Thomas Swarbrick - organ builder

[jds1949]

I am researching Thomas Swarbrick born about 1675 who was an church organ maker working in and around Warwickshire in the early 18th century. It has been suggested that he is connected to the Swarbrick family who were at Brailes from the 1590s until at least the 1680s; unfortunately there does not seem to be any recorded baptism that would fit. I have all of the records relating to this family from FamilySearch, but if anyone out there has any record of a Thomas Swarbrick born in Warwickshire between 1670 and 1680 I'd be glad to hear about it.

There was also a Henry Swarbrick who was the organist at Hereford Cathedral who was - reputedly - a nephew. Again, if anyone can make the connection I'd be grateful. [I already have the reference from the History of Hereford Cathedral which states the relationship - but offers no evidence.]

Thanks in advance,

jds1949

[jim1]

Have you looked at the Swarbrook(e) families in Warwick.There's a Thomas b.1675.

jim

[jds1949]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your reply - do you have any more details on that birth? Which church in Warwick was it?

jds1949

[jim1]

Thomas Swarbrook b.1.9.1675/ch.17.9.1675 at St.Mary's Warwick/father Trubshaw Swarbrook.
There are other hatches,matches & dispatches at St.Mary's also St.Nicolas's Warwick.The names varies from Swarbrick to Swarbrook,Swarbrooke & Swarbrock.

jim

[jds1949]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for that - I had Trubshaw, born in 1633 and baptised at Brailes, whose father was also Trubshaw, but I did not have any information on whether or not he also had issue. I think you may have solved part one of my puzzle - the parents/family of Thomas the organ builder - now all I have to do is find out what these Swarbricks were doing in Warwickshire and how/if they connect back to the main cluster of Swarbrick families in Lancashire.

Thank you again for your help,

jds1949

[jds1949]

I am now returning to this family after a short break - I am now concentrating on Henry Swarbrick, son of William Swarbrick, farmer of Winderton, Brailes. In 1682 he was apprenticed to Matthew Williams, joiner of London. That would mean that Henry should have been born sometime between 1660 and 1670. I have a William 1637 - 1713 with children baptised at Brailes - but no record of a son Henry!

If anyone has a sighting of a Henry Swarbrick - son of William - baptised in/around Brailes between 1660 and 1670 I would love to know about it.

Henry was recorded as building organ cases for Thomas and may or may not have been the same man who was the organist at Hereford from 1720.

Thanks for any help,

jds1949

[jim1]

If you can't find him how do you know he had a father called William?
jim

[jds1949]

Hi Jim,

His apprenticeship papers named his father as William Swarbrick of Winderton, Farmer. I've found seven, possibly eight children of William from Anna in 1663 to William in 1676 - all baptised at Brailes - but no Henry.

jds1949

[jim1]

It may be one of the sons was called Henry but christened under another name.
Was apprenticed in London or Warks?