Lewis Priestman MFH (1863 - 1945)

Born 22 Dec 1863 in Shotley Bridge, Durham, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Husband of Frances (Willis) Priestman — married 28 Nov 1907 in Bridport, Dorset, England, United Kingdom

Died 6 Aug 1945 at age 81 in Derwent Lodge, Shotley Bridge, Durham, England

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Biography

Was a director, not active, of Priestman Collieries in 1923. Never undertook serious employment. His main interest and occupation was in foxhunting. He was master of the Braes of Derwent foxhounds for an astonishing 19 years. When the hunting season closed he took up his other great interest: coaching. He owed and ran the "Venture" coach pulled by 4 or 6 matched horses on a scheduled run between Shotley Bridge and Blanchland. Details can be found at http://www.blanchlandhistory.org.uk/life/venture.php In Blanchland, he and his passengers would take tea in the Crewe Arms before the return journey. The original coach still exists and in in private hands of a collector in Wiltshire. Further pictures are to be found at www.shotleybridgevillagetust.com. Lewis wrote a magisterial work on foxhunting. He married Frances Willis quite late in life. They were very happy throughout. She shared Lewis' passions for horses, hunting and coaching. Lewis had his valet fill his waistcoat pocket each morning with half-crown coins. He tipped anyone who did him a favour with one or two. He was a generous, wealthy man and much loved in the district.

Sources

• Family records