Tobago 51 (Studley Park)

Parliamentary Papers p. 150.

T71/891: claim by Mary Ann Brooke, administratrix of John Robley.

T71/491 p 74: enslaved persons registered by David Hall, attorney, in 1834.

Times 03/01/1822 p. 3: Deaths 'On the 23rd Nov. last, at Golden-grove Tobago, the President of his Majesty's council in that island, John Robley Esq. of Russell-square London.'

Times 07/03/1833 p. 2: reporting on Robley and others v Brooke: John Robley had been in partnership with Charles Brooke, mortgagees and consignees of Sir Wm Young on Betsey's Hope. 'In January 1808, John Robley went to the West Indies, partly on his own private affairs, partly those of the partnership, and this with the concurrence of Mr Brooke, and he continued there till November 1821, when he fell a victim to the climate.'

Times 11/07/1839 p. 6: Robley v Robley: John Robley had left a wife and three children in Britain in 1808, had several children by free mulatto Eliza McKenzie, the legal suit was John Horatio Robley, heir-at-law v legacies of £5000 to natural children [cumulative or not].

Times 23/05/1833 p. 4: death of Charles Brooke Esq. of Sambrooke court Basinghall St. in the 74th year of his age.

Times 24/05/1833 p. 6: letter from E.A. Wilde, alluding to coroner's inquest and a paper 'written before the fatal act was committed', and conversation with Brooke on the suit between himself and executors of late partner.

Times 23/05/1833 p. 3: inquest into the death of Charles Brooke of Charles Brooke, ,Webb & Co., 'the nominal head of the firm, but who had ceased to have any connexion with the business for some time... the head had literally separated into two halves' [after he shot himself.]

E.A. Wilde was the solicitor. The lawsuit was about an estate in St Vincent: Charles Brooke claimed one-half, the executors said he was entitled to one-fourth. 'By other evidence, it appeared that his West India property was of little moment to him, the bulk of his property being in this country, but the decision [of House of Lords against him] preyed on his mind, he became incoherent at times and he lost his firm gait and appetite.'

See Tobago claim nos. 64 and 325 for Betsy's Hope and Caroline Robley.