Bisham isn't part of our patch but going to the Bull Inn across the river in Bisham for a drink was a common activity for Marlow people and we have a weakness for old innkeepers so couldn't resist including Thomas and Elizabeth Smith.
The grave proudly states that Thomas was "many years landlord of the Bull Inn" Bisham. The stone is also in honour of his wife Elizabeth.
Thomas died February 1833, in the 69th year of his age and Elizabeth died January 1849 in the 68th year of her age the grave says.
The will of Thomas proved 1833 calls Elizabeth his "dear wife". She received all his household furniture and effects including his plate [silver], linen, china, and wearing apparel not to mention his stock of wines and liquors.
His daughter Sarah wife of Thomas Fenner, farmer of Bisham was left £100 invested in 3.5℅ stocks.
Executors of the will were his friends John Badger and Richard Shelton, both of Bisham who received £10 each in compensation for their trouble.
All residual property to wife Elizabeth.
The will was witnessed by Marlow solicitor John Wright and his clerk W Jackson who had probably been there drawing up the will.
Elizabeth became landlady of the Bull after her husband's death. She appears as such in Kelly's Directory for 1847 for instance.
For the grave of Richard Shelton and more about him (tragic) see here.
Look at the option on the menu for any other Bisham Scraps we have gathered and for a link to an excellent podcast on Bisham History.
See Pub Related on the menu for Marlow, Little Marlow, Medmenham, Handy Cross and Lane End pub history posts.
Sources:
Will of Thomas Smith, PCC, held at the National Archives. Transcribed by me.
Kelly's Directory 1847 published by Kelly's Directories Limited. Digitized by Google.
Gravestone Bisham churchyard.
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