Tiverton Besley

In 1644, the Mid Devon town of Tiverton was a bustling settlement thanks to its position as a crucial hub in the blossoming wool trade.

Largely untouched up until that point by the Civil War that was raging across England, the town was flourishing, trade was booming and money was lining the pockets of local businessmen.

But that all changed in the autumn of that year as a terrifying illness swept through the town, subjecting hundreds to a rapid, brutal and inexplicable death.

In all, 443 people died - a significant chunk of the town's population.

Devon Record Office 5234M-0/T/1 and 2 1822

Contents:

Lease and release

1. Francis Besly of Wells, druggist, surviving devisee in trust of the will of William Besly late of Tiverton, merchant, deceased, devisee in fee of the will of John Besly of Tiverton, sergemaker, deceased

2. John Hall of Tiverton, gent.

3. Henry Hewett of Tiverton, maltster, trustee for 2.

Premises: one messuage and dwelling house and the dyehouse adjoining, formerly in the occupation of Spurway Patey deceased, lying at the east end of the town of Tiverton bounded with the river Lowman on the east, the lands formerly of John Maunder, merchant, on the south, the lands formerly of John Cock clothier on the west and the King's highway on the north, also one garden formerly a plot of ground on which stood the malthouse of John Pepper but which was burnt down, and afterwards purchased by Spurway Patey, and also two dwellinghouses formerly in the occupation of William Bryant and John Salter as tenants to Spurway Patey, all adjoining the messuage dwelling house and dyehouse. The premises were purchased by William Besly in 1749, inherited by John Besly his eldest son, who bequeathed them to his son William. William left the property to his cousins Francis and Bernard Besly in trust.

Consideration: £560.

[no title] 213 M/T/74 20 June 1783

Contents:

Copy of Marriage Settlement.

[Attached to 213 M/T/73]

1. John Besly, merchant, Tiverton

2. William Besly, son of 1., Tiverton

3. Ann Lichigaray, spinster, Tiverton

4. As 2. of 213 M/T/73.

Premises as 213 M/T/70

Reversion of the uses to 2. after 1. and 3. have married, and to 4. on the death of 2.

Conditions: to preserve contingent remainders and the recited limited estates.

John probate 26 April 1793 merchant of Tiverton

William Besly m. Ann Lichigaray 23 Feb 1783 Tiverton William

purchased property 1749

John - oldest son

William - cousins Francis & Bernard

William Besly John Besly

merchant sergemaker

Tiverton Tiverton

b. abt 1754

d. 8 Apr 1819 dec pre 1822

assumed father John or William b abt 1700

Mr Mrs

Bernard Besly m. Sarah Land

abt 1734 10 Aug 1763

d. 1794 Topsham d. 1800

bur. 13 Mar bur . 24 Feb rest c. Tiverton

______________________________I_____________________________________________________________________________________

I I I I I Mr I I

Catherine Mary Land John Christian Francis William Bernard

b. 24 May 1765 b. 8 Dec 1767 b. 22 Nov 1769 presumed b. 1771 b. 15 Sep 1773 b. 12 Jun 1771 b. 14 Dec 1777

c. 17 Aug 1768 c. 17 Aug 1768 c. 25 Aug 1774 c. 25 Aug 1774 c. 25 Aug 1774 c.13 Mar 1778

St. Mary Arches & St Olave

Exeter

d. 1828 d. 1771 d. 1845 d. Jun 1821

bur. 24 Apr bur. 17 Aug bur. 28 Jun

Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton

m. 8 Oct 1796 m. 14 Jul 1796 m. 3 Nov 1796 m. 20 Jun 1808

Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton

Mary Theresa Shaw Susanna Raddon Joanna Shaw Elizabeth Ann Dunsford

31 Mar 1784

Independent Tiverton

d. 1807 d. 3Q 1856

I Tiverton St Peters Yard, Tiverton

bur. 14 Oct bur. Jul 1856

Francis John

b. 29 May1795 b. 9 Apr 1800 I

Somerset c. 21 Aug 1800 I

Indep., Tiverton I

d. 17 Apr 2Q 1868 I

Tynemouth I

m. I

Frances I

abt 1794 I

Bristol I

d. 19 Jan 1861 I

East Stonehouse I

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I

I I I I I I I I

Margaret Francis Elizabeth Ann Henry Bernard Henry Bernard Samuel Peter Lichigaray Elizabeth Ann Sarah

b. 12 Mar 1809 b. 14 Dec 1810 b. 19 Aug 1812 b. 12 Feb 1814 b. 12 Jun 1815 b. 5 Jul 1817 b. 15 Jul 1819

Tiverton Tiverton c. Cripplegate, London c. Cripplegate, London

d. 25 Dec 4Q 1873 d. 3Q 1859 d. 1813 d. 8 Jun 1814 d. 4Q 1838 d. 1854 d. 4Q 1872 d. 1853

Tiverton Lambeth Tiverton Cheltenham Tiverton

bur. 30 Dec bur. 2 Aug bur. 6 Jan bur. 12 Jun bur. 6 Oct bur. 9 Dec

Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton Tiverton

m. 16 Nov 1835 m. 8 Oct 3Q 1842

Hatherleigh Langham. Westminster, MDX

Mary Roberts Emma Milligan

abt. 1811 abt. 1819

Hatherleigh d. 4Q 1848

d. 4Q 13 Nov 1874 St Marylebone, Westminster

Lambeth bur. 18 Nov

I___________________________

I I I I

I Elsie Burrow Bernard Charles James

I 1Q 1844 b. 14 Dec 4Q 1845 2Q 1847

I Pancras Pancras St James

I b. 14 Dec 1843

I c. 15 Jun 1849

I Tiverton

I d. 31 Jan 1892

I Capri, Italy To Australia

I all b. Shebbear

_________________I______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I I I I I I I I I

Sarah Elizabeth Francis Bernard William Henry John Mary Caroline Jane George Harris Annie Charles Thomas

2Q 1838 b. 20 Jul 1839 b. 10 Jan 1Q 1841 b. 29 Dec 4Q 1842 3Q 1844 3Q 1846 3Q 1848 4Q 1850 8 Aug 1853

c. 14 Jun1838 c. 1 Feb 1843 c. 1 Feb 1843 c. 1 Feb 1843 c. 2 Aug 1844 c. 25 Jun 1846 c. 16 Sep 1848 c. 3 Jan 1851

Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear Shebbear

d. 2Q 1867 d. 15 Mar 1Q 1909 d. 31 Jan 1889 d. 1Q 1851 d. 12 May 2Q 1865

St Germans St Geo Han Sq Islington Shebbear Lambeth

Cornwall bur. 7 Jan

16 Sep 1918

Stoke Canon

m. m. 5 Oct 1871 m. All Saints, Kingston

Surrey

Elizabeth Henry Thomas Mary Melville

Caroline White Wallis Dickson

abt 1858

London

I I

I _______________I

I I I

Frances Dorothy Mary John Francis

Elizabeth 4Q 1879 2Q 1881

Dulwich Lambeth

Camberwell

NOTES:

BERNARD BESLY 1777:Died aged 43 yrs.

Wife ELIZABETH ANNE DUNSFORD 1784: Daughter of George Dunsford (1751-1822) and Margaret Lichigary (1748 France - 1815). Elizabeth's maternal grandfather was Samuel Peter Lichigaray of Ester (a native of Orthis, Bearne, France). 1841 - 55 yrs, dwelling Gold St Tiverton with adult daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth , a servant and 20 yr old Frances Dunsford. 1851 - 62 yrs, widow, landed property, dwelling Bampton St, Tiverton with 2 adult daughters. Also in residence is 12 yr old niece Penelope Dunford, Sarah Ware 70 yrs widowed sister-in-law (landed property). Died aged 72 yrs.

BERNARD BESLY 1845: 1851 - Bernard Besley, 5 yrs, at Nurse along with Charles James 4 yrs in household of Elizabeth Langlois, Southampton St., Clerkenwell. Both children b. Camden Town. 1861 - 15 yrs, warehouse assistant dwelling Friday St, St Matthew, London.

Barnard Besley 24 yrs, on ship AMIE departed London, arrived Australia 10 Feb 1870.

CAROLINE JANE BESLY 1846: 1851 - 4 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 14 yrs, niece of William Roberts (bookseller and printer), 197 High St., St Petrock, Exeter. 1891 - 43 yrs, governess, dwelling 55 Charlward St, St George Hanover Sq., with cousin and domestic servant in residence. 1901 - 54 yrs., school governess, dwelling 119 Grosvenor Rd., St George Hanover Sq., with 3 boarders and 2 servants.

Probate: Besley - Caroline Jane of 119 Grosvenor Rd, MDX, spinster, died 15 Mar 1909. Probate London 8 April to Jessie Yule, spinster. Effects £239 2s.

CHARLES JAMES BESLY 1847: 1851 - 4 yrs, at Nurse along with brother Bernard 5 yrs, in household of Elizabeth Langlois, Southampton St., Clerkenwell. Both children b. Camden Town. 1861 - 13 yrs, pupil Baucrofts School, in Boarding House, Mile End Old Town, Stepney.

CHARLES THOMAS BESLY 1853: 1861 - 7 yrs, visitor in household of John Gale (59, Rector of Bradford, b. Colyton), Parsonage, Bradford.

DOROTHY BESLEY abt 1880: 1881 - 1 yrs, with parents.

ELIZABETH ANN 1812: Died aged 5 mths.

ELIZABETH ANN 1819: 1841 - 20 yrs, independent, living with mother and older sister in Tiverton. 1851 - 24??, living with widowed mother and oldest sister. 1861 - 33?? yrs, governess, living with older sister Margaret in Peter St., Tiverton. Died aged 53 yrs.

Probate: 17 Feb 1873. Effects under £200. The will of Elizabeth Ann Besly late of Tiverton in the County of Devon, spinster, who died 4 Dec 1872 at Cheltenham in the County of Gloucester, was proved at Exeter by Margaret Besley of Tiverton, spinster, the sole Executrix.

ELSIE BURROW BESLY 1844: 1861 - 17 yrs, governess, visitor in household of John P (b. Crediton) and Maria S (b. St Olaves, MDX) Hugo in Exminster, Devon. 1871 - 27 yrs, governess, in household of widow, Lucy Lord, 31 Princes Gardens, Westminster St Margarets, London.

Sole executrix of will of Aunt Margaret 1874 - Elsie dwelling Buckinghamshire.

Probate: Besley - Elsie of 12 Southwick Place, Hyde Park, MDX, spinster, died 31 January 1892 at Capri, off Naples, Italy. Administration (Limited) London 1 September Ernest Colquhoun, actuary and managerof the legal and General Life Assurance Society, London, the attorney of Bernard Besly. Effects £959 0s 9d.

FRANCIS BESLY 1773: Of Crewkerne at time of marriage, both signed their names, 1 Besley witness. 1836 - For City of Wells Land Tax Commissioners - Francis Besly. 1845 - 16 Dec - At Wells aged 70 years Francis Besly esq.

FRANCIS BESLY 1810: Blundells School register - Francis Besly, 11, son of Bernard Besly, Tiverton, Jan. 29, 1821 — Dec. 16, 1825. 1841 - 30 yrs, surgeon, dwelling Berry, Shebbear with wife and 3 children. 1851 - 40 yrs, Surgeon, general practice, dwelling Shebbear with wife and 6 children as well as 3 servants.

Wife MARY ROBERTS abt 1811: 1841 - 30 yrs, 1851 - 40 yrs.

NORTH DEVON JOURNAL 19 Nov 1874 - BESLY Nov 13 at Geneva - road, Brixton, Mary, widow of Francis Besly, Esq. late of Shebbear aged 66.

FRANCIS BERNARD BESLY 1839: 1841 - Bernard, 2 yrs, with parents. 1851 - 12 yrs, with family. 1861 - 21 yrs, assistant surgeon, in East Rudham, Norfolk. 1871 - 31 yrs, MRCSE, lodging in Reeves household, 42 Leicester Sq., St Martins in the Field.

Marlborough Express (NZ) 1 Oct 1873 - pg 2 "On Sept 27th, accidentally drowned, Francis Bernard Besly, MRCS Eng. & Co aged 35 years, much regretted.

GEORGE HARRIS BESLEY 1848: 1851 - 2 yrs, with family. 1861 - 12 yrs, son of matron (Mary - widowed) at Royal Infirmary, 180 Waterloo Rd., Lambeth. 1881 - 32 yrs, timber merchant, dwelling 123 Cold Harbour Lane, Lambeth, Surrey, with wife daughter and two servants. Died aged 40 yrs.

Wife MARY MELVILLE WALLIS DICKSON abt 1858: 1881 - 23 yrs. 1891 - 50 yrs, widowed matron of Royal Infirmary, 180 Waterloo Rd., Lambeth with son, George. Remarried 1Q 1894 Paddington.

HENRY BERNARD BESLY 1814: Died aged 4 months.

HENRY BERNARD BESLY 1815: Found dead in bed according to parish register. Died aged 23 yrs.

JOHN BESLY 1769: Married by lic. of Teignmouth at this time.

JOHN BESLY 1800: 1841 - 40 yrs, clerk, dwelling Long Benton, Northumberland, with wife and 4 servants. 1851 - 50 yrs, married, Rector of Aston Subedge, dwelling Long Benton, Northumberland with 3 servants - wife residing East Stonehouse. 1861 - 60 yrs, widower, Vicar of Long Benton, Northumberland, visiting William Henry Besley (brother??) in Dunmore House, West St., Bradninch.

Oxford University Alumni 1500 - 1886: John s William Besly of Tiverton, Devon gent. Balliol Coll matric 10 Oct 1817 17 yrs BA 1821 MA 1826, DCL 1835 vicar of Long Benton 1830 Proctor Convocation York 1836 - 45, 1855 - 64. Died 17 Apr 1868.

The Reverend John Besley DCL.

From Tiverton in Devon, the son of the local mayor, Besley was a talented and charismatic man, educated at Balliol College (Oxford University) and always destined for a successful career in the church. After working in a prestigious but rather poorly paid role as librarian at the world famous Bodleian Library in Oxford, he was ‘presented by his college’ to the living at Longbenton near Newcastle in the north of England and finally had a vicar’s salary that allowed him to marry Eliza Kennedy, Georgiana’s elder sister. Eliza died at the vicarage in March 1834 after less than five years of marriage. Besley married again two years later.

Besley’s second wife was Frances, the widow of Robert Bint of Mount Stone, an elegant house in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth in Devon. Now a listed building of historical interest, the house was built into the steep sides of a former quarry. Mr Bint had been the steward of the Earl of Edgcumbe and like Eliza he died in 1834. Bint left his widow the house, paintings, wine, silver and his pew in the local chapel as well as enough money to keep her very comfortable. She was wealthy enough to build eight ‘almshouses’ to provide housing for local widows, donating the finances for their clothes and weekly coal, candles and bread as well as Bibles and prayer books.

The new ‘Reverend and Mrs Besley’ must have been financially able to maintain both homes and their servants because in 1841 they were living at Besley’s vicarage in Longbenton. On the evening of the 1851 census Frances was at the house in Plymouth, with four servants. She died there in January 1861 at the age of 69.

Three years later, in 1864, Besley married for a third time, once again to a lady with considerable personal capital. Charlotte Peach was 43 and single. Besley was 62. They were married at All Souls Church in Langham Place, London where she was staying at the rectory. By a remarkable coincidence, this was the church where Georgiana Molloy attended a service while staying in London just before she boarded the ship that brought her to Western Australia.

Charlotte’s father was George Peach of Dorset. Since her father’s death she had been managing the family home at Milbrook, Child Okeford, living there with her younger sister and their five servants: a coachman, a dairymaid, a lady’s maid, a cook and a housemaid. George Peach was a military doctor who, like John Molloy, had fought in the Peninsular War and when he died twelve years before Charlotte married Besley, he was a wealthy man. Charlotte had inherited enough to give her a very comfortable life; in the 1861 census she is listed as the head of the household, a ‘landed proprietor’.

John Besley died on 17 April 1868 at the age of 68, after more than thirty years as vicar of the church in Longbenton, Northumberland. The 1881 census shows that his widow Charlotte was living in Sidbrooke House, West Monkton, Somerset near her childhood home, with Besley’s niece and, once again, she was a ‘landed proprietor’ with four servants. Charlotte died there in August 1895, leaving a considerable estate of nearly £18,000.

Wife FRANCES abt 1794: 1841 - 40 yrs, with husband. 1851 - 57 yrs, married, dwelling East Stonehouse with 4 servants.

Probate: Effects under £5000. The will, with 2 codicils, of Frances Besly (wife of the Rev. John Besly Clerk, Dr of laws) late of East Stonehouse in the County of Devon, deceased who died 19 January 1861 at East Stonehouse aforesaid, was proved at the Principal Registry by the oaths of William Joseph Rafarel of Barnstaple in the county, Gentleman, and Philip Maysey Little of Devonport in the said county, gentleman, the executors.

JOHN BESLY 1842: 1851 - 13 yrs, with family.

MARGARET BESLY 1809: 1841 - 30 yrs, independent, living with mother and younger sister in Tiverton. 1851 - 35 yrs, living with widowed mother and younger sister Elizabeth Ann. 1861 - 43?? yrs, annuitant, living with younger sister Elizabeth in Peter St., Tiverton. Died aged 68 yrs!

Probate: 9 Jan 1874. Effects under £200. The will of Margaret Besly late of Tiverton in the County of Devon, spinster, who died 25 Dec 1873 at Tiverton, was proved at Exeter by Elsie Besley of Chilton, in the County of Buckingham, spinster, niece, the sole Executrix.

MARY LAND BESLY 1767:

Probate: Mary Land Besly spinster of Tiverton 27 Jun 1828.

MARY BESLY 1844: 1861 - 16 yrs, pupil in York, St Olave. Marriage - spinster, of age, banns, daughter of Francis, (surgeon) of Kingston, London. witnesses Francis Bernard and Caroline Jane Besly.

Husband HENRY THOMAS WHITE: Marriage - bachelor, of age, builder, son of George Peter (builder), of St Marys, Tothill Fields.

SAMUEL PETER LICHAGARY BESLY 1817: Blundells School Register. Samuel Peter Lichagary Besly, 11 y son of Mr. Bernard Besly (deceased), Tiverton, Aug. 15, 1828 - June 29, 1833. 1841 - 20 yrs, surgeon, dwelling Newman St., Marylebone with a female servant. Thursday 22 October 1840 - Apothercaries Hall SPL Besly, Tiverton, received certificates. Marriage registered twice - also 4Q 1842 Marylebone. Marriage - 25 yrs, bachelor, son of Bernard, (deceased wine merchant), banns, surgeon, witnesses, Thomas and Alice Milligan. 1849 referred to as London surgeon in Tiverton parish records for daughter Elsie.

Book - "Index to heirs-at-law, next of kin, legates, missing friends, encumbrances, creditors or their representatives etc" index mentions Samuel PL Besley (18122) - dated 1872.

Wife EMMA MILLIGAN abt : Marriage - 23 yrs, spinster, daughter of Thomas, (gentleman), of St Pancras. Residence at time of death - Manchester Buildings, Westminster. Died aged 29 yrs.

SARAH BESLY: Gentlemens Magazine 1853 Obits " At Tiverton, Sarah, youngest daughter of the late Bernard Besly, esq., formerly Collector of the Customs of Exeter."

SARAH ELIZABETH BESLY 1838: 1841 - 3 yrs, with parents. 1851 - 13 yrs, with family.

WILLIAM BESLY 1774: Marriage entry refers to him as Mr. William, bachelor, by licence.

Wife JOANNA SHAW: Spinster at time of marriage. Referred to as Mrs. on burial record.

WILLIAM HENRY BESLY 1840: 1841 - 6 mths, with parents. 1851 - 10 yrs, with family. Died aged 77 yrs. ??????? WRONG ONE

Probate: Besley - William Henry of Stoke Canon, Devonshire, retired farmer, died 16 September 1918 at the Honors, Stoke Canon. Probate Exeter 6 December to William Henry Besley, farmer and William Burrow Trick, clerk, to guardians of St Thomas Union, Devon. E Effects £8113 9s 2d.

John Besley m. Betty Besley

18 Apr 1777

Tiverton

_______________________I_______________________________________________________________

I I I I I I

John Elizabeth Thomas George Susanna Sarah

b. 10 Aug 1777 b. 22 Aug 1778 b. 3 Jun 1781 b. 26 Apr 1785 b. 27 Dec1787 b. 24 Sep 1789

c. 12 Sep 1777 c. 31 Aug 1778 c. 15 Jun 1781 c. 16 May 1785 c. 12 May 1788 c. 5 Nov 1789

Notes:

JOHN BESLEY: 1877 - marriage by licence, witnesses Henry and George Besley. (On same day at same place as marriage of Eleanor Besley of Tiverton and John Besley of Loxbear)

Wife BETTY BESLEY: 4 months pregnant at time of marriage.

SUSAN BESLEY abt 1790: 1851 - ? 60 yrs, farmers daughter, visitor in household of William and Elizabeth Elworthy (65 yr old farmer on 140 acres) in Halberton.

George m. Susanna Carpenter

2 May 1775

Tiverton

_________I_________

I I

Mary John

b. 28 Jan 1776 no birth date recorded

c. 23 Feb 1775 c. 23 May 1777

Tiverton Tiverton

bur. 10 Oct 1843

Tiverton

m. 8 Nov 1798

John Carpenter

Notes:

GEORGE BESLEY: 1775 - both signed marriage register - witnesses Henry Besley and John Carpenter.

Wife SUSANNAH CARPENTER: 1798 - spinster - George witness to marriage - everyone signed their names. Lic.

MARY BESLEY 1776: Died aged 66 yrs.

Husband JOHN CARPENTER: 1798 - referred to as Mr. - bachelor of Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset - Mary Carpenter witness to marriage.

John m. Elizabeth

abt 1778 abt 1780

d. 1Q 1848 SECOND MARRIAGE A SEPARATE FAMILY ?? HE MOVED TO STATES WITH (SUSAN)NA

Tiverton

_____________________I_________________________________________________________

I ?

George m. Susanna Norrish m. Emma Maria Moore Mary Ann

abt 1819 7 Sep 3Q 1838 abt 1819 3Q 1858 abt 1832 abt 1820

Tiverton Tiverton Ugborough

d. 4Q 1880

Stoke Damerel

_____I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __________________________________________________I________________________________

I I I ? ? I I

Amelia Amelia Elizabeth Lydia George H William Walter Emma William Thomas

abt 1840 b. Devonport b. Devonport b. Devonport

1Q 1861 ? 4Q 1863 2Q 1866 4Q 1869 2Q 1873 2Q 1875

Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel

d. 2Q 1870 ? d. 2Q 1870 ?

Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel

m. 4Q 1883 m. 1Q 1885

Stoke Damerel Stoke Damerel

NOTES:

? AMELIA BESLEY abt 1840: 1841 - 1 yr, with family.

AMELIA BESLEY abt 1861: Spelt Bazley in Free BMD. 1861 - 3 mths, with parents. 1871 - 10 yrs, with parents.

EMMA BESLEY 1873: 1881 - 8 years with widowed father. 1891 - 18 yrs., servant in Hillson household, Fawnstone, Shaugh Prior, Plymton St Mary.

GEORGE BESLEY abt 1819: 1838 marriage - bachelor, yeoman of Tiverton, son of John (yeoman). both signed. ?? 1841 - 20 yrs, farmer, dwelling Sidborough (? next to father John) with wife Susanna and 1 yr old daughter Amelia plus 2 female and 1 male servant.

1861 - 39 yrs, Greenwich Pensioner, dwelling 10/19 Dock Wall St., Devonport with wife and 3 month old daughter. 1871 - 48 yrs, pensioner, dwelling 8 South St Devonport, with wife and two daughters. 1881 - 62 yrs, Marine Navy Pensioner, dwelling 27 St John Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, with three children. 1891 - 74 yrs, dwelling alone at 16 St Johns Rd., Charles, Plymouth.

Wife SUSANNA NORRISH abt 1820: 1838 - spinster of Loxbear, daughter of Michael (yeoman). 1841 - 20 yrs.

Wife EMMA MARIA MOORE abt 1832: 1861 - 29 yrs, shopkeeper. 1871 - 40 yrs.

JOHN BESLEY abt 1778: 1841 - 60 yrs, dwelling Sidborough with wife, assumed daughter, Mary Ann, 4 male and 1 female servant.

Wife ELIZABETH abt 1780: 1841 - 60 yrs.

618B-0/T/8 Copy of the probate of will (16 February 1848, 10 March 1848) of John Besley of West Sidborough. Mentions also a farm called West Sidborough, Tiverton 1848

MARY ANN BESLEY abt 1820: 1841 - 20 yrs, with assumed parents John and Elizabeth.

LYDIA BESLEY 1863: 1871 - 7 years with parents. 1881 - 18 years with widowed father.

WILLIAM THOMAS BESLEY 1875: 1881 - 6 years with widowed father.

son of Mr. Bernard Besly & Sarah Land

Mr. William Besly - merchant m. Joanna Shaw m. Leigh ? H T m. Caroline

b. 12 Jun 1771 3 Nov 1796

c.25 Aug 1774

Tiverton Somerset

bur. 14 Oct 1807

Tiverton

Probate 5 Aug 1854

_______I__________________________________________________________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I I I

John William Henry Mary Ann

b. 8 Apr 1800 abt 1806 abt 1811

Tiverton Tiverton Tiverto

c. 21 Aug 1800 c. 19 Jun 1813

Indep. Tiv Tiverton

c. 18 Aug 1812 ? d. 24 Jan 1872

Dunster, Som bur. 30 Jan

Silverton, Dev

m. abt 1830 m. 7 August 1833

Saint David, Exeter

Eliza Kennedy Frances Ball (widow nee Land)

abt 1800

Silverton

d. 1834 d. 4Q 1871

Tiverton

Long Benton c. Exeter St David

m. _______________________________________I____________________________________________

I I I I I I

Frances Bint (widow) Frances Caroline Sarah Eliza Mary Anne Amelia Fanny Henrietta Charlotte Joanna William Blundell

or Catrine 3Q 1838 2Q 1843 4Q 1844

b. 13 Mar 1835 Exeter Exeter b. Cullompton

c. 21 Apr 1835 c. 14 Jun 1837 c. 3 Oct 1838 c. 11 Sep 1840 c. 21 Apr 1843 c. 7 Nov 1844

d. 26 May 1901 d. 12 Mar 1911 d. 16 Jan 1888 d. 21 Aug 1891 d. 27 Jun 1892 d. 7 Mar 1Q 1891

Italy Bournmouth Bournmouth Torrington

m. m. 3Q 14 Sep1882 m. 2Q 1875

Kingsnympton Barnstaple

Charlotte Peach Edmund Heysham Wood Margaret Chichester

abt 1820 abt 1846

Cerne, Dorset m. 18 Jul 1893 Bishops Tawton

d. 10 Aug 1895 Parish of Paddington

3Q Taunton William David Finch Hatton

all b. Marland

___________________________________________________________________I

I I I I

William Hugh Blundell Frances Margaret Thomasine Barton Hope Gertrude Theodora

c. 1876 c. 1877 c. 1879 c. 1880

Peters Marland Peters Marland Peters Marland Peters Marland

2Q 1876 3Q 1877 2Q 1879 4Q 1880

Torrington Torrington Torrington Torrington

d. 10 Nov 1896 d. 25 Oct 1914

d. 4Q 1898 Givauchy, France

Newton A

NOTES:

AMELIA BESLY abt 1839: 1841 - 3 yrs, with parents. 1851 - 12 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 22 yrs. 1871 - 27 yrs, with parents. 1881 - 42 yrs, with three other spinster sisters, dwelling Eltham, Tormoham, Devon.

Probate: £5472 11s. 16 February 1888. The will of Amelia Besly, late of Torre in the Parish of Tormoham in the County of Devon, spinster, who died 16 January 1888 at Bournemouth in the County of Southampton, was proved at Exeter by Eliza Mary Ann Besly of Torre, spinster, the sister, the sole Executrix.

BARTON HOPE BESLY 1879: 1881 - 2 yrs, living with parents. 1891 - 12 yrs, boarding with teacher Middleton, Ellerslie House Fremington.

"Captain Barton Hope Besly of the 1st Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment. Son of the Rev. William Blundell Besly and his wife Margaret (née Chichester). Born in Torrington in the June Quarter of 1879. Served in South Africa - present at the Relief of Ladysmith. Saw action at Colenso, Spion Kop, Vaal Kranz, Tugela Heights, Pieters Hill and Laings Nek. Held both medals and 7 clasps. . Died 25 October 1914 aged 35. Mentioned in Despatches"

Probate: Besley - Barton Hope of Ivedone, Honiton, Devon, died 25 October 1914 at Givauchy, France on active service. Probate London 2 January to Charles Whitton Crowdy, solicitor. Effects £27975 15s 7d.

CHARLOTTE BESLEY abt 1820: 1881 - 61 yrs, landed Proprietor, dwelling Sidbrook House, West Monkton, Somerset with 3 servants and a cook. Niece Frances Caroline also in residence as well as visitor E E Lloyd Jones.

CHARLOTTE JOANNA BESLY 1843: 1851 - 3/8 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 18 yrs, with parents. 1871 - 24 yrs, with parents. 1881 - 38 yrs, with three other spinster sisters, dwelling Eltham, Tormoham, Devon. 1891 - 48 years, living on own means with 2 sisters and 4 servants at "Dunmore" Owl Rd., Boscombe.

Probate: Besley - Charlotte Joanna of "Dunmore", Owls Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth, spinster, died 27 Jun 1892. Probate London 26 July to Eliza Mary Ann Besly, spinster. Effects £3022 13s 3d.

ELIZA MARY ANNE BESLEY 1837: 1841 - 4 yrs, with parents. 1851 - 13 yrs, with parents. 1861 - visitor and niece in the home of Ann Lewis 63 yrs, widow, proprietor of land and stock b. Silverton, dwelling 7 Higher Summerlands. 1871 - 29 yrs, with parents. 1881 - 43 yrs, head of household with three spinster sisters, dwelling Eltham, Tormoham, Devon - three servants. 1891 - 53 years, living on own means with 2 sisters and 4 servants at "Dunmore" Owl Rd., Boscombe.

Probate: Besley - Eliza Mary Ann of "Dunmore", Owls Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth, spinster, died 12 March 1911. Probate London 8 April to Margaret Besly, widow. Effects £8143 6s 5d. Resworn £8213 14s 1d.

FANNY HENRIETTA BESLY abt 1841: 1841 - 1 yr, with parents. 1851 - 10 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 20 yrs, with parents. 1871 - 26 yrs, with parents. 1881 - 40 yrs, with three other spinster sisters, dwelling Eltham, Tormoham, Devon. 1891 - 50 years, living on own means with 2 sisters and 4 servants at "Dunmore" Owl Rd., Boscombe.

Probate: £2264 13s 4d. 9 October 1891. The will of Fanny Henrietta Besly, formerly of Kelston but late of "Dunmore", Owls Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth in the county of Southampton, spinster, who died 21 August 1891 at Dunmore was proved at the Principal Registry by Charlotte Joanna Besly and Eliza Mary Ann Besly, spinsters, the sisters, the Executrixes.

FRANCES CAROLINE SARAH BESLY 1835: 1841 - 6 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 26 yrs, with parents. 1871 - 36 yrs, niece of Ann Lewis (73 yr old officer's widow b. Silverton), dwelling Exeter St Sidwell. 1881 - 38 yrs??? niece of Charlotte Besley (61 yrs, b. Cerne, Dorset), dwelling Sidbrook House, West Monkton, Somerset (3 servants plus a cook). THE LONDON GAZETTE - Whitehall, August 23, 1890. THE Queen has been graciously pleased to grant unto Edmund Heysham Wood, of Kensington-gardens-square, in the parish of St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, in the county of London, Gentleman, and Frances Caroline Sarah Wood, his wife, eldest of the four daughters of William Henry Besly, of Dunmore, in the parish of Bradninch in the county of Devon, the brother of John Besly, Clerk, Doctor of Civil Law, Rector of Aston-sub-Edge, in the county of Gloucester, and Vicar of Long Benton, in the county of Northumberland, both deceased, Her Royal licence and authority that they may, in compliance with a clause contained in the last will and testament of the said John Besly, Clerk, deceased, take and use the surname of Besly in addition to and after that of Wood, and that he, the said Edmund Heysham Wood, may bear the arms of Besly quarterly with those of Wood, and that such surnames and arms may be borne and used by the issue of their marriage ; such arms being first duly exemplified according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the College of Arms, otherwise the said Royal licence and permission to be void and of none effect: And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be recorded in Her Majesty's College of Arms. 1891 - marriage by Lic. 50 years, widow of 37 Kensington Gardens Sq. daughter of William Besly, gent.

NORTH DEVON JOURNAL 21 Sep 1882 MARRIAGES - WOOD - BESLY Sept 14, at Kingsnympton, by the Rev. P. Williams, Edmund Heysham Wood Esq. of Kensington Garden - square, to Frances Caroline Sarah, eldest daughter of the late W H Besly Esq., Dunmore, Bradninch.

Probate: Besley - Frances Caroline Sarah of "Gotten House" near Taunton (wife of William David Finch Hatton - Besly), died 26 May 1901 at Salsomaggiore, Italy. Probate London 19 July to Fanny Eliza Cox (wife of the Rev. Walter Eustace Cox), Sarah Emily Connop, spinster, and Sir Edward Henry Busk, knight. Effects £17,985 3s.

Husband EDMUND HEYSHAM WOOD:

Husband WILIAM DAVID FINCH HATTON: Mar. by lic. 36 yr old bachelor, Land agent of 23 Craven Tce, son of William Robert Finch Hatton, clerk in Holy Orders.

FRANCES MARGARET T BESLY 1877: 1881 - 3 yrs, living with parents. 1901 - 23 yrs, dwelling Torquay with widowed mother and sister.

GERTRUDE THEODORA BESLY 1880: 1881 - 2 wks, living with parents. 1901 - 20 yrs, dwelling Torquay with widowed mother and sister.

JOHN BESLY 1800: 1841 - 40 yrs, clerk, dwelling Long Benton, Northumberland, with wife and 4 servants. 1851 - 50 yrs, married, Rector of Aston Subedge, dwelling Long Benton, Northumberland with 3 servants - wife residing East Stonehouse. 1861 - 60 yrs, widower, Vicar of Long Benton, Northumberland, visiting William Henry Besley (brother??) in Dunmore House, West St., Bradninch.

The Reverend John Besley DCL.

Wife ELIZA KENNEDY:

Wife FRANCES abt 1794: 1841 - 40 yrs, with husband. 1851 - 57 yrs, married, dwelling East Stonehouse with 4 servants.

Wife CHARLOTTE PEACH abt 1820:

Probate: Effects £17,770 19s 6d. Charlotte Besly of Sidbrook, West Monkton, Som. widow d. 10 Aug 1895. Probate Taunton 20 Jan. to Reginald Peach Ffooks gentleman.

MARY ANNE BESLY abt 1811: 1851 - 39 yrs, living with father in 11 York buildings, York St, St Sidwell, Exeter. 1861 - 50 yrs, landed proprietess 11 York buildings, York St, St Sidwell, Exeter, with 1 house servant.

WILLIAM BESLEY abt 1780: Merchant 1833 - 53 yrs, assistant for some commission in Tiverton along with son William Henry, surgeon. 1851 - 79 yrs, retired merchant living with unmarried daughter, 11 York buildings, York St, St Sidwell, Exeter, with 1 house servant.

Probate: Proved 5 Aug 1854. Of York Buildings, Parish of St. Sidwell, Exeter. " son Rev. John Besly clerk of Long Benton in Northumberland the sum of £50 stirling in token of my affectionate love...." indicates he has already spent enough on him to get to where he got! Son William Henry now of Bradninch gets 4 the lowest bonds from a joint account he had with his late wife. Granddaughter Caroline Sarah gets £10 stirling and rest of estate goes to unmarried daughter Mary Anne who is sole executrix. Will written 28 September 1849.

WILLIAM HENRY BESLEY abt 1806: 1833 - 28 yrs, surgeon, assistant for a commission in Tiverton, along with father William, merchant. 1833 - William Henry Besley of Southerhay, surgeon, married Frances Ball, a widow. Witnesses who signed along with them were Mary Ann Besly, and Caroline Land. There was also the mark of Ann Ball (her daughter who would have been about 4 years old.) 1833 12 Dec. Initiation into Freemason St Georges Lodge Exeter - 27 yrs - surgeon. 1841 - 30 yrs, surgeon, dwelling Prospect Place, Littleham, with wife and 4 children. 1851 - 43 yrs, surgeon (not practicing), Dwelling Dunmore House, Bradninch, Exeter, with wife, 5 children, a governess and 3 servants - also wifes daughter Ann Ball aged 22 yrs. 1861 - 53 yrs, Mayor of Bradninch, dwelling Dunsmore House, West St., with wife and 4 adult daughters. Also visiting is John Besly DCL, widower, Vicar of Long Benton, Northumberland plus 4 servants. 1871 - 63 yrs, Magistrate, retired Doctor, dwelling Dunmore (West End Town), Bradninch, with wife, 4 adult daughters and 4 servants (cook, page, housemaid and nurse). Died aged 64 yrs. MIs in Silverton including one for Caroline w. of H T Besley. Died aged 64 yrs.

NORTH DEVON JOURNAL 26 Mar 1835 BIRTHS - on Friday 13 March, the lady of W H Besly, esq,, surgeon, Southernhay, of a daughter.

Probate: 8 May 1872. Effects under £6,000. The will of William Henry Besly, late of Dunmore House, in the Parish of Bradninch in the County of Devon, Esquire, who died 24 January 1872 at Bradninch, was proved at Exeter by the Rev. William Blundell Besly of Lewtrench in the said county, clerk, the son the sole Executor.

Wife FRANCES LAND abt 1800: Frances Land of St. David, Exeter m. 21 Apr 1826 by lic. to widower Arthur Hichins Ball - a Major in Royal Marines. witnesses Ann Land jnr and Caroline Land.He died 1829 - Western Times Exeter pub. 25 Apr 1829- Deaths "Last week, at Portsmouth, Lieut. Col. Arthur Ball R.M. , son-in-law of Mrs. Land of Southernhay". 1841 - 35 yrs. 1851 - 51 yrs. 1861 - 57 yrs. 1871 - 67 yrs. Died aged 72 yrs.

WILLIAM BLUNDELL BESLY 1844: 1851 - 6 yrs, with parents. 1861 - 16 yrs, Queens scholar dormatory, Westminster, St Marg., MDX. Marriage banns starting 30 May at Bishops Tawton. Bach of the parish! 1881 - 36 yrs, vicar, dwelling Marland Peters, Devon, with wife, 4 children, a nurse, an under nurse, a cook, a kitchen maid and a housemaid. Died aged 46 yrs.

NORTH DEVON JOURNAL 28 Jun 1877 - BIRTHS: Jun 22 at Marland Vicarage, Nth Devon, the wife of the Rev. W Blundell Besley, of a daughter.

Oxford University Alumni 1500 - 1886: William Blundell Besly 1s William Henry of Exeter, gent. Exeter Coll matric 16 Jan 1864 19 yrs BA 1867 MA 1873, of Bradninch, Dev, vicar of Peter's Marland 1875.

Probate: £2880 1s 3d. 30 May 1891. The will of the Rev. William Blundell Besly, late of Peters Marland in the county of Devon, clerk, who died 7 March 1891 at the Vicarage Peters Marland, was proved at Exeter by Margaret Besly of the Vicarage Peters Marland, widow, the relict, the sole Executrix.

Wife MARGARET: 1881 - 35 yrs. 1901 - 47 yrs, widow, dwelling "Valetta" Torquay, with daughters Frances and Gertrude, plus 2 servants.

WILLIAM HUGH BLUNDELL BESLY 1876: 1881 - 5 yrs, living with parents.

NORTH DEVON JOURNAL 19 Nov 1896 - DEATHS - Besly - Nov 10 W Hugh son of Margaret Besly, Valetta, Watcombe, Torquay, and of the late Rev. W Blundell Besly, aged 20.

[no title] 213 M/T/19 - 20 1768

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Lease and Release. 28, 29 September

1. George Prescott, Charles Dingley, merchants London; Ebenezer Blackwell, banker, London; John Besley, Thomas Bidgood, sergemakers, Tiverton.

2. Abraham Badcock, sergemaker, Bampton

Consideration: £13

John Payne, labourer 2845 A-99/PO2/49 1813

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

He was born in Rackenford where his parents belonged and was apprenticed there to James Potteridge, when he was 28 he went to Tiverton and made an agreement with John Besley at £10 and served 2 years, then he lived with John Hayward in Tiverton for 9 months, he then came to Membury and agreed with Thomas Paris for 3 months at 4s a week, he made another agreement with him for 6 months at 6s a week, he then got married and has worked as a day labourer

213 M/T/72 31 December 1782

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Covenant

1. Benjamin Dickinson, Esq., Tiverton

2. John Besley, merchant, Tiverton

Title of [...] . to be proved by deeds recited in the covenant.

Premises include a brick house in or near Hampton Street.

213 M/T/43-44 28, 29 September 1814

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Related information: [See 213 M/T/143]

Contents:

Lease and Release

1. William Ackland, William Besley, George Dunsford, gents., Tiverton

2. John Radford, cabinet-maker; Tiverton.

3. Richard Henry Strong, gent., Tiverton

Consideration: £300

Premises and trust as above.

Devon Record Office: Papers relating to businesses R4/1-0/PP/8(Box 8) 1841 - 1921

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Bankruptcies of Robert Hayes (1867) and Henry Skinner of Morebath 1863

Account book of R. Besley, Fore Street, Tiverton, butcher 1875 - 6

Devon Record Office 4243M-0/T/219 1818

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Miles Barons Tenement. Lease and Release and Assignment of Term

1. Joan Veysey

2. John Nott

3. Thomas Hellings of Tiverton, gent.

3. William Besley Jnr. of Tiverton, merchant

Premises: Miles Barons Tenement

Consideration: £830 (£400 3 to 1; £430 3 to 2)

Term: 500 years

[no title] 213 M/T/73 19 January 1783

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Copy of Lease and Release.

1. John Besly, merchant, Tiverton

2. John Follett, minister; George Dunsford, merchant; James Pulling, Francis Besley, sergemakers, all of Tiverton

Consideration: 10s.

Premises include: Thorn Close, The Cleeve Withy Close, Box Close, Great Barn's Close, Wood Close, Lower Oak, Higher Oak Close, Square Close, Vine Close, Park Close, North Close, Little Barn's Close, Coydon, Two Higher Meadows.

[no title] B10/BWO/31/d 1796

These documents are held at North Devon Record Office

Contents:

Release by way of settlement and settlement, Gribble to Besley and Gribble Henry Gribble of Barnstaple, merchant = Ann Gorton of Tiverton

[no title] 4061 M/L/1 1875

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Lease for 10 years

1. James Thomas Turner of Thorverton, gent.

2. William Besley of Thorverton, yeoman

Premises: one marsh called Gratton Marsh containing seven acres and two poles being part of Exeland

Tenement

Rent: £30 p.a.

[no title] 1926 B/D/T/5/2 1807

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Related information: Enclosed with 1926 B/D/T/5/3

Contents:

Final concord

1. John Dickinson, Esq.

2. William Besley.

Ann, his wife.

Premises: land in Tiverton.

Devon Record Office 4243M-0/T/223 1821

These documents are held at Devon Record Office

Contents:

Miles Barons Tenement. Lease and Release, Surrender of a Term of 1000 years, Assignment of a Term of 500 years and Covenant to Produce Deeds

1. Thomas Hellings

2. Edward Gooding

3. William Besley Jnr. of Tiverton, merchant

4. Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty

5. Rev. William Carwithen, Rector of Exeter, St. Mary Steps

6. William Courtenay of Lincoln's Inn, Middx., esquire

Premises: four fields, i.e. Barley Croft, Long Burrow, Twenty Acres, Mussons Coppice, part of Miles Barons Tenement, in trust for augmentation of the Rector of St. Mary Steps, Exeter

Consideration: £600 (4 to 2)

With plan and schedule of deeds, 1772-1819

Besley Oddments…..

James Besley and Elizabeth had the following children baptised in Clayhanger.....

William Besly, son of James and elizabeth baptised 23rd Mar 1765

Mary 2nd Dec 1770

Sarah 30th Jan 1779

Eleanor 8th Dec 1782

Charity 6th May 1786 (mother's name given as Betty for this one)

Betty Beasley was baptised in Petton on 6th March 1762

Her parents? James Beasley and Elizabeth!

James Besley and Elizabeth Chubb marriage 1/4/1812 Bickleigh

Then there was a .....

James Besley, son of Henry Bessley and jane, baptised 1st Mar 1812

Henry Besley, son of Anne Besley, baptised 8th Jan 1792

Jenny Bessley, dau of Anne Besley, baptised 6th Oct 1786

And there is John Besley with mother Maria Besley baptised there on 1st Jan 1823

[no title] 213 M/T/41-42 21, 22 July 1784

Contents:

Lease and Release.

1. Peter Carthew, gent., Tiverton

2. John Kiddell, clerk, Tiverton

3. John Besly, merchant; Abraham Smith, surgeon; Martin Dunsford, merchant; William Acland, gent.; Francis Besly, sergemaker;

3. Abraham Hurley, yeoman; William Besly George Dunsford, merchants; George Snell, hatter; Peter Carthew the Younger, ironmonger; John Peat, sergemaker, all of Tiverton.

Consideration: 5s.

Premises on trust as above, and to include a brewing-house.

[no title] 213 M/T/70-71 26 November 1782

Contents:

Mortgage by lease and release

1. Sir John Dunke, baronet, William Mackworth, Joseph Sanders and Daniel Hamilton, Esquires, of Exeter.

2. Henrious Season, gent., Exeter

3. William Hamilton, gent., London

4. Thomas Euchmarsh, Richard Euchmarsh, merchants, Tiverton

5. John Besly, merchant, Tiverton

6. Francis Besly, sergemaker, trustee for 5., Tiverton.

Principle: £100

Term: to 6. for the residue of 1000 years in trust for 5.

[no title] 213 M/T/41-42 21, 22 July 1784

Contents:

Lease and Release.

1. Peter Carthew, gent., Tiverton

2. John Kiddell, clerk, Tiverton

3. John Besly, merchant; Abraham Smith, surgeon; Martin Dunsford, merchant; William Acland, gent.; Francis Besly, sergemaker;

3. Abraham Hurley, yeoman; William Besly George Dunsford, merchants; George Snell, hatter; Peter Carthew the Younger, ironmonger; John Peat, sergemaker, all of Tiverton.

Consideration: 5s.

Premises on trust as above, and to include a brewing-house.

[no title] 213 M/T/73 19 January 1783

Contents:

Copy of Lease and Release.

1. John Besly, merchant, Tiverton

2. John Follett, minister; George Dunsford, merchant; James Pulling, Francis Besley, sergemakers, all of Tiverton

Consideration: 10s.

[no title] 213 M/T/74 20 June 1783

Contents:

Copy of Marriage Settlement.

[Attached to 213 M/T/73]

1. John Besly, merchant, Tiverton

2. William Besly, son of 1., Tiverton

3. Ann Lichigaray, spinster, Tiverton

4. As 2. of 213 M/T/73.

Premises as 213 M/T/70

Reversion of the uses to 2. after 1. and 3. have married, and to 4. on the death of 2.

Conditions: to preserve contingent remainders and the recited limited estates.

[no title] 213 M/T/78 1802

Contents:

Copy of oath of administration of possessions of Francis Besly deceased, made by William and Bernard Besly, nephews and heirs of the deceased.

[no title] 213 M/T/87-88 6, 7 July 1819

Contents:

Lease and Release.

1. Ann Besly, widow of William Besly

2. John Follett Pugsley, ironmonger, Tiverton

3. William Turner, merchant, Tiverton

Consideration: £250

Premises include 3 fourths of Higher Meadow, Leat.

Uses to prevent any wife of 2. from claiming dower.

[no title] 213 M/T/89 7 July 1819

Contents:

Assignment to attend inheritance.

[Enclosed in 213 M/T/88]

1. William and Bernard Besly, Tiverton

2. Ann Besly, widow, Tiverton

3. John Follett Pugsley, ironmonger, Tiverton

4. John Beedell, druggist, Tiverton

Premises to be held by 1. in trust for, and attending the inheritance from 3.

[no title] 213 M/T/143 1845

Related information: See 213 M/T/41-44

Contents:

Abstract of title of Elizabeth Ann Besly to cottage and garden near Water Lane.

Reciting deeds of 1808, 1821.

Blundells School

Jo^° Besly, 8, son of Wm. Besly, gent., Tiverton,

Aug. 13, 1808 — June 30, 1817 ; eUcUd to a Scholarship

in Balioll College, Oxford, June 30, 1817.

William Besly, 10, son of Wm. Besly, gent., Tiverton.

Feb. 2, 1818 — Dec. 16, 1821.

Henry Bernard Besly, 9, wine merchant, Tiverton,

Aug. 16, 1824 — Dec. 16, 1825.

Devon Record Office 5234M-0/T/1 and 2 1822

Contents:

Lease and release

2. John Hall of Tiverton, gent.

3. Henry Hewett of Tiverton, maltster, trustee for 2.

Premises: one messuage and dwellinghouse and the dyehouse adjoining, formerly in the occupation of Spurway Patey deceased, lying at the east end of the town of Tiverton bounded with the river Lowman on the east, the lands formerly of John Maunder, merchant, on the south, the lands formerly of John Cock clothier on the west and the King's highway on the north, also one garden formerly a plot of ground on which stood the malthouse of John Pepper but which was burnt down, and afterwards purchased by Spurway Patey, and also two dwellinghouses formerly in the occupation of William Bryant and John Salter as tenants to Spurway Patey, all adjoining the messuage dwellinghouse and dyehouse. The premises were purchased by William Besly in 1749, inherited by John Besly his eldest son, who bequeathed them to his son William. William left the property to his cousins Francis and Bernard Besly in trust.

Consideration: £560.

Devon Record Office 5234M-0/E/1 c.1822

Related information: [See also 5234M-I/E/1]

Contents:

Abstract of title of Francis Besly to dwelling houses and a garden in Gold Street, c. 1749-1819 (first page missing)

London Gazette - Issue 17536 published on the 20 November 1819

By order of the Court for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors:

The petition of William Besly, late of Tiverton, in the County of Devon, Manufacturer of Yarn, but now a prisoner confined for debt in the King's-Bench Prison, in the County of Surrey.

Devon Record Office 5682M-2/T/2 1797

Related information: (See 5682M/T/1)

Contents:

Lease for one year

1. William Besly of Tiverton, merchant

2. John Wood of Tiverton, gent.

Premises: one walled garden in Barrington Street late in the possession of Elizabeth Putt deceased and Margaret Incledon or of Peter Blundell esq. deceased as their undertenant, but now of 1., bounded on the east with Barrington Street, and on the south with a garden belonging to John Weech merchant, now in the occupation of Richard Nesbit esq.

Devon Record Office 5682M-2/T/3 1804

Related information: (See 5682M/T/4)

Contents:

Lease for one year

1. James Cotty of Tiverton, gent. and Joanna his wife, William Besly of Tiverton, merchant and Joanna his wife and Charles Henry Sampson of Minehead, Somerset, esq.

2. Richard Henry Strong of Tiverton, gent.

Premises: one messuage or dwelling house or dwelling houses with the orchard and garden belonging to it in Barrington Street now in the possession of James Cotty, lying between the lands formerly of Hugh Hodge on the north, the lands formerly of Henry Jarvis, maltster on the south, Barrington Street on the west and the lands formerly of John Blundell gent. on the east.

PROB 31/1210/799 Exhibit: 1824/799. Henry Besley, farmer of Halberton, Devon. Probate inventory, or declaration, of the estate of the same, deceased.

Significant Fires

1598: 409 houses – total loss £150,000 (£39,000,000 today) – Snell

1612: 600 houses – total loss £200,000 (£52,600,000 today) – Snell

1661: 45 houses – total loss £2,770 (£523,000 today) – Snell

1676: 3 houses – Snell

1726: 5 houses – Boyce

1730: 15 houses – Snell

1731: 298 houses – total loss £60,000 (£14,000,000 today) – Snell

1738: 10 houses – Boyce

1739: 10 houses – Boyce

1751: 10 to 12 houses – Boyce

1762: 20 houses – Snell