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| Historic Article Themes: People |
Colonel Francis Hacker
The Hacker family played a tragic but leading role in local and national events during the English Civil War. Colonel Francis Hacker who lived at Hall House (today known as Manor Farm, Bakers Lane) was a staunch Parliamentarian, whilst his two brothers were equally staunch Royalists. He was also an opponent of Squire Goldings at Colston Bassett Hall therefore the rivalry and potential for conflict must have been very difficult in such a small village and close area.
Medical Practitioners
For such a small village Colston Bassett has been remarkable well served by the medical profession. This was appreciated by the Rev. Evelyn Young in his History of Colston Bassett. He stated in the mid 1930s,
Reverend Young
The Reverend Evelyn Young became Vicar of Colston Bassett in 1924 until his death in 1936. He had many interests and this is reflected in his seminal work “The History of Colston Bassett” which is painstakingly researched and is available today from libraries. It is a vital and invaluable research work and is referred to extensively in this review. The village is therefore indebted to this remarkable individual who left such a wonderful work for which he will always be remembered.
The Marriott Family
The Marriott family is thought to be the oldest family in the village. They are recorded as living in the village as early as 1713. The family purchased what is now known as Home Farm on Church Gate in 1801 when it was known as The Pingle and included 5 acres of land and buildings
The squires of Colston Bassett Hall
In the time of King Edward I the manor of Colston was in the ownership of Lord Ralph Basset by around 1080. Ralph died in 1127 and held the office of Chief Justice of England so was therefore a very important person who owned other large estates throughout the country such as Drayton Bassett in Staffordshire. He was succeeded by his son Richard Basset to the office of Chief Justice which he held through the reigns of Henry I and Stephen. In fact between 1080 and 1390 there is a direct succession of nine Bassets as lords of the manor , of which eight were called Ralph. Therefore although the Basset family held the lordship for longer than any other family it is very confusing as to which Ralph is being referred to. What is known beyond doubt is that Colston became known as Colston Bassett due to the lordship of the Basset family for so long. It is, however, difficult to know as to when this actually occurred.
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