George William Tracey Brett

Male, ID #7701, b. circa 1814, d. circa February 1880

Alternate Names

     He was also known as George William recorded on the birth certificate of his son William George in 1853.

Birth, Marriage and Death information

     George William Tracey Brett was born circa 1814 at Colchester, ESS, ENG.
     He was baptized on 3 July 1814 at Christ Church with St Mary-at-the-Walls, Colchester, ESS, ENG, George William Tracey Brett, parents George Letch Brett and Dorothy Perkins. Father a tailor.
     He married Anne Glanville, daughter of Richard Glanville and Mary Burn, on 13 February 1845 at St Dunstan & All Saints parish church, Stepney, MDX, ENG, registered Stepney. After Banns, both of Stepney, both full age. Bachelor and spinster. Fathers named George Brett tailor and Richard Glanville coachman.
     He died circa February 1880 at St Saviour Southwark registered, SRY, ENG; recorded age 66.

Other information

     On 30 January 1844 The London Evening Standard reported:
DEATH FROM ESSENTIAL OIL OF ALMONDS, -- Mr. Wakley, M.P., held an inquest yesterday at the Angel and Crown, Upper-street, Islington, on view of the body of Frances Cheshire, aged 32, who put an end to her existence on Friday last by take essential oil of almonds.
J. Caney, who was the first witness, depsoed that he was in the employ of Mr. Brett, tailor, No. 2, Wells-row, Islington. Had often seen the deceased, who had fequently called to see his master. Deceased did not work at this master's trade, but was a dressmaker. Saw her on Friday last shortly before eleven o'clock, when she called to see Mr. Brett. On being informed that he was ill in bed, she wrote a note, which was conveyed to Mr. Brett by one of his workmen named Jeffreys. Mr. Brett destroyed the note, and desired that he might be denied to her. Almost immediately after this deceased was heard moaning as if in great pain. Witness proceed to an underground kitchen, where he found her sitting upon an old sofa-bedstead, with her eyes closed. She did not speak again. Saw a wine-glass at her side, and detected a very strong smell of almonds, which proceeeded from her clothes. He (witness) thought she was in a hysterical fit, and applied vinegar to her temples and the palms of her hands, having previously sent for a surgeon. Some time elapsed before a medical man was met with, but upon his arrival life had fled. Deceased not not related to Mr. Brett.
Wm Burrow, surgeon, who had been sent for on the alarm being given, at once concluded that she had taken prussic acid. Had made a post mortem examination of the body. About two months' pregnancy was exhibited. Had no doubt her death was caused by taking essential oil of almonds.
Henry Hedges deposed that deceased lived in his house twelve months previous to her death. Saw her last at home on Thursday. Noticed nothing eccentric in her manner. On the day previously, while speaking to her, Mr. Brett passed, and deceased represented herself as his wife. Was about leaving his house without paying her rent, but some arrangement was subsequently made and she left.
Mr George Brett, tailor, 2, Wells-row, Islington, denied that deceased was his wife. She wished to be. Noticed that lately she had been rather excited but not sufficiently so to engage his attention. Received a note from her on the Friday between 11 and 12 o'clock, a.m. He destroyed it and returned no answer.
It appeared from other evidence, that the poison had been bought at a chemist's in the neighbourhood, and the deceased was a woman of violent passions and had previously made an attempt on her life.
Several of the jury wished to put questions to Mr. Brett, but such questions having been submitted to the Coroner, it was decided that they were irrelevant.
The Jury returned the following verdict - That the deceased died by taking a dose of essential oil of almonds, but of the state of her mind at the time of committing the fatal act there was no evidence.

     In 1851 he dissolved a business partnership, with the notice:
Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned, George William Brett and Frederick Knowles Masters, of No. 145, Fleet-street, in the city of London, Tailors, was this day dissolved by mutual consent. - Dated this 8th March 1851
George William Brett.
Frederick Knowles Masters.

Address(es), Census(es) & Occupation(s)

  • George was a tailor on 13 February 1845.
  • As of 1 October 1853, George William Tracey Brett lived at 37 Carey Street, St Clement Danes, Westminster, MDX, ENG, when registering the birth of his son William.
  • George was a tailor, when registering the birth of son William on 27 August, naming himself George William Brett and his son's mother as Ann Brett formerly Glanville on 1 October 1853.
  • George was a tailor, employing 1 man on 2 April 1871.
  • He and Anne Glanville appeared on the census of 2 April 1871 at Prospect Road, Walthamstow, ESS, ENG; his age recorded 55, hers 47. With them 9 yr old son Alfred born St Dunstan.

Family

Anne Glanville b. bt 1822 - 1824