Family:Emanuel Green and Nancy Ashman (1)

Padfield Family Journal

A sketch of the History and rise of Holcombe Brewery and Mr. Ernest(sic) Green, written in the hand of Benjamin Padfield (1808-1891) and transcribed by W.R. Powell c1960, from a manuscript that was in the possession of Miss Lucy Padfield, of 83 High Street, Wincanton, Somerset

"Mr. Emanuel Green was a native of Witham Friary near Frome, by trade a plasterer and tiler. When a young man, in the year 1774, he came to Holcombe and was engaged in building Holcombe Wesleyan chapel, Mr. Robt. Ashman then lived at what is now called Flint House, carrying on a large business in the wool and stocking trade. He also kept a grocer's shop, and the females of the neighbour hood was well employed spinning and knitting stockings. They were paid generally by truck, but little money was paid for labour in those days, therefore the house was called Pinchpenny Castle. Robert had two sons and two daughters, Nancy and Lydia. Mr. E. Green look a fancy to Nancy, but this did not please Robert and his wife; but the correspondence was carried on secretly until one morning Miss Nancy was missing, and it was said she was taken from her bedroom window and married to the young plaisterer."

"However matters were settled pleasantly and some time after Emanuel and his wife Nancy came to Holcombe and lived in a cottage where the Brewery stands and opened a small general shop. It is said he began making soap. In those days a licence was required to make that article, but he was detected by the officers of the Crown and fined for so doing. After this occurrence it is said he began brewing in a pot over the fire. Let that be as it may, he succeeded in producing a first rate quality of beer. He was a steady persevering man in business, and his father-in-law being a man of means no doubt assisted him in his business. He prospered amazingly. He had a large family, six sons and four daughters. John Ashman Green, William A. Green, Robert A. Green, Charles Green, James Green and Emanuel Green who died a young man in 1832. The daughters were Ann, Elizabeth, Lydia, and Mary Ann. The business mightily increased, and large barrels were built about the year 1816. One of the largest when filled contained about 1045 barrels. It is said Rev. Wm. Ashman paid the cost of it and the cost of filling it the first time."