Tawstock Extracts from Devon NewspapersTrewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, March 19, 1801 Lately died, in a very advanced age, the Rev. Mr. Hill, Rector of Tawstock, near Barnstaple, a very worthy and respectable Clergyman, universally esteemed by all who knew him. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, April 23, 1801 This day the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, M.A. Domestic Chaplain to the Countess Dowager of Darnley, and rector of Combinteignhead in this county, was instituted by the Rev. Chancellor Nutcombe, to the rectory of Tawstock, in the same county, on the presentation of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. void by the death of the Rev. Charles Hill. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, March 23, 1809 On Monday last, the 13th instant, died, at Barnstaple, Robert Wrey, esq. in his 89th year, brother of the late Sir Bourchier Wrey, of Tawstock; a Major-General in her Majesty the Queen of Portugal's service, and many years governor of one of the northern provinces of that kingdom. He was one of the last surviving field officers who served the campaigns under General Wolf, in North America, and commanded the Louisburg grenadiers;—a man of the most amiable manners, and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, February 4, 1813 On Thursday last died, in London, after only a few days illness, Lady Wrey, wife of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. of Tawstock Court, in the county of Devon. Her death will be felt as an irreparable loss by her afflicted family, to whom she held forth an example of the most pure and unaffected piety, combined with that tenderness of affection and sweetness of temper, which form the peculiar charms of domestic life. As a wife and mother she displayed in the highest perfection all those amiabilities of nature which adorn and dignify the female character. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, March 9, 1815 [On Tuesday] was married at Tawstock Church, by the Rev. William Wrey, Albany Savile, Esq., M.P. of Sweetlands, in the county of Devon, to Eleonora Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Sir Bourchier Wrey, of Tawstock-house, in the same county, Bart. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 14, 1815 On Saturday last was married, at Tawstock Church, Devon, by the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, Sir Lawrence Vaughan Palk, of Haldon-House, Bart. to Ann Eleanora, eldest daughter of Sir Bouchier Wrey, of Tawstock Court, Bart, and widow of the late Edw. Hartoop, of Dalby-House, Leicestershire, Esq. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, September 6, 1821 Married. Lately, K.B. Wrey, Esq. second son of Sir B. Wrey, Bart. of Tawstock-House, Devon, to Mary Ann James, niece to William Peterson, Esq. chief-magistrate of Lyme. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, October 11, 1821 Died. On the 1st instant, at Milton-Damarel Parsonage, Mrs. Hill, wife of Mr. Wm. Hill, of Instow, third son of the late Rev. Charles Hill, of Tawstock, near Barnstaple. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, February 16, 1826 The residence of the Rev. B.W. Wray, Corffee, Tawstock, was last week attempted to be broken into by some persons, but being overheard, alarm was given and they decamped. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, April 27, 1826 Whilst a farmer named Symons, of Upcott, in the parish of Tawstock, was ploughing in one of his fields, last week, the horses took fright, and in his endeavours to check them, he was thrown under the plough, the coulter of which coming under his arm, nearly severed it from his body. He now lies in a very dangerous state. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 7, 1826 Funeral of the late Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart.—On Saturday morning last, the funeral procession moved from Tawstock, the family seat, towards the parish church, (in which the remains of the late Sir Bourchier were to be deposited) in the following order:—The Undertaker—Mutes—Bearers—The Hearse—Three Mourning Coaches, containing, the 1st, Sir B.P. Wrey, Mr Robert Wrey, Mr. Hen. Wrey. 2nd, Mrs. Whinfield, Mrs. Harding, Mr. Wrey, Mr. Savile, Sire L.V. Palk.—3d, Mr. Wrey Harding, Mr. R. Harding, Mr. Wm Harding, Mr. John Wrey.—The family carriage, empty—The carriages of Sir L.V. Palk, A Savile, Esq. Rev. B. Wrey, Mrs. Harding, Mr. R. Harding, Earl Fortescue, and other friends, with a long train of tenantry, tradesmen, labourers, &c. amounting to about 600 persons, all clad in decent mourning.—The pall-bearers were Earl Forescue, Viscount Ebrington, Hon. Newton Fellowes, Sir Arthur Chichester, R.N. Incledon, Esq. James White, Esq. A.S. Willett, Edq. Thomas Harding, Esq. Thomas Lee, Esq. John Marshall, Esq.—The whole was under the direction of Mr. Porter, of this city, undertaker. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, May 17, 1827 Died. On the 20th ult, in the Kent-road, London, Rebecca, wife of Roger Chapel, Esq. and daughter of Mr. John Moore, of Wick, Tawstock, aged 32. North Devon Journal, Thursday, March 17, 1831 FATAL ACCIDENT.—A fruit of the boisterous weather that has lately prevailed. On the night of Tuesday last, the farm house at Ruge, in the parish of Tawstock, occupied by Mr. Slooman, his wife, and only daughter, about 7 years of age, was blown down, and the roof fell in with a tremendous crash, burying the inmates beneath its ruins. The mother and daughter, we lament to say, periished by the accident, but Mr. Slooman escaped with life, though severely injured. North Devon Journal, Thursday, May 31, 1832 On Friday last, an inquest was held at Tawstock, by Thomas Copner, Esq. coroner, on the body of Mr. Samuel Sloman, who, about six o'clock on the Wednesday evening preceding, was found lying in the road a short distance from his house, all but dead; he had been drinking at a public house in the parish at four o'clock, and left not the worse for liquor, and it is supposed was thrown from his horse in his way home; medical assistance was afforded him, but without avail, life became extinct in a very short time. It is a singular circumstance, that a little more than twelve months since, he narrowly escaped a premature death by the roof of his house falling in upon him and his family, whilst they were in bed, by which accident his wife and daughter were both killed. North Devon Journal, Thursday, February 7, 1833 TAWSTOCK.—Mary Halse, aged 81, an inmate of the poorhouse in this parish, went out on Friday evening last, as she was in the habit of doing, to gather a few sticks for firing; and as she did not return at her usual time, some alarm was excited, and enquiries were made for her; the next moring her body was found lying in a ditch, but a short distance from the place of her abode, into which it is probable she had fallen, and was unable to release herself; the body was scarcely cold when discovered, but the vital spark was extinct. North Devon Journal, Thursday, September 25, 1834 On Thursday last, an Inquest was held at Tawstock, by T. Copner, Esq., on the body of THOMAS COLWELL, aged 74, who went to bed the preceding evening in good health, and at an early hour in the morning his wife found him by her side a breathless corpse. Verdict, The Visitation of God. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, January 1, 1835 On the morning of Sunday, the 21st inst., The Rev. J.B. Jebb, placed a valuable pony in a shed, adjoining the church of Tawstock, in this county, used generally for this purpose, while he performed his duties as Minister: but at the close of the service the pony was gone, and there is no doubt but that had been stolen. I had a double rein bridle, and new saddle, with a label containing the maker's name "Turner, Barnstaple." A person in black was afterwards seen in possession of a pony answering the description of that stolen from Mr. Jebb: a reward of £5 has been offered for its recovery, and it is hoped the owner may yet become repossessed of his property, and the thief be punished. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, July 21, 1836 Died. On the 22nd ult., at Pisa, in the 16th year of her age, Emily, second daughter of Sir Bouchier Palk Wrey, Bart, of Tawstock Court, in this county. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 21, 1837 A serious accident occurred last week to Mr. N. Symonds, yeoman, of the parish of Tawstock, who, while out shooting, having occasion to cross a hedge, incautiously happened to put his hand on the muzzle of his gun, which by some means went off, the charge entered the palm of his hand, and passed into longitudinal direction up his arm to about half way between his wrist and elbow, lacerating the flesh dreadfully, but providentially escaped the bone; a few shots also entered his shoulder and face. It is hoped that the amputation of the arm may not become necessary. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday, August 31, 1839 Barnstaple.—The funeral of the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, of Corffe, in the parish of Tawstock, (uncle to Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, Bart.,) took place on Tuesday morning last, and a great number of the gentry and tradesmen of the neighbourhood attended. The children of the school of Tawstock, called the "Miss Wrey's School," walked in procession, having their bonnets trimmed with black, and wearing black capes. The church was also hung with black on the occasion—the whole producing a very solemn and impressive effect. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday, January 16, 1841 Shocking Accident.—On Friday last, as a young man named Newcombe, servant to Mr. T. Ridd, of Swannamore, in the parish of Tawstock, was leading a horse from the smith's shop, (having at the time the halter tied round his hand,) the animal became frightened and ran away, dragging and stepping on the unfortunate man a considerable distance, by which means he was killed. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, March 25, 1841 FATAL ACCIDENT.—On the 16th inst. as a boy named Oliver, about 12 years old, in the service of Mrs. Petherbridge, of Pill, in the parish of Tawstock, was going with a horse and cart, in passing a gateway the horse started, and the cart being upset on the unfortunate boy, his head was crushed in such a manner that the brains literally protruded through the fissures caused in the bone of the skull. An inquest was taken on the body, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, April 8, 1841 Barnstaple Union.—The foundation stone was last week laid of a Chapel of Ease in the parish of Tawstock. The lady of the highly-esteemed Rector, the Rev. H.B. Wrey, fixed the stone, under which was placed a table with the following inscription:— Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 28, 1843 On Tuesday, the 12th inst., the tenants of Sir Bourchier Wrey, dined with the Hon. Baronet, by invitation, at his hospitable mansion, Tawstock Court; and we understand that, in consequence of the depreciation in the prices of agricultural produce, Sir Bourchier has very considerately thrown back ten per cent on his rental. In the course of the evening, Charles Roberts, Esqr., with his accustomed good humour and urbanity, proposed the health of Lady Wrey, which was drunk with great enthusiasm, and ably responded to by the worthy Baronet. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, May 2, 1844 INQUESTS.—In the parish of Tawstock, on Saturday last, before J.H. Toller, Esq., on the body of Mr. William Webber, aged 65. He was taken suddenly ill after he got down stairs on the morning of that day, conveyed back to bed, and a surgeon sent for, but before his arrival he expired. It was the opinion of the medical man, that death resulted from apoplexy, and a verdict to that effect was returned. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Saturday, November 8, 1845 TAWSTOCK.—On Wednesday, as Thomas Hammett of Harracott, was riding in a donkey cart near his home, he was about to strike the animal, when he overbalanced himself, and fell back over the cart, alighting on his head. He was picked up, and Dr. Jones of Highbickington was called in, but he died within three or four hours. Western Times, Saturday, February 5, 1848 TAWSTOCK.—An old woman of eighty years, named Handcock, living at Lake in this parish, accidentally allowed her clothes to take fire the other day, while sitting along, and was so burnt that she is now dead. North Devon Journal, Thursday, March 16, 1848 JUVENILE BRUTALITY.—Mr. Henry Woolacott, a farmer of Tawstock, charged his servant John Williams, a lad of about fifteen years of age, with maliciously cutting the tongue of a horse with which he was at work a few days previous.—Complainant having discovered the damage which the horse had sustained, questioned the boy as to the cause of it, and having detected him in three or four different stories supsected that he had done the mischief himself, and charged him with it. He at length admitted it, but said he had cut the horse's tongue in his endeavour to extricate stone which was edged in between two of his teeth—a highly improbable story. He was committed to prison for 14 days. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, June 13, 1850 The half yearly rent audit of Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, for his property in the parishes of Tawstock, Instow, Bishopstawston, and Braunton, was held at Tawstock Court last week, when the Hon. Baronet abated 20 per cent of the rents due upon the arable land, and 12½ per cent of the rents due upon the pasture land. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 26, 1850 MARRIAGES. December 19, at Combeinteignhead, the Rev. John Clare Pigot, eldest son of J.M.B. Pigot, M.D., of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, to Elizabeth, third daughter of the Rev. Bourchier William Wrey, rector of Tawstock and Combeinteignhead, in this county. North Devon Journal, Thursday, February 27, 1851 TAWSTOCK.—Fire.—An alarm of fire was made on Monday evening, on the premised of Mr. Noah Symons, farmer, of Uppacott, in this parish, (an estate of Sir Bourchier Wrey's,) the barn being discoved in flames. The farmer had been in the yard as late as six o'clock to attend to his cattle, when all was safe; and it was about two hours afterwards that the fire was observed. After some delay, the West of England engine was sent for from Barnstaple, which arrived as quickly as four horses could draw it, and was of great service in preventing the flames extending to the dwelling house. The barn was destroyed, with the threshing machine in it, a stack of corn, a rick of wood, and two ricks of hay. Edward Weld, Esq., was on the spot, and by his example encouraged the persons assembled to exert themselves to prevent the fire reaching the rest of the premises; but we heard it remarked that some of the labourers betrayed a great indisposition to assist. This is the third thrashing machine that has been lately destroyed in this parish. The farmer, we believe, was insured. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, February 5, 1852 TAWSTOCK.—The lands have become so much flooded in the valley of the Taw during the last month, that a complete stop has been put to agricultural pursuits in connection with the tillage of spring crops. Unless the weather gets more settled the barley crops will be very late in the ground, and potatoe planting which is generally acknowledged to derive great advantage from early operations, will be unusually late the present season. North Devon Journal, Thursday, August 19, 1852 FRIGHTFUL SUICIDE AT TAWSTOCK.—On Tuesday an inquest was held on the body of Robert Somer Joce, a farmer at Tawstock, who committed suicide the day before, by cutting his throat with a razor. The deceased had been in a desponding state for some time, and latterly very eccentric. He had been working in the hayfield, but was missed in the course of the morning, and afterwards found lying in another field with his throat cut. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, September 9, 1852 CORONER'S INQUESTS.—Another serious accident occured on the same day [Monday, September 6, 1852], which unhappily terminated in death, in the parish of Tawstock. A lad named John Smallridge, the only son of Mr. James Smallridge, a respectable yeoman of that parish, was riding a pony belonging to his father, at a moderate pace, when a pig which had been allowed to graze near the spot suddenly ran across the path, and getting between the legs of the pony, it fell and threw the rider on his head. We are sorry to hear that the contusions were so severe, that notwithstanding the best medical assistance that could be procured was immediately in requisition, the unfortunate sufferer expired the following day. Verdict "Accidental Death." Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, December 9, 1852 TAWSTOCK. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, April 28, 1853 MARRIAGES. April 14, at Tawstock, by the Rev. James Harris, M.A., brother of the bride, Henry Bencraft, Esq., surgeon, Swymbridge, to Grace, third daughter of George Harris, Esq. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, January 12, 1854 MARRIAGES. December 28, at Tawstock Church, near Barnstaple, by the Rev. R.E. Wallis, Mr. Charles Ridd, to Mary Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. J. Westacott, both of the former parish. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, November 30, 1854 MARRIAGES. November 23, at Tawstock, near Barnstaple, by the Rev. E. Wallis, William Turner, Esq., of Bideford, to Annie, the only daughter of the late Richard Pethebridge, Esq. of Tawstock. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, July 10, 1856 MARRIAGES. July 3, at Tawstock, by the Rev. H.B. Wrey, rector of Tawstock, the Rev. Richard Fayle, M.A., incumbent of Trinity Church, Torquay, to Eleanora Elizabeth, relict of Albany Savile, Esq., of Oaklands, and sister to the present Sir. B.P. Wrey, Bart., of Tawstock Court, both in the county. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, August 28, 1856 THE EXTERMINATORS OF "QUAKERY."—On Saturday, Thorne and Mullins, adepts in crime, were committed for trial under the charge of stealing eight ducks from Mr. R. Pethebridge, of Pill Farm, Tawstock. The police were apprised of the robbery on the morning preceding the examinations of the prisoners; and Sergeant Chanter was not long in getting a clue to the alleged depredators. For the reduction of an incipient hirsute appendage, the police-officer entered a barber's shop, and whilst there became acquainted with the circumstance that the accused had offered eight ducks for sale early that morning to Mr. Leaker, a dealer in poultry. A scheme was at once devised; Leaker was to pretend to purchase the ducks, and the Oak public-house, in Holland-street, was to be the place for the ratification of the bargain. Whilst this part of the performance was going on the policeman made his appearance, and the prisoners were apprehended just as they were congratulating themselves upon the successful issue of their recent conveyancing pursuits. Upon the decision of the magistrates the delinquents began to impeach each other—a method of proceeding which was scarcely necessary to establish their guilt. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, January 8, 1857 THE TAWSTOCK BARONET AT HOME.—On Tuesday week Sir Bourchier Wrey distributed one fat bullock, eight fat sheep, and two cart loads of bread amongst the poor of Tawstock. Acts of this kind stand forth prominently, whatever might be the honourable baronet's failings in other respects. Thursday, September 10, 1857 MARRIAGE FESTIVAL.—Tawstock was the scene of great festivity on Thursday last, in consequence of the marriage of Miss Wrey, the only daughter of the Rev. H.B. Wrey, the respect rector of the parish. A large number of friends and relatives were in attendance, and about 300 of the parishioners sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by Mr. Thorne, of Barnstaple. In the evening a grand display of fireworks conclued the proceedings of a delightful gathering. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, October 29, 1857 SHEEPSTEALING.—On Saturday night, or Sunday morning last, a fine fat wether was stolen from some ground adjacent to Tawstock Park, the property of Mr. Richard Pethebridge, of Pill Farm. On examination it was found that the sheep had been slaughtered in the middle of the field, and carried clean off. The thieves passed over one field of Mr. Dennis', where sheep were folded, to get to Mr. Pethebridge's. The footsteps of a man and woman were clearly traced, as were marks of a horse; and it is considered that the thieves came some considerable distance for their ill-gotten prey. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, August 5, 1858 At the Braunton Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, Mr. John Ware, of Hollamore, Tawstock, was summoned for assaulting John Wellington. Whilst working for the defendent the complainant seems to have taken exception to some cider which had been supplied to hime, and this led to an altercation between the master and man. Wellington declared that he had been kicked and otherwise illused by the defendant, and his statement was corroborated by his daughter. Mr. Ware denied the imputation, and a confirmatory letter from his brother was handed to the magistrates; but this document could not be properly received, and the defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and the expenses. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, April 7, 1859 Mr. Bremridge held an inquest at Tawstock, on Saturday, upon the body of a little girl named Eliza Burnell, who met with her death through her clothes catching fire. The verdict was in accordance therewith. The deceased was the daughter of Mr. Robert Burnell, of Rowden Farm. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, June 6, 1860 DEATHS. May 22, at Tawstock, Grace, widow of Mr. John Andrew. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Thursday, March 6, 1861 BRAUNTON DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS, Feb. 27. (Before the Reverends J. Pyke, J. Arthur, and F. Hole, and R. Budd, Esq.)—[Thomas Lovering of Fishley Barton, Tawstock, was summoned by Policeman Hines for having left a horse and cart on the highway at Bishopstawton. According to the evidence of the complainant Mr. Lovering remained at the the Three Tuns Inn for one hour and a half, and his horse and cart were left on the road in the vicinity of the public-house. Mr. Bromham appeared for the defendant, who was fined 2. 6d., with 7s. 6d. expendes.—[Mr. Lovering, the defendant in the former case, was charged with assaulting Policeman Hines. Mr. Bromham appeared for the defendant. This offence was said to have occured on the same evening. On leaving the public house the defendant found Hines holding the head of his horse, and he would not let the animal go until Mr. Lovering told him his name. In the course of the altercation the complainant declared he was struck by the defendant—hence the summons. The Magistrates dismissed the case. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, July 31, 1861 BIRTHS. July 24, at Pill House, Tawstock, the wife of Mr. R. Pethebridge, a son. North Devon Journal, Thursday, June 4, 1863 CORONER'S INQUEST.—On Friday last, an inquest was held by John Henry Toller, Esq., at the dwelling house of Mr. Allen Ridge, at Tawstock, on the body of Mary Ann Burden, who was discovered on the preceding evening, lying on her face in an oat field, by Mr. G. Lewis, boot and shoe maker, and C.C. Angel. Life was extinct; and the evidence adduced shewed that the deceased had been long subject to epileptic fits, and medical witness (Michael Cooke, Esq.) who mad a post mortem examination gave it as his opinion that deceased had fallen down in a fit and had been suffocated.—Verdict accordingly. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, February 14, 1866 DEATHS. Feb 3, at Chappletown, Tawstock, after a long and painful illness, Mr. George Lovering, aged 66. TAWSTOCK.—Supposed Poisoning.—In the parish of Tawstock, which is three miles from Barnstaple, live a Mr. James Ridge, a farmer, who has a wife and three children. Mrs. Alice Dodd, the mother of Mrs. Ridge, has lived with the family for a few months. The family's breakfast on Sunday morning was prepared by Mrs. Dodd, who excused herself from breakfasting with the family as usaul by leaving the huse to go and see if her own house was blown down. Some fried potatoes were prepared for the breakfast, and one of the children threw a little potato to the dog, which soon commenced vomiting. All the family (with the exception of one of the children who refused to eat any potatoes because he saw his grandmother rub them in her hands) were similarly attacked; but by the timely assistance of a surgeon from Barnstaple the four lives were saved. The patients have since almost entirely recovered. It was the opinion of the medical gentleman that some irritant poison had been administered, and suspicion pointing towards Mrs. Dodd. Policeman Angel was soon on her heels. He met her on the road to Beaford, and when he charged her with mixing poison with the potatoes she denied having done such a thing; but she expressed her belief that there must of been poison in the vessel the potatoes were boied in for she felt very bad only through skinning them. She is in custody. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday, January 11, 1867 FATAL ACCIDENT AT TAWSTOCK.—An inquest was held on Tuesday, before J.H. Toller, Esq., deputy coroner, on the body of Sarah Ann Bowen, aged 14 years, daughter of a farm labourer. The deceased was servant to Mr. Andrews, of Tawstock. On the previous day she went to the barn of Mr. Philip Andrew, jun., for some chaff for her master's pony, and while there inspected the threshing machine to see how the wheet revolved, when her clothes caught in the bars of the wheel, and she was whirled round with great velocity, receiving shocking injuries, which caused immediate death. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, August 10, 1870 On Friday an old man, named Thorne, was received into the North Devon Infirmary, having, whilst thatching a stack of wheat, at Mr. Andrews's, a farmer, of Tawstock, fallen a height of some ten feet. He received injuries to the back of his head and shoulders. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, September 13, 1871 BIRTHS. September 6, at Tawstock Court, the wife of Henry B. Bruce, Esq., a daughter. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, October 23, 1872 DEVON QUARTER SESSIONS. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, May 28, 1873 BARNSTAPLE.—John Bowden, a native of Tawstock, ner Barnstaple, was a confidential clerk in March last with Messrs. Welsh, Fargo, and Co., of Ontario. he is said to have appropriated 10,260 dollars in Canadian bills to his own use and to have left America. It was considered that he might have come to this country, and information of the robbery, with a description of Bowden, was sent to Scotland-yard, from which particulars were sent to Police-constable Balsdon at Barnstaple. On Wednesday morning that officer went to Tawstock and met the young man, who he charged with theft. The correctness of accusation was at once acknowledged. The prisoner stated the circumstances of his departure, and said that, fearing to cash the bills, he had left them with his brother in America, with instructions to return them. He said he had an accomplice, who, he suspected, betrayed him to his employers. The prisoner was taken before the magistrates, who remanded him to London, whence he is to be taken back to America. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, April 1, 1874 A beautiful heraldic window has been erected in Tawstock Church to the memory of Albany Bouchier Savile, grandson of Sir Bourchier Wrey, Bart. The window has been furnished by the well-known firm of Beer, of Exeter, which firm has been recently reinforced by Mr. Driffield, an artist in glass, who was for eleven years in the celebrated establishment of Messrs. Clayton and Bell. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, October 22, 1879 SIR BOURCHIER WREY'S WILL.—The will, dated December 5th, 1878, with a codicil, dated July 9th, 1879, of Sir Bourchier Palk Wrey, late of Tawstock, devon, who died on the 11th ult. at Ilfracombe, was proved on the 6th inst. by Henry Smith, the sole executor, the personal estate being sworn under £50,000. The testator leaves to his brother and successor in the baronetcy, the Rev. Henry Bourchier Wrey, all the pictures, furniture, and effects at the family house, Tawstock Court; to his servant, John Sergeant, £200; to the Rev. Dr. Vaughan, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, £2,000—£1,000 to be applied at his discretion towards the maintenance of a Roman Catholic priest at Barnstaple, and £1,000 towards the maintenance of a Roman Catholic priest at Illfracombe: to the rector and churchwardens of the parish of Tawstock £1,000, upon trust to apply the dividends for ever to the most deserving parishioners not receiving parochial relief, and without distinction of religion, the charity to be called "Lady Eliza Wrey's Donation." There are special legacies to his executor, Mr. Smith, and to Mrs. Matilda Prime, and he bequeaths to them the residue of his personal estate. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, February 25, 1880 DEATHS. February 17, at Rose Cottage, Lake, Tawstock, Frances, widow of John Jones, aged 85. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, March 21, 1883 Lady Wrey, widow of the late. Rev. Sir Henry Wrey, rector of Tawstock, has recently left Tawstock and taken up her residence at Broadgate House, near Barnstaple. As a mark of the respect felt towards her, the parishioners have subscribed for a handsome silver tea set and sugar tongs, and a silver salver; and on Wednesday last the Rev. J.C. Downes (rector of Tawstock) and Mr. R. Lethbridge waited on her ladyship at Broadgate and made the presentation. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, March 9, 1884 BARNSTAPLE.—There are some quaint epitaphs in Tawstock churchyard. For poetic jumbling and antique orthography the annexed might be taken as an example: "As I stand by ce here her lith as i am now so once was her as her is now so I must be therefore i most prepar for deth and follow after her." Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Wednesday, January 12, 1889 DEATHS. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Monday, July 29, 1889 DEATH OF THE DOWAGER LADY WREY.—It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the Dowager Lady Wrey, mother of Sir Henry B.T. Wrey, of Tawstock Court, Barnstaple. Since the death of the late Rev. Sir H.B. Wrey, his widow (the deceased) has resided at Ashleigh House, Barnstaple. Her decease was not unexpected on Friday but her loss will be much felt among the poor. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Saturday, February 18, 1893 MARRIAGES. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Saturday, April 1, 1893 The circumstances of the resignation of the Rectory of Tawstock by the Rev. C.J. Down are being generally commented on. "Vanity Fair" to-day says:—A testimonial was presented last week to the Rev. C.J. Down, who is vacating the Rectory of Tawstock, which is valued at close upon £1,000 a year, with a capital house, under an agreement he entered into with the patron (the late Sir Bourchier Wrey) when he was appointed in 1883. The new Rector, a member of the Wrey family, has been in Priest's orders a comparatively short time. It is to be hoped that the new Patronage Bill of the Archbishop of Canterbury will illegalize, or delegalise, whichever is the right word, these warming-pan arrangements, which, however, convenient to the family concerned, and, to a minor extent, to the temporary substitute, are decidedly not to the credit or benefit of the Church at large, and they are by no means so uncommon as many people imagine. Mr. Down has been very much liked in the parish. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Saturday, August 19, 1893 BARNSTAPLE PETTY SESSIONS.—THURSDAY.—ABUSE. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, Saturday, July 28, 1900 FIRE AT TAWSTOCK: THREE COTTAGES GUTTED.— On Wednesday three thatched cottages at Lake, Tawstock, were discovered to be on fire. They were the property of Sir. B. Wrey, Bart., and two were occupied by Messrs. Mathews and Shaddick, the third being untenanted. Some time after the commencement of the outbreak the Bridge Wharf engine, under Lieutenant Chillas, was on the spot, but it was not sufficiently powerful to force the water from a quarry near over a bank commanding the cottages. The London and South Western Railway fire engine was brought from the Junction Station and was connected by hose with the Bridge Wharf engine, and the fire was thus prevented from spreading. The three cottages were, however, gutted, but a great deal of indoor effects were rescued. A faulty chimney is said to have caused the fire. |