We like to keep an eye out for anything locally related that can help us in our research. Our own library now has an extensive unique collection of local historical books and papers which we use in our research. Many of these books and papers are quite rare and not available online. For instance we recently purchased a few photocopies relating to the Somerset Light Infantry and the Crimea Medal Roll, amongst others.
However we recently found a true gem. A unique ledger recording correspondences between a solicitor, his agents and his clients. We might assume this is one of a kind as each entry is handwritten and indexed relating to individual letters that were sent.
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| 465 Pages of information |
The ledger belonged to George W Millard, a solicitor who lived in Axbridge, Somerset. The dates cover 1843 to 1846. This 171 year old ledger gives an incredible insight into the goings on of legal matters during that time. Many entries cover debts, at this time being in debt and not showing means to be able to repay debts often meant a prison sentence. Therefore many entries are requests to local Justice's of the Peace asking for arrest summons. There is even a rather touching entry refering to the death of his own daughter.
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| Each correspondent is carefully logged |
There are 465 pages crammed with hand-written copies of letters sent during his role as solicitor.
Probably over 1500 entries including mentions of local towns and villages, people, Lord Surveyors, High Constables, Registrars and much, much more. It also has entries for London and other
significant cities in England.
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| Entry for F. G. Dowty (Flixton Golding), a bookseller of Bridgwater |
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| One page of the alphabetical index |
This ledger is an important historical document attaining to many letters and correspondences
within the local area. We will endeavour to scan or photograph this document (without damaging the spine) and make available as a digital copy. A copy of the INDEX is now available.
As a forensic handwriting examiner I am interested to see that the writer's personality is well-suited to the job of solicitor. His inquiring mind and persistence must have served him well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Sheila. His handwriting certainly changed after the death of his daughter.
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