My maternal g.g.grandfather was GEORGE BREWER born circa 1858 in Bath. In his
teens he was sent to a Reformatory School at Kingswood (presumably Bristol)
and a Training Ship. I have a photograph of him wearing a naval type uniform
'of the day' when aged I will guess, circa 13 - 14yrs.. .
I have an original (albeit rather tattered) legal document which amounts to a
ROYAL PARDON. It is addressed to K. Bartram, Esq., (Barrister at Law) 5.
Northumberland Buildings, Bath.
It reads as follows.
Whitehall. 13 February 1873
Sir:
19.755
The Secretary of State for the Home Department having considered your
application in behalf of GEORGE BREWER, I have the satisfaction to acquaint
you that he has felt warranted under all the circumstances in advising Her
Majesty to remit the remainder of the prisoner's sentence.
I am Sir,
Your Obedient Servant.
Family rumour has it that at a time (date unknown) prior to George Brewer
being 'sent down' - the River Avon at Bath had flooded parts of the City. The
story goes that young George saw a person drowning and
heroically/successfully dived into the flooded Avon to rescue that person.
For this act I am told The City of Bath awarded him a Parchment Manuscript in
recognition of his brave act.
It would appear that at an Appeal in regard to Reform School 'Sentence', the
aforementioned Parchment was produced, and on the strength of this the ROYAL
PARDON was granted.
Does a List Member have an idea where/how I might find evidence of the City
of Bath presenting GEORGE BREWER with a Parchment Manuscript - presumably at
a date prior to 13th. February 1873.
Alec Palmer.
ii. iii. mmii.