EDWARD BREEZE
High Sheriff of Radnorshire
8th April 1812
Edward Breeze - Linen-Draper , 10, Church-street, Kensington
Edward Breeze married Mary Ann Davis on 12th September 1815 in Holy Trinity Church, Clapham, Surrey
1820 Poll Book
Edward Breeze - Linen Draper - 19 High Street, Kensington
1826 Pigot's Directory
Edward Breeze - Draper - 19 High Street, Kensington
Hereford Times - 18th November 1837
KNIGHTON - Edward Breeze, Esq., of the firm of Breeze and James, of Kensington, having expressed his wish that the inhabitants of Knighton should sup together, and testify their loyalty to the Queen on her first entrance into the metropolis, at his expense, twenty of the respectable tradesmen of the above town sat down to an excellent supper on the 9th inst, and spent the evening with the utmost hilarity and good humour. Mr. Edward Weyman officiated as chairman and Mr. Hugh Lewis as vice.
The company expressed their warm attachment for her Majesty and the ministry, and their respect for their worthy donor and the neighbouring gentry; numerous loyal and patriotic toasts were also given. The bells rang several merry peals, and an excellent band played a variety of airs, &c. with good effect. A display of fireworks took place, and a large bonfire was made in the centre of town. All parties seemed to enjoy themselves on the occasion, and the ladies patronised the festivities by their appearance at the windows.
1839 Pigot's Directory
Edward Breeze - Draper - 19 High Street, Kensington
The London Gazette - 26th February 1841
AT the Court at Buckingham-Palace, the 25th day of February 1841,
Her Majesty in Council was this day pleased to appoint
Edward Breeze, of Knighton, Esq. to be Sheriff of the county of Radnor.
The post of High Sheriff is appointed by the sovereign. The post used to run for life but was changed c1258 under the Provisions of Oxford to a year only. The serving High Sheriff submits a list of names of possible future high sheriffs to a tribunal which chooses three names to put to the Sovereign. The nomination is made on 12 November every year and the term of office runs from 25 March, which was the first day of the year until 1751. No person may be appointed twice in three years, unless there is no other suitable person in the county.
Hereford Times - 06th March 1841
RADNORSHIRE. We were in error last week in stating that Edward Rogers, Esq., of Stanage, would fill the office of High Sheriff for another year ; Edward Breeze, Esq., of Knighton, has been appointed to that honourable and distinguished office : Richard Green, of Knighton, Esq., is Under-Sheriff.
In the 1841 census Edward and Mary Breeze are living at Coburg House, High Street, Kensington. Edward is a Linen Draper
Hereford Journal - 28th July 1841
RADNORSHIRE ASSIZES.
The Sheriff, Edward Breeze, Esq. and a highly respectable escort, attended by the javelin-men, arrived at the Radnorshire Arms Hotel, from the Sheriff's residence at Knighton, on Friday last, when an elegant repast was provided, and at five o'clock the cavalcade proceeded to meet the Judge of Assize, the Hon. Mr. Erskine. Among the company were Sir J. Walsh, Bart. M.P. for the county ; Sir W. R. Cockburn, Bart. ; Rd. Price, Esq. M.P. for the Radnorshire Boroughs ; Edw. Rogers, Esq. Stanage Park ; D. Oliver, Esq. ; Rd. Green, Esq &c. Mr. Justice Erskine arrived and opened the commission the same evening ; next morning his lordship attended divine service, and afterwards proceeded to dispose of the business of the assizes, the whole of which was concluded by seven o'clock.
By the beginning of the 19th century the provision of the escort had become a tradition rather than a necessity, and the heavy armour and arms of the soldier had given way to the solitary pike-like weapon called a "javelin" carried by the "javelin-men," as the Sheriff’s retainers came to be called.(Source: South Wales Police Museum.)
1844 Pggot's Directory
Edward Breeze Esq. - Knighton - Gentry
Hereford Journal - 12th January 1848
KNIGHTON.—On the last day of the old year, Mrs. Breeze kindly distributed new gowns and flannel petticoats to twenty poor women of this town.
Edward Breeze died on. 2nd January 1848. Aged 59. He was buried in Knighton Churchyard on the 10th of January.
Hereford Times - 15th January 1848
At Knighton, aged 50 years, to the inexpressible grief of his beloved wife and a large concourse of friends, E. Breeze, Esq. He was a gentleman of great generosity and benevolence, and a few days before his death be gave upwards of thirty gowns and twenty woollen shawls to the poor of that town. A few years back he filled the office of high-sheriff for the county of Radnor. His loss will be irreparable.
The 1851 census shows Mary Ann living back at Coburg House, High Street, Kensington. She is enumerated as a Linen Draper.
Buried in the same grave as Edward is one George James, aged 62. He died on 7th November 1852 and was buried on the 12th November.
I have not been able to ascertain who George James was, or why he is buried in the same grave, unless, he is the "James" of the firm "Breeze and James".
Hereford Journal - 18th April 1860
KNIGHTON:—During the past week a beautiful stained glass window has been placed in the chancel of our parish church by Mrs. Breeze in memory of her husband. Mr. Breeze was a native of Knighton, filled the office of sheriff for Radnorshire in 1841, and at the end of his days proved himself the sincere friend to the town by supporting and promoting anything for its benefit and improvement. The window referred to is from the manufactory of Messrs. Chance and Sons, Birmingham, and its erection was entrusted to Mr. Edward Minton, of this town, who has very satisfactorily executed the task. It consists of three lights, the centre one representing the Saviour upon the Cross, and the others the apostles St. Peter and St. John. It is needless to add that such a well-chosen and desirable a gift is highly appreciated by inhabitants of Knighton.
This Window is Erected
to the Glory of GOD, and
in memory of
Edward Breeze Esq. of Knighton
by his affectionate widow
Mary Ann Breeze A.D. 1860.
In 1861 Mary Ann is living in Coburg Cottage, Knighton. With her are her niece, Jane Meredith, who is employed as a lady's maid and Mary Thomas a house servant.
Hereford Journal - 27th December 1862
SEASONABLE KINDNESS.—During the past week, Mrs. Breeze, of this town, caused to be distributed among the deserving poor, £5 worth of tea, and sugar, for which the recipients were truly grateful.
Hereford Times - 14th March 1863
KNIGHTON. MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE. —Tuesday was ushered in by the merry peals of the church bells. The money which had been collected in the town was very wisely appropriated in the gift of bread and beef to the poor of the parish, the quantities given of course varying according to the number in family. Mrs. Mary Breeze, of Coburg Cottage, Knighton, kindly presented each of the girls of the school with a handsome white favour, having the Prince of Wales' feather in the centre, and in addition a dainty little sugar and plum bun, with which kindness the youngsters seemed highly delighted.
Edward's widow, Mary Ann died on 24th June 1866, Aged 83. She was buried with Edward and George on the 29th of June.
Pall Mall Gazette - 30th June 1866
DEATHS - BREEZE. —June 24th, at her residence Knighton. aged 83 years, Mary Anne, widow of the late Edward Breeze, Esq.
MARY ANN relict of the late EDWARD BREEZE. Died. 24th June 1866 Aged 83
Also GEORGE JAMES. Died. 7th Nov. 1852. Aged 62.
Also EDWARD BREEZE Esq. Died 2nd Jan. 1848. Aged 59.
Mary Ann BREEZE - 14 July. The Will with a Codicil of Mary Ann Breeze late of the Town of Knighton in the County of Radnor Widow deceased who died 24 June 1866 at Knighton aforesaid was proved at Hereford by the oaths of the Reverend Edward Lutwyche Davies of Little Thurrock in the County of Essex Clerk and Arthur Chesterton of 22 Lower Phillimore Place Kensington in the County of Middlesex House Agent and Auctioneer the Executors.
Effects under £5,000.
Hereford Journal - 30th June 1866
MARY ANN BREEZE, WIDOW, DECEASED. PURSUANT to the Act of Parliament of the 22nd and 23rd Victoria, Chapter 35, intituled " An Act to further amend the Law of property and to relieve Trustees," NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all Persons having any CLAMS or DEMANDS against or upon the Estate of MARY ANN BREEZE, late of the Town of Knighton, in the County of Radnor, Widow, deceased, who died on the 24th day of June, 1866, and whose will was proved in the District Registry Court of Probate at Hereford, on the 14th day of July, 1866, by the Rev. Edward Lutwyche Davies, Clerk, and Arthur Chesterton, the executors named in the said will), are hereby required to send in the particulars of their debts, claims, or demands, to the undersigned at his Office, No. 139, Saint Owen's street, in the City of Hereford, the Solicitor of the said Executors, on or before the SIXTH day of OCTOBER next, after which time the said Executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased among the persons entitled. I thereto, having regard only to the claims of which they shall have had notice ; and the Executors will not be liable for any part of such assets to any person of whose debt, claim, or demand, they shall not then have had notice. Dated this 8th day of August, 1866. RICHARD JOHNSON, Solicitor to the said Executors.
The Rev. Edward Lutwyche Davies was Mary Ann's cousin.
The office of High Sheriff for Radnorshire ceased with local government reorganisation in 1974, when it was combined with the High Sheriffs of Brecknockshire and Montgomeryshire as the High Sheriff of Powys.
Footnote
There is a court case that was heard in The Old Bailey on 8th April 1812 concerning Edward Breeze.
First Middlesex jury, before Mr. Justice Bailey.
WILLIAM WEBSTER and SUSANNAH WEBSTER were indicted for feloniously stealing, on the 4th of March , two pieces of Irish linen, value £5. the property of Edward Breeze , Elizabeth Breeze , and Susan Breeze , privately in their shop .
EDWARD BREEZE . I am a linen-draper , No. 10, Church-street, Kensington . On the 4th of March I was at home, I saw both the prisoner's come into the shop, I attended to them; the man said he wanted to look at some prints for a gown; I shewed him a great many.
Q. Did he look at them, or the woman - A. He looked at most himself; they bought a gown, and left two shillings, saying they would call the next morning for it.
Q. Who bought it - A. Both; it was for the woman; the woman desired the man to pay the two shillings; I think it was the woman that desired me to cut it off.
Q. Who paid the two shillings - A. The man, by the woman's desire.
Q. What did the gown come to - A. Ten shillings.
Q. Did they leave the shop then or not - A. They did.
Q. Did you miss any thing while they were there - A. No.
Q. How many people was there in the shop at the time you were serving them - A. There was one woman, she lived in Kensington; she was in the shop at the same time as the prisoners; the other woman was waiting to be served; none of my people was in the shop besides myself.
Q. Did you afterwards miss any thing - A. Yes, about three minutes after they were gone. As soon as they left the shop I went to put one of the prints in the window that the woman took out and throwed on the counter, and when I went to the window to put the print in its place, I missed two pieces of Irish linen from the window. The woman had been to the window while she was there, and throwed it for the man to look at on the counter. That piece of print lay on the smallest piece of Irish, I put them in the window that morning. When I missed the pieces of Irish I called my sister, and pursued the prisoners; I went towards Hammersmith; my brother-in-law met them.
Q. Was the property afterwards found - A. Yes, by my brother, James Ball .
JAMES BALL. I am brother-in-law to Mr. Breeze. I pursued the prisoners and overtook them by Knight-bridge, they were both together; I procured a constable; I took them and told them they must go back with me to Kensington: I gave the man into the constable's hands and walked with the woman to the watchhouse. They wanted me to go to have something to drink at the public-house, and gave me the bundle, the woman did, they were taken to the watch-house; they were searched, and two pieces of Irish linen were found upon the man. When I caught hold of the man he had got the two pieces of Irish tied up in a shawl under his arm.
Q. Did you take them from him - A. No, I did not. He carried them himself to the watchhouse, and then the constable searched him.
Q. And were they delivered up to the constable at that time - A. They were; his name is Winter.
MR. WINTER. I am a constable of St. Margaret's parish. The prisoners were delivered into my charge the two pieces of Irish linen were under the man's arm tied up in a shawl; I took them from him, I kept them till the evening, and then I delivered them to Gillmore.
Q. Were they ever out of your possession - A. Never.
JAMES GILLMORE. I am an officer. I have had these pieces of linen in my possession from the time that Winter delivered them to me; they were delivered to me in the prisoner's presence at the office, Winter marked them before he gave them to me, and Mr. Breeze wrote his initials.
Q. to prosecutor. Look at these two pieces and tell me whether you know either of them - A. Yes, they both of them have my shop mark.
Q. When had you seen them both before you missed them - A. That very morning I put them myself on the window; I can speak positively to both pieces.
See original Click to see original
Q. What is the value of them - A. I suppose between four and five pounds.
Q. Is the cost price above forty shillings - A. Yes.
Q. Was the man ever near that part of the window where these things were - A. Not close; the woman was there all the time.
Q. The man was never near enough to the window to take them himself, was he, to take them himself - A. No. The woman was near the window while her husband was looking at the print at the counter.
Q. Were you present when they were searched - A. No.
Q. to Winter. Had they any money - A. No, except two or three halfpence I found on one of them.
Q. to prosecutor. There was no alarm at the time in your shop that any thing was taken was there - A. No.
William Webster's Defence. My wife, and I were walking together down the road, a man came up to me, he said my friend, will you hold this for me while I go and get a glass of liquor: I said, I will. I put it under my arm. When the person laid hold of me, and said you must go with me, you have stolen that property: Me! said I, there is the man coming out of the house that gave me the property. No, he said, you are sufficient, you have got the property, and with that they hurried me to the watchhouse. That is true, so help me God, and my wife is as innocent as me concerning the robbery; I did not know it was stolen, had I known it was stolen or any thing of the kind I would not have had any thing to do with it.
Susanna Webster's Defence. My lord, my husband and me had some words, and I had a very bad arm; my husband asked me if I would have a gown; I said, yes; he had money to pay for the gown; as we came from the shop we were going to the hospital to have my arm dressed, and coming along the man said would my husband have something to drink, my husband would not. This man went in to get three half quarterns of gin, he gave my husband the bundle to hold. He shewed the officer the man. They would not take him, therefore we are as innocent my lord as you are.
Q. to Mr. Ball. When you took them what did they say - A. They pointed to another man that was at the public-house door, and said, that was the man that gave them the bundle, but I saw him with the bundle from where I first overtook him.
Q. You had seen him with the bundle before they got up to that public-house - A. Yes, walking quite unconcerned.
Q. How far were they from the other side of the public-house when you first saw them - A. About a dozen yards; I had seen them on the Kensington side of that public-house nearly an hundred yards.
Q. When you saw them first was that man in their company or not - A. I do not recollect seeing more than the two.
Q. When you took them were they walking on, or were they stopping - A. Walking on, and there was no man with them then.
Q. to prosecutor. Did you see these pieces of Irish while they were in the shop - A. Yes; I saw one while they were in the shop.
Q. How long before then had you seen the other piece - A. I had not finished dressing the window untill twelve o'clock.
Q. Do you know whether they had a shawl with them - A. I think the woman had a shawl on.
WILLIAM WEBSTER , GUILTY - DEATH , aged 53.
SUSANNAH WEBSTER , GUILTY - DEATH , aged 44.
On 4th November 1812 William Webster was transferred from Newgate prison to the 'Retribution', the prison hulk, moored at Woolwich. On 5th March 1814 William's sentence to death was commuted to transportation for life. He was transported on the Somersetshire, leaving Spithead, Hampshire on 10th of May, called at Madeira, and made Rio on the 13th July, where she remained for ten days. Arriving in New South Wales on 16th October 1814.
'1804-1813. Prisoners convicted of a first time felony (other than murder, treason, forgery and arson) frequently had their death sentences commuted to transportation'
Sydney Gazette - Wednesday 19th October 1814.
In consequence of the Glorious Intelligence received from England by the male convict ship Somersetshire, which arrived on Sunday in five months and five days the heads of which we have happiness to lay before our Leaders, a Royal Salute was on Monday fired from Dawe's Battery (Point) by command of His Honour Lieutenant Governor Molle and in the evening a general Illumination took place.
Records do not show what became of Susannah Webster.