Biddlecombe families of Thorncombe and Winsham

Section - Biddlecombe of Thorncombe in Dorset / Devon and Winsham in Somerset

This is a collection of the articles about Biddlecombe families in the counties of Devon / Dorset and Somerset

It also drifts into Canada as we follow the families.

This Part contains a collection of Sections associated with the Counties together with the associated 'locations and 'Records and Other'

This is part of a series of articles about the Families of Biddlecombe and variations of that name. The introduction to the series is Families of Biddlecombe and variations of that name - START. If you have not visited the introduction yet might I suggest that you do so.

Locations

Collection at Section level, Thorncombe and Winsham

The ESRI Story Map is a repeat of elsewhere, so that each element is stand alone.

Locations

The location of an event has a significant importance when looking at the past through the lens of a Family Tree. A wide family with the same surname can have many individuals with the same name and approximately the same birth year, particularly with Christian names either generally popular or past down for generations through the family. Each with their own family, and, to confuse things further, frequently with the same names for parents through the generations. Sometimes it is only the location that can separate one John from another.

This section explores some of those locations to help keep the history correct, and to share my exploration and findings.

ESRI Story Map

Below is, in part the culmination of my 'perambulation of the borders' of the Canford Manor, plotted on a single map so as to see the true extent of the huge manor. It is a stand alone ESRI Story Map so there will inevitably be repetition.

You can also open the ESRI Story Map An exploration of Biddlecomb(e) families by clicking on the link, which will open a new page.

Planned future additions to the story are the locations of all of the people mentioned in this article for whom I can establish a location. Some are already plotted. Others include Biddlecomb(e)'s with later stories and records. All being slowly expanded.

Scroll down the insert to see the map, which can also be expanded.

Thorncombe

The reason for including these locations.

Thorncombe in Devon and later Dorset

Thorncombe village, surroundings and parish.

The of John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe in the County of Devon is the focus of this location tab.

John Biddlecombe

In the name of God Amen I John Biddlecombe of a place called Hanplott within the parish of Thorncombe in the County of Devon.

George Biddlecombe

George Biddlecombe is also listed as a landowner in the Tithe Apportionment.

Joseph Aplin

Thorncombe Farm, Fore Street, the home of Joseph, Mary, and Elizabeth Aplin according to the 1841 Census.

James Aplin

According to the 1841 Census James Aplin and family lived at Forde Abby Farm

On to the locations mentioned in the wills.

Thorncombe

Greenwood Atlas of the Counties of England Surveyed 1817 to 1833

Greenwood Atlas Devon

Greenwood Atlas Devon East

Greenwood Atlas Devon East Thorncombe Parish

Greenwood Atlas Devon East Thorncombe

Thorncombe Devon / Dorset

Thorncombe is very near the Devon / Dorset border, and was in Devon but the border has now moved, such that it is now part of Dorset.

Whilst Thorncombe was in Devon at the time of the will of John Biddlecome by the date of the above map, Dorset XIX.15, Revised: 1901, Published: 1903, the county borders had already changed, shown in gold. Dorset centre and right, Devon left, East, and Somerset, top and top right, North. The parish heading for Thorncombe, highlight in light blue, and the village of Thorncombe circled in light blue. The marker represents the location thought to be the home of John Biddlecombe.

Zooming it to the village of Thorncombe on the same map gives more detail.

Moving on to a Tithe Map of the Parish of Thorncombe, signed by the Tithe Commissioners on 25 February 1843. There is a note indicating that the map was repaired 20 November 1961. I have circled Thorncombe village in light blue, to give you some idea of the position within the parish. The village is not labelled as the whole map is plot based.

Thorncombe and John Biddlecombe

Again zooming in Thorncombe village is on the left. It is recognisable by it's shape and roads compared to the above Ordnance Survey Maps. There is an area that I have given a light blue colour wash which represents land register in the Tithe Apportionment as belonging to John Biddlecombe.

Name: John Biddlecombe
Parish: Thorncombe... County: Devon (Now In Dorset)... Type: Landowner... Plan Number: 1051...
and 1052, 1053, 1054.

An extract from the associated Tithe Apportionment shows three of the four plots as occupied by himself, with plot 1052 being his house, the building shown on the map adjacent to plot 1051.

Plot 1051 is an orchard of about ¹/₄ of an acre, rented out as the record below indicates.

Landowner John Biddlecombe
Occupier John Hitchcock
Parish Thorncombe
County Devon (Now In Dorset)
Original Date 3rd November 1841
Plot 1051

Thorncombe and Mary Biddlecombe

Returning to the Ordnance Survey 25" map.

The Tithe map is rather too dark to make out all the plot numbers, but plot 1002 is within the area circled in green on the OS Map above. On the edge of the village towards the land owned by John Biddlecombe. The significance of plot 1002 may be apparent from the below record.

Landowner Mary Biddlecombe
Occupier Mary Biddlecombe
Parish Thorncombe
County Devon (Now In Dorset)
Original Date 3rd November 1841
Plot 1002

From the will of John Biddlecombe it is apparent that his parents are Joseph and Mary Biddlecombe. Perhaps the Mary Biddlecombe in plot 1002 is John's Mother, or alternatively his sister

Thorncombe and George Biddlecombe

George Biddlecombe is also listed as a landowner in the Tithe Apportionment.

The plots identified as his are in two locations, but he is not the occupier according to the records. The relationship of George to John is not yet known. The lefthand patch is around 'New House' in the area of Headstock Cross. The righthand patch is at Greenhill, adjacent to the Turnpike Road, which is now known as Horseshoe Road. At the junction of the High Street towards Thorncombe village.

Again, the OS 25" map with the two areas owned by George Biddlecombe identified in orange. A transition from the Tithe Map of 1841 to the Dorset XIX.15, Revised: 1901, Published: 1903. George Biddlecombe does appear to have a residence in Winsham, Chard, just 3 miles from the village of Thorncombe. There may be an association with George Bowditch, another surname of interest to me. The plots adjacent to Mary Biddlecombe also have adjacent Bowditch families.

George and James Biddlecombe

George and James Biddlecombe also occupy lands in the parish of Shapwick, Somerset. However, that parish is over 30 miles from Thorncombe so could be a different family. George and James are also recorded in the voters register for Shapwick in the same year as George Biddlecombe is registered in the voters register for Winsham. However, I understand that a person could have more than one vote at than time.

Back to the plots owned by John Biddlecombe as identified by the Above Tithe Maps and Apportionment, circled in light blue. The position of the marker in first map in this section, with the county boundaries, and the map beneath that.

Thorncombe Farm

Thorncombe Farm, Fore Street, Thorncombe

Thorncombe Farm, Fore Street, the home of Joseph, Mary, and Elizabeth Aplin according to the 1841 Census.

Looking in more detail at the Tithe Maps for Thorncombe, Joseph Aplin shows as being a Landowner as well as an Occupier. I actually started with the Map and detail, but it is better to present the Summary first.

It is easy to find Aplin as Landowners as the summary is in order of Landowners, and unsurprisingly, A for Aplin is near the top.

Joseph Aplin as a Landowner with ten separate Occupiers plus Himself. Thomas Aplin and William Aplin are also Landowners.

Joseph Aplin is the occupier of over 160 acres from the Landowner John Biagge Esq. His Tithe rent charge to the vicar is almost £22 per year.

James Aplin, with the pink marking, is a much smaller affair from this landowner, a mere 36 perch. Tithe Apportionment only a shilling a year, again to the vicar. For ease of reference 40 perches to a rood, and 4 roods to one acre. Also In 2021, the relative value of £21 18s 5d from 1843 ranges from £2,290.00 to £102,900.00. That is just the Rent Charge to the vicar, to replace the Tithe, not the rent paid to the Landowner for the use of his land.

Moving into the detail;

Joseph Aplin as Landowner, split over two pages, showing his diverse portfolio.

The second page has Thomas Aplin and William Aplin as well as the larger holdings of Joseph Aplin.

Moving on to Joseph Aplin, and he fills almost the whole page with his 163 acres.

The image is difficult to read at this distance, so lets zoom in.

Firstly, the players, John Bragge Esquire (it could be Biagge in some instances within the Tithe Apportionment), as Landowner.

Joseph Aplin as the Occupier.

Very conveniently pulled together under the heading of Thorncombe Farm. Just over 163 acres.

This is what 163 acres looks like. All the above plots of Thorncombe Farm coloured mid-blue.

One plot at the bottom only partially shown, one plot guessed as the number missing in the damaged area and one plot assumed as the transcription seemed questionable.

The red shaded plots indicate that Joseph Aplin is the Landowner and Occupier within the village of Thorncombe. He is also Landowner for the yellow plots, both in the village and in the inset above, but occupied by others according to the Tithe Apportionment. Beside the yellow plots in the inset are brown plots with Landowner William Boon. Not all of the plots could be confidently identified so assumptions have been made.

There are many other plots with potential Biddlecambe wider family members as Landowners and / or Occupiers within the Tithe Apportionment for the Parish of Thorncombe in the County of Devon at the time, but since 1844 part of Dorset.

Forde Abbey Farm

Forde Abbey Farm, Thorncombe (Parish)

According to the 1841 Census James Aplin and family lived at Forde Abby Farm in the Parish of Thorncombe. Presumably the same as the one shown on the above map. Click on the map to go to the source and zoom out to see the location in respect of the village of Thorncombe.

It would be remiss not to pick out Forde Abbey. I have given the River Axe a blue wash, together with the Mermaid Pond at the Abbey. Winsham is not far away, to the north.

To see Forde Abbey as it is today, go to the Forde Abbey website.

The Thorncombe Parish Tithe Map, again with the River Axe and ponds with a blue was, and roads yellow.

The Landowner of Forde Abbey and surrounding area according to the Tithe Apportionment is John Francis Gwyn Esquire. He is also the occupier of the main house and the gardens. James Aplin is the Occupier of the plots coloured orange. There are more plots to colour, but this is zoomed in on the Abbey area.

The extent of the Forde Abbey Farm, occupied by James Aplin coloured orange. The Forde Abby Farm buildings shown on the OS map apparently did not exist at the time of the Tithe Survey but did for the 1841 Census. Partway is shown on the OS map and here, although not named, it is the location of a Dairy House and Garden, Occupied in Tithe terms by James Aplin, but not necessarily his residence. Plot 14, which is within the grounds of the Abbey is described in the Tithe Apportionment as Homestead.

Forde Abbey Farm Tithe Apportionment straddles two pages. As previously stated, the Landowner of Forde Abbey and surrounding area is John Francis Gwyn Esquire. James Aplin is the Occupier of the above listed plots, which based on this list were coloured orange in the map above.

I find that difficult to read so lets zoom in.

That should now be legible. Whilst the names and descriptions are frequently just the local name for a field at that time, sometimes you can still see the name on current maps. The name has been adopted and become official. It must be, it is on a map!

James Aplin was looking after 312 acres, 3 roods and 36 perch, very nearly 313 acres of mainly arable, pasture, and meadow land with the odd wood thrown in for good measure.

	A	r	p
Arable	158	0	29
Meadow	59	3	21
Pasture	71	2	14
Woodland	8	1	37
Gardens and Orchards	13	1	20
			121
			40
		3	3.025
		10
		4
	2	2.5
	311	2	1

The remaining area set to houses, yards, and premises.

The Tithe Map and Tithe Apportionment are to be read together, and in the day created the Tithe Rent Charge. However, the margin note states that the farm is 'Tithe Free'.

There is an additional entry, out of place in the Tithe Apportionment Book. That pertaining to Plot 406, Dairy House and Garden, in the location called Partway.

From the Tithe Apportionment for Thorncombe James Aplin is not a Landowner within the Parish of Thorncombe.

Collection of Biddlecombe and Aplin plots in the Village of Thorncombe

The first find, plots owned by John Biddlecombe in light blue, including his residence. Mary Biddlecombe in Fore Street, in green. The tan circle is a plot identified in the Tithe Apportionment with a George Biddlecombe as the landowner but not the occupier. The recent find in blue is Thorncombe Farm where the 1841 Census records the Joseph, Mary, and Elizabeth Aplin family.

Winsham

Broadwindsor

Shapwick

Tatworth Chard Somerset

Union Place Plymouth Devon

Shapwick

Records

Next action is to put the families names into my Ancestry Tree to see if there are any correlations.

Some Ancestry Trees have Christopher Biddlecomb with his wife Cisley and son John.

Some give the place of birth of John as being Downton in Wiltshire, which could be another Biddlecomb family. There is a Downton between Christchurch and Milford, towards the South coast of Hampshire, south of the New Forest. However, the Downton in Wiltshire, albeit not far from the Hampshire boarder, is near Whiteparish. Downton is mentioned in one of the Turnpike articles on this site.

Then searching for records in FindMyPast which has the data from the Hampshire Genealogical Society.

Burial of the wife of Yonge Biddlecomb on 29 Aug 1661

First name(s) -
Last name Biddlecomb
Birth year -
Death year 1661
Burial day 29
Burial month Aug
Burial year 1661
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Burials
Notes wife of yonge
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Burials
Collections from England, Great Britain

The earliest dated records are for the baptism and burial of William Biddlecomb, son of Hugh/Hugo, both is 1605.

Baptism for William Biddlecomb to father Hugh Biddlecomb

First name(s) William
Last name Biddlecomb
Gender Male
Birth year -
Birth place -
Baptism year 1605
Baptism date 08 Sep 1605
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Father's first name(s) Hugh
Father's last name Biddlecomb
Mother's first name(s) -
Mother's last name -
Record set England Births & Baptisms 1538-1975
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Baptisms
Collections from England, Great Britain

Probably the associated burial of William Biddlecomb, son of Hugo

First name(s) William
Last name Biddlecomb
Birth year -
Death year 1605
Burial day 25
Burial month Sep
Burial year 1605
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Burials
Notes William son of Hugo
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Burials
Collections from England, Great Britain

Baptism of Elnour Biddlecomb, daughter to William, on 22 Sept 1605

First name(s) Elnour
Last name Biddlecomb
Gender Female
Birth year -
Birth place -
Baptism year 1605
Baptism date 22 Sep 1605
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Father's first name(s) William
Father's last name Biddlecomb
Mother's first name(s) -
Mother's last name -
Record set England Births & Baptisms 1538-1975
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Baptisms
Collections from England, Great Britain

Baptism of Christopher Biddlecomb, son of John, on 14 Jun 1754.

First name(s) Christopher
Last name Biddlecomb
Birth year 1754
Baptism day 14
Baptism month Jun
Baptism year 1754
Son or daughter Son
Father's first name(s) John
Mother's first name(s) -
Parish Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Baptisms
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Baptisms
Collections from England, Great Britain

Burial of the wife of John on 31 May 1658

First name(s) -
Last name Biddlecomb
Birth year -
Death year 1658
Burial day 31
Burial month May
Burial year 1658
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Burials
Notes wife of John
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Burials
Collections from England, Great Britain

A potential marriage,

First name(s) Christopher
Last name Biddlecomb
Name note -
Marriage year 1788
Marriage date 18 Nov 1788
Marriage place Ringwood
Spouse's first name(s) Ann
Spouse's last name Etheridge
Spouse's age -
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set England Marriages 1538-1973
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Marriages
Collections from England, Great Britain

First name(s) Christopher
Last name Biddlecomb
Marriage day 18
Marriage month Nov
Marriage year 1788
Place Ringwood
Parish Ringwood
Groom's first name Christopher
Groom's last name Biddlecomb
Groom's notes -
Bride's first name Ann
Bride's last name Etheridge
Bride's notes -
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Marriages
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Marriages
Collections from England, Great Britain

Burial of a Son of Christopher Biddlecomb on 8 Jan 1660

First name(s) Son
Last name Biddlecomb
Birth year -
Death year 1660
Burial day 08
Burial month Jan
Burial year 1660
Place Ringwood
County Hampshire
Country England
Record set Hampshire Burials
Notes son of Christopher
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory Parish Burials
Collections from England, Great Britain

Winsham Independent Chapel
Baptisms 1810 to 1837
Reference: Public Record Office RG4/2934

William DUNFORD, Pastor 1810-29; Thomas CHILDS, Pastor 1830-32, and John WELLS, Pastor 1833-7
The congregation included residents of Winsham, Thorncombe, Broadwinsor & other parishes.

Transcribed from the Parish Registers and donated to the Dorset OPC Project by Kim Parker

Baptism Child’s Forename(s) Relation Parents’ Forenames Parents’ Surnames Birth Comments

18 Sep 1816 John Biddlecombe son of Thomas & Sarah BOON 02 Oct 1815

Burials 1810 to 1837

23 Jan 1824 James BOON 7w N. Chapel

National Archives

C 11 - Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings 1714 to 1758
Subseries within C 11 - Sewell Division

Reference:	C 11/149/8
Description:	Short title: Biddlecomb v Farmer. Document type: answer only. Plaintiffs: Joseph Biddlecom. Defendants: Ann Farmer widow of John Farmer and Mary Farmer their daughter by Henry Biddlecom her uncle. Date of bill (or first document): 1742. Date of last document: 1742

Reference:

C 11/149/8

Description:

Short title: Biddlecomb v Farmer.

Document type: answer only.

Plaintiffs: Joseph Biddlecom.

Defendants: Ann Farmer widow of John Farmer and Mary Farmer their daughter by Henry Biddlecom her uncle.

Date of bill (or first document): 1742.

Date of last document: 1742

C 11 - Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings 1714 to 1758
Subseries within C 11 - Winter Division

Reference:	C 11/490/15
Description:	Short title: Harbutt v Biddlecomb. Document type: Bill and answer. Plaintiffs: Henry Harbutt, gent and Elizabeth Harbutt his wife (only surviving daughter and heir of John Hall, mariner deceased, and great grand daughter of John Hall, potter deceased) all of Deptford, Kent. Defendants: Thomas Anderson, William Pennell, John Biddlecomb, Thomas Wellen, Alexander Minshall, Joyce Byne, Anne Byne and Elizabeth Byne. Date of bill (or first document): 1727

Reference:

C 11/490/15

Description:

Short title: Harbutt v Biddlecomb.

Document type: Bill and answer.

Plaintiffs: Henry Harbutt, gent and Elizabeth Harbutt his wife (only surviving daughter and heir of John Hall, mariner deceased, and great grand daughter of John Hall, potter deceased) all of Deptford, Kent.

Defendants: Thomas Anderson, William Pennell, John Biddlecomb, Thomas Wellen, Alexander Minshall, Joyce Byne, Anne Byne and Elizabeth Byne.

Date of bill (or first document): 1727

C 16 - Court of Chancery: Clerks of Records and Writs Office: Pleadings 1861-1875

Reference:	C 16/480/C91
Description:	Cause number: 1868 C91. Short title: Cox v Biddlecombe. Documents: Bill, interrogatories, answer. Plaintiffs: Barnard Cox. Defendants: William Biddlecombe, James Robinson and Mary Ann Robinson his wife.

Reference:

C 16/480/C91

Description:

Cause number: 1868 C91.

Short title: Cox v Biddlecombe.

Documents: Bill, interrogatories, answer.

Plaintiffs: Barnard Cox.

Defendants: William Biddlecombe, James Robinson and Mary Ann Robinson his wife.

ADM 73 - Admiralty: Royal Greenwich Hospital: Pensioners and School Admission Papers, Out Pensions Pay Books and Miscellaneous Registers
Subseries within ADM 73 - School Admission papers
ADM 73/386 - Woods, Henry Felix - Wren, George. (Described at item level).

Reference:	ADM 73/386/40
Description:	Henry Woolgar. When admitted to Greenwich Hospital School: Not stated. Parents' names: Henry and Ann Woolgar nee Biddlecombe. Applicant born 23 September 1843. Baptised 15 October 1843 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Siblings: 2. Parents married 1 May 1833 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Father in Royal Navy and Coastguard. Father died on 1 May 1848.

Reference:

ADM 73/386/40

Description:

Henry Woolgar. When admitted to Greenwich Hospital School: Not stated.

Parents' names: Henry and Ann Woolgar nee Biddlecombe.

Applicant born 23 September 1843. Baptised 15 October 1843 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Siblings: 2. Parents married 1 May 1833 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Father in Royal Navy and Coastguard. Father died on 1 May 1848.

C 10 - Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings before 1714, Whittington

Reference:	C 10/490/195
Description:	Short title: Tattershall v Biddlecombe. Plaintiffs: Peter Tattershall. Defendants: John Biddlecombe, Richard Biddlecombe and Martin Coffine alias Martin Biddlecombe. Subject: property in Kingskerswell, Devon. Document type: bill only
Date:	1668

Reference:

C 10/490/195

Description:

Short title: Tattershall v Biddlecombe.

Plaintiffs: Peter Tattershall.

Defendants: John Biddlecombe, Richard Biddlecombe and Martin Coffine alias Martin Biddlecombe.

Subject: property in Kingskerswell, Devon.

Document type: bill only

Date:

1668

C 8 - Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings before 1714, Mitford

Reference:	C 8/326/168
Description:	Short title: Biddlecomb v Biddlecomb. Plaintiffs: John Biddlecomb. Defendants: Martin Biddlecomb, Richard Biddlecomb and Peter Tatershall. Subject: money, Dorset. Document type: bill only

Reference:

C 8/326/168

Description:

Short title: Biddlecomb v Biddlecomb.

Plaintiffs: John Biddlecomb.

Defendants: Martin Biddlecomb, Richard Biddlecomb and Peter Tatershall.

Subject: money, Dorset.

Document type: bill only

Reference:	C 8/219/89
Description:	Short title: Biddlecombe v Biddlecombe. Plaintiffs: John Biddlecombe. Defendants: Martin Biddlecombe, Richard Biddlecombe and Peter Tatershall. Subject: money, Dorset. Document type: answer only

Reference:

C 8/219/89

Description:

Short title: Biddlecombe v Biddlecombe.

Plaintiffs: John Biddlecombe.

Defendants: Martin Biddlecombe, Richard Biddlecombe and Peter Tatershall.

Subject: money, Dorset.

Document type: answer only

Family identification

Family identification and separation

Using the Dorset OPC for the Parish of Thorncombe;

22-Nov-1807; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE (born 23-Sep-1791) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife
22-Nov-1807; George BIDDLECOMBE (born 24-Apr-1793) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife

Both Joseph and George were baptised together on 22 November 1807, some 26 years after the baptism of John in 1781. At a time when the majority of baptisms were of infants it is a surprise that Joseph was 16 years, 2 months old and George was 14 years, 6 months, 30 days old at date of their baptisms. Noting that Joseph died before 22 November 1807, was he perhaps the reason for the delay in their baptism.

Joseph and George Biddlecombe baptism record. On the same page William son of George Pomeroy and Betty daughter of Richard Bailey, both surnames of interest to me.

Looking at the Dorset OPC record transcriptions there are the following Biddlecombe records of baptism.

Baptisms
1691-1740, 1741-1783, 1784-1812, 1813-1851

No Bid?? in the 1691-1740 period.

In the period 1741-1783

05-Aug-1759; Robert BIDLCOM son of John BIDLCOM
25-Dec-1760; Joan BIDLCOMB daughter of Joseph BIDLCOMB
19-Dec-1762; Joseph BIDILCOMBE son of Joseph BIDILCOMBE
27-Jan-1765; Mary BIDELCOMBE daughter of Joseph BIDELCOMBE
09-Feb-1769; Joseph BIDDELCOMBE son of Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE
23-Feb-1772; Anne BIDDLECOMBE daughter of Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE
25-Sep-1774; George BIDDLECOMBE son of Joseph & Ann BIDDLECOMBE
17-Jan-1779; Sarah BIDELCOMBE daughter of Joseph BIDELCOMBE
14-Oct-1781; John BIDLECOMBE son of Joseph BIDLECOMBE

In the period 1784-1812

22-Nov-1807; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE (born 23-Sep-1791) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife
22-Nov-1807; George BIDDLECOMBE (born 24-Apr-1793) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife

In the period 1813-1851

26-Dec-1827; George Biddlecombe APLIN son of James & Sarah APLIN Farmer

An attempt to resolve the above baptisms into families.

Timeline of recorded events - Parish Thorncombe (light brown infill, assumed data) Parish records began 1670
Parents Name(s)			Age	Date	1760s	1770s	1780s	1790s	1800s
Joseph BIDLCOMB / Joseph BIDILCOMBE / Joseph BIDELCOMBE		Birth	0		#
	Joan BIDLCOMB	Baptism		25 Dec 1760	#
	Joseph BIDILCOMBE	Baptism		19 Dec 1762	#
	Mary BIDELCOMBE	Baptism		27 Jan 1765	#
	Sarah BIDELCOMBE	Baptism		17 Jan 1779



Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE	Joseph BIDDELCOMBE	Baptism		09 Feb 1769	#
	Anne BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		23 Feb 1772		#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		25 Sep 1774		#
Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary	John BIDLECOMBE	Baptism		14 Oct 1781			#
	Joseph BIDDLECOMBE	Birth		23 Sep 1791				#
	Joseph BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		22 Nov 1807					#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Birth		24 Apr 1793				#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		22 Nov 1807					#

Sarah BIDELCOMBE and Joseph BIDDELCOMBE were baptised within a month of one another, so presumably born too close together to not be separate families.

Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE and Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary could be separate families or alternatively sequential wife's, first Ann and then Mary, based on the births and baptism dates of the associated children.

The alternative is that there are three Joseph Biddlecombe within the Parish of Thorncombe at the same time.

Again, using the Dorset OPC for the Parish of Thorncombe;

Marriages

03-Nov-1778; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary HEX

Marriage in 1778 fits with John Biddlecombe being baptised 14 Oct 1781.

27-Jun-1802; Joseph APPLIN & Mary BIDDLECOMBE, widow, by licence

Joseph Biddlecombe died before 22 Nov 1807. Could it have been as early as 1802?

John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe

John Biddlecombe, Yeoman, of Thorncombe, Devon then Dorset from 1843

An exploration of his will and the Beneficiaries mentioned therein. Followed by expanding the research to include him and his family, together with any links to other Biddlecombe families in the series.

I have also had the assistance of a person who is in possession of the Family Bible and other documents, which has been immensely helpful, and gratefully received.

I will refer to data form this source as "Fact SP - "

John Biddlecomb's Will

John Biddlecombe's Will

This article starts in Devon but quickly drifts into the adjacent Counties of Dorset and Somerset

The will of John Biddlecombe of Hanplott in the Parish of Thorncombe in the County of Devon

In the name of God Amen

I John Biddlecombe of a place called Hanplott within the parish of Thorncombe in the County of Devon xxx being in a weak state of Bodily health but of a sound disposing mind perfect memory and in understanding thanks be to almighty God for the same do make ordain publish and declare this as xxx for my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say Imprimis I resign my immortal spirit into Hands of Almighty God my Creator in hope of eternal Salvation thro’ the merits and death of Jesus Christ and my body to the Earth to be decently interred by my well beloved wife Ann Biddlecombe and as for touthing and {xxxxxxx}ing such worldly Estate and Effects as it hath pleased divine providence to bless me with of which I may be possessed of at the period of my decease

I give devise and bequeath the same to my beloved wife Ann Biddlecombe for her sole use and benefit including the premises I some time ago purchased of my father Joseph Biddlecombe called Hanplott in the parish of Thorncombe aforesaid and now in my possession and I hereby make ordain and appoint my beloved Wife the said Ann Biddlecombe whole and sole Executrix to pay and discharge all my just debts which I may stand indebted in to any one at the time of my decease

I also give and bequeath to my Mother Mary Biddlecombe the sum of five pounds to be paid her by my Executrix within three Calendar months after my decease

Lastly I hereby revoke annul and xxx any former will which I may have executed

In Witness whereof I the said John Biddlecombe have to this me last will and testament subscribe my name and affixed my seal this sixth day of April in the year of xxx one thousand eight hundred and twenty four John Biddlecombe ----- Signed sealed published and delivered by the said John Biddlecombe the testator as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses hereto
Joseph Biddlecombe Junior ---- Mary Biddlecombe junior

Date of Will	6 April 1824
Date of Codicil	None
Date of Proving	14 February 1843

From the above it appears that John Biddlecomb made provision for the following family.

People in the Will of John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe, Devon

Thorncombe. In the county of Devon at the time of writing the will but, as explained in Locations, now in Dorset.

People mentioned in the Will dated 6 April 1824, of John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe, Devon
Name	Stated relationship	Notes
Ann Biddlecombe	Wife
Joseph Biddlecombe	Father	Mentioned but not a recipient
Mary Biddlecombe	Mother
Ann Biddlecombe	Executor / Executrix
Joseph Biddlecombe Junior	Witness
Mary Biddlecombe Junior	Witness

The date of when the Will was Proved suggests that John Biddlecombe died towards the end of 1842 or early 1843 as there was a requirement to present the will within three months. I don't yet know if that was the case for this particular will and timeframe.

It appears that there are none of John Biddlecombe's children included in the Will. Had they all died, or displeased him, or perhaps the had no children?

Compare to the people in the Will of George Biddlecombe of Winsham

People mentioned in the Will dated 22 August and 13 October 1846, of George Biddlecombe of Winsham, Somerset
Name	Stated relationship	Assumed relationship	Assumed previous name	Place	Notes
Samuel Aplin
Ruth Hallett	Sister		Ruth Aplin		Ruth Aplin married William Hallett on 19^th May 1831
Elizabeth Page	Sister		Elizabeth Aplin		Elizabeth Aplin married Thomas Page on 25^th December 1845
Mary Aplin	Mother, Widow		Mary Biddlecombe, Mary Boon
Daniel Hitchcock		Business Associate		Winsham
Joseph Biddlecombe	Brother, Schoolmaster
Mary Biddlecombe	Sister			Thorncombe
James Aplin	Brother			Forde Abbey
James Aplin	Executor / Executrix
Lot Palmer	Witness, Tailor			Winsham
William Dommett	Witness, Solicitor			Chard

There are some correlations between John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe, Devon, and, George Biddlecombe of Winsham, Somerset

People in the Will of John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe, Devon; continued

Ann Biddlecombe

Ann Biddlecombe his wife

Extract from will pertaining to John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe

I John Biddlecombe of a place called Hanplott within the parish of Thorncombe in the County of Devon ...

.. Imprimis I resign my immortal spirit into Hands of Almighty God my Creator in hope of eternal Salvation thro’ the merits and death of Jesus Christ and my body to the Earth to be decently interred by my well beloved wife Ann Biddlecombe and as for touthing and {xxxxxxx}ing such worldly Estate and Effects as it hath pleased divine providence to bless me with of which I may be possessed of at the period of my decease

Joseph Biddlecombe

Mary Biddlecombe

Joseph Biddlecombe junior

Mary Biddlecombe junior

John Biddlecomb

John Biddlecombe of Thorncombe, Devon

Birth and Baptism

Searching for records to establish the correct John Biddlecombe and therefore the correct date of baptism

Due to the timeframe of his Will there are other helpful records such as the Title Apportionment, dated 3rd November 1841 for the Parish of Thorncombe, and the 1841 Census. The Tithe data is used in Locations.

A extract of the Census is shown below.

In 1841 John was 59 and his wife Ann was 58. He was born in Devon, possibly Thorncombe, but Ann was not. The census does have the name of a place written in the margin, above this extract, which is too feint to read yet, but is the same shape and pattern as the place which I can't read in the Will.

Moving on to the Register of the Parish of the Church of Thorncombe.

The first, well actually the second, page of the register is headed;

A Register of those that have been buried in Woollen according to ?? ??? Act of Parliament Thorncombe 1680.

The primary thing to note here is that the book is indeed in relation to Thorncombe and that there is no reference to it being any other form of church, so presumably the Established Church.

The other thing of particular interest was the 'buried in Woollen according to Act of Parliament.' I had not come across this before so had to look it up. Wikipedia quickly provided an answer.

The Burying in Woollen Acts 1666–80 were Acts of the Parliament of England (Cha. II c. 4 (1666), Cha. II c. 3 (1678) and Cha. II c. 1 (1680) ) which required the dead, except plague victims and the destitute, to be buried in pure English woollen shrouds to the exclusion of any foreign textiles.

Enforcement
It was a requirement that an affidavit be sworn in front of a Justice of the Peace (usually by a relative of the deceased), confirming burial in wool, with the punishment of a £5 fee for noncompliance. Burial entries in parish registers were marked with the word "affidavit" or its equivalent to confirm that affidavit had been sworn; it would be marked "naked" for those too poor to afford the woollen shroud.

The legislation was in force until 1814, but was generally ignored after 1770. The 1666 Act was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act 1863.

The next interesting title page was at the beginning of the baptisms. It was a very smudged copy so I have tried to clean it up a little, without losing any of the original writing, however it is still difficult to decipher in the whole.

However, again it confirms that the book pertains to Thorncombe and seems to commence in 1663.

'A time to be born and a time to die' is one of the lines on the page.

It is difficult to make things out on the page, but it is nearly 4 centuries old. The Mayflower sailed to America in 1620 and the monarchy had been restored in 1660 with Charles II on the throne.

Turning to the next page of the scan, there are baptisms records, in Latin commencing in 15?? followed by 1552.

Jumping forward to 1781.

In the Parish register an entry reads, 'John son of Joseph Biddlecombe Baptised Oc^t 14^th ' , with a blue wash. Under the line across the page the next year is 1782. Hence John was baptised on 14 October 1781.

The John Biddlecombe of the census was 59 years of age in 1841, which would calculate as his year of birth being approximately 1782. The exact date of the census was 6 June 1841 and the baptism 14 October 1781. Which calculates as 59 years, 7 months, 24 days including the end date. Assuming John was baptised as an infant, an age of 59 suggests that this might be the same person.

In the scan there is an annotation 'End of Volume III Baptisms 1784'. Following that there are more baptisms starting at 1744 in a different hand. Further on in this section the hand writing has changed again, which is not a surprise, however, mothers started appearing in the baptisms in 1766, which is obviously before 1781. I expected to go forward from 1781 to a date when firstly mothers name started to appear and then date of birth as well as the date of baptism. The inconsistencies in this scan is beginning to be a cause for concern. The baptisms in this section end in 1776 and are followed by burials starting in 1741.

Using the Dorset OPC for the Parish of Thorncombe;

22-Nov-1807; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE (born 23-Sep-1791) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife
22-Nov-1807; George BIDDLECOMBE (born 24-Apr-1793) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife

Joseph and George Biddlecombe baptism record.

On the same page, William son of George Pomeroy and Betty daughter of Richard Bailey, both surnames of interest to me.

Looking at the Dorset OPC record transcriptions there are the following Biddlecombe records of baptism.

Baptisms
1691-1740, 1741-1783, 1784-1812, 1813-1851

No Bid?? in the 1691-1740 period.

In the period 1741-1783

05-Aug-1759; Robert BIDLCOM son of John BIDLCOM
25-Dec-1760; Joan BIDLCOMB daughter of Joseph BIDLCOMB
19-Dec-1762; Joseph BIDILCOMBE son of Joseph BIDILCOMBE
27-Jan-1765; Mary BIDELCOMBE daughter of Joseph BIDELCOMBE
09-Feb-1769; Joseph BIDDELCOMBE son of Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE
23-Feb-1772; Anne BIDDLECOMBE daughter of Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE
25-Sep-1774; George BIDDLECOMBE son of Joseph & Ann BIDDLECOMBE
17-Jan-1779; Sarah BIDELCOMBE daughter of Joseph BIDELCOMBE
14-Oct-1781; John BIDLECOMBE son of Joseph BIDLECOMBE

In the period 1784-1812

22-Nov-1807; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE (born 23-Sep-1791) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife
22-Nov-1807; George BIDDLECOMBE (born 24-Apr-1793) son of the late Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary his wife

In the period 1813-1851

26-Dec-1827; George Biddlecombe APLIN son of James & Sarah APLIN Farmer

An attempt to resolve the above baptisms into families.

Timeline of recorded events - Parish Thorncombe (light brown infill, assumed data) Parish records began 1670
Parents Name(s)			Age	Date	1760s	1770s	1780s	1790s	1800s
Joseph BIDLCOMB / Joseph BIDILCOMBE / Joseph BIDELCOMBE		Birth	0		#
	Joan BIDLCOMB	Baptism		25 Dec 1760	#
	Joseph BIDILCOMBE	Baptism		19 Dec 1762	#
	Mary BIDELCOMBE	Baptism		27 Jan 1765	#
	Sarah BIDELCOMBE	Baptism		17 Jan 1779



Joseph & Anne BIDDELCOMBE	Joseph BIDDELCOMBE	Baptism		09 Feb 1769	#
	Anne BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		23 Feb 1772		#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		25 Sep 1774		#
Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary	John BIDLECOMBE	Baptism		14 Oct 1781			#
	Joseph BIDDLECOMBE	Birth		23 Sep 1791				#
	Joseph BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		22 Nov 1807					#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Birth		24 Apr 1793				#
	George BIDDLECOMBE	Baptism		22 Nov 1807					#

Sarah BIDELCOMBE and Joseph BIDDELCOMBE were baptised within a month of one another, so presumably born too close together to be anything other than separate families.

The alternative is that there are three Joseph Biddlecombe within the Parish of Thorncombe at the same time.

Marriages regarding Joseph Biddle, in search of John's Baptism date.

Again, using the Dorset OPC for the Parish of Thorncombe;

03-Nov-1778; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE & Mary HEX

Marriage in 1778 fits with John Biddlecombe being baptised 14 Oct 1781.

27-Jun-1802; Joseph APPLIN & Mary BIDDLECOMBE, widow, by licence

Joseph Biddlecombe died before 22 Nov 1807. Could it have been as early as 1802?

Newspaper

1814

06-Jan; Biddlecombe Joseph of Thorncombe married Mary Phillips

Burials regarding Joseph Biddle, in search of John's Baptism date.

06-May-1798; Joseph BIDDLECOMBE 29

This is not the Joseph Biddlecombe that married Mary Hex in 1778, he would have been only 9 years of age if he was aged only 29 at time of death.

John Biddlecomb's Parents

John Biddlecomb's Wife

John Biddlecomb's Children

John Biddlecomb's Summary

End of this article in the series, select the next collection or person to view from the list below.

George Biddlecombe of Winsham

George Biddlecomb's Will

The primary source of information about George Biddlecomb of Winsham is again his Last Will and Testament

The last Will and Testament of George Biddlecombe of Winsham

The above two images are from Ancestry, indexed to George Biddlecombe. It is an extract from the record book of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858. To think that each will presented to the court is copied, in full, by hand. As it is a copy in a registry book, and they are apparently very aware of the cost of paper or parchment, there is no layout to the text. It is just continuous writing without space, paragraphs or punctuation. The original will may or may not have had a different layout.

I is very difficult to read the above images without the benefit of zoom, so below is a collection of images in more detail.

Below is my initial transcription of the above Will. It is not a proper transcription as I have added spacing, layout and a small amount of punctuation, all to aid readability.

This is the last Will and Testament

of me George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman

I give and bequeath unto Samuel Aplin of Ipswich xxx two hundred pounds

And to Ruth Hallett his Sister two hundred pounds

And to Elizabeth Page his Sister two hundred pounds

To be paid to them xxx by my Executor hereinafter named within twelve months after my decease

I give unto my Mother Mary Aplin Widow my small silver tea pot and stand and sugar basin with purple glass belonging to it and cream jug
I also give to my said Mother one annuity or yearly sum of eight pounds to be paid for by my said Executor for and during the rest of her natural life by equal quarterly payments and the first payment to be made on the quarter day first happening after my decease

And I xxx my xxx and personal estate with the payment thereof give devise and bequeath all that my dwelling house shop stable barn garden and orchard now occupied by Daniel Hitchcock situate in the High Street of Winsham in the County of Somerset xxx xx to the use of the said Daniel his heirs executors an administrators according to the nature and tenure thereof and for all my estate and interest therein but subject nevertheless to the payment of the sum of two hundred pounds to my executor hereinafter named and I do hereby expressly declare that the said Daniel Hitchcock may if he so thinks fit refuse to take the said dwelling house and premises upon the terms of the before mentioned bequest to him and I xxx that he will within 2 months after my decease signify to my Executor his intention to take the said house and premises or to reject it. And in the event of this xxxx to take the same it is my will that the said Daniel Hitchcock shall be permitter to occupy the said dwelling house shop and premises so long as he pleases to do so at the yearly cost of thirty pounds but this permission is not to be construed into a power to hold possession and let the same to any other person my object being to enable him to carry on the business in the house in which he now resides without the fear of being ejected so long as he shall carry on the same for own benefit
And this bequest and permission are made upon this express xxx that the said Daniel Hitchcock as and shall within six months after my decease to the satisfaction of my Executor to be signified by writing under his hand release me from all liabilities on account of the business which the said Daniel Hitchcock is now and has been for some years carrying on in my name. And I do hereby for the satisfaction of my family declare that I have no interest whatsoever in such business and that I allowed it to be carried on in my name for the benefit of the said Daniel Hitchcock only the store and boot debts the sole property of the said Daniel Hitchcock

I give to my Brother Joseph Biddlecombe of Sherborne Schoolmaster the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid him in twelve months after my decease by my Executor

I also give to my Sister Mary Biddlecombe of Thorncombe one hundred pounds to be paid within six months after my decease in manner hereinafter mentioned the said Mary Biddlecombe being indebted to the above named Daniel Hitchcock in the sum of xxxx pounds and upwards I xxx that the xxxx so bequeathed to her be paid to the said Daniel Hitchcock in part discharge of such debt and if the said Mary Biddlecombe shall refuse to sign the proper receipt for the same it is my will that the receipt of the said Daniel Hitchcock for the said sum of one hundred pounds on account of the said Mary Biddlecombe shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executor for the same.
I desire that all my silver plate be divided as equally as possible between my Brother Joseph Biddlecombe, my said Executor hereinafter named Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Pane and I give the same to them accordingly

All the rest Residue and Remainder of my xxx personal xxx leaseholds and other estates and all my property xxx find or xxxx subject to the payments hereinbefore mentions and xxx the house and premises before xxx to the said Daniel Hitchcock if he shall refuse to that the same upon the terms of this me Will I give devise and bequeath the same xxxx unto my Brother James Aplin of Forde Abbey Yeoman to and for his own absolute xx and benefit xx to his heirs executors and administrators respectively

And I appoint the said James Aplin sole Executor of this my Will and I devise and bequeath all estates vested in me upon trust or by way of mortgage unto the said James Aplin his heirs executors administrators respectively upon the trusts affecting the same.

In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal to this my Will this twenty second day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty six
George Biddlecombe

Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Biddlecombe as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses

Lot Palmer – Winsham – Tailor
W^m Dommett Sol^r Chard

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset Gentleman.

I revoke the bequest of the dwelling house shop and orchard which in my Will I gave to Daniel Hitchcock subject to the payment of two hundred pounds to my Executor and instead thereof I give and bequeath the said dwelling house shop and orchard which is situate in the Church Street of Winsham aforesaid and is now in the occupation of the said Daniel Hitchcock unto the said Daniel Hitchcock his executors administrators and assigns absolutely for all my town estate and interest in therein and I also revoke the bequest of two hundred pounds by my said Will given to Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page and instead thereof give and bequeath the each of them the said Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds to be paid to them by my Executor out of my property. And I declare that the receipts of the said Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page shall be xxxx a sufficient discharge for the said xxxx without the receipts of their respective husbands

In all other respects I confirm my said Will

Dated this thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty six

George Biddlecombe
Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Biddlecombe as and for a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses
W^m Dommett Sol^r Chard -- Lot Palmer

Date of Will	22 August 1846
Date of Codicile	13 October 1846
Date of Proving	19 March 1848

The quest to find the surname of Daniel.

He is not part of the Tithe Apportionment record, so on to the 1841 Census.

This was another case of a read through as the search for George Biddlecombe did not find any 1841 Census records. It was worth going through page by page though. Surprisingly there is no clear Enumerators route. The places recorded appear to be for each residence, jumping from one street to another. Church Street is long and populous but there appears to be only one entry, that of George Biddlecombe and his crew.

On the way there I found a tailor.

In Pools Lane, Josiah Palmer, aged 40, a Tailor, and his family. Is this the Palmer that witnessed the Will? The current Pooles Lane is off Church Street, between the school and the church.

On to the main event.

In the only entry for Church Street that I found, George Biddlecombe, a Draper, of 45 years of age, not born in the County of Somerset. Living with Joan and Ann Biddlecombe, and Mary Dickison or Pickison, all of Independent Means. Two more Drapers, Daniel Hitchcock, aged 25, and Lot Palmer, aged 75. The former is probably the Daniel mentioned in George's Will and the latter one of the Witnesses.

The other witness could be William Dommett, Sol otherwise Solicitor, also Atts Law, Attorney at Law. Not totally definitive, but it does seem to fit.

People in the Will of George Biddlecombe of Winsham

People mentioned in the Will dated 22 August and 13 October 1846, of George Biddlecombe of Winsham, Somerset
Name	Stated relationship	Assumed relationship	Assumed previous name	Place	Notes
Samuel Aplin
Ruth Hallett	Sister		Ruth Aplin		Ruth Aplin married William Hallett on 19^th May 1831
Elizabeth Page	Sister		Elizabeth Aplin		Elizabeth Aplin married Thomas Page on 25^th December 1845
Mary Aplin	Mother, Widow		Mary Biddlecombe, Mary Boon
Daniel Hitchcock		Business Associate		Winsham
Joseph Biddlecombe	Brother, Schoolmaster
Mary Biddlecombe	Sister			Thorncombe
James Aplin	Brother			Forde Abbey
James Aplin	Executor / Executrix
Lot Palmer	Witness, Tailor			Winsham
William Dommett	Witness, Solicitor			Chard

People mentioned in the Will

Apart from the witnesses

Samuel Aplin

Extract from will pertaining to Samuel Aplin

I George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman ...

I give and bequeath unto Samuel Aplin of Ipswich xxx two hundred pounds ...

I desire that all my silver plate be divided as equally as possible between my Brother Joseph Biddlecombe, my said Executor hereinafter named Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Pane and I give the same to them accordingly

...

Codicil

... I also revoke the bequest of two hundred pounds by my said Will given to Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page and instead thereof give and bequeath the each of them the said Samuel Aplin Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds to be paid to them by my Executor out of my property. And I declare that the receipts of the said Ruth Hallett and Elizabeth Page shall be xxxx a sufficient discharge for the said xxxx without the receipts of their respective husbands

In 2021, the relative value of £200 0s 0d from 1846 ranges from £20,600.00 to £791,600.00, a lot of money.

Samuel Aplin

BIRTH Abt. 1815 • Thorncombe, Devon, England

DEATH

Birth and Baptism

July 23^rd 1813

Samuel, Son of Samuel Aplin of the Parish of Pitminster, Farmer, and of Hannah his wife was baptised by Tho Golding

Born June 30th preceding.

Dealing with the last item first. Initial interpretation could be that Samuel was born 30^th June 1813, as that is preceding July of the same year, but that would render the word preceding redundant and superfluous. However, it could mean the year before, rendering his date of birth as being 30^th June 1812.

More importantly, his parents names are unexpected as is the parish of Pitminster. Pitminster is approximately half way between Winsham and Williton, both mentioned in the Marriage record below.

The record comes from Piece 1421: Pitminster, Fulwood Chapel (Independent), 1802-1836. Were Samuel Aplin's parents non-conformist? Did non-conformists' have to marry in the Established Church?

I have turned the pages of the register form the above record to the end of the register in 1836. The naming convention for dates of birth varies, including full date for previous years, to same year for that. So is 'same year' to be interpreted as being the same as 'preceding'? Inconclusive. Also, in that period, there are no other baptisms recorded to Samuel Aplin and Hannah. There are several other families with multiple families. Perhaps a task for another day is to go in the opposite direction.

There is another record which I would like to draw to your attention before concluding that the above record is pertinent.

The record is an extract of the 1841 Census for the Parish of Pitminster, Somerset

Starting with Where born first, the record states with a 'y' that the whole family, including the two servants where born in the same county as Pitminster was in, which is Somerset. This is at variance to my expectation, which was a 'N' reflecting born in Devon, Thorncome. Samuel and Hannah match the parents on the baptism record, but are not as expected. The Samuel Aplin, son, is 26 years of age, an is a Butcher. According to Ancestry, this would give him an Estimated Year of Birth of 1815. the census is for 1841, but the marriage of Samuel Aplin to Jane Adams, in Winsham, (not her Parish) was in 1834, so they had been married about seven years. However, there is no Jane Aplin mentioned on the return.

Hannah's Estimated Year of Birth was 1791. Hannah would have been about 24 years of age when she gave birth to Samuel. Again, another expectation, this time for later children.

My current conclusion is that this is not the same family and the baptism record is discounted. However, I will leave the above notes in place as their presence may help other people from assuming that this data correlates to and is correct for Samuel Aplin of Ipswich, as mentioned in George Biddlecombe's will.

Alterative Baptism records for Samuel Aplin remain elusive at the moment.

Marriage

Samuel Aplin of this Parish, Bachelor and Jane Adams of the Parish of Williton, Spinster were married in this Church by License this twenty first Day of July in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty four By me Geo Ware. Vicar

This Marriage was solemnized between us Samuel Aplin -- Jane Adams

In the Presence of George Biddlecombe -- Elizabeth Aplin

The Parish was Winsham, Somerset, the same as George Biddlecombe residence at the date of his will.

A newspaper clipping

July 21, at Winsham, Mr. Samuel Aplin, youngest son of Mr. Aplin, of Thorncombe, to Jane, only daughter of Mr. Thomas Adams, of Billbrock, Somerset.

Oh for a letter, a single extra letter. An initial for Mr. Aplin, of Thorncombe would have been so helpful.

The newspaper was The Western Flying Post or Sherborne and Yeovil Mercury
28 Jul 1834, Mon · Page 4

Part of the front page that carried the marriage notice. First thing of note, a front page without massive headlines trying to lure you in to read the article. No the offering was announcements, you had to buy the paper to find out what was inside. or go to a newspaper reader, who would read it to people who could not read. However, looking at the price, seven pence, of which 4d was tax, perhaps you could pretend not to read to avoid the tax.

An article on Shepton Mallet Turnpike, I must return to read that, and perhaps add it to my Turnpike series.

Another marriage, but this time between Jane's parents.

Banns of Marriage between Thomas Adams and Sarah Meddick both of this Parish of Luxborough were published on April the 5th 12th 19th 1812 G. Nibbs.

No. 130 Thomas Adams of this Parish of Luxborough, Bachelor and Sarah Meddich of this Parish of Luxborough, Spinster were Married in this Church by Banns this twentysecond Day of April in the Year One Thousand eight Hundred and twelve by me George Nibbs, Minster.

This Marriage was solemnized between Us Thomas Adams -- The mark x of Sarah Meddich

In the Presence of Samuel Palmer -- John Webber

Children

John Biddlecombe Aplin 1835

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of Charmouth in the county of Dorset in the Year 1836.

May 22nd John Biddlecombe Son of Samuel & Jane Aplin. Abode Charmouth, Profession, Draper, performed by James.

A middle name of Biddlecombe helps conformation of this record.

Mary Jane Aplin 1837

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of Old Cleeve in the county of Somerset in the Year 1837.

1837 10 December Mary Jane daughter of Samuel & Jane Aplin. Abode Billbrook, Profession, Draper, performed by W^m Newton.

From a page turn to the end of the register in 1843, a quick scan, there appears to be no other baptisms for Samuel and Jane.

Perhaps they moved away from the parish of Old Cleeve, near Watchet, Dunster and Minehead on the North Somerset coast.

Sarah Jessie Aplin 1846

Josey T Aplin 1847

Samuel Adams Aplin 1849 and Rosa Emma Aplin 1851

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of Old Cleeve in the county of Somerset in the Year 1851.

20th Feby 1851 Born in {----} 1849 Samuel Adams Son of Samuel & Jane Aplin. Abode Billbrook, Profession, Assistant in a shop, performed by John Henry Kirwan, Curate

July 20 1851 Rosa Emma daughter of Samuel & Jane Aplin. Abode Billbrook, Profession, Assistant in a shop, performed by John Henry Kirwan, Curate

There appears to have been a gap of about eight years between successive births. Samuel Aplin has changed profession in that period from Draper to Assistant in a shop, which seems on the face of it, regressive.

From other information both Josey T and Samuel Adams were born in Ipswich Suffolk. Perhaps Samuel was baptised when they came back to be with the family.

Thomas Joseph Aplin 1853

Fredrick Robert Alpin 1856

Census

1841 Census

1851 Census

Extract from Ancestry of 1851 Census Bilbrook, Old Cleeve, Somerset, England
House Number	Given Name	Surname	Relationship	Age	Estimated Birth Year	Gender	Birth Place
78	Thomas	Adams	Head	61	1790	Male	Exton, Somerset, England
78	Sarah	Adams	Wife	59	1792	Female	Luxborough, Somerset, England
78	Jane	Aplin	Daughter	37	1814	Female	Luxborough, Somerset, England
78	John	Aplin	Grandson	15	1836	Male	Charmoth, Dorset, England
78	Mary Jane	Aplin	Granddaughter	13	1838	Female	Old Cleeve, Somerset, England
78	Jessey	Aplin	Granddaughter	4	1847	Female	Ipswich, Suffolk, England
78	Samuel	Aplin	Grandson	2	1849	Male	Ipswich, Suffolk, England
78	Rosa	Aplin	Granddaughter	5 Mo	1851	Female	Old Cleeve, Somerset, England
78	Thomas R	Cridland	Visitor	4	1847	Male	Taunton, Somerset, England

On the day of the 1851 Census Jane Aplin nee Adams is back with her parents. The children are there as Thomas and Sarah's grandchildren, but Samuel Aplin is missing from this list. Therefore there is a Samuel Aplin somewhere else on a Census return. Recognising him will be made all the more difficult as he is on his own, not with a selection of known naems.

Death

Timeline

Timeline of recorded events - The family of Samuel and Jane Aplin nee Adams - 1800 to 2020s
Name	Place	Event	Source	Age	Date	18 10	18 30
Samuel Aplin	Thorncombe, Devon	Birth	Ancestry Trees	0	Abt 1813	#
Samuel Aplin		Baptism
Jane Adams	Luxborough, Somerset	Birth		0	1813
Jane Adams	Luxborough, Somerset	Baptism		0	21 Aug 1813
Samuel Aplin	Winsham, Somerset	Marriage	Record		21 Jul 1834		#
Jane Adams	Williton, Somerset	Marriage	Record		21 Jul 1834		#
John Biddlecombe Aplin		Birth
John Biddlecombe Aplin	Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset	Baptism	Record		22 May 1836		#
Mary Jane Aplin	Old Cleeve, Somerset	Baptism	Record		10 Dec 1837		#
--- GAP ---

For a register of Wills that may potentially be included in this series and some hints about Wills, go to my 'Last will and testament article', which opens in a new window.

Ruth Hallett

Elizabeth Page

Mary Aplin

Daniel Hitchcock

Extract from will pertaining to Daniel Hitchcock

I George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman ...

I give and bequeath ...

...

I also give to my Sister Mary Biddlecombe of Thorncombe one hundred pounds to be paid within six months after my decease in manner hereinafter mentioned the said Mary Biddlecombe being indebted to the above named Daniel Hitchcock in the sum of xxxx pounds and upwards I xxx that the xxxx so bequeathed to her be paid to the said Daniel Hitchcock in part discharge of such debt and if the said Mary Biddlecombe shall refuse to sign the proper receipt for the same it is my will that the receipt of the said Daniel Hitchcock for the said sum of one hundred pounds on account of the said Mary Biddlecome shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executor for the same.
...

...

Codicil ...

Joseph Biddlecombe

Mary Biddlecombe

James Aplin

Extract from will pertaining to James Aplin

I George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman ...

I give and bequeath ...

James Aplin yeoman 1802-1872

B:1802 Thorncombe, Devon, England

D:08 Jun 1872 Thorncombe, Devon, England

James Aplin of Forde Abbey is the subject of the Location called Forde Abbey Farm in this article.

James Alpin is recorded as being at Forde Abbey Farm on the day of the Census 30^th March 1851. An aside. When the 1851 census was taken on 30 March total population was recorded as 17,922,768.

James Alpin was the Head of the Household and he was 47 years of age. His occupation is stated as Farming 350 Acres employing 16 agricultural labourers. The 350 acres stated here is larger that the 313 stated in the Tithe Apportionment for his plots under Forde Abbey Farm, but it is over a decade later, so is not incongruous. He is recorded as being born in Dorset, in the Parish of Thorncombe, (was in Devon until 1844).

His wife is named as Sarah, aged 43, also born in Thorncombe. Her calculated year of birth was 1808, with James being 1804.

All the children are also born in Thorncombe and are unmarried.

Joseph Aplin, Son aged 21 giving a calculated birth year of 1830, Male. He is also employed on the Forde Abbey Farm

Samuel Aplin, Son aged 7 giving a calculated birth year of 1844, Male

Haney Lucy Aplin, Daughter aged 5 giving a calculated birth year of 1846, Female

Sarah Aplin, Daughter aged 3 giving a calculated birth year of 1848, Female

Louisa Aplin, Daughter aged 1 giving a calculated birth year of 1849, Female

Also shown on the 1851 Census is;

Maryann Barlett, Servant aged 20 giving a calculated birth year of 1831, Female Recorded as born in Burstock, Dorset, England

There is a gap in children between 1830 and 1844, which could be for several reasons, but is probably because they have moved away from home.

George Biddlecombe

George Biddlecombe parents

Parents of George Biddlecombe

George Biddlecombe has stated in his Will that his mother is Mary, presumably Biddlecombe at the time of his birth.

From the record of George's baptism on 22 November 1807, his parents were Joseph Biddlecombe and Mary Biddlecombe with her maiden name of Boon from elsewhere.

Father

Joseph Biddlecombe 1769–1798

BIRTH ABT. 1769 • Thorncombe, Devon, England

DEATH 1798 • Thorncombe, Devon, England

Birth and Baptism

Birth thought to be about 1770.

Marriage

Marriage of Joseph Biddlecombe and Mary Boon, both of Broadwindsor, on 27th October 1790

A Joseph Biddlecombe married Mary Boon, both of the Parish of Broadwindsor in the County of Devon, in the Parish Church by Licence on 27^th October 1790. The witnesses were William Boon and James Brown. William Boon could have been Mary Boon's father. More to do to check that.

Children

Death and Burial

Mother

Mary Boon 1770–1855

Birth and Baptism

Birth thought to be about 1770.

Marriage

Marriage of Joseph Biddlecombe and Mary Boon, both of Broadwindsor, on 27th October 1790

Presumably Joseph Biddlecombe died and Mary Biddlecombe became a widow. George Biddlecombe's Baptism record on 22^nd November 1807 indicate that his father was already dead at that time.

Marriage of Joseph and Mary Biddlecombe widow on 27th June 1802

Presumably Joseph Biddlecombe died and Mary Biddlecombe became a widow.

Joseph Aplin, using the signature version instead of Applin, married Mary Biddlecombe, both of the Parish of Thorncombe in the Parish Church by Licence on twenty seventh day of June 1802 in the presence of Samuel Phillips and Will^m Hawkins.

If this is correct Joseph Biddlecombe died before 1802, and the Aplin children of Mary were born after 1802.

The marriage certificate of Elizabeth Page nee Aplin stated that her father was Joseph Aplin, Yeoman.

Children

Death and Burial

An extract of the 1851 Census.

A Mary Aplin, a widow, is a Lodger at Partway, in the Parish of Thorncombe. The family she is lodging with appear to be Richard Bowditch and his wife Susannah. Mary is recorded as being 81 with a calculated year of birth of 1770, in Crewkerne, Somerset. She is of Independent Means. Richard is a dairyman of 70 years of age. Were they all living together in the Dairy House and Garden referred to as Plot 406 in the Tithe Apportionment. That is at Partway, by comparing the locations on two maps, all as detailed within the part about Forde Abbey Farm above under Locations. Plot 406 has the Landowner of John Francis Gwyn Esquire and James Aplin is the Occupier. Being occupier in Tithe Apportionment terms does not necessarily mean in residence. By 1851, the new Forde Abbey Farm yard and buildings had been constructed. Previous to that it is probable that James Aplin lived in the vicinity of Forde Abbey. The James Aplin of Forde Abbey is the brother of George Biddlecombe according to the latter's will.

Just a short distance away lies Forde Abbey Farm, where in 1851, James Aplin is resident.

Pulled from James Aplin tab.

James Alpin is recorded as being at Forde Abbey Farm on the day of the Census 30^th March 1851. An aside. When the 1851 census was taken on 30 March total population was recorded as 17,922,768.

His wife is named as Sarah, aged 43, also born in Thorncombe. Her calculated year of birth was 1808, with James being 1804.

All the children are also born in Thorncombe and are unmarried.

George Biddlecombe Wife

George Biddlecombe children

James and Ann Biddlecombe of Enmore Somerset

End of this article in the series, select the next collection or person to view from the list below.

George Biddlecombe

Within this collection of articles the discussion starts with a Will.

The last Will and Testament of George Biddlecombe of Winsham

The above two images are from Ancestry, indexed to George Biddlecombe. It is an extract from the record book of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858. To think that each will presented to the court is copied by hand, in full, by hand. As it is a copy in a registry book, and they are apparently very aware of the cost of paper or parchment, there is no layout to the text. It is just continuous writing without space, paragraphs or punctuation. The original will may or may not have had a different layout.

I is very difficult to read the above images without the benefit of zoom, so below is a collection of images in more detail.

Below is my initial transcription of the above Will. It is not a proper transcription as I have added spacing, layout and a small amount of punctuation, all to aid readability.

This is the last Will and Testament

of me George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman

I give and bequeath unto Samuel Aplin of Ipswich xxx two hundred pounds

And to Ruth Hallett his Sister two hundred pounds

And to Elizabeth Page his Sister two hundred pounds

To be paid to them xxx by my Executor hereinafter named within twelve months after my decease

I give to my Brother Joseph Biddlecombe of Sherborne Schoolmaster the sum of one hundred pounds to be paid him in twelve months after my decease by my Executor

In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal to this my Will this twenty second day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty six
George Biddlecombe

Lot Palmer – Winsham – Tailor
W^m Dommett Sol^r Chard

This is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset Gentleman.

In all other respects I confirm my said Will

Dated this thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty six

Date of Will	22 August 1846
Date of Codicile	13 October 1846
Date of Proving	19 March 1848

The quest to find the surname of Daniel.

He is not part of the Tithe Apportionment record, so on to the 1841 Census.

On the way there I found a tailor.

In Pools Lane, Josiah Palmer, aged 40, a Tailor, and his family. Is this the Palmer that witnessed the Will? The current Pooles Lane is off Church Street, between the school and the church.

On to the main event.

The other witness could be William Dommett, Sol otherwise Solicitor, also Atts Law, Attorney at Law. Not totally definitive, but it does seem to fit.

People in the Will of George Biddlecombe of Winsham

People mentioned in the Will dated 22 August and 13 October 1846, of George Biddlecombe of Winsham, Somerset
Name	Stated relationship	Assumed relationship	Assumed previous name	Place	Notes
Samuel Aplin
Ruth Hallett	Sister		Ruth Aplin		Ruth Aplin married William Hallett on 19^th May 1831
Elizabeth Page	Sister		Elizabeth Aplin		Elizabeth Aplin married Thomas Page on 25^th December 1845
Mary Aplin	Mother, Widow		Mary Biddlecombe, Mary Boon
Daniel Hitchcock		Business Associate		Winsham
Joseph Biddlecombe	Brother, Schoolmaster
Mary Biddlecombe	Sister			Thorncombe
James Aplin	Brother			Forde Abbey
James Aplin	Executor / Executrix
Lot Palmer	Witness, Tailor			Winsham
William Dommett	Witness, Solicitor			Chard

People mentioned in the Will

Apart from the witnesses

Samuel Aplin

Extract from will pertaining to Samuel Aplin

I George Biddlecombe of Winsham in the County of Somerset, Gentleman ...

I give and bequeath unto Samuel Aplin of Ipswich xxx two hundred pounds ...

...

Codicil

In 2021, the relative value of £200 0s 0d from 1846 ranges from £20,600.00 to £791,600.00.