Mary Reynolds

Mary Reynolds was bapt. 20 Feb 1791 at St Mary Whitechapel, daughter of Thomas and Mary Reynolds of Prescot Street.

This Mary Reynolds is believed to be the author of a letter in the possession of descendants of Henry Reynolds of Adisham. It reads:

London 5th Jan 1801

Honoured Grandmama
I cannot let the day pass without informing you of the pleasing surprise we have all experienced in an unexpected visit from our Uncle Henry Reynolds (i), indeed we have thought it long since we had the pleasure of hearing from you, was much concerned when my Uncle informed me of your late indisposition, wish to be very thankful, that your health is so far again restored. I beg you, my dear Grandmama, to accept all our best thanks for your very kind present, indeed we will take care of it, and value it, for your sake. I am quite delighted to hear such pleasing account of my two dear little brothers (ii). We long to see them, very often talk of them, and fancy we see Isaac running in the fields after the cows. You would scarce know Susannah (iii). She is much grown and is a very sweet little girl. She works and reads her book very prettily, having been to school this last half year with me. I feel myself much indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Bawtree (iv) for their kindness in permiting me to learn to write, as I shall now have it in my power often to employ my pen to enquire after my dear absent friends. We yesterday dined with Mr. Levick, and expect the pleasure of their company with my Uncle on Wednesday, to spend the day in the Crescent (v), today, we are engaged to pay a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Bawtree to meet a party of young people. Mr. and Mrs. Bawtree desire me to take their best compliments, uniting, with my Brother, Sister, and Self in wishing you a happy new year, and many returns of them.
I remain Dear Grandmama
Your Dutifuly very respectful
Grand Daughter
Mary Reynolds

i Lived at Adisham, Kent
ii brothers Isaac Belsey Reynolds and Samuel Bawtree Reynolds living in Adisham, Kent possibly with grandparents at Dane Court, built in medieval times and long occupied by the Reynolds family.
iii sister Susannah Reynolds living in London with Mr and Mrs Samuel Bawtree along with Mary and a brother, perhaps Henry.
iv Samuel Bawtree was a wealthy corn-factor (trader in grains) from Essex.
v The Bawtrees lived at 8 Crescent St., Minories, a crescent-shaped building of tall attached houses, near the Tower of London. recently restored in 2015.