Taunton Courier 30 May 1923 West Somerset Genealogy Mr Justice William DUDDERIDGE of Norton Fitzwarren and Staplegrove and Sarah ATKINS of Skilgate

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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal and Western Advertiser Wednesday 30 May 1923

Page 10 Column 4


WEST SOMERSET GENEALOGY.

By S.E.D.

MR. JUSTICE WILLIAM DUDDERIDGE, COMMONLY STYLED “MY LORD.”

Mr. Justice William DUDDERIDGE, of Norton Fitzwarren and Staplegrove, was the third son of John DUDDERIDGE, of Norton Fitzwarren, by Annie, his wife, daughter of George COLES, of Norton Fitzwarren. He was born at Norton Fitzwarren, baptised there 2nd September, 1787, married Sarah, the daughter of John ATKINS, of Skilgate. by Alice SHOPLAND, his wife, of Ashbrittle, and had issue twelve children, all of whom died early with the exception of the youngest, John DUDDERIDGE. of Staplegrove and Durdham Down, Bristol. He was a flax merchant, buying crops of flax as they stood in the fields, and employing his workmen to prepare it. In addition, he was landlord of that former well-known thatched hostel at Staplegrove.,The Pig and Whistle, with its painted sign depicting the same, and a pear tree outside with accommodating seats around. This building was demolished, about 1855, to make room for the “Steep Roof Cottages,” which occupy its site. In appearance he was very dark, had a dimple on his chin, and was a born leader of his fellows. He and his wife were commonly styled “My Lord “ and “My Lady,” which titles they bore till their deaths, from the following circumstances: The old Norton Fitzwarren Club used always to be held on May 29th, and upon this occasion “My Lord” always acted as Justice of the Peace for the day. Anyone found fighting, getting intoxicated, or otherwise misbehaving themselves, their names were booked, and the next day apprehended. Early that morning, Mr Justice DUDDERIDGE proceeded on circuit with his attendants from Staplegrove to Norton, to hold his Court at the Ring of Bells, where a jury was empanelled, over which his lordship presided, always invested in a large red tablecloth to add to the dignity of his office. The delinquents were now arraigned before the Court, and sentences meted out to each according to the gravity of their offence. Light cases were fined by having to pay for the refreshments of the Court, but graver cases were sentenced to the stocks, or even to hanging! To carry out this latter sentence the defendants had a rope placed under their arms, by which they were drawn up to one of the branches of the apple trees in the orchard behind the hostel. After were considered to have paid the penalty of their offence, they were cut down and set free. But to see half a dozen men thus suspended was ludicrous in the extreme. Upon one occasion his lordship sentenced his elder brother, George, a man of remarkably wide shoulder, nearly ten years his senior, popularly known as “Buggins,” who died at Norton in 1849, aged 72, to the stocks, which stood in the Norton pound. But “Buggins” was too sharp for them. It is true he allowed himself to be fastened in, but immediately the backs of his persecutors were turned, he took a key from his pocket, unlocked the stocks, and, jumping out. to the surprise of all, was in the hostel almost as soon as his custodians. This Court was no farce having been in existence for some time before Lord DUDDERIDGE was appointed justice, his immediate predecessor being known as Lord Popham, and appeared necessary as a guarantee of good order on the day of Revel. Mr. Justice DUDDERIDGE was quite a character in his way. His dog, named Whistle, once had a remarkable fight with a travelling monkey. He died at Slaplegrove, Christmas, 1864. aged 77. After his funeral his son took her ladyship with him to Durdham Down, Bristol, but she only survived her lord a fortnight, and was buried in Bristol. John DUDDERIDGE also died in Bristol. He married, but left no surviving issue, and so his line became extinct. But he was unfortunate. Falling one day over a wheelbarrow he so injured his leg that amputation became necessary, and for the remainder of his days was burdened with a cork substitute. Pat GILES, Lady DUDDERIDGE's well-known maid, married William CASTLE, foreman to Yeoman Charles TURNER of Staplegrove.


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