Thomas Spencer

Former London merchant, awarded the compensation for the enslaved people on Healthful Hill in St Catherine Jamaica, which he had inherited c. 1825. He died in Florence in 1858.

1. He was at Chewton House at the time of compensation and is known to have left Chewton House in 1837. He was the stepson [described as 'son-in-law'] of George Howel (q.v.), the son of Howel's wife.  Healthful Hill was owned until his death by George Howel, who died at Cote Park Bristol 07/01/1825, formerly of Jamaica, where he was a Master of Chancery, Secretary to the Board of Accounts, and a member of the Honourable House of Assembly. The will of George Howell or Howel of Westbury Gloucester which identifies Thomas Spencer of the City of London was proved 01/02/1825.

2. 'Thos. Spencer & Co. merchants' of 8 Lime Street Square appear in London directories between 1818 and 1828-1829.

3. The will of Thomas Spencer formerly of Chewton House who died at Florence 28/04/1858 was proved 11/06/1858 by Alfred Lucian Spencer of 18 Montague Street Russell Square, the universal heir, effects under £4000.

T71/852 St Catherine no. 624. T71/1606 letter from Thomas Spencer, Chewton house near Christchurch, Hampshire: 26/05/1835: I have 104 slaves belonging to me on coffee plantation. Also a debt from the late Francis Graham on Tulloch Estate St Thomas-in-the-Vale. Letter from Thomas Spence[r] also 11/06/1835 my attorney 'not having furnished me with any farther information, than of his having settled the amount with the commissioners in Jamaica.'

1. Gentleman's Magazine 1825 p. 92; PROB 11/1695/18; The auction of 'all the superior, genuine and excellent HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, of Thomas Spencer, esq., leaving Chewton House' was advertised in June 1837 Hampshire Advertiser 10/06/1837 p.1.

2. London Directory 1818; Pigot's 1828-1829.

3. National Probate Calendar 1858.