Welcome to another edition of the Brangwin Family newsletter. From the feedback received following the issue of our first newsletter late last month, it would appear that there is an appetite for matters Brangwin. Don't forget that Brangwin is used to cover the spelling variations: Brangwyn and Brangwynne.

In this edition:

• We look at our most well known family members: Sir Frank Brangwyn. Thanks to Margaret and David Brangwyn for this article.
• We spotlight Margaret Brangwyn a fellow family historian
• We look at a Will and the information that it contains. This will be a regular feature as we have managed to collect quite a number of Wills and many of them have interesting bits to contemplate.
• A WANTED section - people who vanished and are being sought.

Comments and contributions can be sent to me at lwuth@hups.net.

This newsletter will be posted to the Brangwin family web site hosted by MyFamily.com and distributed by email to family members who have not joined our site. If you would like to join, it is free, please let me know so that an invitation can be issued.

Speaking of our MyFamily.com site, I tried to load the data relating to the Hambleden branch of the family a number of times using the 'if at first you don't succeed' philosophy and have failed to get it to 'take'. There is a bug when uploading GEDCOM files which the MyFamily.com staff looked at and fortunately solved. So, the data for the Hambleden group was duly loaded, all 2,283 of them and it is now possible to look at this tree as well as add, amend and download. Please check the posting under News for the further details.

Next month I will look at loading the Long Crendon arm of the family.

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Margaret Ann was born on 17^th June 1945 in Ilford, Essex, England, the daughter of George Frederick (registered Frederick George) Vince and Edith Grace née Simmons, the youngest of three children. She spent her childhood in Ilford, a town which is now included in Greater London as part of the London Borough of Redbridge.

Summers were spent in local parks in Ilford, with the highlight of the holidays being a day spent at Southend on Sea, when her aunt would take the children out for a treat. She has spent many happy times in her adult life in Wales and once climbed a mountain – even if it was only the Sugar Loaf near Abergavenny – a town much favoured by the Brangwynne branch of the family.

Margaret was educated at Ilford County High School for girls. Having gained a place at grammar school, her parents thought she had reached the pinnacle of education, so she left school at 17 after a year in the sixth form retaking the 'O' levels she had failed the year before and went to work in the local library. She remained there in blissful ignorance of all things Brangwyn until one day a young man, one David Brangwyn, (more of whom later) came to the libraries as a trainee librarian. Margaret had by now achieved the position of Assistant Librarian and as such she had to tell David what to do. There are some whom would say she has never stopped since.

Margaret and David were married on 17^th April 1971 at the Salvation Army in Ilford. They have a daughter, Claire Louise, born 21^st May 1974, and a son Alexander David (Alex), born 15^th June 1977. Claire married David Thomas Charles Howell in 1998 in the very same place as her parents were married.

When her children were small Margaret became involved in running a local playgroup, being Fund Raiser for several years. In 1987 she set up a Parent and Toddler Group at the Salvation Army, which is still in existence today. In 1988 Margaret went to work in a primary school supporting special needs children in a mainstream environment. She set up a lunch time sewing club which was attended by some 30 children from 7 to 11 years of age. She organised the costumes for all the school plays and concerts, and put up some interesting displays for harvest and Christmas. She even did a special display about Sir Frank Brangwyn with a quiz to arouse the children's interest in him. Just before she left this school she built an almost life-sized whale for a production of "Jonah Man Jazz."

Since 1999 Margaret has worked with the Children and Families section of the Asylum Team in Redbridge, a job which is both rewarding and exasperating at the same time. She has learned quite a few useful Albanian phrases and a great deal about the law concerning Asylum Seekers.

Margaret has been a life-long member of the Salvation Army and is currently "Singing Company Leader," in charge of a choir of 24 young people aged from 7 to 16. The choir takes part in the services on Sundays and also performs at festivals at various locations around the country. She is involved in the biennial flower festivals held at the S.A. hall creating amazing arrangements with Bible based themes.

Margaret's interests (apart from family history) are music, singing, embroidery, patchwork, cycling and reading. She dislikes housework and avoids it as much as possible.

How did her interest in family history start? She never knew any of her grandparents, so about nine years ago she set out to find out something about them. Then she began to investigate the Brangwyns, discovered there was only one family but three spellings, and has not looked back since.

The family has had a variety of small pets over the years, but at present are petless. It is, though, Margaret's ambition to own a large, shaggy, grey lurcher when she retires to Norfolk or Wales.

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Sir Frank Brangwyn is often described as a Welshman. In fact, he came from a long line of Buckinghamshire farmers, his father having been born in Long Crendon, Bucks in 1837. His mother, Eleanor Griffiths, was born in Llanstephan, Radnorshire in 1842, so he did have some Welsh blood.

It was Frank's father, William Curtis Brangwin, who changed the spelling of the family name from Brangwin, as it had been for centuries, to Brangwyn, the first official appearance of "Brangwyn" being on the birth certificate of his eldest child, Editha Maud, born 19^th June, 1864.

Guillaume François Brangwyn was born at 24, rue du Vieux Bourg, Bruges at 10.30 in the morning on 12^th May, 1867. He was the third child, but first son, of William Curtis Brangwyn and Eleanor. His father had gone to Belgium to work as an Ecclesiastical architect and the family remained in Bruges until 1875. When they returned to England young Frank showed little interest in schoolwork other than art and preferred assisting his father in his office. He often visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to sketch the exhibits and it was there that he met A. H. Mackmurdo, a prominent artist and teacher who arranged for him to be apprenticed in the workshops of William Morris. Within a short time the would-be artist decided it was time to move on and he began his travels by moving to Sandwich, a coastal town in Kent. There he took a job as a cabin boy. Thus began the first of many trips which were to take him all over the world to places such as Tunis, Tripoli, Trebizond and Constantinople. The sea often featured in his pictures, sometimes in dark grey shades ("All hands shorten sail" 1889), other times abounding in vibrant colour ("The Buccaneers" 1893).

On 28^th January 1896 Frank married Lucy Annie Ray at the St George's Hanover Square Register Office. He was almost 29 and she was 26. It was a great sorrow to them both that the marriage was childless. It was this fact that caused Lucy to sink into deep depression, turning to alcoholism, which lead to her early death in 1924.

Frank designed many recruitment posters for the First World War and other posters appealing for assistance in helping victims of the war – e.g. Orphans in France and Belgium. He was saddened when one of his nephews who, encouraged by his posters, enlisted to fight in the War and was subsequently killed. (I do not know the name of this nephew – is there anyone who could enlighten me?) The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea is currently reproducing the posters for sale.

In 1925 he was commissioned by Lord Iveagh to produce a series of panels intended for the House of Lords, depicting the British Empire. It took him until 1932 to complete this mammoth task, by which time Lord Iveagh had died. The Lords rejected the panels on the grounds of their being "far too exuberant" and they were eventually hung in the Swansea Guildhall, which was renamed the Brangwyn Hall in his honour. These magnificent panels, the largest of which measure 20' x 15' are a sight to behold. They are a sumptuous feast of colour, full of wonderful animals, birds, plants and people. Wherever you live in the world it is worth a journey to Swansea to see them.

Elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1904, he became a full Royal Academician in1919. Knighted in 1941, he was the first living artist to have a retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy, London. This was in 1952. The Royal Academy has his sketch books in their keeping, which can be seen on request. The honours he received in his lifetime are too numerous to mention here. In Bruges, Belgium, the Brangwyn Museum was established in 1936. There is another Brangwyn Museum in Orange, France. There are examples of his work in galleries in the United States, Japan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as many in the U. K, the largest collection in England being in the William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow. There is a splendid mural in St Aidan's Church, Leeds, (U. K.) and it is towards the upkeep of this Church that all copyright fees go.

Having lived in Hammersmith as a boy Frank bought Temple Lodge in 1900. This is a fine Georgian town house in Queen Caroline Street (formerly Queen Street), Hammersmith. This is open to the public free of charge one day a year as part the "Open House" scheme. In 1918 Frank and Lucy bought "The Jointure," Ditchling, Sussex. Lucy did not enjoy living there as it was rather isolated and she preferred to spend her time at Temple Lodge. After Lucy's death Frank became a recluse and rarely travelled outside Ditchling. His housekeeper, Lizzie Peacock, ensured that all visitors whom she considered unwelcome were kept well out of his way.

Frank was a prolific artist who worked tirelessly in many different media. He produced etchings, watercolours, oils and murals, as well as designs for ceramics, furniture and carpets. He had a burning desire to record what he saw using whatever came to hand, be it an old envelope or a chocolate wrapper.

2006 sees the fiftieth anniversary of Sir Frank Brangwyn's death. A small group of Brangwyn enthusiasts, including some of his relatives, have been meeting since 1999 to try to bring about an exhibition to commemorate this. In view of his worldwide reputation it is hope to stage this exhibition not only in the U. K. but also at other venues around the world.

Frank died on 11^th June 1956, aged 89, at The Jointure. He is buried in St Mary's Cemetery, Kensal Green, London.

[This article has been supplied by Margaret and David Brangwyn]

If you would like to learn more about Sir Frank and see some of his works, visit the following web sites:

www.brangwyn.freeserve.co.uk This site has been set up by Libby Horner who is doing a PhD on Sir Frank. Libby is part of the "exhibition" group.

www.trabel.com/brugge-m-brangwyn.htm - the Brangwyn Museum in Bruges, Belgium

www.brugge.be/musea/nl/mbran.htm - also the Brangwyn Museum, Bruges.

www.swansea.gov.uk/culture/brangwyn/PANELS.html - the Brangwyn panels in Brangwyn Hall, Swansea.

www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/ARTbrangwyn.htm - a war poster

www.gov.mb.ca/legtour/dome - Rotunda with a mural (?Canada)

www.lbwf.gov.uk/wmg/about.htm - the William Morris Gallery which mentions Sir Frank.

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Last month, the family of Thomas Dreweatt Brangwin was introduced. Thomas D was the son of Thomas Brangwin and Mary Dreweatt of Mill End, Hambleden, Bucks. Thomas senior was the son of Edmund Brangwin and Mary Deane.

Edmund Brangwin was born December 26, 1762 in Hambleden. He died on July 30, 1830 in Hambleden, aged 68 following a fall from his gig. He is buried in the churchyard at Hambleden. He was a farmer who resided at Mill End. He married twice. His first marriage on February 5, 1786 was to his first cousin Mary Deane. This marriage produced ten children:

1. Mary Brangwin was born in 1786 at Hambleden. Her exact date of death is unknown but occurred around the end of 1860 according to a family letter. Mary married George Barnett on July 13, 1809, Hambleden. George, like her father, was a farmer. [Mary and George were my great, great, great grandparents]
2. Edmund Brangwin was born in 1787 and died on April 13, 1809, aged 21 years. He is buried in the Hambleden churchyard, Hambledon, BKM.
3. Martha Brangwin was born about 1790. She died on May 17, 1798, aged 8, and is buried at Hambleden, BKM.
4. George Brangwin was born in 1792. Like his father, he was a farmer. He died at the age of 76 on February 2, 1868 at Barmoor Farm, Great Marlow, Bucks. He married Mary Keene on June 21, 1815 at Hambleden. Mary was a Hambleden lass.
5. Letitia Brangwin was born in 1794 and died June 14, 1865, at South Grove, Highgate, Middlesex. She married James Swallow on June 19, 1817 at Hambleden.
6. Abraham Brangwin was born in 1796 and died in 1873 aged 76. He, too, was a farmer. He married Jane Knowles Dreweatt on October 17, 1820 at Welford, Berks.
7. Francis Brangwin was born in 1798 and died on February 7, 1872 at Hambleden, aged 73. He married twice. His first marriage was to Elizabeth Harriet Dreweatt on June 25, 1825 at Welford. Mary died on April 20, 1828; Francis married for a second time in 1845.
8. William Brangwin was born about 1801 and the last recorded reference to him was on his arrival in Sydney, NSW on October 8, 1848. It would appear that he had died prior to February 1857 (See will of Noah Brangwin). He was a farmer, too. William married Elizabeth Newell on September 19, 1828 at Stockenchurch, Bucks. He married Celia Rockall on November 16, 1844 at St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden. Celia died on February 23, 1846, High Wycombe, Bucks.
9. Thomas Brangwin was born on December 21, 1802 at Hambleden and died on. January 20, 1857, Burford Farm, Great Marlow, Bucks, aged 54 years. He married three times: (1) Mary Dreweatt on September 20, 1831 at Welford, Berks; (2) Ann Curtis on December 4, 1838 at Great Marlow; and (3) Sarah Ann Drew in 1852.
10. Sarah Brangwin born on October 1, 1807 at Hambleden. She married Richard Swallow on October 1, 1828 at Hambleden. Sarah died at the age of 23, on November 2, 1830, at Maidenhead, Berks.

Following the death of his first wife, Edmund married Harriett Knowles on March 27, 1821 in Hambleden. They had one child, Noah Brangwin. A profile of Noah is given below. His Will is the first one to be featured.

A couple of family names come up a number of times: Dreweatt and Swallow. Next month we will look at the Dreweatt women.

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Noah was born on March 16, 1622 at Bix, Oxon, the son of Edmund Brangwin and Harriett Knowles. He did not marry and died at the age of 35. He is buried at Hambleden. In the 1851 census he was listed as a painter and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons.

David Brangwyn wrote to the Royal College of Surgeons to find out more about Noah. This is the reply:

"I have now been able to make a search regarding Noah Brangwin for whom you quote the dates of 1822 to 1857.

A list we hold of Apothecaries, published 1852/3, shows that Noah Brangwin, of Henley-on-Thames, gained his Licence (LSA) on 25 April 1844. The first published 'Medical Directory' lists his name and S1844, A1844, Henley-0n-Thames, but later volumes do not appear to list him. I have checked our catalogues but have not found anything further on this gentleman, nor any obituary or death notice. The Wallis and Wallis 'Eighteenth Century Medics' volume lists a William Brangwin* and a Castle Brangwin* of Oxon addresses, and one might wonder whether they were antecedents of your Noah Brangwin, but I cannot really say one way or the other."

*William and Castle were uncle and nephew in the "Castle" tree. William was born in 1757/8 and had five daughters by his wife Susannah Cook. Castle was the only son of Francis Brangwin and his wife Ann Rowland. He was born in 1774 and died aged 16.

And now the Will:

This is the Last Will of me Noah Brangwin of Highfields in the Parish of Wargrave in the County of Berks Gentleman ~ First I revoke all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be and contain my last Will I give to my half Brother George a legacy of Fifty pounds to my Servant Martha Trotman One hundred pounds

And as to all the rest and residue of my personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever and of which I may have power to dispose at the time of my decease I give and bequeath One sixth part thereof unto and for the use and benefit of my half Sister Mrs Letitia Swallow during her life for her sole and separate use and benefit independently of her present or any future Husband and of his debts control or engagements and so that her receipt alone may be a sufficient receipt and discharge for the annual proceeds thereof And subject as aforesaid the said one sixth part or share shall remain and be In trust for the absolute benefit of all and every the child or children of my said half Sister who shall be living at the time of my decease equally to be divided between and amongst them share and share [alike] One other sixth part thereof unto my half Sister Mary Barnett for her life and subject to her life interest therein unto and between her children James, Daniel, Julia and George equally to be divided between them share and share alike One other sixth part thereof unto the Children of my late half Brother William equally to be divided between them share and share alike And the remainder thereof unto and between my half Brothers and Thomas and my Niece Mary Jane the Wife of Mr Philip Hobbs of States in the Parish of Medmenham Bucks Farmer equally to be divided between them share and share alike And my will further is and I do hereby and release and discharge my said Brother Thomas from the payment of all sums of money now due and owing from him to me and also from the payment of all interest which may be due and owing to me from him on account thereof at the time of my decease And I appoint my Nephew Thomas Brangwin of Woolwich Kent Draper Son of said my said Brother Abraham and the said Philip Hobbs Executors and Trustees of this my Will In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September One thousand eight hundred and fifty six – Noah Brangwin – Signed Published and Declared by the said Noah Brangwin the Testator as and for his last Will in the presence of us who in his presence at his request an in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses the name "Mary Jane" being first written on an erasure – Nicholas Mercer, Henley on Thames, Oxon, Solr. – James White, Clerk to Mr Mercer.

Proved at London 27^th February 1857 before the Worshipful William Calverley Curtois Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oaths of Thomas Brangwin the Nephew of the Deceased Son of his Brother Abraham and Philip Hobbs the Executors to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer

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Noah managed to mention a lot of family members. Here is a summary.

He left £50 to his half brother George.

A sixth of the residue of his estate was to go to:

1. His half sister Mrs Letitia Swallow
2. His half sister Mary Barnett and on her death to her children James, Daniel, Julia and George
3. To the children of his late half brother William

The remainder was to be shared between his half brother Thomas and niece Mary Jane, wife of Philip Hobbs of States, Medmenham, Bucks. [Mary Jane was the daughter of his half brother Francis].

His nephew Thomas, son of Abraham Brangwin, and Philip Hobbs, the husband of his niece Mary Jane, were appointed Executors.

Noah did a good job of mentioning most of his siblings and a few of his nieces and nephews by name.

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Wanted - information on Cuthbert Patrick Brangwyn. Younger brother of Sir Frank. He was born in 1875 in England. He supposedly went off to train as a Franciscan monk. He turned up in the 1910 census in Pennsylvannia in the county Allegheny, Pittsburgh with a wife, Margaret. Any information on Curthbert would be most welcome

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Until next month

Lorraine Wuth

Editor