Parishmouse Free Resources For Family Historians

Colesborne or Cowlesbourne is a parish and village in Cirencester union, containing, by the census of 1861, 261, and in 1871, 267 inhabitants, and 2174 acres; in the deanery of Winchcomb, archdeaconry of Gloucester, diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, hundred of Rapsgate, East Gloucestershire; 7 ½ miles north from Cirencester, and the same distance south-east from Cheltenham, near to the main road between those places. The river Thames passes through this parish. The living is a discharged rectory, valued at £158 per annum, with 85 acres of glebe land, in the incumbency of the Rev. Charles Wilson, and the patronage of John Henry Elwes, Esq., D.L., J.P. The church is an ancient cruciform edifice, in the Early Perpendicular style, consisting of nave, chancel, two transepts, and porch, with tower containing two bells. There is a National School for children of both sexes, which is supported at the expense of Mr. and Mrs. Elwes. The rateable value is £1761.

Colesborne Park contains a handsome mansion of modern date in the Elizabethan style, which is the residence of John Henry Elwes, Esq., D.L., J.P., who is lord of the manor, and chief owner of the soil.

Clergy and Gentry

Atkinson Rev. Thomas, B.A., curate

Elwes John Henry, Esq., D.L., J.P., Colesborne park

Trades and Professions

Butt James, farmer, Rapsgate farm

Cook Mrs. Mary, farmer, Penhill farm

Coole George, blacksmith

Edmonds Albert, farmer, Southbury farm

Hall James, shopkeeper and carrier

Parker Edwin, mason

Radway John, carpenter

Sly Mrs. Ann, shopkeeper

Snook John, “ Colesbourn” inn

Walcroft George, shoemaker and parish clerk

Walker Samuel, plasterer

Letters from Andoversford arrive at 9.50 a.m.; dispatched at 4 p.m. Andoversford is the nearest money order office.

Free School – Miss Amelia Devenport, mistress

Carrier – James Hall, Monday

Morris & Co.’s Commercial Directory & Gazetteer of Gloucestershire with Bristol and Monmouth. Second Edition. Hounds Gate, Nottingham. 1876.