Canonsleigh House

[maddys52]

Also noted yesterday this interesting snippet from a letter to the editor describing the ruins of the Canonsleigh Abbey:
"The building which stands on a hill at a little distance, and bears the appearance of a part of the ruins, is a modern erection, having been placed there, as a pleasure-house, by one of the proprietors of Canonsleigh."
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. (Jan. 25, 1840)

"modern" meaning not of the same age as the original Abbey ie C12.

I see that not all the house burnt down in 1820 and that 2 wings survive
https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDV20710&resourceID=104

[hanes teulu]

The history of Devonshire in three volumes. By the Rev. Richard Polwhele, of Polwhele in Cornwall, and late of Christchurch, Oxford
Printed by Trewman & Son, M,DCC,XCIII (1793)

In 1658, Columb died in possession of Canonleigh. This place has since been the property of James Smith, esq. and W. Breton, knt. by purchase. And J. Browne**, esq. its present proprietor (by purchase) hath converted it into a handsome seat. There are some remains of the old monastery, which make a considerable figure in the gardens.

** Chapple's MS

Various versions of the name - Canonsleigh, Canons Leigh, Canonleigh, Leigh or Leigh Canonicorum, Mincheneleya

[hanes teulu]

search google for "google books magna britannia vol VI devonshire part II"

Amongst the hits it should return a searchable version - check for Canonleigh (no "s")

[hanes teulu]

Just to add, that J. Broome esq. mentioned in 1804 I think is an error. John Browne was the owner then, the father of the Thomas Browne you mentioned.

Bath Chronicle & Weekly Gazette, 12 Dec 1793
"To be LETT, at Lady Day next (for such a term of years as may be agreed on)
CANON's LEIGH HOUSE (late the residence of John Brown, esq. deceased)"

The advert includes a detailed description of the property and holdings.

Re. Sir William Breton, knt. -
Salisbury & Winchester Journal, 15 Feb 1773
DIED - ...; Sir William Breton, one of the Grooms of the Bedchamber, and Privy Purse Bearer to his Majesty ..."

Finding reference to the Smith's period of occupation proving somewhat elusive!

[pinefamily]

Thank you very much to both of you for all of these snippets of information.
Yes, the Smith era is proving vrry hard to pin down in relation to the property.
Plenty of info on James' career as an MP, and his daughters' marriages.
From what I understand, his father or possibly grandfather, purchased the property in 1658. The earliest reference I've found otherwise is James Smyth esq. of Canonsleigh, in 1710. That would be the MP.
John Browne married a granddaughter of James Smyth's coincindentally.

[hanes teulu]

Checked out James Smith M.P. in "Parliament online" in case any biographical details.

https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1715-1754/constituencies/taunton#constituency-elections

"Elected!!" 1715 and returned 1722, did not stand 1727.

https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1715-1754/member/smith-james-1681-1734

A few biographical details.

[hanes teulu]

FindMyPast Baptisms (transcription/image)

James Smyth, 3 Nov 1681, place Great Torrington, parents James and Fraunces

[StintonLomas]

Hi
Old maps often give a picture as well.
https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/Map/306686/117371/12/100687

As does G Maps.
https://goo.gl/maps/CcnJ6xvKZRo2xZHE7
Obviously the quarry shown on the oldmap is now somewhat larger.

and Streetview.
https://goo.gl/maps/WC7tdioqE8sda2p78
https://goo.gl/maps/VDzx4UsYQbcXYdaC9
https://goo.gl/maps/SSkuHMfqUJodS4wN9

The tower like building certainly looks old

[pinefamily]

A belated thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. Each piece of information has helped in different ways.
The Browne family have a connection to James Smith through his daughter Margaret apparently, but I have yet to prove it.
I have come across a newspaper article that says James Smith senior purchased Canonsleigh in the 1670's. This is different to the 1658 I found in an article, but makes more sense, as some of the Culme family appear to still be iving there in the 1660's.
My own connection seems to be a little more remote. I have a John Smith/Smyth of Great Torrington and Bideford who is the father of my ancestor Rebecca. How he is related to James senior I have yet to prove, but suspect he is a brother.
Once again, many thanks.