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The Mystery of Edward Drew

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VII, (1912-1913), Exeter: James G. Commin. 1913, pp. 115-116.

by

Beatrix F. Cresswell

Prepared by Michael Steer

The Note adds substantially to information about the Drew family provided by Karl Cherry in Note 61 (p. 86) of this volume. That Note related to the tragedy of Will Petre who was murdered by Edward Drewe in 1611. The tale is also recounted in Mr Elijah Chick’s notorious History of Exeter Castle that received a scathing review by ‘Veritas’ in an earlier issue of this journal. Petre belonged to a well-known county family, and his murder caused a profound sensation in the district. 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 91. THE MYSTERY OF EDWARD DREW (VII., par. 61, p. 86.) - Mr. Karl Cherry, in his interesting account of Edward and John Drew, is mistaken in saying that their father was buried at Broad Hembury. The large canopied tomb of Sir Edward Drew is at Broadclyst, at the east end of the south aisle. Upon it are the recumbent figures of Sir Edward and his wife (Bridget Fitzwilliam), and carved at one side are seven youthful figures representing their four sons and three daughters. No inscription now appears upon the monument, but Richard Symonds, cavalier and antiquary, noting it in his diary for 1644 records that it bore the legend: "Edw. Drew serviens ad leg: Reg Elizabeth, ob. 1622." He also gives armorial bearings now no longer displayed on the shields that decorate the tomb. Prince also quotes a Latin elegaic verse from the monument, though it is now difficult to see where it could have been placed.

Sir Thomas Drew, eldest son of Sir Edward, sold Killerton to Sir Arthur Acland, and built Grange at Broad Hembury. There is a Drew memorial in Broad Hembury Church, somewhat dilapidated, the armorial bearings most obscure. Upon it is the single figure of a knight in armour kneeling; there is neither inscription nor date, but it probably represents Sir Thomas Drew of Grange.                        

                                   Beatrix F. Cresswell.