PEOPLE: Bridges-Brigges or Briggs

Like many of the people mentioned in this website, the Briggs family were victuallers in Belper in the 17th and 18th century.

Briggs or Bridges is one of the "old" Belper names and at some point became confused in the public records. For example, one set of documents in the Strutt library referring to the Bridges property in Hutfall field and the Market Place consistently refers to the owner as "Richard Bridges ALIAS Briggs". Also, in Mary Spendlove's will (she was born Mary Gratian) she refers to "Elizabeth Bridge" - Elizabeth Gratian married "Charles Briggs".

There were three Bridges households represented in the Belper Hearth Tax record of 1664: John, Roger, and Thomas Bridges each paid for one hearth. Charles Briggs/Bridges and Thomas Bridges were licenced to sell ale in Belper for a number of years in the mid 18th century.

The "Derby Mercury" newspaper for December 7th 1770 has Richard Bridges, a baker of Belper, advertising for the return of his 19 year old apprentice who had absconded. (Reward: half a guinea.)

In 1775 we read of the sad end of the wife of John Briggs of Belper: July 21st 1775: "on Monday night last, some Villain or Villains made an Attempt to break into the House of one John Briggs of Belpar, and being overheard by his Wife, it terrified her so much that she was seized with a fit, in which she continued till Tuesday Morning, when she expired."

At least two Gratians married Briggs spouses:

Elizabeth Gratian married John Briggs 4th December 1667
Elizabeth Gratian married Charles Briggs 12th Feb 1728

After the passing of the Enclosures Act, John Bridges was one of many Belper men called upon to prove title to his land, about to be enclosed (Derby Mercury, February 1788.)

In December 1788, a Society was formed in Belper, Duffield, Hazlewood, Makeney and Little Eaton for the purposes of criminal prosecution for crimes such as murder, highway robbery, horse stealing, vandalism etc. Amongst the members were (in Belper) William and John Ward, Samuel Taylor, Richard Bridges, Samuel Bridges, William Watson, and John Briggs. In the membership for 1792, George Bridges has also joined.

BRIGGS BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES (EARLY DATES)

GEORGE BRIGGS - of John, Christening: 25 JUL 1637
CHARLES BRIGGS - of John, Christening: 10 MAR 1668
THOMAS BRIGGS - of Thomas, Christening: 11 MAR 1670
JOHANNES BRIGGS - of Georgii and Elizabetha, Christening: 27 SEP 1702
CHARLES BRIGGS - of Charles, Christening: 02 JUL 1732
RICHARD BRIGGS - of Charles, Christening: 30 OCT 1737
JOHN BRIGGS - of Benjamin, Christening: 15 DEC 1741

Duffield Female Christening Records (Batch Number: K049943)

HANNA BRIGS - of Thomas, Christening: 19 JAN 1661
ANN BRIGGS - of John, Christening: 01 DEC 1666
HANNAH BRIGGS - of Charles, Christening: 16 NOV 1729
MARY BRIGGS - of Charles, Christening: 16 MAR 1734
ELLEN BRIGGS - of Nicholas, Christening: JUN 1739

Duffield Male Christenings (Batch Number J049944)

BENJAMIN BRIGGS - of Benjamin, Christening: 20 MAR 1742
WILLIAM BRIGGS - of Benjamin, Christening: 02 JUL 1749
CHARLES BRIGGS - of Benjamin, Christening: 15 SEP 1751
CHARLES BRIGGS - of Charles, Christening: 21 JUN 1754
GEORGE BRIGGS - of Charles & Sarah, Christening: 03 JUL 1763
JOHN BRIGGS - of Enoch & Hannah, Christening: 16 OCT 1773
WILLIAM BRIGGS - of Thomas & Mary Christening: 13 JUL 1840

Duffield Female Christenings (Batch Number K049944)

MARTHA BRIGGS - Christening: 03 FEB 1744 of Benjamin
MARY BRIGGS - Christening: 24 MAY 1747 of Benjamin
HANNAH BRIGGS - Christening: 22 MAY 1754 of Benjamin
DOROTHY BRIGGS - Christening: 14 NOV 1755 of Charles
MILLECENT BRIGGS - Christening: 05 AUG 1756 of Benjamin
MARY BRIGGS - Christening: 07 MAY 1757 of Charles
ELIZABETH BRIGGS - Christening: 26 JUL 1761 of Richard & Mary
SARAH BRIGGS - Christening: 12 AUG 1759 of Charles
ELLEN BRIGGS - Christening: 02 JAN 1763 of Benjamin & Martha
MARY BRIGGS - Christening: 27 MAR 1763 of Richard & Mary
ANNE BRIGGS - Christening: 21 APR 1765 of Charles & Sarah
MARY BRIGGS - Christening: 19 FEB 1769 of Richard & Mary
SARAH BRIGGS - Christening: 23 SEP 1773 of Charles & Mary

Duffield Unitarian or Presbytarian baptisms

JOHN BRIGGS of William and Mary, Unitarian or Presbytarian church. 15 Mar 1772

Belper Unitarian baptisms

Susan Briggs 14 November 1779
Jarvis Briggs, of Richard 14 April 1783 at four wks old
Esther Briggs, of John & Mary 4 June 1786 Of Belper
William Briggs, of Charles & Mary 1788
George Briggs, of Richard & Mary 9 August 1789 Four weeks old, of Belper
Hannah Briggs, of Charles Mary 4 April 1790

Duffield Marriages (Batch number M049942)

BENJAMIN BRIGGS 02 APR 1741 to Martha MARSH
CHARLES BRIGGS 12 FEB 1728 to Elizabeth GRATIAN

BRIDGES BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES (EARLY DATES)

Duffield Marriages (Batch Number M049942)

RICHARD BRIDGES - Marriage: 15 OCT 1760 to Mary CALDWELL
SARAH BRIDGES - Marriage: 01 NOV 1781 to John BRIDGART
ELLEN BRIDGES - Marriage: 05 JUN 1770 to John BOOMER
GEORGE BRIDGES - Marriage: 27 JUN 1790 to Hannah MORTON
SARAH BRIDGES - Marriage: 19 MAY 1793 to William JACKSON
WILLIAM BRIDGES - Marriage: 24 AUG 1794 Duffield to Mercy BOWLER
ELIZABETH BRIDGES - Marriage: 03 FEB 1795 Duffield to Thomas SMITH
REBECCA BRIDGES - Marriage: 05 JAN 1797 Duffield to George BOWMER
THOMAS BRIDGES - Marriage: 28 AUG 1797 Duffield to Ellen SALT
ELLEN BRIDGES - Marriage: 20 DEC 1800 Duffield to John PERRY
HANNAH BRIDGES - Marriage: 25 MAY 1801 Duffield to William KIDDY
WILLIAM BRIDGES - Marriage: 19 OCT 1801 Duffield to Hannah BROOKS
MARY BRIDGES - Marriage: 15 MAR 1802 Duffield to John WILSON
JOHN BRIDGES - Marriage: 16 JUN 1807 Duffield to Sarah RICE
ANNE BRIDGES - Marriage: 22 JUL 1810 Duffield to William BUTLER
MARY BRIDGES - Marriage: 07 AUG 1810 Duffield to George WILDSMITH
REBECCA BRIDGES - Marriage: 11 MAR 1811 Duffield to Anthony RIDE

(Notice how many of these names such as Wilson, Bowmer, and Jackson crop up in the inheritance documents, demonstrating the marital links. Interestingly, the BROOKS family lived in the Green Lane property in the early 1800's, suggesting that a marriage brought them to the house.

In addition, notice that Elizabeth Bridges married Thomas Smith in 1795. In 1819 there is a Thomas Smith, cotton spinner, listed in the archives as "Occupier" of a number of properties in Hutfall including the Green Lane house!)

From the Strutt archives: documentS relating to Bridges/Briggs

D2773/T29/1/11 Richard Bridges alias Briggs and Taylor
(NOTE: in all places where Richard Bridges is mentioned he is referred to as "alias Briggs")

(3) 2nd April 1790 Surrender (Dwellings, and land in Hutfall)

Richard Bridges alias Briggs to Samuel Taylor
Before the small court specially held at the house of Richard Bridges in Belper, April 1790.

Witnessed by Abraham Street, John Robinson (homages present)

Richard Bridges surrendered into the hands of the Lord of the Manor .all that cottage or dwelling house situate in Belper with a shop, stable, bakehouse and garden thereunto, belonging and adjoining, and now in the occupation of the said Richard Bridges, together with all outhouses, edifices, buildings, lands, backsides, wastes etc etc.and rights etc.whatsoever to the said premises on the enclosure of Belper Ward and the other commons and waste grounds within the Manor of Belper.
And all the estate right.etc. of him Richard Bridges to the use and behoof of Samuel Taylor of Belper, for ever. [NOTE: Samuel Taylor was made guardian of the two small Gratian boys, until they could come into their inheritance of Hutfall Field.]

(2) 2nd April 1790 Surrender

Mr Rob Wood to Richard Bridges. Court held at the house of Richard Bridges, as before.

Robert Wood of Duffield, miller, and Richard Bridges, baker, surrendered - cottage, dwelling house in Belper with a bakehouse and garden now in occupation of R.B. and piece or parcel of land = one acre more or less lying in the orchard of the Hutfall Field, with all ways, etc etc.which premises were of a small court baron held at Duffield on 1st july 1779 surrendered by the said Richard Bridges to Robert Wood by way of a mortgage for the sum of £43 10/- which is now paid off and discharged.the land to Richard Bridges for life, and his heirs.

(4) 17th June 1790 Duffield Fee,

Samuel Taylor and wife to Tristram Revell Esq. For £100

Homages Present: Mr Wm Moreton, Edward Ward.

Samuel Taylor and Sarah his wife surrendered cottage, dwelling house in Belper - bakehouse, description as before, late in the tenure or occupation of Richard Bridges alias Brigges, deceased, and now of his son - everything, [except] the allotment made or to be made in respect of said premises on the enclosure of Belper Ward.

And estate rights of Samuel Taylor and Sarah, to Tristram Revell of Carnfield in Derby, Esq, one of the trustees in the last will and testament of Lucy Strelley, late of Ogthorpe in the parish of South Wingfield, spinster (deceased), his heirs and assigns for ever, provided always, condition that Sam Taylor and heir (etc) pay Tristram £100 on 17 th Oct.

Blanks were left in the dates of this proclamation. Was it completed?

Tristram Revell provides to Court, £1 5/- for a ffee, his ffealty was respited and he was thereupon admitted tenant.

(4) 3rd September 180?1 Presentment of death of Tristram Revell Esq.

Admittance of John Wilmott Esq and Mr William Wilson to Taylor's mortgage for £100. Mentions the small court of 1790, 3rd Sept 41 st of King George (180??)

Jury Sworn:

• Mr John Taylor
• Outred? Webster
• John Alsopp
• Wm Walker
• Wm Cooper
• Thos Moreton
• Jn Tomlinson
• Edward Ward
• Thos Hicking
• Walter Baggerley
• Joseph Peal?
• Thomas Tomlinson

Samuel Taylor of Belper, yeoman, and Sarah his wife surrendered cottage, as before, late in tenure of Richard Bridges, and then his son, to Tristram Revell of Canfield, same facts as above. Jury finds that Tristram is dead, premises given to John Wilmot Esq and William Wilson, Gentlemen, the executors of Revell.

(6) Surrender 3rd Dec 1801

John Wilmot of John Street Bedford (?) Row in Middlesex and Wm Wilson of Carnfield Hall in Sth Normanton, Gent, executors of Tristram Revell of Carnfield Hall, Grace Strelley of Ogthorpe alias Oakerthorpe, Sth Wingfield, widow and relict of William Strelley late of Ogthorpe, Gent, Dec'd, and persons principally willed under the last will and testament of Lucy Strelley, spinster, and Robert Strelley the younger, late of Ripley, Gent, the present acting as trustee or assignee of the will of Lucy Strelley, Richard Frignall their Attorney by a letter of attorney of 4 th Sept. and Samuel Taylor of Belper, yeoman and Sarah, surrender into hands of Lord of the Manor cottage (as before) late in occp of R.B. and his son, and ??noco of John Walker the elder and John Walker the younger.all of these.to the use and behoof of George Hew (Hem?) of Duffield, Innkeeper, in trust for John BOWER, £200, 14 th May to be paid.

Mortgage discharged, John Bower paid the £100.

(5) 1807 Court Roll, Admittance of John Taylor

Admittance of John Taylor to copyhold estates in Belper as heir of his father, Samuel Taylor, dec'd.

Jury:

• William Walker
• William Milward
• Thom Smith
• Enoch Walters
• Joseph Wilasmith
• William Haynes
• Joseph Pym Jnr.
• Thomas Slater
• Benjamin Wigley
• Samuel ?Harwog
• John Robinson
• Samuel Malin
• George Fox
• Samuel Burgin
• John Watson
• Edward Bower
• Samuel Williams

Jury finds, that in 1790, Richard Bridges alias Briggs - refers to cottage, and all as before - was willed to Samuel Taylor 3rd December 1801, in tenure of Richard Bridges, then his son, then John Walker the elder/younger, then George Henn of Duffield, innkeeper, in trust for John Bower of Chesterfield, Gent.

Jury finds Samuel Taylor is dead, copyrighted premises surrendered to his son John Taylor.

(8) 1813 John Taylor to John Bower

Mortgage of copyhold premises £94-11-3 and interest (original mortgage £200) Indenture of 17th Jan 53rd year of King George:

John Taylor of Belper, farmer, eldest son of Sam Taylor, yeoman, dec'd and John Bower and John Wilmot and Wm Wilson of Carnfield Hall, Sth Normanton by will of T. Revell (and others as before) property as before;

Now in 1813 altered and improved and converted into several dwellings and shops now in the several possessions of the said John Walker the elder and others, shall stand chargeable with the payment not only of £200 but also £94 due and owing to John Bower and interest, if not redeemed.

(9) 1833 30th August Agreement for Sale

Mr J. O. Sweetenham on behalf of trustees of John Bower and Jedediah Strutt.

Between James Oldham Sweetenham of Belper, agent of John Wilkinson (Hickson?) Clay of Nth Wingfield, Gent, John Gratton of Wingworth, Joseph Wilson, Gent, and Thomas George Hough late of Chesterfield but now of London, Gent, the devisees and executors in trust named and appointed in the last will and testament of John Bower, late of Chesterfield and of Spital, Gent, on the one part, and Jedediah Strutt.

They agree to sell and Jedediah Strutt agrees to buy the inheritance in fee simple in possn of all those two copyhold messuages with appurtenances situated on the westerly side of the Market Place in Belper. Formerly described as one cottage, with shop, stable, bakehouse and gardens, now divided into two, with blacksmith's shop, stable and other outbuildings in several occupation of John Barnes and Sam Harrison, for fair sum as ?decreed by William Smith of Derby, surveyor.

(10) Abstract of title

A document listing all of the above, signed by Joseph Wilson in 1833, undertakes to deliver to Jed Strutt, 4th Jan 1833

(11) 1834

Daniel and Elizabeth Taylor, after the death of John Taylor, butcher - eldest son - entitled to premises.

Reference: D3772/T8/29/1-9 Creation dates: 1779-1799
Land in Belper inclusing Hutfall Field

(2) Court, 7th Jan 1779

Parcel of land formerly in (?)Three Park, or Yard, or Yate??? [now enclosed] being in the Hutfall Field, estimated to two acres, in the possession of Thomas? Charles Bridges, to Henry Lane in trust for the Society or Members of the Sick Club.

Charles Bridges of Belper, Carpenter surrendered a piece of Hutfall Field, two acres, to Harry? Henry Lane in trust for the Sick Club held at the house of Humphrey Lane. £70 to Harry Lane.

(4) Court 1790, 7th July Presentment of death

Court met before John Gower, Gent. Found that by the court of 1779 that the property passed from Charles Bridges to Henry Lane. At a small court was surrendered, land formerly in "Three?? Park". (There are other references in deeds to Three Yates, Three Loads, Three Yards. the handwriting is difficult to make out but these could be the same places.)

...putting 2 acres of land in Hutfall in trust to eldest son Charles Bridges, on the death of Charles Bridges. Sarah Bridges is the widow of Charles Bridges, dec'd, Humphrey Lane, Charles Bridges, 1794?

Jury:

• William Ward
• Samuel Robinson
• William Hawkins
• Edward Ward
• William Johnson
• William Slater
• Thomas Gilloff (S)
• John Cooper
• John Wood
• John Alsopp
• William Marston
• William Johnson

Relates to two acres of land obtained by the son and heir of Charles Bridges.

(5) 17th April 1796 Presentement of death

On 7/1/1779 Charles Bridges of Belper, Carpenter, surrendered a parcel of land in Hutfall Field, 2 acres, from Henry Lane to Edward Lane, an infant, the eldest son of his only son Humphrey Lane, deceased. Mother is Mary Lane, guardian.

(Harry Lane - Humphrey Lane - Edward Lane.) Henry Lane, leaving Edward Lane an infant the eldest son of his only son Humphrey Lane deceased his grandson and customary heir that said Edward Lane is sure deed (dead?) leaving his brother Humphrey Lane...and that the said Humphrey Lane is an infant in the tenth year of his age according to the testimony of Mary Lane his mother.

(1) 20th April 1796 Surrender (Estates of Henry Lane, to his grandson, an infant)

Charles Bridges to Jedediah Strutt, Sarah Bridges, the widow of Charles Bridges, Humphrey Lane, an infant and guardian of Henry Lane.

Charles Bridges, joiner, eldest son of Charles Bridges, deceased. Relates to the surrender of land formerly in three parts, but now in one. Appears to be surrendered as a mortgage.

Jury:

• William Wars (Ward?)
• Wm Slater
• Wm Needham
• Saml Williams
• Saml Jackson ?
• Thomas Smith
• Edward Buxton
• George Sharpe
• Wm Barber
• Robert Brorksopp???
• Richard Walker
• John Gillott
• John Milward
• Thomas Toplis
• Saml Slater

(3) 29th December 1796

Deed signed by Charles Bridges and James Hicking: Mr Bower paid £18, the balance due to Charles Bridges for the land deeded to G.B. Strutt for £500. £100 per acre given; land surrendered to Lord of the Manor to the use of G.B. Strutt: Piece of Hutfall long since enclosed, from Hutfall one acre. three roods, 21 perches now in the possession of G.B. Strutt.

(6) 2nd May 1799 IOU

Charles Bridges, joiner, selling to George Benson Strutt that close or piece or parcel of copyhold land in Belper from the enclosure of the former Hutfall Field. Signed by James Hicking and Charles Bridges. I.O.U. for £15, being the interest paid to Jedediah Strutt from Charles Bridges.

(7) 11 Oct 1798 Presentment of Death

Presentment of death of Jedediah Strutt and admittance of William Strutt his heir. Relates to Hutfall Field land purchased of Charles Bridges, Sarah Bridges, widow, Humphrey Lane and Charles Bridges.

Reference: D3772/T29/20/1-33 Beech Lawn

Messuage called Beech Lawn with surgery outbuildings, gardens etc, croft adjoining on West side and messuage adjoining Beech Lawn with yard, garden etc, Belper. (Evans-Evans-Gunn-Johnston-G H Strutt esq)

Including:

D3772/T29/20/4 Land in Hutfall Field, Belper (1 acre) and messuage with nailer's shop built by Richard Bridges on the land (Bridges-Evans) 1822

Land described as being bounded on the North by the land of Samuel Wa?? (Ward?)
on the East by Market Street Lane;
on the South by the land of Richard Bridges;
on the West by the land of William Walters? or Wa... Walker????

(4) 1822 2nd Aug Surrender

Between John Harrison Evans, George Fabian Evans and Samuel Harrison Evans in the first part; and in the second part, George Rose of Rollison, Stafford, purchaser - £500 to Richard Bridges, nailer, by David Evans.
Surrender of parcel of land in Hutfall, formerly the estate of Matthew Smith, Roger Glew and Hannah his wife.

(4) 1825 Richard Bridges to G. B. Strutt:

Parcel of Land in Hutfall Field. One acre, one rod.