Heskins, Beddome and Norton

We know that Robert Norton was in business with John Heskins and a Beddome son. This notice in the Gazette noting the move from Bristol to Nailsea cast s a little more light

THE Partnership between John Heskins, Boswell Brandon Beddome, and Robert Norton, all of Nailsworth, in the Parish of Horsley, in the County of Gloucester, Clothiers and Partners, was, by mutual Content, dissolved on the 21st Day of December last. NB The business will in future be carried on at Nailsworth aforesaid, by Heskins and Norton only, to whom all Persons to whom the Paid Partnership is indebted are desired to apply for Payment of their respective Debts; and all Persons who are indebted to the Said Partnership arc desired to pay the same to Heskins and Norton only, who are duly authorized to receive the same: Witness our Hands this 12th Day of March, 1791, 

John Heskins

Boswell Brandon Beddome

Robert Norton

Reference to Beddome by William Steele in 1777

In a letter written from William Steele 1715-1785, brother of Anne, to his 24 year old niece Mary Steele 1753-1813 (who married Thomas Dunscombe 1748-1811 but only in 1797) on Tuesday, September 9, 1777, Steele refers to a smallpox epidemic in Bristol that necessitates his returning to Broughton via Amesbury, He hopes to “see Stonehenge”. He mentions a rumour that Beddome's protege Mr [Nathaniel] Rawlin(g)s has been asked by Trowbridge Baptists to leave Bristol [or Broughton?] and return to Trowbridge as their preacher, working in the clothing trade with his wife's relations. He says that he met Mr and Mrs Bedome [sic] at Mr Norton's on September 8 and Beddome (by then over 60) preached at Broadmead on the Sunday morning (presumably September 7). He also describes Henry Kent who “has become so great a beau” in second mourning. The letter includes a postscript from “Amanda” [Miss Amanda Froud] to “Sylvia” [Mary Steele].

Robert Norton 1744-1808, was a Bristol clothier, married to Hannah Evans (1746-1807), daughter of Hugh and Sarah Evans. He was also brother-in-law to Thomas Mullett (1745-1818). Like Mullett who removed to London he would leave Bristol and the Broadmead Church for Nailsea to become a successful clothier and tobacconist. He was in business with John Heskins (1778-1838), who was married to a daughter of Benjamin Francis, and a son of Beddome's. His daughter Sarah Evans Norton Biggs (1768-1834) would become a friend of the poet Mary Steele and an acquaintance of the diarist Henry Crabb Robinson (1775-1867).