Robert Leach was a retired farmer living in North Lane in 1861, 1871 and 1881.

Early life

Robert was born at Thorne Coffin in about 1817, the son of John and Maria Leach. His father died in 1824, leaving Robert 12 acres at Thorne Coffin on trust for him and the remaining interest in the remainder of his property on the death of Robert’s mother (who did not die until 1862). His personal estate was valued at under £300.

On 25 July 1839, Robert married Ann Taylor of East Chinnock. There was a marriage settlement (referred to in his will). In June 1841, Robert was a farmer at Thorne Coffin. In about 1848 or 1849, Robert and his family moved to Coker Hill, West Coker; a year or two later they moved to East Chinnock. In March 1851, Robert was a farmer of eleven acres at Sandhill, East Chinnock.

Life at Hardington

Between late 1855 and December 1857, Robert retired from farming and moved to Hardington.

When he died on 8 November 1883 aged 66, Robert left an estate with a net value of £713-2s-1s. He left legacies of £20 each to nine of his children and the remainder on trust for all eleven equally. His widow died on 25 July 1885, aged 68.

Robert and Ann had five sons and six daughters.