CharlesThomasGaskell

The Baptismal records for Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, record the baptism of Charles on 12^th January 1806. He presumably, therefore, was borne in late 1805.

Alumni Oxiensis records that Charles of Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, arm, matriculated on 28^th October 1824 Trinity College, Oxford and graduated BA in 1828.

On 8^th September 1832 Charles appeared personally at the Vicar General's office to obtain licence to marry Charlotte Bruce of Little Stanmore, Middlesex; Charles being of Stanmore (Great Stanmore). On 11^th September 1832 Charles married Charlotte at St Lawrence Church, Little Stanmore, then Whitchurch.

The officiating Minister was Rev. Eardley Norton, possible brother of John David Norton and executor of Robert Bruce’s will. The witnesses at the marriage were:

The burial of Charles' son William on 31^st March 1835 and baptism of his daughter Charlotte on 9^th July 1837, reveal his address as Gravel Hill, near Chalfont St Peter.

To the left is a photograph of a painting of Charles in 1833

Chalfont St Peter Parish Church Rate Book revealed from 4^th March 1835 until 10^th December 1841 Charles Gaskell Esq for Copthall. Charles signs as Guardian in January and August 1836, in March 1839 and March 1840 as principal signatory, and in March 1840 as Overseer..

Since Charles does not appear on the rates list after 1841 it can be assumed he moved to Fulmer in that year; he makes his first appearance in Fulmer in 1842. On the 1842 rates list for Chalfont St Peter, W.K.Gaskell appears and on the 1844/45 rates list the entry appears as Mifs Hibbard late Gaskell and Mifs Hibbard late C.T.Gaskell respectively.

n the book "A History of Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross" by G.C.Edmonds M.A. (in 1969 he was Rev G C Edmonds of The Manse, Gerrards Cross) and on page 57 is a chapter entitled "A good work house and bad management". The chapter refers to a clique running the village of Chalfont St Peter in the early part of the century and a report by the Poor Law Commission Inspector on the behaviour of the Master of the Workhouse and the Overseer - a little butcher - in running the Poor House for their own benefit. In the following year the Workhouse was sold.

Amongst Poor Law Papers was found a Resolution of the Church vestry of Chalfont St Peter in 1836 to sell the workhouse, signed by Charles as Guardian.

In a chest in Chalfont St Peter Church there was a note from Charles, as Guardian, to Mr Archer, Clerk to the Overseers of the Poor, dated 1836 "You are wrong to send people up to me. I have no power to order relief; the Overseers have the power. You can give him provisions - bread and cheese. Give him something for the night and order him to apply to Mr Miller at Amersham" - Mr Miller was the Poor Law Officer.

There is also a Return by Churchwardens and Overseers of men qualified to serve on juries. The document is not dated but c.1838/39. The list includes the name of C Gaskell Esq., Gentleman and his qualification to be "windows" because he paid the window tax.

The 2^nd August 1841 Census reveals Charles living at Elm Lodge, Chalfont St Peter, with Charlotte and children William, Charlotte, Robert and Thomas aged 5,4,2 and 1 respectively. There were 6 staff listed.

The 1851 Census return reveals the family then living at Fulmer House, Fulmer with Charles aged 45, Charlotte then aged 49 and borne in the E. Indies, British Subject and Annie, their daughter. 4 staff are listed - footman, cook, housemaid and nurse.

Fulmer Tithe award of 1843 which shows, with a map, Charles' property amounting to 162 acres.

A letter from Charles of 30^th August 1845 to Acton Tindel, confirmed his wish to become a Magistrate and letter of 18^th August 1845 from the Lord Chancellor’s office in London to the Clerk of the Peace for the County of Bucks confirmed the appointments of Charles, of Fulmer, in addition to three other candidates.

In Nomina Magistrorum - Charles is first listed as a magistrate in 1844 - 1846 and appears for every further group of 3 years until 1858 - 1860.

The register of electors for 1844/45 until 1857/58 has Charles living at Fulmer House and Farm.

On 28^th March 1842 Charles signs the Fulmer Church Rate Book as Chairman. He also signs as Chairman in respect of Charitable disbursements. In 1843,44 and 45 Charles is listed as an inhabitant. In 1846 he signs as Presiding Chairman and in 1847/48 he is listed again as an inhabitant. There are no names after 1848.

In the Gentleman's Magazine 1858 Jul-Dec Vol 5. "At his residence, Fulmer House, Bucks aged 58, Charles Thomas Gaskell, Esq. Deputy - Lieut and Justice of the peace for that County" The age is wrong.

In The High Wycombe Free Press & South Bucks Advertiser of Friday, August 20th 1858. "FULMER - on the 1st inst. at his residence, Fulmer House, Charles Thomas Gaskell Esq., Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for this County, aged 52 years"

On the Tombstone to the left of the north entrance to Fulmer Parish Church is written.

Sacred to the memory of Charles Thomas Gaskell Esq of Fulmer House who died August 1st 1858 aged 52 years. Also of Charlotte his wife who died September 11th 1880. The anniversary of their wedding aged 77 years.

There is an identical reference on a plaque inside the church above the north door.

The will of Charles was dated 24^th July 1858. The executors were Charlotte (wife) and William Plumer Gaskell (son)

Charles leaves all freehold and leasehold estates and all personal property to Charlotte, his wife and Elizabeth Ann Rouse, his sister to receive all rents, profits and income and manage the estate as they see fit. They are appointed joint Trustees to:-

2. Pay to sons and daughter - Robert Bruce, Thomas Kynaston, Annie - an annuity of £100 for the rest of their lives.

3. Pay all trust income to William Plumer, an officer in the Army in India, on his return. If he should die before his return and without an heir, then:-

4. Pass all trust income to Robert Bruce, living abroad, as above. If he dies before 21 and without an heir:-

6. Pass all to Annie, but in this event the bequest should be for her exclusive benefit, not any future husband. Also, if Annie inherits on the death of her above brothers the estate shall also pay an annuity of £100 to "my first son" Charles Bruce. If Annie dies before 21 without an heir:-

The will was proved on 11^th February 1859 and his personal estate was stated as being under £30,000.

1. Nothing was left to his "dear wife" Charlotte, whose own money was probably adequate.

2. Obviously Charles did not get on with his eldest son Charles Bruce. See Charles Bruce Gaskell notes.

3. The date of the will looked more like 1848. It must, however, be 1858 - since, if the former date, Charlotte (daughter) would have been mentioned, who died in 1855.

Amongst the Monumental Inscriptions in St. Peter's Churchyard, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks is the following

Thomas ATKINS/who died July 2nd 1890/aged 76 years/For upwards of 30 years a faithful/and valued servant in the family of the/late Charles THOMAS GASKELL Esq. J.P. OF Fulmer House in this County.

Also of/Martha Mary Ann ATKINS/widow of the above/who died May 12th 1891, aged 74 years