The following names are a POST SCRIPT to the far greater number of fatalities in my book “Killed in a Coalpit – the Mines of Mendip”, the manuscript of which is now at the Radstock Museum.

Joshua Ashman (54)

The beloved husband of Sarah Ann Ashman, who died at Newbury Colliery, August 17^th 1906. Interred at Coleford Churchyard.

"I'll praise my Maker while I've breath

And when my voice is lost in death

Praise shall employ my nobler powers

My days of praise shall ne'er be past

While life and thought, and being last

Or immorality endures." (His favourite verse.)

I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

(2 Timothy 4; verses 7 & 8(From a funeral card.)

Thomas Athay

"One of the oldest miners in the Forest of Mendip incautiously entered some old works at Shipham when the side fell in and buried him." (FFBJ 4.6.1823)

James Attwood - see John Harding, 1796

William Ball (or Bull) - see Henry Carter, 1823.

S. Bath

Inquest at Timsbury on S. Bath who fell down the pit 100 fathoms by missing his hold at the bar at the top of the pit. (FFBJ 31.12.1801)

Clifford "Billy" Battle

Information from Edward P.S. Battle, who now lives in Yorkshire: "My uncle, Clifford "Billy" Battle of Welton Road, Radstock was badly injured underground at Ludlow's Colliery and died the next day in Paulton Hospital. This happened in the winter, 1928-9. I know I was 8 years old at the time. He left a wife and three year old son. My father worked as a face worker at Braze Down, Ludlow's and Haydon all his working life and died of pneumonicosis in 1959."

Thomas Bilby

Pauper, killed in Newton Coal Pit by coal falling on him. Buried Newton St Loe, 24.8.1792.

Herbert John Brice (19)

Killed in Greyfield Pit, 10 June 1905 and buried at High Littleton, 15 June, 1905.

(PRHL)

Mark Brice

Addendum. Of Farnborough, aged 17, buried at High Littleton, 29 October 1845. (PRHL)

Charles Bridges

Fatal Colliery accident at Timsbury. Charles Bridges, collier, killed 5^th July 1878 while working at Conygre Pit, owned by Messrs Mogg, Parish & Co of Withy Mills, in a roof fall. There was a large slip of the roof with brakes breaking away at the sides which caused the fall. A large stone was amongst the debris which was thought to have hit Bridges. (BMerc 20.7.1878)

James Brimble (57)

William Travers (16)

Killed at Mearns Coal Work and mentioned in High Littleton Overseers' Accounts 1.4.1815, which refer to payment for their laying out and coffins. Buried High Littleton 4.4.1815.

------Britton

"On Friday, a labourer named Britton, in a fit of insanity threw himself into the coalpit at Camerton near Bath and was killed on the spot. (BMi 12.6.1830)

--------Broughton of Farmborough

--------Gibbs of Near Paulton

killed at Middle Pit, Radstock when 3-4 tons of stone fell on them. (BMi 16.2.1861)

Azariah Bryant

"A boy, ascending in the lap of another boy from a coalpit at Writhlington was met by two others going down and the parties coming into contact with each other, Bryant was thrown from his seat and precipitated 80 feet to the bottom of the pit." Inquest Report, FFBJ 14.2.1824.

Daniel Budd

Killed in a coalpit, buried Nailsea, 8.1.1794.

Samuel Budd

"Killed falling down a coalpit at Nailsea", buried Nailsea, 26.3.1811, inquest reported FFBJ, 13.4.1811.

Joseph Bull

"whose back was broken by a stone 2 tons weight falling on him in a coalmine." FFBJ 30.3.1822. (This inquest was reported on the same day as that on Job Cromwell).

James Bunn

Accident at Barlake Colliery owned by Sir John Coxe Hippisley & Messrs Messiter of Wincanton. James Bunn was scalded so dreadfully that he survived only a few hours. (FFBJ 19.8.1820).

William Button (35)

"killed by falling down a pit…." (remainder illegible), burial register, Radstock, 8 May 1849

Henry Carter

William Ball (or Bull)

Paulton. The two men were ascending from their work at a coalpit at Petherton with George Harris & Stephen Ball, (brother in law of the above), when owing to a misconception, a wrong signal was given to the engineer who slackened instead of drawing up, Carter and Ball fell 20 fathoms to their deaths. Harris & Stephen Ball were saved. (FFBJ 15.3.1823)

James Carter and six others, see page 9.

A poem written in memory of the seven men who lost their lives at Timsbury Colliery, February 6^th 1895. It was written by a member of a well-known local mining family, William Ashman. Timsbury's Conygre. The poem is quoted in full in "Five Arches, the Journal of the Radstock and Midsomer Norton District Museum Society, Issue number 4, June 1987. I am grateful to the Society for allowing me to repeat it here.

Nine men we're told went down the mine

To labour for the night

But seven were killed and only two

Of them came up alive.

They had not left their homes so long

Before the news had spread

That an explosion had taken place

And seven poor men were dead!

How sad the news must be to those

To whom those men belong

To hear their husbands had been killed

Who had not left home long.

It's not so very long ago

That one of these poor men

Had lost a son through accident

Who was but a young man.

We're told it is (that in the midst)

Of life we are in death.

Today we're well, but perhaps ere long

Our eyes may close in death

We pray that God will bless the wives

And the dear little ones

God bless the widow who has lost

Her husband and her son.

Now just a word I'll say to all

Be watchful everyone:

For in an hour that ye think not

The Son of Man will come."

John Carter

Addendum. Of High Littleton, buried there 4.11.1845, aged 40. (PRHL)

William Churchill

"Thursday last, a piece of coal fell from one of the carts near the coalpits at Smoakem on the head of William Churchill, and killed him on the spot. He has left a wife and 4 small children. (FFBJ 29.1.1803)

Job Cromwell

Killed at Camerton by the rope of the gug wheel winding round his body. FFBJ 30.3.1822

James Chivers

coalminer of High Littleton, killed at High Littleton, and buried there 1.2.1772. (PRHL)

John Chivers

Of High Littleton, who was bailiff at Heighgrove Coal Works, and killed there. Died 17 April and buried 18 April, 1759. (PRHL)

Thomas Chivers

Coalminer, killed at Tyning Coal Pit. Buried 19 March, 1796. (Various Settlement examinations of the Chivers family including Sampson Chivers, 9 December 1845, are among High Littleton parish records.) (PRHL)

Mark Cleaves

Erratum. This man's name incorrectly appears as "Cleevis" in the Mining Inspector's Reports. He died aged 26, according to a gravestone in High Littleton churchyard. He was buried there 2.10.1866. (PRHL, MIHL)

William Cleaves

Addendum. Of Farnborough, age 25, buried High Littleton 7.11.1845 (PRHL)

David Cook (17)

"killed in the coalpit, brother of James Cook, killed in the coalpit at Fry's Bottom." Buried Clutton, 24.1.1831.

James Cook, see David Cook, above.

John Crick

Killed Bromley Pit Cage accident, buried Farmborough, 11.11.1913, aged 35. (PR)

George Dagger

Inquest on George Dagger, coalminer, killed Timsbury, 20. 6.1812 (FFBJ).

Ernie "Slogger" Edwards

Mr G.W. Quartley, a workmate, recalled in 1992, that "he was killed by a roof fall, late 1950s or early 60s. "I recall walking to the pit bottom with him and a group of colleagues some little time before the accident, and the following exchange took place: 'Slogger, is that right your young 'uns (brother) dead?' Well if he aint, they served the poor b----- a dirty trick, they've buried 'im.'"

James Evans

Addendum. Of High Littleton, aged 43, buried there, 29.10.1845. (PRHL)

Reuben Fear

Crushed to death by a fall at New Rock, Midsomer Norton . Mr Brough, the Inspector concluded the accident was "unavoidable". (BO 29.9.1860)

-------Flowers

"Tuesday night about nine o'clock, as a lad named Flowers, the son of Mr T. Flowers, farmer of Writhlington, was riding past Shoscombe coalpit, recently opened near Radstock, he with the horse unfortunately fell down the shaft by which accident, both were killed on the spot. The lad had one or two brothers at work in the pit but some scaffolding which was constructed inside the shaft intercepted the direct fall of the horse upon them, otherwise they must inevitably have been crushed to death. " (BMi 5.12.1829)

George Green

And Another

"Tuesday morning, two men descending a Coalpit at Holcombe, suffocated by noxious air. One, George Green, has left a wife and three children." (FFBJ 4.10.1794)

Joseph Gullick (70) of Farmborough

James Hollbrook (14) of Timsbury

Accidentally killed in a coalpit belonging to Messrs Moggs and Co. (FFBJ 21.4.1810)

(James Hollbrook was buried at Timsbury, see main list.)

George Hancock

"by a fall into a coalpit, lost his life." Buried 11.11.1759 at Kilmersdon. (Kilmersdon PR)

John Harding (62)

James Attwood (14)

Addenda. The two were buried at Newton St Loe, 17.7.1796.

John Haskins

Death through a pit accident, 1789-1800. (See Mendip Annals, Martha Moore, Bristol Ref Lib, RB/3316, p95.)

Thomas Heal

William Heal

"Mr C.D. Purnell, was clerk and weigher of Simon's Hill and Ham Lane Pit. The pit was kept open to pump the water from Simon's Hill. You could get small coal for 11 shillings and twopence, (about 57p), per hundredweight then. It was so plentiful that a lot was hauled down the land to repair the road. The pit engine boilers were haystack shaped with the bottom raised up and hollow. If the water was not kept up well above the bottom it would cause super heated steam and blow up the boiler. It happened at Simon's Hill and it killed Mr Thomas Heal. He lived at the Tennis Court. His son William was killed also at Ham Pit. The plunger of the engine came too far out of the house and as he worked to get it back the steam was turned on and the surge coming out suddenly knocked his brains out. He was a cornet player and used to lead the choir in the chapel."

(extract from the autobiography of John Watts, from "Five Arches, number 9, winter 1989/90)

Thomas Hill - see William Moore, 1847

Richard Hinton

Erratum. Killed Welton, not Wootton, 13.12.1799.

James Hodges (22)

"who had his back broke at Bromidge in the Coalpit at Midsummer (sic) Norton, 1796." (PRStanton Drew)

James Hollbrook - see Joseph Gullick, 1810

Edward Hoskins (80)

In order to get work at Braysdown pit, he falsely gave his age as 67. He was set to run "the jailer" but sadly fell down the shaft and was killed. The inspector, not surprisingly, concluded "he was too old for the job." (MIR, BMi 9.3.1861) (Thank the Lord for Old Age Pensions)

David Jackson

Crushed between one of the electric underground locomotives and the steel ring roof side supports, late 1950s, early 60s. (information from Mr G.W. Quartley, 24 May 1992)

John Jefferies

"a poor collier of Welton was killed by a large stone which fell on his head. He has left a wife and six children." (FFBJ 6.9.1794)

Bob Jones

Killed as a result of a shot firing accident, late 1950s or early 60s. (information from Mr G.W. Quartley, 24 May 1992)

John Lansdown (26)

"Killed by the coal falling", buried Newton St Loe, 1.2.1795 (PRNSL)

James Lewis

Killed at Camerton by a fall of stone from the roof. (BO 13.10.1860)

-------Maggs

c1750. Settlement Examination of George Maggs, aged 43, born Farmborough who stated, "When I was 12 months old, my father was killed in a pit accident." (PRHigh Littleton)

William Moore of Mells

Thomas Hill of Leigh on Mendip

"killed in a Coal Pit." Buried Mells, 7.5.1829. (PR Mells)

Joseph Osbourn (17)

Killed Vobster Coal Pit, buried Mells, 7.5.1829.

George Palmer

Adendum. For more details see Bath Chronicle 28 & 30.10.1845.

Daniel Pickford

Addendum. Of Farnborough, aged 25. Buried High Littleton 18.10.1845. (PRHL, see also Bath Chronicle 28 & 30.10.1845.)

James Powell

"An inquest was lately taken on James Powell of Timsbury, who was killed in a coalmine." (FFBJ 1.6.1811)

Charles Sage (13)

Inquest at Timsbury on Charles Sage who was crushed between the post of a gate and a railroad wagon. (FFBJ 31.12.1801)

George Short (14)

killed at Grove Coalpit, Timsbury. Evidence was given by Thomas Comer, who was working with him that a large piece of coal, 3-4 cwt fell down on him, crushing his right leg and knocking him against the timber supports. With a man named Brydges, they managed to release the boy, who was taken Bath United Hospital. His injured leg was amputated by Mr Gore, but he remained insensible and died Friday night. (FFBJ 9.11.1850)

Lewis Ward Silcock

"coalminer at Camerton Coalworks, being drawn up the pit, the rope or fastening giving away, he was precipitated to the bottom and killed on the spot. He has left a wife and eight children." (BMi 17.11.1827)

John Simmes

"kill'd per the Engine Mill at Timsbury." Buried 7.2.1795. (PRStanton Drew)

James Stockyer

Killed in Radstock Coalworks. Buried Midsomer Norton 19.12.1800. (PRMN)

William (Bill) Taylor

"killed in an underground accident, circa 1950. The result of a prank which led to two men being tried for manslaughter. The facts as far as I can recall, (it happened), before the start of the afternoon shift at the bottom of an incline where there was a small electric haulage engine, 'Pik Rose' after the name of the manufacturer. Bill was sitting on or near the engine and one of the two accused started it in motion. Bill got his clothing caught in the rope and was dragged into it. He fractured his spine and subsequently died. The two accused were acquitted at trial." (information from Mr G.W. Quartley, 24 May 1992)

"Tim"

"an eastern European, surname unknown. Killed when a man riding a trolley ran away on an incline as a result of being unhitched too early at the top of the incline and ran back into the next one in which Tim was riding. Another man, Arthur Woodland, lost an arm in the accident. Early 1960s." (information from Mr G.W. Quartley, 24 May 1992)

William Travers - see James Brimble

Thomas Ven

Addendum. "Thomas son of Thomas & Flower Ven of this parish, died 1812 aged 18.

"Act thou in health and spirits gay

I too was so the other day

And thought myself of life was safe

As thou who reads my epitaph."

(Dwelly, Mss Vol I, SRO)

William Walter

Addendum. For more information, see Bath Chronicle 28 & 30.10.1845.

THE DOWLING FAMILY

I have been contacted by Florence Chuk, the Australian author of the "The Somerset Years". Florence says: "I was so interested in the Dowling family, (page 15), who lost two members in mining accidents. Dowlings appear to be bad luck in mines. … I found a couple of Somerset Dowling brothers who died in mining accidents in Victoria. Robert Dowling said that he came from Saint Cuthbert's. He arrived, aged 32, in the 'Sir George Seymour' in 1849 with his wife Mary. He died on the Ballarat Goldfields in 1857, although his death was never registered. In the early days people often assumed that an inquest automatically registered a death, so many deaths are only officially indicated in the Inquest Records. His brother Henry had come out a year earlier on the 'Aurora' with his wife Ann. Henry said he came from Woodford and Ann from Chustock. Henry died following a fall of earth in a mine. He was taken out alive but his legs were terribly injured. He was taken to the Ballarat Hospital by cart, where one leg was amputated. Doctors said he seemed likely to recover, but he died the next day. Poor Henry. Their brother Edward arrived per 'Hope' in1849. He did not die in mine - well as far as I have discovered - but he was only 40 when he died in 1858.

"I began to list the men who had died in mining accidents in Victoria by going through the Inquest Index. It began to be interesting but quite overwhelming, as almost every inquest in Victoria was from a mining accident. And there were many Chinese - I had to admire the Coroners of that time in eliciting detailed statements through an interpreter."

ANONYMOUS

"Monday last, a man was killed as he was at work in a coalpit at Timsbury about 5 miles from this City." (Bath Journal, 14.3.1747/8)

"Three men were at work in Mr Davis's pit, Nailsea, when a large mass, 10 tons in weight fell on to the centre man, killing him instantly. One of the others had his leg broke. They were taken to the Infirmary at Bristol and it is very probable they will soon be speedily returned to their families." (FFBJ 22.2.1806)

"Three men were killed at Timsbury Coalpit Wednesday morning by the breaking of the rope." (FFBJ 21.5.1814)

"Saturday a deplorable accident happened at Timsbury Coalworks near Bath, six men having imprudently mounted on a basket of coal on its ascent at the mouth of the pit and having been drawn up a considerable way, the rope being over weighted, broke, and they were precipitated to the bottom. Four were taken up dead and two others survived but a short time." (FFBJ 15.4.1815)

"Accident at Smallcombe Coalworks, near Bath, when 5 men were precipitated 30 feet to the ground owing to the mismanagement of the fire engine. We do not hear that any of the sufferers have died, although they are severely injured." FFBJ 13.11.1819

MISCELLANEOUS

Tuesday morning died Parfitt Maggs, the noted fighting collier, who was shot on Saturday last by William Baker, a lime burner of Twerton in resolutely attempting to execute a warrant of distress on the goods of the said Baker. He received the whole charge of the gun on his hip. The Coroner's Inquest brought in their verdict - manslaughter and Baker is committed to the County Prison. (BMBJ 29.4.1775, kindly contributed by Jane Baker.)

Stephen Jordan, Henry Biggs, and James Gregory, "for leaving work unfinished at the Coalworks at Paulton, were sent to prison for one month; Joseph Gregory, two months

for the same offence." (FFBJ 25.2.1815)

AN APOLOGY

Mr Edward Battle, whose uncle Clifford Battle is listed above wrote to me to ask why Clifford's name was not included. This was because I had not come across his accident. I am glad to rectify the omission this time. Although I have tried to make the list as complete as possible, I know there must be many more miners who came to a tragic end through accidents, not to say those who died of illness, like Mr Battle's father, directly caused through their years of toil in the mines. If you happen to find any information about mining accidents in Mendip from any time, or know of anyone in your family who I have not found, and you would like included in the next update, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am sure there are a great many omissions of the more "recent" accidents from the late 19^th and early 20^th century when newspapers began to be issued daily, and there are many more pages to look through. As you can imagine this is incredibly time consuming.

AND FINALLY

a (slightly risqué) story, passed on to me in 1992 by an old Mendip miner, Mr Gerald Quartley:

"A story told to me by Frank Herridge of Writhington, one of three brothers who worked at Norton Hill. Frank started work at Foxcote, and the old chap who used to dish out the allowance of candles before going underground, Theophilus Swift, used to get carried away by Frank's and other young men's accounts, imagined and real of their exploits with the girls. So interested did he become that if you put your allowance of candles in an inside pocket, he would forget himself and give you a second lot. Frank used to play on this to keep the house supplied with candles for the bedrooms, oil lamps only extended to the downstairs rooms. Frank would often set off to work when the supply was running down with his mother's reminder, "Don’t forget the candles, Frankie." He never divulged the method by which these were obtained."

Abbreviations:

FFBJ – Felix Farley’s Bristol Journal

BMBJ - Bonner & Middleton’s Bristol Journal

BMi - Bristol Mirror

BMerc – Bristol Mercury

PR - Parish Register

MI - Monumental Inscription

BO - Bristol Observer

MIR - Mines Inspector’s Report

SRO - Somerset Record Office

There have been a number of Bristol Riots, the most recent being in 1980, but the most notorious took place between 26 & 31 October 1831, ostensibly in favour of “Reform” – to extend the right to vote. The skies of Bristol glowed blood red from the fires lit by the mob, the Bridewell and Gaol were torched and the prisoners freed. There were 250 casualties, killed and wounded. Five men were executed, Christopher DAVIS, John KEYES, Richard VINES, Thomas GREGORY and William CLARKE.

The following is a list of the more fortunate smaller fry with, where possible, the punishments they received. It will be seen that a number of them have “death recorded” against their names. In these cases the sentences were commuted to transportation for life. It is stated that when these individuals “were given to believe that their lives would spared, a few seemed to care little, being heard to say, “Thank you, My Lord.” Patrick Kearney was more voluble, and cried “Thank Ye, My Lord. My life’s spared till Ireland’s free. Sweet Ireland For Ever!” It seems to me that a disproportionate number, from their surnames, were “Bristol Irish.”

name	charge	result
Sarah ANDERSON & Mark PARKER	Theft of sofa from Benjamin BICKLEY	acquitted
George ANDREWS	Assisting firing house of Messrs LEMAN & Wm CROSS	Guilty, death recorded
Edward ARBORNE	Destroying house of F.T. BARNARD
Thomas AYLAND	Theft of bonnet from A. WOOKEY	“of trifling value” - discharged
Patrick BARNETT	Setting fire to house of William CROSS	Guilty, death recorded
James BAYLEY	Destroying house in St Nicholas
William BEARDE	Destroying Gaol	12 months hard labour
William BEER	Firing Gaol
Thomas Evans BENDALL	Setting fire to Bishop’s Palace	Guilty, death recorded
William BENNETT	Destroying house in St Stephen	Boy, guilty
James BENTLEY	riot	Boy, guilty
John BOND	Firing house, St Nicholas	acquitted
Thomas BRIMMELL	Theft of a Bible from John Price KIRBY	6 months hard labour
John BRITTON	Theft of a sword from Henry JEW	acquitted
Benjamin BROAD	Firing house, Queen Square	Guilty, death recorded
Peter BROWN, seaman	See John HARPER	guilty
Samuel BROWNING & Felix WYMAN	Theft of a pair of sheets from Joseph RICHARDSON	2 years hard labour
John Tarrant BUFFIN	Demolishing house of Benjamin BICKLEY & theft of cotton handkerchiefs from Christopher CLAXTON
William BURGESS	Theft of papers belonging to His Majesty & a book from Charles ANDERSON	6 months hard labour
William CHAMP	Setting fire to house of Wm SHEPPARD	Boy, guilty
Mary CHARLES	Stealing a muff and other articles from Hester BARRETT	Not Guilty
William CHRISTOPHER Irishman	Breaking house of John Stroud BROAD, and theft from there & from Julia HARFORD	Transported 7 years
Charles COATES	With John REES, destroying house of Benjamin BICKLEY	Guilty, 2 years imprisonment
James COLE	Theft of 6 books from Alexander Campbell JOHNSON	6 months
Timothy COLLINS	Firing house, St Nicholas	Guilty, death recorded
James COURTNEY	Pulling down Gaol	Guilty, death recorded
John & Sarah COX	Receiving violin see Joseph KEATES	Not guilty
Henry CRINKS – see KRINKS
Stephen CULLEN	Theft of 7 bottles of wine from James ROOM, jun	4 months hard labour
Edward DADY	Theft of books	Previous good character, sentence deferred, then 6 months hard labour
John DALLY & John HOWELL	Destroying house in St Nicholas	acquitted
William DOGBERTY	Riot in St Stephens & St Nicholas	No evidence offered, bound over
Benjamin DONNE (Dunne)	Theft of brass weight, property of His Majesty	12 months hard labour
James DONOVAN	Demolishing house is St Nicholas	acquitted
Daniel DOYLE, boy	Demolishing Bridewell	Also Theft of a watch, valued £1. To be imprisoned 6 months and whipped during this time. His mother the next named was reprimanded for sending her son & daughter out looting. This may be the same Daniel Doyle tried several years later for stealing lead from roof of the “Lady Rodney” Steam Packet and transported for life. See Bs Merc 4.7.1835
Eleanor DOYLE	Theft of 8 pairs of gloves from Rebecca JONES	acquitted
William DREW, mariner	Breaking into house of John MOXHAM, theft	12 months hard labour
Margaret DWYER (GWYER)	Receiving linen sheet, property Wm HUMPHRIES, Governor of the Gaol	Not Guilty
James DYER	Theft 4 gallons beer, property R. WALTER & pulling down a house	Guilty, death recorded.
Thomas FITZGERALD	Destroying Gaol	acquitted
Stephen GAISFORD	Firing house, Queen Square	Guilty, death recorded
Thomas GALLICK	Theft 6 yards linen from Christopher CLAXTON & 2 coats from J.L. BICKLEY	12 months hard labour
Henry GREEN	Destroying house of J.J. LEMAN	Guilty, death recorded
Margaret GWYER	See Margaret Dwyer
Samuel HARDING	Destroying Custom House	2 years hard labour
John HARPER & Peter BROWN	Disturbing peace in St Nicholas	guilty
Anthony HARVEY	Riot & disturbing peace	boy
James HASTY	Theft of a parcel of cancelled bank notes from J. BRADLEY & F.T. BARNARD	“the bits of paper” were valued at 2 shillings. Acquitted
William HEDGES, (boy) Joseph HEDGES, (boy)	Destroying house of Charles PINNEY, esq	Both guilty
Cornelius HICKEY	Riot St Stephens	Guilty, death recorded
Daniel HIGGS	Firing Gaol	Guilty, death recorded
Catherine HOGAN	Theft of 2 silk dresses property of Duncan M’ARTHUR	12 months hard labour
John HOWELL	See John DALLY	acquitted
Charles HUISH	See James STREET	Transported 7 years
Thomas HUSSEY	Theft of 7 bottles of wine from James ROOM, jun	4 months hard labour
James IVES	Theft of a gold watch from Rev Charles BUCK & a silver salver Value £30 from house of Anna Maria BRICKDALE belonging to Mayor, Burgesses & Commonalty of Bristol	7 years transportation
John JACOBS	Riot & disturbing peace	Guilty
David JAMES	Theft, 70 gallons beer from John STURDWICK ROWE	Guilty. Sentence of death recorded
John JARVIS	Theft of 7 bottles of wine from James ROOM, jun	4 months hard labour
John JELLEMY/JEREMY of Brislington *	Firing house of Wm HUMPHRIES	2 years imprisonment.
William JENKINS	rioting	guilty
John JONES	Theft of 6 books from Robert SAY	12 months hard labour
Patrick KEARNEY	Assisting firing of Gaol	Guilty, death recorded
Joseph KEATES	Theft of Violin from Wm CROSS	7 years transportation
Henry KRINKS, & John THOMAS	Theft of 60 gallons spirits, 60 gallons beer & a clock from J.S. ROWE	Guilty. Sentence of death recorded
Thomas LANE	Theft brass chandelier suspender, property Charles PINNEY esq.	1 month, hard labour, previous good character, judge said parents and masters should have more control over their children
William LEE	Theft of silver dessert spoon from William Charles STEPHENS	3 months hard labour
Samuel LEVERS	Stealing 2 promissory notes from John Stroud BROAD
Aaron MARTIN, stable boy	Theft of cabinet, property of A.JOHNSON	7 years transportation. Said “Thank ye, My Lord, I did not know I had so long to live.”
Thomas MARTIN	Theft of cabinet, property of A.JOHNSON	Relative – brother?- of above, acquitted
Daniel M’Carthy	Firing house of F.T. BARNARD	12 months hard labour
Edward McDonald	Entering dwelling house of Chas PINNEY	Boy, guilty
John MECAY	Destroying gaol	Guilty, death recorded
William MASON	Theft of gold watch from Julia HARFORD	12 months hard labour
William MORGAN	Disturbing peace & want of sureties	guilty
Richard NEVILLE	Destroying house in St Stephens	7 years transportation
Nathaniel (Samuel?) NEWTON	Breaking into house of Thos SHEPPARD	acquitted
Charles NOTT	Theft of 20 Gallons spirit from Edward ZINCRAFT	12 months hard labour
Jonas OSBORNE	Demolishing house in St Nicholas	Boy, acquitted
William OSGOOD	Setting fire to Bridewell
Mary PARKER		1 month hard labour
John PEACH	Theft of 5 plated candlesticks, property of Rt Hon Robt GRAY, Lord Bishop of Bristol & silver cup, property of HM the King
James PHILLIPS	Firing house, St Nicholas	Boy, guilty
Richard PHIPPS	Firing Gaol
Robert POUCHARD	Firing Gaol	Not guilty
William PUNCH	Destroying Bridewell	12 months hard labour
James PRICE	Theft 4 gallons beer, property R. WALTER	Guilty, death recorded
Hannah REEVES/REES	Receiving 2 linen sheets property of Henry BRIDGES SMITH	6 months hard labour
William REEVES	Theft of papers belonging to James LEMAN	“the bits of paper” were valued at 2 shillings. Acquitted
John REES	See Chas COATES	guilty
William REYNOLDS	Theft of silver tankard from Benjamin BICKLEY	Guilty, death recorded
John SIMMONS/SYMMONS	Theft tea urn and fender from Wm STRONG	Guilty, death recorded
James SIMS	Destroying Bishop’s Palace
Samuel SMITH	riot	acquitted
James SNOOK	Destroying house of William STRONG	Guilty, death recorded
James STREET & Charles HUISH	Entering house of Elizabeth DAVY	7 years transportation
George STYLING	Destroying house in St Nicholas	guilty
Daniel SULLIVAN	Firing, St Nicholas	Boy, guilty
Michael SULLIVAN	Destroying a house	Guilty, death recorded
John THOMAS	See Henry KRINKS
John TOWELL	Destroying house in St Nicholas	Guilty, death recorded
Charles TURTLE	Destroying house in St John the Baptist	acquitted
James E. WALKER	Theft of 2 gallons beer from E.C. LEWIS & a quart from George BAKER	This was robbery with violence. Sentenced to be transported for life
Matthew WARRY	Assisted pulling down house of Thomas EVANS keeper of Bridewell	Guilty, death recorded
Charles WATERS		2 years
Charles WILLIAMS	Destroying house of T. WEBB	Guilty, death recorded
James WILLIAMS	Firing Gaol
Felix WYMAN	See Samuel BROWNING	2 years hard labour

· In my booklet “Brislington Bulletins, no. 7, 1825-40” I stated that no Brislington parishioner was involved, then lo and behold along came John Jellamy who, in 1827, lodged with my distant kinfolk William and Harriet PILLINGER.

· This article was prompted by an email from Peter & Roslyn Dunning from Australia peteandros@westnet.com.au who are descendants of the cheeky chappie Aaron Martin. It is great to know that he survived down under. If anybody knows his parentage – he lived at Lewin’s Mead and his father was a farmer, please contact Peter and Ros.

· The above information with much more detail can be found in Bristol Mercury 3 January & 17 January, 1832. It is interesting to note that this newspaper was against capital punishment and argued forcibly, sadly without success, for the reprieve of the five men who were hanged and made much of the discrepancies of the sentences between them and a number of the others.

A future article will list the casualties.

In response to my blog of 1st August “Barry Turton” in which I mentioned the pantomime at Bristol South Baths and one of the numbers, "Open the Door, Richard" Giles Oakley has contacted me with the history of this song which I recall from the 1950s but in fact goes much further back.

Giles says it is “an old African American vaudeville comedy routine from the mid-1930s created by a man called John 'Spider Bruce' Mason, later turned into a hit record by Dusty Fletcher in the '40s. It was one of the biggest hits of the era, covered by many different jazz and rhythm & blues artists, becoming so popular at one point in February/March 1947 no less than five versions of it were in the 'Billboard' Race Records charts simultaneously, including Fletcher's original together with brilliant versions by Jack McVea, Count Basie, the Three Flames and Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five. I would guess that it was the latter recording that made the biggest impact in Britain since Jordan, the biggest selling black artist in the USA in the '40s, had several of his humourous 'jump blues' recordings issued here. (I was amazed to find one of his Decca 78s amongst my grandmother's classical music collection in the 60s).  The alto-sax playing Jordan was also very popular in the Caribbean and perhaps West Indians settling in Bristol spread the word. I would imagine that Bristol as a a port city was where many American records entered the UK, brought in by sailors in exactly the same way as happened in Liverpool, as attested by John Lennon and many others.

“I had no idea I'd get onto such a topic when I entered your site, my interest being based on family history. My mother's family, nee Martin, came from Bristol in the 19th/early 20th century, and before that an Oakley ancestor owned Pen Park House in the 1830s.”

Giles’ account intrigued me, as did his Bristol connection. Of course, I had no option but to look for the Oakley ancestor! Pen Park, the mansion house was an imposing Georgian pile in extensive grounds built mid to late 18th century at the end of Charlton Road near Westbury on Trym. The house was burnt in 1961 and again in 1964. It was finally demolished in 1969 and a photograph of the frontage is in Reece Winstone's “Bristol as it was: 1960-2. The name lives on in Pen Park Road and (of course) Pen Park Hole! This cavern boasts the earliest caving fatality in Great Britain and Ireland, one Thomas Newman, who on March 17, 1775 fell to his death whilst trying to plumb its depth.

Major P.J.R. Waller, MBE, DL, JP in a letter to the Western Daily Press on May 30, 1956 says “it might amuse you to know that the oldest house near the traffic lights at the Southmead end of Pen Park Road was an isolated gamekeeper’s cottage in my father’s boyhood. I myself shot partridges close by. Also one walked to church in Henbury down country lanes in the 1940s. My great great grandfather was an ironmaster and owned the Eagle Steel Works in Bristol” (another story for investigation perhaps?) “and in the 1850s or so decided to become a country gentleman. He sold the steelworks and bought Pen Park.  All that is identifiable now is a Wellingtonia tree. I have childhood memories of cider making, hay making, an old home with no electric lights ever” (so do I – it was next door to where I lived as a child in Victoria Park, Kingswood!) “and well water until 1937 and very primitive sewage arrangements. Yet in the 1850s an enormous amount of money had been spent and it was the acme of luxury.” 

The Oakley dwelling had been advertised for sale in June 1841, and in response to this information, Giles emailed again attaching more details and a rough copy of the will of his ancestor, Richard Oakley of Pen Park. Richard was…….

…….“the (much richer) older brother of my Great Great Great Grandfather George Oakeley, a yeoman farmer who seems to have emigrated at some unknown date and fallen on hard times in Nova Scotia ('my poor afflicted brother...' named in a codicil of his will dated  March 23, 1832) Richard was born and buried in Wigmore in Herefordshire. How he came by Pen Park isn't clear, possibly by marriage. His first wife, perhaps a Frances Banner, died (in childbirth?) and he then married Mary Banner in 1810, presumably a sister or cousin. There is a memorial to Richard in Wigmore church put up by his widow, Mary. I have never quite sorted out all the relationships, which straddle across into Lambeth in London and Kent as well as Herefordshire and Bristol. What adds to the confusion is that there is more than one Richard Oakley around at that time.”

“I inherited a lovely Roman intaglio ring via my father and great aunt which originally belonged to Richard. It's setting is Georgian, but the engraved image is of the Goddess Hope, an early Christian symbol, as in 'Faith , Hope and Charity'.”

The idea that Richard Oakley married two sisters is possible but unlikely. Marriage to a deceased wife’s sister was within the “prohibited degrees” and not permissible in Canon Law up to 1907.  Until 1835 such marriages were not void but could be voided by legal action and any one likely to be found out would be reluctant to take the chance. It appears that Richard’s first marriage which has not yet been found was either to a Frances Swayne or Frances Banner. There were five children of the marriage of whom only one daughter and a son, Edward Banner, survived. Richard’s first wife died giving birth to Edward and the boy’s second Christian name suggests that if she was not a Banner, at least she was connected to the Banner family. Richard’s second marriage to Mary Banner of Broadstairs took place on the Isle of Thanet in 1810. In a newspaper announcement he is described as a solicitor.

It maybe that Richard and Mary Oakley moved into Pen Park following the death, announced in the Bristol Mercury on March 8, 1819,  of John Lambert, esquire. This gentleman, described as “formerly of Pen Park, Gloucestershire”, was a retired solicitor who died at his lodging in North Parade, Bath. Alas the famous waters could not save him,  but at the age of 81, he had had, certainly for those times, “a good innings” as my Dad would have said.  Mr Lambert’s chief claim to fame was that “he was master to the unfortunate Chatterton.” Thomas Chatterton

He was evidently the attorney to whom Chatterton was apprenticed aged 14 in 1766 and the above is said to be a likeness of the young Chatterton. In the famous “dead” portrait of the poet by Henry Wallis, the model was the actor George Meredith.

As to Richard Oakley, he was living at Pen Park when the marriage of his only daughter Frances to Dr Robert H. Graham of Bath by the Rev Carrow MA took place at Westbury on Trym on September 18, 1827. It was announced in the press a few days later.

We can perhaps deduce that even at that stage Richard did not altogether approve of the match, though maybe gritted his teeth and smiled for show. By the time he made his will, 17th March the following year, it is clear that all was not well. He did not care at all for his son in law and the substantial sum left to Frances by way of annuity was “ not to be subject to his (Doctor Graham’s) debts, control or interference.” Graham was provided for however with a life interest should he survive Frances. The business of Frances’ inheritance took up much of the testament so that the other items almost seem tacked on: a bequest to his son, Edward Banner Oakley when he should reach the age of 26; mention of his “excellent and dearly loved wife” who had been “amply provided for under a will of Mrs Thompson”; his sister Elizabeth and brother in law Benjamin Hills whose children, Richard’s nephews and nieces, unnamed, were to be rewarded with 10 guineas each.

With the drafting of the will approved,  the scribe put down his quill,  the lawyer waited and his satisfied client rang a bell summoning three members of staff waiting patiently, even apprehensively, in the corridor. John Ham, the footman, Philip Mears, the coachman, and Elizabeth Ackland, a housemaid, all dutifully bowed or bobbed, signed as witnesses and the business was complete. It is nice to catch this glimpse of the below stairs staff at Pen Park in this way.

By July 24, 1828, relations between father in law and son in law had deteriorated further. Richard Oakley felt obliged to add a codicil to his will.

“in consequence of the unworthy treatment my daughter has received at the hands of Dr Graham I do hereby revoke the bequest of a life estate interest in the event of his surviving my daughter and revoke power of appointment given him amongst the children of their marriage and entirely exclude (him) from any meddling in my affairs.”

It  would be interesting to know whether Robert Graham was the villain he seems. Whatever “the truth” a son and daughter Joanna and Gerald were born of the marriage. The son, Gerald Graham won the VC in the Crimean War!

Following the worry about his daughter’s happiness, Richard seems to have found solace in gardening. At the Bristol Horticultural Show in June 1829 he won second prize for his grapes and went even better in August the same year, being placed first for his artichokes.

Richard died at Wigmore, Herefordshire on November 17, 1832, though he is stated in the Gentleman’s Magazine notice to be of Pen Park, near Bristol.  There is a memorial plaque at Wigmore erected by his widow Mary who died July 3, 1838 at Oswaldkirk, Yorkshire.

A Thomas Cobham esquire was living at Pen Park on December 29, 1838 when the birth of his daughter was announced. Sadly, this baby, Blanche Elizabeth died aged 10 months in November 1839. The birth of another daughter was announced on July 11, 1840.  Thomas Cobham did not stay long. He moved with his family to Devon and Pen Park was put up for sale in 1841.

The above is merely a summary of the genealogy of the Oakley family and their connection to Pen Park. If anyone is related to this family which belongs to Wigmore, Lambeth as well as Pen Park, Bristol I will be pleased to pass on further information.

I recently received the following email:

My name is Brian Sheen. I am researching a Walter Brain the son of William Brain and Sarah Tripp nee Edwards, William was a Farmer a Publican and also a Mine owner.

Walter was living at home in the 1861 census for Stapleton Gloucester. There is no trace of him in the 1871 census yet in the 1881 census he and his (wife) plus 6 Children all born in Bath are there, Walter’s occupation is a furniture salesman, their youngest Thomas William being born © 1866 as I said in Bath.

Walter’s wife puts her name on the birth certificate of their daughter, (the line I’m tracing) Leonora Tamar as Annie Pettigrove Brain formerly Howes.

I have a copy of the marriage certificate for Annie Pettigrove daughter of Daniel Pettigrove and Hester (Esther) Hudd; the marriage took place in St Philip and Jacob Church July 20 1840 after Banns. Annie at the time was a minor.

I can find no trace of a marriage between Walter Brain and Annie Pettigrove nee Howes what so ever. I searched through www.freeBMD.co.uk and www.ancestory.co.uk, trying all sorts of spelling combinations for Brain and Howes, all to no avail.

As I said Annie has put her name on the birth certificate as if she were married to Walter Brain.

From your information on the Brain family; would you by any chance have anything on this Walter and Annie Brain of Bath please?

Thank you.

I replied:

Dear Brian

The Brain papers were left to me by my friend, the late Walter Anthony Brain who I knew as Tony. His name suggests that he belonged to the branch of the Brain family that you are researching. (I am descended from Hugh Brain who also came from the Bitton area.)

I have looked through Tony's lists and there is no Brain/Howes marriage shown. (I think your marriage for Annie Pettygrove Hudd is a red herring. The name Pettygrove is not unusual in the Kingswood district.) I have also checked the Bath Register Office index of marriages - no luck - and the births index which unlike 19th century FreeBMD gives the mother's maiden name. All the children were registered at Bath 1866-81, all Brain/Howes.

Walter was missing somewhere in 1871, perhaps on the road as he was a salesman, but I have found Annie in Devizes. I used the most unusual name among those she chose for her children (Flora) to do a search and found the family as follows:

Thomas Howes, head, married, innkeeper, Black Swan, 25 Market Place, wife Ann, and children Thomas, Rhoda, Tamar and Lilly. All were born Bitton except Lilly who was born Melbourne, Australia!  Visiting were Annie Brain, daughter, 25, Thomas W. Brain, grandson, 4 and Flora L Brain, granddaughter, 2, plus several servants.

I can't throw any light on Walter's whereabouts in 1871 - or why (apparently) he and Annie did not marry. It would seem to suggest that one or other had a previous marriage, but so far I have drawn a blank on this too.  Could they have been in Australia at some time with Annie's family?

If you have not already done so, I would suggest you might it helpful to join the Bristol & Avon Family History Society where you are likely to find other Brain researchers as the name is common in our area and fairly localised to Kingswood. See also Brain and Howes in the alphabetical lists in my Kingswood Index. See top of this website.