MUTLOW FAMILY of LEDBURY: A POTTED HISTORY

There are several recorded branches of the family with the name Mutlow. There are branches recorded in the Bosbury and Gloucester areas but to date no direct link has been found with the Ledbury Mutlows. However there is a direct link to the Mutlows recorded in the Putley and Much Birch areas a few miles west of Ledbury from the mid 1750's.

The Birth, Marriage and Death dates have been obtained from the St Michaels Church Ledbury Registers that were originally held by the Church but are now held at the Hereford Record Office. Whilst we are concentrating on the 19th century in Ledbury we start with some of the background of the previous generations of the Mutlow Family who had a direct association with the Town of Ledbury.

William	? ─ 1679	Cooper
James	1669 ─ 1729	Cooper
William	1710 ─ 1787	Cooper, Farmer
William	1735 ─ 1796	Cooper, Tanner, Banker of Ledbury & Chepstow
Hannah	1777 ─ 1873	Spinster
Benjamin	1782 ─ 1863	Tanner of Ledbury
William	1816 ─ 1882	Solicitor of Ledbury
John Vaughan	1820 ─ 1901	Solicitor and Gentleman Farmer of Ledbury
Benjamin	1822 ─ 1877	Tanner & Currier
Daniel Saunders	1827 ─ 1877	Bark Merchant
Joseph Wickes	1828 ─ 1894	Tanner & Currier
Joseph Hankins	1865 ─ 1916	Innkeeper
Ethelbert	1869 ─ 1911	Farmer of Ledbury
George Richard	1873 ─ 1937	Farmer of Ledbury
Gerald Claude	1908 ─ 1980	Farmer

The St Michaels Church Ledbury registers contain many entries under the name Mutlow from 1550's onwards (sometimes spelt Mutlo, Mutloe, Mutlowe and even Mutley). The direct family line continues, in Ledbury, until the mid 20th century.

We start with William Mutlow (Mutley) ? -1679 who married Joyce Andrewes of Ledbury on 8 February 1650 in Felton Herefordshire (about 5 miles north-east of Ledbury).
The year of William's birth is unknown as there are four William Mutlow entries of that period in the Ledbury Parish Register Vol 2 1556 - 1686.
It was on the 19th November 1657 William Mutloe of Ledbury Cowper purchased from Francis Cale of Ledbury Corvisor a Messuage or tenement with appurtences situated in the Homend (with all the goods an chattels) wherein Thomas Yaspile doth now dwell for the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds.
The witnesses of the agreement were Thomas Hawfield and Thomas Skyner and signed by Francis Cale and the mark of William Mutloe.
William died in 1679 and buried on 21 July 1679 in Ledbury. William's age was not given in the burial register and his exact date of birth is therefore not known.
William died intestate. Letters of Administration of his estate were granted to his widow Joyce at Hereford on 5 Sep 1679 and a Probate Inventory compiled with total effects being £70 9s. 10d.
Joyce Andrewes was one of six siblings baptised 9 Feb 1932 the daughter of John Andrewes (20 Apr 1600 - 31 Jan 1678) and Mary his wife. Joyce was buried 31st December 1701 in Ledbury. It is worth mentioning that Joyce's sister Joane Andrewes married John Deven a Clothier of Ledbury, with premises near Homend Street, at St Michael's Church Ledbury on 8th July 1665. William Mutlow and Joyce Andrews had the following children:

William MUTLOW 1666 - 1718 Silverwarer Drawer London
James Mutlow 1669 - 1729 Cooper Ledbury

JAMES MUTLOW 1669-1729 Cooper was baptised on 5 November 1669 in Ledbury.
He married Mary WHITE (Baptised 20th January 1676 in Ledbury), the daughter of William White and Ann his wife, in Hereford Cathedral on 14 July 1701 both being of the parish of Ledbury. Mary died in 1713.
James Mutlow and Mary White had the following children:

John MUTLOW ? - 1709
Joyce MUTLOW 1702 - 1702
Mary MUTLOW 1703 - ? (married in Eastnor 1820 toSamuel Edwards of Leigh Worcs)
James MUTLOW 1707 - 1789 (married in Ledbury 1729 to Mary Gwillim of Putley)
Elizabeth MUTLOW 1709 - 1709
William MUTLOW 1710 - 1787

James Mutlow 1669 - 1729 remarried to his cousin Margaret HANKINS in 1721.
Margaret born in 1694 was the daughter of William HANKINS Tanner of Ledbury and Margaret his wife. Mention is made in the 2 Nov 1721 Marriage Settlement that James MUTLOW and James MUTLOE are one and the same person thus denoting that MUTLOW was spelt MUTLOE.
James died in June 1729 and was buried on 29 June 1729 in Ledbury and commemorated on a memorial floor flagstone in St Michael's Church Ledbury.
For details of the Flagstone Floor Memorial Inscriptions in St Michael's Church see below (under Adjacent to the Entrance Into The Chapter House).
James In his will left his farm and messuages in Ledbury (which he had purchased from Sarah Lewes) to his 2nd wife Margaret, his house in the Homend (which he had purchased from William & Bridgett Wood) to his son William and monetary values to his other children of his first marriage, and on 30 Aug 1728 he added a codicil which left £50 to Margaret, Elizabeth and Sarah, the daughters of his "present" wife Margaret.
James Mutlow and Margaret Hankins had the following children:

Margaret MUTLOW 1722 - 1798
Elizabeth MUTLOW 1724 - 1805
Sarah MUTLOW 1726 - 1792
Anne MUTLOW 1727 - 1749.

WILLIAM MUTLOW 1710 - 1787 Cooper & Farmer son of James MUTLOW and Mary WHITE was baptised on 22 March 1710 in Ledbury as "James son of James and Mary Mutlo" according to the Bishops Transcripts held at HARC.
William married Sarah JONES on 17 July 1734 in Ledbury. A copy of the Marriage Settlement (J11/14/3a) is held at HARC. A précis is as follows:
This Indenture of Three parts made 7 June 1734 between William Mutlow of Ledbury Cooper of the First part, George Elton of the Lower Hall Ledbury Gentleman and John Bayliss of Ledbury Tanner of the Second part and Richard Jones of Ledbury Innholder of the Third part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of a Marriage intended shortly between William Mutlow and Sarah Jones Spinster Eldest Daughter of Richard Jones the sum of One Hundred Pounds paid to William Mutlow as and for the Marriage portion of Sarah Jones, and for the Settling and Assuring of the Messuage or Tenement with Appurtenances Granted and Released for the consideration of Five shillings paid to William Mutlow by George Elton and John Bayliss doth lease the Messuage or Tenement with the backside and garden estimated to be half a Burgage where William Mutlow doth now dwell situated in Ledbury in or near Homend Street having the Dwelling House Backside and Garden heretofore of John Hodges and late of Benjamin Maddox and now of Richard Jones on the North side, the Dwelling House Close and Garden heretofore in possession of Thomas Bullock and late in the possession of John Hill and now in the possession of William Gwyllym on the South and East sides, and the Homend Street on the West side for a period of One whole year by indenture bearing the date the day next before the day of the date of this indenture.

William owned The White House Cradley as In the Will of his Son, William Mutlow (1735 - 1796) of Ledbury Merchant and Banker, is the following statement:
"- - - AND Also All that my Messuage and Farm with the Arable Meadow and Pasture Lands Tenements and Hereditaments thereto adjoining Called THE WHITE HOUSE situate and lying and being in the Parish of CRADLEY in the County of Hereford and which my Late Father WILLIAM MUTLOW deceased bought and purchased of messieurs Cooksey, Turner and Collins".
William Mutlow died 18th May 1787 aged 77.
For details of the Flagstone Floor Memorial Inscriptions see below.
Sarah JONES was born in 1711. She died on 5 July 1774 and was buried on 8 July 1774 in Ledbury St Michael's. William Mutlow and Sarah Jones had the following children:

Sarah MUTLOW ? - 1792
Edmund MUTLOW 1740 - 1753
William MUTLOW 1735 - 1796.

William MUTLOW 1735 - 1796 Cooper, Tanner, Banker of Ledbury and Chepstow, son of William MUTLOW and Sarah JONES, was baptised on 26 December 1735 in Ledbury. William initially followed his father's profession as a Cooper, then later as a Tanner and a Banker in Ledbury and Chepstow. At one stage his bank was clearing nearly £6000 of notes a month with Cocks Biddulph & Co, who were his London agents. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been Coopers so he was the first member of the family to branch out into a new line of business.
William married Sarah Hankins on 5 November 1761 in Ledbury.
His wife Sarah was a member of the Hankins family who were Tanners (Sarah's father Thomas Hankins) and Bankers (Richard Hankins being a partner in the Mutlow and Hankins Bank of Ledbury).
Due to William's profession and business interests there are a many deeds, Indentures and newspaper articles articles relating to him. The following are a brief selection:
In 1759 William Mutlow is listed on the Deeds as the owner and occupier of No. 8 High Street Ledbury taking possession from Mr Antipas Church and his Wife Margaret. A 1796 Bond shows his eldest son, Thomas as the owner and occupier of No 8. In the 1840 Tithe apportionment shows his daughter Hannah, as the owner and occupier of No 8 as do the censuses 1841 to 1871. On Hannah's death the Sales particulars dated 1875 list the No 8 property as part of the Mutlow estate.
Relating to the Tannery business situated in Bye Street Ledbury where the Clock Tower now stands, in the Will of William Mutlow of Ledbury, Merchant and Banker (dated 1792 and Proved 25 May 1796), is stated the following extracts:
"- - - of and concerning several Messuages or Dwelling Houses Cottages Farms and Lofts with a Tan Yard and divers Curtilages Gardens Orchards Lands Tenements woods Wood Land Grounds Hereditaments and premises with the Appurtenances situate lying and being in the several parishes of Colwall Coddington and Ledbury and in the Borough of Ledbury in Herefordshire which were the Property Lands Tenements Hereditaments and Estate of the said Sarah my Wife as the only Child and Heirs at Law of Thomas Hankins of Ledbury aforesaid Tanner deceased and by Deed executed by me and my said Wife to and with the said John Drew declaring the Uses of the said Fine so levied as aforesaid and bearing sale on or about the 19th April 1790 I am legally empowered by this my Will to give devise direct limit appoint and dispose thereof in such manner as I shall think proper".
The 1794 Hereford Journal Wednesday 25 June reports on the List of Subscribers to the Fund for augmenting the MILITIA of this County, and other purposes for the Internal Defence of the Kingdom; lists the Banking House of Messrs Mutlow and Hankins, Ledbury as a collecting place for subscriptions and also a donation of £21 0s. 0d from Messrs Mutlow and Hankins.
The 1796 Gloucester Journal Monday 09 and the 16 May announcement "TANYARD To be Let, and entered upon immediately, a very commodious TANYARD, in the town of Ledbury, in the county of Hereford, now in full Work, and lately in the occupation of the late Mr William Mutlow, deceased. For further particulars enquire of Mr Richard Hankins, Banker, Ledbury".

The following is a brief précis of the 1796 Will of WILLIAM MUTLOW granting SARAH MUTLOW Widow the Relict of the deceased Sole Executrix Commission to duly administer:
I do hereby ratify and confirm the Marriage Settlement and Jointure by me made upon my said Wife prior to my Marriage of the Messuage and Dwelling house with Appurtenances wherein we do live and which are situate in and near the High Street, Ledbury. The Farm with Outbuildings Stable Meadow and Pasture Lands and Hereditaments thereto adjoining called Innerson, in the parish of Redmarley Dabitot in the County of Worcester, and now in the possession of Thomas Perkins as Tennant whereof immediately on the death of the survivor of me and my said Wife my Younger Son BENJAMIN MUTLOW will become legally entitled.
Where I now live in the Borough of Ledbury my Eldest Son THOMAS MUTLOW will become entitled. The Messuage and Farm Lands Tenements and Hereditaments and premises comprised in the Marriage Settlement aforesaid shall pass to my TWO SONS.
I appoint unto THOMAS my said Son all and singular any Freehold and also any Copyhold of Inheritance and Customary together with any Leasehold Messuage and Dwelling Houses Gardens Orchards Lands Tenements and Hereditaments that may be intermixed situate and being in the parish of Ledbury and unto Manor of Ledbury otherwise Ledbury Forrest.
I give and appoint to my Younger Son BENJAMIN MUTLOW all and every my Freehold Messuages or Dwelling Houses Tan Yards Cottages Costs Gardens Orchards Lands Tenements and Hereditaments with Outbuildings Ways Watercourses Patters Banks Streams Flood Pates Rights and Privileges situate lying and being within the Borough of Ledbury.
The Farm with Barns Outbuildings arable Meadow and Pasture Lands Woods and Woodland grounds Tenements Hereditaments called The Chapel which I lately purchased from Henry Blachford Scudamore Esquire and now in the possession of Thomas Perkins as Tennant in the Parish of Redmarley Dabitot and all my Freehold Messuage and Farm with Lands Tenements and Hereditaments called Everes which I purchased from Joseph Allen and now in the Tenure and occupation of Joseph Allen as Tenant to me in the same Parish of Redmarley Dabitot to be held in TRUST by Mr Edward Hankins of Ledbury, Currier, and William Lucy of the City of Bristol, Master, to allow George Buckle (son in law whose wife SARAH MUTLOW is deceased), of Chepstow, to take the profits and rent during the Minority or until the Marriage of my Five Daughters (ANNE MUTLOW, ELIZABETH MUTLOW, MARIA MUTLOW, HANNAH MUTLOW AND CHARLOTTE MUTLOW) toward the Maintenance and Support and Education of my Five said Daughters and my Three Grand Children (JOHN BUCKLE, SARAH BUCKLE AND ANN BUCKLE). After the age of Twenty One or Marriage the trust to be held in Six Parts (five parts for my five daughters and one part for my Grand Children as aforesaid).
To my Son THOMAS MUTLOW I give all that Messuage and Farm with Loft Buildings and Arable Meadow and pasture Lands Woods Woodland Grounds and Coppice Wood thereto and belonging Called HAWKINGS AND All and every Arable Meadow and Pasture Lands Woods Woodland Grounds and Coppice Wood adjoining and belonging Called HOUGHTONS situate lying and being in the several and respective Parishes of COLWALL and CODDINGTON in the County of Hereford (approx. 4 miles on the east side of Ledbury) AND Also All that my Messuage and Farm with the Arable Meadow and Pasture Lands Tenements and Hereditaments thereto adjoining Called THE WHITE HOUSE situate and lying and being in the Parish of CRADLEY in the County of Hereford and which my Late Father WILLIAM MUTLOW deceased bought and purchased of messieurs Cooksey, Turner and Collins.
I also give to my said Son THOMAS MUTLOW all that my Cottage with the Lands thereto belonging called RICKETS PLACE or GREAT OAK or by whatsoever Name or Names the same is called known distinguished situate lying and being near unto a place called CRAUMORE PITT and now in the Occupation of Thomas Webb as Tennant to me and situate lying and being in the said Parish of Redmarley Dabitot and County of Worcester.
Whereas I now carry on the Trade and Business of a Tanner which was exercised by my Wife's late Father the said THOMAS HANKINS deceased (in the said herein before devised Tan Yard and Buildings thereto adjoining and belonging situate in and near a Street called the BYE STREET otherwise BISHOPS STREET in the said Borough of Ledbury for many Years which Trade and Business it is my earnest wish and desire shall and may be in like manner (and in as full extent as I ever carried the same on) carried on and pursued by my Younger Son BENJAMIN MUTLOW.

Sarah HANKINS, the daughter of Thomas HANKINS (1708 - 1780) and Anne WHITE (bap.1698), was born in 1741. She was baptised on 23 July 1741 in Ledbury. She died on 16 February 1832. She was buried on 24 February 1832 in St Michael's Church Ledbury. For details of the Flagstone Floor Memorial Inscriptions in St Michael's Church see below (Far Aisle - Two Floor Memorials).
One memorable condition contained in Sarah's will when detailing a bequest to one of her daughters is as follows:
"the sum of One hundred pounds to and for her sole and separate use independent of her present husband and with which he shall have nothing to do to be by her managed given paid applied and disposed of as she alone notwithstanding her Goverture shall think proper and either in her lifetime or by any Will she may make and the same shall not be subject to the power or control or intermeddling of her said husband or be liable or subject to his debts but be entirely free therefrom and her receipt alone for the said sum of One hundred pounds shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my Executrix". A similar condition was also expressed in her daughter Hannah's will.



William Mutlow and Sarah Hankins had the following children:

Sarah MUTLOW 1762 - ? (married in Ledbury 1785 to George Buckle of Chepstow Monmouthshire)
William MUTLOW 1764 - 1767
Thomas MUTLOW 1766 - 1820 (married in Chepstow 1790 to Anne Howell of Chepstow)
Anne MUTLOW 1769 - 1836 (married in Ledbury 1809 to William Thackwell of Birtsmorton Court Berrow)
Elizabeth MUTLOW 1772 - 1858 (married in Ledbury 1797 to John Wilson of Great Malvern)
Maria MUTLOW 1775 - 1859 (married in Ledbury 1800 to Rev Thomas Cox of Ledbury & Coleridge Devon)
Hannah MUTLOW 1777 - 1873
Charlotte MUTLOW 1780 - 1831
Benjamin MUTLOW 1782 - 1863.






Hannah MUTLOW 1777 - 1873 Spinster, daughter of William MUTLOW and Sarah HANKINS, was baptised 21 October 1777 in Ledbury.
She died on 15 May 1873 in Ledbury and was buried on 21 May 1873 in Ledbury St Michael's.
Full details of the Floorstone Memorial Inscriptions are shown below.

In the Will of Anne Thackwell nee Mutlow late of Moreton Court in the County of Worcester but now of the Town of Ledbury Proved at London 10th March 1837 appoints her sister Hannah Mutlow Spinster sole Executrix to whom administration was granted.
Contained within this will was the following bequest:
To my sister Hannah Mutlow all my share and interest in the premises in the Southend Street Ledbury and now occupied by James Collins Gent. (It was James Collins who was a solicitor in the Southend Ledbury to whom Hannah's Nephew William Mutlow 1816-1882 joined as a partner in the solicitors practice. It was in 1860 that these same Premises were bequeathed to William by his Aunt Maria Cox nee Mutlow and William resided there until 1878 when he retired and left Ledbury).
In April 1838 Hannah loaned £40 on mortgage to William Tomlins on land in Berrow Worcs (repaid Sept 1845) and in 1841 loaned £1400 on mortgage to Robert Slade on the security of land with 5 dwelling houses in Homend Street, Ledbury. In the 1840 Tithe apportionment Hannah Mutlow is listed as living as owner at No 8 High Street Ledbury. It is very possible that Hannah lived here after her Mother Sarah died in 1831.
No 8 High Street Ledbury was in the possession of the Mutlow Family from 1759 when William Mutlow the Elder (Banker) took possession until 1875 when it was sold as part of Hannah Mutlow's estate.
The 1841 Census has Hannah living at High Street Ledbury, with her sister Maria Cox, aged 64. The 1851 census: Hannah is aged 73 born Ledbury, unmarried, living with her sister Maria (and 2 servants) in (No 8) High Street Ledbury, occupation Land Proprietor.
The 1859 Slater's Directory lists Mutlow Miss Hannah, High Street Ledbury. The 1870 Kelley's Directory lists Mutlow Miss, High Street Ledbury.
The 1871 census: age 93 born Ledbury, occupation "Annuitant", living in High Street Ledbury with one servant.

In the 1873 Worcester Journal Saturday 17 May: Deaths - Mutlow May 15th at her residence High Street Ledbury Hannah Mutlow in her 96th year. Much Respected.

Hannah's Will made 13th January 1873 and witnessed by Ann Griffiths and Selena Bradley, servants to Miss Hannah Mutlow was Proved at Hereford 11th Jun 1878 by her nephew John Vaughan Mutlow of Wallhills in the Parish of Ledbury, Gentleman and Nephew of the deceased, the sole executor; her effects valued at under £4000.(Note: The witnesses are the same persons who were witnesses to the Will of Daniel Saunders Mutlow (Hannah Mutlow's Nephew) made 15th July 1873 listed as servants to Mr Joseph Wickes Mutlow (also Hannah Mutlow's Nephew).
Hannah granted sums of money to various relatives: the wives and children of her nephews John Vaughan Mutlow, Benjamin Mutlow, Daniel Saunders Mutlow and Joseph Wickes Mutlow; to the two children of Anne Teresa Williams daughter of my late brother Thomas Mutlow; the children of my late niece Hannah Maria Williams; the two grandchildren of my late sister Elizabeth Wilson namely Marmaduke and Sarah. The residue of my personal estate to be divided between her four nephews John Vaughan Mutlow, Benjamin Mutlow, Daniel Saunders Mutlow and Joseph Wickes Mutlow, sons of my late dear brother Benjamin, absolutely.
I direct the legacies of such of the pecuniary legatees as shall be married to be paid into their respective proper hands in order that the same be enjoyed and disposed of as their separate property free from marital control.

Benjamin MUTLOW 1782 - 1863 Tanner of Ledbury, son of William MUTLOW and Sarah HANKINS, was born in 1782 in Ledbury and baptised on 24 December 1782 in Ledbury. A document in Herefordshire Archives (B092/6) states that, although he was born in December of 1782 and baptised at the parish church, the record of his baptism was omitted from the parish register.
He married Mary Vaughan WICKES on 5 May 1812 in Tewksbury.
He died on 8 February 1863 in Ledbury and was buried on 13 February 1863 in Ledbury Cemetery. Buried in a box vault in Ledbury Cemetery Plot No. a 49-50, along with his spinster daughter Sarah who died in 1862. His wife Caroline and other children are buried in St Michael's Church Ledbury.
At the baptisms of 11 of his children recorded in the Ledbury parish register 1813 - 27, all as children of Benjamin Mutlow of Homend, Tanner, and Mary Vaughan his wife.
On the 21 June 1796 Thomas Mutlow of Chepstow in the County of Monmouth, Merchant, the eldest son of William Mutlow, signed a " Bond for the performance of Covenants to the Rev'd Michael and Richard Hankins for the obligations to his brother Benjamin Mutlow an Infant and his mother Sarah Mutlow relating to No 8 High Street Ledbury."
Witnesses of the Bond were Antipas Church Jnr. and John Mutlow (Cooper in Ledbury 1734 - 1800) who was Thomas's & Benjamin's distant cousin.
Benjamin is mentioned in the 1814 Will of his cousin William Mutlow (1732 - 1814) of the parish of Little Birch in the County of Hereford, Yeoman, that if there was any difference or disputes amongst any of the beneficiaries in this my Will, then it shall be referred to Mr Benjamin Mutlow of the Town of Ledbury, Gentleman, and that his decision shall be final and conclusive.
A similar expression is contained in the 1834 Will of Benjamin's cousin Sarah Mutlow of Little Birch dated 15 Apr 1834 she specified that if any dispute was to arise between her two brothers who were her executors then it was her "desire that it be referred to Mr Benjamin Mutlow of Ledbury Tanner, whose decision shall be final".
An 1815 Document, held in the Butchers Row Museum, detailing duty payable headed A STAMP OFFICE for the Receipt and Discharge for any Gift or Legacy by Way of ANNUITY Register CD No. 2 1815 Folio 254. ON ACCOUNT of the Real Estate of John Drew, late of Ledbury in the County of Hereford, Gentleman, who died on the 31st day of December 1814, BETWEEN Benjamin Mutlow, Tanner, and John Edy, Grocer, both of Ledbury and both Devisees in Trust, acting under Probate, or Administration with Will annexed, granted by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on the 19th Day of April 1815 AND Margaret Mutlow, Annuitant for Life, Stranger in Blood (to the deceased), aged 60 Years.
On December 11th 1834 William Thackwell Esquire (who died 6th July 1835), of Birts Morton Court in the parish of Birts Morton in the County of Worcester, signed the Lease to vest possession from Benjamin Mutlow of No 8 High Street Ledbury for one year. As previously stated No 8 High Street Ledbury was in the possession of the Mutlow Family from 1759 to 1875. William's wife Anne Thackwell nee Mutlow died 26 November 1836.
The 1813 Map of Ledbury identifying areas and ownership of Land shows Benjamin Mutlow occupying plots of land on the south side of the upper cross (No's 849 plot on the west side of the road & plot 835 on the opposite side).
These plots of land are near or adjacent to the line of the Gloucester - Hereford Canal which closed in 1881 and became the Gloucester - Ledbury Railway which opened in 1882.
In 1820 a record of a Meeting held in the Committee Room on October 30th of the Inhabitants of Ledbury for the purpose of taking into expediency of Opening a Subscription For Taking Down Butchers Row with John Biddulph Esq in the Chair resolved that a that a subscription be opened for the purpose of removing the said Butchers Row etc., That a committee be appointed to promote the business of this meeting, and that such committee do meet monthly for that purpose etc., Mr Benjamin Mutlow is named as a member.
The 1821 Hereford Journal Wednesday August 29 and September 12 notices: To be Sold by Auction, On Wednesday, the Twenty-sixth day of September 1821, at the Feather's Inn, in Ledbury, in the county of Hereford, at Four O'Clock in the Afternoon, Four Pieces of very excellent rich MEADOW and PASTURE LAND, part thereof Planted with Fruit Trees, situate in the Parish of and within a Quarter of a Mile of the Town of Ledbury, in the Occupation of Mr, Benjamin Mutlow. All the above Lots are Freehold of Inheritance; the Land-tax of the whole is redeemed; and Possession may be had at Candlemas next. The 1824 Plan of Ledbury (hanging in the Butchers Row House Museum in Church Lane) and the 1831 Map of Turnpikes in Ledbury shows Mr Mutlow occupying the area near the corner of Homend and Bishop Street now called Bye Street where the Clock Tower and Public Library now stand. 1839 The Tithe Map of the "Detail in Borough" of Ledbury held at the Hereford Record Office, indicates the properties in the Homend Street and one property off of Church Lane that Benjamin Mutlow owned. They are listed in the table below along with the occupants as follows:



Benjamin's death in 1863 was reported in several newspapers. The Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 11 February announcement: Deaths - February 8th in Homend-street, Ledbury, Benjamin Mutlow, Esq., the elder, aged 80, regretted by a large circle of friends. The Hereford Times Saturday 14 February announcement Deaths - Mutlow.- Feb 8, at Ledbury, aged 80, deeply lamented, Benjamin Mutlow Esq.

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The sale of Benjamin Mutlow's residence in the Homend and other Land was advertised in the Hereford Journal Saturday 11 July and the Hereford Times Saturday 28 July: Ledbury, Herefordshire. Valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY, to be sold by auction, by Mr Philip Bayliss, on Wednesday the 5th day of August, 1863, at the New Inn, in the Town of Ledbury, at 4 o'Clock in the afternoon, by order of the Trustees of the Will of the late Benjamin Mutlow, Esq., subject to the conditions which will then be produced.

LOT 1 - A Commodious and substantially-built DWELLING HOUSE, fronting thr Homend Street, in the Town of Ledbury, in the County of Hereford, late the residence of Mr. Mutlow; having on the ground floor an entrance-hall, dining and drawing-rooms, three china closets, large kitchen, back-kitchen, and pantry fitted with dressers and shelves, a convenient brew-house with large and small copper boilers, and with soft water pump and large reservoir beneath holding 25 hogsheads. The cellarage extends under the house, and contains two wire bins. On the first floor are six bed-rooms, dressing-room, and closet; and on the second five bedrooms with convenient back stairs. The principal stairs are of polished oak leading from the entrance hall, and there are large landings on the first and second floors. The Yard is 118 feet in length, in which are a pump-house, pump with never failing spring of good water, dairy, coal-house, coach-house, and a three-stalled stable with rooms and lofts over, and an excellent walled garden with a green-house, summer-house, and a tool-house. This property is subject to a chief-rent of one shilling and six pence per annum. Also, a comfortable DWELLING HOUSE adjoining the above, lately occupied by Dr. Lewis having an excellent cellar with wine bin, two rooms fronting the Homend-street on the ground floor, a room lately used as a surgery, closet, kitchen, back-kitchen, with pump and furnace, larder, coal-house, knife-house, with room and loft over, all well arranged. A good drawing-room, two bedrooms and closet on the first floor, and two bedrooms on the second floor. The property is subject to a chief-rent of nine pence per annum.

LOT 2 - A DWELLING HOUSE in the occupation of Mr James Gibbs, Printer and Stationer, in the Homend-street, having a frontage of twenty-one feet six inches, and comprising a large shop, sitting-room, kitchen, back-kitchen, and parlour, on the ground floor; two bedrooms, with closets, and large printing-offices, on the first floor; and two bedrooms on the second floor, with attic over. There are two cellars, and the premises are well supplied with water. This lot is subject to a land-tax of eight shillings and to a chiefrent of sixpence per annum.

LOT 3 - Four pieces of very productive PASTURE LAND, with Orcharding, situate near the town of Ledbury, and containing according to the Tithe Apportionment Survey 7a. 3r. 36p., lying within 200 yards of the Ledbury Railway Station, and bounded on the north by lands of Earl Somers, on the south and east partly by land of J. W. Miles Esq., and partly by land of Mr Grierson, and on the west by the turnpike-road; and now occupied by Mr Thomas Edy as Yearly tenant. This property affords an opportunity rarely met with in the vicinity of the town for building purposes; and from its commanding situation, embracing some of the most beautiful views in the neighbourhood, and being in the midst of parklike land, ornamented with magnificent oak and elm timber, it is well adapted for the erection of a villa residences.
LOTS 1 and 2 and the greater part of LOT 3 are Freehold, one acre and a quarter of the latter is Leashold for a term of 1000 years created in 1657, and half an acre of Copyhold of Inheritance, not liable to ground-rent, heriot, or chief-rent.
The Timber on LOT 3 is to be taken to at the valuation which has been made by the auctioneer. To view LOT 2 and 3 apply to the respective Tenants; to inspect LOT 1, apply to the AUCTIONEER; and for further particulars to Messrs. MUTLOW and Barber Solicitors, or the AUCTIONEER, all of Ledbury.
The Tanyard in Hereford was advertised in the Hereford Times Saturday 21 November: WAREHOUSES and YARD to be LET or SOLD: All those commodious WAREHOUSES and YARD, situate in St Martin's street, Hereford, lately occupied by Messrs Mutlow, and having a considerable frontage to St Martin's street and the river Wye. - Apply to Messrs UNDERWOOD and KNIGHT, Solicitors, Hereford.

In the 1864 Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 23 March announcement: Droitwich - NEW TANNING COMPANY. A new company has started here, with limited liability, for the purpose of re-establishing the tannery, formerly carried on by Thos. Grove Smith, Esq., and more recently by Mr. Benjamin Mutlow, of Ledbury. etc., etc.

The will of Benjamin Mutlow of Ledbury, Gentleman made the 10 April 1860 and proved at the Principal Probate Registry 30 Apr 1863; effects under £14,000, by his sons and executors William Mutlow of Ledbury, Gentleman; Benjamin Mutlow of Ledbury, Tanner and Currier; and Joseph Wickes Mutlow of Ledbury, Tanner and Currier;

The following two requests were stated in the will:- - - within 12 months after my decease my Trustees to offer all my real estate consisting of the Tanyard situate and being in or near to the Bye Street in Ledbury with the office or Counting-house stable sheds and buildings thereto belonging and also the two dwelling-houses or tenements situate and being in the Homend Street in Ledbury adjoining the said Tanyard and now in the respective occupations of William Wargent and Andrew Smith to my son Joseph Wickes Mutlow who shall have the option to purchase the same at or for the sum of One thousand two hundred pounds etc - - - . (Joseph W Mutlow and Plot 94 Warehouse in Bridge Street is mentioned in the "Along The Towpath" Story).

With regard to my real estate situate and being in the parish of Chepstow in the County of Monmouth called or known by the name of "CRANE MEAD" with the Wharf, warehouses and buildings thereon and the rights and appurtenances thereto belonging I declare my Trustees shall not sell or dispose until the same is offered to my son Daniel Saunders Mutlow who shall have the option to purchase for the sum of One thousand five hundred pounds etc - - -.
Mary Vaughan WICKES was born in 1789. She died on 14 July 1848 in Droitwich and buried on 19 July 1848 in St Michaels Church Ledbury. Also buried in the same vault are 3 of her young children, twins Joseph and Charles and their young sister Mary Wickes Mutlow.
Again full details of the Flagstone Floor Memorial Inscription are shown below.

Benjamin MUTLOW and Mary Vaughan WICKES had the following children:

Benjamin MUTLOW		1812 - 1813
Sarah MUTLOW		1813 - 1862
William MUTLOW		1816 - 1882
Mary MUTLOW		1817 -  ?
Joseph MUTLOW		1818 - 1819
Charles MUTLOW		1818 - 1819
John Vaughan MUTLOW	1820 - 1901
George Buckle MUTLOW	1821 -   ?
Benjamin MUTLOW		1822 - 1877
Richard Hankins MUTLOW	1823 - 1840
Mary Wickes MUTLOW	1825 - 1825
Daniel Saunders MUTLOW	1827 - 1877	(married in Lisburn Co Antrim 1857 to Eliza Beatty (1st Wife) and to)
						(Sarah Nind (2nd Wife) of Sedgeberrow in 1867 Worcs.)
Joseph Wickes MUTLOW	1828 - 1894

William MUTLOW 1816 - 1882 Solicitor of Ledbury son of Benjamin MUTLOW and Mary Vaughan WICKES, was born in 1816 in Ledbury and baptised on 21 August 1816 in Ledbury.
He married Mary Anne HALLEN 8th November 1849 in Kidderminster. William died on 24 January 1882 in New Ferry Park, Birkenhead.

In 1832 William Mutlow entered the offices of Mr James Collins, then, a solicitor of considerable practice in the Southend Street Ledbury, with whom he served his articles. This Solicitors Practice was at The Yews No 24 The Southend, Ledbury.
It was in the 1837 Will of Anne Thackwell nee Mutlow Proved by her sister Hannah Mutlow Spinster that Anne bequeathed to her sister Hannah Mutlow all my share and interest in the premises in the Southend Street Ledbury and now occupied by James Collins Gent (Hannah Mutlow was the Aunt of both William and John Vaughan Mutlow who both were in Practice as Solicitors in Ledbury).
It was in 1860 that these same Premises were bequeathed to William by his Aunt Maria Cox nee Mutlow. William Mutlow Solicitor resided there until 1878 when he retired and left Ledbury.
It was in 1837 that William Qualified as a Solicitor. Admitted an attorney and solicitor in Michaelmas term 1837, he joined Mr Collins as a partner in the latter part of the same year.
The 1838 Robson's Directory lists "Collins and Mutlow" Solicitors, Southend Street, Ledbury and the 1842 Piggot & Co's Directory lists "Collins & Mutlow" Attorney. Southend Street Ledbury.
It was in The Examiner Saturday 08 April 1843 and The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser Saturday 15 April announcements under Partnerships Dissolved - J. Collins and W. Mutlow, Ledbury, Hereford, attorneys. William was joined by Vaughan Barber and his brother John Vaughan Mutlow in the practice.
The William Mutlow and Vaughan Barber Partnership was Dissolved in 1872 with notices placed in The Morning Post Wednesday 03 July and the Essex Standard Friday 05 July (copied from the London Gazette Tuesday 02 July) and The Worcester Journal Saturday 06 July announcement: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PARTNERSHIP heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned WILLIAM MUTLOW and VAUGHAN BARBER, in the business of Attorneys and Solicitors, carried on by us at Ledbury, in the county of Hereford, was this day DISSOLVED by mutual consent. All Debts due to the said late Firm will be received by the said William Mutlow and all Debts due from the said late Firm will be paid by the said William Mutlow, by whom the said business will in future be carried on. As witness our hands this 29th day of June 1872. WILLIAM MUTLOW, VAUGHAN BARBER.
The 1876 Directory lists William and his brother John V Mutlow as Solicitors and Commissioners of Oaths at Southend Street, Ledbury.

A couple of interesting incidents were reported. The first in the 1839 Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 18 December on a Daring Outrage in LEDBURY:
On Monday morning se'nnight, at half past three o'clock, a most inhuman and wanton attack was made by individuals on the dwelling-house of Mr. Collins, and the offices of Messrs Collins and Mutlow adjoining, by a deliberate discharge of four guns, heavily loaded with large duck shot - two barrels were discharged through the window into the office of Mr. Mutlow; one of the private gas lamp at the entrance of the offices, and the other through a window into the dwelling-house of Mr. Collins. The attack was made from behind the wall of the park of Mr. Biddulph, Esq., exactly opposite, etc. A reward of 100 guineas is offered for the discovery of the offenders, and J. Biddulph, Esq., and the inhabitants of the town, are making the most praiseworthy efforts to detect the cowardly perpetrators of this shameful outrage.
The second being in the 1858 Hereford Times Saturday 18 December report Ledbury. Stealing Lead on Monday night last from some shedding in the workyard of Mr. Miles, near Mabels Furlong, and a considerable quantity of lead was stolen from the roof of a greenhouse in Mr. William Mutlow's Garden. Two young men are to appear at a hearing Monday next.

For many years William Mutlow Esq., and Mrs Mutlow and Family are recorded being actively involved in Ledbury life and as attendees at various functions, shows and bazaars.
The 1842 Hereford Times Saturday 17 December report on the Ledbury rate-payers meeting, on Tuesday last, William Mutlow was appointed one of the Inspectors for lighting and watching. William was involved in many local events. The 1843 Hereford Journal Wednesday 18 October report on the annual Ledbury Cricket Club dinner. W. Mutlow, Esq., in attendance. The 1844 Hereford Journal Wednesday 25 September report on the annual LEDBURY Cricket Club Diner held last Friday at the Biddulph Arms, adjoining the ground. Among the attendees, W. Mutlow, Esq. The 1848 Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 16 February, the Hereford Times Saturday 19 February and the Hereford Journal Wednesday 23 February reports: Ledbury, Reading and Scientific Institution – During the year W. Mutlow, Esq., has added to his former valuable gift a powerful microscope. The 1854 Hereford Times Saturday 19 August report on the Ledbury Fancy Bazaar in aid of funds for restoration of St Catherine's Chapel, list as attending D. S. Mutlow, Esq., William Mutlow, Esq., Mrs Mutlow and family.
The 1852 Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 28 January report: Ledbury, Testimonial on Wednesday for the Rev. H. J. Bull who is appointed to the curacy of Axminster, Devon. Mr W. Mutlow Esq., gave the testimonial speech. Also present were Mrs. W. Mutlow, B. Mutlow, Esq., sen., B. Mutlow and J. V. Mutlow. The 1853 Hereford Journal Wednesday 01 May report: Ledbury Fire Brigade subscriptions received included Wm. Mutlow Esq £2. 1876 - 7 Littlebury's Directory and Gazetteer of Ledbury lists under Agents Insurers Eagle (life) William Mutlow Esq Southend street, for Manchester (fire) and for Railway Passengers' Accidental. The 1865 Worcester Chronicle Wednesday 28 June report on the Ledbury Market House public meeting to consider repair of this building. Mr. W. Mutlow and Mr. V. Barber were appointed members of the committee charged with carrying out the arrangements.

The 1871 census list William a Solicitor age 55 born Ledbury, living at 34 Southend Ledbury with his wife, two visitors and two servants.
In 1878 William is preparing to leave Ledbury and adverts are placed in the Worcester Journal Saturday 23 and 30 November, and the 07 December:
THE SOUTHEND, LEDBURY. Mr. BENTLEY is instructed by MR. WILLIAM MUTLOW, Esq., who is leaving Ledbury, TO SELL BY AUCTION, on Tuesday, December 10th, and the three following days, Catalogues may be had at Mr. Tilley's Printing Office, Ledbury or Mr. Bentley's Offices, Worcester.

In the 1882 The Ledbury Free Press Tuesday 31st January: Death of Mr William Mutlow - The intelligence of the decease of the above named gentleman which took place on the 24th inst., caused a general feeling of regret in the town. Mr Mutlow died at Birkenhead after a somewhat protracted illness. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Benjamin Mutlow, and in the year 1832 entered the offices of Mr James Collins, then, a solicitor of considerable practice in Ledbury, with whom he served his articles. Being admitted an attorney and solicitor in Michaelmas term 1837, he joined Mr Collins as partner in the latter part of the same year and continued to practice as a solicitor in Ledbury for more than 40 years. He retired in 1878, when Mr (Jesse) Garrood succeeded to the business, and subsequently left the neighbourhood. In early life he took great interest in sports and pastimes, and was well known in the hunting field as a straight and fearless rider across country. Mr Mutlow during the time he lived in Ledbury - a period of over 60 years - won the respect and good opinion of his neighbours and friends. His unostentatious and generous disposition are well known to the many, and particularly endear his name and memory to the poor, whilst he was ever ready to help forward and assist any endeavours to promote the welfare and advantage of the town and parish generally.

William Mutlow's will proved at the Principal Probate Registry London on 16 May 1882; executrix was his widow Mary Anne Mutlow, effects valued at £1621/14/7d, all left to his wife.

Mary Anne HALLEN was born in 1821 in Kidderminster Worcs. Died June Qtr 1906 Wirral District aged 85 years.
William Mutlow and Mary Anne HALLEN had the following children:

Mary Anne MUTLOW 1850- ?

John Vaughan MUTLOW 1820-1901 Solicitor and Gentleman Farmer of Ledbury, son of Benjamin MUTLOW and Mary Vaughan WICKES, was born in 1820 in Ledbury and baptised on 13 October 1820. He married Caroline NAPPER on 8 July 1858 in St Andrew's, Bordesley, Warwickshire.
He died on 1 October 1901 at Plaistow Farm, Ledbury Aged 82 years, occupation Farmer. Cause of death Hemiplegia 6 months Exhaustion certified by J McK. Harrison M.B: informant John Napper (1825-1910) Brother in law in attendance residing Plaistow Ledbury death registered Fifth October 1901.
He was buried in Ledbury Cemetery Plot No. 45/46 a/b (this plot which is un-marked is nearly opposite the large Box Vault of his father Benjamin Mutlow the Tanner of Ledbury and adjacent to that of his Father and Mother in Law John Napper 1789-1874 and Elizabeth Napper 1791-1877 (Plot No is 46/47 B-C).
It is worth noting the other members of John's family who are buried in nearby un-marked grave plots in Ledbury Cemetery:

His Wife Caroline	1836-1916	Grave Plot 46/47 a-b
His Son Benjamin	1860-1917	Grave Plot 59/60
His Son Joseph		1865-1916	Grave Plot 46/47 a-b
His Son Vaughan		1868-1881	Grave Plot 45/46/47 a-b
His Son Ethelbert	1869-1911	Grave Plot 45/46 a-b
His Son George		1873-1937	Grave Plot 47/48

John lived with his father in Homend Street, Ledbury qualifying as a Solicitor in 1841 (admitted Easter Term 1841.
The Lord Chancellor appointed John Vaughan Mutlow, of Ledbury, to be a Master Extraordinary in this High Court of Chancery).
John played cricket for the Town of Ledbury in 1834 to 1847. There are numerous notices in the newspapers relating to the Offices of Messieurs William and John Vaughan Mutlow, solicitors, Ledbury, in the county of Hereford, for example:
1851 Hereford Times Saturday 01 and the 15 February notice: Ledbury, Herefordshire. TO BE LET. And may be entered upon immediately, A DESIRABLE ESTATE called PLAISTOW, containing 80 Acres, with Farm-house and convenient Buildings, situate within two miles of the Town of Ledbury, on a good road. Apply to W. and J. V, Mutlow, or Daniel Moore Solicitors, Ledbury.

In 1863 at the Ledbury Annual Parish Meeting of the Ratepayers of the Ledbury Lighting District Mr J V Mutlow was elected as an inspector. In 1866 Parish appointments of overseers and waywardens, and for appointing a committee for the removal of nuisances, included were J. V. Mutlow, B. Mutlow and V. Barber. In 1870 Mr J Mutlow appointed on the committee of the Ledbury Board of Guardians and also the Assessment Committee.

At sometime around 1861/2 John Vaughan Mutlow started farming at Wall Hills Farm Ledbury and then around 1870 John also farmed at Plaistow Farm Ledbury.
In 1876/7 John is recorded as residing at Wall Hills whilst one of his younger brothers Joseph Wickes Mutlow is residing at Plaistow Farm. It was at Plaistow that John died in 1901.
The following are various reports during this time:
1867 Hereford Times Saturday 07 November report on The Storms of the Week, Ledbury, that a limb of a tree fell at Mr Mutlow's, of Wallhills, a Lad injured and also in the 1867 Hereford Times Saturday 23 November report Ledbury: Late sale of the Plaistow (farm) herd of Hereford cattle Auction J. V. Mutlow bought Lots 1, 2, 4 & 6. Sale of whole stock, crops, implements etc., and in 1870 Kelley's Directory is listed Norris Benjamin, farm bailiff to J.V. Mutlow Esq, Plaistow Ledbury.
1871 census: age 51, Attorney and Landowner of 427 acres, employing 27 men and 5 boys, living at Wallhills, Hereford Road, Ledbury, with his wife and 6 children, plus 5 servants and a visitor (William Dalton, Farmer of Foston Yorks with his wife and son).
1876/77 Littlebury's Directory: John Vaughan Mutlow listed as a "landowner, farmer, hop grower etc" of Wall Hills and Plaistow farms, and as a Solicitor of Wall Hills.
1875 Worcester Journal Saturday 31 July report under Ledbury Petty Sessions Wednesday - charges brought by Mr John Vaughan Mutlow of Wallhills, Ledbury, for breach of contract (mowing of grass) and also brought a charge of stealing peas at Plaistow, Ledbury.
1878 18th Feb: appointed trustee of the will of Hester Edwards late of Plaistow.
1881 census: age 61, Solicitor and Farmer of 640 acres (employing a large workforce of 30 men and 4 boys), living at Wallhills, Ledbury with his wife and 4 children.
1882 Ledbury Free Press article 27th June 1882: A pedigree Hereford cow belonging to Mr. J. V. Mutlow at Plaistow, near this town, gave birth on Tuesday last to three calves (two heifers and one bull). Each of the trio was of fair size and, in words appropriate to the occasion, we are happy to state that the mother and young are doing well.

John Vaughan Mutlow was recorded as a regular exhibitor and entered farm animals in the Annual Ledbury Agricultural Society Shows over many years held at the Wild (Wylde) House Farm and Yards of Mr M Biddulph MP. He was often successful in being awarded prize tankards.
In 1859 and 1860 Mr J V Mutlow was a successful entrant in several of the minor livestock classes.
In 1864 award for the best one year old Heifer, best Boar Pig and two year old cart colt to Mr J V Mutlow.

In the 1869 Ledbury Agricultural Show - A silver cup, given by Mr Biddulph, MP, for the six best yearling heifers or steers, was awarded for a magnificent collection of Shorthorns, to Mr Mutlow of Wallhills and also won three first prizes in the pigs’ classes and a second placing in the yearling cart colt class.
In the 1870 show awarded a silver cup value £5 5s.for the best 2-year old heifer, of any breed, in calf or with calf, the gift of Sir Joseph Bailey, Bart., M.P.; Awarded a silver cup value £5 5s. for the Best six yearling Heifers or Steers (of either sex), the gift of Michael Biddulph, Esq., M.P. and also nine other monetary value prizes.
In 1871 awarded for the six best yearling heifers a silver cup, value of five guineas, given by Sir Joseph Bailey, awarded to Mr J. V. Mutlow of Wallhills who also carried off the second premium in the same class and the silver cup for the best six yearling heifers offered by Mr Biddulph M.P. (the prize cups were supplied by Mr. Crewe, silversmith, Ledbury.
In the 1873 show the best 2-year old heifer, In the 1878 show the best 2-year old heifer and also a commendation In the 1876 show the premium silver cup value £5 5s., given by Sir J. R. Bailey MP, for two year old heifers was gained by Mr. J. V. Mutlow with a useful shorthorn.
In the 1880 show best 2-year old heifer of any breed. The Ledbury Free Press report for this year states that the silver cup was valued at £5. 5s. A story passed down through the generation was that John Vaughan Mutlow was so successful at the shows that he amassed enough silver cups, one for each of his children.

After 1876 the Ledbury Agricultural Society Show amalgamated with the Ledbury Horse Show. There was no show in 1875 due to Foot and Mouth disease in the area. The shows were regularly reported at the time in the weekly (Tuesday) Ledbury Free Press / Reporter that can be viewed on microfiche held at the Ledbury Library.
1873: Appointed sole executor of the Will of his aunt Hannah Mutlow (dated 13 Jan 1873, proved 11 Jun 1873) as John Vaughan Mutlow of Wall Hills in the parish of Ledbury, Gentleman; he received a quarter share of her real estate and full control of property which she held as trustee or mortgagee (he sold 5 dwellinghouses in the Homend, formerly held by Hannah, to John Martin of Upper Hall on 31 Dec 1875).
Also appointed sole executor and trustee of the will of his brother Daniel Saunders Mutlow dated 15 July 1873 (proved 25 Apr 1877).
In 1875 June 24th Application via the Court Chamber in the selling of No 8 High Street Ledbury to Mr William Giles Taylor of Ledbury Post Master in which John Vaughan Mutlow, William Mutlow, Benjamin Mutlow & Joseph Wickes Mulow (all Brothers) are named.
No 8 High Street Ledbury was in the possession of the Mutlow Family from 1759 when William Mutlow the Elder (Banker) took possession up until 1875 when it was sold as part of Hannah Mutlow's estate.
1876: Mentioned in an Indenture BR56/3 dated 5th December 1876 held at HRO regarding the purchase by his brother Daniel Saunders Mutlow of The Bell Inn in New Street and other premises Ledbury in 1855 and the ownership passing in 1876 to another brother William Mutlow solicitor of Ledbury.
No will, Probate or Letters of Administration have come to light regarding the estate of John Vaughan Mutlow which seems a little surprising.

This Farm Calendar circa 1892 of the various actions to be undertaken on the farm during one calendar year would have been during John Vaughan Mutlows' time at Plaistow Farm Ledbury.



Obituary as follows: "Death and Funeral of Mr John V Mutlow. We this week record the death of Mr John Vaughan Mutlow, which occurred at his residence, Plaistow Farm, on Tuesday last, at the ripe age of 82 years. The funeral took place on Friday last at 12 o clock at Ledbury Cemetery, the remains being laid to rest in the family vault. The Rev C P Caldicott (curate) conducted the service.
The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass furniture, bore a plate with the inscription; John V Mutlow died October 1st 1901, age 82 years. Many years ago deceased was a member of the firm of John and William Mutlow, Solicitors, whose residence was at The Yews, Southend Street, Ledbury. Deceased dissolved the partnership with his brother and went to reside at Wall Hills Farm now occupied by Mr C. Moore. He was a breeder of stock on a large scale, some of which were noted breeds. Eventually he left Wall Hills, and succeeded to Plaistow Farm, where he resided until his death. Deceased and his co-partner in the solicitors' practice were sons of the late Mr Benjamin Mutlow, who carried on a very successful tanning business in Ledbury for many years. William died some 14 or 15 years ago, and it is believed that deceased is the last of the old Mutlow family. Deceased leaves a widow and several grown up sons and daughters to mourn his loss. Mr George Hill of Ledbury very efficiently carried out his duties of undertaker, and the glass hearse and mourning coaches were supplied by Mr E H Hopkins of the Royal Oak Hotel, Ledbury."



The picture shows Left, John Vaughan Mutlow; Centre, David Donald Ward nephew of JVM (Caroline Napper's sister Elizabeth's son - Elizabeth Napper married Donald Ward) and Right, Joseph Hankins Mutlow 3rd son of JVM at Plaistow Farm Ledbury around 1901.

William E Mutlow wrote down a story told to him by his father Gerald Claude Mutlow 1908-1980 as follows:
"Uncle Joseph (son of JVM) gave JVM a brass cartridge which was too strong for his gun (the same shotgun as in the 1901 photo above). When fired the brass cartridge ripped the back bone off of the double barrelled shotgun and JVM died of concussion".



Gerald Claude Mutlow 1908-1980 maintained that the bowler hatted farmer in the print above was his grandfather John Vaughan Mutlow 1820-1901. This would date the postcard to the late 1890's which is when Captain Percy Clive first stood for election as an MP. The 1910 election postcards indicate that Captain Percy Clive is a sitting MP who is standing for re-election (hence the title Captain Clive MP on 1910 postcards).

Caroline NAPPER 1836-1916, daughter of John NAPPER 1789-1874 Carpenter and Elizabeth BRUTON 1791-1877, was born in 1836 in Ledbury.
JC: For more on John Napper see "Potted Biographies".
She was baptised on 29 January 1836. She died on 3 December 1916 in Ledbury. Aged 80 years, Widow of John Vaughan Mutlow Solicitor Cause of death (1) senile decay certified by G.B. McKean M.B. informant Fanny Mutlow Daughter in Law residing Bargains Ledbury death registered 4th December 1916. She was buried on 7 December 1916 in Ledbury Cemetery plot 46/47 a/b.
1911 census: widow aged 74, occupation "none", living at Newtown Ledbury with one servant (Alie Pugh, Domestic Servant age 14).

John Vaughan MUTLOW and Caroline NAPPER had the following children:

John MUTLOW			1859-1920 	Solicitor born B'ham (married 1880 Matilda Jane Hardy) 
Benjamin MUTLOW			1860-1917	Solicitor born B'ham (married 1880 Emma Winefred Rawson)
Joseph Hankins MUTLOW		1865-1916 	Innkeeper born Wall Hills Farm (married 1889 K H Phillips)
Hannah MUTLOW			1867-1933	born Wall Hills Farm
Vaughan William MUTLOW		1868-1881	born Wall Hills Farm
Ethelbert MUTLOW		1869-1911	Farmer born Wall hills Farm
George Richard MUTLOW		1873-1937	Farmer at Bargains born Wall Hills Farm
Stratford Walter MUTLOW		1874-1934	born Wall Hills Farm (married 1898 Alice Gertrude Lumley)
Sarah Beatrice May MUTLOW	1876-1950	born Wall Hills Farm

Benjamin MUTLOW 1822-1877 Tanner & Currier, son of Benjamin MUTLOW and Mary Vaughan WICKES, was born in 1822 in Ledbury and baptised on 19 August 1822. In the 1851 Census recorded along with his brother Joseph as working at his father's Tanning Business in Ledbury employing 11 men.
In the 1856 Hereford Journal Wednesday 16 April report:
LEDBURY, Guardians. - The following gentlemen have been appointed Guardians of the union; under Ledbury is listed B. Mutlow, junr.
Benjamin married Caroline Harvey on the 4th November 1856 daughter of Mrs Caroline Harvey of Droitwich (Hereford Times Article 5 & 8/11/1856).
The 1856 Worcester Chronicle November 12th, Ledbury announcements - Treat for Workmen: On the occasion of the marriage of B Mutlow Esq. with Miss Caroline Harvey, at Droitwich, the firm of Messrs Mutlow, of this town, invited the whole of their workmen to an excellent dinner, on Tuesday evening. The men enjoyed themselves right heartily and passed the evening in the usual manner.
The 1859 & 1870 Slater's Directory lists Mutlow Mr. Benjamin, Junr, Oakland House Ledbury and also llisted under Curriers and Leather Cutters and Tanners Mutlow Benjamin & Joseph, Church Street and Bye Street Ledbury.
In 1862 Benjamin Mutlow junr, elected as a guardian of the poor in Ledbury. 1865 B. Mutlow became a member of the Union of Ledbury Guardians and served until 1870.
1866 Ledbury Parish appointments of overseers and waywardens, and for appointing a committee for the removal of nuisances. Included in the later were J. V. Mutlow, B. Mutlow and V. Barber.
The 1871 census: Aged 48 a Tanner living in Ledbury, employing 12 men and 2 boys, age 48, with a wife and 2 sons (plus 3 servants).
Benjamin Mutlow formerly of Ledbury died on 13 June 1877 at Campbell House Clevedon in Bedminster RD aged 54 years.
In Benjamin's will is stated:
With respect to the Tannery with warehouses buildings gardens and premises adjoining and belonging thereto in Ledbury jointly to myself and brother Joseph Wickes Mutlow and the greater portion of which was given to me and my said brother by my late Father and the remaining part thereof acquired by purchase I direct that my Trustees shall before they proceed to a sale obtain a valuation and cause an offer in writing to my said Brother to purchase and require a response to purchase within one month in writing.
I devise All my freehold cottages and gardens situate in the Parish of Ledbury in the occupation of Messrs Hooper, Lucy and Smith And also All that my Orchard in the occupation of Samuel Tedlingham and the Market Garden adjoining and in the occupation of William Tylor with the appurtenances And all which said premises were given to me by my late Father in his lifetime unto my Son Cuthbert Harvey Mutlow. To my Son Alfred Tombs Mutlow I devise All my three freehold cottages situate at Homend Street Ledbury occupied by Widow Stubbins and Messrs Davis and Jones and also All those my two shares or allotments in New Town in Ledbury occupied by myself with the appurtenances.

Benjamin MUTLOW and Caroline Harvey had the following children;

Cuthbert Harvey MUTLOW 1866-1938
Alfred Tombs MUTLOW 1868-1913

Joseph Hankins MUTLOW 1865-1916 Innkeeper, son of John Vaughan MUTLOW and Caroline NAPPER, was born 6th October 1865 at Wall Hills Ledbury and baptised on 23 November 1865 in Ledbury, Father listed as a Landed Proprietor, Birth registered 14th November 1865.
He married Kenathina Helen PHILLIPS in 9^th. April 1889 at St Peter's Parish Church Hereford; Joseph aged 24 Bachelor occupation Farmer residing Parish of Ledbury father John Vaughan Mutlow a Farmer; Kenathina aged 26 Spinster residing High Town Hereford father William Phillips (deceased) a Machinist; witnesses to the marriage William Phillips and John Julius Jones.

They had:Ethelbert William Hankins MUTLOW 1890-1964; Arnold Percy MUTLOW 1891-1917; Gladys Gwendoline MUTLOW 1892-1964; Helen Caroline Victoria MUTLOW 1897-1980 & Clarence Blanche MUTLOW 1899-1951.

At the baptism of his two sons in Ledbury in 1891 & 1892 registered as Innkeeper of the Biddulph Arms.
The 1890 Jakeman & Carver's Directory and Gazetteer of Herefordshire lists under Ledbury Alphabetical Dictionary Mutlow Joseph Hankins, wine and spirit merchant, large room, tent and grounds for parties, also private rooms, Biddulph Arms Hotel.
In the1891 Gloucester Citizen Thursday 19 March report on Ledbury Petty Sessions relating to temporary licence applications was Mr Mutlow of the Biddulph Arms objecting and in the 1891 census: age 25, married, living with his wife and 2 sons (plus a nurse and a servant) at the Biddulph Arms, Ledbury; occupation Innkeeper.
It was in 1894 Berrow's Worcester Journal Saturday 24 November report under Ledbury Wednesday: Temporary Transfers: The licence of the Biddulph Arms, Ledbury, was transferred from Mr J. H. Mutlow to Joseph Davis. Joseph left Ledbury to take up the post of Innkeeper in B'ham.
Joseph Hankins Mutlow died on 27 May 1916 in Birmingham General Hospital and was buried on 31 May 1916 in Ledbury Cemetery Plot 46/47 a/b.

Ethelbert MUTLOW 1869-1911 Farmer, son of John Vaughan Mutlow and Caroline Napper was born 16th October 1869 at Wall Hills Farm Ledbury, birth registered 5th November 1869. He was baptised on 5th November 1869 in Ledbury.
Ethelbert resided at Wall Hills and Plaistow Farms Ledbury as detailed below for his brother George.
Ethelbert died on 29 October 1911 at The Elms, New Street, Ledbury. Cause of death Ulcer of duodenum 1 year perforation & shock 3 days Certified by J Mc. K Harrison M.B; His brother G.R. Mutlow was present at his death; Death registered thirtieth October 1911.
He was buried on 1 November 1911 in Ledbury Cemetery plot 45/46 a/b.

George Richard MUTLOW 1873-1937 Farmer, son of John Vaughan MUTLOW and Caroline NAPPER, was born the 29th June 1873 at Wall Hills Farm Ledbury; He was baptised on 30 July 1873 in Ledbury.
The 1881 census lists George as a scholar age 6 born Ledbury, living with his parents at Wall Hills Farm. Shortly after this he moved with his father to Plaistow Farm Ledbury.
A Ledbury Commercial School report for Michaelmas 1888 lists George and his brother Stratford showing that their tuition fees for one Quarter (in Form III) were £2 9s 6d, and "use of books" was 2s 6d, making a total of £2 12s 0d.
George remained at Plaistow Farm until it was sold in 1903 after the death of his father John Vaughan Mutlow in 1901.
For several years after the sale of Plaistow Farm George found employment as a farm bailiff at several locations and then as a joint tenant farmer with his brother Ethelbert at Bradlow Farm in 1905.
George and his brother Ethelbert owned Bargains Farm Ledbury from 1906 which was occupied by Tennant Farmers. Also from 1906 George also became the owner of No 26 & 27 Southend Street Ledbury.
George aged 33 years married Fanny Elizabeth POWELL aged 32 years on 9 February 1907 in St Michaels Church Ledbury, at the time of their marriage Fanny resided at Rhea Farm Ledbury which is next to Plaistow Farm and they moved to the Wharf Farm, Staplow, Bosbury where their son Gerald Claude was born in 1908.
The 1910 Bosbury Land Valuations, map ref 197, Poor Rate No 314 and 315 lists as Occupier George Mutlow, Land at Staplow Wharf, size 3 roods, annual rent £1 and Poor Rate value £1, and House and Buildings at Staplow Wharf annual rent £9 and poor Rate value £7 10s.
in 1913 George with his family moved into Bargains Farm as resident owner. George died on 23 October 1937 at Bargains Farm Ledbury, Cause of death Cerebral Haemorrhage certified by G.B. McKean M.B. informant Gerald C. Mutlow son residing Bargains Farm Ledbury registered Twenty third October 1937.
The Ledbury Reporter and Guardian 30 October 1937 Listed the Death of a Ledbury Farmer.
The death occurred on Saturday after a long illness of Mr George Richard Mutlow of Bargains Farms Ledbury aged 64. A native of Ledbury he has lived in the district all his life and he was a member of the Ledbury Branch of the National Farmers Union. Mr Mutlow had farmed at Bargains for 21 years and he came of a family with long associations with Ledbury. His father the late John Vaughan Mutlow was a solicitor and farmer and kept a tan-yard where the Clock Tower now stands.
The Rector of Ledbury (Preb A J Winnnington Ingram) officiated at the funeral on Wednesday. Mourners were: Mrs Mutlow (widow), Mr and Mrs G C Mutlow (son and daughter in law), Mr Vaughan Mutlow and Mr Herbert Mutlow (nephews), Mrs Clarke of Leigh Sinton (sister in law), Mr H Powell (brother in law), Mr T Powell (nephew), Messrs L Parkes and W Parkes (nephews), Miss Wetson (cousin), Mr R Powell (nephew), Mr A Flowers, Mrs Clarke (cousins), Mr R Hickman, Mr W Betteridge, Mr Audley Cotton, Mr B Dawe, Mr F Lewis, Mr E Williams and others. The interment took place at the cemetery. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs F W Juckes and Sons Homend Ledbury. Buried in plot 47/48 at Ledbury Cemetery.
Fanny Elizabeth POWELL was born 13 July 1874 Upper Walton, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire born in 1874. Father Thomas Powell a Farm Bailiff, Mother Jane Eliza Powell formerly Howard and baptised on 9 August 1874 in Bishops Froome. At her marriage in 1907 she resided at Rhea Farm Ledbury which is the next farm to Plaistow Farm. Fanny died on 22 March 1948 at 100 Homend Ledbury. Cause of death 1(a) Carcinoma of oesophagus 11. Secondary Glands in Neck Certified by John Groves M.B. Fanny was buried on 24 March 1948 in Ledbury Cemetery plot 11A/12A at Ledbury Cemetery, burial number 5576.
NOTE: (A New Headstone erected in 2017. Inscription reads IN MEMORY OF FANNY ELIZABETH MUTLOW nee POWELL 13 JULY 1874 - 22 MARCH 1948 WIFE OF GEORGE RICHARD MUTLOW).






Photo taken at Bargains Farm approx 1936.
Rear left Fanny Elizabeth Mutlow nee Powell, seated George Richard Mutlow, rear right Fanny's sister Alice, front seated Alice's son and his wife.

George Richard MUTLOW and Fanny Elizabeth POWELL had the following children:

Gerald Claude MUTLOW 1908-1980 was born on 9 September 1908 at The Wharf Staplow Bosbury Herefordshire and baptised 13th December 1908 Bosbury Holy Trinity Church.
The family moved to Baregains Farm (sometimes spelt Bargains) in 1913. Before starting school in Ledbury he had private tutoring by Miss Smith (11.00am to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the kitchen of the farm house. First went to the Russell Endowed School situated in the Southend Ledbury in approx 1917.
Travelled to school by pony and trap, with the Betridge boys and Maude and Phyllis, who were sisters from the neighbouring farm.
A story told to William E Mutlow, his son, was the time when on the way to school the pony was going too fast around a bend that ended with the pony on one side of the hedge and the trap on the other. Not being able to rectify the situation Gerald had to walk home to fetch his father George Richard Mutlow to sort the mess out.
On school days the pony and trap would be stabled at the Feathers Hotel in the main street of Ledbury.
In 1928 elected a committee member of the Ledbury branch of the Junior Imperial Constitutional League. Played rugby for the Ledbury Rugby Football Club in the 1920's and 30's and believed to Captain the 1931 team.

Gerald married Molly TURNER 6 June 1936 in St Michael Church Ledbury,; Gerald aged 28 Bachelor a Farmer residing Bargains Farm Ledbury Farmer and Molly aged 20 a Spinster residing Victoria Road Ledbury father William Henry Turner (deceased) a former Postman from Ledbury; witnesses Lily Turner and Bernard H Dawe the Best Man (from the Withers Farm).
After the death of Gerald's father in 1937 Bargains Farm, in accordance with the terms of his Father's Will, was sold at auction held at the Feathers Hotel Ledbury at 3.30 pm precisely on Friday 7 January 1938.
Also included at the auction were two Dwelling Houses No's 26 & 27 The Southend, Ledbury. No 26 The Southend was purchased by Lily Turner, the mother of Molly Mutlow nee Turner.
Europe was experiencing uncertain times and Gerald was drafted to serve in the RAF during the war. After the cessation of the war the family briefly returned to Ledbury where the last two of six children were born at the High House Parkway.
It was in 1948 that the family moved to the South Coast thus severing the direct Mutlow family line with Ledbury although the family members regularly visited Ledbury as their maternal grandmother Lily Turner lived at No 26 Southend Street until her death in 1980 aged 90. Gerald Claude Mutlow died in 1980 in Poole General Hospital. The Informant on the Death Certificate being William Ethelbert Mutlow, the author of this History.







Gerald Claude Mutlow with his father George Richard Mutlow at Bargains Farm in 1917 just about to set out on the "School Run". Note the milk churn which is most probably filled with cider!










Gerald Claude Mutlow and prize winning cockerel at Bargains farm in 1924.

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The following is a list of the MUTLOW Flagstone Floor Memorials in St Michaels Church Ledbury and the Graves in the Church Yard
These memorials show how important the Mutlows were in the life of the town.

ONE FLOOR MEMORIAL IN THE CENTRE AISLE

The Epitaph reads:

IN Memory OF BENJAMIN the son of BENJAMIN and MARY MUTLOW who died April 18^th 1813 Aged 17 Weeks
ALSO OF JOSEPH & CHARLES MUTLOW who died April 13^th & 15^th 1819 Aged 4 Months
ALSO OF MARY WICKES MUTLOW who died March 11^th 1825 Aged 18 Days
MARY VAUGHAN WIFE OF BENJAMIN MUTLOW DIED JULY 14^th 1848 AGED 59 YEARS

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TWO FLOOR MEMORIALS set in the FAR AISLE
The first is very worn and has become difficult to read.

The Epitaph reads:

SACRED to the Memory of CHARLOTTE MUTLOW who died May 24^th 1831 Aged 50 ALSO of her Mother SARAH MUTLOW Relict of WILLIAM MUTLOW who died Feb 17^th 1832 Aged 90

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The second memorial here is in much better condition and easy to read.



The Epitaph reads:

In Memory of EDMUND the Son of WILLIAM MUTLOW and by SARAH his Wife who departed this Life May 28^th 1753 aged 13 Years
Also WILLIAM Son of WILLIAM and SARAH MUTLOW the Younger departed this Life Dec^br 14^th 1767 aged 3 Years
Also the Body of SARAH MUTLOW the Elder who departed July 5^th 1774 aged 63 Years
Also the Body of WILLIAM MUTLOW the Elder who departed May 18^th 1787 aged 77 Years
Also the Body of WILLIAM MUTLOW the Younger who departed this life May 1^st 1796 aged 60 Years

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The next memorial can be found adjacent to the entrance into the Chapter House behind the curtain.

The Epitaph reads:

M^r John Deven of this Town Clothier was here Buried May 16^th 1689 Aged 49
Also Joan his Wife Octor 28^th 1709 Aged 7?
James Mutlow of this Town Cooper was here Buried June 29^th 1729 Aged ?9 years
Also Ann the daughter of James Mutlow by Margaret his Wife was here Buried December the 3. 1749 Aged 19 Years and Also the said Margaret Wife of Thomas Jones of this Town was here Buried Octor 17^th 1756 Aged 6? (61 or 62)
Notes on the above:
James Mutlow was baptised 5^th Nov 1669 and buried 29^th Jun 1729 and therefore the age is most probably 59 years
Margaret was Baptised 1694 and buried 17^th Oct 1756 and therefore her age is 61 or 62.

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In the Chapter House there is a floor stone near the centre with the following epitaph:
Here lieth the Body of JOHN MUTLOW who was Born in the Parish of Bishops Froom and dyed on ye 10^th of Jun 1747 in the 57^th Year of his Age
John is believed to be one of the "Bosbury" Mutlow's. To date no direct link between the Ledbury and Bosbury Mutlow's has been found.

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Two memorials can be found in the Church Yard.
The first shown here is opposite the side entrance of the church.

The Epitaph reads:

In Memory of JAMES MUTLOW Late of this Town Cooper who died Dec^r 18^th 1807
Also Mary Anne, Richard and James Tyler who Died in Their Infancy
Also Richard Tyler who Died March 3^rd 1837 Aged 52 Years
Also of MARY wife of the above RICHARD TYLER died Sep^t 21^st 1847 aged 67 Years

The second is at the rear of the churchyard behind the East Window and close to the boundary wall..

The Epitaph reads:

In Memory of MARIA COX Relict of the Rev. THOMAS COX died the 5^th Dec 1859 aged 84 years. Also of HANNAH MUTLOW Spinster who died 13^th May 1873 aged 95 years. Sister of the above and the last surviving child of WILLIAM MUTLOW Deceased. Banker in this Town and Chepstow.

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