driving its pairs of circular stones as in the middle ages, has succumbed to the paralysing situation created by the modern roller mill with more modern methods of power, and if the old time form of the most ancient of industries has any prospects they would appear to lie in the direction of grinding food for cattle instead of corn for mankind.
Although the stream no longer turns the wheel, the baking ovens in the old mill-house have again been brought into use, with imported instead of home-ground flour, and this section of our former industry may have a successful future - but prophesy is dangerous. There is evidence from a tithe survey of 1835 that the “bake-house” was then in existence; indeed it is not at all improbable that the first production of loaves may be ascribed to an earlier date when one or other of the Symonds family controlled the undertaking, which was not the fact, however, in the year 1835.
When the water in the river was low and the wheel necessarily idle the household doubtless turned their attention to farming as the next best thing, if we may believe the jingling lines in “The Miller’s Breviary,” which tell us among other incidents that -
Miller at mill
Wife at till
Housework Jill
Son ploughing hill
resulted in profits being netted, and we can hope that it was so.
From the historical point of view the usages attached to the trade of a country miller in old days are worthy of a little notice, especially as his calling is, I fear, moribund and may be extinct before many years are passed. If the mill lay within a manor, as was the case here, the copyhold tenants were generally obliged to take their corn to be ground at the Lord’s mill and not elsewhere, there being a parallel obligation on the miller to accept the work offered to him by the manorial tenants. In the absence of the missing court-rolls of Dowlish it is now impossible to say whether this usual custom was actually enforced there.
The method of remuneration for the services rendered was an interesting custom among the economics of a flour or grist-mill. Payment was not made in money but in kind, which was then known as the “toll.” The correct quantity to be taken from the grain before it was ground was measured by a toll-dish or toll-vat, which had been approved by the authorities, but no reference to such vessel can be found in the inventories of our forebear’s personal effects. The average proportion of the toll was one-sixteenth of the grain; in earlier times it had been one-quart from each bushel of wheat or, 1/32 part. Parliament, however, abolished the old custom in 1795-6 by enacting that toll should be paid in money only, except in cases of poverty, and that a table of prices should be exhibited in the mill.
It may be agreeable to you if you haven’t yet visited Dowlish to see a representation of the grey stone dwelling in which so many of our forefathers lived and died. The picture is from a wood-block engraved in 1927 by one of Henry’s nephews, Geoffrey Burman Lowe, who had a talent for that branch of the art.
DOCUMENTS RELATING TO LAND, AND OTHER MEMORIALS
Enquiries in several quarters as to the court-rolls of the manor of East Dowlish seem to make it clear that they are either lost or no longer in existence, and that the manorial courts were discontinued about the end of the 18th century. That being so, I must be content to allude to certain manuscript books in order to indicate the land in that parish (other than the mill holding) owned or occupied by our kinsmen after or before the ancient manorial customs had fallen into disuse.
The earliest reference to the subject, which I am able to cite, is contained in the minute book of the feoffees of the Free school at Ilminster who formerly owned certain land outside Dowlish but near to the mill. These minutes record that on 20th October 1725 the feoffees agreed with Edward Symons, in consideration of a surrender by him of two leases each for 99 years determinable respectively on the death of Anne his wife and William his son and of a payment by him of £12, to grant a new lease to him of a meadow called Broad close and a close of arable land called Dry close in Cudworth, Somerset, for 99 years determinable on the death of the said Anne and William and also John then aged about 11 years another son of the said Edward Symons, under the ancient rent, services, and covenants. We may believe that the foregoing minute was duly carried into effect as the school accounts for 1725-6 show a payment by “Mr Edward Symonds” of the £12 fine. [ On a later page it will be seen that the counterpart of this lease of 1725 was included in a second gift to me by the Feoffees in 1932]. At this point It will no longer be necessary to quote from the Free School minute book as the feoffees (or governors) having already sold their property in Cudworth very kindly gave to me in Sept. 1905 through the good offices of Mr. J. Duke, three original leases of the fields in question, from which I will now make extracts :-
(1) A lease in reversion dated 20 Oct. 1742 by the feoffees of Ilminster School to Edward Symons then of Rose Mill in Ilminster, miller, of the two fields in Cudworth above mentioned, part of the lands formerly in the possession of John Hobman and since of Edward Symons father of Edward party to this lease and belonging to the said school, for 99 years if Edward son of the present lessee aged about seven should so long happen to live; the term to begin on the determination of a lease of the same lands granted by the then feoffees on 22 Nov. 1725; the consideration being a fine of £12 and an annual rent of 13s 4d. Executed by eleven feoffees of the School.
(2) The counterpart of the last-mentioned document, executed by Edward Symons. (As this is an early signature of a member of the family a reproduction is annexed.)
(3) A counterpart lease dated 21 Oct. 1747 by the same feoffees to Edward Symonds of East Dowlish, miller, the same lands for 99 years, if Edward a son of the lessee aged about 13, Anne a daughter aged about 17 and Giles another son aged about 4, or any one of them should so long happen to live; the consideration being a surrender of the leases granted in 1725 and 1742 respectively, a fine of £18 and a rent of 13s 4d. Executed by ‘Edward Symons.’
The three parchments are interesting since they afford additional evidence, if such be needed, of the existence, age and parentage of the “lives” on which the life hold estates were contingent. It should be explained that the land in Cudworth known as Hobman’s is mentioned in the will of William Milbourne in 1704 and was still held by Honour Symonds the widow of his grandson in 1763 and subsequently. Indeed the lease of 1747 did not expire until 1829 when Anne the last survivor of the “lives” died aged ninety-seven.
Having described our connection with the fields in Cudworth parish I should also mention an appropriate sequel in 1932. After the foregoing pages were written and when the MS. Was ready for the printer, the land in question was unexpectedly offered for sale; thus it came about that a member of the family was able to obtain the fee-simple of the 14 acres that his forefathers had successively held on life hold tenure throughout the eighteenth century. These fields described in an Elizabethan title deed as a “rowless tenement,” i.e. land without a house, in fact adjoin the mill holding at Dowlish and lie on the boundary line between that parish and Cudworth.
In connexion with the purchase in 1932 I wish to make acknowledgement of another gift of old documents by the Governors of Ilminster School, whose predecessors had sold their Cudworth land in 1806 but had retained some of the deeds relating to the property, consisted mainly of indentures of surrendered leases. Among the latter items were two that may be noticed as being especially of family interest:: -
A counterpart lease to Edward Symonds of East Dowlish, miller(on the chart A1) dated 22 Nov 1725, of a part of the land last mentioned for 99 years if Anne (Milbourne) his wife, William his son aged about 21 and John another son aged about 11 years, or any of them, should so long live.
It so happens that the ink of the signature of Edward Symonds in 1725 is much faded and therefore unsuitable for reproduction, but it is the earliest handwriting of an ancestor known to me and is, moreover, the autograph of the man who caused the commemorative stone to be carved in 1710 which is referred to and illustrated in the chapter on Dowlish mill.
The second of the two documents is similarly a counterpart lease of the same land in Cudworth, whereby –
The School feoffees on 20 June 1698 granted the fields to William Milbourne of Dowlish Wake, miller, on the lives of Anne his daughter (afterwards Anne Symonds) and James his son. This instrument recites the surrender of a former lease on the respective lives of Eunice, wife of Hugh Hull, and John Hobman the younger.
It is quite clear that the Hull family of Cudworth, above mentioned, were kinsmen and probably forbears of the Hulls of Dowlish, one of whom married Amelia Symonds in 1822 as is recorded in the narrative history.
Another parcel of old writings, for the gift of which I was again indebted to Mr. Duke, relates to Honour Symonds (d.1787) who had been the mortgagee of a house in Ilminster.
These documents comprise (1) Indentures of lease and release of 22 & 23 December 1783 to Honour Symonds of Dowlish, widow, (2) A bond given by the mortgagor, and (3) Chirographs of a “fine” levied in 1784 to secure her title to the property.
It would appear from other papers that John her eldest surviving son and Giles his brother, as executors of their mother’s will, sold the house in 1795 after two “public surveys” (i.e. auctions) had been held.
Three other deeds were executed on the occasion of the marriage of Giles Symonds, the younger, of Beaminster and Maria Hunt of Ilminster. (1) A settlement dated 23 June 1807 whereby the bride’s land in Ilminster and Whitechurch Canonicorum was conveyed to Norris Jego and William Symonds of Pilsdon as trustees, (2) A lease of the land by the bride to the trustees for a year, (3) A bond by the bridegroom to the trustees.
It may also be useful to take note of a family partition deed of 1848 now in the possession of my cousin Mr. William Pope Symonds, by which inter alia certain freehold lands were allotted to Henry Symonds, D13, then of Cerne Abbas, namely - the property of Merriott (formerly owned by William Coleman) comprising a house, garden and orchard and two fields “Dogdale and Landshare,” in all about 6 acres; and secondly the land at Dowlish Wake, about 13 acres of meadow known as “Knights Mead, Broad Close and Ragg, & Stain mead.” These three fields appear to be identical with the land owned by John Symonds, D12, in 1834, according to the Dowlish rate book. Be that as it may, the property in both parishes was unfortunately sold to strangers as a later date.
A section of the Public Records Office, known as the “Feet of Fines”, contains brief particulars as to the purchase, sale or mortgage of land. The word “fine” in this connexion denotes the finis or end of a fictitious law suit designed further to protect the rights of a purchaser or mortgagee, in addition to the private deed of conveyance. As will be seen below, the purchaser is described as the plaintiff or querent and the vendor as the deforciant in the suit, while the price is very often stated to be a conventional sum, which bore little or no relation to the actual amount, involved in the transaction. There are many of these “fines” at the Public Record Office concerning members of the family and their relatives by marriage, but it will be sufficient for me to quote two examples to illustrate the manner in which the formal end of such proceedings was recorded in the Court of Common Pleas. (The whole system was abolished by a statute of King William IV.)
(1) Somerset. Easter Term, II George III (1771). Final agreement made between Edward Symons plaintiff and Thomas Pugh and Mary White his wife deforciants of one messuage, 2 gardens, 2 orchards, 20 acres of land, 15 acres meadow, 10 acres pasture and 10 acres wood, with appurtenances, in Doledish Wake. (sic). The said Edward hath given to the aforesaid Thomas and Mary £60 sterling.
In this case the buyer must, I think, have been Edward of Dinnington, C5, as he was the one man of that Christian name living in the year mentioned. I cannot trace the subsequent history of the land or any part of it.
(2) Somerset. Trinity Term, 53 George III (1813). Final agreement made between Mary Leekey, widow, plaintiff and John Langdon and Mary Ann Langdon, spinster, and others, deforciants of 1 cottage, 3 gardens, 40 acres land, 5 acres meadow, 12 acres pasture and common of pasture in Milverton. The said Mary hath given £60 sterling to John and Mary Ann.
Here the purchaser was my ancestress in the maternal line, and some of the land is still held by her great-great grandson the present writer.
Allusion was made on an earlier page to manuscript books now among my papers. The larger item, a folio, contains a “numerical survey” of East & West Dowlish lands and houses between 1825 and 1836, with later additions in pencil, and sets forth the owners and occupiers, the acreage and field-names and the annual values, together with the rectorial tithes due thereon. The book was written by a land-surveyor named Guy of Hinton St. George, who apparently collected the tithe, but the numbered map to which the schedule refers no longer accompanies it. The second book, of quarto size, is a copy of a survey made by the same land surveyor for tithe purposes and is dated July 1840. In this instance the original map of both parishes has survived and the field number correspond with those in the smaller book, but the numerical arrangement differs entirely from that of the folio manuscript. From the two schedules and the map it is possible to locate all the detached fields and houses in Dowlish, about 37 acres in all, then owned by members of our family, none of whom, however, was a resident at the period of the surveys nor was there any association with the mill, although a portion of land in question is near to its buildings.
I should add here that the inventory of 1728 attached to the will of Edward Symonds, (A1 on the chart), which can be found in the chapter relating to testamentary evidence, mentions among his other property several named closes of land and the water mill. These fields, etc., were in all probability held on life-hold tenure under the customs of the manor of Dowlish, as was the land mentioned in the inventory and will of his father-in-law William Milbourne who died in 1706.
Marriage settlements form a class of private documents that sometimes yield unexpected genealogical information and furnish signatures of old-time kinsmen not otherwise obtainable. Such writings should, it is submitted, be carefully preserved even when they no longer possess any legal validity. I will choose as an illustration a deed of settlement dated 30 Nov. 1830 on the marriage of George Leekey of Milverton, Somerset, with Jemima John Craze daughter of John and Jemima Craze, the last named being then a widow living at Sidbury. (see Appendix X). The trustees were John Leekey and Richard Craze, whose sisters Sarah and Eliza Craze were attesting witnesses. The document recites at great length the title to each of the parcels of Milverton land then brought into settlement.
There are in existence a number of articles of dated jewellery, chiefly gold finger-rings, recording the names of our forbears. One such ring in my keeping commemorates the death in 1819 of my paternal great-grandfather Giles Symonds, C9. Among other trinkets in the same category I may mention two brooches owned by a cousin bearing the respective names of my maternal great-grandparents, namely, George Leekey (died 1822) and Sarah (Cording) his wife, died 1844. Her portrait is reproduced on another page. These and many similar little memorials in the style and taste of their period should be rightly esteemed by later generations of our clan.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND WAR OFFICE RECORDS
Other legal proceedings tell us that difficulties had arisen respecting the will of Richard James the elder of east Dowlish who died 21st August 1785, from the pleadings of which have been extracted some incidental facts as all the persons concerned were related to us either by blood or marriage. The executors of the will were Richard the younger and William James of Colmer, his brother, the latter being the plaintiff in a Chancery suit of 1776 against his co-executor. The documents indicate that the testator, Richard the elder, has been possessed of a house and orchards called Webb’s and considerable land of copyhold tenure in the manor of East Dowlish and in Kingstone, on the lives of Joan Jego his sister and others; that Richard James the younger had married Mary Rooke on 13th April 1780; that on the preceding day a deed of settlement was executed by Richard James the elder and John his brother both of East Dowlish of the first part, Richard the younger and Mary Rooke of the same place of the second part, and William James of Colmer in Marshwood and Edward Symonds of Dinnington, as trustees, of the third part; whereby the house and lands were assigned to the trustees, with an ultimate trust for the children if any of Mary James, nee Rooke (P.R.O.Chancery Proceedings 1758-1800, no. 603). The dates show that this suit was running its course simultaneously with that in the court of Exchequor which has already been cited.
WAR OFFICE MATTERS.
The War Office records at the end of the eighteenth century, when England was preparing against the threatened invasion by France, include muster rolls and pay lists of several of the military forces then existing in Somerset. The yeomanry rolls before 1803 are unfortunately missing, but the records of another mounted corps known as “Somerset Provisional Cavalry” are fairly complete and it is possible to make a few extracts from the surviving returns of that regiment, which was formed in 1796 under an Act of parliament. It appears that in August-September 1798 Edward Symonds was a sergeant in the corps and received £3.7s.2d. for the month’s pay, the regiment being quartered in detachments at various garrison towns in the West Country. (This Edward was the eldest son of John Symonds of Dowlish, C7, who had died in 1796.) In the year 1799 he received a commission as Quartermaster in the same Regiment, and I was indebted in 1903 to his grand-daughter Mrs Alice Green, nee Symonds, of Liversedge, Yorkshire, (now deceased) for a tracing of the original parchment then in her possession. It reads thus: -
“By J. B. Burland colonel of His Majesty’s Regiment of Somerset Provisional Cavalry, to Edward Symonds, gentleman. By virtue of the power and authority to me by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty in this behalf given, I do herby constitute and appoint you the said Edward Symonds to be Quartermaster to that troop in His Majesty’s Regiment of Somerset Provisional Cavalry whereof Thomas Samuel Jolliffe esquire is Lt.-Colonel. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Quartermaster by exercising and well disciplining both the inferior officers and soldiers of that troop who are to obey you as their Quartermaster, and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from me or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of War. Given under my hand and seal this 25th day of July 1799.
J. Berkeley Burland. Col.”
The provisional Cavalry were disbanded throughout the country in April 1800, when Edward’s monthly pay was £7. 14s. 0d. for which he signed the pay list. In the same corps was George Leekey of Milverton, serving as a corporal during 1798 and until the disbandment, after which he was a sergeant in the Milverton Volunteers (infantry) for several years.
I was informed by Mrs. Green that Giles Symonds, a younger brother of the Quartermaster, served as a trooper or “private man”, in the Somerset Yeomanry about 1798 and I can add that he was also the miller at Dowlish in that year. A contemporary water-colour portrait of this yeoman was (in 1907) in the possession of of his great-nephew, yet another Giles Symonds, of Weston Heath, Salop. Who kindly allowed me to photograph it, and a reproduction is opposite this page.
A notebook kept by Norris Jego, the younger, tells us that he was enrolled in Capt. Hanning’s (Ilminster) troop of Yeomanry on 9th May 1798.
In the last quarter of the eighteenth century several members of the family had migrated into Dorset, and consequently I found a few entries relating to them and their connexions by marriage in the muster rolls of the auxiliary cavalry regiment known as “Dorset Volunteer Rangers” during the years 1794-98. They were Joseph Davis of Swyre, Job Legg of Litton Cheney, Jacob and Joseph Pitfield of Symondsbury, Daniel Stone of Brimley in Stoke Abbot, Giles and George Symonds of Pilsdon, John Udal of Broadwindsor and Benjamin Wellman of Stoke Abbot.
The muster rolls of the Somerset volunteer infantry lead one to think that the various mounted corps were more popular with our own forbears. There are, however, a few names in the infantry between 1798 and 1802: - In the Combe St. Nicholas Company, Giles Symonds (who was at one time in the yeomanry) and Thomas Gothard; in other companies, John, Giles and Edward Dight and Thomas Meade.
Before leaving the subject of the auxiliary forces during the Napoleonic Wars, it may be not uninteresting to comment upon a folio manuscript book, now on my shelves, containing the pay lists and cognate memoranda of Major Balch’s (afterwards Capt. Faugoin’s) troop of the Somerset provisional Cavalry, from 1798 until the disbandment of the regiment. The entries in that book, which were presumably written in the orderly-room of Weymouth barracks, throw light on the military economics of a cavalry troop on detachment duty away from headquarters. Frequent marches were made to other Dorset towns, the wheeled transport for baggage being “impressed” (i.e. commandeered) for such purposes; the owners received one shilling per mile for their wagons and nine pence for carts. Payments occur every month to farriers, saddlers and innkeepers for billeting allowance. The daily pay of the private-men was 1s. 3d., of sergeants 2s. 2d. The troop horses, generally sixty-one, were supplied with forage as a cost per head of nine pence daily, supplemented by “extra feed” after hard work. On one occasion they met with a deserter from the Devon militia to whom subsistence money was advanced, together with an expenditure on his behalf of 8s. for a new pair of shoes and 3s. 6d. for a pair of handcuffs. The scarcity of men at that critical time is indicated by the Government bounty offered to recruits; in August 1799 the astonishing sum of eight guineas was paid to each of five recruits after attestation. Two months later the bounty was six guineas, but one guinea was paid to a man who brought in a prospective soldier.
When the troop was disbanded at Taunton in April 1800 a gift of one guinea was made to each of the forty-seven private-men then on the roll, and they were invited to transfer themselves to another Fencible corps.
EIGHTEENTH CENTURY NEWSPAPERS, ETC.
In the absence of old diaries the files of early newspapers can usefully be consulted for such sidelights as they may contain on the lives and occupations of our forefathers. It should, however, be remembered that before the nineteenth century it was not customary to insert in country journals the notices of births, marriages and deaths which are now so familiar; consequently information as to these occurrences must be derived from parish registers or other sources. Nevertheless some volumes of the Western Flying Post, a weekly newspaper circulating in Somerset and Dorset, have yielded some fragmentary details which appear to deserve transcription.
The earliest items which have come under my notice relate to the bounties offered to growers of hemp and flax in 1781 and renewed in subsequent years, when there was a shortage of raw materials for spinning. The Act of Parliament promised to those cultivators who complied with certain formalities a bonus of three pence per stone (14 lbs.) of hemp and four pence for the same weight of flax. An offer which was in principle repeated during the Great war of 1914-1918 when the dearth of flax again became acute.
At the Quarter Sessions held at Wells in July 1786 it was ordered that the claims made for the growth of the year 1784 should be published, from which Henry Symonds made the following extracts:-
(1) John Symonds and Giles Symonds of Dinnington claimed for 405 stones of flax grown in Kingstone. (It seems probable that they were acting as executors of their eldest brother Edward who had died in 1785 at Dinnington.)
(2) Norris Jego of Kingstone for 204 stones of flax in that parish.
(3) Edward Stephens of Shepton Beauchamp for 171 stones of hemp and 165 stones of flax in that parish.
Similarly I find that that Dorset Quarter Sessions held at Shaftesbury in July 1786 issued a list in which:-
(4) John Roper of Chideock claimed for 1041 stones of flax, and 255 in a later entry for a crop of 1784.
(5) John Bradford of Symondsbury, for 278 of flax.
(6) Benjamin Wellman of Stoke Abbot, 149 of flax.
The Government did not discharge these bounties very promptly, seeing that the growers of 1784 were invited to attend at Chard in April 1788 to receive payment of their dues.
Next in order of date comes a paragraph stating that a house and buildings with 66 acres of lifehold land at Allowenshay in Kingstone, known as Symons’s, etc., and then in the tenure of Norris Jego, would be sold by Survey (i.e. Auction) on 24th October 1786, at the George Inn, Ilminster. The result of this sale is not mentioned in later issues of the journal.
I now turn for a moment to the published certificates for game duty which indicate one branch of the amusements then available for dwellers in the country, the annual tax for a permit to kill game being two guineas. Among those attached to this form of sport were Giles Symonds of Pilsdon whose name appears regularly between 1791 and 1807; Edward, his son, of West Coker and afterwards of Haselbury, 1796 to 1801; James Dight, Ilton, 1805; William Gapper, Winsham, 1802; John Roper junior, Chideock, 1804; Norris Jego junior, Ilminster, 1804; Giles Symonds, Beaminster, 1809; and John Symonds, Broadwindsor, 1812.
An advertisment tells us that a freehold estate of 74½ acres in Merriott, then let to William Coleman at £80 per annum, was to be sold on 13th August 1792. Possibly the tenant bought a portion of his holding, as he is known to have been a land-owner in that parish. About two years later, in February 1794, William Coleman is again mentioned as the occupier of a house called Holywell in Merriott, the premises being said to be suitable for a linman (i.e. flax seller). So little is recorded about the family of our ancestress Anne Symonds nee Coleman, that these rather trivial references to her father are not unwelcome.
In March 1792 Edward Dight of Langford in Fivehead advertises for sale a dark grey stallion which is reputed “to be as fine a horse and to have as good a gift in going as any in the kingdom.” Let us hope that the owner obtained a gratifying price for such a treasure!
Returning to Dowlish Wake, we may take note of an offer to sell two orchards and several closes of freehold land, in all 17 acres in that parish, then owned by John Symonds of Dowlish and Giles Symonds of Pilsdon. An auction was to take place on 21st April 1795 at Ilminster, but whether a sale was effected is a matter of doubt. It is, in all events, clear that the property in question is not owned today by any of our kinsfolk.
At a meeting of Somerset millers and bakers held at Taunton in September 1798, “Mr. Giles Symonds, Dowlish Wake,” was among those who attended and served on a committee to promote the welfare of their industry. This Giles, the miller in 1798, whose portrait is still extant, was a son of John Symonds mentioned in the preceding paragraph who had died in February 1796. The closing years of that century saw much distress among our population and must have been a harassing period for all concerned in the production of bread, whether corn-growers or millers or bakers. Thw war against France and the partial failure of home crops had caused an alarming scarcity of food, one result of which was the compulsory use of flour-weighing (before the addition of other substances) as least three-fourths of the weight of the grain whereof it was made. In other words, the standard wheaten flour which had its parallel during 1914-1918. I will conclude these miscellaneous press extracts by quoting a notification, dated 10th January 1800, that the partnership between Edward Symonds of West Coker and John Bullock of East Coker, sail and sacking cloth manufacturers, had been terminated by mutual consent. This Edward, D3, was the eldest son of Giles and Anne, then of Pilsdon, and was apparently the first male member of the family, as known to me, who was not engaged in agriculture or corn-milling.
Although no early diaries kept by our forefathers are extant, Henry Symonds, the author, was permitted to make some extracts from a pocket-book once used by Norris Jego, of Allowenshay in Kingstone, who married Elizabeth (Betty) Symonds of Dowlish in 1761. This little volume (now owned by the descendants of Alice Jego Symonds) of rough jottings by an eighteenth-century yeoman mainly relates to his transactions in respect of crops and livestock, there being no memoranda as to his house or home circle. Thus we can read some first-hand evidence concerning agricultural economics of that period, often expressed in the local dialect of the Somerset countryside.
He begins the book on 26th January 1792 and it is evident at the outset that for a series of years a considerable part of his land was cropped with flax, upon which a bounty was then paid to the growers, as already stated. The 1790 crop amounted to 365 stones, some of which passed to Jos. Mullings of West Coker and some to J. Gray of Crewkerne, the latter also buying a portion of the 1791 yield. The price is not entered, possibly because it was controlled by the Government, and therefore known to everyone, but there was a ready market among the linmen and spinners in the district. Of the crop of 1792 Sparks and Gidley of Crewkerne bought 167 stones, and a further quantity was “swingled” (beaten) by the grower of Allowenshay. The total claim (for bounty) in respect of 1792 was for 736 bushells, and 510 bushells for the growth of 1794, but there appears to be a confusion here between bushell and stone, as the stone of 14 lbs. Was the recognised basis in dealing with flax; possibly it was a clerical slip by the diarist.
Now let me turn to wheat:- He harvested 243 bushells in 1791 which were sold at 5s. 1d., average. In 1792, November, he obtained 7s. 6d. In 1795 the price had again risen to 10s., and in August of that year he sold at 13s the bushell. It is not surprising that bread was then a costly food for the poor. The barley grown in 1791 totalled 805 bushells which was sold at 3s. 3½d. to T. Winsor. In 1796 the barley changed ownership at 5s. the bushell, for Rose Mill, Ilminster, the buyer “to pay one turnpike.” In the latter connection, Jego paid £8. 9s. 0d. as compensation money for 1798 to free him of toll at Kingstone gate, the nearest to his home. Beans in 1791 sold for 3s. 6d. the bushell; in 1794 Mrs Lowman paid him at the rate of 5s. 9d. for 40 bushells of the same commodity, again illustrating the rise in value of all produce.
As to livestock:- In 1792 he bought 140 lambs at 14s 6d. to 15s. each, of which seven were “not”, (i.e. without horns). In 1793 he sold “100 pur hogs” (sheep under one year) at £1. 7s. 0d. each and “one guinea over” to John Stephens and Mr Salisbury. The sheep occasionally suffered from “goggles” (ricketts or staggers) which resulted once or twice in a message to a butcher. Wool was sold at 1s. the pound. Fat pigs brought in 10s. the score, and £7. 7s. 0d. were paid by Charles Hull for a sow and pigs. Two fat cows were sold in 1796 for £30, with 10s. 6d. to luck. There are very few references to cattle, and dairy produce of any kind is not mentioned at all, whence it may be inferred that the milch kine supplied the needs of his household only.
Large purchases of lime for the fields, etc., were made from our relatives who owned kilns in the neighbourhood. In 1792 Richard James of Kingstone supplied 235 hogsheads, and again in later years. In 1794 Edward Symonds sent in 70 from his Dowlish kiln, and also 341 hogsheads in 1795 for which the vendor received ten guineas in part payment. Arthur and Charles Hull of Dowlish also provided similar supplies of lime.
In 1794 he ploughed two acres in “middle field” for Edward Symonds at a cost of 10s 6d., and afterwards sent to the latter three cows for keeping at 2s. each weekly. Jego records his weight in January 1795 as 8 score 6 (or 11 stone 12) and the number of his watch as 802, by J. Wink, London. Does it still exist? He bought a “crap yeard” (? Crop eared) horse from G. Symonds for £20/. Less the customary half guinea, and there are sundry dealings with J. Symonds between 1792 and 1795. The acreage of the land in Kingstone is nowhere stated but he paid £23. 3s. 6d. to the tithe owner for 1798, in which year the handwriting changes and Norris Jego the younger takes up his pen. The son’s first entry relates to his enrolment in the Ilminster troop of yeomanry, but generally he is not so informative as his father was on country matters; although there are a few quaint recipes for curing disorders in man and beast. Henry Symonds also noticed an entry relating to the Jego estate in South Perrott which was let in 1797 for £30 neat, and his house in Dowlish which was occupied by two tenants at two guineas each yearly.
This chapter may now be concluded by an allusion to printed poll books and printed lists of voters, issued before the Reform Act, which should not be overlooked as sources of information. For example, in 1806 Daniel Stone of Stoke Abbott voted in respect of a freehold qualifiaction at Bradpole. At a later date, in 1832, William Symonds of Gorwell was entitled to vote in respect of “Symonds’s” at Dowlish Wake, and Giles Symonds (the younger) of Ilminster in respect of a freehold in that town. These extracts must suffice, as the names are many.
THE NARRATIVE OR PARAGRAPH HISTORY
This narrative pedigree should be read in conjunction with the key chart which indicates in tabular form the relative positions of the members of the family. The generations on the chart are lettered A, B, C successively, and the individual persons in each generation are numbered 1, 2, 3 and so on from left to right; thus B3 denotes the third name on the second line of the chart. The plan adopted in the narrative, with one or two exceptions, is to trace the descendants of each branch in the order of seniority; for example, all the known descendants of William Symonds, B1, are recorded before those of Edward, B2, are in turn noted.
The names of children who died young are not placed upon the chart but are mentioned in the narrative, without reference letters and numbers. The descendants of a married daughter, when numerous, are recorded separately in an appendix.
The evidence on which the pedigree is based can be found in (1) the alphabetical list of parishes containing extracts from the registers and copies of monumental inscriptions (abbreviated to M.I. in the text) in churches and churchyards, (2) the abstracts of wills and administrations in Probate Courts, (3) the extracts from documents at the Public Records Office, and (4) the copies of entries made in old Bibles. Later genealogical facts within the knowledge of those who are still living were obtained by personal enquiries not one of which, it is gratifying to be able to say, met with a rebuff.
Edward Symonds, A1, of Dowlish Wake or East Dowlish, Somerset. Born about 1676, his parentage and birth-place being at present unknown. He succeeded his father-in-law (See Milbournes) in 1706 as copyhold tenant of Dowlish water-mill with the house and lands adjoining and as the owner of a small lifehold estate in Cudworth. His will, proved with inventory in Taunton Archdeaconry Court, is dated 19th March 1727-8, and he was buried on the 28th of the same month aged 51 (M.I. at Dowlish), having married at Dinnington in 1702, Anne the daughter of William Milbourne of Dowlish, miller, and Anne his wife (will and inventory at Taunton). Anne Symonds survived her husband until 1745 (admon. At Taunton) and by him had issue,
Anne, b. Dowlish 1702, d. there 1708. Mentioned with her sister, in her maternal grandfather’s will.
Flora, b. 1704. d.1705
William, B1, b.Dowlish 1706, marr, Mary….. by whom he had issue,
i. Elizabeth, C1, mentioned in her paternal grandfather’s will. She marr. William Knight at Dowlish 1750 and d. there 1751, leaving a daughter Mary Knight, b. 1751, of whom nothing further is known.
ii. Henry, C2. B. Dowlish 1728. He marr. Mary Warren of Chillington at Cricket Malherbie in 1750, by whom he had issue Anne, D1, b. Dowlish 1752, and Charles, D2, b.1754. These two children have not been subsequently identified.
iii, iv, v. Anne, Mary and Thomas-Wellman, all of whom d. infants at Dowlish, 1730-1746.
Edward, B2, of whom presently.
John, B3, b.1714. He was churchwarden of Dowlish in 1736, as we learn from the inscription on a bell in the tower, and d. there in 1741 (M.I.), having marr. Mary…. By whom he had issue.
i, ii, iii. Edward, Anne and John, who d. infants in 1739 (M.I. at Dowlish)
Edward Symonds, B2, b.1707, the second son and fourth child of Edward and Anne, followed his father’s occupation as miller and yeoman. From 1732 until 1743, apparently, his home was at Rose Mill in Ilminster, near Donyatt, where several of his children were born, but later he returned to Dowlish and d. there in July 1752. His epitaph is inscribed on an altar tomb in Dowlish churchyard. Administration was granted at Taunton to his widow, he having marr. At Crewkerne in 1730 Honour, second daughter of Giles and Honour Hutchings of Seavington St Mary (see Hutchings pedigree), who survived him until 1786 (Will P.C.C., Major 186) and by whom he had issue,
1. Anne, C3, who was b. 1731 (family bible) and marr. James Dight at Dowlish in 1750. She was buried at Donyatt 1829, aged 97 (M.I.)., leaving issue. (see Dight’s descendancy).
2. Honour, C4, born Ilminster 1732. She married, first Abraham Rooke at Dowlish, 1757, who died 1759 (Admon Taunton), and secondly George Ilett at Kingstone, 1767. She died 1789 leaving issue by both husbands. (See Rooke & Ilett descendancies).
3. Edward, C5, born Donyatt 1734. A yeoman at Dinnington, where he married Mary Knott, a widow, in 1763, and died there in 1785 without issue. She died in 1782. Will at Taunton.
4. Elizabeth, C6, born Donyatt 1737, married Norris Jego at Dowlish 1761 and died at Kingstone 1816 (M.I.), leaving issue (see Jego descendancy).
5. John, C7, born Ilminster 1739. He was buried at Dowlish in 1796, (Admon at Taunton) having married Susannah (? James) by whom he had issue,
i. Edward
ii. John; buried at Dowlish 1789.
iii. Giles.
Note. Edward and Giles migrated to Worcestershire: The descendants of the former are recorded under the Worcestershire Clan pedigree, as this chart does not provide adequate space.
6. Sarah, C8.born Donyatt 1741, married at Dowlish 1768 to William James and lived at Colmer in Marshwood, Dorset. She was buried at Dowlish 1823 and left issue (see James descendancy chart).
7. Giles, C9, of whom presently
8. Mary, C10, born Dowlish 1748, and married there to William Gapper (being his second wife) in 1775. Buried at Winsham 1827 (M.I.), and left issue.
Giles Symonds, C9 b. Dowlish 1744. Sometime a yeoman at Newton in Yeovil, and later at Pilsdon, Dorset, where he was churchwarden in several years and where many of his children were born. Died 27th June 1819 he was buried at Dowlish (M.I.). Will P.C.C., Kent 640. He married at Merriott in 1771 Anne daughter of William and Elizabeth Coleman who survived him, dying 22nd August 1821, and by whom he had issue,
I. Edward, D3, born Dowlish 1771. A sail-cloth maker at West Coker, where he married Eunice Warry in 1793. Buried at Stoke Abbott, Dorset, 1833. She died 1844. No issue.
II. Betty, D4, born Yeovil 1774; married Benjamin Wellman at Pilsdon 1793; buried at Stoke Abbot 1810 (M.I.), and left issue.
III. Honour, D5, born Merriott 1775; married John Udal at Burstock 1798; buried at Stoke Abbot 1838 (M.I.), and left issue (see See Udal descendancy chart).
IV. Anne, D6, born 1776 (family Bible); she married Thomas Slade at Burstock 1800, and was buried there 1822 leaving one daughter,
Anne Slade, born 1802, who married first her cousin John Tatchell Welman, secondly Mr Coker, by whom she had a son, Frank, and thirdly George Swaffield of Beaminster.
V. Giles, D7, born Pilsdon 1779. Sometime a tanner at Beaminster where several of his children were born.. He died at Ilminster 1848 having married there in 1807 Maria, daughter of William and Sarah Hunt by whom he had issue,
i. Maria, E1. Died unmarried.
ii. Matilda, E2 Died unmarried
iii. Sarah, E4 Died unmarried
iv. Amelia, E6 Died unmarried
v. William, E3. Born 1815. Educated at the Grammar School, Ilminster, 1826-9, and then M.R.C.S.Eng., practising in Ilminster about 1845. Subsequently of Weymouth where he was J.P.; buried there 1890 (M.I.), having married Emily Tyler, a widow, nee Solly, in 1846. No issue.
vi. Horatio-Giles, E5, born 1822. Educated at Ilminster Grammar School 1833-9. Then M.A.Oxon and Clerk in Holy Orders. He held curacies in Somerset, and was rector of Winthorpe, Newark, where he died 1880 (M.I.), having married Emma Upton Langworthy in 1874. No issue. He adopted the name “Horatio”. His widow married Samuel Reay of Newark.
VI. Mary, D8. Born Pilsdon 1786; married there 1806 to Thomas Lowman of Clapton near Crewkerne. She died 1813, leaving issue,
i. Sarah Lowman; buried at Seaton, Devon, 1835.
ii. Mary Anne Lowman, who married Thomas M. Lang and left issue.
iii. Caroline Lowman, who married William Fry of Curry Rivel. One of their children, Mary Lowman Fry, married George Symonds, E20.
iv. Robert Lowman, who married Caroline Whish.
VII. Jane, D9, the seventh child and fifth daughter of Giles and Anne Symonds, was born Pilsdon 1783, and married there 1804 to John Roper, the younger, of Chideock, Dorset, where she died 1855 (M.I.) leaving issue (See Roper’s descendancy chart).
VIII. Sarah, D10, born Pilsdon 1784, was buried at Dowlish 1793.
At this point it will be convenient to begin a new section, as the children of Giles Symonds of Pilsdon, C9, settled mainly in Dorset and had many descendants living in that county. Thus the association with Somerset became historical rather than residential, although some members of the family retained their interests as landowners in the county where their forefathers had lived.
In the next section, however, the numbered references to the key chart will be continued without a break.
DORSET BRANCHES.
IX. William Symonds, D11, born Pilsdon 1787. Sometime a yeoman at Gorwell in Litton Cheney and at Milbourne St. Andrew with his brother Henry; was buried at Swyre 1857 (M.I.), having married there in 1814 Elizabeth daughter of Joseph Davis, the owner of Combe in Litton Cheney, by whom he had issue,
1. Joseph-Davis, E7, born Litton 1815 and died at Toronto, Canada, 1890, having married in 1841 Jane daughter of Job Legge of Litton, by whom he had issue,
i. Joseph-Henry, F1, born 1843. Educated at Sherborne School and died 1870 unmarried.
ii. Agnes-Jane, F2, born 1844; married William Bradford who died 1894. She died 1917 (M.I. Eype), leaving a son John Bradford, G1 M.B. Camb, M.R.C.S.Eng.
iii. William, F3, born 1845 and died 1888 unmarried.
iv. Frederick-Giles, F4, born 1846. A retired bank-manager, died 1930, unmarried, at Sturminster Newton.
v. Alethea, F5, born 1849 and died 1902 (M.I.), having married first R. J. T. Stone of Shipton Gorge, and secondly J. R. T. Stone, by each of whom she had issue.
vi. Benjamin-Legge, F6, born 1855. M.A.Camb., Rector of Haversham, Bucks. He married Emily Steuart Betton and has issue,
1. Margery-Kathleen-Jane, G2
2. Steuart-Legge Symonds, G3 M.C.
2,3. Giles and John-Davis, died infants.
4. Henry-Legge-Davis, E8, born 1818. Educated at Sherborne School and farmed at Puddletown; Buried at Milborne St. Andrew 1895, having married first Elizabeth Fookes who died 1852 (M.I.), and secondly Eleanora Sarah Case and had issue,
By his first wife,
i. Henry, F7, born 1846; died 1910, having married Marianne Roe by whom he had two daughters; Ethel, G4, unmarried, and Mildred-Emily, G5, who marrued Richard Alfred Barber, A.R.I.B.A.
ii. Emily, F8, born 1848.
iii. Frederick, F9, born 1850; died 1906.
By his second wife,
i. Eloise-Augusta, F10, born 1856.
ii. Beatrice, died in infancy.
iii. Edmund-Morton, F11, born 1866.
5. Elizabeth-Davis, E9, born 1819; buried at Hilton 1873 (M.I.), having married Robert Fookes of Milton Abbas, brewer, by whom she had three children, Henry, William and Elizabeth Fookes.
6. William-Coleman, E10, born 1826, died 1900. He married Betsy Frances House in 1866 and had a daughter Frances-Emma, F12, who married A.E. Hanscomb.
7. Mary, E11, born Litton Cheney 1828, and died 1909, having married George Ingram of Bagber, in Sturminster, farmer, by whom she had issue Bessie and Arthur Ingram.
X. John Symonds, D12, born Pilsdon 1788. Died 1858. Sometime a land agent and farmer at Broadwindsor and Symondsbury. He died at Bridport 1865 and was buried at Bradpole (M.I.), having Married at Stoke Abbott, 1811, Mary, daughter of Daniel & Hester Stone of Brimley, who was born 1791 and died at Rye, Sussex, 1881,(?1883) aged 91 (see Stone’s descendancy chart). They had issue,
1.Giles Symonds, E12, born Broadwindsor 1812. About 1837 he was a cornet in the 4th Hussars, and afterwards in the Dorset militia. He studied law and was a solicitor at Dorchester in partnership with his maternal uncle Joseph Stone, whom he succeeded as town clerk, and subsequently held many public appointments. In 1892 he was buried at Dorchester cemetery (M.I.), having married first Jane, daughter of Col. Charles Stickland, who died 1877, aged 61, and secondly Martha-Mary, daughter of Edward Pope of Great Toller who died 1916, aged 76. By his first wife only he had issue,
1. Edward-Coleman, born 1842, died in infantcy.
2. John-Charles, F13, born 1844. He was a lieutenant successively in the 17th Lancers, 6th Dragoon Guards and 2nd Somerset Militia. Died 1912 without issue, leaving a widow Mary-Jane, nee Hall.
3. Emily Jane, died young
4. Edward, died young
5. Kate, died young
6. Henry, F14, born 1851. Sometime a solicitor in Dorchester, succeeding his father as town clerk. Died at Bournemouth 1912, having married first Bethia-Anne Morrison and secondly Kate Jeremy who survived him. By his first wife he left issue,
i. Michael Henry , G6
ii. Arthur, G7, died 1917.
iii. Nora-Bethia, G8
iv. Charles Stickland. G9
v. Violet, G10
vi. Percy Giles , G11
vii. Francis George, G12
viii. Edward, G13.
7. Mary, F15, born 1853. Married in 1876 to George John Cree (formerly Stone) of Owermoigne, who died 1902. They had issue,
i. George-Cecil O’Shaughnessy Cree., G14
ii. Aubrey McMahon Cree, G15, R.N.
iii. Adrian-Victor Cree, G16 killed in France 1916.
iv. Evelyn-Mary, G17, married Robert Jocelyn Pickard-Cambridge.
8. Harriett, F16, born 1857, married Henry Anthony Huxtable, of Dorchester, now deceased, by whom she had issue,
i. Gerald Constantine Huxtable, G18, born 1883, died 1904
ii. Dorothy-Kate, G19, married Percy Minton Haynes, and has issue.
iii. Charles Hubert Anthony Huxtable, G20, DSO. MC, married Helen Bates, and has issue.
iv. Nellie Georgina, G21, married Gerald Venables Kyrke of Chard, who died 1932, and has issue.
9. Arthur-George, F17, born 1861. Died 1945. A solicitor in Dorchester and formerly town-clerk; married Gertrude Frances Lindsay and has issue,
i. Arthur Giles Crawford, G22
ii. Jane-Ursula., G23
2. John Symonds, E13, born Broadwindsor 1815. Sometime in the Civil Service; married Theodosia Marriner by whom he had issue,
1. Mary Theodora, F18, born 1847, died 1883, having married Archibald Mitchell, by whom she left issue.
2. John Wellesley Valentine, F19. born 1851, died 1893. He married, and had a son bearing the same names who is now in Holy Orders in New South Wales.
3. Mary-Anne, E14, born 1817. She married at Broadwindsor in 1836 her cousin William Udal of Edgbaston, a merchant and factor in Birmingham who was at one time in partnership with his brother-in-law Henry Symonds, E16. She died 1879; her husband died 1880, aged 78, leaving issue (See Udal descendancy chart).
4. Daniel Symonds, E15, born Broadwindsor 1819. For many years a farmer at Winterborne Ashton. He died at Dorchester 1892 (M.I. Cemetery), having married Mary-Anne daughter of John Allen Pope of Sutton Poyntz, who survived him and died 1912. They had issue,
1.Daniel-John, F20, died 1905, having married Catherine Sarah Flower Flower who survived him and by whom he had issue,
i. Catherine Mary, G29, married Reginald Maxwell Mason.
ii. Daniel George, G30, married Anthea Irene Gibson.
iii. William Flower, G31, married Grace Augusta Flower Bartlett.
iv. Nora Winifred, G32
v. Frederick John, G33.
vi. Philip Reginald, G34, married Vivien Frederica Stenhouse.
2. Edward, F21, born 1859, died 1950. M.A., Merton Coll. Oxon. Vicar of Havering-atte-Bower, Romford. He married Ellen Mary Callis (1868-1942) and had issue,
i. Edward Noel-Callis, G35, MBE, MC, MA. - RFA, died at Aldershot 1927.
ii. Mary-Theodora, G36.
iii. John-Walton-Callis, G37.
iv. Christopher-Henry Callis, G38, married E.A.M.M. Meredith.
v. Edith Monica, G39, married M.H. Sowden, RN.
vi. David George Callis, G40.
3. William Pope, F22, born 1860, died 1934. A solicitor formerly practising at Kettering and now living at Sturminster Newton. He married first Mabel Charlotte Scott who died 1927 leaving a daughter, Evelyn-Mabel, G41, born 1892, who married Eric Duke Scott at Montreal; and secondly Mildred Frances Glynn, G42.
4. Arthur, F23, born 1862, died 1937, of Charminster, Dorset. He married first Elizabeth Cornick and secondly Alice-Jego Symonds. By his first wife he had a son Arthur, G43, who was killed in action 1917.
5. Henry, F24, born 1863. died 1943. Sherborne School 1880-2, MD., MRCS.Eng. He lived at Kimberley, South Africa, and served in the RAMC with the South African troops in France. Married Frieda Tyrrell, by whom he had issue,
i. Marian-Freda, G44, who died 1918 having married Arthur M. Brewer, by whom she had a son Astley-John-Symonds, Brewer.
ii. Helen-Margaret, G45, married Sherwood Willoughby Watson.
iii. Astley-Paston-Henry, G46, married Lexie hall and had a son.
iv. Gwendoline-Mary, G47.
v. Ina-Kathleen, G48, married Felix Jacobus de Wet.
vi. Thelma-Enid, G49.
6. Septimus, F25, born 1865. died 1950, MA. And late scholar of St. Catherine’s Coll. Cambridge. Vicar of St. Mark’s Church, Cambridge. He married Mary Caroline Tindall and had issue,
i. Edward Tindall, G50, M.A., married Hylda May Spence.
ii. Ethel-Mary, G51.
iii. Catherine Gertrude , G52.
iv. Victoria Winifred, G53, MRCS., LRCP.
v. Alec Arthur, G54, M.A. Emmanuel College, Camb.
vi. Walter Herbert, G55, B.A. Queen’s College, Camb. Clerk in Holy Orders.
5. Henry Symonds, E16, born Broadwindsor 1821. Educated at Honiton. Lived for many years at Edgbaston and was a merchant in Birmingham, being at one time a pertner of William Udal; also director of a Bank there. He died at Edgbaston (M.I.) 1879, having married at Milverton, Somerset, in 1857, Mary-Eliza, eldest daughter of George and Jemima J. Leekey (See Leekey descendancy chart), who died 1891. They had issue,
1.Henry, F26, born 1859. Rugby School. Sometime in partnership with William Udal the younger and Edward Udal. Afterwards called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn 1888, Midland Circuit; FSA (The author of the family lineage book) He married Florence Annie Whitfield of Edgebaston and had issue,
1. Henry-Herbert, G56, born 1885. Exhibitioner Rugby School; Scholar & MA. Oriel College, Oxon. Ordained at Bristol 1909. Assistant master at Clifton and Rugby, and later Headmaster Liverpool Institute. He married 1911 Charlotte Gwendolen Wortley Watson, BA Oxon, formerly of Bothenhampton, and has issue,
i. Lorna-Charlotte Honour
ii. Susan Gwendolen
iii. Edward Symonds, born 1919, MA Oxon.
2. Florence-Mary, F27, born 1863; married Henry Burman Lowe, who died 1915. She died 1923 (M.I. Barnt Green), leaving two sons,
i. John-Burman Lowe, G57, Uppingham School, MB. MRCS., late Major RAMC, who married Frances Champion and has issue.
ii. Geoffrey-Burman Lowe, G58, MA, MRCS, late temporary Surgeon Lieutenant RN, who married Gwendoline Laura Towse and has issue.
3. Ethel-Margaret, F28, born 1865, She married Capt Charles George Nurse of the Indian Army and died 1929 without issue.
4. George-Herbert, F29, born 1871. Died 1884 (A painted window in St Alban’s church, Leamington, commemorates him).
5. George, born and died 1860.
6. George, born and died 1861.
6. Anna-Maria, E17, born Broadwindsor 1824; married there in 1848 to John Amon Vidler of Rye, Sussex, who died 1856. She died at Rye 1897 (M.I.) leaving issue,
1. John Symonds Vidler, F30, born 1851; died 1912 having married Caroline Louisa de Lacy Selmes, nee Smart, by whom he had a son John-Lionel-Symonds Vidler, G59.
2. Marian Vidler, F31. Unmarried. died 1938.
7. Frederick Symonds, E18, born Broadwindsor, 1826. Sometime a manufacturer at Lichfield. He died 1898 having married in 1851 Annie, daughter of William Mynors of Elford, Staffs., by whom he had issue,
1. Frederick-William, F32, who married Isobel White.
2. Ernest John, F33; educated at Rugby and married Annie Elizabeth Power. (had issue
i. Mona Evelyn, G60; ii. Kathleen Power, G61; Muriel Olive, G62; and Leslie William, G63- Ed.)
4. Arthur-Henry, F35; educated at Rugby, and married Blanche Mackinlay.
5. Reginald-Wynne, F36, married Margaret Dagmar Rasmussen. (had a daughter, Margery Mynors, G64 - Ed)
7. Richard-Dyott, F38.
8. Jane, E19, born 1828; married at Symondsbury in 1851 to Robert Coker Nash davies, MRCS., who died at Rye 1891. She also died at Rye 1911, without issue. (There is a painted window in that church in memory of her mother and husband.)
9. George Symonds, E20, born Broadwindsor 1832, a twin with William infra. He was sometime a farmer at Symondsbury and Winterborne Monkton, and died in 1906 having married Mary-Lowman, daughter of William and Caroline Fry of Curry Rivel, who died 1927, aged 90, the last survivor of that generation. They had issue,
1. Mary, F39, born 1859. Unmarried.
2. Annie, F40, born 1860, married Sydney Guest.
3. Caroline-Lowman, F41, born 1861, Unmarried.
4. John, F42, born 1865, married, …..Rugby and has a son, Arthur, G67.
5. George, F43, born 1868, married Mildred Saunders.
6. Florence, F44, born 1869; died 1907 unmarried.
In addition to the forgoing there were three children of John and Mary Symonds, D12, who died young and unmarried, namely George, died 1824; Ellen-Amelia, died 1831; and William, a twin, died 1857.
Having recorded as far as was practicable the descendants of John and mary Symonds, D12, I will now turn to henry, D13, the fifth son and eleventh child of Giles and Anne, c9, and continue the narrative relating to his descendants -
XI, Henry Symonds, D13, fifth son and eleventh child of Giles and Anne, C9. Born Pilsdon 1791, succeeded his father at Pilsdon House and subsequently farmed at Kimmeridge and Pulham. He was buried at Broadwindsor 1854 (M.I.), having married at Kingstone, Somerset, in 1819, Mary, daughter of Edward and Jane Stephens and grand-daughter of Norris Jego, who died 1838 (See Jego descendancy chart). They had issue,
1. Elizabeth Jego, E21, born Pilsdon 1820; married Giles Sampson of Purbeck and left issue,
i. Henry-Symonds Sampson.
ii. Cecilia-Coleman.
iii. Amelia.
iv. Kathleen-Symonds.
v. Alma.
vi. John-Giles Sampson
vii. Norris Jego Sampson
viii. Elizabeth-Jego
ix. Edith.
2. Henry, born 1821. Buried Broadwindsor 1829 (M.I.).
3. Jane Jego, E22. Born Pilsdon 1823; married John Eaton of Wareham and left issue,
i. Henry Eaton
ii. Bridget
iii. Alice
iv. John Eaton.
4. Mary Anne, E23. Born Pilsdon 1825, married first, Frederick Preedy by whom she had no issue, and secondly George Flower by whom she had a daughter, Emily.
5. Honor, E24. Born Pilsdon 1827; married Thomas Dight sometime of Martock, and left issue (see Dight descendancy chart).
6. Amelia, E25, born 1828; died 1906, having married F.E.Preedy by whom she had two daughters, Mary and …..
7. Norris-Jego, E26, died 1858 at padworth, Berks (M.I.), having married in 1857 Elizabeth jane stone of Alton Pancras by whom she had a son Norris Jego, F45, who died 1879 (M.I. Sydling) unmarried.
8. Giles, E27, sometime of Horchester in Frome St. Quintin an auctioneer and land agent. He died 1904, aged 69 (M.I. Sydling), having married first Susan Stone who died 1884, and secondly Lucy-May Powlson. By the former he had two daughters,
i. Mary Stephens, died 1864 inf.
ii. Alice-Jego, F46, who married in 1913 her second cousin Arthur Symonds, F23, of Charminster.
And by his wife Lucy-May,
i. Giles, F47, educated at the King’s School, Bruton; married in 1912 Ellen Maude Richards and has issue.
ii. Norris Jego, F48, who also was at Bruton School, Unmarried.
iii. Henry-Stephen-Powlson, F49; at Sherborne School and afterwards a solicitor in Jamaica, but later practising in Salisbury. He married Enid Frances Gayton Simmonds.
iv. Mary-May, F50. At Sherborne College. Unmarried.
9. 10. Isabella and Rose, a twin, d. inf.
XII. Amelia, D14. Born Pilsdon 1793 and buried at Mosterton 1859 (M.I.), having married at Pilsdon in 1822 Abraham son of John and Eunice Hull of East Dowlish who died 1838, aged 47. They had issue,
1. John Hull, died 1905, aged 79, having married Adelaide Cann. They lived in New Zealand and nine children were born to them.
2. Mary-Sarah-Symonds Hull who died 1883 (M.I. Chideock), having married John Roper (see Roper descendancy Chart).
3. Joseph-George Hull, died young (M.I. Mosterton).
4. Eunice-Amelia Hull died young (M.I. Mosterton).
5. Abraham-Samuel Hull sometime of Vearse in Symondsbury, who died 1912 (M.I. Stoke Abbott), having married, Anne-Davy Udal, a diligent genealogist, who died 1923, aged 90. They left a daughter Anna-Amelia Hull unmarried.
XIII. George Symonds, D15, born Pilsdon 1794 and buried at Dowlish 1829, having married Anne Waddon by whom he is believed to have had no issue.
XIV. Sarah, D16. Born Pilsdon 1796. Died Birkenhead 1849, having married at Pilsdon in 1817 Elias Hutchings of babcary, Somerset, who was educated at Shepton Mallett grammar school and afterwards an estate agent in Liverpool. They had no issue.
APPENDICES.
APPENDIX I
MILBOURNE
From a genealogist’s point of view the relevance of a note dealing with this family lies in the circumstance that William Milbourne of Dowlish mill was the immediate predecessor of Edward Symonds, A1 (our earliest known ancestor), who married the surviving daughter of the miller, as stated in the main Symonds pedigree chart.
William Milbourne probably occupied the mill from 1687 in which year there was a vacancy through death, and also occupied certain lifehold land in Cudworth which passed to his daughter Anne Symonds. He gave evidence in a Chancery deposition taken at Ilminster in 1704 when he stated that his age was 73 years; therefore he was born in 1631 approximately.
He died 1706, having married Anne… who predeceased him at Dowlish in 1691. His will at Taunton probate court is accompanied by an inventory of the testator’s effects which is transcribed in full elsewhere; this document furnishes some interesting details as to the equipment of the premises of a small yeoman-miller at the end of the seventeenth century.
William and Anne Milbourne had issue as follows,
1. William, the younger, died 1709 at Dowlish, having married Joan…. By whom he had issue,
i. William, born 1678, living 1704.
ii. Elizabeth, born 1682, livin 1704.
iii. John, born 1680.
iv. James, living 1704.
v. Joan, born 1689.
vi. Anne, living 1704.
vii. John, born 1697, living 1704.
2. James, born 1670, living 1704.
3. Anne, born 1672; married Edward Symonds, A1, and died 1745 (M.I. Dowlish), leaving issue.
4. Elizabeth, died 1675.
5. John, died 1678.
6. Christopher, died 1707.
After the death of William Milbourne, the younger, in 1709 his widow, Joan and her children appear to have left Dowlish and have not been traced.
APPENDIX II
THE WORCESTERSHIRE BRANCH OF SYMONDS
John Symonds, C7 on the chart, was buried at Dowlish wake in 1796, leaving a widow Susannah (who obtained letters of administration at Taunton) and three sons, namely Edward, John, and Giles, as already stated on the chart. The second son John was buried at Dowlish in 1789, aged 16, presumably unmarried, and is said to have served in the Life Guards. The youngest son, Giles will be noticed presently. Edward, the eldest son, who had been Quartermaster in the Somerset regiment of Provisional Cavalry, married Elizabeth Bushrod, but the date and place of their wedding have not yet been ascertained. We next find him at Mells, near Frome, where his two eldest children were baptised in 1809. Subsequently this Edward went northwards and lived successively at Abberley and Stanford-on-Teme in Worcestershire. He died in the last named parish in 1843, aged 72 (M. I.), his wife having predeceased him in 1816 when aged 35. Edward and Elizabeth Symonds had issue,
1. John-Bushrod, baptised at Mells 1809, “aged 2 years.” He lived at Yardley and Stourport, and finally at Comberton, Kidderminster, where he died in 1891, aged 84 (M. I. At Blakedown cchurch), having married at Kidderminster in 1831 Alice Taylor who died 1878 and by whom he had issue,
i. Giles, born 1833. Died 1834.
ii. John, baptised 1835, died 1923 at Defford, Worcester, having married Emma Taylor by whom he had issue.
iii. Susan, baptised 1838, died 1922 at Stourport, having married George Baker by whom she had issue.
iv. Edward, baptised 1840, married Caroline (?) Tipper and had a daughter.
v. Alice, baptised 1842, married John Green and died 1906 at Liversedge, Yorkshire, leaving three daughters and two sons.
vi. Giles, baptised 1845, married Anne Jones of Marchamley, Salop, and died at Weston Heath in that county, leaving six daughters and two sons. One daughter was named Edith-Mary.
2. Susan-Charlotte, baptised Mells 1809, married at Stanford-on-Teme, 1838, to Thomas Froysell of Leominster, a miller, by whom she had issue, four daughters and two sons.
3. Elizabeth, baptised 1811 (?), a twin with Edward to be next mentioned. She died unmarried.
4. Edward, baptised 1811 (?), died Stanford-on-Teme, 1892, having married Mary Preece by whom he had issue,
i. Edward, died in boyhood.
ii. Osman, lived at Whitbourne.
iii. Charlotte, died Stanford 1867.
iv. Giles, died Stanford 1871.
v. Henry, died Stanford 1876.
vi. Alan, lived at Halesowen.
vii. Elizabeth, married William Weaver.
And others unknown to the compiler.
5. Anne, baptised Abberley 1812, married at Stanford 1851 to Elisha Furlong of Bromyard, farmer, by whom she had a son George-Elisha who died 1885, aged 28.
6. Mary, baptised Stanford 1814; married Edward Keen and died without isue.
I will now return to Giles Symonds, the youngest son of John and Susannah, C7. He was the miller at Dowlish in 1798, as stated elsewhere in these charts, and signed the church rate book in that parish. In 1802 he married Elizabeth Draper of Haselbury Plucknett, having previously served in the Somerset yeomanry (see his portrait). After his marriage he is reputed to have lived at or near Truro, whence he followed his eldest brother Edward to Worcestershire and settled at Stourport, in which town he was again a miller and baker for many years. He died there in 1855, aged 78; his wife predeceased him without issue, as is believed.
Memorandum –
It might perhaps be thought by a critical genealogist that the identity of Edward Symonds, certainly a member of the Dowlish family, with the Edward who lived at Mells and afterwards at Stanford-on-Teme is not fully established by documentary proof. I have, however, been at some pains to satisfy myself that the two Edwards were in fact one person. Among other reasons for the belief I can adduce the handwriting test which in the opinion of an expert at the Public Records Office and of four practical bankers, indicates that the three undermentioned signatures from various sources were written by one hand only. (1) Signature of Edward Symonds as a ratepayer at Dowlish in April 1796. (2) The same name upon an administration bond at Taunton probate court, also in April 1796. (3) The same name upon the pay-rolls of the Somerset Provisional Cavalry between July 1798 and April 1800. The quartermaster’s original commission in that regiment was inherited by his grand-daughter the late Mrs Alice Green, having been preserved by her forbears in the hope that it would be a link between them and their early kindred in Somerset. This hope has now been realised. I also learnt from the same lady of a tradition in her father’s family that the migration to Worcestershire was caused by losses arising from some forgotten lawsuits between their relatives in the 18th century, and I should add that Mrs Green then had no knowledge whatever of the costly litigation in the suit Dight v Symonds in which her great-grandfather was concerned and to which allusion has been made elsewhere in these notes. Thus tradition once again was founded upon actuality.
APPENDIX III
DIGHT.
In the seventeenth century the Dight family of Donyatt were potters, as is shown by their wills, in the hamlet of Crock Street where the industry had been long established. However, when their descendants multiplied they were gradually absorbed by agriculture and no longer made the clay vessels at the old kilns.
In the eighteenth century Mark Dight and Susannah his wife had two sons, James baptised 1729 and Mark baptised 1731, the latter at Ilminster “Old Meeting”. In 1750 James Dight married Anne Symonds, C3 on chart, at Dowlish Wake church. He died 1829, also at Martock, aged 97. They were buried at Donyatt (M. I.) and had issue,
1. Susannah, married Richard Wilment at Currey Mallett 1784 and died there 1829, aged 78. A daughter Susannah was baptised 1795, in which year her father died.
2. James Dight, baptised Cudworth 1754. Lived at Woodhouse in Ilton, and was buried at Fivehead 1824 (M. I.), having married Mary…. (died 1812) by whom he had a son James (M. I. Donyatt), a daughter Juliet, and a daughter Anne who married John Cuff. Presumably James, the elder, married twice as his widow “Jane” survived him.
3. Anne, baptised 1756; died at Dinnington 1830 (M. I.), having married John Darby of that parish in 1784. They had many children, among whom was Richard Darby whose daughter Joan married James Jeffrey Duke of Dowlish.
4. Edward Dight, baptised 1759. Sometime of Langford House, Fivehead, and died 1832 at Martock, unmarried (M. I. In church).
5. Mark Dight, baptised 1762. A yeoman at Dinnington and afterwards at Fivehead where he was buried 1838 (M. I.), having married in the latter parish in 1785 Anne (Nancy) Towning, by whom he had issue,
i. Roger-Thomas, died 1882, aged 87 (M. I.) Martock, having married Amy Burge by whom he had a numerous family; among them are noted
a. Thomas Dight, a miller at Martock, who married Honour Symonds, E24, and settled later in Canada, leaving issue.
b. John Dight who was buried at Marston Magna 1902, having married Mary Gillett, by whom he had issue.
c. Eliza, who married Norris-Jego Gillett and had issue.
d. Mark Dight, who married Emily Nash and died at Seaton (M. I.) together with his wife and daughter.
ii. Eliza-Anne, died 1867 at Martock, aged 76, unmarried (M. I. In church).
6. John Dight, baptised 1764. Mentioned in the will of Honour Symonds, B2 (d. 1786) with whom he was then living. He was at Woodhouse, Ilton, in 1790 and died at Martock 1847, unmarried (M. I. In church, also at Donyatt).
7. Giles Dight, baptised 1766; married Rachel..…, and was living in 1789, but later details are not available.
8. Honour, baptised 1770; lived when young at Langford, Fivehead, and died at Bickenhall 1840 (M. I.), having married Abraham Grabham at Martock 1798, by whom she had seven children.
Several interesting Dight relics may be cited, in addition to the Bible referred to elsewhere. The wedding dress of Anne Dight nee Symonds, C3, married in 1750, has been given by Miss A. Tilley, a grand-daughter of Honour Grabham above mentioned. To the London Museum at Lancaster House. Miss Tilley also had a silhouette portrait, painted with Indian ink on glass, of the same Anne Dight when an old woman. This silhouette depicts the venerable features of the earliest member of the Symonds family whose portrait is still extant, and as such it is reproduced here. The third item is a fine sampler worked by Honour Dight at Fivehead and finished apparently on 3rd February 1786 when she was about 16 years of age. Lastly, portraits in oil of the brothers Mark and John Dight, Nos. 5 and 6 above, are in the hands of their kinsfolk of today.
APPENDIX IV
(1) JAMES. (2) ROOKE. (3) ILETT.
(1) The family of James were for a long period residents of Dowlish and the adjoining parish of Kingstone, my earliest note concerning them being in Elizabethan days when Joan daughter of Richard James was baptised in the former village. Thenceforward the surname frequently recurrs in the parish register.
In 1768 William James, (son of Richard and Anne nee Bayle) married Sarah Symonds, C8, at Dowlish and lived for many years at Colmer farm in Marshwood, but they rest near the church of their native village. He died 1813, aged 75 (Will P. C. C. Bridport 147); his widow Sarah died 1823, aged 82. They had issue,
1. William James, baptised 1774; died 1847, unmarried (M. I. In Dowlish church).
2. Richard, baptised 1777; died 1839, unmarried, at Wellville in Hawkchurch (M. I. Marshwood and Dowlish churches).
3. John, died 1809, unmarried (M. I. Dowlish).
4. Sarah, died 1789, aged 10.
5. Mary, married Thomas Roper in 1794 at Whitechurch Canonicorum and left three sons and four daughters among whom were,
i. John Roper (see Roper descendancy chart)
ii. Sarah Roper who married Henry Anning Gillett and died 1898, aged 88 (M. I. Chideock).
6. Honour, who married Thomas Smith of Stoke Abbott in 1803 and died without issue.
(2) The family of Rooke lived in and near to Dowlish in the seventeenth century and later. Their surname is kept in memory today by the bell which George Rooke gave to Dowlish church in 1634 and by a tract of meadow land still known as Rooke’s Mead, near to the mill. The baptismal name Abraham is found in several generations; just as Edward was repeatedly chosen by the Symondses, or Norris by the Jagoes.
In 1757 Abraham Rooke married Honour Symonds, C4, at Dowlish. They were, however, soon parted by death as the husband died at Dinnington in 1759 when the widow became administratrix of his property. Their daughter Mary Rooke, baptised 1758, married at Dowlish church in 1780 her cousin*Richard James the yr. Of Kingstone, a brother of William who had married Sarah Symonds, C8, as stated elsewhere; thus the two brothers wedded aunt and niece respectively. Richard James died 1815 (M. I. Kingstone church); Will P. C. C. Wynne 263; his widow Mary died 1818. They had issue,
1. Abraham-Rooke James, baptised 1781, died 1861 at West Hatch (M. I. Kingstone), having married Mary Cuff by whom he had issue.
2. Mary, baptised 1783, married James Roper of Chideock at Kingstone in 1808 (see Roper descendancy chart) and died without issue.
3. John James, baptised 1785; sometime an estate valuer at Crewkerne, often working with his friend John Symonds, D12. He died 1861 having married Susannah Cuff of West Dowlish at Kingstone in 1808, by whom he had issue.
4. William James, baptised 1787, died 1841 (M. I. Kingstone), having married Mary Coram by whom he had ten children, one being Abraham-Rooke James who died 1905 at Bridport aged 79.
5. Betty, died unmarried (M. I. with her sister Anne, Kingstone).
6. Anne, died unmarried (M. I. with her sister Betty, Kingstone).
7. Richard James, died 1861; having married Anne Poole by whom he had issue (M. I. Knowle St. Giles).
8. Edward James, Lieutenant in the 1st Somerset Militia 1804 (Commissioned 2nd March 1803); died 1812 (M. I. Kingstone church).
9. Honour, baptised 1800, married Thomas Duke of Dowlish in 1823 and had issue (M. I. Kingstone.
10. Jane, baptised 1802, married Joseph Duke of Dowlish in 1827 and had issue (M. I. Kingstone).
*There had been an earlier marriage between James and Rooke in 1753, vide Dowlish Register and their wills.
(3) We must now return to Honour Rooke nee Symonds, C4, whom we noted as being a young widow in 1759. She was married again in 1767 at Kingstone church, her second husband being George Ilett whose family had been associated with Ile Abbotts and Whitelackington. George and Honour Ilett lived in Kingstone; she was buried at Dowlish in 1789. They had issue,
1. Sarah, baptised Kingstone 1768; buried Whitelackington 1772.
2. Honour, baptised Kingstone 1770.
3. George Ilett, baptised 1773, died at Curry Mallett 1837, having married there in 1795 Martha Bawler by whom he had a daughter Honour and five sons, namely George, Charles, John, Edward and Giles Ilett, of whom the eldest son George married Sarah Meade and had a son Philip Ilet, together with other issue.
4. Sarah, baptised Kingstone 1777; married there in 1808 to Thomas Gothard of Combe St. Nicholas.
APPENDIX V
JEGO
This family was probably of Cornish extraction as the surname is spelt Jago in the earlier Somerset records. Nevertheless they were known as yeomen at Dowlish in Jacobean days when Thomas Jago was churchwarden, and they can be traced in the surviving parish register from the Commonwealth period down to the time when Norris Jego (son of Anthony Jego and Joan James his wife) married Elizabeth Symonds, C6, at Dowlish church in 1761. He was then living at Allowenshay in Kingstone, where he subsequently wrote the agricultural memoranda quoted elsewhere. Norris Jego died 1806, aged 67 (Will P. C. C. Lushington 44); his widow Elizabeth (Betty) died 1816, aged 79 (M. I. Kingstone church). They had issue,
1. Mary, baptised Kingstone 1762 and married there in 1792 to Henry Anning of Musbury, Devon, where she died 1801 (M. I.), leaving a daughter Mary Anning who married Francis Gillett of High Ham and had six children.
2. Jane, baptised Kingstone 1764; married there in 1791 to Edward Stephens of Whitelackington, She died 1836 (M. I. Kingstone church), leaving twin daughters Mary and Jane Stephens; the former married Henry Symonds, D13, in 1819 at Kingstone (for their descendants vide the Henry Symonds D13 narrative pedigree). The latter twin, Jane Stephens, married Stephen Salisbury and died 1821 (M. I. Shepton Beauchamp), leaving a daughter Mary who married William Best.
3. Betty, baptised Kingstone 1766 and married there in 1800 to Thomas Meade of Drayton. They had four daughters, of whom Jane married T. A. Gapper of Wincanton and left issue, and Elizabeth married J. W. Eastment and left issue. Betty Meade nee Jego died 1831 at Drayton.
4. Norris Jego, the younger, baptised 1768 and died 1818 (M. I. Kingstone church), having married at Ilminster in 1800 Harriet daughter of William and Sarah Hunt, by whom he had a daughter Harriet Jego who married Richard Bower of Melcombe Regis in 1825 and left issue (M. I. Ilminster church).
APPENDIX VI
HUTCHINGS.
A few lines concerning this yeoman family who lived at Seavington St Mary and at Allowenshay in Kingstone will not be inappropriate, seeing that the baptismal names Honour and Giles so often met with in Symonds genealogy can almost certainly be attributed to the undermentioned marriage with a member of the Hutchings family.
Thomas Hutchings of Seavington (died 1694) and Fortune his wife (died 1717) had, together with other children, a son named Giles who married Honour… and died 1716.
Giles and Honour Hutchings left issue.
1. Fortune, living 1716.
2. Honour, baptised 1711 (teste Dight bible), married Edward Symonds, B2, in 1730 and died 1786, leaving issue.
3. Elizabeth, living 1716.
4. William, died 1749 having married Fortune Bullen in 1731, by whom he had two daughters Fortune and Honour Hutchings and other issue.
5. John, living 1716.
The extant register and the parish books of Seavington St Mary are not helpful as they begin too late, but a few wills and administrations at Taunton are included in the testamentary abstracts. A silver Communion cup at Seavington St. Mary bears the names Giles and Joseph Hutchens as churchwardens in 1715; possibly they gave the cup.
I have noticed that some of the Hutchings family are described as alias Chapple. The meaning is not clear, but it is at all events manifest that a sinister explanation cannot be suggested here. The alternative surname may have its origin in a marriage between Hutchings and Chapple in 1610, as it recurs intermittently for about 200 years after that date.
There would seem to be no relationship between the family at Seavington and Elias Hutchings of Babcary who married Sarah Symonds, D16; the point remains unproven.
APPENDIX VII
ROPER.
The Roper family of Chideock and its neighbourhood are of old standing as yeomen, no doubt earlier than my first note concerning them which says that Henry Roper was churchwarden in 1768, as recorded upon no. 4 bell in the church tower.
In 1804 John Roper, the younger, of Chideock married Jane Symonds of Pilsdon, D9, and afterwards lived at Mapperrcombe in Powerstock. He died 1837, aged 70; his widow Jane died 1855, aged 72 (M. I. Chideock). They had issue,
1. Jane, baptised 1805 Chideock; married John Pitfield of Eype in Symondsbury and left issue.
2. John-Farwell Roper, baptised 1807 Chideock, died 1865, having married Harriet Dunning by whom she had issue.
3. Giles-Symonds Roper, baptised 1809, died 1814.
4. Joel Roper, baptised 1810, died 1865, having married Mary Fowler by whom he had issue.
5. George Roper, died infant (M. I. Chideock)
6. Henry Roper, died infant (M. I. Chideock)
7. Giles-Symonds Roper, M.R.C.S.Eng., practised in London. He died 1883, aged 67, maving married Miss Gear by whom he left issue; their daughter Mary married Walter Colvin.
8. Fanny, died 1895, aged 77 (Painted window in Bradpole church), having married William Way by whom she had 4 sons, one of whom N. A. Ernest Way, was a solicitor at Chester.
9. Norris Roper, died 1883, aged 62; sometime of Mappercombe and Little Bredy. He married Sarah Sheppard and had issue.
Another point of contact, although less direct, between Roper and Symonds occurred when Thomas Roper of Whitechurch Canonicorum married Mary James of Colmer farm in Marshwood, whose mother was Sarah Symonds, C8; one of their sons, John Roper (who died 1875) married Mary-Sarah-Symonds Hull, whose mother was Amelia Symonds, D14. Mary S. S. Roper died 1883 at Bridport (M. I. Chideock) leaving issue,
1. John-James Roper, a solicitor practising in Bridport,
2. William Roper, M.A.Oxon., Clerk in Holy Orders. L.R.C.P. and L.R.C.S.Ed., resided in Chideock.
A third member of this Chideock family, namely James Roper, then a widower, married at Kingstone, Somerset in 1808 Mary James a grand daughter of Honour Rooke nee Symonds, C4, Mary roper died 1843.
APPENDIX VIII
STONE OF WALDITCH AND BRADPOLE, DORSET.
Daniel Stone of Walditch, yeoman (son of Joseph and Joan Stone of Bradpole), was baptised 1758, died 1833 and was buried at Bradpole (M. I.), having married in 1790 Hester, daughter of Henry and Mary Legg, nee Pope of Litton Cheney, who survived him and died 1848, aged 85. His will was proved in P.C.C..536 Farquhar. Daniel and Hester Stone lived for some years at Brimley in Stoke Abbott and had issue as follows,
1. Mary, baptised 1791, died 1881 at Rye and was buried at Bradpole (M.I.), having married in 1811 John Symonds, D12, of Pilsdon, Their descendants are set forth elsewhere.
2. Anne, baptised 1792, married Robert Pitfield of Allington.
3. Joan, baptised 1793, died 1864, having married John Studley of Broadwindsor, sail-cloth maker by whom she had two surviving sons John and Joseph Stone Studley, each of whom married and left issue.
4. Joseph Stone, baptised 1795, was county clerk of Dorset and town clerk of Dorchester where he practised in partnership with Giles Symonds, E12. Joseph died 1853 (M. I. Dorchester cemetery) having married in 1831 Lucia-Catherine daughter of Edward and Edith Boswell by whom he had issue,
i. Edward-Daniel Stone, baptised 1832, educated at Eton and King’s Coll. Cambridge, Clerk in Holy Orders, assistant master at Eton 1857-84. He died at Radley in 1916, “a man of letters, classical scholar and poet” (Times obituary), having married in 1861 Elizabeth-Theresa daughter of the Rev. Francis Vidal by whom he left issue,
a. Mary-Vidal.
b. Lucy Hester.
c. Francis-Joseph Stone, M.A., Clerk in Holy Orders, assistant master Radley College, 1890-1924.
d. Edward-Wellington Stone, M.A., assistant master Eton.
e. Margaret-Theresa, married T.B.Carter.
f. Ruth-Boswell, married R.L.White.
g. William Johnson Stone.
h. Guy-Ironside Stone.
i. Faith-Nona, married E.M. Compton Mackenzie, B>A>
j. Christopher Reynolds Stone, DSO,MC. Novelist and author of books on Eton.
ii. Walter-George-Boswell Stone, sometime of Walditch and Beckenham. An author; died at oxford, unmarried.
iii. Edith-Lucia-Boswell, died at Oxford 1918, aged 82, unmarried.
5. Henry-Legg Stone, baptised at Stoke Abbot 1797; died, it is believed, in 1822.
6. George Stone, baptised 1798 (sixth child of Daniel and Hester), M.A., Clerk in Holy Orders; died 1853, having married, first, Caroline Susanna Elkins by whom he had, with other issue, Charles Henry Stone, B.A., Clerk in Holy Orders, who married Claudine Charlotte Molony and left issue,
i. Kathleen-Sibyl.
ii. Charles Eustace Stone, M.A. Clerk in Holy Orders.
The Rev. George Stone, no 6 supra, married secondly Georgiana McMahon, baptised 1813 (whose father afterwards assumed the surname of Cree), by whom he had issue,
i. George-John Stone, baptised 1850 who assumed the surname of Cree and died 1902, having married Mary, daughter of Giles Symonds, E12. Their descendants are set forth in the main narrative.
ii. Emma-Mary, died 1929, unmarried.
7. Daniel Stone, the younger, baptised 1800, was a solicitor practising in London, where he died 1841.
8. Anna-Maria, baptised 1803 (youngest child of Daniel and Hester Stone), married James Southcomb at Bridport in 1834 and left issue. (M. I. Allington.)
APPENDIX IX
UDAL.
Three successive generations of this family, each of which included a son named John, lived as yeomen in Netherbury, Dorset (M. I., in that churchyard) during the 18th century. The third John and Mary his wife nee Bankes had, together with other issue, a son John Udal who married Honour Symonds, D5, at Burstock in 1798. He died at Stoke Abbott 1812, aged 37; his widow Honour died there 1838, aged 65 (M. I.). To them three sons and four daughters were born, of whom William Udal, born 1802, married Mary Anne Symonds, E14, at Broadwindsor in 1836. William died 1880 at Edgbaston, Birmingham; his wife Mary Anne died there 1879 (M. I. Symondsbury). They had issue,
1. Mary-Anne, baptised 1838; married John Pitfield of Symondsbury (son of John Pitfield and Jane Roper his wife). He died 1913 at Wrafton, North Devon; his widow Mary-Anne died 1927, leaving issue.
2. William Udal, baptised 1844, married Clara Louisa Cooper of Croydon by whom he had 12 children, He died 1918.
3. Nonoria (Nora), baptised 1846, died 1916 at Oxted, having married Illins Augustus Timmis, by whom she had issue.
4. John-Symonds Udal, baptised 1848, a barrister of the Inner Temple; sometime Chief Justice of the Leeward islands; F.S.A. and author. He died in London 1925 (M. I. Symondsbury), having married Eva Mary Adelina Routh, by whom he had three sons and two daughters.
5. Edward Udal, baptised 1850, died 1929 at Clevedon, Somerset, having married first Edith sarah Lucy Taunton who died 1909, and secondly Mary Frances Tranter. By his first wife he had three daughters.
6. Jane, baptised 1856, died at Kenilworth 1931, having married Albert Charles Jones who died 1929 and by whom she had a son.
7. Jane, died infant.
8. Henry, died infant.
9. Anne, died infant.
I am absolved from the duty of recording all the descendants of John Udal and Honour Symonds, D5, by the industry of Mr E. W. Timmis who compiled in 1923 in three pedigree charts of the Udal and Timmis families, and distributed copies to his relatives.
APPENDIX X
THE FAMILY OF LEEKEY OF MILVERTON, SOMERSET, AND OTHERS ALLIED TO IT BY MARRIAGE.
George Leekey of Milverton, yeoman, whose parentage is at present unknown, owned land in that parish and died there in 1782, having married in February 1764 Mary Hellings, also of Milverton, who died 1817, aged 79. (Her will is at P.C.C., and that of her widowed mother is at Taunton.) To them was born one son,
George Leekey, born Milverton 1764, who succeeded his father and was, it would appear, also a brewer. He died 1822, aged 58 (will at Taunton), having married in 1793 Sarah, daughter of John and Betty Cording of the same place. She died there in 1844, aged 79, and is commemorated by an excellent portrait, dated 1839, reproduced here, and now in the possession of her great-grandson the writer of these pages. George and Sarah had issue,
1. George, of whom presently.
2. Mary, baptised 1799, died 1815, unmarried.
3. Elizabeth, baptised 1801, died 1834, unmarried.
4. Sarah, baptised 1804; married at Milverton in 1837 to George Rogers of Longfleet, Poole (son of James and Mary Rogers of Chipstable). She survived her husband and died at Poole 1875 (M. I.) without issue.
5. John, baptised 1808 who was at Milverton until after his marriage with Mary Pottenger Gardner of Martock. Subsequently they lived at South Petherton, and later at Sidmouth where he published two small books of verse. He died in 1865, his wife in 1866 (M. I. Sidmouth); their three children died in infancy. His portrait by F. Lake, Taunton, is extant.
I now return to George the eldest child of George and Sarah Leekey as stated above:- He was baptised at Milverton 1796 and lived at Bickley farm and at Mount House in the same parish. His portrait at that period is appended. About 1860 he was of Wanderwell in Bothenhampton, Dorset, where he died 1874 (M. I. old church) the last in the male line, having married at Sidbury in 1830 Jemima-John youngest daughter of John and Jemima Craze formerly of Bridport. (see infra for notes on the Craze family.) To them were born four daughters,
1. Mary-Eliza, baptised Milverton 1831; married there in 1857 to Henry Symonds, E16, of Edgbaston. Their issue and later harrative history is recorded elsewhere and on the chart under E16.
2. Jemima, baptised Milverton 1836, died Bridport 1869 (M. I.), having married William Hewett Manley, a solicitor, by whom she had surviving issue,
i. William-George Manley, Rugby School; Scholar and M.A. Pembroke Coll, Camb.; Ordained 1885. He died 1889, unmarried.
ii. Edith-Mary.
iii. Margaret-Georgie, died unmarried.
iv. Harry Manley. Rugby School; Scholar and B.A. Emmanuel coll. Camb.; died 1913, unmarried.
v. Kate, O.B.E., inspector under the board of Education.
3. Sarah-Elizabeth, baptised Milverton 1838, died in London 1904 (M. I.), having married W. H. Manley by whom she had one surviving daughter, Mabel-Helen.
4. Georgiana, baptised Milverton 1842, died Bothenhampton 1863 (M. I.), unmarried.
THE FAMILY OF CRAZE AT WIVELLISCOMBE AND BRIDPORT, SHOWING THE CONNEXION WITH LEEKEY OF MILVERTON, SOMERSET.
Richard Craze, baptised Wivelliscombe 1744 (son of Richard and Sarah), married Mary Phillips of that town in 1768 and afterwards lived at Bridport, where several of their children were born and where he was a freeholder in 1784 and a churchwarden in 1793. His wife died there in 1806 and he in 1809 (M. I. St. Mary’s, Bridport). Of their issue three at least reached adult age, namely,
1. Sarah, who died Taunton 1841, aged 73 (M. I. St. James’), unmarried. Her will at P.C.C.. mentions her two nieces and a “cousin” Priscilla Gifford.
2. John Craze, of whom presently.
3. Richard Craze, baptised Bridport 1778, married Grace Rogers (sister of George Rogers who married Sarah Leekey in 1837), and subsequently lived at Bishop’s Hull. She died 1831 without issue (M. I. Chipstable), he died in London 1851 (M. I. Taunton St. James’). His will, at P.C.C., mentions his two nieces and a “cousin” Lydia Newbery. An engraved cup of Bristol Glass, 6 ins high with handle and inscribed R. C. 1777, has been handed down as informal heirloom to the present writer.
John Craze, the elder surviving son of Richard and Mary, was born at Bridport 1770 and died there 1808 (M. I.) , having married at Wivelliscombe in 1802 JEMIMA Thorne of that town. She died at North Town Terrace, Taunton, in 1856 (M. I. St James’), and is today called to mind by a miniature on ivory shown at this page. Her will, at P.C.C., appoints Thomas Newbery trustee for her two daughters and their children . John and Jemima Craze had issue,
1. Eliza, born Bridport 1804, buried Bothenhampton 1880 (M. I. old church), having married James Chaffey Parsons sometime of Wells, Somerset, by whom she had issue,
i. Frederick-James Parsons, M.R.C.S.Eng. sometime of Fortune’s Well, Portland; buried Bothenhampton 1880, aged 46 (M. I.).
ii. Jemima-Eliza, who married Alfred John Pitfield of Symondsbury. She died 1913, aged 74 leaving three children Noel, Dora and Winifred Pitfield.
2. Mary, died infant.
3. Sarah, died infant.
4. Jemima-John, born Bridport 1808, who married george Leekey in 1830. (see the narrative history of that family ante.)
A NOTE ON THE FAMILY OF THORNE OF WIVELISCOMBE, SHOWING THE CONNEXION WITH THE FAMILIES OF CRAZE AND LEEKEY AS RECORDED ABOVE:-
John Thorne and Sarah his wife towards the end of the eighteenth century had three daughters, namely.
1. Jemima, married John Craze of Bridport, as already stated elsewhere.
2. Lydia, born Wiveliscombe 1787, and married there 1819 to Robert Newbery of Borough House, Axmouth. She died at Musbury 1872, after a widowhood of 49 years, her husband having died in 1823 (M. I. Axmouth). They had a son Thomas Newbery who married and it is believed, left issue.
3. Priscilla, born Wiveliscombe 1788; married there 1813 to John Gifford of Bridport, afterwards a Flax spinner at Netherbury where she died 1850. He died 1869 (M. I. Waytown chapel). They had issue,
i. John Gifford, died 1864.
ii. Priscilla, who died 1895, aged 79, having married Alfred Mellersh, by whom she had a daughter Mary-Priscilla Mellersh, the wife of Edward Rendall of Allington.
WILLS AND ADMINISTRATIONS.
Wells Probate Registry
(The Bishops Court)
Anthony Jego of Kingstone, Somerset, yeoman. To son Norris Jego the lands and tenements in South Perrot, recently bought from Christopher Pearse, subject to payment of £40 each to three daughters Betty, Mary and Anne. To wife Joan the leasehold house and orchard in East Dowlish for her life, with remainder to son Norris. All household and other effects equally to wife, son and daughters. Residue to son Norris Jego who is to be executor. Dated 1st may 1759. Attested by Thomas Morley, William James and William Spearing. Proved 1763.
Ilton Peculiar Court.
18th May 1825.James Dight of Ilton, deceased. Administration granted to James the son, yeoman, the widow Jane having renounced. Anne Cuff a daughter and her husband John Cuff of Stocklynch were also bound.
Wiveliscombe Peculiar Court.
16th June 1720. Richard Craze, deceased. Administration granted to Honour the widow; Thomas Cording being also bound.
19th June 1733. Honour Craze, widow, deceased. Administration granted to Mary, a daughter, spinster; Richard Craze, a son, being also bound.
Taunton Probate Registry.
(Archdeaconry Court)
Thomas Hutchens, alias Chapple, of Seavington St. Mary, yeoman. Dated 26th January 1692. Mentions four sons, Thomas, Nicholas, John, and Giles; four daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Hutchens, Fortune Tripp, and Joan Chipper. “My now wife” Fortune to be executrix and residuary legatee. Proved 1694. Inventory totals £575. 15. 6.
Abraham Rooke of Ludney in Kingstone, yeoman. Dated 20th December 1700. To my son Abraham my great bible and great chest, my great brass panne and my lease at Staple Fitzpaine after my wife’s widowhood. To son Abraham £90 if my executrix shall marry again. If my son shall die before marriage or 21 I give £10 to my cousin Abraham Rooke. My executrix shall feed, clothe and educate my son until he is 21 at her own charge. Residue to my wife Joan “As long as she keep herself in my name” and she is to be sole executrix. John Chipper of Kingstone and James Colberd of Ludney to be trustees for my son until 21 if the executrix shall marry again. Proved 1702.
William Milbourne of East Dowlish, Somerset, miller, “being in good health of body and of sound and perfect mind and memory” To son James Milbourne one shilling. To daughter Ann Symonds for her life a leasehold estate in Cudworth formerly in the tenure of John Hobman, and after her decease to son James if he survived her. To son Christopher two shillings weekly for his life to be paid out of the leasehold estate by daughter Ann Symonds or by son James if he survived her. To grandson William Milbourne twenty shillings. To grand-daughters Elizabeth, Ann and Joan Milbourne twenty shillings each. To grandsons James and John Milbourne twenty shillings each. T grand-daughters Ann and Flora Symonds twenty shillings each. The residue “to my loving son William Milbourne and my loving daughter Ann Symonds”, who are to be executors. To be buried in the churchyard of east Dowlish. Dated 29th November 1704, and signed, Will: Milbourne.
Proved 12 April 1706 by the executor and executrix.
A true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels of William Milbourne of East Dowlish, miller, deceased. Dated 6th March 1705-6.
Imprimis, his wearing apparel, 3.0.0.
One leasehold estate for two lives, 50.0.0.
Due on severall bonds, 56.0.0.
Due on booke debts sperate and disperate, 51.19.11½.
Money in house, 5.0.0.
Three cows and one heifer, 18.0.0.
Tenn ewes and lambs, 5.0.0.
Three horses and ye tackling belonging to them, 7.10.0.
One pigg, 1.10.0.
In ye little room within ye kitchen; three brasse potts, one brasse pann, three kettles, three skilletts, a brasse basing ladle, a flesh picke, a dish cage, dishes and spoones, a table board frame and furne, and books, 4.10.0.
In ye kitchen; four pewter dishes, a latten collender, a settle and a small cupboard, a board and frame, a brake and forme, three paire of pothooks, two backe crooks, a paire of tongs and bacon racke, 1.10.0.
In ye milke house; a wooden platter and some small things, 0.1.0.
In ye mill; four tubbs, three willyes, two iron barrs, five pailes, two ropes, fifteen baggs, two peckes, one halfe pecke, six bills, two vorriers, a handsaw, a goudge, a chizell, two hatchetts, one hooke, a beame & weights & weight stones, a sledge, four iron wedges, 1.10.0.
In ye buttery house; four halfe hogsheads, a little barrell, seaven tubbs, a cheese steane, a malt hutch, a table board, 4.4.0.
In ye kitchen chamber; two boxes, two coffers, one chest, fourteen cheeses, one flitch of bacon, a halfe head bedsteed, a truckle bedstede, three paire of sheets, four paire of blanketts, two ruggs, four pillow tyes, two feather bolsters, two pillows, one flocke bedd, one flocke bolster, a dust bedd, two dust bolsters, six boards, 5.10.0.
In ye mill chamber; a flocke bedd, a dust bedd, two ruggs, one standing bedsteed, one truckle bedsteed, one dust bolster, 1.11.0.
In wood, 1.10.0.
In things forgotten, 0.5.0.
Totall, 216.10.11½. (The casting is incorrect - Ed. )
Signed by Elias Combe and Samuell Gundry.
Giles Hutchings of Seavington St. Mary, Somerset. 3rd November 1716. Administration granted to Honour Hutchings his widow; John Hutchings of Seavington, yeoman, and Thomas Verrier of Lyng being also bound.
Fortune Hutchings of Seavington St. mary, widow. Dated 30th June 1716. Mentions three grand-daughters Fortune, Honour, and Elizabeth, daughters of her son Giles Hutchings, deceased, to each of whom 40.0.0 when 21 years of age. Interest thereon to be paid to her daughter-in-law Honour Hutchings, widow, until the grand-daughters reach full age. Testatrix also mentions three daughters Elizabeth Hutchings, Fortune Tripp, and Joan Chipper; her sons Nicholas and Thomas; and grand-sons William and John Hutchings, the sons of Giles Hutchings deceased, to whom 15.0.0. each for binding them as apprentices. Son Nicholas to be executor, to whom a silver bowl. Proved 17th March 1717-18.
In ye name of God, amen. I Edward Symonds (A1 - Ed) being sick and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory (blessed be God for it) do make this my last will and testament as follows:- Imprimis, I give my son William ye summe of fifty pounds to be paid within two years after my decease but in case he should die before ye said term of two years be expired yn my will is that it shall go to my executors. Item, I give unto my grand-daughter Elizabeth one guinea. To my daughter Mary likewise one guinea. All ye rest of my estate, money, goods, etc., I give unto my wife and my two sons Edward and John. But if my wife should happen to marry yn my will is yt her share shall go unti my two sons before named, whom together with my wife I make and appoint ye executors of this my will, and I do by these presents do revoke and annull all former wills and testaments made by me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale March 19th 1727-8. Signed, Edward symons. (signature very feeble - Ed). Attested by Arthur Hood, rector of Dowlish, and Christopher Lodg. Proved at Crewkerne 21st May 1728 by Anne Symonds, the relict.
A true and perfect inventory of the goods chattells and credits of Edward Symons of Dowlish Wake lately deceased taken and appraised by Abraham Rook, John Donne and Robert Poole, 5th April 1728.
Imprimis, 7 Milch keen £30.0.0.
Four Horses and a coalt £25.0.0.
One swine £1.15.0.
In ye kitchen; 6 potts, 3 brass kettles, a warming pan £5.5.0.
A dozen & halfe of pewter dishes, a dozen & halfe of pewter plates £3.3.0.
A jack, 2 spitts, 2 crooks, 4 pair of pothooks £0.10.0.
A table board, a settle & 3 chairs. £0.6.8.
In ye hall; a clocke, a table board, six chairs £3.10.0.
In ye milkhouse; 3 kettles, 2 brass pans. £2.0.0.
2 cheese wrings, 12 flatts (vats - Ed), 6 tubbs, a safe. £2.10.0.
In ye seller; 30 hogsheads. £10.10.0.
In ye hall chamber; 3 feather beds & all things belonging to them. £18.0.0.
3 chests, 3 boxes, a coffer. £1.5.0.
In ye kitchen chamber; one flock bed £1.2.0.
2 cheese shelves & cheese £2.0.0.
In ye mill chamber; one flock bed. £1.0.0.
In ye mill house; one corn whick, 3 tubs £1.0.0.
2 whimshits (winnowing sheets - Ed) & bags £1.15.0.
In ye malthouse; malt 60 bushells £12.0.0.
A ffurnace, a malt whick, a cistarn £2.10.0.
Bond debt £60.0.0.
Book debt £40.0.0.
A leasehold estate in ye mill for 2 lives £120.0.0.
A leasehold estate called Macye’s £45.0.0.
A leasehold estate called Hobman’s £80.0.0.
A leasehold estate lately Gould’s & one close called Yaerate (?) late Hawkin’s £450.0.0.
Wearing apparrell and pockett money £20.0.0.
A putt & wheels & other horse tackling £3.0.0.
Things forgotten £0.6.8.
Total £943.8.4.
Ann Symons of East Dowlish, widow. (Chart A1 - Ed)
Administration granted 14th February 1745 to Edward Symons of east Dowlish, miller, son of the deceased; Richard Buckthought and George Leamon both of Taunton being also bound.
Edward Symons of East Dowlish ( Chart B2 - Ed). Administration granted 29th July 1752 to Honour Symons of East Dowlish, widow; Robert Poole the elder and the younger both of Allownshay in Kingstone, yeomen, being also bound.
Richard Craze of Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Administration granted 20th January 1759 to Sarah Craze of Wiveliscombe, widow; William Stevens being also bound.
Abraham Rooke of Dinnington, Somerset, yeoman. Administration granted 28th September 1759 to Honor Rook of Dinnington, widow; Edward Symons of the same place, yeoman, and “John Doe” being also bound.
Abraham Rooke of Dowlish Wake, Somerset, yeoman.
To daughter Mary Stephens, £20. To grand-daughter Mary, the daughter of my son Abraham Rooke, £50 when twenty one, but if she should marry before that age without the sonsent of the executrix and trustees the legacy to be void. To daughter Joan Rooke £15 per annum for life, with permission to live with her brother John in the testator’s house, excepting the parlour chamber and closet adjoining which are given to the executrix. To son John and daughter Joan for their lives the apples in the “whome orchard.” To his friends John James and Charles Hull both of Dowlish, certain closes of land in trust for my son, John Rooke for life, that is to say, Higher and Lower Laydown, New Close, Hole mead, Raggs, a little orchard called Paddock, two little plots called Snow’s, two closes called Little Common meadow and Yearlands, all in Dowlish Wake, and a pasture called Cowleaze in Cudworth, if my estate therein shall so long continue. The residue to daughter Betty James, wife of the said John James, who is to be the executrix. Dated 28th June 1774.
Attested by George Gange and Benjamin Bulgin. Proved by executrix in 1785.
Edward Symonds (Chart C5 - Ed) of Dinnington, Somerset, yeoman.
To his five sisters, namely, Ann the wife of James Dight, Honor the wife of George Ilett, Elizabeth the wife of Norris Jego, Sarah the wife of William James, and Mary the wife of William Gapper, five guineas each. To niece Ann Dight five guineas and all china ware if living with testator at the time of his death. To nephew Edward Symonds, the eldest son of testator’s brother Giles Symonds one silver half-pint cup, and in case the said Edward should die during the testator’s lifetime then the same to nephew Edward Symonds the son of testator’s brother John Symonds. All the rest and residue to brothers John and Giles Symonds equally as tenants in common, and they are appointed executors. Dated 25th November 1783.
Attested by Robert, Bridgett and J. Cornish Taylor.
A codicil dated 26th February 1785 revokes the legacies to niece Ann Dight, and bequeaths to nephew Mark Dight fifty pounds, the best horse, a clock and a bed with furniture, if he was living with testator at the time of his death.
Proved by the two executors 29th April 1786. (Inventory missing).
Richard James of Dowlish Wake, yeoman.
Dated 22 May 1782. Mentions (not by name) the three children of his daughter Mary. To daughter Susannah £10 and the bed in the outside chamber. Sons William and Richard James to be executors and residuary legatees. Proved in 1786 by Richard James only.
Mary Hellings of Milverton, Somerset, widow.
Dated 22nd July 1786. Mentions son Henry Hellings and daughters Hannah Hellings, Patience King, and Betty Handcock. “To my daughter Mary Lickey my linen gown and my prayer book.” Proved 1788.
John Symonds of Dowlish Wake. (Chart C7 - Ed).
Administration granted 23 April 1796 to Susannah Symonds, his widow; Edward Symonds, son, of Dowlish Wake, yeoman, and Francis Gore of Taunton St. James being also bound.
Sarah Comer of Milverton, Somerset, widow.
Mentions son Nicholas Comer, daughter Mary Davison and grand-daughter Harriet Sophia Davison. Also John Cording of Milverton, son-in-law, and daughter Betty Cording who had died leaving issue (not named). Daughter Amy Comer to be executrix. Proved 1797.
John Cording of Milverton, Somerset. Dated 26 February 1811.
Mentions four sons John, William, Charles, and Joseph Cording, and a grandson Thomas, the son of Thomas Cording deceased. Wearing apaparel to grandson George Leekey. Residue of estate to the four sons, the grandson Thomas, and George Leekey, son-in-law, share and share alike.
Executors to be George Leekey and the four sons above named. Proved 1811.
George Leekey of Milverton, Somerset, gentleman. (Chart E16 - Ed).
To daughters Elizabeth and Sarah seven dwelling houses and gardens in Milverton, as tenants in common. To son George the lands in Milverton called Blewet’s Old Hall’s, Spreat’s, Richard’s, Kent’s and Powlet’s, charged with an annuity of £20 to testator’s wife Sarah for her life. To son John the house and estate called Lower Pole’s Hill in Milverton, also charged with a similar annuity to wife Sarah. To son George one moiety of the stock of beer and beer casks and the other moiety to wife and children John, Elizabeth and Sarah equally. All household furniture and effects to wife and four children equally. Wife to be guardian of Elizabeth, Sarah and John during their minority. Son George to be executor and residuary legatee. Dated 3rd July 1821. Attested by E. H. Pearse, W. Burston, and J. Payne. Proved 1823.
Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
(Somerset House.)
P.C.C.Major 186.
Honour Symonds of Dowlish wake, Somerset, Widow (B2 on Chart. Died 1786 – Ed.).
To daughter Elizabeth jego of Kingstone £120 for her separate use and “my two handled silver cup and my silk gown.” To daughter Sarah James £120 for her separate use. To Norris Jego £120 in trust for testatrix’s daughter Mary Gapper, and after her decease to be applied as she may appoint or if not so appointed to her children then living. To Norris Jego £100 on a similar trust for testatrix’s daughter Honour Ilett, and in default of appointment to her children by George Ilett only. To sons John and Giles Symonds the house in Dowlish called Cotton’s, in trust to permit daughter Ann Dight to enjoy the profits of her life, if testatrix’s estate should so long continue, and after Anne’s decease to John and Giles absolutely. To daughters Ann Dight, Honour Ilett and Sarah James all wearing apparel, excepting the gift to “my daughter Jego.” To sons John and Giles Symonds and daughters sarah James, Elizabeth Jego and Honour Ilett all household furnature and goods. The daughters and their husbands are required to release, if asked to do so, any claims against their late father’s estate by reason of his dying intestate, and if any should so refuse their legacies are to be void. To grandson John Dight £20. One moiety of the residue of lands and chattels real to son John Symonds for his life and then to his issue, the other moiety to son Giles with the same limitations, and they are appointed executors and residuary legatees. Dated 24 January 1786. Attested by J. Warren and Nathaniel Gange.
A codicil dated 11 May 1786 revokes the reversionary gift to sons John and Giles of the testatrix’s house called Cotton’s and bequeaths it to her grandson John Dight then living with her, “to do therewith his pleasure.” Attested by J. Warren and Thos. Singleton. Proved by the two executors 12 April 1787 (Inventory missing.) The codicil is signed “H” and sealed with a posy ring “Love me trew.”
P.C.C. Lushington 44.
Norris Jego of Allowenshay in Kingstone, Somerset, gentleman (C6 on Chart – Ed). To son Norris Jejo the younger and Giles Symonds of Beaminster £500 in trust for grand-daughter Mary Anning when twenty one and her issue if any. After the death of testator’s wife, a trust fund of £300 for daughter Betty, the wife of Thos. Meade and of £800 for daughter Jane Stephens. Legacies to grand-daughters Mary and Jane Stephens. To wife Elizabeth all household effects for her life and afterwards to testator’s three children equally, also the use for her life of the dwellinghouse and certain lands in Allowenshay. To wife all livestock and crops and an annuity. Grand-daughter Jane Stephens may live in the house for her life. Residie to son Norris Jego who is to be executor. Dated 30 June 1806. Proved 1807.
P.C.C. 1809.
John Craze, late of Bridport, Dorset. Administration of his estate granted to Jemima Craze, the widow, on 2 may 1809. Under £3,500.
P.C.C. Bridport 147.
William James of Colmer in Marshwood, Dorset, yeoman (C8 on chart – Ed.). Mentions his estate Wellfield in Hawkchurch, and lifehold estates in Dowlish, Somerset, and Marshwood, Dorset. A legacy to daughter Mary wife of Thomas Roper and an annuity to daughter Honor wife of Thomas Smith. The testator’s wife, Sarah and his sons William and Richard James to be executors; the two latter to be residuary legatees after their mother’s death. Dated 1813. Proved 1814.
P.C.C. Wynne 263.
Richard James of Kingstone, Somerset, gentleman.
Mentions a leasehold estate in Allowenshay “which was late George Ilett’s,” and two leasehold estates in Kingstone which are devised to trustees for legacies to sons Abraham-Rooke, John and Richard and daughters Betty, Anne, and Honor James and Mary Roper after their mother’s death. Mentions Mrs. Betty James. Trustees to be his friend George Ilett of Curry Mallett and his nephew Richard James of Colmer. Wife Mary to be sole executrix. Dated 1815. Proved 1816.
P.C.C. Effingham 533.
Mary Leekey of Milverton, Somerset, widow (see E16 on chart – Ed.)
To son George all real and personal estate for life. After his decease to grandson George Leekey the lands in Milverton known as Old Halls, Court and Smock’s meadow, and to grandson John Leekey the land in Milverton known as Sheppards. To friends John Day and Christopher Harding a legacy in trust for grand-children Elizabeth and Sarah Leekey. To four grand-children, four silver table spoons, ten tea spoons ans one sugar tongs. To grandson George. The best bed, and to grandson John the bureau. Son George to be executor and residuary legatee. Dated 14 January 1817, and proved in the same year.
P.C.C. 1817.
Elizabeth Jego, late of Allowenshay in Kingstone, Somerset, widow (see C6 on chart – Ed.) Administration granted to Norris Jego of Ilminster, the son, on 22 January 1817 (There was a subsequent grant to Harriot Hunt Bower, Jane Stephens and Betty Meade.)
P.C.C. 1818.
Norris Jego, late of Ilminster. Administration granted to Harriot Jego, the widow, on 8 November 1818, Giles Symonds the younger and William Banger the younger being also bound.
P.C.C. Kent 640.
Giles Symonds of Pilsdon, Dorset, gentleman (see c9 on chart – Ed.)
To Richard James of Colmar in Marshwood, gentleman, and William Gapper of Winsham, clothier, £500 in trust for the children of testator’s daughter Elizabeth Wellman, other than her son Christopher. To the same trustees £700 in trust for the children of daughter Honor Udal, and £350 for daughter Anne Slade and her children if any. A debt of £350 due from Thomas Slade is forgiven. To the same trustees £500 for daughter Sarah Hutchings and her children if any. To son-in-law Thomas Lowman £600. To daughter Amelia £1000. A debt of £600 due from son-in-law John Roper of Chideock is forgiven. To son Giles the testator’s right and interest in a house and tanyard at Beaminster. To wife Anne certain lands in Dowlish Wake known as White’s and a house and lands in Merriott for her life in lieu of dower. To sons Henry and George all the testator’s right and interest in Pilsdon Farm. To the same trustees all lands and houses in Dowlish wake (excepting those above mentioned) upon trust to pan an annuity of £30 to son Edward and a like annuity to Eunice his wife. Of the residue, one fourth each to three sons, William, John, and Henry, and one fourth to Richard James and William Gapper in trust for son George, subject to a condition as to his marriage. Three sons, William, John and Henry to be joint executors. Dated 4 November 1818.
P.C.C. Farquhar 536.
Daniel Stone the elder of Walditch, Dorset.
Legacies to daughters Mary and Joan, both then married. To three sons Joseph, George and Daniel a legacy in trust for daughter Anna Maria then unmarried. To wife Hester an annuity and the use of the house at Bradpole with the furniture during her widowhood. The three sons to be executors and residuary legatees in equal shares. Dated 1830. Proved 1833.
P.C.C. 1841.
Sarah Craze of Bridport, spinster.
Legacies to niece Eliza the wife of James Chaffey Parsons of Wells, and to cousin Priscilla Gifford of Netherbury. A trust for niece Eliza Parsons and her issue, and for niece Jemima John Leekey of Milverton and her issue. Brother Richard Craze to be executor and residuary legatee. Dated 1835.
P.C.C. 1851.
Richard Craze of Taunton. Legacies to paty and Thomas Phillips of Wivelliscombe, and to cousin Lydia Newbery of Axmouth. One moiety of eatate in trust for niece Jemima John Leekey, wife of George Leekey of Bickley in Milverton, and her issue; the other moiety in trust for niece Eliza Parsons, wife of James Chaffey Parsons of Taunton, and her issue. Dated 1850.
P.C.C. 1857.
Jemima Craze of Taunton, widow. To daughters Eliza Parsons and Jemima John Leekey all household goods. Residue to Thomas Newbery of Axmouth in trust for testatrix’s two daughters, with power of appointment to her grand-children (1) Frederick James and Jemima Eliza Parsons, and (2) Mary Eliza, Jemima, Sarah Elizabeth, and Georgiana Leekey. Dated 1856.
P.C.C. 1865.
John Leekey, formerly of South Petherton, late of Sidmouth. Proved by the executors Mary Pottenger Leekey of Sidmouth, the widow, and George Leekey of Wanderwell House, Bridport, the brother of the testator. Dated 1849; a codicil in 1857 mentions land at Isle Brewers. (The will of his widow was proved in 1866.)
ENTRIES IN FAMILY BIBLES.
A Bible formerly in the possession of Arthur G Symonds of Dorchester contains the following memoranda in old handwriting:-
Births of the children of Giles and Ann Symonds of Pilsdon, Dorset, who died at the age of 75 years each; Giles in year 1819, Ann in year 1821.
Edward was born Thursday ye 31 of October 1771 about 4 o’clock in ye afternoon.
Betty was born Monday ye 12th of April 1773 about 11 o’clock at night.
Honour was born Tuesday ye 27th of December 1774 about 11 o’clock at night.
Ann was born Friday ye 13th of December 1776 about 4 o’clock in ye afternoon.
Giles was born Sunday ye 19th of July 1778 about 2 o’clock in ye afternoon.
Mary was born Wednesday ye 14th February 1781 about 6 o’clock in ye morning.
Jane was born Wednesday ye 8th of January 1783 about 12 o’clock at night.
Sarah was born Tuesday ye 23rd November 1784 about 2 o’clock in ye morning.
William was born on Sunday ye 29th of October 1786 about 10 o’clock at night.
John was born Monday ye 21st July 1788 about 5 in the afternoon.
Henry was born Friday ye 16th of April 1790 about three in the morning.
Amelia was born Sunday 20th of November 1791 about 9 o’clock at night.
George was born Thursday ye 4th of September 1794 about 6 o’clock in ye morning.
Sarah was born Sunday ye 26th of June 1796 about 1 o’clock in ye morning.
It should be noted that a Prayer Book. Dated 1777, formerly belonging to Giles Symonds of Pilsdon and now owned by J. J. Roper, contains a number of entries identical in material respects with those in the Bible above mentioned.
Extracts from a bible formerly owned by the late Mrs A. D. Hull, nee Udal.
John Udal was born on Friday the 17th of March 1775 at 8 o’clock in the evening.
Elizabeth Udal was born on Wednesday the 3rd of April 1776 about 11 o’clock in the morning.
Mary Udal was born on Monday the 19th of January 1778 at 10 o’clock in the morning.
Ann Udal was born on Trinity Monday 22nd May 1780 at 9 o’clock in the morning.
Eusebia Udal was born on Thursday the 9th of October 1783 at 11 o’clock in the morning.
William Udal was born on Tuesday the 31st January 1786 at 8 o’clock in the evening. Died on Wednesday the eight day of February aged 8 days.
(Then follow the names of the children of John Udal and Honour Symonds, his wife)
John Udal was born Tuesday the 20th November 1798 at 11 o’clock in the evening.
Elizabeth Udal was born Wednesday 3rd September 1800 at 1 o’clock in the morning.
William Udal was born Tuesday 2nd March 1802 at 7 o’clock in the evening.
Mary Udal was born Sunday 30th October 1803 at 10 o’clock in the evening
Anne Udal was born Friday 31st July 1807 about 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
George Udal was born Thursday 10th August 1809 about 6 o’clock in the evening.
Honour Udal was born Monday 11th November 1811 at ½ past 1 o’clock in the morning.
A bible formerly in the possession of the late A. S. Hull contains these entries:-
The family of Giles and Maria Symonds.
Maria died September 30th 1840 aged 56
Giles died November 8th 1848 aged 70 years, born July 19th 1778.
Maria Symonds born Saturday November 19th 1808 one o’clock morning, died February 13th 1850, unmarried. Aetat: 41 & 3 mos.
Matilda Symonds Sunday June 3rd 1810, ½ past 1 morning. Died Thursday morning 15 March 1888. Aetat: 78. Unmarried.
Giles Symonds born Monday August 17th 1812, ½ past 12 morning, died April 1st 1813, aged 8 months.
Giles Symonds born May 1st 1814, Sunday 10 o’clock morning, died Sept 13th 1814 aged 4½ months.
William Symonds born Saturday October 7th 1815, 3 o’clock afternoon, died August 4th 1890, aged 74 years, 10 m.
Sarah Symonds born Friday July 10th 1818, ½ past 3 afternoon, died january 27th 1822, aged 3 years & 7 months.
(Horatio) Giles Symonds born January 8th 1822, Tuesday morning ½ past 12 o’clock, died Sept 29th 1880. Aetat: 58¾.
Amelia Symonds born February 12th 1825. Saturday, ½ past 2 o’clock, died August 29th 1839 aged 14 years & a half - at Ilminster, Somerset.
William Symonds married October 7th 1846 Emily tyler, born July 28th 1810, (who had) married 1st G. H. Tyler. Issue none.
Horatio Giles Symonds married February 3rd 1874 Emma Upton Langworthy. Issue none. Rector of Winthorpe, Newark, Notts.
A family bible once in the possession of the late F. G. Symonds, a grandson of the original owner, contains the following entries:-
William Symonds and Elizabeth Davis were married at Swyre on Thursday July 28th 1814.
Joseph Davis Symonds the son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born onThursday the 11th day of May at half past eight o’clock, 1815, in the evening.
Giles the son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born on Friday )ctober 4th at halfpast six in the morn, 1816.
Giles the son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds died on Wednesday December 24th 1817, suddenly.
Henry Legg Davis Symonds son of William and Elizabeth Symonds was born on Thursday January 8th 1818 about four o’clock in the afternoon.
Elizabeth the daughter of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born on Friday November 26th 1819 about halfpast six o’clock in the morning.
John Davis the son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born on Friday August 17th ten minutes after three in the morning 1821.
John Davis Symonds the son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds died on Tuesday 11th day of February 1823, suddenly, about halfpast four o’clock in the afternoon.
Wm. Coleman Symonds son of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born on Sunday October 22nd 1826 about halfpast two o’clock in the afternoon.
Mary Symonds daughter of Wm. And Elizabeth Symonds was born on Wednesday August 20th 1828 about two o’clock in the morning.
Joseph Davis Symonds son of William and Elizabeth Symonds was married to Jane Legg youngest daughter of Job Legg of Litton Cheney in the county of Dorset, June the third, 1841.
Joseph Henry Symonds son of Joseph and Jane Symonds was born on Wednesday April 19th 1843.
“The Family Register”
of Henry and Mary E. Symonds, married 15th Oct. at Milverton, Somersetshire, 1857:-
Henry, born at Edgbaston, Birmingham, at a quarter past 5 o’clock p.m. on Sunday 30th January 1859.
George, born at Edgbaston at a quarter past 9 o’clock p.m. on Thursday 26th Jan 1860, and died on Monday 30th Jan. 1860.
George, born at Edgbaston at a quarter to 4 o’clock in the afternoon on Monday 3rd June 1861 and died on Wednesday 3rd July 1861.
Florence Mary, born at Edgbaston at a quarter to 10 o’clock a.m. on Tuesday January 20th 1863.
Ethel Margaret, born at Edgbaston at 20 minutes past twelve a.m. on Wednesday May 31st 1865.
George Herbert, born at Edgbaston at 10 minutes to 3 o’clock a.m. on Monday 29th May 1871.
(In the handwriting of Henry Symonds the father, who d. 1879)
A Bible formerly in the ownership of Miss Susan G. Dight contains a number of memoranda concerning her kinsfolk, who were descended from the marriage of James Dight with Anne Symonds in 1750. The notes run thus:-
Susanna Dight was born ye 26th Jan 1752.
James Dight he was born June ye 13th 1754.
Ann Dight was born Oct ye 10 1756
Edward Dight was born March ye 25th 1759.
Mark Dight was born Aug ye 20th 1762.
John Dight was born Jan ye 9th 1764.
Giles Dight was born August ye 10th 1766.
Honour Dight was born Sept ye 20th 1770.
The mother of these children was Ann Dight born 1731, died 1829, aged 97½
James Dight husband of the above - born 1729, died May 1804, aged 75.
Honour Symons mother of the above Ann Dight was born 1711, died 1787, aged 76; grandmother to the above children.
James Dight died Nov. 8th 1824, aged 71.
Susannah Willment died Nov. 24th 1829, aged 78.
Ann Darby died Jan 22nd 1830, aged 74.
Mark Dight died Sept 19th 1838, aged 76.
Honor Grabham died 10th May 1840, aged 70.
John Dight died Sept 29th 1847, aged 83¾.
James Dight’s book 1751.
Ann Dight’s book 1804.
Edward Dight’s 1829.
John Dight’s book 1832.
Eliza Ann Dight Sept 29th 1847.
Roger Thomas Dight 1868.
John Dight 1882. Toller Whelme. Beaminster.
(on another page) Ann Dight her hand and pen. Amen 1787. Born 1731.
EXTRACTS FROM PARISH REGISTERS AND MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS.
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY UNDER PARISHES.
As this chapter contains many extracts from parish registers it will be appropriate here to comment on the written form of our surname as it is presented to us through nearly three centuries. The entries in such registers and in other original documents quoted elsewhere show numerous varieties of spelling, due in part to the irregular practice by which the parish clerk instead of the incumbent wrote the memorandum required. Consequently from time to time in eighteenth-century registers we meet with pages of rude script recording the less familiar surnames in varying guise. These divergences while making it more difficult to identify an individual are not without some value when manifestly phonetic; thus an entry reading “Simmons” indicates the local pronounciation of the name at that date. When we examine the signatures on early deeds or wills we ought to be on firmer ground, but such evidence is not always conclusive as orthography was then a very nebulous convention; to give an example, a man signs his name as “Symonds” while his brother about the same date prefers “Symons”. It was not until 1790 or thereabouts that the spelling of our patronymic became finally crystallised into its present form.
Extracts from parish registers, and monumental inscriptions in churches and churchyards.
ABBERLEY, WORCESTER.
Baptism.
1812, 17 Jan, Anne daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Symonds.
ALLINGTON, BRIDPORT.
In the Churchyard
Sacred to the memory of William Lionel Southcomb son of James and Anna Maria Southcomb who died March 13th , aged 2 years and 10 months.
AXMOUTH.
In the Churchyard
In affectionate remembrance of Robert Newbery of Borough House in this parish who died May 21st 1823, aged 39 years,
Lydia Newbery wife of the above who died at Musbury Dec. 30th 1872, aged 86 years.
Also of Gertrude Mary infant child of Thomas and C. E. Newbery of this parish who died Sept. 5th 1866.
BARNT GREEN.
The Lickey Church.
To the dear memory of Henry Burman Lowe who died October 24th 1915, aged 56 years. Also his wife Florence Mary who died 12 August 1923, aged 60 years.
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die;
Yet is their hope full of immortality.
BEAMINSTER.
1808. 19 November born. 1812, 30 January baptised. Maria daughter of Giles and Maria Symonds.
1810. 3 June born. 1812. 30 January baptised. Matilda daughter of Giles and Maria Symonds.
1818. 15 July. Sarah daughter of Giles and Maria Symonds of Beaminster.
1822. 9 January. Giles son of Giles and Maria Symonds of Beaminster.
BICKENHALL.
Altar tomb in the old churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Honor Grabham wife of Abraham Grabham who departed this life the x day of may MDCCCXL aged LXX years. .. Also the above Abraham Graham who died April 5th 1847, aged 78 years. Eliza Humphrey daughter of Abraham and Honor died June 23rd 1847, aged 42 years.
BOTHENHAMPTON.
Burials.
1863. 7 April. Georgina Leekey, aged 20.
1874. 7 February. Jemima John Leekey, aged 66.
1874. 18 April.. George Leekey, aged 77.
In the old churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Georgiana Leekey who departed this life on the 2nd day of April 1863, aged 20 years. Heb.xii. 2
In loving remembrance of Jemima John wife of George Leekey of Wanderwell House who entered into rest February 4th 1874, aged 65 years. Rev. xiv. 13.
In loving remembrance of George Leekey of Wanderwell House who entered into rest April 13th 1874, aged 77 years. St John xvii.24.
In loving remembrance of Eliza Parsons who died at Allington, Bridport, January 28th 1880, aged 75 years.
In loving memory of Frederick James Parsons who died at Monchard Bishop, North Devon, December 20th 1880, aged 46.
Sacred to the memory of Abraham Rooke James, Born February 2nd, 1826; at rest October 16th 1905.
BRADPOLE.
In the churchyard.
In memory of Daniel Stone who died at Walditch the 17th day of June 1833, aged LXXV years.
Also of Hester his wife who died February 12th 1848, aged LXXXV years, Rev.xi.13.
In memory of John Symonds, born 21 July 1788, died 15th June 1865.
Also in memory of Mary Symonds widow of John Symonds who died November 17th 1881, aged 91.
In the church is a painted window with a tablet commemorating William Way who died on Christmas eve, 1877, aged 76, and his widow Fanny Way who died August 23rd 1895, aged 77.
BRIDPORT.
Baptisms.
April 4th 1758. Daniel son of Joseph and Joan Stone of Bradpole.
December 26th 1770. John son of Richard and Mary Craze.
August 23rd 1775. Richard son of Richard and Mary Craze.
April 15th 1778. Richard son of Richard and Mary Craze.
April 26th 1804. Eliza daughter of John and Jemima Craze.
July 20th 1805. Mary Anne daughter of John and Jemima Craze.
April 29th 1807. Sarah daughter of John and Jemima Craze.
July 13th 1808. Jemima John daughter of John and Jemima Craze.
Marriage.
1834. 5 June. James Southcomb of Bridport and Anna Maria Stone of Walditch, by licence.
Burials.
April 9th 1777. Richard Craze, inf.
March 14th 1781. William Craze, inf.
June 22nd 1806. Mary Craze.
May 29th 1807. Sarah Craze, inf.
January 28th 1808. John Craze.
September 8th 1808. Mary Ann Craze, inf.
April 23rd 1809. Richard Craze.
In the churchyard, near south porch.
Sacred to the memory of John Craze who departed this life on the 24th of January 1808, aged 38 years. Also of Sarah daughter of John and Jemima Craze who departed this life on the 24th May 1807, aged 5 months. Also of Mary Ann their daughter who departed this life on the 6th of September 1808 aged 3 years and 3 months.
Sacred to the memory of Richard Craze who departed this life on the 10th of April 1809, aged 63 years. Also of Mary Craze wife of the above who departed this life on the 19th of June 1806, aged 69 years. Also of John Craze their son who departed this life on the 24th of January 1808, aged 38 years. Also of William their son who departed this life the 9th of March 1781, aged 8 years. Also of Richard and Mary their children who died in infancy.
In Bridport cemetary.
In affectionate remembrance of Jemima the dearly beloved wife of William Hewett Manley, born May 31st 1836, died February 2nd 1869.
Mima Maud manley aged ten weeks, died February 13th 1868.
In memory of William Hewett Manley who died May 9th 1882, aged 54 years.
BROADWINDSOR.
Baptisms.
1813. 15 January. Giles sin of John and Mary Symonds.
1815. 13 September. John son of John and Mary Symonds.
1817. 8 May. Mary Ann daughter of John and Mary Symonds.
1819. 7 May. Daniel son of John and Mary Symonds.
1822. 15 January. Henry son of John and Mary Symonds.
1824. 17 June. George son of John and Mary Symonds.
1824. 27 July. Anna Maria daughter of John and Mary Symonds.
1826. 5 August. Frederick son of John and Mary Symonds.
1828. 4 April. Jean daughter of John and Mary Symonds.
1830. 23 May. Ellen Amelia daughter of John and Mary Symonds.
1833. 5 January. William and George twin sons of John and Mary Symonds.
Marriages.
1836. 2 June. William Udal of Aston, Warwick, and Mary Ann Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of John Symonds, Mary Udal, Annie Studley and John Symonds junr.
1848. 27 April. John Amon Vidler of Rye, Sussex, and Anna Maria Symonds of this parish. In the presence of Jane Symonds and J. Stone.
A brass tablet in the church.
In affectionate memory of Daniel Symonds born at Broadwindsor 4 May 1819, died at Dorchester 15 April 1892. Interred at Dorchester cemetery.
A painted board records “John Symonds’ Charity” of 1861. He gave a fund for providing bread, meat, fuel or clothing to twelve of the oldest poor residents annually in January. The donor was churchwarden in 1839.
An altar tomb in the churchyard.
In memory of Mary wife of Henry Symonds of Kimmeridge in the isle of Purbeck who died November 23rd 1838, aged 46 years.
In memory of the above Henry Symonds of Cannon Court who died May 21st 1854, aged 64 years.
Underneath this tomb lieth the body of Henry son of Henry and Mary Symonds of Kimmeridge, isle of Purbeck, who died 1st day of October 1829 aged eight years.
BURSTOCK
Baptisms.
1798. 18 December. John son of John and Honor Udal.
1802. 22 January. Ann daughter of Thomas and Ann Slade.
Marriages.
1798. 19 April. John Udal now resident and Honor Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of John Udal and James Hardy.
Burial.
1822. 2 January. Ann Slade of Beaminster, aged 45.
BURTON BRADSTOCK
In loving memory of Francis Jego Gillett died April 26th 1896 in his 77th year. Also Mary his wife died January 6th 1909 in her 88th year.
CHIDEOCK
In the churchyard, on an altar tomb.
Sacred to the memory of John Roper who died at Mappercombe February the 10th 1837, aged 70 years. Also of Jane his wife who was buried on the north side of this tomb; died January 28th 1855, aged 72 years.
In memory of Giles Symonds Roper son of John and Jane Roper of Mappercombe who departed this life February the 8th 1814, aged 5 years. Also of Henry and George Roper their sons.
Thomas Farwell Roper of Musbury, Devon, the eldest son of Thomas Roper gent. And Mary his wife, the daughter of William James of Colmer in this county, gent. Their remains are also deposited near this spot.
Also in memory of Mary Sarah Symonds Roper (relict of the late John Roper) whose body rests on the south side of this vault. Died at Bridport 21 October 1883, aged 51.
In memory of Sarah Gillett nee Roper widow of Henry Anning Gillett of High Ham in the county of Somerset. She died December the 11th 1898, aged 88.
Baptisms.
1805. 19 March. Jane, daughter of John and Jane Roper.
1807. 19 March. John Farwell son of John and Jane Roper.
1809. 4 January. Giles-Symonds son of John and Jane Roper.
1810. 17 September. Joel son of John and Jane Roper.
CHIPSTABLE, SOMERSET.
Baptism.
1792. 6 June, Grace daughter of James and Mary Rogers.
Burial.
1831. 23 April. Grace Craze of Bishop’s Hull, 37.
Mural tablet in the church.
James Rogers of Bovey in this parish died 20 Jan. 1804. Aged 60 years. Mary wife of the above died 27 June 1837, aged 85. Grace Craze their daughter died 16 April 1831, aged 38. James Rogers their son died 1 Nov. 1851, aged 69, and Maria his wife died 27 April 1853, aged 69.
WEST COKER.
Marriage.
1793. 16 November. Edward Symonds and Eunice Warry, both of this parish. In the presence of Thomas Gould and Oness Warry.
CREWKERNE
Marriages.
1650. 9 Sept. John Jeygo of Dowlish and Mary Norris.
1730. 21 July. Edward Symonds of East Dowlish and Honour Hutchens of Kingstone.
1731. 20 Apr. William Hutchens of Kingstone and Fortune Bullen of Seavington St. Mary.
1809. 9 Feb. William Gapper of Winsham and Elizabeth Phelps.
CRICKET MALHERBIE
1750. 13 May. Henry Simmons of Dowlish Wake and Mary warren of Chillington were married.
CUDWORTH
1754. 24 June. James Dight son of James and Ann Dight baptised.
CURRY MALLETT.
Baptisms.
1795. 5 July. Susannah Wilment daughter of Richard by Susanna his wife.
1798. 25 Dec. Honor Ilett daughter of George by Martha his wife.
1806. 7 Jan. George (born 26 Dec. 1799), Charles (born 27 Sept. 1802), and John (born 23 Jan. 1805) sons of George and Martha Ilett.
1819. 6 Jan. Edward and Giles, sons of George and Martha Ilett.
1832. 11 Nov. Philip son of George and Sarah Ilett (nee Meade).
Marriages.
1784. 28 Aug. Richard Wilment of C.M. and Susannah Dight of Fivehead. In the presence of Mark Dight.
1795. 16 Feb. George Ilett and Martha Bawler, both of C.M.
Burials.
1795. 14 June. Richard Wilment.
1823. 25 Nov. Martha Ilett, aged 49.
1829. 29 Nov. Susannah Wilment, 78.
1837. 15 Sept. George Ilett, 66.
DINNINGTON.
Marriages.
1702. Edward Simmonds and Anne Milburn were married the 15 day of May anno p’dicto.
1763. 7 July. Edward Symonds bachelor and Mary Knott widow, both of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Maximilian Brice and John Membury.
1784. 23 November. John Darby and Ann Dight both of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Edward Symonds and John Templeman.
Burials.
1782. 27 September. Mary Simmonds.
1785. 29 September. Edward Symons.
A note inside the cover of one of the registers states that Edward Symons was churchwarden in 1783 and bought the book for 15s. on 3rd April in that year.
In the churchyard.
Here lieth the body of John Darbey who departed this life October the 18, 1817, aged 55 years.
A friend both constant and sincere
A husband and a father dear
Sleeps here till Christ shall call and say
Come come ye blessed and come away.
And also of six children who died in their infancy.
And also of Ann wife of the above John Darbey who died January 22, 1830, aged 75 years.
Dear friend morne not for me nor weep
I leave a toilsome world behind
For in this grave I sweetly sleep
A crown of glory for to find.
DONYATT.
Baptisms.
1734. Edward the son of Edward Simons bapt. 7 March.
1737. Elizabeth the daughter of Edward Simonds bapt. 18 May.
1741. Sarah the daughter of Edward and Honour Symons bapt. 6 January.
1762. Mark ye son of James and Ann Deight baptised September 12th .
1765. John ye son of James and Ann Dight baptised the 3rd day of March.
1767. Giles the son of James and Ann Dight baptised November the 30th .
Marriage.
1742. Amell Savage of Illmester and Ann Symons of Donyard the 20th April.
Burial.
1804. 31 May. James Dight of Martock.
In the churchyard.
An Altar Tomb
Here lieth the body of James son of mark and Susannah Dight who departed this life May ye 24th 1804, aged 75 years.
He died in the faith of the blessed Trinity.
Also Ann Dight wife of James Dight who departed this life January 1st 1829, aged 97 years.
Also Edward Dight son of James and Ann Dight who departed this life December 12th 1832, aged 74.
Also the body of John Dight son of aforementioned James Dight and Ann his wife who departed this life 29th day of September 1847, aged 84. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh. Matt. xxiv. 44.
Also James Dight grandson of the aforementioned James Dight and Ann his wife who departed this life the 14th of September 1838 and was buried at Ilton, aged 54.
Sacred to the memory of Mark Dight son of the aforesaid James Dight and Ann his wife, whose remains are deposited at Fivehead in this county. He departed this life Sep. 19th 1838, aged 76.
A flat stone adjoining shows “JD.1817” cut upon a shield.
DORCHESTER, DORSET
St. Peter’s church.
A painted window on the south side
“To the glory of God and in affectionate memory of Giles Symonds and Jane his wife this window is erected A.D.1898.”
Holy Trinity church.
A painted window in the north aisle commemorates Martha Mary, the widow of Giles Symonds, who died June 1st 1916.
In the cemetery.
As a tribute of parental affection this stone is erected to the memory of three children of Giles and Jane Symonds;
Edward-Coleman who died on the 28th March 1843 aged seven months, Emily Jane who died on the 16th May 1849 in her fourth year, and Edward who died on the 22nd January 1858 in his tenth year.
Also to the memory of Kate another child who died on the 20th March 1862 in her 12th year. 2 Kings iv. 26.
Sacred to the memory of Jane wife of Giles Symonds who died 8th November 1877, aged 61. Also of the above named Giles Symonds who died 8th December 1892 in his 81st year.
In loving memory of Daniel Symonds (of Ashton) born May 4th 1819, died Good Friday April 15th 1892. Also of Mary Anne Symonds his wife (daughter of John Allen Pope of Sutton Poyntz) who died at Dorchester January 22nd 1912, aged 81 years. St John xi. 25.
In loving memory of George Symonds who died Oct. 15th 1906 aged 73. Also Florence youngest daughter of the above who died May 9th 1907, aged 37. Psalm 127. 2. Also of Mary-Lowman widow of the above who died at Pendinas, Dorchester, January 20th 1927, aged 90 years.
Sacred to the memory of Martha Mary, widow of Giles Symonds and daughter of Edward Pope of Toller, who died June 1st 1916, aged 76.
In loving memory of Daniel John Symonds born at Ashton 16th December 1857, died at Upwey 13th December 1905. 1 Peter I. 5.
In loving memory of Joseph Stone, died December 29th 1853. Also of Lucia Catherine Boswell Stone his wife, died February 8th 1891.
DOWLISH WAKE.
Baptisms.
1670. 8 May. James the son of William Milburn and Ann his wife. Born 26 April.
1677-8. 6 January. William son of William Milburn and Joan his wife.
1702. 18 December. Ann daughter of Edward Simons and Ann his wife.
1704. 14 July. Flora the daughter of Edward Symonds, miller, and Anne his wife.
1705-6. 14 February, William the son of Edward and Anne Symonds.
1707. 14 November. Edward son of Edward and Anne Symonds and baptised November 18.
1712. 10 July Anthony ye sonn of Anthony and Elizabeth Jagoe.
1714. 23 June. John the sonn of Edward and Ann Symonds.
1728. 26 May. Henry ye son of William and Mary Symonds was baptised.
1729. 11 September. Anne ye daughter of William and Mary Symonds
1729. 6 December. Abraham son of Abraham and Mary Rooke.
1730. 29 September. Mary ye daughter of William and Mary Symonds was baptised.
1736. 6 May. Edward ye son of John and Mary Symons.
1737-8. 2 January. Ann ye daughter of John and Mary Symonds was baptised.
1738. 3 December. Norris ye son of Anthony and Joan Jago was baptised.
1742. 30 October. Susannah ye daughter of Richard and Anne James was baptised.
1744. 1 July. Giles ye son of Edward and Honor Symonds baptised.
1746. 7 January. Tho. Wellman ye son of William and Mary Symons baptised.
1748. 3 July. Mary ye daughter of Edward and Honor Symons.
1751. 5 April. Mary ye daughter of William and Elizabeth Knight.
1752. 22 October. Ann ye daughter of Henry Symmons and Mary his wife.
1754. 9 June. Charles the son of Henry and Mary Symmons.
1771. 13 October. Edward the son of Giles and Ann Simons baptised.
1774. 29 December. William ye son of William and Sarah James was baptised.
1783. 15 June. Mary ye daughter of Richard and Mary James was baptised.
1785. 29 May. John son of Richard and Mary James was baptised.
1789. 23 April. Betty the daughter of Richard and Mary James was baptised.
1791. 25 December. Richard son of Richard and Mary James baptised.
1807. Abraham Rook James was born April 26 and baptised July 19.
1810. 2 Feb: Ann Cuff daughter of John and Susannah James.
1812. 16 January. Mary Rook daughter of John and Susannah James was baptised.
Marriages.
1746-47. 8 January. William Symons and Jane Harris were married.*
1750. 14 February. James Dite of Ilmister and Ann Symons of this parish.
1750. 4 June. William Knight and Elizabeth Simmons.
1753. 6 March. John James and Betty Rook.
1757. 22 February. Abraham Rook and Honour Symons both of this parish. By Banns. In the presence of Edward Symmons and Robert Poole.
1758. 2 Feb. Thomas Stephens of Hurcott, Som., and Mary Rooke of this parish, maiden. In the presence of Abraham Rooke and John Stephens.
1761. 31 March. Norris Jego of the parish of Kingstone and Elizabeth Symons of this parish. By banns. In the presence of Edward Symons and Robert Poole.
1768. 12 April. William James and Sarah Symons both of this parish. By banns. In the presence of Giles Symons and Norris Jego.
1775. 15 November. William Gapper of Winsham and Mary Symonds of this parish.. By licence. In the presence of John Symonds and Susan Symonds.
1780. 13 April. Richard James the younger and Mary Rook spinster, both of this parish. By banns. In the presence of John James and Ann Dight.
Burials.
1675. 12 Oct. Elizabeth Milburn.
1691. 22 August. Ann Milbourn.
1705. 5 March. William Milbourn, sen., miller.
1705. 1 July. Flora daughter of Edward Symonds, miller, and Ann his wife.
1707. 25 December. Christopher Milbourn.
1708. 1 August. Ann ye daughter of Edward Symonds.
1709. 10 July. William Milbourne.
1728. 28 March. Edward Symonds was buried.
1730. 19 February. Mary ye daughter of William and Mary Symonds.
1731. 6 April. Anne ye daughter of William and Mary Symonds.
1739. 14 August. John ye son of John and Mary Symonds was buried.
1741. 29 January. John Symonds was buried.
1745. 20 December. Ann Symonds was buried.
1746. 12 March. Tho. Wellman ye son of William and Mary Symons.
1751. 23 September. Elizabeth the wife of William Knight.
1752. 10 July. Edward Symmons was buried.
1776. 22 Sept. Joan Jego.
1786. 1 June. Honour Symonds was buried.
1787. 20 April. Abraham Hull, aged 92.
1789. 27 February. Sarah James.
1789. 13 October. Honor Ilett buried.
1789. 26 Oct. John son of John and Susannah Symonds was buried, aged 16 years.
1790. 7 Nov. Joan Rook.
1793. (neither month nor day). Sarah daughter of Giles and Ann Symonds.
1796. 23 February. John Symonds.
1813. 18 may. William James of Marshwood, Dorset, aged 75.
1815. 17 August. Honour Hull, 21.
1819. 2 July. Giles Symonds of Pilsdon, Dorset, aged 75.
1821. 22 August. Ann Symonds of Broadwindsor, aged 72.
1823. 7 January. Sarah James of Colmer, aged 82.
1829. 29 January. George Symonds of Marshwood, aged 35.
1839. 25 November. Richard James of Hawkchurch, aged 63.
A mural tablet in the church, above the door in south wall of nave.
To the memory of Edward Symonds of East Dowlish who died, aged 51, 20 March 1727, this tablet has been placed here in 1907 by one of his descendants.
A mural tablet in the church.
Near this place are deposited the remains of Richard James gent. Who died at hawkchurch Dorset November 10th 1839 aged 63 years; Also of William brother of the above who died at the same place January 20th 1847 aged 73 years. This tablet was erected by a grateful relative to commemorate their public as well as private worth, they having formed the design and done much to accomplish the building of a church at Marshwood Dorset, of which that parish had been destitute for nearly two centuries.
In the churchyard.
An altar tomb of Ham stone.
Here lieth the body of Edward Symonds who died March the 20th, 1727, aged 51 years.
Here I am laid down in ye dust
All men that live here too they must
Death took its stroke you plainly see
Therefore prepare & follow me.
Here also lies ye body of Ann Symonds wife of ye aforesaid Edw. Symonds who departed this life the 14th day of December 1745 being in the 74th year of her age.
In memory of Edward Symonds junr. He died ye 4th day of July 1752, aged 45.
A faithfull friend
A husband dear
A loving father
Lyeth neare.
Here lies the body of Ann Symonds who departed this life the 4th day of March 1739 being in the 2nd year of her age.
Here also lies the body of Edward Symonds who departed this life the 9th day of August 1739 being in the 4th year of his age.
Also here lies the body of John Symonds son of Edward & Ann Symonds & father of the two children aforesaid who departed this life the 21st day of January 1741 being in the 27th year of his age.
Underneath lies the remains of Giles Symonds of Pilsdon Dorset gent. Who died 27 June 1819. Aged 75 years.
Also in memory of Ann wife of the said Giles Symonds who died 22 August 1821, aged 72 years.
On a flat stone near the altar tomb.
In memory of Sarah daughter of Giles and Ann Symonds of Pilsdon, Dorset, who departed this life the 6th of June 1793, aged 8 years.
Near this place lieth the body of George Symonds, son of Giles and Ann Symonds who died January 23, 1829, aged 35 years.
On a head stone.
Here lies ye body of Anthony Jego son of Anthony Jego who died March 27, 1763, aged 51 years.
In memory also of Joan Jego wife of Anty Jego junr. Who departed this life ye 15 of Septr 1776, aged 66 years.
Also Ann Hull wife to Charles Hull daughter of the above who died June ye 2 1799, aged 54 years.
In memory of Sarah a daughter of William and Sarah James who departed this life at Colmer Farm, Dorset, the 19th of Febr. 1789, aged 10 years. (an epitaph follows, but it was almost illegible in 1910.) John son of William ans sarah James died Oct. 31st 1809, aged 33.
Sacred to the memory of Joseph Duke who died the 23rd day of March 1846, aged 80 years. Also Susannah Duke wife of the above who died the 24th day of August 1849, aged 80 years.
In lovong memory of James Jeffery Duke who died Feb. 5th 1916, aged 82 years. And of Joan Darbey Duke, wife of the above, who died Feb. 14th 1911, aged 76 years.
In memory of Elizabeth wife of Abrahem Hull who died Nov. 26th 1781, aged 75. Here lieth ye remains of Abram Hull husband of Elizb Hull; he departed this life ye 15 April 1787, aged 92 years. (There are other words, of which “children” only was legible in 1910.)
DRAYTON, SOMERSET
Baptisms.
1802. 17 June. Jane, daughter of Thomas and Betty Meade.
1803. 19 Sept. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Betty Meade.
1805. 3 June. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Betty Meade.
1807. 18 June. Mary, daughter of Thomas and Betty Meade.
Marriages.
1823. 11 Dec. Thomas Aubrey Gapper and Jane Meade.
1826. 13 June. John Willot Eastment and Elizabeth Meade.
Burials.
1804. 24 may. Elizabeth Meade.
1829. …Aug. Mary Meade.
1831. 15 Sept. Elizabeth Meade, aged 65.
1834. 16 Apr. Thomas Meade, aged 76.
In the churchyard.
An Altar tomb in memory of Thomas Meade and Betty his wife (nee Jego) and of their three daughters Jane, Mary and Elizabeth Meade, although Jane and Elizabeth bad been married at drayton as shewn above and had been buried at Wincanton [from information by Francis Meade Eastment, a grandson of Elizabeth Eastment nee Meade]
EDGBASTON. The parish church.
A tomb in the churchyard.
In loving remembrance of Henry Symonds who died April 16th 1879, aged 58 years, I Cor. 15, 22, and of his widow Mary Eliza Symonds who died September 7th 1891, aged 59 years. Rev. 21, 4.
Also in loving memory of George Herbert Symonds youngest son of Henry Symonds who died February 24th 1884, aged 12 years. Ps. 127, 3.
St. Augustine’s church.
A painted window on the north side.
To the glory of God and to the beloved memory of Henry Symonds who died April 16th 1879, aged 58 years, this window is dedicated by his affectionate widow and children.
FIVEHEAD, SOMERSET.
Marriage.
1785. 5 Sept. Mark Dight of Dinnington and Ann Towning of Fivehead. By licence.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Mary Dight wife of James Dight of Woodhouse, Ilton, who departed this life January 19th 1812, aged 55 years. Also in memory of Juliet Dight daughter of the said James and Mary Dight who departed this life November 14th 1812, aged 23 years. Also in memory of James Dight husband and father of the above named who departed this life November 8th 1824, aged 71 years.
In memory of Anne wife of Mark Dight and mother of the eight children inscribed on the stone adjoining* [and eldest daughter of William and Mary Towning] who departed this life the 12th day of August 1807 in the 44th year of her age. Also in memory of Mark Dight who departed this life September 19th 1838, aged 76 years.
* viz. Mark, Edward, John, Harriett, Louisa, Ebenezer, Francis and Ann Dight who died in infancy between 1788 and 1802.
HASELBURY PLUCKNETT.
Marriage.
1802. 26 April. Giles Symonds of this parish and Elizabeth Draper of the same. In the presence of Harriet Draper.
HIGH HAM.
In the church.
In the church are two painted windows in memory of Francis Gillett of Low Ham died 1891, Harriet his widow died 1891, and John Dobin Gillett died 1868.
In the churchyard.
To the memory of Francis Gillett who departed this life Jan. 9th 1861 in his 70th year. Also Mary relict of Francis Gillett and only child of Henry Anning who died at Musbury Dec. 5th 1867, aged 75.
Also of Henry Anning son of Francis and Mary Gillett who died Sept. 10th 1893…
aged 75 years. Also Sarah relict of the above who died Dec. 11th 1898, aged 88 years.
(there are other tombs of the Gillett family)
HILTON, DORSET.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Davis Fookes wife of Robert Fookes who died at Milton Abbas January 23rd 1873, aged 53 years. Also to the memory of Robert Fookes who died at Milton Abbas May 12th 1878, aged 63 years.
HINTON ST. GEORGE
Baptisms.
1726. 25 April. Elizabeth daughter of Thomas and Susannah Grinter.
1728, 8 December. William son of William and Mary Coleman.
Marriages.
1725. 26 April. Thomas Grinter and Susannah Coleman.
1749. 21 December. William Coleman and Elizabeth Grinter.
Burials.
1787. 5 July. Elizabeth wife of William Coleman of Merriott.
1807. 8 June. William Coleman.
In the churchyard.
In memory of Elizabeth wife of William Coleman who died June ye 30, 1787, aged 59 years.
Afflictions sore long time I bore
Physicians were in vain
Till God did please death should me seze
To ease me of my pain.
Also in memory of William Coleman her husband who departed this life 3 June 1807, aged 78 years.
The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish while we sleep in dust
In this same grave our bodys lie at rest
Till Christ the King shall raise us to the blest.
ILMINSTER
Baptisms.
1732. 18 February. Honour daughter of Ed. Simmons.
1739. 18 November. John son of Edward Simmons.
1744. 17 March, Grace daughter of Amiel Savidge.
1748. 10 Sept. Mary daughter of Amiel Savidge.
Marriages.
1747. 23 April. John Mitchel and Elizabeth Symmons.*
1780. 18 Jan. William Hunt of this parish and Sarah Banger of Stalbridge, Dorset.
1800. 7 August. Norris Jego of Allowenshay, Kingstone, and Harriet Hunt of this parish. In the presence of Thos. Meade and Mary Anning.
1807. 25 June. Giles Symonds of Beaminster and Maria Hunt of this parish. In the presence of Lucretia and William Whitehead.
1825. 12 April. Richard Bower of Melcombe Regis and Harriot Jego.
Burials.
1840. 6 Oct. Maria Symonds of Ilminster, aged 57.
1848. 13 Nov. Giles Symonds of Ilminster, aged 70.
A tablet in the church on the north wall.
Sacred to the memory of Sarah Hunt who died 5th April 1804, aged 55 years. Also of William Hunt her husband who died 21st February 1806, aged 65 years. And also to the cherished remembrance of Harriot Jego their daughter and relict of Norris Jego who died 21 Novr. 1838, aged 57 years. This monument was erected as a small token of affection by Harriet Bower only daughter of the above named Norris and Harriet Jego.
* This bride is not yet identified.
KIDDERMINSTER.
St. Mary and All Saints church.
1831, 25 January. John Symonds, batchelor, and Alice Taylor, spinster, by banns. In the presence of Susan Symonds and Thomas Taylor.
Blackdown churchyard.
In memory of Alice beloved wife of John Symonds, died 18 February 1878 in the 72nd year of her age. Also of John Symonds, died April 30th 1891, aged 84 years.
KINGSTONE, SOMERSET.
Baptisms.
1734. 6 March. Honour daughter of William Hutchens and Fortune his wife.
1752. 29 October. Thomas Simens ye son of William Symens* and Marey his wife.
1754. 10 February. John son of William Symonds and Mary his wife.
1762. 3 January. Mary Jego the daughter of Norris Jego and Betty his wife.
1764. 26 February. Jane Jego the daughter of Norris Jego and Betty his wife.
1766. 28 January. Betty Jego ye daughter of Norris Jego and Elizabeth his wife.
1768. 19 July. Sarah the daughter of George Ilett and Honnour his wife.
1768. 25 December. Norris Jego the son of Norris Jego and Elizabeth his wife.
1770. 17 July. Honor Illett the daughter of George Illett and Honour his wife.
1773 29 July. George Illett the son of George Illett and Honour his wife.
1777. 23 May, Sarah Illett the daughter of George Illett and Honner his wife.
1800. 27 April. Honour daughter of Richard James and Mary his wife.
1802. 1 June. Jane daughter of Richard and Mary James.
* It is possible that William and Mary Symonds are identical with the parents of the same names whose children were baptised at Dowlish in 1746 and earlier.
Marriages.
1715. 2 May. Abraham Rooke and Mary Pester of Kingstone.
1767. 21 December. George Illett of Ilminster and Honor Rook of this parish. Br licence. In the presence of John Brook and Robt. Minson.
1791. 22 Sept. Edward Stephens of Whitelackington and Jane Jego of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Mary Jego and Mary Stephens.
1792. 5 March. Henry Anning of Musbury and Mary Jego. By licence. In the presence of Edward Stephens and Sarah Anning.
1800. 7 Aug. Thomas Meade of Drayton and Betty Jego. By licence. In the presence of Maria Hunt and R. Uttermare.
1808. 11 April. Thomas Gotherd of Combe St. Nicholas and Sarah Ilett. By banns. In the presence of Mary James and John James.
1808. 21 July. John James and Susanna Cuff od West Dowlish. In the presence of James Roper and Jno Roper.
1808. 21 July. James Roper of Chideock, widower, and Mary James of this parish. In the presence of Jno Roper and Wm James.
1819. 15 May. Henry Symonds of Pilsdon and Mary Stephens of this parish. In the presence of Jane Meade, R. James and Stephen Salisbury.
1823. 17 may. Thomas Duke of Dowlish and Honor James. In the presence of John James and Betty James.
1827. 3 April. Joseph Duke of Dowlish Wake and Jane James. In the presence of John James and Ann James.
Burials.
1744. 11 Oct. Honour Hutchings.
1806. 11 July. Norris Jego was buried.
1812. 2 March. Edward James was buried.
1812. 19 April. Anne daughter of Abraham and Mary James.
1816. 5 Jan. Richard James, aged 69.
1816. 16 Aug. Elizabeth Jego, aged 79.
1818. 21 Sept. Mary James, aged 68 (? 60).
1834. 17 April. William Rooke, aged 71.
1836. 15 Oct. Jane Stephens, aged 72.
Tablets in the church.
Sacred to the memory of Norris Jego gent: who departed this life the 8th day of July 1806 in the 68th year of his age;
a faithful friend, a husband dear,
a loving father, lieth here.
Also Elizabeth Jego his wife who departed this life August the 8th 1816 in the 80th year of her age.
Also Norris son of the above who departed this life 26th August 1818, aged 49 years.
Also Jane Stephens daughter of the above Norris and Elizabeth Jego who departed this life 10th October 1836, aged 72 years.
Sacred to the memory of Richard James of this place, gent; who died Dec 26th 1815, aged 68 years. Also of Mary his wife who died Sept 18th 1818, aged 60 years. And of Edward their son who died Feb. 26th 1812, aged 18 years.
On the outer walls of the porch..
Miss Betty James died Sept. 18th 1866, aged 77 years.
Miss Ann James sister of the above died April 29th 1879, aged 83 years.
To the memory of William James who died January 7th 1841, aged 53 years. Also of his daughters Joanna died Jan 2nd aged 27 years, and Betty Ann died April 21st 1842, aged 7 years.
Mary James wife of the above died April 2nd 1854, aged 62 years.
Robert Coram James died March 15th 1862, aged 42 years.
In the churchyard.
In memory of Abraham Rook James who died 25 Decr. 1861, aged 80. Also of Mary his wife who died 14 Sept. 1828, aged 45.
Also of their five children: Anne who died April 10th 1812, aged 1 year. Thomas Cuff who died Jan. 8th 1813, aged 4 months. Thomas Cuff who died Feb. 4th 1816, aged 8 months. Elizabeth who died Jan 26th 1818, aged 1 year. John who died Sept. 7th 1835, aged 21 years.
Also of Abraham Rook James their second son who died 15 October 1865, aged 58.
Sacred to the memory of Susan Mary Ann Duke eldest daughter of Thomas and Honor Duke of Horton; she departed this life the 14th day of November 1842, aged 16 years.
Also Honor James daughter of the above who departed this life the 12th day of December 1839 at Horton, aged 3 years and 4 months. Emma Duke their daughter who died June 1869.
And of Thomas Jeffrey Duke who died Novr. 22nd 1871, aged 75 years. Also Honor Duke his wife who died April 8th 1886, aged 86 years.
Sacred to the memory of Jane Duke wife of Joseph Duke who departed this life June 18th 1844, aged 42 years.
In memoriam.
Betsy James born Nov. 18 1817, died July 1, 1894.
Rachel Cuff James born Mar. 20 1816, died July 9, 1894.
Susannah Cuff James, born Jan 31 1814, died March 26 1898.
LEAMINGTON SPA.
St Albans church.
A painted window of three lights.
In memory of George Herbert Symonds, aged 12 years, died 24th February 1884.
LITTON CHENEY.
Baptisms.
1815. 2 October. Joseph Davis son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1818. 6 February. Henry Legg Davis son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1820. 28 May. Elizabeth Davis daughter of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1826. 5 December. William Coleman son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1828. 17 September. Mary daughter of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1844. 16 June. Agnes Jane daughter of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1845. 29 June. William son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1847. 12 May. Frederick Giles son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1849. 19 September. Alethea daughter of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1853. 1st November. Edward Albert Coleman son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell
1857. 6 March. Benjamin Legg son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
Marriage.
1790. 31 March. Daniel Stone of Burton and Hester Legg.
LONDON
Kensal Green cemetery.
In memory of Sarah Elizabeth, widow of William Hewett Manley: passed away 14 January 1904.
MARTOCK
Marriage.
1798. 26 April. Abraham Grabham of Bicknell (Bickenhall) and Honour Dight.
A tablet in the church.
Sacred to the memory of Edward Dight who departed this life on the 12th September 1832, aged 74 years.
Also of John Dight brother of the above named who departed this life on the 29th September 1847, aged 83 years. Prov. Xvi,31.
And of Eliza Anne Dight who departed this life December 1st 1867, aged 76 years.
In the churchyard .
In loving memory of Thomas Dight died Jan 15th 1882, aged 87. And of Amy his wife who died Oct 14th 1891, aged 91.
Also of Edith-Burge daughter of the above died May 21st 1899, aged 61.
St Albans church.
A painted window of three lights.
In memory of George Herbert Symonds, aged 12 years, died 24th February 1884.
LITTON CHENEY.
Baptisms.
1815. 2 October. Joseph Davis son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1818. 6 February. Henry Legg Davis son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1820. 28 May. Elizabeth Davis daughter of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1826. 5 December. William Coleman son of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1828. 17 September. Mary daughter of William and Elizabeth Symonds of Gorwell.
1844. 16 June. Agnes Jane daughter of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1845. 29 June. William son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1847. 12 May. Frederick Giles son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1849. 19 September. Alethea daughter of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
1853. 1st November. Edward Albert Coleman son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell
1857. 6 March. Benjamin Legg son of Joseph and Jane Symonds of Gorwell.
Marriage.
1790. 31 March. Daniel Stone of Burton and Hester Legg.
LONDON
Kensal Green cemetery.
In memory of Sarah Elizabeth, widow of William Hewett Manley: passed away 14 January 1904.
MARTOCK
Marriage.
1798. 26 April. Abraham Grabham of Bicknell (Bickenhall) and Honour Dight.
A tablet in the church.
Sacred to the memory of Edward Dight who departed this life on the 12th September 1832, aged 74 years.
Also of John Dight brother of the above named who departed this life on the 29th September 1847, aged 83 years. Prov. Xvi,31.
And of Eliza Anne Dight who departed this life December 1st 1867, aged 76 years.
In the churchyard .
In loving memory of Thomas Dight died Jan 15th 1882, aged 87. And of Amy his wife who died Oct 14th 1891, aged 91.
Also of Edith-Burge daughter of the above died May 21st 1899, aged 61.
MELLS.
Baptisms.
1809. 6 Feb. John-Bushrod son of Edward and Elizabeth Symons, aged 2 years.
1809. 6 Feb. Susan Charlotte daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Symons.
MERRIOTT
Baptisms.
1775. 29 May. Certified the baptism of Honour daughter of Giles and Ann Symmons privately baptised by Mr. Popham.
Marriage.
1771. 29 January. Giles Symons of Dowlish Wake and Ann Coleman of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Mary Fry and John Phelps.
MILBORNE ST. ANDREW
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Symonds the beloved wife of Henry Symonds of this place who departed this life September 29th 1852, aged 32 years.
Also three of her infant boys, one of whom, William, lived to the age of nine months.
MILVERTON, SOMERSET
Baptisms.
1764. 5 Nov. George son of George and Mary Lickey.
1765. 3 Feb. Sarah daughter of John and Betty Cording.
1798. 1 Jan. George son of George and Sarah Leekey, born 28 Dec. 1796.
1804. 31 Dec. Mary, born 8 April 1799; Elizabeth, born 28 Nov. 1801; Sarah, born 25 June 1804, the daughters of George and Sarah Leekey.
1832. 17 Jan. Mary Eliza daughter of George and Jemima John Leekey, born 15 Dec. 1831.
1838. 20 June. Jemima, born 31 May 1836; Sarah Elizabeth born 21 Feb. 1838, the daughters of George and Jemima John Leekey.
1842 27 Nov. Georgiana daughter of George and Jemima John Leekey, born 14 Oct.
Marriages.
1761. 2 Nov. John Cording, yeoman, and Betty Comer.
1764. 28 Feb. George Lickey, yeoman, and Mary Hellings, spinster, both of Milverton. In the presence of Henry Hellings and Nathan Ferris.
1793. 8 Jan. George Leekey and Sarah Cording, spinster, both of Milverton. In the presence of A. Comer and John Cording.
1837. 1 Mar. George Rogers of Longfleet, Dorset, and Sarah Leekey of Milverton. In the presence of George Leekey and Caroline Harding.
1857. 15 Oct. Henry Symonds and Mary Eliza Leekey both of Milverton. In the presence of George and Jemima Leekey.
Burials.
1782. 18 Mar. George Leekey.
1811. 10 Apr. John Cording, aged 70.
1815. 18 Oct. Mary Leekey, aged 16.
1817. 18 Apr. Mary Leekey, aged 79.
1822. 25 Nov. George Leekey, aged 58.
1834. 31 Jan. George Leekey, aged 3 months.
1834. 13 Oct. Elizabeth Leekey, aged 32.
1844. 19 April. Sarah Leekey, aged 79.
1845. 15 Jam. John Gardiner Leekey, aged 5 months.
In the churchyard.
Underneath this tomb are deposited the remains of John Gardiner Leekey son of John and Mary Potenger Leekey who died January 7th 1845, aged five months.
“The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The name of George Leekey as churchwarden in 1802 is on a bell in the tower, and also on charity boards in the church. A family vault is in the churchyard, near to the child’s tomb above mentioned, but it is now covered with turf and no memorials are visible above ground.
MOSTERTON.
A brass plate on tomb in the churchyard.
Here lie the remains of Abraham Hull who departed this life June 23rd 1838, aged 47 years.
Here also lie the remains of Joseph George Hull who died January 8th 1840 aged 10 years, and of Eunice Amelia Hull who died September 29th 1852 aged 17 years son and daughter of the above.
Also dedicated to the memory of Amelia Hull wife of the aforesaid Abraham Hull who died Octr 14th 1859, aged 68 years.
MUSBURY.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Henry Anning of this place gentn, most deservedly respected and esteemed, departed this life January 6 1835, aged 78 years.
Also Mary his wife daughter of Norris Jego of Kingstone in the county of Somerset gentn who departed this life October 28 1801, aged 39 years.
Also Mary relict of Francis Gillett of High ham & only child of Henry Anning who departed this life December 5 1867, aged 75 years.
Also Francis-Jego son of Norris-Jego and Eliza Gillett who daparted this life February 1st 1859, aged 3½ years.
NETHERBURY
Here lieth ye body of Ann daughter of John & Eusebia Udal who dyed Jun ye 21. 1745 in ye 26 year of her age.
Weep not dear friends
Tho’ I was in my prime
It was your loss
Twas God’s appointed time.
In memory of John Udal a kind husband and tender parent who dyed January 1. 1748, aged 66.
With firmest trust in one disposing Power
From superstitious dreads & fears secure
Tranquil & calm he past his dying hour.
At Waytown chapel.
Sacred to the memory of John Gifford of Netherbury who died at Winchester on 16th of January 1869, aged 86 years.
Also in memory of Priscilla his wife who died at Netherbury January 26th 1850, aged 61 years.
Also John Gifford their eldest son who died the 17th of June 1864, aged 47 years.
OWERMOIGNE, DORSET
A painted window in the church
This window is erected to the memory of the Revd. John Robert Cree by George Cree and Henry Symonds trustees of the fund left by him for the restoration of this church which was carried out in 1883.
PADWORTH, BERKSHIRE
Norris Jego Symonds departed this life September 19th 1858, aged 25 years. This stone is erected to his memory by his affectionate and bereaved widow.
Ps. Cxxx, 5.
PILSDON
Baptisms.
1779. 19 July. Giles the son of Giles and Ann Symons.
1785. 15 July. Jane and Sarah the daughters of Giles and Ann Symons.
1786. 10 January. Mary the daughter of Giles and Ann Symons.
1787. 18 September. William the son of Giles and Ann Symons.
1789. 22 March. John the son of Giles and Ann Symonds.
1791. 23 September. Henry the son of Giles and Ann Symonds.
1793. 4 April. Amelia the daughter of Giles and Ann Symonds.
1794. 12 September. George son of Giles and Ann Symonds.
1796. 30 June. Sarah Symonds baptised.
1820. 1 March. Elizabeth Jego daughter of Henry and Mary Symonds.
1821. 28 September. Henry son of Henry and Mary Symonds.
1823. 5 July. Jane Jego daughter of Henry and Mary Symonds,
1825. 12 June. Mary Ann daughter of Henry and Mary Symonds.
1827. 1 July. Honor daughter of Henry and Mary Symonds.
Marriages.
1793. 10 November. Benjamin Welman of Stoke Abbott and Betty Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of B. Symes and Honour Symonds.
1804. 14 February. John Roper jnr. Of Chideock and Jane Symonds of Pilsdon. By licence. In the presence of Joel Roper, Mary Symonds, and Giles Symonds.
1806. 19 May. Thomas Lowman of Crewkerne and Mary Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Giles Symonds, Wm Symonds, Eunice Symonds and J. Symonds.
1817. 16 December. Elias Hutchings of Babcary, Somerset, and sarah Symonds of Pilsdon. By licence. In the presence of John, Amelia, & Henry Symonds & Sam. Hutchings.
1822. 16 April. Abraham Hull of Dowlish, Somerset, and Amelia Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of Henry and George Symonds.
The churchwarden’ account book begins in 1779 when Giles Symons was warden; his name continues until 1819, after which year Henry Symonds occurs until 1828.
POOLE
In the cemetery..
Sacred to the memory of George Rogers who departed this life April 9th 1861, aged 63 years.
Sacred to the memory of Sarah widow of George Rogers who departed this life May 28th 1875, aged 70 years.
RYE, SUSSEX
A painted window in the church.
In memory of my mother Mary Symonds who died November 17th 1881, aged 91. (J.D. 1894.)
To the memory of my husband Robert Coker Nash Davies who died May 9th 1891, aged 61. (J.D. 1894.)
In the cemetery.
John Amon Vidler who died November 17th 1856, aged 36 years.
Anna Maria Vidler his wife who entered into rest April 22nd 1897, aged 73 years.
In memory of John Symonds Vidler; born 25th December 1851, died 8th July 1912.
SEATON, DEVON.
In the churchyard.
Underneath this tomb lie the remains of sarah Lowman who departed this life Nov; 17th 1835, aged 28 years.
(Note: her mother Mary Lowman, was also buried here in 1813, but no inscription is now legible on the family tomb.)
In loving memory of Mark Dight (of Martock) born 13 Nov: 1831, died 31 Dec: 1866. Also of Emily his wife born 21 Dec. 1841, died 5 Sept. 1904. Also of Emily Amy their daughter born 15 Sept: 1866, died 30 Oct: 1895.
SEAVINGTON ST. MICHAEL.
IN the churchyard.
1777. 24 Aug. Mistress Fortune Hutchings the wife of William Hutchings died, and was buried on the 29th in the 66th year of her age.
Here lieth the body of Mary Hutchings daughter of William and Fortune Hutchings who died ye 16 March 1743 in ye eight year of her age.
SHEPTON BEAUCHAMP, SOMERSET.
On an altar tomb in the churchyard.
Erected to the memory of Jane wife of Stephen Salisbury who departed this life October 19th 1821, aged 29 years. Also of the said Stephen Salisbury who departed this life April 3rd 1857, aged 75 years.
In memory of Mary the wife of William Best daughter of Stephen and Jane Salisbury who died in London on December 30th 1891, in the 77th year of her age.
SHIPTON GORGE, DORSET.
In the churchyard.
In loving memory of Alethea wife of Joseph Richard Tucker Stone and widow of Richard Joseph Tucker Stone who died Feby 9th 1902, aged 53 years. Mark xiii,33.
SIDBURY, DEVON.
Marriage.
1830. 2 Dec. George Leekey of Milverton, Som., and Jemima John Craze of Sidbury. In the presence of Eliza Craze, Richard Craze, and Richard Darke.
(Extract from the transcripts at Exeter)
SIDMOUTH.
Obelisk in the churchyard.
In memorium. John Leekey esq: of Oakland, Sidmouth, died May 15th 1865, aged 56 years. “At evening time it shall be light.”
Mary Pottenger, widow of John Leekey died February 28th 1866, aged 61 years. “I will make darkness light.”
STANFORD ON TEME, WORCESTER.
Baptisms.
1814. 29 Aug. Mary daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Symonds.
1833. 3 Mar. Giles son of John and Alice Symonds.
1861. 28 Dec. Elizabeth daughter of Edward and Mary Symonds.
Marriages.
1838. 19 Apr. Thomas Froysell of Leominster and Susan Symonds. In the presence of Mary Symonds.
1851. 16 Dec. Elisha Furlong of Bromyard and Ann Symonds. In the presence of Mary Symonds and Thomas Froysell.
Burials.
1816. 17 Apr. Elizabeth Symonds, aged 35.
1843. 20 June. Edward Symonds, 72.
1867. 3 July. Charlotte Symonds, 21.
1871. 11 July. Giles Symonds, 18.
1876. 20 Apr. Henry Symonds, 18.
1892. 5 Oct. Edward Symonds, 83.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Edward Symonds who departed this life June 15th 1843, aged 72 years. Also of Elizabeth wife of Edward Symonds who departed this life April 24th 1816, aged 32 years.
Mary Charlotte Symonds died June 30th 1867, aged 21 years.
STOKE ABBOT, DORSET
Baptisms.
1797. 27 Dec. Henry-Legg son of Daniel and Hester Stone.
1799. 3 Decr. Mary daughter of Benjamin & Betty Wellman; was born ye 22 of Augt 1794. And Christopher son of the same; was born ye 21 of August 1795. And John-Tatchel son of the same; was born ye 13th of February 1797. And Elizabeth daughter of the same; was born ye 8th of August 1798.
1800. 8 June. Robert son of Benjamin & Betty Wellman.
1802. 26 March. Elizabeth daughter of John & Honour Udall, and William son of same.
1803. 10 July. Sarah daughter of Benjamin & Betty Wellman.
1804. 21 Feb. Mary daughter of John & Honour Udal.
1805. 24 Feb. Hugh son of Benjamin & Betty Wellman.
Marriages.
1811. 26 March. John Symonds of Pilsdon and Mary Stone. By licence. In the presence of Elizabeth Davis and William Symonds.
1819. 26 Oct. Christopher Welman of Ilminster and Charlotte Blandford Hopkins.
1820. 18 Jan. John Hamilton and Mary Welman.
1836. 5 May. George Smith and Ann Udal.
Burials.
1804. 20 April. Elizabeth Wellman.
1806. 26 Dec. Mr. Benjamin Wellman.
1809. 22 Nov. Hugh Wellman.
1810. 9 March. Mrs Betty Wellman.
1812. 4 Jan. John Udall.
1833. 15 Augt. Edward Symonds, aged 63.
1838. 22 Sept. Honor Udal, aged 65.
In the church.
A painted window - In affectionate remembrance of William Udal of Birmingham. Died July 26th 1880, aged 78 years.
And of Mary Anne his wife who died May 1st 1879, aged 62 years.
Buried at Symondsbury, Dorset. Is. xxvi. 3.
In the churchyard.
An altar tomb.
In memory of Benjamin Welman junr. Who departed this life 18th of December 1806, aged 38 years.
Let angels guard our sleeping dust
Till Christ shall come to raise the just;
Then may we wake with sweet surprise
And in our Saviour’s image rise.
Also in memory of Betty the wife of the said Benjamin Welman who died 4th March 1810, aged 36 years.
In memory of John tatchell Wellman son of Benjamin & Betty Wellman who died 3rd Decr. 1828, aged 31 years.
Also Benjamin son of John Tatchell Wellman and Ann his wife who died 2 Novr. 1828, aged 3 years and 5 months.
Also Elizabeth their only daughter who died Novr. 25th 1828, aged 9 months.
Also of John Welman their son who died the 8th day of November 1837, aged 11 years.
Also in memory of Elizabeth daughter of Benjamin & Betty Welman who died 14th April 1804, aged 5 years.
Also Hugh their son who died 20th November 1809, aged 4 years.
Also of Alexander son of the aforesaid John-Tatchell and Ann Wellman who departed this life December 15th 1878, aged 55 years.
Also of Mary Ann Wellman wife of the said Alexander Wellman who died at Taunton February 18th 1905, aged 77 years.
In memory of John Udal who departed this life 1st January 1812, aged 37 years. Also of Honour Udal his wife who departed this life 19th September 1838, aged 64 years. Also of George son of John and Honor Udal who departed this life 27th November 1854, aged 45 years. Also of his three daughters, Elizabeth who died in infancy; Mary who died 9th November 1855, aged 18 years, buried at Symondsbury; Laura Elizabeth who died 27 mat 1859, aged 20 years.
In memory of Abraham S. Hull (of Symondsbury) died June 13th 1912, aged 75.
Anne Davy Hull, wife of the above, died November 7th 1923, aged 90 years.
STOURPORT, WORCESTER
Burial.
1855. 15 March. Giles Symonds of Lower Mitton, aged 78.
SWYRE
Marriage.
1814. 28 July. William Symonds of Litton Cheney and Elizabeth Davis of this parish. In the presence of Henry Davis and Amelia Symonds.
Burials.
1857. 22 Dec. William Symonds of Milborne St. Andrew, aged 71 years.
1866. 18 June. Elizabeth Symonds of Combe, aged 83 years.
A railed tomb in the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of William Symonds of Milborne St Andrew in this county who died December 16, 1857, aged 71 years. Psalm 37, & 37 verse.
Elizabeth Symonds wife of William Symonds died the 15 June 1856 in the 84th year of her age.
On other stones.
Sacred to the memory of John Davis Symonds son of William and Elizabeth Symonds who suddenly departed this life the 11th day of February 1823, aged 17 months.
Sacred to the memory of Giles son of Willm and Elizth Symonds who departed this life December 24th 1817, aged 14 months.
SYDLING ST. NICHOLAS.
In the churchyard.
In loving memory of Susan the beloved wife of Giles Symonds of Sydling St. Nicholas born January 3rd 1836, died June 20th 1884. And of mary Stephens their eldesy daughter born Decr 7th 1859, died Febry 24th 1864.
Also of Norris Jego Symonds nephew of the above born Jany 20th 1859, died Sept. 11th 1879.
To the beloved memory of Giles Symonds of Horchester who died on Christmas Eve 1904, aged 69 years.
SYMONDSBURY
Marriage.
1851. 24 April. Robert Coker Nash Davies of Winchelsea, Sussex, and Jane Symonds of this parish. By licence. In the presence of J. Stone, H. Symonds, Daniel Symonds and Mary Studley.
On a tomb in the churchyard.
In memory of William Udal of Edgbaston, Warwickshire, and of this parish, died 26 July 1880, aged 78.
In memory of Mary Anne wife of William Udal died 1 May 1879, aged 62.
On a recumbent stone.
In proud and loving memory of John Symonds Udal, F.S.A., second son of William Udal of Edgbaston, late of Symondsbury and Chirf Justice of the Leeward Islands, who died in London March 13 1925, aged 76.
(In the church is a painted window to the memory of William Udal and mary Anne his wife.)
Eype churchyard, on a cross..
In loving memory of William Bradford born March 3rd 1839, died May 17th 1894. Also of Agnes Jane his wife, born March 31st 1845, died January 25th 1917.
TAUNTON.
Marriage, St. James’s church..
1741. 4 Sept. Richard Craze and Sarah Yandal.
In St James’s churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Sarah Craze who departed this life May the 10th 1841, aged 73 years.
Also Richard Craze brother of the above who departed this life April 19th 1851, aged 73 years.
Also Jemima Craze who departed this life November 9th 1856, aged 82 years.
(Adjoining is a small stone bearing “R.C. 1851”
GREAT TOLLER.
A painted window at the east end of the church is in memory of Edward and Martha Pope, and a smaller window in the south wall commemorates Edward Francis Pope who died. 1881.
WEYMOUTH.
In Melcombe Regis cemetery.
In loving memory of William Symonds who died August 4th 1890 in his 75th year. Rev. xiv, 13.
In loving memory of Emily Symonds born July 28th 1810, died Novr. 17th 1892 aged 82, wife of William Symonds. Job. xix, 25.
In loving memory of Matilda Symonds who died at Clearmount, Weymouth, 15 March 1888, aged 78. I Thess. iv, 14 & 15.
Harriot Hunt Bower wife of Richard Bower died July 14th 1888 in her 87th year.
Also in memory of Richard Bower who died Aug. 30th 1875, aged 87 years.
WHITECHURCH CANONICORUM.
Marriages.
1794. 18 November. Thomas Roper of Whitechurch, batchelor, and mary James of Marshwood. By licence. In the presence of William James.
1803. 21 June. Thomas Smith of Stoke Abbas and Honor James of Marshwood. By licence. In the presence of Wm. James.
WINSHAM
An altar tomb in the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of William Gapper an eminent clothier of this place who departed this life July 14th 1806 in the 69th year of his age. Also of Mary Gapper his widow who died April 19th 1827, aged 79 years.
In memory of Honour beloved child of Wm. And Mary Gapper who died January 1st 1809, aged 24.
In loving memory of William Gapper died Nov. 17th 1861, aged 75. Elizabeth his wife died Feb. 27th 1854, aged 67.
Thos. Phelps Gapper son of Wm. And Elizabeth Gapper who died Jan. 16th 1835 in the 19th year of his age; student of St. Peter’s College, Cambridge.
In memory of Amelia daughter of Wm. And Mary Gapper who died January 14th 1812, aged 23.
No 5 bell in the tower mentions W. Gapper as churchwarden in 1803; he was the husband of Mary (Symonds) who died 1827.
In the chancel is a brass tablet in memory of William Gapper who died 3 March 1887 aged 75, placed there by his daughter Frances.
WINTERBORNE MONKTON.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Mary Udal who departed this life Feby 13th 1812, aged 66 years. Also of John Udal husband of the above who died March 23rd 1828, aged 76 years.
In memory of Ada Louise daughter of George and Mary Lowman Symonds who died Decr. 4th 1871, aged 7 months.
Also of William-Fry eldest son of the above who died Decr. 9th 1871, aged 8 years.
WINTHORPE, NOTTS.
In the churchyard.
Sacred to the memory of Horatio Giles Symonds rector of Winthorpe. Born January 8th 1822, died September 29th 1880. Rom. 8, 23.
WIVELISCOMBE.
Baptisms.
1744. 27 June. Richard ye son of Richard and Sarah Craze.
1787. 18 Oct. Lydia daughter of John and Sarah Thorne.
1788. 28 Sept. Priscilla daughter of John and Sarah Thorne.
Marriages.
1768. 27 Jan. Richard Craze and Mary Phillips, both of Wiveliscombe. In the presence of Sarah Craze & others.
1802. 21 Oct. John Craze of Bridport and Jemima Thorne of Wiveliscombe. In the presence of A. Cottle & James Parsons.
1813. 13 July. John Gifford of Bridport and Priscilla Thorne of Wiveliscombe. In the presence of Henry Gifford and Lydia Thorne.
1819. 2 Aug. Robert Newbery of Axmouth and Lydia Thorne of Wiveliscombe.
YEOVIL.
Baptism.
1774. 5 Jan. Betty daughter to Giles Symonds.
EPILOGUE
In conclusion I will revert for a moment to my attempts to discover the birthplace and parentage of Edward Symonds, A1 on the Key chary, who may be said to have dropped from the clouds into Dowlish Wake during the reign of William III. Although I searched the records of parishes within a considerable radius and the appropriate Will registries I failed to establish any relationship with families of the same name living in other villages at the required period.
Other genealogists may be more fortunate than I, and for their information I will mention a few places in which the possibilities seemed to be, but were not, favourable to my quest.
At Hawkchurch, some eight miles south of Dowlish as a bird flies, there were residents of our patronymic in the mid-seventeenth century who were baptised Edward and John on several occasions; not distinctive names, but suggestive.
Again at Thorncombe in the same district the baptismal name Edward reoccurs in three generations in the register and in a will.
At Cricket St. Thomas I found (in the transcripts at Wells) a Flower Symonds in 1678, which recalls the fact that our earliest known Edward named a daughter as Flora in 1704.
Further afield, at Brampford Speke (which derives in second name from the Spekes of Dowlish) I noticed an Edward among the Symondses who lived there at the material date. But for one sufficient reason or another none of those families could be linked with their Dowlish namesakes.
It may also be desirable briefly to comment on a tradition apparently current about 1840, that we were connected with if not directly descended from the family of our name which were living at Woodsford in Dorset in 1560 and later. Two of their stock undoubtedly received armorial grants from the College of Arms in Elizabethan days, and these arms and crests were adopted by some of our kinsmen during the nineteenth century in the belief that they were descendants of the original grantees. Enquiry at heralds College made it clear that no pedigree had been recorded which connected the Woodsford family with Symonds of Dowlish, as had been asserted in more than one book of reference. Subsequent investigation through other channels supported the opinion of Richmond Herald whom I had consulted in 1894 on the point in question. Finally there was an entire lack of evidence that we were allied to any member of the Woodsford family, and therefore I feel obliged to regard the tradition as mythical, notwithstanding the obvious difficulty in proving a negative in such a case. If however the connexion is satisfactorily established in the future I shall welcome the fact.
“And here shall be an end.”
+taken+from+a+lease+dated+20+Oct+1742.jpg)
+1731-1829.JPG)
+1791-1881.JPG)
.JPG)
+1816-1877.JPG)
++1817-1879.JPG)
+1831-1912+(3).JPG)
++1828-1911+pic2.JPG)
+wife+of++E20+George+Symonds.jpg)
++1853-1902.JPG)
+1857-.JPG)
+wife+of+F21+Edward+Symonds.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
+with+son+Edward.JPG)
+1863-1923.jpg)
+1865-1920.jpg)
+Appendix+IX+No+3.jpg)
+Appendix+IX+No+6.jpg)
+Appendix+IX+No+6+pic+2.jpg)
3 comments:
My grandmother is Mary W Symmonds.
My name is Jennifer Anstine.
Jenny Chive on fb.
#JennyChive
Very interesting to see the various families of Symonds/Symons. I'm directly descended from the Symons alias Harmsworth family of south Berkshire, North Hampshire and can trace my family back to Robert Symons alias Harmsworth Baughurst 1557 but can not seem to get any further back would love to know where my Symons/Symonds stock came from and why some of the family took the surname of Symons's, and some Harmsworth, I did a DNA test on my fathers side which was quite interesting. Great read in the other Symons/Symonds family.
Richard, thanks for your efforts to research Symonds/Milbourne/Ilett/ etc. and to make your predecessor's book available to the rest of us.
Edward A1 and wife Anne were my 6th g-grandparents, via Ilett and Burrows. Cheers.
Post a Comment