Bristol Potters - D

Research by Reg Jackson

DICKASON John

The son of Robert Dickason of Bristol, sailor (A).

1715	26 Aug. He was apprenticed to Henry and Hannah Hobbs (A).

DICKSON Thomas

See the Potteries section for the Brislington Pottery.

Thomas Dickson succeeded his wife Sarah Bennett II at the Brislington Pottery. It is not known how long he was involved with the Pottery although he is recorded as exporting pottery until at least 1721. Also it is not known when Thomas Taylor became involved in the operation of the Brislington Pottery. Between 1723 and 1729 he had three children baptised in Brislington church and the Brislington Highway Rates for 1722-23 record ‘Taylor at ye pothouse’. In the Poll Books of 1734 and 1739 he was listed as a gallypotmaker at Brislington.

1690-c1723	Thomas Dickson ran the Brislington Pottery.
c1723-33	Thomas Dickson and Thomas Taylor may have been in partnership at the Brislington Pottery. However, Thomas Dickson may have retired from the Pottery by 1723 or was helping to finance the operation until his death.

Dickson died in 1733 and Thomas Taylor carried on alone at the Brislington Pottery.

He was the widower of Sarah Bennett II who was the daughter of Robert Bennett II and the step-daughter of Robert Wastfield.

1662	13 Jun. The birth of Thomas Dickson, son of Miles and Joan Dickson (QR SF/R1/2).
1685	1 Mar. Thomas Dickson of this city, linendraper, and Sarah Bennet, signified their intention of marriage and desire to accomplish the same in the way and manner of Friends. Joan Dixson mother of the said Thomas is present and doth approve of such their intentions. The guardians of Sarah also have signified their consent to this preceeding viz. James Cole, Richard Sneed, and Thomas Callowhill (QR SF/A7/1).
1685	15 Mar. Thomas Dixson in pursuance of his former proposals of Marriage with Sarah Bennet attended this meeting and nothing appearing to us meet to obstruct them they have the consent of the meeting to publish ye banns amongst Friends as have been usual (QR SF/A7/1).
1685	1 Apr. Thomas Dickson married Sarah Bennett (QR). Sarah was the daughter of Robert II and Sarah Bennett and step-daughter of Robert Wastfield.
1690	26 Oct. Sarah Dickson of Trinity parish wife of Thomas, buried (QR).
1694	19 Oct. This Indenture Triptite made the nineteenth day of October in the Sixth yeere of the Reigne of our Sovereigne Lord and Lady William and Mary … Anno Dom. 1694 Between Thomas Dickson of the City of Bristoll Linendraper and John Bennett of the Same City Cooper Brother and heire of Robert Bennett the younger late of Brislington … Gallypotmaker deceased who was eldest Son and heire of Robert Bennett the elder late of the Same place Gallypotmaker dec’d of the first pte Charles Jones the younger of the same City aforesaid mchant and James Crofts of the Same City mchant of the second part And William Day of the Middle Temple London Gent of the third part Whereas the said Thomas Dickson (as Haveing intermarried with Sarah the only child of the said Robert Bennett the younger who is Since dead and as haveing had issue by her which is Since likewise dead) claimeth an estate for terme of his naturall life By Courtesy of England of and in the Sevall lands and hereditamts hereinafter released and conveyed with their apptenances The revcon and inheritance whereof to the Said John Bennett and the heires of his body belongeth witnesseth now this indenture. That for the ending of all Suites and differences between the said Thomas Dickson and John Bennett touching the Same lands and pmisses and for docking the entayle of and in the Said premises And for ten Shillings of Lawfull money of England to them the Said Thomas Dickson and John Bennett in hand by the Said William Day well and truly satisfied and paid … They the said Thomas Dickson and John Bennett have and either of them hath granted bargained Sold aliened enfeoffed released conveyed and confirmed And by these psents doe and either of them doth grante bargaine sell alien and enfeoffe release convey and confirme to the said William Day … All that pcell of pasture ground now divided into three closes upon part whereof was lately erected a messuage and tenemt wherein the Said Robert Bennett the elder lately dwelt with other housing thereto adjoining and belonging Scituate lying and being in Birtchwood within the Said pish of Brislington … conteyning in the whole by estimatcon twelve acres (be it more or less) heretofore in the occupacon of one Thomas Woodroofe and afterwards of Mary Browne widow and late in the tenure of the Said Robert Bennett the elder who purchased the Same (amongst other lands) of and from Rowland Lacy of Shipton under Whitchwood in the County of Oxon. Esq Att and under the yearly fee farme rent of Three pounds Seaventeen Shillings and ten pence … And alsoe All that messuage tenemt and Cottage Scituate and being in Brislington … aforesaid called or knowne by the name of the Royall oake late in the tenure or accupacon of one Thomas Watts Also all that one close of meadow or pasture ground commonly called or knowne by the name of the Moore conteyning by estmacon two acres (be it more or less) with the withy bed in or neere the Same ground and belonging thereunto And bounded with the land now or late of William Shelton on or towards the East part, the land now or late of Henry Suttons on or towards the west part of the River of Avon there on or towards the north part and the Land now or late of the said Robert Bennett the elder next after menconed on or towards the South pte thereof And Alsoe All that one other close or meadow or pasture ground commonly called or knowne by the name of the Moore conteyning by estimacon two acres (be it more or less) with the withy bed to the Same alsoe adjoining and belonging bounded with the land of Thomas Daniel on or towards the East pte the said River of Avon on or towards the north pte and the land now or late of the said Robert Bennett the elder on or towards the South pte thereof All which Said messuage or tenemt Cottage and closes of ground last menconed are lying and being at or near the Said place called Birtchwood within the pish of Brislington … and were purchased by the said Robert Bennett the younger of and from Elizabeth Shelton of London widow and William Shelton of London mchant tayler her Son … To the uses intents and purposes hereinafter menconed (that is to say) To the use of the Said Thomas Dickson for and dureing the terme of his naturall life and from and after his decease To the use of the said John Bennett his heires and Assignes forever and to none other use intent or purpose whatsoever … [signed] Thomas Dickson John Bennett Charles Jones James Croft Wm. Daye. (SRO DD/BR/tb 7)
1696	He married Sarah Reynolds (QR).
1707	3 Nov. At the request of the Meeting 30th of 2nd mo. past, moving this meeting to intercede between Thomas Dixon and Thomas Frank; Charles Jones, Edward Lloyd, Peter Young and Richard Champion, to entreat Thomas Dixon and Thomas Frank to agree and end the differences between themselves, or to choose two or more indifferent persons to hear and deliberate the same and return what it effects to the next meeting (Copy of Pountney 1920, annotated by the author, Bristol City Museum).
1707-14	He was described as a gallypotmaker (A).
1707-21	He was exporting earthenware to Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados and Boston (PB-EXP). (Note: not all Port Books have been studied).
1718	15 May. Agreed … with Thomas Dickson that in consideration of a surrender to be by him made of a Messuage late Allice Huntington now in the tenure of Ann Phillipps as tenant to the said Thomas Dickson from Lady day last for 99 yeares … (Temple Ag 3(1)). See also Alice Huntington.
1733	7 Sep. Thomas Dickson buried (QR).
1734	14 May. He was deceased when his apprentice, John Bush, took his freedom (F, G).
	He took as apprentice: With his wife Sarah: Daniel Snow, 28 Dec 1707 (A,Ar) – 6 Apr 1715 (F, G) John Bush, 30 Sep 1710 (A,Ao,Ar) – 14 May 1734 (F, G) John Cornish, 28 Sep 1713 (A,Ao,Ar) – 17 Nov 1722 (F, G) John Niglett, 11 May 1714 (A,AO,Ar) – 29 Nov 1722 (F, G) Robert Evans I, 25 Nov 1714 (A,Ao,Ar) – 13 Oct 1722 (F, G) Richard Riley, 21 Feb 1716/17 (A,Ao.Ar) – 1 May 1727 (F, G)
	Rate Book Entries: Property 1 (Brislington): 1686 James Cole or occuprs. for farthings (Brislington-Ch/1) 1689-1725 Thomas Dixon or occupr. for farthings (Brislington-PR,Ch/1 & S/1) 1730 Thomas Dixon or Tho Taylor occupier (Brislington-Ch/1) Property 2 (Brislington): (1694-1725) Thomas Dixon or occupr. p. Bisweekes (Brislington-PR, Ch/1 & S/1) 1730 Thomas Dixon for Bisweekes or Tho. Taylor occupier (Brislington-Ch/1) Property 3 (Brislington): He took over St Anne’s mill from Thomas Frank I (1707-13) Thos. Dickson for St. Anns Mill (1714-16) The occuprs. of St. Anns Mill (1717-18 Thomas Dickson for St. Anns Mill (all Brislington-PR) c.1709-25 Thos. Dickson for Tans/St. Anns Mill (Brislington-Ch/1) Property 4 (Temple parish): 1686 Thomas Dixon for ye potters house 1688 of Mr. Dixon for Washfields house 1690 Re’d of Tho. Dixson for Washfields house 1691 Re’d of Mr. Thomas Dickson for the house that was Mr. Washfield de’d 1692-1709 Mr. Thomas Dixon for Washfield’s house 1726-1738 Richard Bragg was paying rent on Dickson’s house (all Temple-Ch) 1694 Mr. Thos. Dixson for Mr. Washfield’s house 1696 Mr. Washfield for house payd by Thomas Dixon 1699 Mr. Dixon for Washfields house (all Temple Af 1(5))

DINHAM Thomas

1886	9 Aug. Noted as a potter, deceased, when his son George William Dinham (28), a tailor of 7 North Street, Bedminster married Louisa Kentsbeer (JBPR).

DISTIN Mary

Born c1787 in Bristol, the widow of William Distin (51C).

1841	Living with her husband, William, and son Henry at Church Lane, Temple parish. She had no occupation (41C).
1851	Potter transferer, 20 Church Lane, Temple parish, widow (64) living with her son Henry, an organ and pianoforte maker (51C).

DISTIN William

The son of John Distin of Minehead, Somerset, mariner, deceased and the husband of Mary Distin (A, 41C).

1792	28 Sep. He was apprenticed to Robert Ring. Friends to find apparel and washing (A, Ao).
1815	11 Jun. He became a free potter (F).
1815	25 Dec. Henry, son of William and Mary Distin, potter, Temple parish, baptised (TPR).
1830, 1832 & 1834	Potter, Gough’s Buildings, Temple parish (P).
1837	Potter, Hillyard’s Court, Temple parish (P).
1841	Potter, Church Lane, Temple parish (P).
1841	A potter, aged 63 years, living in Church Lane, Temple parish with his wife, Mary, and son, Henry (41C).
1851	Mary Distin was described as a widow (51C).

DODD William

1855	13 Oct. He was employed by Mrs Pountney at the Bristol Pottery, when he was charged with stealing iron from his employer (Bristol Mercury).

DODGE John

1802	27 Apr. ‘John Dodge of Pipe Lane, potter’ worked for John Hope (Q).

DOWNING John

Born c1843 in Bristol (71C).

1871	Lodging at Hillsbridge Parade, Bedminster (51C).

DRAGE Henry

Born c1847 in Norwich (61C).

1861	Earthenware potter, Lawrence Hill, St Philip’s parish (14), living with his parents John and Mary Drage, brush maker, born in Cambridge (61C).

DREW Joseph

Born c1817, not in Bristol (41C).

1841	Glass House Court, Temple parish (24) (41C).

DREWETT George

The son of Anthony Drewett of Colerne, Wiltshire, clothier (A).

1739	9 Apr. He was apprenticed to Josiah and Elizabeth Bundy, £15 paid with the apprentice. Friends to find apparel (A, Ao, Ar).
1741	9 Feb. He became a free potmaker (F, G).
1781 & 1784	Potmaker, Colerne, Wiltshire (P).

DUBBRIDGE S…

Born c1826 in Bristol (41C).

1841	Daniels Court, Temple parish (15) (41C).

DUDBRIDGE Robert

Born c1838 in Temple parish, the brother of William Dudbridge and the husband of Sarah Dudbridge (51C, 71C).

1851	Works at a pottery, 26 Avon Street, Temple parish (13), living with his parents Robert and Sophia Dudbridge, a milkman, and brother William (51C).
1861	Shipwright, lodging at 4 Frederica Street, St Mary’s, Cardiff (23) (61C).
1871	Shipwright, Catherine Mead Street, Bedminster (33), living with his wife Sarah (37) born in Temple parish, and children Alice (4), born in Woolwich, Kent, and Ernest (1), born in Bristol (71C).

DUDBRIDGE Rose

Born c1874 in Bedminster (91C).

1891	Potter’s assistant, lodging at 24 Paul Street, Bedminster (17) (91C).

DUDBRIDGE Sarah

Born c1833 in Temple parish, the wife of Robert Dudbridge (81C).

1881	Earthenware painter, 19 Great Avon Street, Temple parish (43), living with her husband, Robert (43), ship carpenter, and children (81C).
1891	Painter at pottery, widow, 5 Lewis’s Buildings, Temple parish (58), living with her son Ernest R. (21), born in St Mary Redcliffe parish (91C).
1901	No occupation, 5 Lewis’s Buildings, Temple parish (69) (01C).
1911	Old age pensioner, 15 Colston Almhouse, Clifton (77) (11C).

DUDBRIDGE William

Born c1836 in Temple parish, the brother of Robert Dudbridge (51C).

1851	Works at a potter, 26 Avon Street, Temple parish (15), living with his parents Robert and Sophia Dudbridge, a milkman, and brother Robert (51C).

DUFFETT Charles I

See the Potteries section for the Pipe Lane Pottery.

The Pottery had previously been run by his mother, Susannah, and his elder brother, John Duffett II, trading as S. Duffett & Son. It is not known what happened to Susannah Duffett but by 1841 John Duffett II was in prison.

1843-54

Charles Duffett I ran the Pipe Lane Pottery.

The Pottery was then taken over by William Hutchings I.

Born in 1814 in Bristol, the son of John I and Susannah Duffett, and the brother of John Duffett II (TPR, A, 51C).

1814	6 Jun. He was baptised, the son of John I and Susannah Duffett (TPR).
1829	2 Jun. Aged 14 he was apprenticed to his father John Duffett I and mother Susannah (A, Ao).
1840	A brick maker of Stoney Hill, St Augustine’s parish, the son of John Duffett, potter, he married Elizabeth Blount (APR).
1843-50	Potter, Temple parish (TPR).
1843-54	Charles Duffett (late S. Duffett & Son), red ware potter, Pipe Lane, Temple Back (MD).
1845	Redcliff House, Temple Backs (WL).
1851	Red ware potter, Hope Cottage (next Warwick Arms), Temple parish (36), living with his wife Elizabeth (36) born in Clifton, Worcestershire, children and his mother Susannah Duffett, widow, (65) born Clifton, Worcestershire and Jane Harris (24), servant, born in Carmarthen (51C).
1851	Pipe Lane, House, Owner: Kidd & Co., Occup: Charles Duffett. Pipe Lane, Pottery, Owner: Trustees of Thomas Gough, Occup. Charles Duffett (BRO 04250(1)).
1852	Pipe Lane, Temple parish (P).
1861	Manager of pottery, widower, Pottery Lane Cottage, Barton Hill, St Philip’s parish (46), living with his widowed mother Susannah (75) and children (61C).
1871	Commercial clerk, 6 Victoria Place, Bedminster (56), living with his wife Mary (37), born in Somerset, and children (71C).
1881	Accountant, 5 Prospect Terrace, Bedminster (66), living with his wife Mary (42), born in Priston, Somerset, and children (81C).
1883	Probably the Charles Duffett who died, aged 69 (Ancestry website).
	Children: Louisa L., born c1841 in Bristol (51C), Ellen Elizabeth, bapt 3 Jan 1843 (TPR), Frances Augusta, bapt 5 Jun 1844 (TPR), Charles Blount, bapt 6 May 1846 (TPR), Emma, bapt 24 May 1848 (TPR), John, born 4 Mar 1850, bapt 12 Jun 1850 (TPR), Henry, bapt 27 Dec 1851 (TPR), James, born c1857 in Bedminster (61C), Walter Blount, born c1859 in Bedminster (61C), Mary Elizabeth Stone (step-daughter), born c1862 in London (71C), Henry, born c1865 in Bristol (71C), Harriet Ada, born c1869 in Bristol (71C)., Florence Elizabeth, born c1870 in Bristol (71C), Alice, born c1874 in Bristol (81C)

DUFFETT Charles II

Born c1855 in Bristol (81C).

1881	28 Victoria Terrace, grocer’s shop, St Philip’s parish (26), living with his wife Annie Maria (20), born in Winscombe, Somerset, and children Sarah Ann (3) and Charles William East (1), both born in Bristol (81C).

DUFFETT James I

See the Potteries section for the Barton Hill Pottery.

The Pottery had previously been run by his father, Josiah Duffett.

1809-36

James Duffett I ran the Barton Hill Pottery.

The Pottery was then run by James Duffett II, who was probably his son.

The son of Josiah Duffett, potter (PPR). Probably the father of James Duffett II although referred to as a ‘gentleman’ on his son’s marriage (JBPR).

1787	18 Mar. He was baptised, the son of Josiah and Mary Duffett, potter, Avon Street, St Philip’s parish (PPR).
1809	7 Oct & 21 Oct. ‘Wanted, A Journeyman Brown-Ware Potter, in the neighbourhood of Bristol, to whom constant employ will be given. A person thoroughly calculated for the situation of the above nature, will apply to James Duffett, Potter, Barton Hill, near Bristol’ (FFJ).
1810-18	James Duffett, potter, Barton Hill (MD).
1812	14 Oct. He obtained his freedom by virtue of his marriage to Sarah, the daughter of Joseph Gibbs, a brick maker (F).
1813	18 Mar. Jacob Street (PePR).
1816	James Duffett, potter, Barton Hill (ED).
1819	22 Dec. Barton Hill (Ao).
1819-36	James Duffett, red ware potter, Barton Hill (MD).
1821	‘Thomas Jones of Holt in Wilts, maltster, – on his house only in Barton Hill … House adjoining in the tenure of James Duffett £300. House used as a Pottery Two Kilns therein adjoining the last above mentioned but not communicating therewith with a small stable communicating in the same tenure £450’. (Sun Policy 988552).
1827	Plan of Duffett’s Pottery (GRO Q/SRh 1827 B/S).
1828	Duffett’s Pottery shown on Ashmead’s map.
1828	He took over the brick kiln of James Gibbs, his father-in-law (MD).
1828-35	James Duffett, brick and tile maker, St Philip’s Marsh (MD).
1830	Barton Hill, St Philip’s parish (P).
1830	24 Dec. Noted as a brickmaker of St Philip’s parish in a lease taken out by Francis Duffett, victualler, on the White Hart Inn in St James’s parish. James’s son, James aged 18 years, was named as a ‘life’ in that lease (BRO P/St J/VCD/8/1).
1830-38	J. Duffett and Duffett & Co. were exporting earthenware to Waterford (PB-EXP).
1832 & 34	Barton Hill (List of Electors BRO 04736).
1835	Broad Weir, St Peter’s parish (P).
1835	‘Barton Hill. House only late in the tenure of James Duffett, but now unoccupied. House only used as a pottery, two kilns therein adjoining etc.’ (Sun Policy 1197556, BRO 37165 (1/3)).
1826	14 Jan. Died ‘Jan 12, aged 20, after a short illness Ann, the eldest daughter of Mr Duffett, Barton Hill’ (BG).
1837	Red ware potter, Barton Hill (P).
1841	Independent, Barton Hill House, St Philip’s parish (53), living with his wife Sarah and children, and Ann White (27), a servant (41C).
1851	Proprietor of some houses, widower, Barton Hill House, St Philip’s parish (64), living with his son Joseph (27) and Charlotte Hill (25) (51C).
1853	Probably the James Duffett who died in Bristol (Ancestry website).
	Children:
	James, born c1812 in Barton Hill (51C), Henry, bapt 18 Mar 1813 (PePR), Ann, born c1816 (BG), Mariah, born c1826 in county (41C), Joseph, born c1824 in Barton Hill (51C)

DUFFETT James II

See the Potteries section for the Barton Hill Pottery.

The Pottery had previously been run by James Duffett I, who was probably his father.

1836-55

James Duffett II presumably ran the Barton Hill Pottery although neither him nor the Pottery are referred to in the street/trade directories.

The Pottery was then taken over by William Hutchings I.

Born c1812 in Barton Hill, he was possibly the son of James Duffett I although his father was described as a ‘gentleman’ on James II’s marriage (51C, JBPR).

1830	24 Dec. Aged 18 years, the son of James Duffett of St Philip’s parish, brickmaker, he was one of the lives on a lease taken out by Francis Duffett, victualler, on the White Hart Inn in St James’s parish (BRO P/St J/VCD/8/1).
1832 & 34	Barton Hill, St Philip’s parish (List of Electors BRO 04736).
1836-43	James Duffett, brick and tile maker, St Philip’s Marsh (MD). (This probably refers to James Duffett II as his father seems to have retired from business around 1835)
1838	18 Sep. St Philip’s parish, the son of James Duffett, gentleman, he married Cornelia Brookman of Bedminster, the daughter of Benjamin Brookman, yeoman (JBPR).
1838-39	J. Duffett and Duffett and Co. exported earthenware, including flower pots, to Waterford and Dublin (PB-EXP).
1840	Potter, Barton Hill (MLPBT).
1841	Stone potter, Barton Hill (P).
1841	Barton Hill Lane, St Philip’s parish (29), living with his wife Cornelia (20) and children Sarah (2) and James (4 months) (41C).
1842	Tithe apportionment, St Philip and Jacob. Trustees of J.S.S. Smith, James Duffett, Part of a field and clay pit .. Brickyard, etc. (PRO IR 29/13/155)
1843-49	Potter, Barton Hill (MLPBT, PPR).
1843	9 Dec. William Cole was charged with stealing a number of earthenware pans, the property of Mr James Duffett, jun. Mr D. stated that the prisoner, who is a hawker, bought a quantity of pans at his pottery yesterday, and that shortly after he left a dozen other pans were discovered to have been taken away and hid under a dung-heap near’. The prisoner was remanded (Bristol Times).
1848	11 Nov. ‘Henry Barry for being concealed in the pottery yard of Mr Duffett, Barton Hill, with intent to commit a felony, was sent to the house of correction for a month’ (Bristol Times).
1851	5 Queen Ann Street, St Philip’s parish (39), born in Barton Hill, living with his wife Cornelia (30) born in Norton Malreward, Somerset, his children and Elizabeth A Brookman, his sister-in-law, house servant, born in Whitchurch, Somerset (51C).
1861	Commission broker, Stanley Street, St Philip’s parish (49), living with his wife Cornelia (39), born in Woollard, Somerset, and children (61C).
1871	Book canvasser, 6 Chancery Street, St Luke’s parish (59), living with his wife Cornelia (49) and his children Edwin (25), Alice Maud (23), Edward John (22) and Frederick (15) (71C).
1881	3 Sep. A gentleman of 6 Chancery Street, Barton Hill, he died and his will was proved on 30 Sep by his widow Cornelia. His estate was valued at £113 (PRO Calendar of Wills and Administrations).
	Children: Sarah Ann, born 27 Aug 1839, bapt 14 Mar 1840 (MLPBT), James Alfred, bapt 13 Mar 1841 (MLPBT), Cornelia Emily, bapt 5 Jul 1843 (MLPBT), Edwin, bapt 8 Oct 1845 (MLPBT), Alice Maud (aged 3mths), bapt 28 Nov 1847 (PPR), Edward John, born 16 Nov 1848, bapt 5 Aug 1849 (PPR), Francis, born c1851 in Barton Hill (51C), Frank, born c1854 in St Philip’s parish (61C), Frederick, born c1856 in Bath (61C)