George Soltau

Following their marriage in 1800, GEORGE and ELIZABETH MARIA SOLTAU lived initially at 1, Suffolk Lane, Cannon Street, London until about 1809. They then made the move down to Plymouth in Devon, where they lived in Breton Side. They also acquired a house in the country, at Ridgeway Lodge, Plympton St Mary, in about 1816.

Meantime GEORGE traded as a merchant with his brother WILLIAM under the name “GEORGE and WILLIAM SOLTAU & CO”, both from 2, Green Lettuce lane, Cannon Street, London and from 15, St Helen’s Place, Bishopsgate, London. He also traded separately under the names WIDOW SYMONS & SON, and SYMONS SOLTAU & CO

GEORGE became a member of Plymouth Town Council, and was greatly interested in local philanthropic work, and most particularly in the Plymouth Free School.

“GEORGE SOLTAU, gent of Ridgeway”, Plympton died aged 43 on 18 May 1819 and was buried on 25 May 1819 at Plympton St Mary. Officiating Minister Wm COPPARD.

An extract from the “Diaries of Henry Woollcombe II, 1818-1825” reads “friend Soltau seriously ill, - has been to Plympton but could not stay. News that his friend has been taken worse – hurries to Ridgeway by postchaise – found him insensible and in great pain – stayed with him into the night – called back into the sick room 6am, lingered until late afternoon he died”.

In Plympton St Mary church there is a memorial inscribed:

“This tablet is erected by a sorrowing mother to the memory of a beloved son, George Soltau Esq., who died the 18th May 1819 in the 43rd year of his age. His early piety and active benevolence prompted him to a faithful discharge of his duties as became a man and a Christian, and prepared him in the prime of Life to meet his Saviour and his God. “Go thou and do likewise”