Transcript

of

Thomas Puddicombe, Vicar of Branscombe 1794-1827.

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VII, (1912-1913), Exeter: James G. Commin. 1913. p. 177.

by

F.E.W. Langdon

Prepared by Michael Steer

The Note’s author provides highly uncomplimentary information about the Vicar,  supplementing that provided by A.J.P. Skinner on page 128 of volume 7. The Church at Branscombe is dedicated to Saint Winifred, a Welsh saint. It is among the oldest and most architecturally significant parish churches of Devon. It probably dates back to about 995, but extant records on the vicars only go back to the thirteenth century The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Note 129. THOMAS PUDDICOMBE, VICAR OF BRANSCOMBE (VII., par. 102, p. 128). - The following letter, forming part of a voluminous correspondence on many matters between John Stuckey, the Squire of Branscombe, and his cousin Thomas Langdon, of Chard, may be of interest to the readers of D. & C. N. & Q. in this connection.

F. E. W. Langdon.

"I received a letter from Lieutenant Pitts by last night's post: find he is safe arrived at Portsmouth to refit and expects to sail again very soon. The bells are ringing all round the country on account of Peace but it is rather premature as a great many objections may arise on both sides before it is confirmed.

"Our Methodist raving, ranting preacher Puddicombe is become the most intolerable scoundrel that ever a parish was cursed with: his whole bent is to make the utmost penny of the parish: he will not compound with the farmers but on his own terms, and not as estates are rated but at what they are let for. He has sent me a notice in writing that he will insist on my Tythes in kind from Lady Day next. Have you any good treatise on that subject?

                                  J. STUCKEY, 
                                 Weston, Dec. 1801. 
To Thomas Langdon, Esq.