Hi Ciderdrinker
I think the Bennett family I am looking for is related to the one you mention who came out of Wiltshire, but that they are a junior branch of that family.
John C Bennett wrote in 2008:
"The Bennetts of St. James Parish, Shaftesbury, were tanners since 1539; but by 1658 there were several branches, and we can be certain only that the top line of the family were still tanners at that date. The family was probably descended from Bennett of Pythouse[10], Tisbury, Wiltshire--landowners and agents of Crown and Church in south Wiltshire since 1225. It makes sense a St. James Bennett would marry the daughter of the shoemaker, who would certainly have crafted boots of tannery leather. There are a few options for her possible parents: Thomas Bennett (Tanner) and Joane?, Robert Bennett Sr. (a tanner?) and Mary?, Anthony Bennett (occupation unknown) and Elizabeth, or John Bennett and Unknown [...] I have done further research on the Bennet tanners of Shaftesbury St. James. It is believed they stemmed from the Bennetts of Pythouse before 1540. My ancestors moved from Shaftesbury St. James to Fontmell Magna circa 1680 to work at the Fulling Mill at Springhead (Estmill). Their descendants came back to Shaftesbury as tanners in the mid-18th century. These were the ancestors of Charles James Fox Bennett, Premier of Newfoundland."
I have tried to find more posts and/or a family tree by John C Bennett with no luck. The ancestor of Charles James Fox Bennett that he mentions is a John Bennett, Quaker, who I believe is the brother of Walter's father, Thomas.
My difficulty at the moment is trying to prove that the John Bennett born c 1756, cordwainer, who ended up in Southampton is indeed the son of Walter Bennett and Jane Clench from Fontmell Magna/St James, Shaftesbury. DNA has proved our connection with the Southampton Bennetts, now I would like to take it back a step further.
Thanks again
Denise