Yeovil's Virtual Museum

Ann Batten

Ann née Brine, formerly Chaffey, widow of Edmund Batten

 

Other than her will, there is very little written evidence of Ann Batten.

She was born Ann Chaffey around 1766 in Somerset, probably at Stoke sub Hamdon, and almost certainly one of the nine children of Robert Chaffey of Stoke (1730-1808) and Susannah née Leach (1734-1811). She was certainly married at Stoke sub Hamdon, on 1 June 1801, to John Brine (also recorded, probably erroneously, as Brice) - gentleman of Abbas and Templecombe. The marriage, sadly, was not to last since John Brine died three years later and was buried at Templecombe on 24 January 1804. There were no children from the union.

On 21 April 1810, at Templecombe, 44-year-old Ann married 55-year-old Yeovil solicitor Edmund Batten. Their union did not produce children either. It is most likely that Hollands House was built for them as their residence, but by the time of Edmund's death on 6 January 1836, aged 80, Edmund and Ann Batten lived at Kingston House.

In the 1841 census Ann, together with her sister Hannah Chaffey (1767-1842), a male servant and two female servants, were recorded living in Kingston. Both sisters were recorded as being of independent means.

Ann Batten "of Kingston" died in Yeovil in 1845, aged 79. She was buried on 6 May 1845 in St John's churchyard.

 

 

The record of the 1810 marriage of Edmund Batten and Ann Brice from Pallot's Marriage Index.

 

... and the record of the 1810 marriage of Edmund Batten and Ann Brice from the Templecombe parish register.

 

It appears that the Battens were a Nonconformist family and this early colourised photograph dating to around 1900, of the western end of Vicarage Street looking towards Silver Street shows the Unitarian chapel at right. The chapel, rebuilt in 1809, was in use at this time.

 

Hollands House, south elevation, photographed in 2013. This was the home of Edmund and Ann Batten, certainly around 1830. Batten was recorded as the owner in poll books of 1832 and 1834.

 

By the time of his death on 6 January 1836, aged 80, Edmund and Ann Batten lived at Kingston House. On page 33 of the "Registry of Deaths of Persons Connected with the Unitarian Congregation, Yeovil" was noted in 1836 “Edmund Batten of Kingston House, Yeovil died, January 4th [sic]. Buried in Parish Church.” Kingston House, most recently the Park School, seen here from Kingston. Photographed in 2016.

 

The record of Ann's burial on 6 May 1845, from St John's burial register.

 

 

This is the last Will and Testament of me Ann Batten of Yeovil in the County of Somerset widow I give unto Emily daughter of John Batten Esquire the set of pearl ornaments and diamond ring which were purchased and given to me by my late husband Edmund Batten I give to the said John Batten my two Carriage houses together with the books plate and the double gold Eye Glass which were also given to me by my said late husband I give to my nephew John Brine the profile of my first husband John Brine and the rings and other articles put with it I give unto and equally between my nieces Mary Chaffey of Martock widow and Elizabeth the wife of my nephew Thomas Moore the rest of my trinkets and ornaments and also my wearing apparel I give to John the eldest son of my said nephew John Brine the watch and seal which belonged to my said first husband I give to my nephew John Moore the eight pictures in the Dining Room which were given to me by him I give to John Batten Junior all the household goods furniture and linen which were given to me by my said late husband I give and bequeath and by virtue of all powers now vested in me appoint to my brothers John Chaffey and Joseph Chaffey the sum of one hundred pounds each and to my nephews and nieces Thomas Brine John Moore Henry Moore Robert Moore Elizabeth the wife of Samuel Prat Eleanor the wife of William [Jesse?] Susannah the wife of Thomas Fawcett and the said Mary Chaffey Thomas Moore and Elizabeth his wife the sum of two hundred pounds apiece and to my nephew Robert Chaffey the sum of four hundred pounds And I direct that the said several legacies shall be paid at the expiration of twelve calendar months after my decease And in case the said Thomas Brine shall die in my lifetime I give and appoint his said legacy to his daughter Amelia [Sapham?] all my real estate and all the Residue and Remainder of my monies securities for money live and dead stock personal estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever not hereinbefore specifically disposed of including the wine and other liquors casks bottles cattle and other effects which were given to me by my said late husband Edmund Batten (except as aforesaid) I give devise and bequeath and by virtue of all powers in me vested appoint unto my said nephew Thomas Moore his heirs executors administrators and assigns for his and their own use and benefit And I appoint the said Thomas Moore sole Executor of this my will and I revoke all former wills In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one

Ann Batten

Signed sealed and declared by the said testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses

T M Benson       Joseph Davis

This is a Codicil to the will of me Ann Batten of Yeovil in the County of Somerset widow which wills bears date the 13th day of November 1841 whereas I have by my said will given to my niece Elizabeth Prat a legacy of two hundred pounds but in having this day paid and given to her the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds I do hereby revoke the said legacy of two hundred pounds so given as aforesaid and in lieu thereof do hereby give and bequeath to the said Elizabeth Prat the sum of eighty pounds And I confirm my said will in all other respects In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty three

Ann Batten

Signed sealed and declared by the said testatrix as and for a codicil to her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses

Edmund Mullins, Clerk to Mr Jn Batten Sol[icito]r Yeovil
Joseph Davies Servant to Mr Batten

Proved at London with a codicil 27th April 1846 before the Judge and the oath of Thomas Moore the nephew the sole Executor to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted having been first sworn by Com[missi]on duly to administer.

Transcribed by Bob Osborn