John Rock Grosett [Grossett]

John Rock Grosett, MP for Chippenham (1820-1826), a tenant of Lacock Abbey, Wilts. and then in Jamaica from the 1830s onwards, returning to Britain and dying here in the 1860s, party to the Chancery suit of John Eldad Waters v John Rock Grosett, into which the compensation for the enslaved people Chepstow Pen and Spring Garden estate in St George and Petersfield in St Thomas-in-the-East (all of which he owned) was paid.

Note: his surname is usually spelled Grosett rather than Grossett. (The latter given in the Parliamentary Papers.)

1. Letters of Administration of the estates of John Rock Grosett, formerly of St George Jamaica and then of the City of Lisbon but lately of Chew Magna who died 22/07/1866 left unadministered by Francis Rock Spencer Grosett the son sole executor and residuary legatee awarded 14/07/1868 to Countess de Maricort, effects under £4000.

2. John Rock Grossett is buried in the churchyard of the Parish Church of St. Andrew, Chew Magna, Bristol. He died September 22nd 1866 'in the eighty third year of his age'. He is buried along with his son Frederick Rock Spencer Grossett who died February 17th 1868 aged 48 years.

3. In 1861 John R Grosett aged 76 fund-holder and son Frederick aged 41, also fund-holder, were living at Chew Magna.

T71/869 St George nos. 56 and 66; St Thomas-in-the-East no 563.

1. National Probate Calendar 1868.

2. Email from Melinda Good 16/01/2015.

3. 1861 census online.

We are grateful to Melinda Good for her assistance with compiling this entry.