a history
List of Passengers: Outward: Per P. and O. Steamer Pera, from Southampton, November 20 – To Yokohama: … To Shanghai … To Calcutta … (list includes) … Mr. W. H. Pinsent …
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GRO0899 India: William Henry Pinsent: 1845 – 1895
County Sessions: Wednesday: Before Earl Devon (chairman) and Biggs Andrews, Esq., Q.C.: The Court was opened at ten o’clock: The Rioting at Crediton: “Starving Alive”: Henry James, 18, shoemaker (imp.), and Barnett Elston (on bail), were charged with having, at Crediton, on Nov. 5th, with divers other persons, riotously and tumultuously assembled together to the disturbance of the public peace. Mr. Carter prosecuted; Mr. Clarke defended. The prosecuting counsel opened the case pointing out the technical differences between misdemeanour — the charge against the prisoners — and felony and having narrated circumstances of the riot stated he should prove by abundant testimony that the prisoners were not mere spectators, but that they took an active part in the riotous proceedings. The following is an outline of the evidence: Mr. John Cleave, baker, of East Street, anticipating the disturbance on Gunpowder Plot night, put his shutters at six o’clock. The rioters visited the shop with a shower of stones, doing damage to the amount of £5 or £6. Did not see the prisoners in the crowd: Mr. F. Elston was walking from West town to East Town about ten o’clock. Saw a large number of rioters — thirty or forty — recognised amongst them Barnett Elston: Knew him well, as they were natives of Crediton, and cousins. Heard him say several times “Down with the bakers; starving alive.” Others hollered at the same time. Saw both prisoners throw stones at Mr. Cleave’s windows. Several persons kicked the shutters. The prisoners followed the mob to the shop of Mr. Pinsent, baker. Cross-examined by Mr. Clarke — I helped roll the tar barrel; I did, not collect the money for it, but contributed towards the bonfire. The tar barrel and the bonfire were not one and the same thing — (a laugh). Did not speak to Barnett — not a word. Barnett was in the middle of the crowd, with whom the witness was running; did not recognise anyone else besides the prisoners — not even those who kicked the shutters. Barnett had been in the employ of witness’s father; he had worked for him since Nov. 5th. There was a constable nearby, and therefore the witness could not point out the prisoners to the police: Knew almost all the people in Crediton. Mr. George Stone, shoemaker, a Kirton man, gave similar testimony. Saw the prisoners in the crowd; heard Barnett cry out “Starving alive.” He kept bawling out with the others. This was near eleven, in West Town, near Mr. Lee’s shop. By Mr. Clarke — Did not see the witness, Fred. Elston, during the night: Witness had his hand bandaged, and was examined as follows by Mr. Clarke: You have met with an accident I see. How did it occur? I was cleaning a revolver for some gentleman. That was a dangerous thing to do; did you not know that the revolver was loaded? Mr. Carter interposed — Pray what connection had the revolver with this case? The court allowed the examination to proceed, and Mr. Clarke repeated the question. Witness — Yes, I knew it was loaded; but that has nothing to do with this case. Did it go off? Yes. What were you doing with the revolver; are you a gunsmith? — Why do you wish to tell lies? I have told you that l am a shoemaker. What were you doing with the revolver? — I am a shoemaker; but what has all this to do with the case? I was cleaning it for a gentleman. What gentleman? come out with his name. — Witness hesitated, and then asked the court whether he was bound to answer the question. The noble chairman answered in the affirmative. Witness still refused to give an answer, but when cautioned by the chairman he went out with it” — for a cousin of mine. His name is Stone. What day was it? — Last Friday fortnight. Were you not making preparations for Nov. 5th when the accident occurred? — No. If you want to get at it quickly, I will tell you all. My cousin is in the habit of going into the country and of being prepared. I was repairing his pistol for him, and while trying on the caps it exploded. Mr. Carter appealed to the chairman whether this questioning about the pistol was not a waste of time. The Chairman — cannot say that; Mr. Clarke may have some definite object. Mr. Clarke — Did you not go to Albert Elston’s for a soldier’s jacket? — Witness — No suggestion was made about it, but I did not borrow it. Did you not send for that jacket for the purpose of disguising yourself on Nov. 5th? Witness (hesitating) — No. Come now, did you not send for it? — No. Then why did you hesitate? — Because you began about the pistol, and it was all for nothing — (laughter). Did you deny before the magistrates that you asked for the jacket? Yes. Have you ever been charged with a little offence called burglary. Mr. Carter — A little “offence!” Mr. Clarke — A burglary at John Elston’s house? — Witness (emphatically) —Me, Sir; no, never. Mr. Edwin Lee, saddler, saw a crowd of about 150 or 200 in front of Mr. Lee’s shop; stones had been thrown at the windows. Recognised Barnett Elston about eleven o’clock: Knew him well by sight. P.C. Allen heard Elston when in the police cell say to James “believe that it is, that Fred Elston that has informed against us.” James replied, “believe it is so.” Elston then said “I’m …. if I care; if I was there, I can get plenty of witnesses to come forward and prove that I was someplace else.” This concluded the case for the prosecution. Mr. Clarke spoke on behalf of his clients. Riots of a most disgraceful character had taken place in the county, and he hoped they would not be repeated. The ringleaders should be punished; but had it been proved that the prisoners were amongst them? The evidence was unsatisfactory. Throwing a stone was a momentary act, but pulling down shutters was not; the former was spoken to by Fred. Elston, and yet he could not give any information as to the latter. He should show that Barnett Elston was standing amongst the crowd, and yet committed no act of violence whatsoever. Let the jury judge as to whether the witnesses had come forward in the cause of justice or to screen themselves. Evidence was called for the defence. Emma Chamberlain saw a mob break Mr. Cleave’s windows. Saw Barnett Elston standing nearby; but he was neither doing nor saying anything; he went quietly away. By Mr. Carter: — Was positive that Barnett did not damage Mr. Cleaves premises. Did not swear before the magistrates that she could not say Elston was not among the crowd when some stones were thrown. [The deposition of a witness before the magistrates was read; it showed that she had made that statement]. Mrs. Ann Woollacott was at her father’s house opposite Mr. Cleaves. Saw Elston, and said to him ” Barnett, don’t you have anything to do with this.” He replied that he should not, he knew who would be best off to-morrow. He took no part in the riot. Mrs. Charlotte Payne, wife of a shoemaker, heard a noise near her house in Deane Street. Went towards Mr. Cleaves shop: Saw Barnett Elston and Mrs. Woollaoott, and heard the conversation just spoken to by the latter. Henry Manning, mason, of Deane-street, saw Barnett Elston stand at his father’s door — neither saying nor doing anything to anyone, and this was while the mob were breaking into Mr. Cleaves’ shop. R. Ferris also saw Elston standing with his hands in his pockets “doing nothing” during the riot, near Mr. Cleaves. Mr. Clarke summed up for the defence, and Mr. Carter replied, arguing that the testimony of those who did not witness the prisoner’s rioting went for nothing. An Irishman, when caught with his hands in a man’s pocket, said he could bring hundreds to prove that they did not see it — (laughter). The noble Chairman having directed the jury on the case, the prisoners were found guilty on the fourth count in the indictment – riotous assembly. The rioters were later part of the day called up for sentence. His Lordship said — You have been convicted on very clear evidence of the offence charged against you in the indictment — that you connected yourselves with a riotous mob in Creditor the night referred to — that you went about the different parts of the town, breaking into the shops and plundering them of their contents. You seem to have gone considerably beyond that licence which is sometimes permitted on the 5th November, proceeding to appropriate to yourselves the property of others. You were sadly mistaken if you thought that you would bring down the price of bread permanently by such a course; but it is not for the Court to point out how foolish that conduct was. Whilst abstaining from expressing any opinion on the preliminary proceedings of the night — Gunpowder Plot – it is the duty of the Court to mark their sense of your offence by severe punishment — showing you and all others engage in acts of disorder that the law is strong enough to suppress. You are each sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.
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GROxxxx Crediton
Newton: Messrs. Norrington’s Manure Audit: On Wednesday a large and influential gathering of yeoman took place at the Globe Hotel, to do honour to a capital spread, provided by Messrs. Norrington for their numerous customers in the Newton and Chagford district. Mr. C. H. S. Veale, the district manager, presided. About 120 sat down, among whom were T. Wills, Esq., and the deputation from the Devon and Cornwall Chamber of Agriculture, J. Carpenter-Garnier, Esq., J. W. Pratt, Esq., J. W. Coniton, Esq., Messrs. R. Thorn, J. S. Bartlett, T. Elliott, G. Pinsent, R. Palk, J. Moon, J. Rendell (Coffinswell) N. Stephens etc. … (includes) … J. Pinsent … H. Pinsent …
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GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918
GRO0412 Hennock: Henry Pinsent: 1844 – 1894
GRO0449 Hennock: James Pinsent: 1842 – 1902 (?)
Devon Intermediate Sessions: This Day: Before the R., Hon. the Earl of Devon (chairman), and Biggs Andrews, Esq., Q.C.: The Riots at Crediton: Barnet Elston (on bail) and Henry James, 18, shoemakers, were indicted for having been engaged in the riots at Crediton, on the night of the 5th of Nov. Mr. Carter prosecuted, and Mr. Clarke defended the prisoners. … (description of events) … Fred. Elston, cousin of one of the prisoners, stated that he saw the prisoner Elston running with the mob towards the new schools in East Town. He cried several times, “Starving alive,” and “Down with the bakers.” When they arrived at the shop of the last witness, he saw both prisoners throw stones and break the upper windows. He had known Elston ever since he could recollect anything. Afterwards saw James throw stones at Mr. Pinsent’s shop. Cross examined: Was one of the parties previously engaged in rolling the tar barrel about the street. Also contributed to the expense of the bonfire … (continues at length) …
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[GROxxxx xxxxx]
THE RIOTERS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES: On Wednesday, before W. J. Watts, Esq., R. Vicary, Esq., Sir W. Rae, and Admiral Wise, Edward Daw was charged with being concerned in the riot. Mr. H. Michelmore, solicitor, stated that after the reading of the Riot Act was in the midst of a crowd outside Thomas’s shop in East Street, and saw the accused throw a missile of some sort into one of the top windows, which broke the glass. He caught hold of him and gave him into custody. Prisoner, in defence, said that he left Mr. Taverner’s house, where he worked, he went straight down the street; he denied that he threw any stone at all. He was committed for trial, and was refused. Martin Sweeney, a lurking looking youth with a bloodstained smock on, was similarly charged. Mr. Watts said that after the Riot Act was read he called on the mob to disperse, which, not being done, he ordered special constables to clear the street. They charged the mob, broke through them, re-formed on the further side, charged down again, and when opposite Mr. Mitchelmore, draper, the mob intercepted the special constables, himself being in front, and passed a little way into the crowd, the crowd being faced about on meeting the special constables. Witness turned round to do the same, when he saw prisoner Sweeney, who was on his right hand at a short distance, raise his hand and throw a missile as large, or larger, than a man’s fist at, or in the direction of the special constables. The Witness sprang forward and seized him by the collar and called for assistance, when P.C. Cuming came and took him in charge. P.C. Cuming proved receiving the prisoner into his custody from Watts. Prisoner pleaded not guilty and denied having resisted being taken to the lock-up. He had nothing else to say, only that it wasn’t right for the policeman to knock anybody about directly he got them inside the yard: Committed for trial without bail. The Chairman observed that in all cases that came before the Bench of a similar character no bail would be accepted. Mr. Watts then addressed a few words of advice to those present, telling them that the prices of both meat and bread had been considerably reduced, so that could be no further excuse for their indulging in similar practices as that the previous night. It was painful for him to have to read the Riot Act, but he hoped now their end had been obtained no further physical force would be resorted to. A person in the crowd said, “Thank you sir,” and great deal of dissatisfaction seemed to be among the many present. Wednesday was all excitement and business at a discount. It was confidently reported that the rabble was going to make an onslaught on the butchers’ shops in the night, and that body to a man was in a very excited state all day. Several special constables were sworn in that day, and in the evening 350 more, Courtenay-street and the Town Hall were literally besieged, and excitement was everywhere. The volunteers were all sworn in and kept in reserve during the night. Mr. Vicary ordered all his men, one hundred and more, to be sworn or leave his employ. Mr. Pinsent’s men and most of the employees at railway works were also sworn in and a large number supplied with staves. This precaution no doubt had a sensible effect on the roughs for they made themselves scarce from public view during the evening, and the night passed all serene without any disturbance whatsoever.
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GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901 (?)
Death: Stapleton: Oct. 19, after a few hours’ illness, Jane Stapleton, forty-eight years a faithful servant in the family of Thos. Pinsent, Esq. of Greenhill, Kingsteington, aged 65.
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GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872
Kingsteignton: Harvest Thanksgiving: Harvest thanksgiving was celebrated by the industrious inhabitants of this little village yesterday, and the proceedings passed off very successfully indeed. Special services were held in the afternoon in the chapel, when an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. T. Bennitt, of Dawlish, who took his text from the 13th chapter of Joshua, and the first verse “And there remaineth yet much land to be possessed.” After the services a public tea was provided in the chapel, at which a goodly number sat down. Mrs. W. Widdicombe, Mrs. Stark, and Miss Pinsent kindly presided at the trays. In the evening a public meeting was held, which was presided over by J. Bowden, Esq. who delivered a very appropriate and eloquent opening address. The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev. B. Browne, Newton, Mr. Mann, and others.
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GROxxxx xxxxx
South Devon Hounds: This excellent pack of foxhounds met for the first time for the season at Wood, near Bishopsteignton, the seat of W. Harris, Esq., yesterday, when there was, notwithstanding the threatening state the weather, an unprecedentedly large attendance of well mounted horsemen. Several ladies were also present. To the credit of the worthy master (Mr. Westlake) the hounds were in excellent condition; and they were brought up at Woodgate at the appointed time. Mr. Westlake was heartily greeted by his old friends, and Mr. Michelmore was scarcely less so, as the new Hon. Secretary to the Hunt. It is scarcely possible for the members the hunt to have appointed more able successor to Mr. C. Wills, of Woodlands, the late indefatigable secretary, than Mr. Michelmore, for he is in every sense of the word thorough huntsman; and there is no doubt he will do much in maintaining the popularity of this well-known pack. Among the company present (about 130), were the following — Sir John Duntze, W. Harris, Esq., W. R. Hole, Esq., J. B. Short, Esq., J. Whidborne, Esq., and Miss Whidborne, — Rudge Esq., and Mrs. Rudge, D. Adair, Esq., and Mrs. Adair, H. S. Gaye, Esq., Dr. Hall, R. J. Baillie, Esq., J. Earle, Esq., H. Smart, Esq., B. Beamish, Esq., H. Michelmore, Esq., S. Foster, Esq., R. W. Templer, Esq., Rev. W. C. Clarke, Capt. Keating, C. Ingle, Esq., W. H. Kitson, Esq., Admiral Wise, Miss Sanders, Misses Gardner, Miss Harris, Misses Riccard, Messrs. T Sarah, H. Magor, E. Bond, Dr. Drake, Carlisle, Pinsent, junr., H. Jacobs, H. Budd P. Harris. The dogs were first taken to Newlake, near Little Haldon, where a fox of rather “tender age” was soon found. After being chased about forty-five minutes, he succumbed to his pursuers on Lidwell estate, the son of Captain West, who singular to relate, was mounted on a pony, being the first to be in at the death; but he was soon followed by a young lady, to whom the brush was afterwards presented. The field then trotted off to Lutton Bottom, and drew blank, and with the like result at Kingswood, and Buckley Coppice; but on entering Whiteland estate, a fine old fox was found. He made back through Buckley Coppice at a clipping pace, bidding the dogs defiance, and thence through Kingswood, Durley Wood, and on to Lynridge, where he managed to give the dogs the “slip,” after several hours hard running. The day being now far spent — quarter after five — the dogs were drawn off, and Reynard was allowed to compose himself until another meet. We should mention that Mr. W. Harris kindly entertained a number of the company to luncheon prior to the meet.
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GRO0831 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1842 – 1889 (?)
South Devon Agricultural Society: Annual Meeting: On Wednesday the annual meeting of the above important society was held at Modbury under very favourable auspices … (Judges) … For Malting Barley: Mr. J. Pinsent, Newton Abbot, Mr. J. West, Tamar Brewery, Devonport …
[see also Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Friday 1st November 1867]
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GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901