Robert Parnther - Further information on Robert Parnther

Born at Fountains, just west of Ripon, where he was baptised on 4 March 1740

On the first day of January 1772, a marriage bond was issued at Carlisle for Robert Parnther of Staple Inn, London, gent, and Ann Smith, of St. Mary's, Carlisle, living in Caldewgate. Next day they were married at St. Mary's, with one of the witnesses being George Blamire. He was a brother of Ann's mother, who had married Michael Smith as her second husband at St. Cuthbert's, Carlisle on 25.5.1745, and who was now a widow for the second time.

Robert and his first wife Anne Smith had three children (sons - Robert Parnther, b. 12 Mar 1773, d. 14 Aug 1858, m. 13 Aug 1810 Rosina Burrell 1789-1832; Michael Smith Parnther, b. 10 June 1776, d. 17 Feb 1850 unm.; daughter - Isabella, b. 23 Feb 1774, d. 2 Jan 1802; m. John Currie 8 July 1796). Anne died in 1785, and some three years later Robert was again married. His second wife was Elizabeth Church, who was aged 42 at the time of their marriage at St. George's Hanover Square on 26 July 1788, but there were no further children. She, too, died before Robert (2 Nov 1811); all we know of her is what appears in the memorial inscription in Essendon Church which adjoins the larger one to his only daughter Isabella, wife of John Currie.

D. 14 Feb 1822, as is shown on the two memorial tablets in Essendon church

A somewhat elaborate memorial reads in part: Near this place in the Chancel lie the remains of Isabella Currie …... who, after a long and painful illness which she bore with singlar Patience and Resignation departed this life on the 2nd day of January in the Year of our Lord 1802 in the fullest Hope of a joyful Resurrection. Aetatis suae 27. Her gentle and amiable Manners, domestick Virtues and pure Charity, the offspring of a truly affectionate benevolent and religious Mind made her most beloved whilst living and deeply lamented at her Death. The other inscription reads in full: "Elizabeth Parnther, wife of Robert Parnther Esq. of Bedford Square, London and of Popes in the Parish of Hatfield, who after long and most patient suffering departed this life on the 2nd day of November 1811 aged 65 years in full assurance of a blessed immortality... In the same vault in the chancel with those of his dear wife Elizabeth Parnther and of his dear daughter Isabella Currie lie the remains of Robert Parnther Esq. of Bird's Place in this Parish who after a life of the most uniform goodness and kindness died on the 14th day of February in the year of our Lord 1822 in the 82nd year of his age".

Compiled by Peter Currie,
Abbots Litten, Sherborne, Dorset