Introduction

Robert Eastment owned a cottage at Hardington Marsh but held only a small amount of land. He identified himself as an “Independent” in the census of 1841, but his financial situation was probably precarious. After his wife died in 1847, he was admitted to the workhouse. Their only daughter, Marianne, married Matthew Bartlett, who became the landlord of the New Inn.

Birth

Robert was born in about 1777 at Hardington, the second of eight children born to Roger and Edith Eastment. His father, Roger, was a farmer who left an estate valued at £1,500 upon his death in 1811. However, the bulk of his estate went to his eldest son, John.[1]

Marriage

On 23 December 1806, Robert married Mary Guppy at Hardington. At the time, Robert was about 29 years old, and Mary was around 44. Mary was heavily pregnant, and their daughter Marianne was baptised on March 28, 1807.

Inheritances and property

In 1817, Robert inherited a “decayed cottage” in Shortmarsh Lane from his uncle, Dennis Eastment, and the residue of his estate. His uncle’s estate was valued at “under £600”, and he left legacies to nieces, nephews and great-nephews.[2]

After the death of his mother on 19 September 1820, Robert inherited £30 under the terms of his father’s will.[3]

From 1832 to 1847, Robert was recorded as a freeholder on the voting list. The tithe survey recorded him as the owner-occupier of Vale Farm farmhouse (plot 682), and a small plot (plot 685), while he also occupied another small plot owned by Lord Ilchester (plot 586).

Daughter

Robert and Mary had one daughter, Marianne, born around 1807. Marianne married Matthew Bartlett on February 21, 1828, and the couple occupied part of Robert and Mary’s house. The 1841 census shows the two adjacent households, although Matthew was away from home at the time. The census listed Robert as independent.

Death

Mary died in December 1846, at the age of 85. After her death, Robert entered the workhouse, while Marianne and her family moved to Hardington Moor. Robert died in the workhouse on Christmas Eve 1853, at the age of about 76.[4] His body was returned to Hardington for burial on 27 December.

References

[1] IR26/290/443. Edith Eastment left her entire estate to her son, John.

[2] The will of Dennis Eastment, dated 3 June 1815, proved at Wells on 30 March 1818. The “decayed cottage” may have been the later Vale Farm farmhouse.

[3] The will of Roger Eastment, proved 1811.

[4] Civil Registration Death Index (age recorded as 77); Hardington burial register (age recorded as 75).