Comments
VENN
Adm. pens. (age 18) at ST JOHN'S Apr. 12, 1769. S. of John [steward to the Duke of Bridgwater], of Worsley, Lancs. [and Lydia Bell]. B. at Cotton, Staffs. School, Manchester Grammar. ' Matric. Michs. 1769; B.A. 1773; M.A. 1776. Ord. deacon (Lincoln) Dec. 19, 1773; priest, June 11, 1775; C. of Ivinghoe, Bucks., 1773-5. R. of Settrington, Yorks., 1775-1820. R. of Dunnington, 1776-1820. Married (1) Mary, dau. of John Taylor, of Cronkeyshaw [he probably acquired his taste for the turf and games of chance from his wife's family]; (2) Anne . Plaintiff in a curious action against Mark Masterman Sykes tried at the Yorks. assizes in Mar. 1812. In a moment of conviviality Sir Mark had offered, for the sum of £100 down, to pay Gilbert one guinea a day so long as Napoleon should live, and Gilbert took the bet. At the date of the action Sir Mark had already paid £970 and the claim was for a further £2296. 7s. od. Counsel argued that if Napoleon were to invade England, Gilbert's interest in the invader's safety would be inconsistent with the public welfare. The jury were left to decide whether there was an intention of betting on the part of Sir Mark and they returned a verdict in his favour. Gilbert appealed against the verdict but was unsuccessful. The proceedings were printed in a pamphlet. Died Dec. 30, 1820. M.I. at Settrington. Father of Robert (next). (St John's Coll. Adm., IV. 268; East, King's Bench Reports, XVI. 150-5, and Revised Reports, XIV. 327-33-; Manchester Sch. Reg., I. 87; Cant. Act Bk.; The Times, Mar. 24, 1812.)