I went to a field I had been on more times than I could remember but knew it was on highish ground and that there might be a chance some of it was fairly dry.. I had named this particular field the "cow tube graveyard" as there were literally hundreds of the things all of which as you probably know give an tremendous signal and you just have to dig in case its something good!
I set up the machine in the same spot as always usually where I start and most certainly always finish any outing and literally 3 forward steps I recieved a pretty good signal. Fisrt thoughts were " here we go, another cow tube " however i was nicely surprised to see a glint of gold. Closer inspection showed that it was a ring which had an inscription which later turned out to read "MARY ANNE BOSCAWEN OB 21st SEPT 1821 ET 44"
The OB related to the word "Obitus" which means Died and ET sometimes written as AET meaning AETA (Aged)
It looked like a clear example of a mouring ring. From chatting with several people its clear that it would probably had black enamelling around the ring at some point and that it had been made in 2 parts. The first being the band with the inscription and this then being pushed inside the roped outer piece. The corrosion which is shown on the ring is due to the solder that was used to meld the 2 pieces together which over time has eaten its way on to quite a bit of the ring.
The Hall mark is 1821 and from a goldsmith by the name of Samuel Golbeherne of London. My first thought after talking to the landowner was to see if we could trace the family and see if there was a living relative still alive today and this is where the story became quite interesting with a royalty connection.
A lady by the name of Susan Green has been amazing in the help of putting the following information together and her insight and knowledge of geneaology is breathtaking..
Mary Ann Boscawen
Mary Ann Boscawen was born Mary Ann Hughes in 1777. At this stage it is too hard to discover who her parents were until more doccumentation surfaces. Mary Ann Hughes married on 17 July 1805 William Augustus Spencer Boscawen Esq. Son of Major Gen. Hon John Boscawen 1714 - 1767. From records gathered she had three children before she was officially married. From this one could presume numerous scenarios, but will leave it to your imagination.unable to find a will for her but she was loved as the expensive mourning ring was made in her honor.
William Augustus Spencer Boscawen can trace his line back to a long line of Barons Lords and Earls. He was the son of Major Gen. Hugh John Boscawen and Thomasine Surnman 1719 -1750 the daughter of Goldsmith and Banker Robert Surnman.
Robert Surman
Robert Surman was registered as the owner of Valentines at the Manor Court on 16th April 1724, having recently suffered the disgrace of having all his property "sold by Auction to the best Bidder in the Hall of the South-Sea House". Surman was born around 1693 and he was apprenticed to Stephen Ramm, Citizen and Goldsmith, on 20 January 1708. He completed his seven-year apprenticeship but he did not take up his freedom with the Goldsmiths' Company until much later. In the eighteenth century the term 'goldsmith' was interchangeable with 'banker' and it was in the world of finance that he made a living.
In 1718 Surman was appointed assistant to the Chief Cashier of the South Sea Company, Robert Knight, his uncle, and played a central part in the scheme which led to the "South Sea Bubble". The sale of property owned by all the Directors and key officers was part of the attempt to recover some money to assist the vast numbers who had lost their fortune. Robert Surman pleaded his junior status and while forfeiting all his property, he was granted £5,000 which was approximately what he owned in 1718. Settling down at Valentines with his wife and two small daughters was the first stage in rebuilding his life.
Surman was a minor player in the South Sea Bubble team, but it was his knowledge of banking which had been an asset to the South Sea Company. Once the dust had settled on the "Bubble" it was Martin's Bank which enabled him to pick up the pieces and get on with his life. By 1731 the partners in the bank were listed as James Martin, Robert Surman, James Leaver and Richard Stone and Surman continued as a partner for about twenty years.
The property called Valentines and purchased by Surman in 1724 comprised the house and eight acres of land. Pencilled dates on the wall of one of the first floor rooms show that he wasted no time in redecorating at least part of the house. Surman's improvements probably included the addition of a new main staircase with the Palladian window and he may have added the two bays to the front of the building.
Soon after 1726 Surman bought the adjoining property of about 120 acres, also called Valentines but sometimes later referred to as Middlefield Farm, from John Lethieullier and his son, Smart Lethieullier. It seems Surman soon set about rebuilding the gardens as there is a record of workmen digging in a field behind Mr.Surnam's gardens at Valentines in October 1724. The formal gardens and the canal behind the house could well have been constructed at this time.
Robert Surman probably had a house in the City but it is likely that his wife and daughters spent most of their time at Valentines. We can imagine him enjoying the newly created garden walks, arm-in-arm with Thomasin, watching his daughters Thomasina (born in 1719) and Sarah (born in 1721) running across the grass and playing hide and seek among the shrubs. His disgrace must have become a thing of the past when in 1730 the Parish Vestry appointed Robert Surman Overseer of Great Ilford Ward.
Sadly, the happy family life at Valentines lasted just ten years. A stone on the floor of St.Margaret's church at Barking (recorded in around 1908 but now hidden under the organ platform) says: Here lyeth interr'd the body of Thomasin Surman, late wife of Robert Surman of Valentine House in this parish, Gent., who departed this life the 26th day of November Anno Dom. 1734 aged 41 years. Robert and his two daughters, now in their early teens, must have had a sad journey back to Valentines after the funeral. It would be nice to think that Robert's mother stayed to comfort them over the cold weeks of December and January. She had lost her husband in 1722 and from the wording used when she put her own affairs in order around 1736 it is clear that she regarded her son with great affection. She died in November 1744.
Robert was by now about fifty years of age and with considerable standing in the community. His mother had been a wealthy woman and about five years after her death Robert Surman decided to branch out and establish a bank of his own. It was known as Surman, Dinely and Cliffe, the partners being Thomas Dinely a colleague at Martin's Bank, and Surman's nephew, Robert Cliffe, co-executor of his mother's will.
Just before this, in December 1748, Robert's daughter, Thomasina, married Colonel John Boscawen, son of Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth. Her husband later became Master of the Horse, and one of the Grooms of the Bedchamber to the Duke of Cumberland, and M. P. for Truro. Their son William was born 7 January 1750, but sadly Thomasina died about three weeks later, aged 30 years. She was buried with her mother at Barking.
By now Robert Surman and his daughter Sarah were accepted in the best circles. Some glimpses of their social life can be gleaned from letters which were exchanged between Earl Tylney of Wanstead and his brother-in-law, Sir Robert Long, and the Earl's sisters Emma and Dorothy. For instance, they joined Earl Tylney and eleven other guests to a supper party at Bleak Hall. This included Lord Londonderry who was staying with Earl Tylney at that time. The letters refer to Miss Surman as Sally. She would have been twenty-nine at the time, three or four years younger than Dorothy Child.
In the 1750s Robert Surman was described as "of Lombard Street, London goldsmith" in property deals with Joseph Cruttenden of Gracechurch Street, London, gent. (his nephew), Robert Cliffe of Lombard Street, London banker (also his nephew) Thomas Dineley of Tower Hill, London esq. and others. We do not know why Robert Surman decided to sell Valentines but in October 1754 it was acquired by Charles Raymond. It seems likely the two men became acquainted through business with the East India Company.
The Gentleman's Magazine reported the death of Robert Surman of Glocester Street, Esq on 14 June 1759. Did he died happy, or did fate have more shocks in store for his last five years?
So we go back to the Boscawen family..
1. Lt.-Col. William Augustus Spencer Boscawen 1750 -1828
Lt.-Col. William Augustus Spencer Boscawen was born on 7 January 1750. He was the son of Maj Gen Hon John Boscawen and Thomasine Surman. He died in 1828. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.). He gained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the Foot Guards.
Children of Lt.-Col. William Augustus Spencer Boscawen
Heirs of William And Mary Ann Boscawen.
- Mary Boscawen
- Elizabeth Spencer Boscawen
- George Boscawen b. 1802, d. 1832
- Evelyn Spencer Boscawen b. 1803, d. 1845
2. Maj.-Gen. Hon. John Boscawen
was born in January 1714. He was the son of Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth and Charlotte Godfrey. He married Thomasine Surnman, daughter of Robert Surnam, in December 1748. He died in 1767.
Children of Maj.-Gen. Hon. John Boscawen and Thomasine Surnman
- Hugh Boscawen d. 1795 (There is no record or proof of the existance of this child the Hugh that died in that year was of another family)
- Lt.-Col. William Augustus Spencer Boscawen b. 7 Jan 1750, d. 1828
3. Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth
was the son of Edward Boscawen and Jael Godolphin. He married Charlotte Godfrey, daughter of Colonel Charles Godfrey and Arabella Churchill, on 23 April 1700.
He died on 25 October 1734.and held the office of Captain of St. Mawes Castle between 1696 and 1710. He was Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of Gloucester between 1698 and 1700. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Whig) for Tregony between 1702 and 1705. He held the office of Groom of the Bedchamber to Prince George of Denmark between 1702 and 1708. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Whig) for Cornwall between 1705 and 1710. He held the office of Warden of the Stannaries between 1708 and 1710. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) (Whig) for Penryn between 1713 and 1720. He held the office of Comptroller of the Household between 1714 and 1720.
He held the office of Captain of St. Mawes Castle between 1714 and 1734. He held the office of Warden of the Stannaries between 1714 and 1734. He held the office of Joint Vice-Treasurer of Ireland between 1717 and 1734. He was created 1st Viscount Falmouth, co. Cornwall [Great Britain] on 9 June 1720. He was created 1st Baron of Boscawen Rose, co. Cornwall [Great Britain] on 9 June 1720. He has an extensive biographical entry in the Dictionary of National Biography.
4. Edward Boscawen,
Born. 21 November 1628, Died. between 28 July 1685 and 3 May 1686
Edward Boscawen was baptised on 21 November 1628. He was the son of Hugh Boscawen and Margaet Rolle. He married Jael Godolphin, daughter of Sir Francis Godolphin and Dorothy Berkley, on 5 January 1665. He died between 28 July 1685 and 3 May 1686. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Truro between 1660 and 1681.
Children of Edward Boscawen and Jael Godolphin
- Hugh Boscawen 1st Viscount Falmouth d. 25 Oct 1734
- Dorothy Boscawen
- Ann Boscawen d. Jan 1751
Born 28 April 1578, Died. circa January 1641
Hugh Boscawen was baptised on 28 April 1578.He was the son of Nicholas Boscawen and Alice Trevantin. He married Margaret Rolle, daughter of Robert Rolle, on 22 June 1622. He died circa January 1641. He was buried on 9 January 1641. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Cornwall. He held the office of Recorder of Truro. He lived at Tregothnan, Cornwall, England. He held the office of Recorder of Truro.
Children of Hugh Boscawen and Margaret Rolle
- Hugh Boscawen b. 21 Aug 1625, d. c Jun 1701
- Edward Boscawen b. 21 Nov 1628, d. bt 28 Jul 1685 - 3 May 1686
The continuation of the Boscawens can be traced back to 1357 through father to son.
So we go back now to Many Anne and William.
William Augustus Spencer Boscawen and Mary Ann had the following family.
Elizabeth Spencer Boscawen 1805 - 1891, Evelyn Spencer Hughes Boscawen , George Boscawen 1802 - 1832, Mary Boscawen.
Sons And Heirs of William Augustus Spencer and Mary Ann Boscawen
George Boscawen was born 10 May 1802 and died September 19, 1832 Lurgan, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. He died Unmarried and no heirs.
source Mosley, Charles, editor. Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes. Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003.
He gained the rank of Captain in the service of the Royal Engineers
Evelyn Spencer Hughes Boscawen
Born July 28, 1803 and died prior to July 1845. He died unmarried with no heirs. Note error in transcription of christening stating he was a female not a male.
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 about Evelyn Spencer Hughes Boscawen
Name: Evelyn Spencer Hughes Boscawen
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 28 Jul 1803
Baptism Date: 25 Aug 1803
Baptism Place: Saint Mary-St Marylebone Road,St Marylebone,London,England
Father: Wm. Augs. Spencer Boscawen
Mother: Mary Hughes
FHL Film Number: 580907
Will of Evelyn Spencer Boscawen, late Major in the British Army of Cheltenham , Gloucestershire
Date: 29 April 1845
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
Legal status: Public Record
Boscawen, Evelyn Spencer
Rank: Lieutenant
Unit: 17th Foot & Biography: Commissioned as Lieutenant 2.9.1824. Was still serving with 17th Foot as at 1826.
Period of Service: 1820s
Mary Boscawen
was born 3.November 1800 and died 1881. She married twice 1st to Captain William Henry Foy died 1838 and secondly to William Newman.
Captain William Henry Foy and Mary Boscawen had 1 child. Louisa Elizabeth Foy b 1828.
Below the marriage of Mary to William Newman. They had no children.
London, England, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1921
Name: Mary Foy
Spouse Name: William Newnham
Record Type: Marriage
Event Date: 17 Dec 1840
Parish: Twickenham St Mary the Virgin
Borough: Richmond Upon Thames
Father Name: William Augustus Spencer Boscawen
Spouse Father: Thomas Newnham
Louisa Elizabeth Foy
Born 1828 Ostend, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium and married Nathaniel John Newman
England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973
about Louisa Elizabeth Foy
Name: Louisa Elizabeth Foy
Gender: Female
Marriage Date: 15 Jun 1852
Marriage Place: Egham,Surrey,England
Father: William Henry Foy
Spouse: Nathaniel John Newnham
FHL Film Number: 994419
Nathaniel John Newnham and Louisa Elizabeth Foy had 1 child.
Mary Louisa Newnham
Born 1857 Egham, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
died 1931 aged 74 leaving no heirs.
Mary Louisa Newnham married Rev. George Menzies Lambrick
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966 about Mary Louisa Lambrick
Name: Mary Louisa Lambrick
Probate Date: 13 Oct 1931
Death Date: 26 Apr 1931
Death Place: Somerset, England
Registry: London, England
The Last Daugther
Elizabeth Spence Boscawen
Born 5 November 1805 (Note only child born after they were married) died 28 June 1891. She married John Foy on 13 July 1829 St Marylebone. They had 4 daughters
England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
Name: Elizth. Spencer Boscawen
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 5 Nov 1805
Baptism Date: 6 Dec 1805
Baptism Place: Saint Mary-St Marylebone Road,St Marylebone,London,England
Father: Wm. Augustus Spencer Boscawen
Mother: Mary Anne
FHL Film Number:580907
London and Surrey, England, Marriage Bonds and Allegations, 1597-1921
Name: Elizabeth Spencer Boscawen
Age: 21
Birth Year: abt 1808
Event Date:13 Jul 1829
Parish: St Marylebone
Spouse's Name: John Foy
Spouse's Age: 21
Spouse's Parish: St Marylebone
Spouse's County: Middlesex
Event Type: Allegation
The four daughters listed below all died without issue
Florence Matilda Louisa Foy 1846 - 1922
FOY Florence Louisa Matilda of Brightlands Southborough, Kent. Spinster, Died 27th October 1922 Probate London 29th March to Charles Yate Lee Solicitor. Effects: £15,357 3s 11d
Rosamund Harriet Foy 1843 - 1925
FOY Rosamund Harriet Brightlands Southborough, Kent. Spinster, Died 16th March 1925. Probate London to Charles Yate Lee Esquire. Effects: £27,182 7s 3d
Helen Elizabeth Foy 1832 - 1899
FOY Helen Elizabeth of Brightlands Southborough, Kent. Spinster, Died 14th August 1899 Probate London 31st October to Rosamund Harriet Foy Spinster and Thomas Dolling Bolton Esquire. Effects: £7920 10s 1d
Mary (Mercy) Sibella Foy 1840-1917
FOY Mercey Sibella of Brightlands Southborough, Kent. Spinster, Died 19th December 1917 Administration ( With Will ) London 5th March to Rosamund Harriet Foy Spinster. Efects: £8654 18s 11d . Resworn £7310 10s 3d
So that is where the history stops.
Its quite saddening re readng all of this, to consider that once there was a family with such high public status, misxing in the right circles and related to royalty that has lead to the demise of this family with 4 daughters all passing this world as spinsters. You might wonder why they all died this way and maybe assumption my lead you to believe that they were wealthy women who at the time had no need for the dependency and security that a man would normally offer in those times. Or maybe it was that they didnt want to share any of their wealth and prefered to enjoy it in their own way.
Im pleased though that by chance that day I was able to discover the ring and for a moment in time the legacy of such a great family is being spoken about once more and that by writing this blog and with the information sought out by Sue above this fantastic piece of social history can be read by many.
I have recently donated this ring and the history behind it including all copies of birth, death and marriage certificates to Chester Museum where hopefully people will be able to read and remember the family Boscawen.
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