Joshua Dell, born 1757

Joshua Dell, born in 1757, was the son of William and Jane Dell. He was the brother of Thomas Dell born in 1736.

Note. Both Joshua and Thomas, see Thomas Dell snr & Ann Dell, made a big impact on the history Lacey Green

William and Jane Dell.(Joshua's parents).

Little is yet known about William and Jane. They first appear in Princes Risborough church register in 1739, although research revealed that Thomas, born 1736 was also one of this family. Their deaths are not recorded at Princes Risborough.

Baptism's of William and Jane's children in Princes Risborough were as follows :-

1739 February 4th. Elizabeth married 1761 William Holden

1741 January 11th. William

1743 May 15th. Joseph married 1765 Mary Pratt

1745 April 21st Henry

1747 January 11th James

1749 October 22nd Sarah married 1775 Richard Buckingham

1751 November 10th Richard

1754 July 28th. Anne married 1775 John Allen

1760 March 2nd. Joshua married 1790 Mary Parslow (died 1794). 2nd marriage 1795 Elizabeth Stone (widow)

JOSHUA DELL

Joshua married twice

1.      1790 to Mary Parslow.    She died in1794.   They had a daughter Margaret who also died in 1794, aged 3.

2.      1795 to Elizabeth Stone, widow, born 1746, died 1829.

TENANCY GIFT.

Elizabeth was the customary tenant of the Manor for the later named Floyds Farm. She gave this tenancy to her husband Joshua.

ENCLOSURES OF PRINCES RISBOROUGH 1823

Joshua is awarded two allotments in the enclosures

1.  Number 678a.  House, garden and close (field).  It is copyhold, (rented from the Manor).   It is an old allotment, so would already have been occupied by Joshua.   These premises later became known as ‘Floyds Farm’.

2.  Number 702.  House and Garden. Freehold.  This is also an old allotment, so would already have been occupied by Joshua.  These premises later became known as ‘The Crown Inn’.

LET TO BROTHER,THOMAS DELL

Joshua was renting the property, later known as Floyds Farm, from the Lord of the Manor. This he sub-let to his brother Thomas Dell snr. for £80 per annum. Thomas died in 1811 and the new sub-tenant was Thomas Tilbury

PARSONAGE FARM

Joshua and Elizabeth moved to Parsonage Farm, Saunderton, sub-letting Floyds Farm.

WILL of JOSHUA DELL made in 1829

"I give, devise and bequeath unto James Dell of Stocken Farm at Lacey Green, farmer, who is one of my great-nephews, son of Thomas Dell Jnr. & Mary,nee Carter all my copyhold estate at Lacey Green, now in my own occupation And all my personal Estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever. To hold the same unto the said James Dell his heirs executors administrators and assigns respectively according to the nature and tenure of such estates respectively".

Note. Joshua had been married twice. His first wife and baby had died. His second wife was a widow. He had no more children. In his will he left everything to his great nephew, James Dell, the grandson of his brother Thomas, thus keeping everything in his own direct line of Dells.

1841 CENSUS

In the census of 1841, James and family are already living at Rectory House, Saunderton.    The head of the household is the curate William Hughes, but James Dell 40 is the farmer.   Also living there is Joshua Dell aged 80, of independent means.   Joshua died in 1843, aged 86 and was buried in Lacey Green churchyard.