Michael Westcombe

1790-1861

Michael was born on the 8^th August 1790 and baptised on the 19^th September 1790 in Thatcham Berkshire (surname recorded as Westcom on the baptism record) he was the son of Michael and Martha Westcombe (nee Fry).

Michael’s Parents:

Michael and Martha were married on the 12^th November 1789 at St Mary’s Church Thatcham. (Michael was from Newbury and both were single) Michael was born c1761 and was a Carpenter in his earlier life becoming a Builder later in life. Martha was born c1758.

Martha died in 1795 she was buried at St Mary the Virgin Speen on the 8^th February.

Michael remarried in 1806 his 2^nd wife was Mary Hutchins (a spinster) they were married on the 12^th July at St Nicolas Church Newbury. Mary died aged 55 in 1820 she was buried on the 8^th October at St Mary the Virgin Speen. Michael remarried the following year his 3^rd wife was Mary Bunce they were married on the 29^th October 1821 at St Michael and All Angels Enborne Berkshire. Michael died aged 74 on the 27^th August 1835, at the time of his death he was living in Northbrook Street Newbury, he was buried on the 1 September at St Nicolas Newbury.

Michael:

In 1815 Michael (25) was living on the east side of Bartholomew Street Newbury (Benj. Kimber’s) with his father Michael (54), his (1^st) stepmother Mary (50) and his brother Isaac (22).

Michael married Hannah Chubb on the 9^th March 1816 at St Nicolas Church Newbury (Hannah was born on the 9^th August 1789 she was baptised on the 10^th November 1789 at the Independent Lower Meeting House Newbury and was the daughter of William and Hannah Chubb). Hannah died eight years later she was buried on the 10^th March 1824 at St Nicolas Newbury.

Michael remarried on the 24^th April 1828 at St Nicolas Church Newbury his 2^nd wife was Mary Lawrence (a spinster born c1799 in Lechlade Gloucestershire).

Pigot’s Directories 1830-1842 record Michael and his brother Isaac as Carpenters at Northbrook Place Newbury

In 1841 Michael (50), Carpenter and Mary (40) were recorded living in Northbrook Street Newbury

The 1851 census records Michael (60), as a Proprietor of Houses, living in Westcombe Buildings Newbury with Mary (52) and a niece, Eliza Cook (16).

Michael’s stepmother was also recorded living in Westcombe Buildings in the 1851 census she was recorded as a Fund Holder. She died the following year aged 91, the funeral service was held at St Nicolas Church Newbury on the 21^st May 1852.

Michael died aged 70 on the 1^st March 1861 he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 4th March.

The 1861 census records Mary (62), as a Proprietor of Houses, living in Westcombe Buildings, also living with her was her niece Frances Aplin (29) and a lodger, Jane Burnett (70).

Mary died aged 66 on the 17^th September 1863 she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 22^nd September

Probate:        14^th May 1861        Effects; under £450                         The Will of Michael Westcombe late of Newbury in the County of Berks Gentleman deceased who died 1^st March 1861 at Newbury aforesaid was proved at the Principal Registry by the oaths of Mary Westcombe of Newbury aforesaid Widow the Relict George Westcombe of the same place Brewer and Michael Westcombe of Kincgsclere in the County of Southampton Miller the Nephews and James Bradfield of the same place Mealman the Executors.

Author: Christine Gambles
© FNRC