1852 Victorian Vellum Conveyance Trowbridge Wiltshire Coleman Wilcockson Rebecca Rogers James Kemp Dwelling houses Wax Seal Antique Deed
2 pages Approximately 22" by 28”
1852 Victorian Conveyance of Dwellinghouses — Parish of Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Mr. John Coleman & Mortgagees to Mr. James Kemp | Dated 21st December 1852 | Consideration: £315
A substantial multi-sheet vellum indenture dated 21st December 1852, conveying two cottages, tenements, or dwellinghouses with appurtenances in the Parish of Trowbridge, County of Wiltshire, from Mr. John Coleman and his mortgagees — principally Daniel Wilcockson and Rebecca Rogers — to Mr. James Kemp of Trowbridge, Draper, for the full consideration of £315.
The Transaction:
The conveyance arises from a complex prior mortgage arrangement. John Coleman had previously mortgaged the two Trowbridge dwellinghouses to Daniel Wilcockson and Rebecca Rogers for £400 by an Indenture of Mortgage dated 29th December 1847. The current sale pays off the mortgage and conveys the properties to the purchaser, James Kemp, with all parties joining in the deed. Rebecca Rogers executes the document by her mark (×), as an illiterate party — a notable social history detail. John Coleman similarly executes by mark. The document contains full covenants for quiet enjoyment, title, and further assurance in favor of James Kemp his heirs and assigns forever.
Prior Title — Abstract of Deeds Referenced:
— 3rd and 4th April 1813: Indentures of Lease and Release — Thomas Glass (2nd part) and John Coleman (3rd part); Willis Pawnbroker (2nd part)
— Statutory Indenture of Release (c.1842): Multiple parties including James Curtis Taunton, Elizabeth Taunton, John Foley and Mary his wife, Thomas Perry, and Mary Taunton — conveying the two tenements to John Coleman and his heirs; declaration that no woman should be entitled to dower out of the properties
— 29th December 1847: Indenture of Mortgage — John Coleman to Daniel Wilcockson and Rebecca Rogers for £400 at interest
Significant Parties:
∙ Daniel Wilcockson — mortgagee; resident of Derby at time of signing; a Derbyshire man holding a mortgage on Trowbridge property suggests wider investment networks; signed in full and separately receipted for £315 consideration
∙ Rebecca Rogers — mortgagee, executing by mark (×); an illiterate woman holding a significant £400 mortgage interest — a remarkable female property investor for the period; witnessed by James Harris and William Foley
∙ John Coleman — mortgagor and grantor; executes by mark (×) — an illiterate tradesman; prior title shows the property passed to him through a multi-party settlement in 1842 involving the Taunton and Foley families of Trowbridge
∙ James Kemp — purchaser; of Trowbridge, Draper; the Kemp family were established Trowbridge tradespeople; this document represents a significant property acquisition
∙ William Foley — witness, Clerk to Messrs. C. Bush & Son, Solicitors, Trowbridge — the Bush solicitor firm was prominent in mid-Victorian Wiltshire conveyancing
∙ George Henry Rukeman of Derby, Station Master — witness to Wilcockson’s signing; the Derby railway connection and Station Master witness is a vivid mid-Victorian social history detail, reflecting the early railway age
∙ James Aspinall of Derby, Innkeeper — second Derby witness
Physical Description:
Two large vellum sheets with elaborate engraved blackletter “This Indenture” heading bearing a Royal Arms stamp. Written in fine mid-Victorian copperplate and engrossing hand with red ruling lines throughout. Bears four intact red wax seals on green paper wafers — one each for Daniel Wilcockson, Rebecca Rogers, John Coleman (by mark), and James Kemp. Receipts for £315 signed by Daniel Wilcockson and Rebecca Rogers with multiple witnesses. Documents are complete, continuous, and tied together. Age-appropriate toning and fold wear. Overall condition very good for a document of 170+ years.
Provenance: Private collection. Part of a continuous Trowbridge solicitor’s property archive. Direct from England.