Severnes of Derby

[kaarsen]

I have been interested to follow the 'thread' about the Severnes and Mary Ann Crocomb(e)/Crocorne.
I too am particularly interested in Thomas And Mary Ann and the Brixton Farm, Laugharne poisonings in 1850.  I had been trying to trace Mary Ann before marriage and so was interested to read the facts from other people's research.  By chance, I know what is now the Broadmarsh area of Nottingham - a rather run-down shopping centre with plans for redevelopment that coincided with the financial 'downturn' near to the Lacemarket area.
Around 1840 (close to Mary Ann's marriage) the pubs in the area seem to have been the Black's Head, the Blue Ball and the (Old) Royal Oak. Directories for 1840, 1841 and 1858 show these pubs but there is no sign of a John Crocorne/Crocomb.  If anyone finds out more, I would be very interested.

[Silmaril]

Looking through material gathered in a trip to Derby's resource centre this summer, I have re-discovered some poetry attributed to Francis Leigh Severne. The following is my transcription of a mid to late 19th century antiquarian and of the verses themselves...

Francis Severne

This gentleman is descended from a family long seated in Derby. His chief, if not his only, contributions to literature were some <illegible word> pieces of poetry which appeared perhaps 30 years ago in a publication called the “Englishman” edited by Mr George Milner and published by Mr Bemrose of Derby. Although devoid of similies and imagery they were marked by great <chastness?> and beauty and in their day were much admired by many excellent judges of the poetic art. The following is a very good specimen of Mr Severne’s style.

The dead – the dead decay;
And those warm cheeks with health and beauty glowing,
And those dear lips with kindness ever flowing
Must fade and pass away.

The dead – the dead decay;
And that fair brow, those spirit beaming eyes
Which seem but to reflect those deep blue skies
Must die and fade away.

The dead – the dead decay;
And that light form of Beauty’s chastest mould
In the white shroud of burial must be roll’d;
Even that must pass away.

The dead – the dead decay;
And those small fingers delicate and white
Which make sweet music oft for my delight
Must die and pass away.

The dead – the dead decay;
I shall become all stark and ghastly cold,
And o’er my limbs the black earth shall be roll’d
I too shall pass away.

[Crunwere]

Silmaril - thanks for that - a great find - thought a bit sombre isn't it? 

Never knew he wrote poetry.

[Silmaril]

This update includes further information regarding Thomas Severne, the final resting place of Henry De Milt Severne and a third chapter following Daniel Lucas to Birmingham.

[sev77]

Francis Severne was farming at Creevagh until at least 1861.  He seemed to be tutoring (latin) his son Henry, who showed promise as a scholar.

[Silmaril]

They seem to have named their property in New Zealand after Creevagh in Ireland ...

DEATHS.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13168, 26 July 1911, Page 2

SEVERNE -
On July 13 1911 at her residence "Creevagh Cottage",
Hampden Street, Nelson, Caroline Bingham, relict of
the late Francis Severne, in her 82nd year.

[Silmaril]

For anybody interested ... found on auction in America, an oil painting of Thomas SEVERNE, father of Francis SEVERNE (Jeweller). Description given is ...

Portrait of Thomas Severne, oil on canvas, unsigned, inscribed "Thos Leverne, Agd. 50, 1796, Derby, Oct 30th - Dec 1808" on verso, 28 x 25 in., framed

This portrait is included in the last Bloodline update (see above)

[Silmaril]

Visit to Torquay cemetery in Devon, UK.

The grave of Henry De Milt Severne (in foreground) and a close-up of the inscription partly hidden by the overhang on the left hand side.

[Silmaril]

Severne Tree Update

Incorporating some of the latest findings, in particular the identity of Francis Leigh Severne's paternal grandmother.