(627) Bill of Farley Hall and Storthes Hall

Bill of Farley Hall

Many landed families owe their status to one or two individuals who have brought the family game-changing wealth or power through their abilities in politics, the law, the armed services, or industry. Not so the Bills, whose rise into the Staffordshire county gentry was almost imperceptible, and was achieved by the patient acquisition of property through judicious marriages and purchases over a couple of centuries. It was a family with numerous junior branches around Staffordshire, the exact connections between whom it is beyond the scope of this project to disentangle, as many of them remained below the threshhold of gentility. Here I follow the upwardly mobile Bills of Farley Hall, whose story begins with Richard Bill (d. 1656). He came from Norbury (Derbys) and called himself a yeoman, but was the first of his family to acquire property at Farley (in 1607), and is said to have built the core of the present Farley Hall. He married Elizabeth Shenton, the heiress of the Shentons of Farley Hall, and continued to make small purchases of land in Farley and the surrounding parishes throughout his life. Richard and Elizabeth had three sons, of whom the youngest and the eventual heir was Robert Bill (c.1625-1710), who settled in his father's lifetime at Stanton in Ellastone parish, and seems to have continued living there after his father's death. Robert and his wife Joan Jefferson also had three sons, who each received a portion of his property, with the eldest, Richard Bill (1645-1716), being the heir to Farley Hall. Richard was for some 20 years bailiff of the Earl of Shrewsbury's Alton estate, which adjoined his own estate, and perhaps for that reason lived at Alton Lodge rather than Farley.

Richard's youngest son and eventual heir was Robert Bill (c.1684-1751), who was married twice and sired an eye-watering nineteen children, although all the six children of his first marriage seem to have died young. His second family was much more successful, with five sons and four daughters out of thirteen children achieving adulthood, and several of them living notably long lives. His eldest surviving son and chief heir was Robert Bill (1720-61), whose estates extended across the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border and also into Cheshire. He died aged forty, having already lost his wife, and leaving as his heir his only child, Robert Bill (1753-80). The young Robert was probably brought up in the household of one of his uncles, and when he came to adulthood chose a military career, dying during the siege of Gibraltar in 1780. The management of the Farley estate had been, throughout his minority, in the hands of his uncle Charles Bill (1721-1809), a London solicitor with chambers in the Temple, who acquired property at Marlborough (Wilts) and Sydenham (Kent), and on Robert's death in 1780 Charles came into ownership of the Farley estate. Soon afterwards, in 1782, Charles engaged Thomas Gardner (c.1737-1804) of Uttoxeter to remodel the house and build a new main front, but it is not clear how much he used the house, and at the end of his long life he handed the estate over to a nephew and retired to his house at Sydenham.

The beneficiary of this arrangement was Dr John Bill (1757-1847), who was one of the surgeons to Manchester Royal Infirmary from 1790-1804. He was the younger son of Charles' brother, the Rev. John Bill (1726-1806), the Cambridge-educated rector of Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs). On coming into the property, Dr Bill retired from his profession and took up residence at Farley Hall, which he enjoyed for more than forty years. When he died the estate passed to his only surviving son, John Bill (1795-1853), who qualified as a barrister but did not practice.  In 1827 he made a trip to America, of which in later years he published an account. He survived his father by only some six years, and at his death left two sons, the elder of whom died while a pupil at Harrow in 1856. The estate then devolved on the younger son, Charles Bill (1843-1915), who after Eton and Oxford went on to Lincoln's Inn and qualified as a barrister. In seeming contrast with his father, he had an active public life, serving as MP for Leek, 1892-1906, Colonel of the North Staffordshire militia, and a director of the North Staffordshire Railway Co. He married a daughter of the Fitzherberts of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), and they had two sons and a daughter (who became a Roman Catholic Sister of Mercy). The eldest son, Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955) was an engineer who had a career with the militia battalion of the North Staffordshire Regiment that took him to the Boer War and the First World War. After the war, he gave up Farley Hall, which was advertised to let in 1920. For the next thirty years the house had a chequered existence, being tenanted as a school, a guest house and a youth hostel, before returning to private occupation. At his death, it passed to his niece, Pamela (1912-62), who occupied it for some years with her husband, Christopher Clifford (1910-86) and their four sons. In 1958, Clifford, who owned a pottery firm in Stoke-on-Trent, was appointed managing director of Royal Worcester Porcelain, and the family had to move south (eventually renting Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire). They let Farley Hall, hoping that one of their sons would choose to live there when they grew up, but in about 1970 the family took the decision to sell the estate, which was purchased by Anthony Bamford (b. 1945), now Lord Bamford.

One other branch of the family must be considered here. The elder son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) of Draycott-le-Moors was Robert Bill (1754-1806), who pursued a career as a merchant and East India Company official on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia). On his return to England, he married in 1791 Dorothy Horsfall, one of the daughters of William Horsfall (d. 1780) of Storthes Hall, Huddersfield (Yorks WR). Horsfall, who had no male heir, had left his property to his widow and daughters, who in the late 1780s came to a family agreement that they would rebuild Storthes Hall so that it could provide a home for such of the sisters as remained unmarried, and pass after their deaths to the children of the sisters who had married. As a result of this unusual arrangement, the house was occupied by two of Dorothy's sisters until 1818. They then moved out and handed the property over to Dorothy's son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863), who was the only child of any of the five sisters. He occupied the house until 1846, by which time he had inherited the freehold, but after that he let it, and it was occupied as a private school for some twenty years. His eldest son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908), who inherited in 1863, continued to let the house - this time to private tenants - and lived a curious peregrinating existence, taking houses from Dorset to Aberdeenshire for a few months or a few years at a time. He eventually acquired the town house (now an inn) called The Priory in Tetbury (Glos) as a more permanent base, although he seems to have continued to rent additional houses as well. In 1898 he sold Storthes Hall estate to a middle-man, who promptly resold it to the West Riding County Council, which developed a pauper lunatic asylum in the grounds. The house itself became a home for the mentally handicapped until 1991 when the whole hospital site was closed. 

Farley Hall, Staffordshire

The core of the house seems to be a 17th century building, three gables wide, which is said to have been erected after 1607 for Richard Bill. This had a stone ground floor and was timber-framed above, but the 17th century origins are now only really suggested by the north side, which has gables, a mix of smaller and larger casement windows, and a general irregularity which hints at a complex evolution.

Farley Hall: the north front c.1970. Image: Staffordshire Record Office C/P/65/7/1/15/8/1 (43/13593)

Farley Hall: the house from the south-east, 1929. Image: Country Life.

In 1784 the house was extensively remodelled by Thomas Gardner (c.1737-1804) for Charles Bill (1721-1809). He created a new south front, with two-storey canted bow windows at either end and classical fenestration with sash windows, above which the three gables of the older house float. He was probably also responsible for building the whitewashed stable block to the west of the house.  The tripartite window in the centre of the first floor of the south front may well be a later alteration, and a single-bay two-storey wing to the right of the south front may be of the same date, since it has similar fenestration. Running further east from the wing is a tall plain stone wall, from which projects a most attractive D-shaped greenhouse with a domed top and ashlar plinth. This must date from the mid 19th century, for it is the sort of decorative glasshouse popularised by J.C. Loudon. The wall continues to a later Gothic billiard room, erected by William Evans in 1866, which seems to have been designed with the qualities of both a lodge and a chapel in mind. It is a curious little building; detached billiard rooms were surely a rarity so perhaps it was also designed to be the smoking room of a household which detested tobacco fumes?

Farley Hall: the house from the south-west, c.1970. Image: Staffordshire Record Office C/P/65/7/1/15/5/1 (43/13597)

The last addition to the house of great significance was the application, sometime in the later 19th century, of nailed-on laths to suggest the semi-timbering which genuinely lay underneath. There have been 20th century changes too, involving some demolition on the north side, which altered the footprint of the house after the 1920s. Just before the Second World War, the house briefly became a youth hostel, but this closed on the outbreak of hostilities and it returned to private ownership. The house was restored for Sir Anthony (now Lord) Bamford, the managing director of JCB plc, who later bought Daylesford Park (Glos) and inherited nearby Wootton Lodge.

Descent: built 1607 for Richard Bill (d. 1656); to son, Robert Bill (c.1625-1710); to son, Richard Bill (1645-1716); to son, Robert Bill (c.1684-1751); to son, Robert Bill (1720-61); to son, Robert Bill (1753-80); to uncle, Charles Bill (1721-1809); to nephew, Dr. John Bill (1758-1848); to son, John Bill (1795-1853); to son, Charles Bill (1843-1915); to son, Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955); to niece, Pamela (1912-62), wife of John Bertram Christopher Clifford (1910-86); sold c.1970 to Sir Anthony Bamford (b. 1945), later Baron Bamford.

The house was advertised to let furnished in 1920; the contents were sold in 1921, and the property was let to Overdale School for Girls c.1922-27, and thereafter to Miss Gladys Hunt, who ran it as a guest house (bankrupt 1932); in 1936 it was let to the Youth Hostels Association, but closed at the beginning of the Second World War. It was let again from 1959 to Mr & Mrs John Goodwin (fl. 1968).

Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, Yorkshire (WR)

Storthes Hall: sketch by John Warburton, c.1720. 

Very little is known about the earlier house on this site, which is recorded in a crude sketch of about 1720 by John Warburton showing a gabled manor house. It seems likely that this was built in the early 17th century after Richard Horsfall had purchased the estate from the eponymous Storthes family.

The Jacobean house was cleared away before the present building was built in 1787-90 for the Misses Horsfall to the designs of William Lindley (1739-1818) of Doncaster (Yorks WR). This has a severely plain seven bay front of two-and-a-half storeys, with a pediment over the middle three bays, and a porch with Doric columns and a segmental pediment. A lower two-storey three-bay service wing adjoins the house on the left, recessed by almost the full depth of the house, from the end of which another wing projects forward. In the 19th century this was a four-bay two-storey block, slightly lower than the service wing, but it appears to have been replaced in the 20th century by a wing of similar proportions that has five windows on each floor that are not even spaced but rather clustered towards its outer end.

Storthes Hall: a Victorian engraving of the house before it became part of the Storthes Hall Hospital.

Storthes Hall: the house today.

In 1897 the house and grounds were acquired by the West Riding County Council as the site of the 4th West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, for which grand new hospital buildings were erected by Joseph Vickers Edwards, the West Riding County Architect, from 1902 onwards. The Georgian house was used as an institution for the mentally handicapped, and known as the 'Mansion Hospital'. The whole hospital site closed in 1991, after which most of the hospital buildings were demolished, except for the gabled administration building of 1902-17 and the Georgian house, which was returned to private ownership. Part of the hospital site was redeveloped c.2000 for Huddersfield University's student village, but these buildings were themselves demolished in 2025 ahead of a planned large housing development. The mansion house stood empty and boarded up for some years, but was subsequently restored and returned to private ownership.

Descent: Thomas Storthes (fl. 1603); sold after 1603 to Richard Horsfall; to son, Richard Horsfall (d. 1644); to son, Col. Richard Horsfall (1612-68); to son, William Horsfall (d. 1711); to son, John Horsfall (d. 1722); to son, Richard Horsfall (d. 1731); to son, William Horsfall (d. 1780); to his widow and five daughters who rebuilt the hall in 1787-90 and occupied until  1818, after which it passed to Charles Bill (1792-1863), the only son of Dorothy Horsfall (d. 1792); to son, Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908), who sold 1898 to Thomas Norton, who sold 1898 to West Riding County Council; transferred 1948 to National Health Service; sold 1991...  The house was let from 1846-65 to Peter Inchbald, who ran a boarding school for boys, and later by Benjamin Lockwood, woollen manufacturer, and Joseph Armitage Armitage (d. 1898).

Bill family of Farley Hall

Bill, Richard (d. 1656). Parentage unknown, born at Norbury (Derbys). Yeoman. He married Elizabeth Shenton of Farley Hall, and had issue:

(1) John Bill (fl. 1634); married and had issue one daughter; living in 1634;

(2) Richard Bill (d. 1649?); died without issue, and perhaps the man of this name whose will was proved at Lichfield in 1649;

(3) Robert Bill (c.1625-1711) (q.v.).

He settled at Farley Hall in 1607.

He died in about April 1656; his probate inventory was sworn 1 May 1656. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Bill, Robert (c.1625-1711). Third and youngest son of Richard Bill (d. 1656) and his wife Elizabeth Shenton, born about 1625. He married, perhaps c.1642, Joan Jefferson, and had issue:

(1) Mary Bill (1643-1712?), baptised at Ellastone (Staffs), 24 August 1643; married, 8 August 1665 at Ellastone, Joseph alias Josias Whieldon of Ipstones (Staffs), and had issue; perhaps the woman of this name buried at St Werburgh, Derby, 14 July 1712;

(2) Richard Bill (1645-1716) (q.v.);

(3) William Bill (fl. 1676), of Stanton in Ellastone, yeoman; died without issue;

(4) John Bill (d. 1726), of Mayfield (Staffs); married, 1680 (licence 11 November), Dorothy Ensor (1658-1733) of Tissington (Derbys), and had issue two sons and three daughters (including John Bill (1686-1770), who was king's messenger to Hanover, and died a Poor Knight of Windsor); died 1 October 1726; will proved at Lichfield, 1726;

(5) Margaret Bill (fl. 1676); married, 1676 (settlement 10 June), John Smith of Stanton in Ellastone.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1656, but may have lived at Stanton in Ellastone.

He was buried at Ellastone, 6 March 1710/11. His wife is said to have died in 1701, but I have not been able to trace a burial.

Bill, Richard (1645-1716). Eldest son of Robert Bill (c.1625-1710) and his wife Joan Jefferson, baptised at Ellastone (Staffs), 26 January 1644/5. Bailiff to the Earl of Shrewsbury's Alton estate in the late 17th and early 18th century. He was also involved in lead mining, leasing land on his estate to prospectors. He married 1st, c.1669 (settlement 17 December), Hannah Morris (1650-94) of Cotton Hall, Cheadle (Staffs), and 2nd, 3 May 1700 at Alton (Staffs), Mary Prince (1654-1719), and had issue:

(1.1) Jane Bill (c.1673-1703), born about 1673; married, by 1693, Thomas Masgreave of Alton, and had issue three sons; buried at Alton, 29 March 1703;

(1.2) Joan Bill (c.1675-1718), born about 1675; married, 16 November 1694 at Ipstones (Staffs), William Rushton (1673-1759), son of Anthony Rushton (1654-1734), and had issue six sons and four daughters; buried at Alton, 17 March 1717/8;

(1.3) Robert Bill (1677-78), baptised at Alton, 8 February 1676/7; died in infancy, 5 December 1678;

(1.4) Richard Bill (b. 1680), baptised at Alton, 12 August 1680; living in 1715; 

(1.5) Robert Bill (1684-1751) (q.v.);

(1.6) Hannah Bill (1685-1766), baptised at Alton, 4 November 1685; married, 27 December 1714 at Alton, Roger Sutton (1683-1752), husbandman, and had issue four sons and two daughters; buried at Alton, 6 March 1766.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1710, and also owned Alton Lodge.

He was buried at Alton, 26 May 1716; his will was proved at Lichfield, 11 October 1716. His first wife was buried at Alton, 23 July 1694. His widow was buried at Alton, 12 November 1719.

Bill, Robert (c.1684-1751). Third, but second surviving, son of Richard Bill (1645-1716) and his wife Hannah Morris, born about 1684. Landowner and farmer. He married 1st, 23 February 1708 at Doveridge (Derbys), Winifred Adams (d. 1717) of Norbury (Derbys) and 2nd, 21 December 1718 at Rolleston (Staffs), Lydia (1692-1755), daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle Grange (Staffs), and had issue:

(1.1) Robert Bill (b. & d. 1710), baptised at Alton, 20 February 1709/10; probably the child of this name buried at Alton, 22 April 1710;

(1.2) Richard Bill (b. & d. 1711), baptised at Alton, 7 May 1711; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 20 May 1711;

(1.3) Hannah Bill (b. 1712), baptised at Alton, 28 June 1712; probably died young;

(1.4) Christopher Bill (1713-14), baptised at Alton, 9 May 1713; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 2 December 1714;

(1.5) Catherine Bill (b. & d. 1714), baptised at Alton, 12 July 1714; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 21 July 1714;

(1.6) Winifred Bill (1715-17), baptised at Alton, 5 July 1715; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 8 June 1717;

(2.1) Margaret Bill (1719-80), baptised at Alton, 11 November 1719; married, 23 December 1754 at Alton, Rev. Francis Ward (1731-83), perpetual curate of Croxden (Staffs), 1758-83 and rector of Stanford-on-Soar (Notts), 1771-75, and had issue at least two sons; died 18 April and was buried at Alton, 23 April 1780;

(2.2) Robert Bill (1720-61), baptised at Alton, 24 December 1720; farmer and landowner with property in Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire; married, 17 December 1752 at Elvaston (Derbys), Alice (1727-57), daughter of William Storer of Manchester, and had issue one son (Lt. Robert Bill (1753-80) who died during the siege of Gibraltar, 1780); died 30 April 1761, and was buried at Alton, where he is commemorated on his father's monument; will proved in the PCC, 6 May 1761;

(2.3) Charles Bill (1721-1809) (q.v.); 

(2.4) Lydia Bill (1722-97), baptised at Alton, 14 November 1722; married, 3 January 1743 at Kingsley (Staffs), John Gilbert (1724-95) of Cotton Hall, Cheadle (Staffs) and later of Worsley Hall (Lancs), joint agent (with his brother Thomas) to the Marquess of Stafford and Duke of Bridgwater, canal-building pioneer, and had issue at least three sons and one daughter; died 22 November and was buried in the Egerton family vault at Eccles (Lancs), 25 November 1797; will proved at Lancaster, 21 December 1797;

(2.5) Francis Bill (1723-1813), baptised at Alton, 13 February 1723/4; married, 18 January 1757 at Alton, Dorothy (1735-1809), daughter of William Hall Walton, and had issue four sons and three daughters; died in London aged 90, and was buried at St George-in-the-East, London, 1 January 1814;

(2.6) Elizabeth Bill (1724-1809), baptised at Alton, 23 February 1724/5; married, 10 November 1754 at Alton, Michael Barbour (c.1719-82) of London and Stone (Staffs), and had issue two sons and three daughters; buried at Lewisham (Kent), 13 June 1809; will proved in the PCC, 13 June 1811;

(2.7) Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) (q.v.);

(2.8) William Bill (1727-84), baptised at Alton, 23 November 1727; married, 26 October 1752 at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), Mary (d. 1802), daughter of William Hall Walton, and had issue five sons and six daughters (including the inventor, Robert Bill (1754-1821)); died intestate, 18 November 1784; administration of goods granted 28 April 1785;

(2.9) Winifred Bill (b. & d. 1729), baptised at Alton, 6 January 1728/9; died in infancy and was buried at Alton, 2 February 1728/9;

(2.10) Mary Bill (b. 1730), baptised at Alton, 7 April 1730; perhaps died young;

(2.11) Rupert Bill (1731-49), baptised at Alton, 24 May 1731; apprenticed to Henry Cooper of London, feltmaker, 1747; said to have died unmarried, 20 or 22 September 1749;

(2.12) Ann Bill (b. & d. 1733), baptised at Alton, 17 March 1732/3; died in infancy, 28 August 1733;

(2.13) Penelope Bill (1735-61), baptised at Alton, 4 October 1735; married, 23 September 1755 at Alton, Edmund Smith (c.1730-77) of Underwood, Rochdale (Lancs), merchant, (who m2, 11 October 1762 at St Mary, Ousebridge (Yorks), Mary Rayner, and had further issue), and had issue two daughters; died 20 July and was buried 23 July 1761 at St Chad, Rochdale, where she is commemorated on her husband's monument.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1716.

He died 22 February and was buried at Alton 25 February 1750/1, where he is commemorated on a monument. His first wife was buried at Alton, 8 June 1717. His widow died 18 September and was buried at Alton, 21 September 1769, where she is commemorated on her husband's monument.

Charles Bill (1721-1809) 

Bill, Charles (1721-1809). Second son of Robert Bill (c.1684-1751) and his second wife, Lydia, daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle (Staffs), baptised at Alton (Staffs), 5 December 1721. A solicitor with chambers in the Temple, London. JP for Staffordshire. He was unmarried and without issue.

He lived at Marlborough (Wilts) and inherited the Farley Hall estate from his nephew in 1780. At the end of his long life he seems to have handed over Farley Hall to his nephew, Dr John Bill, and moved to Sydenham (Kent). 

He died at Sydenham, 6 January, and was buried at Alton, 21 January 1809, where he is commemorated on the family monument; his will was proved 19 April 1809 (effects under £45,000).

Bill, Rev. John (1726-1806). Fourth son of Robert Bill (c.1684-1751) and his second wife Lydia, daughter of Robert Hurst of Cheadle (Staffs), baptised at Alton, 29 May 1726. Educated at Christ's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1745; BA 1749). Ordained deacon, 1749 and priest, 1750. Curate of Hatley St. George (Cambs), 1749-50 and rector of Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 1750-1806. He married, c.1750*, Mary (1723-1800), daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), and had issue:

(1) Maria Bill (1753-1847), baptised at Dilhorne, 8 April 1753; married, 7 April 1774 at Draycott-le-Moors, as his second wife, William Burton of Sheffield, surgeon, and had issue one son and one daughter; died at Bath (Som.), 14 April, and was buried at St Mary's Chapel, Bath, 22 April 1847; her will was proved in the PCC, 11 June 1847;

(2) Robert Bill (1754-1806) [for whom see below, Bill family of Storthes Hall];

(3) Dr. John Bill (1757-1847) (q.v.);

(4) Susannah Bill (1763-68), baptised at Draycott-le-Moors, 29 December 1763; died young and was buried at Draycott-le-Moors, 25 September 1768.

He died 25 May 1806, and was buried at Alton (Staffs), where he is commemorated on a family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 10 June 1806. His wife died 29 December 1800 and was buried 5 January 1801 at Alton (Staffs), where she is commemorated on a family monument.

* The date and place of marriage have escaped me; it was not registered at either Dilhorne or Draycott-le-Moors.

Bill, Dr. John (1757-1847). Younger son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) and his wife Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), born 13 April and baptised at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 17 April 1757. A surgeon and apothecary, who practised at Manchester by 1788 and was surgeon to the Manchester Royal Infirmary, 1790-1804, when he retired and moved to Farley Hall. He became blind some years before his death. He married, 5 December 1785 at Bury (Lancs), Esther (1767-1833), daughter of Samuel Grundy of Lyme Field, Bury (Lancs), and had issue:

(1) John Bill (b. & d. 1787), born 5 May 1787; died in infancy and was buried at St Ann, Manchester, 25 May 1787;

(2) Robert Bill (1789-1823), born 15 August and baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 6 November 1789; educated at Macclesfield and Oriel College, Oxford (matriculated 1807; BA 1812; MA 1814) and Lincoln's Inn (admitted 1811); lived at Blackheath Park (Kent); married, 4 January 1820 at St George, Bloomsbury (Middx), Louisa (1796-1870), daughter of Philip Dauncey KC, and had issue three daughters; died in the lifetime of his father, 12 October, and was buried at Cheshunt (Herts), 21 October 1823;

(3) Charles Bill (1790-91); born 23 August 1790; died in infancy, 12 January, and was buried at St Ann, Manchester, 14 January 1791;

(4) Mary Bill (1792-1854), baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 5 October 1792; married, 22 May 1823 at Alton (Staffs), Rev. Edward Whieldon (1787-1859) of Hales Hall (Staffs), and had issue two sons and one daughter; buried at Cheadle (Staffs), 22 May 1854;

(5) Lydia Bill (1794-1859), baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 25 April 1794; married, 28 November 1817 at Alton, Dr. Thomas Mayo MD FRS (1790-1871), physician to Marylebone Infirmary (FRCP, 1819; President of Royal College of Physicians, 1857-62); buried at Kensal Green Cemetery, London, 1 February 1859;

(6) John Bill (1795-1853) (q.v.).

He inherited the Farley Hall estate from his uncle in 1809.

He died 6 April, and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 14 April 1847, where he is commemorated on the family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 25 June 1847. His wife died 7 December 1833 and was buried at Alton (Staffs), where she is also commemorated on the family monument.

Bill, John (1795-1853). Fourth, but only surviving, son of Dr. John Bill (1757-1847) and his wife Esther, daughter of Samuel Grundy of Lyme Field, Bury (Lancs),  baptised at St Ann, Manchester, 24 July 1795. Educated at Manchester Grammar School (admitted 1806) and Grays Inn (admitted 1821). Barrister-at-law (but did not practise); JP for Staffordshire. In 1827 he visited America, and in 1849 Paris (France), and he wrote an account of his travels published as The English Party's Excursion To Paris In Easter-Week 1849, To Which Is Added A Trip To America (1850). He married, 8 September 1831 at Manchester Collegiate Church (now Cathedral), Sarah (1798-1878), daughter of Abel Humphrys of Philadelphia (USA), and had issue:

(1) Mary Louisa Bill (1836-1902), born 7 September and was baptised at Alton (Staffs), 25 October 1837; married, 12 June 1862 at Alton, Rowland Hugh Cotton (1833-87), of Etwall Hall (Derbys), and had issue one son and five daughters; died 5 March 1902 and was buried at Etwall, where she is commemorated by a monument in the churchyard; her will was proved 19 August 1902 (estate £3,239);

(2) John Bill (1839-56), born 22 August 1839; educated at Harrow (admitted 1853), where he died young, 2 February 1856;

(3) Charles Bill (1843-1915) (q.v.).

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1848.

He died 15 February and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 23 February 1853, where he is commemorated by a monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 13 May 1853. His widow died 2 July 1878; her will was proved 7 August 1878 (effects under £14,000).

Charles Bill MP (1843-1915) 

Bill, Charles (1843-1915). Second, but only surviving, son of John Bill (1795-1853) and his wife Sarah, daughter of Abel Humphrys of Philadelphia (USA), born 8 January and baptised at Alton (Staffs), 9 May 1843. Educated at Eton, University College, Oxford (matriculated 1861; BA 1866; MA 1869) and Lincoln's Inn (admitted 1864; called 1868). Barrister-at-law; JP for Staffordshire; Unionist MP for Leek, 1892-1906; Alderman of Staffordshire County Council. An officer in 4th Battn, North Staffordshire Militia (Lt-Col. commanding and later Hon. Col.), who served in Burma, 1886. He was a director of the North Staffordshire Railway Co., and was largely responsible for the construction of the Manifold Valley Light Railway, opened in 1904. He married, 3 May 1870 at Somersal Herbert (Derbys), Ellen Margaret Hepburn (1845-1926), second daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert, and had issue:

(1) Ida Helen de la Martelliere Bill (1871-1956), born 4 April and baptised at Alton, 28 May 1871; a Sister of Mercy and later Mother Superior of the Holy Cross Convent, Haywards Heath (Sussex); died Jan-Mar 1956;

(2) Charles Fitzherbert Bill (1872-1955) (q.v.);

(3) John Hugo Hepburn Bill (1877-1919) (q.v.).

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1853, and came of age in 1864.

He died 9 December 1915 and was buried at Alton; his will was proved 7 February 1916 (estate £49,592). His widow died 14 April 1926; her will was proved 27 July 1926 and 2 March 1927 (estate £5,064).

Bill, Charles Fitzherbert (1872-1955). Elder son of Charles Bill (1843-1915) and his wife Ellen Margaret Hepburn, daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), born 13 July and baptised at Alton (Staffs), 29 July 1872. Educated at Eton and New College, Oxford (matriculated 1891; BA 1894). An officer in 4th Battn, North Staffordshire Regiment (2nd Lt., 1892; Lt.; Capt. by 1905; returned to colours, 1914; Maj.), who served in Boer War and First World War. An engineer, he was briefly in partnership with Frederick Hugh Smith at Datchet (Bucks) in the manufacture of carburettors and other parts for motor cars (partnership dissolved 1905); and from 1919-27 he was a director of National Welsh Slate Quarries Ltd and it successor Hendre-ddu Slate Quarries Ltd., which operated the Hendre-ddu slate mine in Merionethshire. He married, 29 September 1909 at Hawarden (Flints.), Alice Violet (1881-1917), only daughter of Charles Bolton Toller of Aston Bank (Flints.), and had issue:

(1) Cynthia Margaret Bill (1910-85), born 18 July and baptised at Hawarden, 28 August 1910; married 1st, 3 March 1934 at Hawarden (div. c.1939), Percy Newton Butler Lusk RAF (1905-70) of Auckland (New Zealand), son of Robert Butler Lusk, barrister and solicitor; married 2nd, 1940 at Wingham, New South Wales (Australia), Lyell Edward John Cooper (1900-96), grazier, son of Edward Charles Cooper, and had issue; died 2 May 1985;

(2) Phyllis Elizabeth Bill (b. 1912), born 2 March 1912; emigrated to Malaya with her husband, 1946, but subsequently moved to Victoria, British Columbia (Canada), where he worked as a realtor (estate agent) and she was a secretary; married, 20 December 1945 at Kensington (Middx), Stuart Arthur Simpson (1906-97) of Ipswich (Suffk), but had no issue; death not traced;

(3) Violet Mary Bill (1917-2007), born 16 March 1917; actress under the name Ria Sohier, who had parts in television series in the 1950s and 1960s; died unmarried aged 89 at Kingsbridge (Devon), 23 November 2007.

He inherited Farley Hall from his father in 1915, but let it after 1920 and lived latterly at Cheltenham (Glos). At his death the house and lands passed to his niece, Pamela Clifford.

He died in Cheltenham, 1 March 1955; his will was proved 18 May 1955 (estate £2,483). His wife died of scarlet fever following childbirth, 22 March 1917; administration of her goods was granted 6 June 1917 (estate £636).

Bill, John Hugo Hepburn (1877-1919). Second son of Charles Bill (1843-1915) and his wife Ellen Margaret Hepburn, daughter of Lt-Col. Richard Henry Fitzherbert of Somersal Herbert (Derbys), born 24 November 1877 and baptised at Alton, 27 January 1878. Educated at Wellington College and New College, Oxford (BA 1899). An officer in the Indian Civil Service, who served on the North-West Frontier and in Nigeria, Persia and Mesopotamia. He married, 3 May 1911 at St Peter, Cranley Gardens, Kensington (Middx), Cicely Annie (1885-1973), daughter of Robert William Bill (1856-1941) of Ashtead (Surrey), and had issue:

(1) Pamela Bill (1912-62) (q.v.);

(2) Muriel Joan Bill (1915-17?), born 25 March and baptised at Ashtead, 14 June 1915; probably died in infancy in India, and perhaps the 'Joan Bill' buried at Kohat (Pakistan), 7 March 1917.

He was murdered by Kurdish tribesmen at Birzah Kaprah in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), 2 November 1919. His widow married 2nd, 1920, Maj-Gen. William Archibald Kenneth Fraser CB CBE DSO MVO (1886-1969), and died 23 November 1973; her will was proved 22 March 1974 (estate £15,525).

Bill, Pamela (1912-62). Only surviving child of John Hugo Hepburn Bill (1877-1919) and his wife Cicely Annie, daughter of Robert William Bill of Ashtead, born 26 March 1912 at Bushire (Iran). She married, 5 September 1938 at Alton (Staffs), (John Bertram) Christopher Clifford (1910-86), master potter; director of Palissy Pottery and later of Worcester Royal Porcelain Co., and had issue:

(1) Michael Hugo Clifford (b. 1939), born 17 October 1939;

(2) twin, Timothy Christopher Clifford (b. 1941), born 29 May 1941; company director; lives in Feock (Cornw.);

(3) twin, Anthony Charles Clifford (1941-2019), born 29 May 1941; died 10 December 2019;

(4) Robert J. Clifford (b. 1950), born Apr-Jun 1950.

She inherited Farley Hall from her uncle in 1955. It was let from 1959, with the explicit intention that the family might return at a later date, when her sons were old enough to decide to live there, but it was sold c.1970. Her widower lived for a time at Thornbury Castle (Glos) in the 1960s, before selling it for conversion into an hotel.

She died 28 October 1962; her will was proved 3 May 1963 (estate £9,157). Her husband married 2nd, 1964, Jane (1937-2022), daughter of Jack Gawthorpe Adamson Ellis (1904-57); he died at Whitwell (IoW), 1 May 1986.

Bill family of Storthes Hall

Bill, Robert (1754-1806). Elder son of Rev. John Bill (1726-1806) and his wife Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Harrison (1688-1749) of Dilhorne Hall (Staffs), baptised at Draycott-le-Moors (Staffs), 4 May 1754. A merchant and civil servant in the East India Company's service, who lived for many years on the island of Sumatra (Indonesia), returning to England about 1790. DL for Staffordshire (from 1796). He married, 14 March 1791 at Kirkburton, Dorothy (d. 1792), daughter and co-heiress of William Horsfall of Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, and had issue:

(1) Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863) (q.v.).

He had previously had illegitimate children:

(X1) Robert Bill, born on the island of Sumatra; an adult in 1792;

(X2) Elizabeth Bill, born on the island of Sumatra; probably an adult in 1792, when she was living at Ealing (Middx).

His wife was co-heiress with her sisters to Storthes Hall. A family arrangement in 1791 allowed the unmarried sisters to live at the hall. and provided for the children of the married sisters to be co-heirs, but she was the only one of the sisters to leave issue.

He died 17 January and was buried at Alton (Staffs), 27 January 1806, where he is commemorated on a family monument; his will was proved in the PCC, 25 February 1806. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Bill, Charles Horsfall (1792-1863). Only recorded legitimate child of Robert Bill (1754-1806) and his wife Dorothy, daughter and co-heiress of William Horsfall of Storthes Hall, Kirkburton, born 15 January 1792 and baptised at Kirkburton the same day. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1810). JP for West Riding of Yorkshire (from 1828). He married, 13 July 1812 at Kildwick (Yorks), Emma (1791-1872), daughter of Richard Wainman of Carr Head Hall, Kildwick (Yorks WR), and had issue:

(1) Emma Bill (1814-90), born 13 November and baptised at St Martin, Coney St., York, 14 November 1814; married, 27 August 1844 at Great Malvern (Worcs), Rev. Edward Otto Trevelyan (1810-80), curate of Stogumber (Som.), 1841-80, who rented Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield (Glos) from about 1878, and had issue one son and four daughters; died 11 November 1890; will proved 22 December 1890 (effects £51,642);

(2) Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908) (q.v.);

(3) Robert William Bill (1820-44), born 28 March and baptised at Kirkburton, 30 March 1820 and again 25 June 1822; educated at Eton and Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1840); died unmarried and was buried at Great Malvern, 28 October 1844;

(4) Augustus Horsfall Bill (1823-74), born 2 August and baptised at Kirkburton, 7 October 1823; educated at Eton, Christ Church, Oxford (matriculated 1842; BA 1847) and Lincolns Inn (admitted 1852); lived latterly at Kilmalieu (Argylls.); married, 9 December 1871 at St Margaret, Westminster (Middx), Helen Sarah, daughter of Henry Vernon; died without issue and was buried at Brompton Cemetery, 22 January 1874.

He was the only descendant of his mother and her four sisters, and as such was the heir presumptive to the Storthes Hall estate from his birth. Although his last surviving aunt did not die until 1843, he came into possession of the estate in 1818, when his aunts vacated the property. He let the house from about 1846 and lived latterly at 68 Queens Gardens, Paddington (Middx).

He died in London, 27 September, and was buried at Highgate Cemetery, 2 October 1863; administration of his goods was granted 16 November 1863 (effects under £70,000). His widow died at Bath (Som.), 17 March and was buried at St Mary, Bathwick, 23 March 1872; her will was proved 16 April 1872 (effects under £1,500).

Charles Horsfall Bill (1818-1908) 

Bill, Charles Horsfall (1818-1908). Eldest son of Charles Horsfall Bill (1792-1863) and his wife Emma, daughter of Richard Wainman of Carr Head Hall, Cowling (Yorks WR), born 14 May and baptised at Kirkburton, 18 May 1818. An officer in the 15th Hussars (Cornet, 1839; Lt., 1843; retired as Capt., 1849). JP for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. He married, 30 March 1841 at All Souls, Langham Place, Marylebone (Middx), Anna Maria (1820-75), daughter of General Charles Middleton (1789-1854), and had issue:

(1) Elizabeth Horsfall Bill (1847-1912), born at sea and baptised at Holy Trinity, Maidstone (Kent), 20 June 1847; married, 16 September 1873 at St James, Piccadilly, Westminster (Middx), Maj. Ralph William Caldwell (c.1836-1911) of Olivers, Stanway (Essex), son of Henry Berney Caldwell, and had issue one child, who died young; died 15 April and was buried at Shrub End (Essex), 19 April 1912; will proved 8 June 1912 (estate £18,037);

(2) Caroline Bill (b. 1849), baptised at Fritwell (Oxon), 28 July 1849; married, 3 August 1881 at St Mark, North Audley St., Westminster (Middx), as his second wife, Gen. John Alfred Street CB (1822-89), son of Capt. John Street RA, and had issue one son (the author Cecil John Charles Street (1884-1964)); death not traced;

(3) Charles Horsfall Bill (1853-1906), born 5 February and baptised at Maidstone, 31 March 1853; an officer in the West Yorkshire Rifle Militia (Lt., 1871; resigned 1877); married, Apr-Jun 1895, Lillian Alice Holmes (b. c.1869), but had no issue; lived latterly at Aberdovery (Merioneths.); drowned in Cardigan Bay, 22 May 1906 and was buried at Llanfihangel; administration of goods granted to his widow, 25 August 1906 (estate £155);

(4) Robert William Bill (1856-1941), born at Nigg (Ross & Cromarty), 8 January 1856; farmer; JP and DL for Parts of Lindsey in Lincolnshire; an officer in 3rd Battn, Lincolnshire Regiment (Capt.); married, 16 November 1883 at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster (Middx), Annie Cecilia (1859-1936), daughter of Rev. Richard William Bulmer, rector of Belleau (Lincs), and had issue two sons and two daughters (one of whom married her kinsman, John Hugo Heyburn Bill (1877-1919), for whom see above); died 7 November 1941; will proved 26 January 1942 (estate £485);

(5) Arthur Ingram Horsfall Bill (1859-1929), born at Elgin (Morays), 6 November 1859; emigrated to New Zealand, where he farmed; married, 2 July 1888 at Marton, Wanganui (NZ), Mary Ross (1862-1939), but had no issue; died at Marton, 21 September 1929; administration of goods granted 8 September 1932 (estate in England, £165);

(6) Emma Maria Bill (1862-1943), born at Elgin, 15 March 1862; accompanied her husband to incumbencies in Canada, 1892-1913; married, 7 June 1883 at St John, Croydon (Surrey), Rev. Charles Herbert Rich (1860-1933), son of Stiles Rich, accountant, and had issue two sons; died 14 August 1943; will proved 18 November 1943 (estate £9,157);

(7) Anne Horsfall Bill (1864-1942), born 10 October and baptised at Dauntsey (Wilts), 7 December 1864; married, 3 February 1891 at St John, Woking (Surrey), Rev. Henry George Constable Curtis (1865-1957), rector of Babworth (Notts), youngest son of Capt. Constable Curtis of The Hall, Great Berkhamstead (Herts), and had issue one daughter; died 17 March 1942; will proved 21 May 1942 (estate £968).

He inherited Storthes Hall from his father in 1863, but continued to let it. He occupied many properties around England and Scotland, but eventually settled at The Priory, Tetbury (Glos), which was sold after his death. He sold Storthes Hall in 1898 for £49,500.

He died aged 90 at Sidmouth (Devon), 6 November, and was buried at Sidmouth, 10 November 1908; his will was proved 28 January 1909 (estate £75,596). His wife died 4 January 1875.

Principal sources

Burke's Landed Gentry, 1952, p. 178; R. Harman & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Yorkshire West Riding - Sheffield and the south, 2017, p. 368; C. Wakeling & Sir N. Pevsner, The buildings of England: Staffordshire, 2nd edn., 2024, p. 269.

Location of archives

Bill family of Farley Hall: deeds, estate and family papers, 1438-20th cent. [Staffordshire Record Office, D554]

Coat of arms

Bill of Farley Hall: Ermine, two bill-hooks in saltire proper, on a chief azure a pallet or, charged with a rose gules between two pelicans' heads erased argent.

Can you help?

• If anyone can provide additional information about the Clifford family and their decision to sell Farley Hall in c.1970, I would be most grateful.
• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 22 February 2026.

(618) Biddulph of Elmhurst Hall, Westcombe Park and Birdingbury Hall, baronets

Biddulph of Elmhurst

This family stems from the Biddulphs of Biddulph Old Hall (Staffs), of whom I have previously given an account. The genealogy below begins with Simon Biddulph (c.1517-80), who is usually said to have been the younger brother of Sir Richard Biddulph of Biddulph Old Hall, although his dates suggest that he is more likely to have been Sir Richard's son, and thus the brother of the Richard Biddulph (d. c.1553), with whom I began the genealogy of the Old Hall family. Simon was a mercer in Lichfield, and thrice senior bailiff (mayor) of that city. In 1571 he purchased an estate at Elmhurst, about a mile and half north of the city, which passed at his death in 1580 to his son, Simon Biddulph (c.1550-1632). The younger Simon was also a merchant in Lichfield and, like his father, was three times senior bailiff. His eldest surviving son was Michael Biddulph (1580-1658), who paid a fine to avoid knighthood in 1626 and was granted a coat of arms in 1635. He evidently held Puritan religious views and sided with Parliament in the Civil War, serving as MP for Lichfield from 1646-48, although he was excluded after Pride's Purge for reasons which are unclear. Michael had a large family, several of whom died young, and his heir and successor was another Michael Biddulph (1610-66), who, after serving with the army in Ireland, intended to join the Royalist army in England but was dissuaded from doing so by his family and friends. He may have begun building a new house at Elmhurst Hall before his death, when he left his servant (and presumed mistress), Elizabeth Amos, a life interest in it. Elizabeth was bought out by his affronted brother, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), kt. and 1st bt., a London merchant and alderman, who had served as MP for the city of London under the Commonwealth and who was MP for Lichfield from 1661-79.

Sir Theophilus was the man whose career and wealth elevated the family from being provincial minor gentry to the greater gentry and a baronetcy. A silk merchant and mercer, he amassed a considerable fortune from trade during the Civil War and was a member of the East India Company by 1647. Although he deliberately avoided aldermanic status - and thus the Lord Mayoralty - he was elected to represent the city of London in Parliament in 1656. Although a supporter of the Parliamentary cause in the Civil War, he seems to have been a moderate in politics, and he was one of the city commissioners sent to wait on Charles II at The Hague in May 1660, where he was knighted. After the restoration of the monarchy he gave evidence for the prosecution at the trial of the regicide, Thomas Scot. He was returned as MP for Lichfield in 1661 and raised to a baronetcy in 1664. Already by 1652 he had begun to invest in land, buying the Westcombe Park estate at Greenwich in that year, and after 1660 he purchased additional manors and lands in the Lichfield area to augment the Elmhurst estate. If Elmhurst Hall had not already been rebuilt by his brother, it was constructed soon after he inherited the estate.

Sir Theophilus had a large family but only two surviving sons, both of whom were educated as gentlemen at university. The elder, Sir Michael Biddulph (1654-1718), 2nd bt., inherited the Elmhurst estate, while Westcombe Park was left jointly to Sir Michael and the younger son, Simon Biddulph (1660-1736). In 1687 Simon purchased the Birdingbury Hall estate in Warwickshire, and in 1709 he sold his moiety of Westcombe Park to his brother. He played an active part in politics, sitting as MP for Lichfield intermittently between 1679 and 1710, and no doubt divided his time between Elmhurst Hall and Westcombe Park, although he probably also had a house nearer to Westminster. He married twice, although his only surviving son was the product of his first marriage. At his death in 1718, he left Westcombe Park to his widow (who sold it in 1724) and only Elmhurst Hall descended to his son, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1683-1743), 3rd bt. Sir Theophilus had strongly Whig political views and early in 1713 he became involved in a dispute about the Sacheverell affair with Henry Pine MP, which led to a duel in which Pine was killed and Biddulph seriously wounded. Sir Theophilus was tried for murder but convicted only of manslaughter and there is no record of his suffering any condign punishment, but perhaps because of this episode he did not pursue a political career, but lived in retirement at Elmhurst, where he created a walled garden in which to pursue his botanical interests. He was married, but had no children, so at his death the baronetcy and Elmhurst Hall passed to his second cousin, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt., the grandson of Simon Biddulph (1660-1736).

The 4th baronet subsequently inherited Birdingbury Hall (Warks) on the death of his grandmother in 1755, but even before then he had determined to make his home in Warwickshire, buying land near to Birdingbury at Frankton, Napton-on-the-Hill, Stockton and elsewhere. In 1754 he also obtained a private Act of Parliament allowing him to sell the Elmhurst estate, although the sale was not actually achieved until 1765. He does not seem to have lived at Birdingbury - which had an old-fashioned Jacobean house that may have been let - and in 1781 was resident at Stockton. After his death, his widow and unmarried sisters moved to Southampton, while his heir, his son Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1757-1841), 5th bt., lived in various rented houses around Banbury (Oxon) and later at Nursling (Hants), so presumably Birdingbury continued to be let. On his death the estate passed to his eldest son, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1785-1854), 6th bt., who was High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1849-50. His son, Sir Theophilus William Biddulph (1830-83), 7th bt., does seem to have lived at Birdingbury, but in 1859 the house suffered a serious fire in which one wing was completely gutted. The damage was quickly repaired, but the architect who had undertaken the repairs was then engaged to remodel the rest of the house, creating the building that exists today. The 7th baronet suffered latterly from poor health and went to live abroad, where he died at the young age of 53. His only son, Sir Theophilus George Biddulph (1874-1948), 8th bt., was orphaned when his mother died in 1889, and was raised subsequently by his uncle, Sir William Biddulph Parker (1824-1902), 2nd bt., at Blackbrook House, Fareham (Hants). Although he married in 1907, he had no issue, and he went to live at a house called Pavilion at Melrose (Roxb.) in Scotland, which he had inherited from his mother's family. In 1914 he sold the Birdingbury estate. At his death in 1948 the baronetcy passed to a distant kinsman in Australia and Pavilion passed to his widow, being sold after her death in 1969.

Elmhurst Hall, Lichfield, Staffordshire

A manorial estate based on Elmhurst may have been created by the later 12th century, but little is known about the property until the beginning of the 16th century, when it was held by William Clerkson (d. 1501). By 1571 the estate had passed to Simon Biddulph (d. 1580), a Lichfield mercer who was several times bailiff of the city, though he and his successors may not have been resident until the time of Michael Biddulph (1580-1658), who was granted a coat of arms in 1635 and served as MP for Lichfield in 1646 and 1648. In 1658 the house apparently contained only a hall, parlour, dining room, and four or five chambers, but it was rebuilt soon afterwards, perhaps by Michael's son, another Michael Biddulph (1610-66), who was taxed on 12 hearths in that year, although Stebbing Shaw says the rebuilding was the work of Michael's brother, Sir Theophilus Biddulph, who succeeded him. Plot describes it as "one of the chief seats of the family, and as uniform, splendid, and commodious, a building, as most in the county", and provides an engraving of the entrance front by Burghers, in gratitude for 'favours received', which Stebbing Shaw says were for promoting the publication of Plot's book.

Elmhurst Hall: engraving of the entrance front from Robert Plot's Natural History of Staffordshire (1686).

The new house, three storeys high with a parapeted roof, was seven bays wide, with the three central bays projecting and having a centrepiece in Artisan Mannerist style. The new house stood on a platform backed by walls, and along the front there was a balustraded terrace with steps down to what was presumably a lawn or pasture ground. In 1744, when it was advertised to let, the ground floor consisted of a hall, three parlours, a drawing room, and a servants' hall.

Francis Perceval Eliot, who acquired the estate in 1790, had moved to Lichfield by 1800, and demolished the house in 1806, when the house was 'now taking down' and the building materials were offered for sale. A new house was built after 1808 for John Smith, which was of brick with stone dressings, in an Elizabethan style. It had a gabled front of seven bays and an off-centre entrance porch. It was probably on the same alignment as the former house, facing north-east, and there was a haha in front of it. 

Elmhurst Hall: engraving of the house built c.1808, made in 1874.

The new house had more generous accommodation: a sale notice in the mid 19th century recorded it as "perhaps one of the strongest-built houses in the kingdom, [containing] the following rooms : the hall 42 feet by 24; library 21 by 18, breakfast room 22 by 21; drawing room 28 by 18, dining parlour 34 by 24, and two other rooms on the ground floor; all 14 feet high. Five large bedrooms, with dressing-rooms, on the first floor, 12 feet high ; eleven very good atticks, &c.; kitchen 42 by 24 and 18 feet high, &c.". In 1894 George Fox let the house to the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland so that they could entertain the Prince of Wales there when he visited Lichfield for the centenary of the Staffordshire Yeomanry, and this led to some publicity for the house, including photographs in The Sketch. 

Elmhurst Hall: entrance front and side elevation in 1894, from The Sketch.

Elmhurst Hall: drawing room at the time of the Prince of Wales' stay in 1894, from The Sketch.

Fox died of an infection while staying in London during the Sutherlands' tenancy, and the house was subsequently sold to Henry Mitchell, a partner in the Smethwick brewery, Mitchell & Butlers, who let it. After his death, his executors made efforts to sell the property in 1918, but failed, and it was demolished in 1921. The site, including a surviving stable block, was sold to a local farmer, who converted the stables to form a new farmhouse. The other major surviving feature on the site is a large walled garden, south of the site of the house, which existed by the 1740s and was probably created for the 4th Biddulph baronet, who had horticultural and botanical interests. In 1808 it included a hot house and a greenhouse. In the later 18th century the hall was approached from the west along a drive from Tewnals Lane, where a small lodge existed by 1832. High Field Lodge south of the hall was built in the mid 1870s, and survives today.

Descent: William Clerkson (d. 1501); to son, John Clerkson (d. 1533); to son, Richard Clerkson (d. 1552); to daughter Anne, later wife of Humphrey Everard, who was dispossessed of the estate by her guardian John Otley or his son Thomas Otley; sold by 1571 to Simon Biddulph (d. 1580); to son, Simon Biddulph (c.1550-1632); to son, Michael Biddulph (1580-1658); to son, Michael Biddulph (1610-66); to brother, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), kt. and 1st bt.; to son, Sir Michael Biddulph (1654-1718), 2nd bt.; to son, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1683-1743), 3rd bt.; to second cousin, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt., who sold 1765 to Samuel Swinfen (d. 1770); to brother, Thomas Swinfen (d. 1784); to son, John Swinfen, who sold 1790 to Francis Perceval Eliot (1755-1818), who pulled down the house c.1806 and sold the estate in 1808 to John Smith (d. 1840), who built a new house on the old site; to widow and son, Charles Smith, who sold 1856 to Newton John Lane (d. 1869), whose trustees sold 1874 to George Fox (d. 1894); sold 1895 to Henry Mitchell (d. 1914) of Smethwick, brewer; whose executors failed to sell the hall in 1918 and demolished it in 1921; the estate was sold in 1922 to Joshua Rymond, who sold the site of the house with some 30 acres to Patons & Baldwins, wool manufacturers, who established an angora rabbit farm on the site; sold 1934 to William White; sold 1939 to James Dawson; sold 1956 to Arthur Hollinshead; sold 1962 to Leonard Brookes (fl. 1987). The hall was let to Maj. St George Bowles, 1765-90, and in the 1840s to Isabella, Dowager Lady Cawdor.

Westcombe Park, Greenwich, Kent

The earliest Westcombe Manor House is thought to have stood near the junction of Foyle Road and Westcombe Park Road. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be known of its size or appearance. In the 16th century it was the home of William Lambarde, a lawyer who was the first historian of Kent, but although he mentions Westcombe he does not give any description of it. The Lambardes held it until 1649, when the estate having been sequestered by Parliament, they were obliged to sell this part of it to pay off the fine on the rest. It was sold to Hugh Forth, a London mercer, who in 1652 sold it to Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 1st bt.

In 1724, the 3rd baronet sold the Westcombe estate to Sir Gregory Page of nearby Wricklemarsh Park, who leased it in sections. The Westcombe manor house was leased with about 40 acres in 1725 to Captain Galfridus Walpole (1683-1726), the brother of Sir Robert Walpole, the Prime Minister. On his death the following year, Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke took over the lease and built a new house on a different site in 1727-30. This house, which was known as Westcombe House, was described by Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough in terms which make it clear that Lord Pembroke was his own architect, almost certainly in conjunction with Roger Morris, as elsewhere; the house was actually built by William Townsend of Oxford. It stood on a site between today’s Humber Road and Coleraine Road. 

Westcombe Park: the entrance front from an engraving of 1779, after a drawing by Paul Sandby. Image: Royal Academy of Arts.

The house is recorded in a number of views and maps in the 18th and early 19th centuries. These make it clear that the house was built on the crest of a low rise in the park, and had a south-west facing entrance front of three bays, with a basement, piano nobile, and attic. Slightly recessed one-bay wings consisting of a single storey over the basement stood to either side, and a porch with a small room built above it projected from the central bay. The hipped roofs of the wings gave a pedimental feel to the composition, but actually the house was not pedimented on any side.

Westcombe House: drawing by John Charnock (d. 1807) showing the rear elevation of the building,
with the original house on the right and the later wing on the right. Image: Royal Museums Greenwich.

From the rear, the house appeared larger, for a three-storey link with a curiously blank rear wall connected the main block to a three-by-three bay block of three storeys that stood forward of the rear of the house and presumably contained service and guest accommodation. It looks from the disparity of style between the Palladian main block and the rest as though the original modest villa, strongly reminiscent of the house Roger Morris designed at Whitton Place for the Earl of Islay a few years later, was extended by a less skilful designer to make it functional as a house for full-time residence. If so the change was made very early, for the additions seem to be present in a painting by George Lambert in the collection of the Earls of Pembroke at Wilton House (Wilts), which is datable to 1752. The addition was perhaps made when the Duke of Bolton took on the house as a home for his mistress Lavinia (who became his second wife in 1751). The long lease was sold on frequently in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with few of the occupants staying for more than a few years, and there may have been many changes to the building which have gone unrecorded.

Westcombe House: view of the house from the side by George Lambert. The painting is not dated but his pencil sketch of the same scene is dated 1752.

The parish map of 1834 shows the ground plan of the house clearly, and suggests that by that date an additional block had been built at right-angles to the first addition. I have not yet found any illustration which shows this, and would be interested if anyone knows of any 19th century views of the site. The growth of Greenwich suburbs to the north of Westcombe Park and the gradual extension of gravel extraction in the park to the west of the house gradually made the area a less desirable place of residence in the early 19th century, and by 1843 there was only ten years left of the long lease. It stood empty from then until it was demolished - apparently by the Page-Turner family - in 1854. The site was later included in the lands sold for suburban development by the Page-Turner family in 1876.

Descent: John Lambarde (d. c.1550); to son, William Lambarde (1536-1601), historian; to son, Sir Multon Lambarde (1584-1634), kt.; to son, Thomas Lambarde (1615-75), who sold 1649 to Hugh Forth; sold 1652 to Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), 1st bt.; to sons jointly, of whom Sir Michael Biddulph (1654-1718), 2nd bt. bought out his brother in 1709; to widow, Dame Elizabeth Biddulph (d. 1740), who sold 1724 to Sir Gregory Page (c.1695-1775), 2nd bt.; to great-nephew, Sir Gregory Turner (later Page-Turner) (1748-1805), 3rd bt.; to son, Sir Gregory Osborne Page-Turner (1785-1843), 4th bt; to brother, Sir Edward George Thomas Page‑Turner (1789-1846), 5th bt.; to son, Sir Edward Henry Page-Turner (1823-74), 6th bt.; sold after his death 1876 to Midland Land & Investment Corporation Ltd.; sold c.1878 to Westcombe Park Estate Co., which began the process of residential development and sold off the estate in small lots.

The estate was let on a long lease to Capt. Galfridus Walpole (1683-1726); Henry Herbert (1693-1751), 9th Earl of Pembroke; Charles Powlett (1685-1754), 3rd Duke of Bolton; his widow, Lavinia (1708-60), Duchess of Bolton; her son, Rev. Charles Powlett (1728-1809); Robert Clive (1725-74), 1st Baron Clive; Gen. William Henry Kerr (1710-75), 4th Marquess of Lothian; his widow, Caroline Louisa (d. 1778), Marchioness of Lothian; Charlotte Murray (1731-1805), Duchess of Atholl and 8th Baroness Strange; John Halliday (d. 1805), banker; William Petrie (1747-1816); William Holmes MP (1779-1851); and Thomas Brocklebank (d. 1843). The house was unoccupied from his death until its demolition.

Birdingbury Hall, Warwickshire

The house stands next to the tiny Georgian parish church on a low ridge above the River Leam, a little north of the village of Birdingbury (often written as 'Birbury' or 'Burdbury'). The medieval manor house was presumably on the same site, but seems to have been completely replaced by a new U-shaped mansion in the early 17th century, which must have been built for Henry Shuckburgh (d. 1626) or his son John (d. 1644), and which was taxed on 19 hearths in 1666. 

Birdingbury Hall; view by Rev. Thomas Ward, early 19th century. Image: British Library Add. MS. 29264-65.

Birdingbury Hall: the 17th century staircase. Image: Historic England

It is built of stone, and consists of a central hall range with two long, three-bay projecting wings and a central porch decorated with Tuscan columns. It seems that the family rooms were in the south wing and the service accommodation in the north wing. The house is recorded in a number of 18th and early 19th century drawings, which indicate that both the hall block and the wings had hipped roofs and balustraded parapets, and that the ends of the wings had square two-storey bay windows with six-light windows on each floor. Inside, the chief survival from the 17th century is a fine staircase with a thick openwork balustrade and carved finials.

Birdingbury Hall: painting of the house in the late 18th century. Image: Birmingham Museums Trust.

Birdingbury Hall: another painting of the house, 1800. The architectural details appear less trustworthy than in the previous view,
but the Georgian stable block is shown clearly. Image: Birmingham Museums Trust.

In 1742-45, the Staffordshire builder and architect, Richard Trubshaw, carried out work at Birdingbury for Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt. This is thought to have been the building of the brick stable block with its cupola, although it is possible that improvements were made to the house at the same time. The stable block was converted to residential use in about 1979. In 1774-75 the parish church was rebuilt in a charming Georgian style with another cupola, although it was much altered in Victorian times.

Birdingbury Hall: a dramatic artist's impression of the fire that destroyed the north wing in 1859.

On 2 February 1859, a fire broke out in the service wing of the house, and although it was discovered at an early stage the time taken to bring fire engines from Rugby and Southam meant that the north wing was largely gutted before it was brought under control. Happily, the fire was prevented from spreading to the rest of the house, and the property seems to have been fully insured. John Bromwich of Rugby was commissioned to rebuild the damaged portions of the house to the designs of John Croft (1800-65) of Islington (Middx), architect, with work beginning in April 1859. Croft, who was one of the so-called 'rogue architects' who broke through the conventions of Gothic architecture in search of greater stylistic freedom, was obliged to curb his more wayward impulses and to 'keep in keeping' with the Jacobean house. In August 1861 it was reported that 'the west front has been entirely taken down and re-built', but that the hall was to undergo further restoration and renovation, and it is clear from the comparison of pre-fire images of the house with later photographs that the eventual extent of the remodelling encompassed almost the entire house. A Georgian staircase in the house is said to have been removed from Kenilworth Castle (Warks).

Birdingbury Hall: entrance front as restored after the fire, from an old postcard.

Birdingbury Hall: garden front in 1926, from the sale notice for the house.

Images of the house before the fire show the wings projecting by three bays from the front wall of the hall block, but they now project by only two bays, so it would seem that the front wall of the hall was brought forward, and refenestrated with three- and four-light mullioned and transomed windows. The Jacobean porch was entirely removed, and replaced by a single-storey porch with rather more orthodox classical detailing, and the bay windows on the ends of the wings were rebuilt with side-lights. Much of the new work was executed in smooth ashlar, whereas the old walls had been of coursed rubble stone. The back of the house was also extensively rebuilt, with regular cross-windows on the first floor, and mullioned and transomed windows on the ground floor, set between the external chimney stacks. All round the house, new diagonally-set and octagonal chimneys were installed. The south side of the house was perhaps the least altered area, as the two short projecting wings that frame the south front seem to have been little altered. Inside, the house was given many new chimneypieces.

Birdingbury Hall: a panelled room, perhaps the dining room, at the time of the 1926 sale.

Further changes were made to the parish church in 1875, when the roof was raised, new windows were inserted, and a vaulted apse was built by John Cundall of Leamington. Finally, in 1910-11, H.B. Creswell made further alterations to the hall and built a lodge. Soon afterwards, the estate was broken up and sold by Sir Theophilus Biddulph, and over the next twenty-five years the house changed hands frequently, each time with a rather smaller acreage. The house was requisitioned in the Second World War and used to house parts of a Coventry business which had been bombed out of that city in the Blitz, but otherwise it remained in private occupation until 1977, when it was sold to a firm of management consultants who used it as offices and a training centre. The house is still used as offices today, now for a recruitment consultancy.

Descent: Jasper Lake of Gray's Inn; sold 1567 to Henry Goodere of Baginton; sold later the same year to John Shuckburgh (d. 1599) of Napton-on-the-Hill (Warks); to son, Henry Shuckburgh (d. 1626); to son, John Shuckburgh (d. 1644); to son, Thomas Shuckburgh (1621-70), who sold 1658 to Charles Leigh of Leighton Buzzard (Beds); sold 1674 sold to Sir Charles Wheler (c.1620-83), 2nd bt.; to son, Sir William Wheler (1654-1709), 3rd bt., who with his mother sold 1687 to Simon Biddulph (1660-1736); to grandson, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt.; to son, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1757-1841), 5th bt.; to son, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1785-1854), 6th bt.; to son, Sir Theophilus William Biddulph (1830-83), 7th bt.; to son, Sir Theophilus George Biddulph (1874-1948), 8th bt., who sold c.1914; sold 1920 to Lt.-Col. Harry Egerton Norton (1876-1950); sold 1927; sold 1936 to Mrs. Alsagar Pollock; requisitioned in Second World War and sold 1962 to Ashdale Land & Property Co. Ltd; sold 1963 to Quinton Hazell; sold 1977 to a firm of management consultants; sold 1994 to Mr & Mrs Bruce Andrew Whiston.

Biddulph family of Elmhurst Hall, Westcombe Park and Birdingbury Hall, baronets

Biddulph, Simon (c.1517-80). Younger brother, or more probably son, of Sir Richard Biddulph, kt. of Biddulph Old Hall. Mercer in Lichfield; Warden of Lichfield Guild, 1546, and a member of the city corporation by 1553 (Junior Bailiff 1552-53; Senior Bailiff, 1562-63, 1572-73 and 1575-76)*. He evidently had Protestant sympathies, for his wife was one of the women 'who gave comfort to Joyce Lewes of Mancetter (Warks) when she was burnt as a heretic at Lichfield' in 1557. He married Margaret [surname unknown] and had issue including:

(1) Simon Biddulph (c.1550-1632) (q.v.);

(2) Margaret Biddulph (d. 1584); married, 2 January 1570 at St Mary, Lichfield, Michael Lowe (c.1540-93) of Lichfield and Timmor in Fisherwick (Staffs), attorney; buried at St Michael, Lichfield, 1 April 1584.

He purchased the Elmhurst Hall estate in 1571.

He was buried at St Michael, Lichfield, 13 January 1579/80, where he and his wife were commemorated by a monument; his will, proved in 1580, established a charity to provide loans to Lichfield tradesmen. His wife was buried at St Mary, Lichfield, 1 December 1569.

* The office of junior bailiff equated to sheriff; that of senior bailiff to mayor.

Biddulph, Simon (c.1550-1632). Son of Simon Biddulph (d. 1580) and his wife Margaret, born about 1550. Senior Bailiff of Lichfield, 1588-89, 1592-93, 1605-06. He paid a fine of £10 to avoid knighthood, 1626. He probably married 1st, 30 April 1571 at St Michael, Lichfield, Cicely Whatmore, and 2nd, about 1577, Joyce (d. 1635), daughter of Richard Floyer of Uttoxeter (Staffs), and had issue:

(2.1) Simon Biddulph (1578-96), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 17 November 1578; died unmarried and was buried at St Michael, Lichfield, 29 July 1596;

(2.2) Michael Biddulph (1580-1658) (q.v.);

(2.3) Richard Biddulph (b. 1581), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 27 December 1581;

(2.4) Margaret Biddulph (b. 1583), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 7 February 1582/3; died young;

(2.5) George Biddulph (b. 1584), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 17 January 1583/4; possibly the man of this name who married, 12 October 1626 at St Michael Lichfield, Anna Milner; living in 1632;

(2.6) Anthony Biddulph (1585-1651) [for whom see my previous post on the Biddulphs of Ledbury];

(2.7) Humphrey Biddulph (b. 1586), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 28 March 1586;

(2.8) William Biddulph (1587-1661), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 3 January 1587/8; merchant in London; will proved in the PCC, 2 September 1661;

(2.9) John Biddulph (b. 1589), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 14 May 1589;

(2.10) Margaret Biddulph (1591-92), baptised at St Mary, Lichfield, 29 June 1591; died in infancy and was buried at Weeford (Staffs), 25 April 1592.

He inherited Elmhurst Hall from his father in 1581.

He died 26 December 1632, and was buried at St Mary, Lichfield (Staffs); his will, proved in the PCC, 2 January 1632/3, established a charity worth £5 a year to be used for doles for the poor of Lichfield. His first wife must have died before 1577. His widow was buried at St Michael, Lichfield, 5 February 1634/5.

Biddulph, Michael (1580-1658). Second, but eldest surviving, son of Simon Biddulph (d. 1632) and his second wife Joyce, daughter of Richard Floyer, born about 1580. Educated at Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1598) and Middle Temple (admitted 1599). He obtained a grant of arms in 1635. A Puritan in religion, he was a supporter of Parliament in the Civil War, and was appointed to the County Committee for Staffordshire. MP for Lichfield, 1646-48, but was excluded after Pride's Purge, although what he had done to offend the New Model Army is unclear; JP for Staffordshire c.1647-50. A feoffee of the Lichfield Conduit Lands trust, c.1634-57. At the time of his death his library 'at Elmhurst and Lichfield' was valued at £20. He married, c.1604, Elizabeth (d. 1657), daughter of Sir William Skeffington, 1st bt., of Fisherwick (Staffs), and had issue (with two older sons who died in infancy):

(1) Simon Biddulph (b. 1606), third son*, baptised at Elford (Staffs), 1 July 1606; educated at Middle Temple (admitted 1624);

(2) Elizabeth Biddulph (c.1607-60); married Richard Brandreth (c.1607-58) of Shenstone (Staffs), and had issue at least two sons and one daughter; buried at Shenstone, 1 July 1660;

(3) William Biddulph (1609-16), baptised at Elford, 26 March 1609; died young and was buried at St Michael, Lichfield, 17 January 1615/16;

(4) Michael Biddulph (1610-66), baptised at Elford, 6 November 1610; an officer in the army in Ireland, 1641-43 (Capt.), and intended to join a royalist regiment in the Civil War 'but for the most part his friends were of the puritan party and suddenly called him back'; he inherited Elmhurst Hall from his father in 1657 and was MP for Lichfield, 1660; died unmarried and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 3 November 1666; by his 'base and scandalous' will, proved in the PCC, 9 January 1668/9, he left his servant (and perhaps mistress), Elizabeth Ames, a life interest in the Elmhurst estate, which was bought out by his brother Theophilus;

(5) Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), 1st bt. (q.v.);

(6) George Biddulph; citizen of London;

(7) Anthony Biddulph (c.1619-39), born about 1619; educated at All Souls College, Oxford (matriculated 1635; BA 1638); presumably the man of this name buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 3 March 1638/9;

(8) Joyce Biddulph (fl. 1657); living, unmarried, in 1657;

(9) Richard Biddulph (fl. 1657); living in 1661;

(10) William Biddulph (fl. 1680), youngest son; living, unmarried, in 1680;

(11) Mary Biddulph (b. c.1624); married, 1643 (licence 20 July), John Palmer (b. c.1616) of Temple Hall (Leics), haberdasher, son of William Palmer (d. 1636) of Wanlip Hall (Leics); living in 1666;

(12) Ann Biddulph (fl. 1690?); married 1st, 25 January 1646/7 at St Olave, Old Jewry, London, Peter Birkenhead of London, merchant, partner of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), and had issue at least two sons and two daughters; married 2nd, 28 April 1670 at Coventry (Warks), Sir Thomas Rous (1608-76), 1st bt., of Rous Lench (Worcs); said to have been living in 1690, but death not traced.

He inherited Elmhurst Hall from his father in 1632.

He died 28 January, and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 1 February 1657/8; his will was proved in the PCC, 24 February 1657/8. His wife died 30 August 1657 and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, where she is commemorated by a monument attributed to Thomas Stanton.

* Simon was described as 'third son' on his admission to the Middle Temple. Most of the children were probably baptised at St Chad, Lichfield, for which neither registers nor bishop's transcripts survive before 1635.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus (c.1612-83), kt. and 1st bt. Sixth, but second surviving, son of Michael Biddulph (1580-1658) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William Skeffington, 1st bt., of Fisherwick (Staffs), born about 1612. Apprenticed to a London draper, 1628, and was made free of the Draper's Company, 1636 (Liveryman, 1644-50; Assistant, 1654-83; Master, 1657-58). A silkman and mercer by trade, he was a member of the East India Company from 1647 (Committee Member, 1656-57 and 1660-62) and of the New England Company from 1662. He was a member of the Common Council of the City of London, 1654-9, 1660-5, and was auditor of the corporation, 1655-7, but paid a fine to avoid becoming an alderman in 1651. He was one of the city commissioners sent to wait on Charles II at The Hague in May 1660, where he was knighted, 16 June 1660. MP for London, 1656-59 and for Lichfield, 1661-79; JP for Kent, 1660-81, and for Staffordshire, 1668-82?. He was created a baronet, 2 November 1664. He married, 10 May 1641 at Morden (Surrey), with £8,000, Susannah (1621-1702), daughter of Ald. Zachary Highlord of London, skinner, and had issue including:

(1) Zachariah Biddulph (b. & d. 1643), baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 10 April 1643; died in infancy and was buried at St Mary Colechurch, London, 25 December 1643;

(2) Elizabeth Biddulph (1646-1720), born 22 August and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 3 September 1646; married, 29 August 1666 at Charlton (Kent), Sir John Napier (1636-1711), 4th bt. of Luton Hoo (Beds), and had issue eight sons and three daughters; died 9 December 1720 and was buried at Luton, 10 January 1720/1; will proved in the PCC, 14 January 1720/1;

(3) Theophilus Biddulph (1647-50), born 4 October and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 14 October 1647; died young, 20 May 1650 and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, where he was commemorated by a monument;

(4) Susannah Biddulph (1648-1722), born 14 October and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 24 October 1648; married, 24 January 1670, Sir Edward Littleton (c.1632-1709), 2nd bt., of Pillaton Hall, Penkridge (Staffs); died 25 August 1722 and was buried at Penkridge; will proved in the PCC, 20 May 1723;

(5) Mary Biddulph (1649-1725?), born 6 October and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, 16 October 1649; married 1st, 29 April 1672 at St Alphege, Greenwich, as his second wife, George Vannam (1641-87) of London, merchant; married 2nd, January 1696/7 at Bridewell Chapel, London, Walter Ryon; possibly the 'Mary Ryon' buried at St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange, London, 22 November 1725;

(6) Sir Michael Biddulph (1654-1718), 2nd bt. (q.v.);

(7) Theophilus Biddulph (1656-73), born 18 February and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 3 March 1655/6; died young and was buried in the Mercers' Chapel at St Mary Colechurch, London, 23 July 1673;

(8) John Biddulph (d. 1674), birth not traced; died young and was buried in the Mercers' Chapel at St Mary Colechurch, London, 27 March 1674;

(9) Simon Biddulph (1660-1736) (q.v.);

(10) Rachel Biddulph (1663-89), baptised at Greenwich (Kent), 19 May 1663; married, 28 September 1685, as his second wife, Sir William Bassett MP (1628-93) of Claverton (Som.), but had no issue; buried at Claverton, 23 March 1688/9.

He purchased Westcombe Park, Greenwich in 1650 and Frodshall manor (Staffs), c.1660 before inheriting Elmhurst Hall from his elder brother in 1666. Later he acquired the manors of Lapley and Aston (Staffs) and Frankton (Warks). Either he or his brother rebuilt Elmhurst Hall. At his death Elmhurst passed to his eldest son and Westcombe was left jointly to his two sons.

He died 11 April, and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 14 April 1683; his will was proved 8 May 1683. His widow, who is said to have been the inspiration for the character Lady Bountiful in George Farquhar's play The Beaux's Stratagem, was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 17 November 1702; her will was proved in the PCC, 13 November 1702, and includes remarkably detailed provision for the payment of her children's debts and for many charitable bequests.

Biddulph, Sir Michael (1654-1718), 2nd bt. Third, but eldest surviving, son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), 1st bt., and his wife Susannah, daughter of Ald. Zachary Highlord of London, born 6 May and baptised at St Mary Colechurch, London, 18 May 1654. Educated at St Paul's School, London, and Christ's College, Cambridge (matriculated 1670); Whig MP for Lichfield, 1679-81, 1689-90, 1695-1705 and 1708-10; JP and DL for Staffordshire (from 1689) and JP for Kent, 1716-18. He succeeded his father as 2nd baronet, April 1683. He married 1st, with £8,000, 31 December 1673 in Westminster Abbey (Middx), Henrietta Maria (d. 1689), daughter of Col. Roger Whitley of London and Peele Hall (Ches.), and 2nd, 7 March 1697/8 at Battersea (Surrey), Elizabeth (d. 1740), daughter of William Doyley of Westminster, milliner, and had issue:

(1.1) Charlotte Biddulph (1680-1736), baptised at St Helen, Bishopsgate, London, 1 October 1680; died unmarried and was buried at Wargrave, 25 May 1736;

(1.2) Susannah Biddulph (1682-1743), baptised at Tarvin (Ches.), 21 April 1682; died unmarried and was buried at St Peter, Petersham, 5 August 1743;

(1.3) Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1683-1743), 3rd bt. (q.v.);

(1.4) Roger Biddulph (d. 1686), baptism not traced, but probably died in infancy and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 5 April 1686;

(1.5) Mary Biddulph (1686-1713), baptised at St Chad, Lichfield, 11 September 1686; died unmarried and was buried at St. Alphege, Greenwich (Kent), 17 May 1713;

(2.1) Annabella or Arabella Biddulph (1699-1739), baptised at Wargrave, 28 September 1699; married, 26 February 1731/2 at St Anne, Soho, Westminster (Middx), Thomas Young, and had issue two sons and two daughters; buried at Wargrave, 5 July 1739; will proved in the PCC, 9 June 1740;

(2.2) Sarah Biddulph (b. 1700), baptised at Wargrave (Berks), 24 November 1700; probably died young;

(2.3) Bridget Biddulph (b. 1701), baptised at Wargrave (Berks), 1 January 1701/2; married, 8 May 1740 at St Andrew, Holborn (Middx), as his second wife, Harry Leigh of Cheshunt (Herts); death not traced;

(2.4) John Biddulph (1703-04), baptised at Wargrave, 19 August 1703; died in infancy and was buried at Wargrave, 10 January 1703/4.

He inherited Elmhurst Hall and a moiety of Westcombe Park from his father in 1683, and purchased the other moiety from his brother in about 1709. At his death Elmhurst passed to his son but Westcombe was bequeathed to his widow, who sold it in 1724.

He died 20 April and was buried at Greenwich (Kent), 1 May 1718; his will was proved 26 May 1719. His first wife was buried in Westminster Abbey, 15 October 1689. His widow died at Sonning (Berks) in April 1740; her will was proved in the PCC, 13 May 1740.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus (1683-1743), 3rd bt. Elder son of Sir Michael Biddulph (1654-1718), 2nd bt., and his first wife, Henrietta Maria, daughter of Col. Roger Whitley, baptised at St Chad, Lichfield, 15 April 1683. In February 1712/13 he became involved in a political argument with Henry Pine MP which led to a duel in which he was wounded but Pine was killed. He and his seconds were tried for murder but found guilty only of manslaughter; their punishment is unknown. He succeeded his father as 3rd baronet, 20 April 1718. He was a noted gardener and plant collector, specialising in auriculas and carnations, and probably created the large walled garden behind the house at Elmhurst Hall; his plant collection was dispersed at auction after his death. He married, 24 September 1702 at Sutton-on-the-Hill (Derbys), Carew (1676-1741), fifth daughter of Sir Charles Lyttleton, 3rd bt., of Frankley (Worcs), but had no issue.

He inherited Elmhurst Hall from his father in 1718.

He died 16 May 1743, when his estates and baronetcy passed to his second cousin, Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt., and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 18 May 1743; his will was proved at Lichfield, 25 July 1743. His wife died 18 April and was buried at Brewood (Staffs), 21 April 1741.

Biddulph, Simon (1660-1736). Sixth, and younger surviving, son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (c.1612-83), 1st bt., and his wife Susannah, daughter of Ald. Zachary Highlord of London, born 4 December and baptised at St Lawrence Jewry, London, 27 December 1660. Educated at Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1677) and Middle Temple (admitted 1678). JP for Warwickshire; a trustee of Rugby School, 1712-36. He married, 28 February 1681/2 at Norton Canes (Staffs), Jane (1661-1755), daughter of Edward Birch (1635-1704) of Leacroft Hall, Cannock (Staffs), barrister-at-law, and had issue:

(1) Theophilus Biddulph (1685-1703), baptised at Frankton (Warks), 9 June 1685; educated at Rugby (admitted 1692) and University College, Oxford (matriculated 1702); died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 10 November 1703;

(2) Edward Biddulph (1686-1730) (q.v.);

(3) John Biddulph (1687-1772), baptised at Birdingbury, 30 December 1687; educated at Rugby (admitted 1693); married 1st, his first cousin, Jane (d. 1729), daughter of Thomas Birch of Leacroft (Staffs), and 2nd, 10 June 1736 at Budbrooke (Warks), Mary (d. 1772), daughter of Andrew Murcott of Cubbington (Warks); buried at Cannock, 22 April 1772; will proved in the PCC, 12 June 1772;

(4) Thomas Biddulph (b. & d. 1689), baptised at Birdingbury, 9 August 1689; died in infancy and was buried at Birdingbury, 16 August 1689;

(5) Susannah Biddulph (1690-1768), baptised at Birdingbury, 16 September 1690; died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 12 February 1768;

(6) William Biddulph (b. & d. 1692), baptised at Birdingbury, 30 January 1691/2; died in infancy and was buried at Birdingbury, 1 February 1691/2;

(7) Rev. Michael Biddulph (1693-1727), baptised at Birdingbury, 25 May 1693; educated at Rugby (admitted 1700) Hart Hall, Oxford (matriculated 1709), and Magdalen College, Oxford (BA 1713; MA 1716); ordained priest, 1717; rector of Ripple, 1719-27 and vicar of Blockley (Worcs, now Glos), 1724-27; canon of Lichfield Cathedral, 1727; married, 15 April 1725 at Hartlebury Castle (Worcs), Elizabeth (1700-59?), daughter of James Stillingfleet (1674-1746), and had issue one daughter (Jane (1726-1818), who married Sir Theophilus Biddulph, 4th bt.); buried at Cannock, 2 September 1727;

(8) Jane Biddulph (1694-1770), baptised at Birdingbury, 2 August 1694; died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 25 January 1770;

(9) Mary Biddulph (1696-1742), baptised at Birdingbury, 19 March 1695/6; died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 7 September 1742;

(10) Charles Biddulph (1697-1752), of Rugby (Warks), baptised at Birdingbury, 6 December 1697; educated at Rugby (admitted 1704); married, 12 April 1743 at Barby (Northants), Judith Holyoake (d. 1762), but had no issue; buried at Birdingbury, 8 November 1752; will proved in PCC, 3 February 1753, by which he left £500 for the rebuilding of the parish church at Birdingbury;

(11) Anne Biddulph (1699-1760), baptised at Birdingbury, 19 March 1698/9; married, 8 May 1744 at Birdingbury, John Byrche (d. 1745), third son of Thomas Birch of Leacroft, but had no issue; buried at Birdingbury, 6 August 1760;

(12) Frances Biddulph (1701-02), baptised at Birdingbury, 7 January 1700/1; buried at Birdingbury, 26 September 1702;

(13) Margaret Biddulph (1702-69), baptised at Birdingbury, 17 March 1701/2; died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 5 January 1769;

(14) Walter Biddulph (1705-75), of Sutton-in-Ashfield (Notts) and Barton-under-Needwood (Staffs), born 18 July and baptised 18 August 1705; educated at Rugby (admitted 1718); married, 24 September 1745 at Radford (Notts), Mary (d. 1779), daughter of John Adcock (d. 1746) of Shenstone (Staffs) and had issue three sons (from the youngest of whom descend the 9th and later Biddulph baronets) and three daughters; buried 20 August 1775.

He purchased Birdingbury Hall in 1687 and inherited a moiety of Westcombe Park from his father in 1683, but sold the latter to his elder brother in about 1709.

He died 19 October and was buried at Birdingbury, 22 October 1736; his will was proved in the PCC, 29 November 1736. His widow died aged 94 and was buried at Birdingbury, 15 August 1755.

Biddulph, Edward (1686-1730). Eldest son of Simon Biddulph (1660-1736) and his wife Jane, daughter of Edmund Birch, barrister-at-law, born 20 October and baptised at Frankton (Warks), 26 October 1686. Educated at Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1702) and Middle Temple (admitted 1703). He married, 29 January 1718 at Cannock (Staffs), his first cousin, Anne (1697-1756), eldest daughter of Edward Birch of Leacroft, and had issue:

(1) Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt. (q.v.);

(2) Jane Biddulph (1721-52), baptised at Sutton Coldfield (Warks), 24 July 1721; died unmarried and was buried at Sutton Coldfield, 31 August 1752;

(3) Edward Biddulph (b. 1723), baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 11 July 1723; of Clement's Inn; attorney in Nottingham; living in 1757 but death not traced;

(4) Lt-Col. John Biddulph (1725-98), born 13 February and baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 25 February 1724/5; an officer in the army (Lt., 1746; Capt, 1756; Maj., 1760; Lt-Col., 1763; retired 1775); subject of a published engraving; married and had issue at least two sons; buried at Kenilworth (Warks), 9 June 1798;

(5) Anne Biddulph (1726-99), baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 10 May 1726; married, 8 April 1760 at Brighton (Sussex), Rev. James Stafford (c.1715-94), rector of Farthinghoe (Warks), 1770-94 and vicar of Penkridge (Staffs), and had issue at least one son; died at Bitterley (Shrops.), 1 January 1799; will proved 28 February 1799;

(6) Michael Biddulph (b. 1727), baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 5 October 1727; probably died young as he is not mentioned in his mother's will;

(7) William Biddulph (1729-63), baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 23 September 1729; an officer in the Marines (Lt., 1757); will proved in the PCC, 2 February 1763;

(8) Charles Biddulph (1731-47), born posthumously and baptised at Sutton Coldfield, 2 January 1730/1; died young and was buried at Sutton Coldfield, 9 November 1747.

He died in the lifetime of his father, and was buried at Sutton Coldfield, 29 April 1730; his will was proved at Lichfield, 20 April 1732. His widow was also buried at Sutton Coldfield, 16 June 1756; her will was proved in the PCC, 28 July 1756.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus (1719-98), 4th bt. Eldest son of Edward Biddulph (1686-1730) and his wife Anne, eldest daughter of Edward Birch of Leacroft, baptised at Sutton Coldfield (Warks), 8 December 1719. Educated at University College, Oxford (matriculated 1736). He succeeded his second cousin as 4th baronet, 16 May 1743. A trustee of Rugby School, 1765-98. He married, 9 September 1748 at Hartlebury (Worcs), his first cousin, Jane (1726-1818), only child of his uncle, the Rev. Michael Biddulph, prebendary of Lichfield, and had issue:

(1) Jane Biddulph (1749-72), baptised at Lichfield Cathedral, 17 August 1749; died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 18 September 1772;

(2) Ann Biddulph (1753-54), baptised at Lichfield Cathedral, 9 March 1753; died in infancy and was buried at St Chad, Lichfield, 4 March 1754;

(3) Susannah Biddulph (1755-1838), baptised at Lichfield Cathedral, 26 June 1755; died unmarried and was buried at All Saints, Southampton (Hants), 24 August 1838; will proved in the PCC, 11 September 1838;

(4) Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1757-1841), 5th bt. (q.v.);

(5) Elizabeth Biddulph (1758-1835), born 12 November and baptised at Birdingbury, 17 November 1758; died unmarried and was buried at St Mary Extra (the Jesus Chapel, Peatree Green) Southampton, 10 February 1835; will proved in the PCC, 28 February 1835;

(6) Charlotte Mabella Biddulph (1762-1820), born 8 April and baptised at Birdingbury, 10 April 1762; died unmarried and was buried at All Saints, Southampton, 25 December 1820;

(7) John Biddulph (b. & d. 1763), born 16 November and baptised at Birdingbury, 17 November 1763; died in infancy and was buried at Birdingbury, 30 December 1763;

(8) Rev. John Biddulph (1764-1826), born 30 October and baptised at Birdingbury, 31 October 1764; educated at Rugby (admitted 1776) and University College, Oxford (matriculated 1785; BCL 1792); ordained deacon and priest, 1791; rector of Birdingbury, 1791-1826 and Frankton (Warks), 1805-26, where he built a new rectory house c.1820; inherited the manors and advowson of Frankton from his father in 1798; married, 26 September 1800 at Leamington Hastings (Warks), Sophia (1778-1863), daughter of Rev. Sir Charles William Wheler (1730-1821), 7th bt., and had issue five sons and four daughters; died 16 January and was buried at Birdingbury, 23 January 1826; administration of goods granted to his widow in the PCC, 22 March 1826;

(9) William Biddulph (1766-1807), born 16 October and baptised at Birdingbury, 17 October 1766; educated at Rugby (admitted 1778) and University College, Oxford (matriculated 1786); died unmarried and was buried at Birdingbury, 6 May 1807; will proved at Lichfield, 9 October 1807 (effects under £450).

He inherited Elmhurst Hall from his second cousin in 1743 and Birdingbury Hall on the death of his grandmother in 1755. He obtained a private Act of Parliament permitting the sale of the Elmhurst estate in 1754, although the sale was not achieved until 1765. He purchased the manors and advowson of Frankton and Stockton (Warks), and in 1756 also lands at Napton-on-the-Hill. In 1781 he was living at Stockton (Warks). His widow lived latterly at Southampton (Hants) with her unmarried daughters.

He was buried at Birdingbury, 26 March 1798; his will was proved in the PCC, 14 April 1798. His widow died aged 91 on 14 August, and was buried at Birdingbury, 27 August 1818; her will was proved in the PCC, 31 October 1818.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus (1757-1841), 5th bt. Eldest son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1719-98), 4th bt., and his wife Jane, only child of Rev. Michael Biddulph, prebendary of Lichfield, born 12 January and privately baptised at Birdingbury, 13 January 1757. Educated at Rugby (admitted 1765) and University College, Oxford (matriculated 1775). An officer in the Edge Hill Gentlemen and Yeomanry (Lt., 1798). High Sheriff of Warwickshire, 1800-01. A trustee of Rugby School, 1800-41. He succeeded his father as 5th baronet, March 1798. He was noted for his devotion to field sports and hunting of all kinds, and was regarded as a leading scourge of poachers, being chairman of the Southam Association for the Prosecution of Felons. Although never himself a MFH, he kept a pack of harriers for hare hunting and was a notable shot and fisherman. He was also an excellent mechanic, and noted for his skill in turning wood, metal and ivory, and for his inventions, which included an 'artificial pheasant' for deceiving poachers and a humane man trap. He married, 24 January 1785 at East Barnet (Herts), Hannah (c.1755- 1824), daughter of Edward Prestridge of East Barnet, and had issue:

(1) Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1785-1854), 6th bt. (q.v.);

(2) Capt. Charles Biddulph (1786-1815), born 28 December 1786 and baptised at St Mary, Banbury (Oxon), 5 January 1787; educated at Rugby (admitted 1798); brought up under the patronage of Adm. Sir Samuel Hood and became an officer in the Royal Navy (Lt., 1806; Cdr., 1812; Capt., 1815); died unmarried 'of a pulmonary complaint caught in the execution of his duty' off Cochin (India), 22 April 1815, and was buried in the Old Cemetery at Cochin (now Kochi)*;

(3) Lt-Col. Edward Biddulph (1788-1858), baptised at St Mary, Banbury, 4 July 1788; educated at Rugby (admitted 1802); an officer in the East India Company's Bengal army (Cadet, 1805; Lt., 1807; Capt-Lt., 1818; Capt., 1818; Maj., 1834; Lt-Col., 1839; retired, 1846; hon. Col., 1854), appointed CB; married 1st, 14 October 1837 at Bareilly, Louisa (1818-46), daughter of Surgeon-Col. John Kelly, and had issue one son and two daughters; married 2nd, 28 July 1847 at Leamington Priors (Warks), Mary Anne (1823-1903), daughter of Thomas Marriott of Marton (Warks), tailor, and had issue three further daughters; died 3 December 1858; will proved 14 January 1859 (effects under £600);

(4) Charlotte Biddulph (1789-1853), baptised at St Mary, Banbury, 27 July 1789; living in Malta in 1847; died unmarried, 30 September and was buried at Birdingbury, 6 October 1853; will proved in the PCC, 24 February 1854;

(5) Frances Anne Biddulph (1791-1871), born 28 September, and baptised at Arlescote (Warks), 15 November 1791; married, 9 June 1810 at Marton (Warks) or Birdingbury, Admiral Sir William Parker (1781-1866), 1st bt., of Shenstone Lodge (Staffs), and had issue two sons and six daughters; died 9 January 1871 and was buried at Shenstone; administration of goods granted 20 February 1871 (effects under £5,000);

(6) Capt. Simon Biddulph (1793-1823), baptised at Warmington (Warks), 2 October 1793; educated at Rugby (admitted 1804); an officer in the army (Lt., 1811; Capt., 1818); married, 8 September 1821 in Dublin, Anne (b. 1798) (who m2, 1827, James Moilse (1798-1830), of Dublin, solicitor; and m3, 1835 Robert Frederick Grahame), daughter of Francis Harrison Biddulph (1774-1827) of Annaghmore, Co. Offaly, and had issue one daughter; died of tuberculosis, 25 April 1823;

(7) Rev. Henry Biddulph (1796-1867), baptised at Warmington, 2 June 1796; educated at Rugby (admitted 1805), St John's College, Oxford (matriculated 1813) and Magdalen College, Oxford (BA 1817; MA 1819); Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford; ordained deacon, 1819 and priest, 1820; curate of Old Alresford (Hants), 1823-26; rector of Birdingbury, 1826-67 and Standlake (Oxon), 1832-67; married, 1 July 1834 at St Oswald, Chester, Emma Susan (d. 1873), only daughter of John Nuttall of Newton Hall, Chester, and had issue one daughter; died 19 September and was buried at Birdingbury, 25 September 1867; will proved 5 November 1867 (effects under £6,000).

He inherited Birdingbury Hall from his father in 1798 but lived latterly at Nursling (Hants) and at various places in and around Banbury (Oxon).

He died at Ryde (IoW), 30 July, and was buried at Birdingbury, 9 August 1841; his will was proved in the PCC, 17 September 1841. His wife died 20 August and was buried at Birdingbury, 25 August 1824.

* However his monument there gives his date of death as 20 August.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus (1785-1854), 6th bt. Eldest son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1757-1841), 5th bt., and his wife Hannah, daughter of Edward Prestridge, born 28 March, and privately baptised at East Barnet (Herts), 31 March 1785. Educated at Rugby and Oriel College, Oxford. An officer in the army (Cornet, 1805; Lt., 1806; Capt., 1814; retired 1816). He succeeded his father as 6th baronet, 30 July 1841. DL for Warwickshire; High Sheriff of Warwickshire, 1849-50. He was a trustee of Rugby School, 1844-54 and a Vice-President of the Birmingham Music Festival. He married, 12 April 1825 at Wappenbury (Warks), Jane Rebecca (1802-43), daughter of Robert Vyner of Eathorpe (Warks), and had issue:

(1) Laura Biddulph (1826-27), baptised at Wappenbury, 7 June 1826; died in infancy and was buried at Shenstone (Staffs), 31 March 1827;

(2) Jane Constance Biddulph (1828-79), born 16 March 1828 and baptised at Wappenbury, 27 August 1829; married, 6 June 1855 at Stoke Damerel (Devon), Sir William Biddulph Parker (1824-1902), 2nd bt. (who m2, 22 November 1887 at Newborough (Staffs), Kathleen Mary (d. 1917), daughter of Lorenzo Kirkpatrick Hall of Holly Bush and Barton Hall (Derbys) and had issue two sons and one daughter), of Shenstone Lodge (Staffs) and later of Belmont Castle, Meigle (Perths.), but had no issue; died 20 July and was buried at Shenstone, 29 July 1879; administration of goods (with will annexed) granted 13 July 1917 (estate £13,299);

(3) Sir Theophilus William Biddulph (1830-83), 7th bt. (q.v.).

He inherited Birdingbury Hall from his father in 1841.

He died 15 July, and was buried at Birdingbury, 21 July 1854; his will was proved in the PCC, 7 September 1854. His wife died 19 March and was buried at Birdingbury, 27 March 1843.

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus William (1830-83), 7th bt. Only son of Sir Theophilus Biddulph (1785-1854), 6th bt., and his wife Jane Rebecca, daughter of Robert Vyner of Eathorpe (Warks), born 18 January and baptised at Nursling (Hants), 24 January 1830. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Oxford (matriculated 1847; BA 1850). JP and DL for Warwickshire; an officer in the 2nd Warwickshire militia (Capt., 1849; Maj., 1855; retired 1858). He succeeded his father as 7th baronet, 15 July 1854. He married, 18 June 1872 at St Mary, Bryanston Sq., Westminster (Middx), the Hon. Mary Agnes (1837-89), third daughter of Kenelm Somerville (1787-1864), 17th Lord Somerville, and had issue:

(1) Mary Biddulph (1873-95), born 4 April and baptised at Birdingbury, 6 May 1873; died unmarried at Portsea (Hants), 8 January 1895; her will was proved 23 April 1895 (effects £19,424);

(2) Sir Theophilus George Biddulph (1874-1948), 8th bt. (q.v.).

He inherited Birdingbury Hall from his father in 1854 and reconstructed it after a fire in 1859. He lived latterly at Mentone (France). His widow lived at Arnewood, Bournemouth (Hants).

He died at Mentone (France), 1 March, and was buried at Birdingbury, 13 March 1883; his will was proved 13 June 1883 (effects £7,018). His widow died at Southsea (Hants), 16 June, and was buried at Birdingbury, 21 June 1889; her will was proved 23 October 1889 (effects £2,349).

Biddulph, Sir Theophilus George (1874-1948), 8th bt. Only son of Sir Theophilus William Biddulph (1830-83), 7th bt., and his wife the Hon. Mary Agnes,  third daughter of Kenelm Somerville, 17th Lord Somerville, born in France, 3 April, and baptised at St John, Mentone (France), 25 April 1874. He succeded his father as 8th baronet, 1 March 1883, but appears not always to have used the title. He married, 21 September 1907 at Muckamore (Co. Antrim), Eleanor OBE (1877-1969), youngest daughter of Samuel Thompson of Muckamore Abbey (Co. Antrim), but had no issue.

He inherited Birdingbury Hall from his father in 1883, but sold it in 1914. He lived subsequently at Pavilion, Melrose (Roxburghs.), which he inherited from his mother's family.

He died 31 January 1948, when the baronetcy passed to his distant kinsman, Sir Francis Henry Biddulph (1882-1980), 9th bt., a grazier in Australia, whose great-grandson is the present holder of the title; he was cremated at Edinburgh, 3 February 1948 and his will was confirmed in June 1948 (estate £148,754). His widow died aged 92 on 19 August 1969 and her ashes were scattered at Birdingbury.

Principal sources

Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, 2003, pp. 374-75; R. Plot, Natural History of Staffordshire, 1686, p. 30; S. Shaw, The history and antiquities of Staffordshire, vol. 1, pt. 2, 1798, pp. 350-51; VCH Warwickshire, vol. 6, 1951, pp. 37-39; VCH Staffordshire, vol. 14, 1990, pp. 229-37; G. Tyack, Warwickshire Country Houses, 1994, pp. 229-30; S.K. Roberts, The history of Parliament: 1640-60, 2023, vol. 3, pp. 501-04.

Location of archives

Biddulph of Elmhurst: no significant accumulation is known to survive.

Biddulph of Birdingbury: miscellaneous papers, 18th-20th cents [Warwickshire Record Office CR1319]

Coat of arms

Vert an eagle displayed argent armed and langued gules, a canton of the second.

Can you help?

• Can anyone provide photographs or portraits of the people whose names appear in bold above, for whom no image is currently shown?
• If anyone can offer further information or corrections to any part of this article I should be most grateful. I am always particularly pleased to hear from current owners or the descendants of families associated with a property who can supply information from their own research or personal knowledge for inclusion.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 25 November 2025 and updated 27 November 2025.