SAMUEL BROWNFIELD 1836 - 1912

SAMUEL BROWNFIELD was the 10^th child of William Brownfield and Mary Ann Munyard. He was born on January 26^th 1836 at Ballast Quay, Greenwich and christened on February 24^th 1836 in the Parish Church of St Alphege, Greenwich.¹

Samuel was apprenticed as a waterman to his Father William, on April 10, 1851, but did not complete his apprenticeship.² He is recorded as dead in the record, which usually means that the apprentice died before he was able to complete his apprenticeship, but this was obviously not true in this case. Marriage is not permitted during the term of an apprenticeship agreement, so Samuel must have given up by 1857, when on June 28, he married ANN DEANE in St Georges, Hanover Square, London.³ On his marriage certificate, Samuel’s occupation is given as ‘warehouse keeper’⁴. Ann was the daughter of JAMES DEANE, a Thames pilot, and MARTHA DIANA DEANE and his in-laws were the only witnesses at the wedding. His address and that of his bride was 30 Princes Square, which is just north of Hyde Park, London. Anne was four years older than Samuel.⁵

Samuel and Ann had five sons and in 1860, on the birth certificate of their second son Harry Munyard,⁶ the family were living at 48 Canton Street, Poplar and Samuel’s occupation was given as “Wharfinger” (a man who owns or has care of a wharf).⁷

In 1862, at the age of 26, Samuel applied to the Grand Surrey Dock and Canal Company at Rotherhithe for the post of Deputy Superintendent. On October 6,1862 an entry appears in the Board Minute Book⁸ “A report was read from the Superintendent this day enclosing an application from Mr Samuel Brownfield now in charge of the wood department of the Victoria Docks for the appointment of Deputy Superintendent about to be vacated by Mr White”. On November 13^th Mr Brownfield attended a board meeting and “He was appointed district inspector at a salary of £170 with Mr White’s house, when vacated by him.” He was informed that he would be required to give a security and on November 27^th at the next Board meeting “Resolved that the security to be given by Mr Brownfield be £500”. On December 11^th under the heading District Inspector, appeared: ”A letter dated 8^th inst. was read from Mr Brownfield offering as his securities for £500,  Mr James Deane, pilot, Gravesend and  Mr Thomas Munyard, 1 Miles Terrace, East Greenwich”. James Deane was his father in law and Thomas Munyard his uncle (one of his mother’s brothers). It appears that having given up his apprenticeship, he fell out with his father, who did not sign his marriage certificate as a witness, did not act as a surety and Samuel, despite being the most successful of his sons, was not one of William’s executors or a witness to his will. Mr White, the retiring deputy superintendent was voted a gratuity of £50 and on March 19, 1863 “The Superintendent was authorized to have the Deputy Superintendent’s house repaired for the occupation of Mr Brownfield”.⁹ This appears to have been ‘Dock House’ and was inside the boundary of the docks but it’s exact site is uncertain; Percy and probably Sidney were born here¹⁰. In 1964 the Grand Surrey Dock and Canal Co. was amalgamated with the Surrey Commercial Dock Co. to form the Surrey Commercial Dock Company, but with two districts named the Surrey District and the Commercial District.¹¹ On May 5, 1865 Samuel received a salary increase from £170 to £185 which made him the second highest paid employee on the list.¹² He appears in the minutes of May 19, 1865 as the Deputy Superintendent of the Surrey District, with a report “on the result of his enquiries among people conversant with the practices of the river, which exonerated the Company from responsibility for the damage to the Nile”. He then appears from time to time with various reports until the brief entry in the Board minutes on April 25, 1872 “Accepted the resignation of Assistant Superintendent Brownfield”.¹³

He must have left the Surrey Docks for a short time and then at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Surrey Commercial Docks on July 30, 1874, “it was resolved that Samuel Brownfield be appointed as Deputy Superintendent at a salary of £400p.a. and a residence on the premises, in place of D.S.Fowler, retired”.¹⁴

On the 28^th March 1878, at a meeting of the Board, the Chairman reported that “Mr. Ross, Superintendent, who had been in the service of the Company since 1856, expired this morning after an illness of seven days from pneumonia.” The Directors expressed their deep regret at his death and the loss to the Company, and the Secretary was requested to write to Mrs. Ross “at a fitting opportunity”. At the next Board meeting, held on the 4^th April 1878, it was resolved that “Samuel Brownfield be appointed Superintendent at a salary of £800 p.a. with residence, w/e/f the 1^st April 1878.”¹⁵ In the Board minutes for April 11, 1878 a cheque was signed in favour of Still & Son for ‘Orchardleigh Villa ground rent’ for £8-2-6 less p.tax £2-1. This was a large house at 97, Deptford Lower Road, Rotherhithe, by the main gates of the Docks and adjacent to the Dock Offices. By 1881, the family were living in Orchardleigh. In addition to his four younger sons, who were still living at home, there were two servants at the address on the day of the census.¹⁶ Although still living at home, Harry was by this time a medical student at Guy’s Hospital.

In 1864, Samuel Brownfield had received a commission in the 23^rd Surrey Rifle Volunteers and continued to serve with the regiment until 1884, by which time he was the senior Captain.¹⁷

Over the next 25 years there are copious references to Samuel in the Board minutes, dealing with reports made and duties carried out. There are also references to steady increases in salary, and the award on virtually an annual basis of gratuities, additional to his salary. By the 1890s, these gratuities were regularly of £250 per annum. This equates to approximately £14,000 per annum at today’s value.¹⁸ During his time as superintendent massive changes to the docks took place, including the construction of the deep water Canada Dock, the extension of the Greenland Dock and the provision of a new entrance capable of taking large steam vessels.

Around March 1903 he apparently indicated his wish to retire. This appears to have caused consternation to the Directors, who on the March 26, 1903 appointed a Special Committee to “consider arrangements for carrying on the business of the Docks consequent on the Superintendent’s retirement” This Special Committee reported on the 23^rd April 1903, but unfortunately there is no record of what they actually said. Samuel duly retired on the 30^th April 1903, and was elected a Director of the Company on the 7^th May 1903.¹⁹

At the end of March 1903, Samuel had been present at a dinner. The South London Press reported:²⁰

“Mr D.J.Morgan M.P. (chairman of the Surrey Commercial Dock Company) presided on Monday evening at the Sixteenth Annual Dinner of the Surrey Dock Institute and Club, held in the hall of the club in Lower Road, Rotherhithe (this was next door to Orchardleigh). Among those present were: Messrs. David Morgan, W.L.T.Foy D.L.,J.P., T.H.Cullis (secretary to the dock company), Samuel Brownfield J.P.,K.G.V. (superintendent of the docks and president of the club), J.S.Gaskell (engineer to the company), Victor Webster, C.J.Wade, J.A.Wilson, R.Beckett, T.Stevenson, E.Rumney-Smith, J.A.Hanks, F.Flower-Grimes, C.J.Thompson, G.H.Monk, Sidney Brownfield, J.Mostyn-Clarke, J.Bligh, W.R.Miller, G.W.Glassborow, W.E.Hoy (hon. Sec.) and Dr Johnson (Medical Superintendent of the St. Olave’s Infirmary).
After the loyal toasts, Mr Victor Webster proposed “The Surrey Commercial Dock Company.” He said that the success of the company was not to be wondered at when they considered the calibre of the directors coupled with the great ability displayed by the superintendent Mr Brownfield. (Applause) So intimately connected with the timber trade were a number of the directors and so much had the interests of the trade at heart, that nothing was allowed to be done, which would in any degree hamper those engaged in the trade. (Hear, hear) If the bill introduced into the House of Commons that afternoon by Mr Gerald Balfour for the future administration of the Port of London, and which left it open to the new authority to lease the dock premises to practically anyone who might tender for them, were passed into the law, it would have the effect of revolutionising the timber trade. (Hear, hear) This was a very vital matter. (Hear, hear) The proposed alteration would throw all the onus of the handling of wood on the individual importers instead of on the dock company and this would lead to those using the docks to completely re-organize their business. The Surrey Commercial dock had developed into one of the largest docks in the timber trade. In 1902, the number of pieces and bundles handled by the company was over 38,000,000, and the separate deliveries made by the company numbered over 240,000. (Applause) That the company had displayed great anxiety in keeping up to date was proved by the large outlays that had been incurred in constructing the new dock and in erecting more sheds, and all in the trade highly appreciated the efforts of the company to meet modern requirements, (Cheers). It was with deep regret that they had heard of the impending resignation of Mr Brownfield (the superintendent) who had exercised the greatest judgement and tact in all matters that had come before him. – (Hear, hear)- and it was hoped that the directors would recognize his sterling worth, and so arrange matters that his resignation should not mean his total severance from the company, where success was largely due to his efforts. (Cheers.)
Mr T.H.Cullis in responding said that referring to the new bill, that whatever the future might bring, they could rest satisfied that so long as the Thames ran beneath London Bridge, so long would the Surrey Commercial Docks as an integral part of the Port of London exist and flourish. (Applause.) The staff were proud of the past history of the company and had great hopes of its future development and success; but they would greatly regret being handed over The chairman said that he was glad to report that the receipts were greater than last year and the disbursement less. The directors had always been animated with a desire to do all in their power to brighten the lives of their staff and to provide them with the means of recreation, and he was glad to hear that the various organisations connected with that institute-via, the swimming, cycling, and athletic clubs, the mutual provident society and other sections were in a flourishing condition. (Applause.) But that he hoped that by next year, they would have established a rifle club. (Renewed applause) “ In conclusion” said the chairman  “I feel that during the next few months we shall pass through a very difficult period in our existence, when we shall require all the help, knowledge, and experience of those who have done so much to build up the success of the company; and I therefore most cordially echo the hope that though Mr Brownfield is giving up his post as superintendent, some means will be found where we shall not be deprived of his help and assistance.” (Cheers.)
Mr W.E.Hoy (hon.sec.) responded
The other toasts were the “President”, proposed by Mr G.H.Monk and acknowledged by Mr Samuel Brownfield; “The Visitors” proposed by Mr J.Griffin; and  “The Chairman” submitted by Mr C.J.Thompson.
The musical programme, which was under the direction of Mr Sidney Brownfield, was contributed to by Messrs Owen, Way, Wills, Page and Walter Peach. Mr Henry Ivatts accompanied.”

Samuel attended his first Board meeting as a Director on the 14^th May 1903, and attended regularly thereafter. At a Director’s meeting held on The 5th May 1903, it is recorded that two Superintendents were appointed to succeed SB, one Outdoor Superintendent and one Indoor Superintendent. Both men were present at the meeting and were told to pay “strict and courteous attention to the requirements of the Company’s customers and a strict regard for economy in the conduct of the business and the desirability that they should both work in hearty and harmonious cooperation for the Company’s interests”.²¹ They were also handed statements of their respective duties but told that “these were not intended to prescribe all their various duties but intended to generally indicate the scope and responsibilities of their respective positions”. This sheds light not only on the duties and responsibilities of the two new Superintendents, but on the role of SB over the years as well. So it literally took two men to replace him!^”22

Samuel was made a “Chevalier of Sweden” for his work in the timber trade.

On his retirement in April 1903 Samuel was presented with a pair of Silver Candelabra inscribed:

“Presented to Samuel Brownfield Esq. J.P.,K.V(sic). on his retirement from the position of Superintendent of the Surrey Commercial Docks in April 1903 as a mark of the high esteem in which he is held by the following friends:

C.Bird. G.H.Chapman. C.T.F.Churchill. A.Farquaharson. W.L.T.Foy. H.H.Green. F.F.Grimes. J.U.Hanks. D.J.Morgan Esq.M.P. H.Mott. E.G.Price. G.H.Renton. W.W.Ridley. H.Rose. T.Stevenson. C.O.Tagart. H.M.Taylor. C.J.Wade. V.Webster. J.A.Wilson.”

In a letter from R.R.Aspinall the Librarian of the Docklands Library and Archive, (now the Museum in Docklands) he comments on Samuel Brownfield:

“It is clear that the Surrey Commercial Docks (SCD) Directors had the highest regard for SB’s abilities. The first duty of the Directors was to their shareholders, and they ran a very tight ship when it came to any item of expenditure. But for 25 years between 1878 and 1903 they rewarded SB handsomely. His salary was increased by £300 p.a. between 1901 and 1902. This was clearly in order to enhance his retirement allowance, which would have been based on exit salary as well as length of service. A salary of £l,500p.a. in 1902 equates to around  £80,000 p.a. today, and his pension of £1,200 equates to £64,500. In addition, he also had a residence: moreover, as the house was on Dock Company premises he had no fares and no traveling time (on the downside, it also meant that he was on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Moreover, the Directors offered SB a Directorship on his retirement, which is an unique action as far as I am aware - certainly in 20 years researching family history enquiries in the records, I have never come across this before. The Directors of the Dock Companies were men of significant standing, possessed of power, money and influence. Their employees, no matter how high their status in the organization, were basically hired servants, paid to do a job and then expected to disappear at the end of their careers. For the Directors of the SCD to bridge the gap between themselves and one of their employees is a unique mark of esteem. Perhaps SB had made a lot of money for the Company and they did not want to lose his expertise, or perhaps their motives were more altruistic.”²⁴

Samuel remained active and involved with the running of the Docks. When the reign of the private dock companies came to an end, with the formation of the Port of London Authority (PLA), the Directors of the Surrey Commercial Dock held a farewell dinner for some 200 employees, paid for out of their own pockets. The dinner was held on the last evening of the existence of the Company, May 31, 1909 and although Samuel was by now, well over 70 years old, he seems to have been the prime organizer. The Company issued a souvenir of the farewell dinner in which there was a brief description of the history of the docks and pictures of the members of each department. There was a list of the “guests”, i.e. invited members of the staff, which included Sidney, his son Claude and Percy Brownfield, and also a record of the proceedings, which concluded:²⁵

”In response to loud calls for a speech, Mr. SAMUEL BROWNFIELD rose and said: - After you having listened to the appropriate and excellent speeches of the Chairman, Deputy-Chairman and the other Gentlemen who have addressed you, I am sure you would not expect me to inflict upon you anything like a speech. I must say, however, that I should have felt very disappointed if I had not had the opportunity of saying ‘Goodbye’ to you, having been associated with you more closely than anyone present. I feel very great regret at parting with you all, but I hope that the new Authority will treat you as well, and study your interest and welfare as well as your old directors and the officers under whom you have been serving. If at any time I can be of the slightest service to any individual member of the Staff, I shall be very delighted.

 The evening was completed by an excellent musical programme, arranged by Mr. Samuel Brownfield, assisted by his son Mr. Sidney Brownfield.”

Ann died on December 14, 1895 aged 63 years, seven hours after suffering a stroke. She had been ill for two years with a heart condition. R.J.Nichols MD.28 certified the death²⁶

The entry in the Probate Register states:²⁷

BROWNFIELD Anne of Orchardleigh, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, Surrey, (wife of Samuel Brownfield) died 14 December 1895 administration LONDON 14 January to Said Samuel Brownfield Superintendent of the Surrey Commercial Docks.

Effects £388 8s 3d.

A further entry in the Probate Register in 1912 states:²⁸

BROWNFIELD Anne of Orchardleigh, Lower Road, Rotherhithe, Surrey (wife of Samuel Brownfield) died 14 December 1895 administration LONDON 31 May to Frederick Charles Brownfield, Timber surveyor and George Philip PARKER solicitor.
(Frederick Charles was Samuel’s eldest son and Gerge Philip Parker , his nephew, the son of his sister Charlotte)

Effects £367 5s. Former grant January 1896.

After Ann’s death, Samuel was married for a second time on June 3, 1897 to ELIZABETH REEVES,²⁹ who had been his housekeeper.³⁰   She was a spinster from Hastings. Her father was Robert Reeves a deceased fariner. She had a son Charles James Reeves KING, who was mentioned in Samuel’s will.

Samuel died on March 11, 1912 at “Orchardleigh”, 38, Lee Road, Blackheath (He seems to have called his retirement house by the same name as his house in Deptford Road) and was buried in Hither Green Cemetery on March 15^th 1912.³¹

A notice in the Kentish Mercury the following Thursday said “The death took place on Monday at his residence, Orchardleigh, Lee Road, Blackheath, at the age of 76, of Mr. Samuel Brownfield, J.P., who for many years was the Superintendent and a Director of the Surrey Commercial Docks. The funeral will take place today at Hither Green Cemetery, the first portion of the service being read at Christ Church, Lee Park at 2.15. Messrs Francis Chappell and Sons of Lee Bridge and Catford, have charge of the arrangements.” ³²

WILL   OF  SAMUEL   BROWNFIELD

Philip Howells who supplied me with a copy of this will wrote:
”I am printing this document in its entirety, because it reflects the life-style, and values, of a successful and prosperous middle class paterfamilias of the Victorian and Edwardian era. (King Edward VII had died 6 May 1910, so Samuel just lived into the reign of King George V.) Wills can be a great help in genealogical research, and this one in particular paints a vivid picture of this man's tastes, attitude to life, and his generous but strict and 'no-nonsense' relationship with his sons.  He obviously knew their respective characters:
Frederick Charles, a successful timber merchant, was made an executor and trustee of his Will, but it was made clear to Alfred, a commercial clerk, that in the event of his being declared bankrupt before Sam's death, he would not receive his share of the estate. Thereby his wily father ensured that the money would not immediately slip from the hands of the family, and into the hands of strangers, his son's creditors.
Likewise, Samuel allowed his widow the use of valuable items such as silver, also the real estate, but 'without power of anticipation.'  In other words he tied up the property to remain in the family upon her demise. Should she have married again, there would have been no chance of the new husband getting his hands on the estate. Generously, Samuel remembered nieces, nephews and godchildren in his Will.
The original printing of this filed copy of Samuel's Will and Codicil is uneven, and has failed to reproduce well, therefore I am retyping it.”

I SAMUEL BROWNFIELD of Orchardleigh, No 38 Lee Road Blackheath in the county of Kent Justice of the Peace do hereby revoke all former wills made by me and declare this to be my last will and testament.

 1. I appoint my dear wife Elizabeth Brownfield and my son Frederick Charles Brownfield and my nephew George Philips Parker of No 15 Bloomsbury Square in the County of London Solicitor to be the EXECUTORS and trustees of this my will.

 2. I make the following specific bequests that is to say: - The silver tea and coffee service and salver presented to me by the employees of the Surrey Commercial Dock Company upon my appointment as Superintendent of the said county to my son the said Frederick Charles Brownfield, The silver candelabra and the silver salver presented to me on my retirement from such office to my son Harry Munyard Brownfield, The silver cup and salver presented to me by my friends in the month of June one thousand eight hundred and ninety seven to my son Sidney Brownfield My diamond stud convertible into a scarf pin my silver cigar case and silver match box to my son Alfred Deane Brownfield My gold watch (acquired by me from one____Carey) and gold ring and my silver teapot presented to me in one thousand eight hundred and sixty two by my colleagues in the Victoria Docks and my silver soup tureen given me by my sons to my son Percy Brownfield My gold watch and chain to my stepson Charles James Reeves King  I declare that all such gifts of articles of silver other than the before mentioned silver cigar case and match box shall be subject to the right which I hereby give to my said wife to retain and have the use thereof during her life if she shall so desire but that such right shall cease when and so soon as she shall express in writing her intention not to further retain the same. I give all my clothes and wearing apparel to my said wife to be divided by her amongst such persons and in such proportions and manner as she shall in her sole discretion think fit  I give all my other plate linen china glass books pictures prints wines liquors furniture and other household effects to my said wife absolutely.

3. I give and bequeath the following legacies that is to say: - 

To my said wife the legacy or sum of one hundred pounds to be paid within one calendar month after my decease To the said George Phillips Parker the sum of fifty pounds To each of my grandchildren who may be living at my death and who shall attain the age of twenty-one years or being granddaughters shall attain that age or marry the sum of fifty pounds.  To each of my godchildren Owen Deane Brownfield Ethel Beatrice Brownfield the wife of the said Sidney Brownfield and Ivan Felix Brownfield Parker who may be living at my death and who shall attain the age of twenty one years or being goddaughters shall attain that age or marry the sum of fifty pounds the legacy so given to the said Owen Deane Brownfield being in addition to what he may be entitled to receive as one of my grandchildren  To my stepson Charles James Reeves King the sum of two hundred pounds To my servant Jane Bartlett the sum of twenty five pounds and if she shall be in my employ at the time of my  death I give her  in addition to the said sum of twenty  five pounds the sum of one pound for each complete year she shall have been in my service To each of my nieces Edith Quartermaine Nellie Neal and Ada Sturgeon the sum of fifty pounds To Isabella Deane my wife's sister in law the sum of twenty five pounds   To each of my present wife's nieces namely Lucy Mary Austin Annie Dane Rogers and Alice Maud Reeves the sum of twenty five pounds.

4 I direct that all legacies given by this my will or any codicil thereto unless I shall have expressed an intention to the contrary and whether the same are specific

or pecuniary or are settled legacies are to be deemed to be given and so far as the same are pecuniary shall be paid free of legacy and settlement estate duty.

5. I direct that my trustees shall during the infancy of any grandchild or godchild retain set apart and invest the legacy of each such infant grandchild or godchild until he or she shall attain the age of twenty one years or being a granddaughter or a goddaughter shall attain that age or marry and shall on such grandchild or godchild so attaining the age of twenty one years or being a granddaughter or a goddaughter on her attaining that age or marrying pay to such grandchild or godchild such legacy and all accumulations thereon but in the event of any such grandchild or godchild dying before attaining the age of twenty one years or being a granddaughter or goddaughter dying before attaining that age without having been married  I direct that the sum so set apart for such grandchild or godchild with all accumulations thereon shall fall into and form part of the capital of my residuary estate.

6. I devise my freehold hereditaments and premises known as "Birchwood"  SouthilI Road Chislehurst in the county of Kent unto my wife Elizabeth Brownfield for her life without power of anticipation.

7 From and after the decease of my said wife I devise the said hereditaments unto and to the use of my said son Frederick Charles Brownfield and the said George PhiIlips Parker who are two of the executors and trustees hereinbefore named their heirs and assigns Upon trust that they the said Frederick Charles Brownfield and George Phillips Parker or other the trustees or trustee for the time being of this my will shall sell the said hereditaments and shall stand possessed of the proceeds thereof In trust to divide such proceeds after payment of the expenses of sale and conversion into fifteen equal parts And I direct that my trustees shall  pay three of such equal parts to each of them the said Frederick Charles Brownfield Sidney Brownfield and Percy Brownfield and that my trustees shall pay four of such parts to the said Harry Munyard Brownfield and shall pay the remaining two of such parts to the said Alfred Deane Brownfield. And I do hereby appoint the said Frederick Charles Brownfield and George PhiIlips Parker to be the trustees of the said hereditaments for the purpose of the Settled Land Act 1882 and any amending Act.

8. I give the sum of ten thousand pounds to my said wife Elizabeth Brownfield and the said George PhiIlips Parker and the said Harry Munyard Brownfield upon trust to invest the same and to pay the Income to arise therefrom to my said wife during her life without power of anticipation And after her death I direct that the said sum of ten thousand pounds and the investments representing the same shall be held upon trust as to four fifteenth parts thereof for the said Harry Munyard Brownfield as to two fifteenth parts thereof for the said Alfred Deane Brownfield and as to the remaining nine fifteenth parts to divide the same equally between the said Frederick Charles Brownfield Sidney Brownfield and Percy Brownfield  And I further direct that the said sum of ten thousand pounds shall carry interest thereon at the rate of three pounds ten shillings per cent from the date of my death until payment.

9. I declare that if the said Alfred Deane Brownfield shall have predeceased my said wife without leaving lawful issue surviving him and living at the decease of my said wife or if he shall during the lifetime of my said wife assign mortgage charge or alien his share or interest in the said sum of ten thousand pounds or in the proceeds of sale of my freehold property known as Birchwood hereinbefore devised or attempt so to do or if he shall at the decease of my said wife be an undischarged bankrupt his share and interest in the said sum and proceeds shall go over and be held in trust for my other sons equally.

10 I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever not hereby otherwise disposed of unto my said wife Elizabeth Brownfield and the said Frederick Charles Brownfield and George PhiIlips Parker (hereinafter called "my trustees") their heirs executors administrators and assigns Upon trust to sell call in and convert into money such parts of the said trust premises as shall not consist of ready money and I direct my trustees out of the money to arise from such sale calling in and conversion and the ready money of which I shall be possessed at my death to pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and the pecuniary legacies bequeathed by this my will or any codicil hereto and the duty on such legacies as  I shall have given or directed to be paid free of legacy duty and the succession and settlement estate duty upon my freehold property known as "Birchwood" hereinbefore devised and to pay and divide the residue of the said monies in manner next hereinafter declared that is to say four fifteenth parts of such residue to my son the said Harry Munyard Brownfield two fifteenth parts to my son the said Alfred Deane Brownfield and the remaining nine fifteenth parts equally between my sons the said Frederick Charles Brownfield Sidney Brownfield and Percy Brownfield.

11.        And whereas the said Harry Munyard Brownfield is Indebted to me in the sum of two thousand pounds I hereby declare that he shall not take any share or interest in my estate until he shall have brought into hotchpot and accounted for the sum so owing to or advanced by me as aforesaid but without interest thereon.

12. I declare that if any of my sons shall at the date of my death be indebted to me in respect of any advance or advances made by me to such son since his marriage the amount of such indebtedness shall be made good and repaid to my estate before any such son shall take any share or interest in the said trust moneys save as aforesaid no son of mine shall be required to bring Into hotchpot any gift or advance which I may have made to him.

13. I hereby declare that the executors and trustees or trustee for the time being of this my will or of any legacy hereby given or directed to be held In trust may in their or his uncontrolled discretion instead of acting personally employ and pay a solicitor or any other person to transact any business or do any act of whatever nature required to be done in the premises including the receipt and payment of money and that the said George Phillips Parker and any executor or trustee hereunder being a solicitor may be so employed and act and shall be entitled to charge and be paid all professional or other charges for any business or act done by him or his firm in connection with the trust Including any acts which an executor or trustee could have done personally.

IN WITNESS  whereof  I have hereunto  set my  hand this seventh day of October one thousand nine hundred and nine - SAML BROWNFIELD - Signed and declared by the said testator Samuel Brownfield as and for his  last will and testament In the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses  - FRANK  POTTAGE -  L H  MITCHELL  - Clerks to Woodcock Ryland &  Parker    15 Bloomsbury Square W C  Solicitors.

THIS   IS A CODICIL to the will dated the seventh day of October one thousand nine hundred and nine of me SAMUEL BROWNFIELD of Orchardleigh 38 Lee Road Blackheath in the County of Kent Justice of the Peace.

1 I declare that the trustee or trustees of my said will or of any legacy or legacies thereby given may in their discretion retain or accept and retain for such period as

they shall in their absolute discretion think fit any of the investments of which I may be possessed at the time of my death notwithstanding the same may not be within the investments hereinafter authorised to be held by them upon the trusts declared by my said will.

2 I declare that in addition to any investments that are now or may from time to time be sanctioned by English law for the investment of trust funds all moneys liable to be invested under my said will may be invested either by way of original investment or by way of variation of investment in any one or more of the following securities that is to say   (a) Any of the Parliamentary stocks or public funds of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

(b)  Mortgages of real or leasehold estate situate in England or Wales

(c) Stocks or securities of the Bank of England the London County Council or any municipal corporations or local or harbour authority or public body in any part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland or in any British Colony or Dependency of the British Crown 

(d) The stocks or securities of the Government of India for the time being or the Government of any British Colony or Dependency  

(e) The stocks or shares (including bonds debentures and mortgages) of any railway company  in the United Kingdom or India or any British Colony or Dependency 

(f) The stocks or shares (including bonds debentures or mortgages) of any tramway land dock gas water or electric lighting or traction company in the United Kingdom India or any British Colony or Dependency 

(g) The debentures or debenture stock preference stock or shares of any company registered under the provisions of the Joint Stock Companies Acts in England or Scotland or the ordinary stock or shares of any such last mentioned company which shall have for the past three years immediately preceding such investment paid an average dividend of not less than five pounds per cent per annum upon Its ordinary stocks or shares.

3. I declare that at the date of this my codicil the several indebtedness of my sons to me In respect of advances which I have heretofore made to them and which I by my said will have directed shall be brought into hotchpot and accounted for by my said sons are as follows that is to say :- As to my son Harry Munyard Brownfield I have advanced to him up to the date hereof the sum of two thousand four hundred pounds   As to my son Sidney Brownfield I have advanced to him up to the date hereof the sum of five hundred pounds and as to my son Percy Brownfield I have advanced to him up to the date hereof the sum of six hundred and sixty four pounds   I declare that such sums and any advance or advances which I may hereafter make to them or any other of my sons and any estate or other duties which may be payable in respect thereof shall be brought into hotchpot and made good and recouped to my estate before any such son shall take any share or interest in my estate.

4. And whereas my said sons or some of them have paid to me Interest on such advances as I have made to them or some part thereof I declare that no son shall be liable to bring in and account for interest on such advances so far as he may not

have paid me such interest but each of my said sons shall account for interest on the said advances at the rate of four pounds per cent per annum as from the date of my death.

5. In all other respects I confirm my said will.

IN WITNESS   whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of October one thousand nine hundred and eleven -  SAML BROWNFIELD - Signed by the above named Samuel Brownfield as and for a codicil to his said will  in the presence of us both being present at the same time who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses - 

ROBERT SAMUEL CARTER 29 Aislibie Rd Lee S E  Gardiner  -

JENNIE BARTLETT  38 Lee Rd Blackheath  House Parlourmaid.

The entry in the Probate Register states:³³

BROWNFIELD Samuel of Orchardleigh, 38 Lee Road, Blackheath, Kent died March 11^th 1912 Probate LONDON 1 April to Frederick Charles Brownfield, Timber surveyor and George Philip PARKER solicitor.

Effects £48,044 10s 7d.

(This equates at current values to approximately £2,400,000)³⁴

His widow Elizabeth continued to live in the house at 38 Lee Road until 1924.³⁵

Sources

Samuel Brownfield

1. St. Alphege Baptismal register entry for Samuel Brownfield No 947 24^th February 1836. Copy in Greenwich Local History Library.
2. Waterman and Lighterman’s Company, Apprentice bindings. London Guildhall Library.
3. Marriage certificate St George Hanover Square, London 28 June 1857
  No 442.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid
6. Birth Certificate Poplar district, County of Middlesex, Harry Munyard Brownfield 12 Aug 1860 No 186.
7. Nuttall’s Standard Dictionary of the English Language.
8. Minute book of Board Meetings of the Grand Surrey Dock and Canal Co. 1862. Ref:055. Museum in Docklands. London E14
9. Ibid.
10. Birth Certificate Rotherhithe District, County of Surrey, Percy Brownfield 15 Dec 1865, No 247.
11. The Port of London by R.Douglas Brown. Terence Dalton Ltd. 1978.
12. Minute book of Board Meetings of the Surrey Commercial Dock Co. 1865. Ref:055. Museum in Docklands. London E14 4AL.
13. Minute book of Board Meetings of the Surrey Commercial Dock Co. 1865. Ref:056. Museum in Docklands. London E14 4AL.
14. Minute book of Board Meetings of the Surrey Commercial Dock Co. 1865. Ref:057. Museum in Docklands. London E14 4AL..
15. Ibid.
16. 1881 census LDS CD set. PRO ref RG11 piece 0578 folio 41 page 9.
17. Transcript from extract from ‘South London Press’
18.  Docklands Library and Archive. Letter dated July 19, 2001 from R.R.Aspinall, Librarian.
19. Ibid.
20. South London Press. March 1903 Microfiche in Southwark Local Studies Library, London, SE1 1JA
21. Minute book of Board Meetings of the Surrey Commercial Dock Co. 1903. Museum in Docklands. London E14 4AL.
22. Docklands Library and Archive. Letter dated July 19, 2001 from R.R.Aspinall, Librarian
23. Surrey Commercial Dock Company, Souvenir Programme for Farewell Dinner March 31, 1909.
24. Docklands Library and Archive. Letter dated July 19, 2001 from R.R.Aspinall, Librarian
25. Surrey Commercial Dock Company, Souvenir Programme for Farewell Dinner March 31, 1909.
26. Death certificate No 127, September 14, 1895. Registration District: St Olave Southwark; Sub district: Rotherhithe.
27. Probate film no 27. B 1878 – 1880 Soc of Genealogists
28. Probate film no 42. B 1912 – 1915 Soc of Genealogists
29. Marriage certificate No 252, June 3, 1897 St Mary Magdalene Church, Hastings.
30. Personal communication Barbara Brownfield.
31. Kentish Mercury, Death notices 15/3/1912.
32. Ibid.
33. Probate film no 42. B 1912 – 1915 Soc of Genealogists
34. ‘The value of money’ Evelyn Smith 1999   http://www.headley1.demon.co.uk/histdate/moneyval.htm
35. The Blackheath register, Neil Hinds, Greenwich Local History Library.