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Somerset / Re: PORTCH family, Nunney
« on: Wednesday 10 February 16 17:01 GMT (UK) »
I have these on my line as well. Hester was unable to keep Sharpshaw Farm going for long after Giles died. There are notices in the local paper regarding the sale of assets. Hester moved to Frome town where she worked as a nurse (or possibly matron) at the Blue House which was an almshouse. The building is still standing and is currently used as sheltered accommodation. After a number of years she became an 'inmate' of the almshouse and ended her days there. The children seem to have scattered to the four winds - one of the girls married a publican, one of the boys became a postmaster, another of the daughters moved to Bath and a couple of the boys emigrated to Toronto in Canada. Like you I'm having a bit of trouble nailing Steven Hunt Portch down. He was the executor for his maiden aunt but other than that kept a bit of a low profile. Hester's father John West was from the Trowbridge area and had a couple of businesses at least - one of which was an insurance agent although he was described in some journals as a banker. He was in partnership with his brother in law and two others but it would appear that there was some financial trouble and there was an insolvency involved. Hester's mother went to live at Sharpshaw Farm and it seems she died there - there is a will available which describes her estate. Hope that helps.