| This bible has spent a good part of its
life in Oporto, Portugal. It is believed to have belonged to Edward Wilby, 1762-1829, of
Dewsbury in Yorkshire. The bible eventually descended to the family of one of Edward's daughters,
Mary Elizabeth, 1809-1889, who married James Rawes of Oporto, but Edward's eldest daughter Ann
inherited the bible. Ann married her cousin William Wilby of Oporto, the son of Henry Wilby, Edward's
elder brother. Ann died in 1832 and William died in 1881. It is believed that their eldest son Henry
Edward Wilby, 1823-1888, inherited the bible, as the little card itemized below, suggests that
he passed it to Lavinia his sister who lived and died in Oporto without issue. It is assumed that
Lavinia gave the bible to my great grandfather Francis Curteis Rawes of Oporto 1835-1925. Francis's
mother was Mary Elizabeth Wilby, Ann's younger sister.
The bible, now in my possession (Julian Rawes), is in a very poor condition with the title page and several missing pages of a concordance at the back of the book. The bible was originally bound in decorated calf skin, only the front board remains. The title would have read: ' The Book of Common Prayer, and administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. Printed Oxford by Thomas Baskett 1758 by the University'. Some way into the book is a second title page reading: 'The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments.' The bible has been restored. (Portugal Line). |
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[Birth details are written on the page facing the inner or second title page, appears to be written in one
hand.]
April 10th Ann Wilby Daughter of Edw Wilby was Born at half paste seven O clock in the Morning 1795 Baptised
May 26th Sureties John Sigston Mrs Martha Charelsworth & Sarah Naylor
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Januarey 22th Georg Wilby Son of Edw Wilby was Born at one O clock at Noon 1797 Baptised May 19th Sureties Mr James Knowele & George Naylor & Hannah Naylor
Sepr 2th George Wilby Departed this Life aged 5 years & 6 monthes & 20 Days
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Novemr 12th Sarah Wilby was born at 6 O clock in the morning 1798 Baptised 25th Decembr Sureties Jonh Wilby
Sarah Naylor & Hanah Normington
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sept 12th Jonathan Wilby was born at half past Eleven O clock in the morning 1800 Baptised 26 Decembr Sureties John Heald Thomas Chaster & Robt[?] Naylor April 29th Jonathan Wilby Departed this 1st year of his age
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jany 24th Mary Wilby was born at Eleven O clock at Night 1802 Baptised April 19th Sureties John Heald Phebe Senier Mary Heaton
Feby 20th Departed this Life in the third year of his age
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Decr 26th Edw Wilby was born at Eight O clock at Night 1803 Baptised Feby 11th Sureties Wm Croft J[?] Naylor Susey Keel
Notes:-
The birth entries continue to the end of the page and there is no room for or mention of their further three
children; Mary Elizabeth born 30th June 1809 baptised 30th July, Jane Emma baptised 14th January 1811, Richard
Samuel born 2nd December 1812 baptised 7th December. Perhaps the missing entries were on another sheet that has
since been lost.
Mary Elizabeth, Edward and Mary's daughter, married James Rawes of
Oporto, Portugal in 1835.
Charelsworth could be read as 'Chardsworth'.
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[A small coloured card marks the place of the birth entries. This attractive card is decorated with fuchsias
and is inscribed with 'Wishing you a Happy Christmas'. On the back is written:] For Lavinia / From H. E. Wilby / 25th Decr 1885
Notes:-
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