Charles Basley

Charles Basley (1817-1866). The son of a clergyman, he qualified in 1840. Living in Morchard Bishop, he took over from Dr Braddon as Medical Officer to cover the Bow District, between 1841 and the appointment of William Warren in 1844, after which he continued to be responsible for the Morchard Bishop district.

"On Saturday afternoon, 13^th January 1866 Mr Basley left his home in Morchard Bishop on horseback between the hours of two and three for the purpose of paying professional visits to his patients in the district. There had been heavy rain and the fields were flooded. The unfortunate gentleman had made two or three house calls, and was proceeding on his way to Mr Troake's, of Afton Barton, West Worlington, when his horse lost its footing. Both were washed away by the river. His body was not found until the following day. He was 45 and left a widow and two daughters.

He had wisely made a provision for his bereaved widow. He had insured against all accidents in the Railway Passengers' Insurance Company, who now have to pay Mrs Basley £1,000."

His widow, Maria Mayow (nee Talmage) continued to live in Devon and died aged 82 in Witheridge in 1895. Mary, one of their two daughters married Ernest Llewellyn, who was a surgeon in Witheridge. William Warren was their lodger according to the 1881 census.