The Duffett Family

Josiah Duffett became a free potter in 1780 and in the same year was working in Avon Street, St Philips.  He was a brown stoneware potter.  He is listed, at Avon Street, for 1793-1809.  By 1809 he had established a pottery in Barton Hill, which was run by his son James.  On 21st October 1809 the following appeared in Felix Farley's Bristol Journal "WANTED.  A JOURNEYMAN BROWN WARE POTTER, in the neighbourhood of Bristol, to whom constant employ will be given.  A person thoroughly calculated for the situation of the above nature, will apply to JAMES DUFFETT, Potter, Barton Hill, near Bristol".  James is listed, at Barton Hill, until 1840.  Although these listings show that he was a redware, rather than a brown stone potter.  James Duffett, potter, voted from Barton Hill in 1830, 1832 and 1837.  The 1837 poll book describes him as a redware potter.  A rate book for 1815 shows a James Duffett paying rates on three properties, together with a John Dunn (a likely partner). In 1827 James Duffett also took over his father in law's brick making business for on 19th May 1827 the following advert appeared in Felix Farley: "ANN GIBBS widow of the late Mr JOSEPH GIBBS, BRICK and TILE MAKER, St Philip's Marsh, returns thanks to her late husband's friends and public, for the support he has received in his life time, and to acquaint them that she has resigned the said business to her son in law, Mr JAMES DUFFETT, whom she recommends to their future support and patronage.  JAMES DUFFETT, son in law and successor to the late Mr JOSEPH GIBBS, acquaints his friends and the public, that he has taken to the business of his late father in law, and continues the BRICK and TILE TRADE in all its branches, assuring that all orders will be therefore received, punctually executed, and gratefully acknowledged.  Orders received at his late father in law's house in Avon Street, near the Gas Works, St. Philip's, and at J Duffett's compting house next door.  J D has no connexion with any other firm in the same business".  Gibbs does not appear in the trade directories, but seems to have hvae been in partnership with Edward Hutchins between 1814 and 1822.  James continued the business until 1836, being followed by Henry Duffett until 1870.  Henry is also listed at Lawrence Hill (1854-78) and Victoria Street, St Philip's (1871-6). Henry placed the following in Felix Farley on 1st November 1834: "BRICK AND TILE YARDS.  ST PHILIPS MARSH.  HENRY DUFFETT BRICK and TILE MAKER, (Grandson to the late Joseph Gibbs, who conducted the business for nearly half a century, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the Merchants and Builders of Bristol, who, for that long period, had honoured him with their commands in the fullest extent of all he was able to make), humbly solicits a continuance of their favours.  In consequence of a report being in circulation tending to injure the Sale of the March Bricks, the Advertiser has been induced to submit those of his manufacture to Mr W Herapath, of this City, for analysis, who pronounces them perfectly free from any injurious quality.  To those who make use of the above Brick, H D is aware this encouragement will appear needless.  Marsh Bricks have for ages been celebrated for their durability, of which the slightest comparison of erections composed of them must convince any unprejudiced mind.  Their superior quality for exportation need not be dwelt on.  H D returns his sincere thanks to Merchants, Builders, and his Friends generally, for the liberal share of favour, which has been enforced on himself and father (who is about to decline the whole of the above Business in his favour), and assures then he is determined to support that credit already alluded to.  N.B.   A large Assortment of Malt-Kiln Tiles always on hand, Foot and Nine Inch squares, &c.". John Duffett is listed as a potter at 124 Temple Street from 1805 to 1820.  He commenced paying rates on a pottery in Pipe Lane (at the junction with Temple Backs) in 1818 (see 1902 map).  He started paying rates on a residential property, Hope Cottage, in Temple Backs,  in 1822.  He had taken an apprentice in 1808 and at Pipe Lane took two of his sons, John in 1822 and Charles in 1829.  He died in 1831 aged 50.  In 1831 he was succeeded by Susannah Duffett & Son (on 25th June 1831 she advertised that she, and her son, were taking over the Pipe Lane Pottery in Temple Backs), and in 1843 by Charles Duffett.  Charles also resided at Hope Cottage and his business is last listed in 1854.  The pottery is described as making redware.  The pipe lane pottery was taken over by William Hutchings by 1855.  John Duffett, potter, voted from 124 Temple Street, in 1812.  John Duffett junior, potter, voted from Temple Backs in 1832.  In 1840 Henry Duffett voted from Marsh, and in 1847 James senior and junior both voted from Barton Hill.  Charles Duffett voted from Pipe Lane in 1852. On 25th March 1867 Henry Duffett leased land in St Philip's Marsh, from the corporation of Bristol, for use as a brick field (BRO 1693/1).  The annual rent was 50 pounds, based on making up to 500000 bricks or drainage pipes, a royalty was paid on any number over that.  He had to fill in the land with rubble.  See the 1902 map. There were people with name Duffett working at Pountneys in the 20th century.  On 2nd September 1572 John Duffett, earthen potter, gained the freedom of the city by marring the daughter of William Auste a baker.  It would be interesting to know if he has any connection to the later Duffetts.