The following work is reproduced largely "as written "by W P de Beuzeville. Minor editorial changes have been made and editorial notes have been inserted to clarify certain issues. The paper was never completed, but never-the-less provides a wealth of information as a springboard for further research.

The Huguenot Family of Beuzeville, in England and Australia.

Compiled by Wilfred P de Beuzeville (circa. 1960's), from family papers and research by W.A.W. de Beuzeville (done in the 1920's).

The origin of the name Beuzeville is unknown; however the 19th century French historian Charpillon suggests that Beuze was derived from Boson, an influential family in early Norman times. He states that the name did not occur before the Norman occupation of the country. The first known reference to the name of Beuzeville was in the first half of the 11th century; Theodore de Beuzeville had a son Richard who lived in the region of William the Conqueror, and was recorded as a witness to the transfer of land to the monastery of Préaux.

There were several Seigneuries of Beuzeville in Normandy. One of which from the emigrant family is believed to be descended. There is a tradition recorded by James (1809 - 1887) to the effect that the family estates passed to a daughter and son-in-law of the house. She abjured the Protestant faith. He also recorded the story that the reformer Calvin was a guest of the family during one of his visits to France. These of course are family traditions without any historical evidence to support them.

An 18th century document, probably compiled by Peter (1741 - 1812), or his daughter, Esther, records a number of instances of the occurrence of the name of Beuzeville in the old Norman histories, including a reference to William de Beuzeville, royal physician at the court of Francis I of France, who is said to be a direct ancestor of James who migrated to England.

Throughout these notes the English forms of Christian names have been used, but in fact James, born in 1809, was the first child to be given the English form. His father Estienne, used Stephen all his adult life, even in legal documents. The names James and Peter appear in successive generations and are numbered as an aid to understanding.

A list of Protestants living in the Pays-de-Caux, drawn up in the year 1698, includes Samuel de Beuzeville who was living at Gruchet-le-Vallasse 2Km south of Bolbec in Normandy. He had one son James (1), and two daughters, Anne and Esther.

James(1) Tree

James(1) born before 1685, at Gruchet-le-Vallasse, and married Marianne (born 2.3.1690) eldest daughter of Peter Guillemard, Sieur of Mélamare, and his wife Judith (nee Heuze). Peter was the grandson of Daniel Guilemard, Seigneur d'Albon and de Soussigny in Poitou, and his wife Magdeline, daughter of Francis, head of the house of Gobelin, and fourth in descent from the founder - Jehan. The Beuzeville and Guilemard families are said to have been close friends for several generations prior to the marriage. Their first son James (2) was born in Normandy about 1708/9, and soon afterwards the family sought refuge in England where the second son Peter(1) was born in 1710. They returned to Normandy sometime later and lived at Montvilliers (Melamare) and Bolbec. It was during this period that their son Stephen was born. They returned to London about 1724 and registered at Somerset House in 1725. It was about this time that James founded the silk manufacturing firm which was carried on by the family until 1827. A cousin Levesque, was taken into partnership, and later the eldest son James (2) when he came of age.

James(1) was an elder and secretary of the French church of St. Jean, Spitalfields, where his younger children were baptised. He died in 1745, and his widow in 1754. They were buried in the church yard of St.Dunstans, Stepney, and a tablet to their memory was placed in the outer wall of the church. This tablet was sketched by James (4) in 1833. By 1950 the lettering had weathered away, but the tablet could be identified by the carved design.

James(1) left a will dated Jan.25, 1743, his executors being his sons James (2) and Stephen, and his widow. In his will he stated "I have already given my sons James and Peter £100 each, so now I give my son Stephen £100, Residuary Legatee my wife Marianne".

James(1) and Marianne had issue:-

i James (2) - see later

Peter(1) Tree

ii Peter(1), silk manufacturer, Spitalfields, born London 1711, died 1767. He married first, Elizabeth Roussel, (born 1709, died 1758), and secondly Susanah Davids, there was apparently no issue from this marriage. He was admitted to membership of the French Church, Threadneedle Street in 1728, and in 1745 he signed a Memorial dated Sept.26, agreeing to arm and maintain men in the field when called thereto by His Majesty in defence of his person and government.

His first wife Elizabeth was the daughter of Francis Roussel and his wife Esther, nee Heusse. This Francis together with his brother Stephen, had a remarkable escape from France.

Peter(1) and Elizabeth had issue:

a. Moses born 1745, died before 1760.

    Peter(2) Tree

    b.Peter(2), born 1741, died 1812 at Henley on Thames. He married his cousin Mary Griffith, daughter of Sir Griffith Meredith, and Marie-anne nee Roussel. (RDB note: Wiblin disputesthis knighthood)

Peter(2) and Mary had issue:

    a. Sussane born 1769. Baptised St.Jean Spitalfields.
    b. Bridget born 1770. Baptised St Jean, Spitalfields, married John Curtis Byles of Henley.
    c. Elizabeth, born 1772, baptised St Jeans
    d. Ann Elizabeth, born 1773, baptised St Jeans
    e. Samuel
    f. Peter, born 1775, baptised St Jeans
    g. Marianne, born 1776, baptised St Jeans
    h. Charlotte
    i. Esther, born May 10, 1786, baptised St Jeans, married Rev. James Phillip Hewlett, May 1809. Died July 17, 1857. Issue; Samuel and Charlotte died young. (iii) James Phillip married Elizabeth Shackleford, May 3, 1836. Issue; 2 sons and 2 daughters.

iii Stephen, silk manufacturer of London and Edinburgh, was born in the Pay-de-Caux, Normandy, returned to England with his parents, and was naturalised by Act of Parliament 1773, and died unmarried, in 1775. In 1745 he agreed to place eight men in the field when called upon. He joined with his brother James(1) in the family firm, the other two partners then being William Beloncle and Peter Levesque, both relatives. He was elected a Director of the French Hospital in 1774. His will was dated Sept. 17, 1775, and was proved by his three partners. In it he left legacies amounting to approximately £13,500 plus Real Estate etc., to relatives, charities, and servants. He expressed the wish to be buried at Walthamstow. His nephew and partner, James Beuzeville (3) received a legacy of £2000 together with his house in Steward Street, subject to a life tenancy by William Belconcle and his wife who was a daughter of James (2), also land in Steward Street, which was probably used for mulberry plantation and silkworm production. He was also residual legatee, and was one of the three executors.

There are several interesting clauses in the will e.g. "Wearing apparel and Linen, three or four of the best table - cloths excepted, to our poor relatives or any other sober poor who may apply; it is forbidden for any to be sold or made money of". "Furniture. James(3) Beuzeville, nephew and partner to have furniture of house at Walthamstow not already willed, he is forbidden to sell any article, but may give any to poor relatives or other sober, honest poor who may apply".

Steward St Spitafields London E1
Map of London
Original and Other London Maps

iv Samuel born at St Thomas de Gruchet, near Bolbec, Normandy, 1717, died 1782. He was educated at Merchant Taylors School, and St.Johns College Oxford. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Louis Ourry of Blois (1682 - 1771), and his wife Ann Louise Beauvis. Elizabeth was born Feb.22, 1745, and they were married at St.Matthew's, Bethnal Green, Dec.17, 1764.

The Rev. Samuel Beuzeville officiated as minister at "La Patente" from 1753 until 1761, and at the French Church of St Johns, Spitalfields for twenty four years from 1758 until his death, also at Fumes at the English Parish Church. His death is recorded in the Gentleman's Magazine 1782, page 46, under the heading of "Obituary of Considerable People".

In 1778 he was editor of Dr. David's "Vie d' Ostervald" and Agnew ,states that "the most valuable portion of this volume is the biographical preface by the Rev. Samuel Beuzeville, Pasteur of Bethnal Green".

He was buried in the church yard of St. Dunstan's Stepney, and the translation of the inscription on his tombstone reads " Here lies near to his dear and venerable parents Samuel Beuzeville lately a humble minister of the French Church of St. John's in Spitalfields, born 16th April, 1717, died 3rd January 1782".

His will was dated Feb.12th, 1772, and was proved Jan. 23rd, 1782 by Peter Beuzeville his surviving Executor. The will was not witnessed and the handwriting was sworn to by William Beloncle of Tower Hamlet, London, Gent., and John Marplay of St.Botalph, Bishops Gate, London, Gent. He Bequeathed £500, the household furniture and effects and his library to his widow, and "my capital in my brother Stephen's land to my daughter". Then followed a large number of small bequests, one of which was to "The poor Protestants of Bolbec, the place of my nativity". Because of the favourable rate of exchange at the period this was sufficient to build a small church.

Samuel's widow Elizabeth (nee Ourry), died in Jersey in 1811.

Samuel and Elizabeth had one child.

Elizabeth Charity, was born Dec. 5th, 1765, and baptised by her father at St. John's, the witnesses being John Guillemard and Elizabeth Beuzeville. She was admitted to the church April 20, 1783. She was described as being the heiress of the Rev. Samuel Beuzeville and her uncle Rear Admiral George Ourry who died without issue, the same year as his wife, the Hon. Amelia Newton.

Elizabeth Charity married in 1783 Col. Thomas Lempiere (born 1756, died 1823), at St. Helier. He was Commissary General for Jersey, Guernsey etc. Elizabeth died in Jersey in 1806.

Elizabeth and Thomas had issue:-

a. Mary Julia b.1786, d.1806
b. George Ourry (Vice Admiral) b.1787, d.18??, married Frances Dumanesque 1833
c. Anne Ourry b.1788, d.1806
d. Caroline Charity b.1790, d.????
e. Charles b.1792, d.????
f. Amelia b.1794, d.???? married C.Pupon
g. Thomas b.1796 killed Alicante
h. Marianne b.1800, d.???? married Hon. Algernon Herbert, 5th son of 1st Earl of Carnarvon, Issue:-

(i)
(ii) Robert George Wyndham (became Sir.) First Premier of Queensland.
(iii) Jane Caroline
i. Samuel b.1801, d.????

j. Jeanne b.1803, d.???? married Major Lewis

  1. Elizabeth Sophia b.1805, d.1806.

  1. John-Baptist (Rev) born probably at Bolbec, admitted to the Church of St.John, Spitafields, August 31, 1730. In 1741 he officiated as minister at "La Patente", and in 1742 was appointed Collegiate French minister, Edinburgh. He died unmarried in 1771.
  2. Abraham born London September 1, 1724
  3. Susanne born London March 26, 1728
  4. Judith baptised St John's August 17, 1729
  5. Esther Anne baptised St John's September 5, 1730
  6. Daniel

*****************

James(2) Tree

i.James(2)(2) born Bolbec about 1708/9, silk manufacturer, Old Artillery Grounds, Spitalfields. He was admitted to membership of the French Church, Threadneedle Street, 1827, and was married at St. Jeans, Oct. 4th, 1736, to Elizabeth Barbet, who was born 1717 at Bolbec, and died 1785 at Shacklewell, Parish of St. John, Hackney. She was the daughter of Peter Barbet of Bolbec. In 1745, James signed an agreement to arm and maintain five men in the field if called upon. He apparently became a permanent member of the Threadneedle Street Church as all his children were baptised there.

He carried on the family business with three partners, Stephen his brother, Peter Levesque a cousin, and William Beloncle his son-in-law. The factory was located at 24 Steward Street, Spitalfields, which was finally sold in 182?. James(2) died in 1763, leaving a will dated May 31, 1763, which was proved by his widow and brother Stephen, July 18th, 1763. In it he left all his household goods and £500 to his widow, and stated that he had already given £500 to his daughter Elizabeth on her marriage with William Beloncle. He bequeathed £500 to each of his children, Magdalene, Marie, Esther and James (3).

His wife Elizabeth's will was dated Dec. 24th, 1781, and was proved Nov. 29th, 1785. She bequeathed about £700, in amounts ranging from £5 to £100, including £10 to each of her servants if they had been on her service for three years or more at the time of there death, plus £5 each for mourning. The residue of her husband's estate then amounting to £2250 was to be immediately divided between her son James (3), daughter Esther, and her grandson James Beloncle, son of her late daughter Elizabeth, in terms of her husband's will. A further sum of £10,000 was to be divided between her grandchildren when they came of age. The Executors were her son James(3), son-in-law Peter Huet and Peter(2) Beuzeville.

James (2) and Elizabeth had issue;

i James (3) see later

ii Peter, baptised Threadneedle St. Dec. 18th, 1737, died young.

iii Elizabeth, baptised Mar. 22nd, 1739/40, died 1781. She married William Belloncle of Spitalfields, who died Sept. 15th, 1787.

Elizabeth and William had issue:-

a. Daniel, baptised 1764, St. Jeans.
b. Marie baptised 1767 St. Jeans
c .Esther baptised 1768 St. Jeans
d. Peter baptised 1769 St. Jeans
e. William baptised 1773 St. Jeans
f. James baptised 1777 St. Jeans A director and treasurer of the French Hospital until 1821. He died at Hackney in 1822.

iv. Magdelene, baptised 1742

  1. Esther, baptised 1743, married first Daniel Oliver.

Esther and Daniel had issue:- a. Anne, baptised 1769 Threadneedle St.
b .Jean baptised 1771 Threadneedle St.
c. Esther baptised 1772 Threadneedle St.

  1. Elizabeth baptised 1773 Threadneedle St.

Second husband Peter Huet of Bolbec,

Esther and Peter had issue:-

a. Elizabeth, b. 1780
b. Marie, b. 1781, married Thomas Handyside
c .Louise Anne, born 1784
d. Esther, b. 1785, twin with---
e. Charlotte, b. 1785
f. Peter, b. 1787
g. James, b. 1793. Returned to Normandy. Married in 1822 to Adelaide Pouchet, died 1826. He established a cotton spinning business, and had issue Emma, who married M. Hurle, and had issue, amongst whom was:-

  1. Caroline, who married M. Krug, had ten children. The eldest was Joseph Krug of Reims, who had an only son, Paul, born 1912.
  2. Annette, who married Jules Lemactre, and had issue: two sons, Arthur and Raoul, both dead but left issue. Arthur was an agent in Caen, and Raoul a judge in Normandy.
  3. Marie Huet , who married Thomas Handyside, had issue: among others, a son Frank who married Martha Dupray, returned to France with six children, and settled at Fecamp. One of those children was a son, Alfred, he had two daughters and a son (killed during WWI). The eldest daughter Alice, married Dr. Paul Ouvry. The other Marthe, married Fernand Montier, Rouen.


vi. Marie, baptised 1745, Threadnedle St., admitted to St, Jeans' Spitalfields 1764.

James(3) Tree

i. James(3), silk manufacturer of Mare Street, Hackney, and 24 Steward Street, Spitalfields, born Sept. 24th, 1752, and baptised at the Threadneedle St. Church, his godmother being Susanne Barbet. He married first Elizabeth - who apparently died young without issue, and secondly Marie Jacob, born April 7th, 1759, died at Bocking, Essex, Oct. 6th, 1838 (probably in the home of her son Stephen). She was the daughter of John Jacob and Ann (nee Marrolleau). Amongst the family mourning rings which have been preserved, is one of exquisite workmanship which traditionally belonged to Marie, commemorating her mother's death, with the lettering, "Mrs Ann Jacob died July 1777".

James was aged 33 years when his father died in 1763, and was well established in the family firm . In 1775 his partner, his uncle Stephen, died un-married , leaving James £2000, a house and other property in Steward Street, together with household effects etc., and was the residual legatee. Following his mother's death in 1785, he inherited one third of the residue of his father's estate then amounting to £2250. He had already received £500 at the time of his father's death.

He was an Elder and Secretary of the Church of St. John's, and left a will dated May 15th, 1798. The family apparently moved into the country to live, as in his will he asks to be buried in the family vault which he had built at Cheshunt. When his will was drawn up his address was given as Mare Street, Hackney, but when he added a Codicil to his will dated Nov. 4th, 1798, he was described as "late of Mare Street, Hackney, and now of Steward Street, Old Artillery Ground, in the Liberty of the tower of London". When he died Jan 2, 1799 it was at his house at Woodford Green, Essex. His death notice was in the London Times, Jan. 7th, 1799.

At the time of making his will in 1798 only four of his eleven children were then alive, three being minors. He named his wife and cousin Peter Beuzeville as Executors. His wife Mary was to have all household goods, plates, jewels, books, china etc., and a sum of £500 to be paid within one month of his death. His daughter Elizabeth to receive £200, having already been given £500 at the time of her marriage with James Barbet, whom James took into the firm as a partner. £1500 she held in trust for Stephen, Sophia Ann and Amelia until they came of age, the principle to be invested in 3% Consolidated bank Annuities, and the interest to accumulate until the principal became payable.

The residue of the estate, all freehold, leasehold or copyhold property, stocks in public funds, ready money, debts, bonds, mortgages etc., to be managed to provide an income for his wife and younger children, then when the youngest came of age for his widows benefit alone for her life time, then after her death the residue to be divided among his four children.

He anticipated that his capital invested in the firm which was then Beuzeville, Levesque and Barbet (son-in-law) would be left intact and the profits be considered part of his residuary estate. Reading Stephen's notes it would appear that Levesque , who was then the senior partner, would have been prepared to accept this arrangement, however Barbet, probably to suit his own ends, objected to any of his late father-in-law's capital remaining in the firm, using the unconvincing argument "that there was no-one to take the management of it". Levesque then retaliated by objecting to Barbet remaining a partner without capital.

It was then agreed by all the interested parties under the will, and the executors, that £4000 should be lent to Barbet on his bond, which bond was drawn up by H.Parnell of Church Street, Spitalfields. This £4000 was to be Barbet's Capital-in-Trade. This money remained in Barbet's hands until Feb. 1805.

James' widow died at Bocking???? and was buried with late husband at Cheshunt.

James(3) and Mary had issue:-

  1. Elizabeth, b.1775, married James Barbet,

Elizabeth and James had issue:-

1 Elizabeth, b.1798, married Samuel Byles, son of John Curtis Byles and Brigette (nee Beuzeville).

2. James, b.1799, no issue

  1. Marie, b.1800, no issue
  2. Stephen, b.1803, no issue
  3. Anne, b.1804, no issue
  4. Caroline Anne, b1806, married Elli Lawarence, issue.
  5. John William, b.1807, issue
  6. Sophie, b.1813
  7. Amelia, b.1816

b. Marie, b.1777, died.young

c. James, b.1778, died.young

  1. Anne, b.1779, died.young
  2. e.Jean, b.1780, died.young
  3. Henrietta, b.1781, died.young
  4. Samuel Peter, b.1782, died.young
  5. Stephen , b.1784 - see later
  6. Sophie Ann, b.1785, married James (de la) Perelle, issue
  7. Amelia, b.1787, d.????
  8. Isaac, b.1790, died.young

Stephen's Tree

Stephen. Born February 2nd, 1784, baptised at St. Johns, Spitalfields, sponsors; Peter Levesque and Marie, wife of Peter Beuzeville. Following tradition Stephen's eldest brother was named James, but he apparently died in infancy, and Stephen was the only surviving son. Married Anna Marie Paroissien

Stephen and Anna had two surviving issue:-

  1. James(4) b at 24 Steward St Spitalfields 1st June 1809 see later
  2. George b. 1820, d 1893 in USA. Emigrated 1840


Stephen's Involvement in the Silk Industry with Courtaulds

In 1805 when Stephen came of age, he became a partner in the firm with Levesque and Barbet, but as the same feeling existed against taking a partner without capital, Barbet was asked to repay the loan of £4,000, and this was lent to Stephen on his bond which was again drawn up by Mr Purnell. Levesque later retired from the business and his interest was bought by Barbet, who then held two thirds of the "Capital-in Trade". The firm was then known as Barbet and Beuzeville.

Apparently the business suffered badly during the depression following the Napoleonic Wars. However, the suspicion has always remained that Stephen was cheated by his partner beyond the sums recorded. Barbet to say the least must have been an astute business man, since at the death of his father-in-law, James(3) Beuzeville in 1799, he was a junior partner without capital, and borrowed the £4,000 from James' estate, six years later he was able to repay the loan and soon after buy Levesque's interest presumably also for £4,000. Stephen has recorded that "the firm Barbet and Beuzeville had various money transactions with the Executors (of the estate of James(3) Beuzeville), by and with the consent of all the interested parties, but no writings were executed". The balance owing by the firm at the dissolution of partnership of Barbet and Beuzeville amounted to £3,093.10.0, of which sum Barbet had £1846.15.0, and S. Beuzeville £1,246.15.0".

There appear to have been two events which precipitated the dissolution of the partnership, both recorded by Stephen.. Barbet induced Stephen to assume full responsibility for a debt of £300, £200 of which was covered by Barbet. Stephen wrote "It was agreed that I should give a cognevit for the amount which I did, and as I could not pay at the stated time, they put an execution in the house at Hurley, which might have been prevented by Mr Barbet paying me his £200, which he never did, nor to this day have I ever received one farthing of that amount. "The other event he recorded briefly". James Barbet junior was manager of the concern at Reading at a salary, at the winding up of the concern my share of his defalcation was about £800. These two losses amounting to about £1,000, proved a serious financial blow to Stephen from which he never recovered. The partnership was dissolved in 1824, one hundred years after the foundation of the firm by the original emigrants.

Barbet never repaid the £12846.15.0, however he died interstate in 1830, and James Beuzeville's executors recovered the amount, apparently without interest, from his estate, and invested it in 3% consols. The fact that Barbet had married Stephen's sister Elizabeth probably saved him from any legal action.

About the end of 1824, Stephen apparently acquired a water-powered corn mill at Halstead, known as the Town Mill. An agreement dated January 19th, 1825, drawn up between Stephen and Samuel Courtauld and his partners for the conversion of the mill for silk throwing. Stephen was to provide the capital, and supply the silk. Courtauld was to erect the machinery and operate the mill in return for a share in the profits. Stephen was to take delivery of the yarn and manufacture the crepe. The mill appears to have been in operation by the summer of 1825, with Joseph Ash as manager.

Stephen became insolvent in 1827, "London Times" June 30th, he was described as, "of Henley-on Thames"(probably Lavender House), Halstead, Braintree and Bassing Hall Street, Silk Manufacturer". Amongst his debts was the sum of £2,000 owed to Samuel Courtauld. An agreement was made Oct.16th, 1827, and a formal deed of sale dated April 11th, 1828 between the commissioners in bankruptcy and Samuel Courtauld, whereby the mill (subject to charges of £300) was sold to Courtaulds for a cash payment of £1,500.

Following his insolvency, Stephen and his son James were employed by Courtauld, who then commenced to manufacture crepe, where as up to this date, they had been "throwsters", that is producers of yarn for weaving. It is probable that Stephen's technical knowledge largely contributed to the success of Courtauld's manufacture of crape, in view of the fact that he had had more that twenty years experience, and the Beuzeville firm had been successful producers of finished silk. In fact, there has always been a resentment in the Beuzeville family that Stephen received so little recognition for his contribution towards the wealth accumulated by the Courtauld's.

James(4) Tree

James (4)Born June, 1, 1809, baptised June 30th, at St. Botolph's, Bishop'sgate. He was born at the old family home; 24 Steward Street, Spitalfields, in the old Artillery Ground, within the Liberties of the Tower of London. Whist living in London he attended the Blue Coat School, and later when living at Lavender House, Henley, was a pupil and later, for a time, assistant master at a private school conducted by Mr. Charles Havell, and made a pencil sketch of the schoolhouse. He was formally apprenticed to his father Stephen and his certificate of the Freedom of City of London is dated March 12th, 1833. With his father, Stephen, he worked for Courtauld & Co at Braintree, Essex. He spent 8 years in the various silk countries of Europe, mainly in Spain, and in 1848, relinquished the management of a concern of Courtauld's in Spain and emigrated to Australia. James(4) married Jane Myles in 1833 and had 13 children, including James (5) (RDB note: see Beuzevilles' in Australia for more detail of his life and family)

James(5) Paroissien Born at Bocking, Essex, June 30th, 1843, and was baptised Sunday, July, 1843. by the Rev.Sir Herbet Oakley, and migrated to Australia with his parents in 1848. He was educated at Bathurst, N.S.W., and served his apprenticeship in the pastoral industry as junior "jackeroo", though I think that the word 'jackeroo' had not then come into use. He was employed by Mr. Thom of Bathurst, on one of his stations, his remuneration being his keep, clothes, and a heifer per year. He was later managing "a property in the Molong district, and was later on the Lachlan. At some time in the 1860's he joined the staff of the Aust. Joint Stock Bank, and it is believed that the Bank sent him to Gympie. (RDB note: see Beuzevilles' in Australia for more detail of his life and family)


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