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.
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) 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
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.
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:
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".
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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
(i)
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:-
(ii) Robert George Wyndham (became Sir.) First Premier of Queensland.
(iii) Jane Caroline
i. Samuel b.1801, d.????
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
Esther and Daniel had issue:-
a. Anne, baptised 1769 Threadneedle St.
b .Jean baptised 1771 Threadneedle St.
c. Esther baptised 1772 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:-
vi. Marie, baptised 1745, Threadnedle St., admitted to
St, Jeans' Spitalfields 1764.
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:-
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
b. Marie, b.1777, died.young
c. James, b.1778, died.young
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:-
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.
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