There were a number of shipbuilders and shipwrights called Philemon Ewer in the villages of Bursledon and Hamble in the River Hamble area of Hampshire, England during the 18th century.
The Master Shipbuilder
editThe 'Master' shipbuilder was Philemon Ewer (19 July 1702 – 13 December 1750). He was a timber merchant and builder of small boats but gained an opportunity through the outbreak of the 'War of Jenkins' Ear' to build Men of War for the British government in 1739.
He also had a shipyard in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
He was buried at St Leonards in Bursledon on 16 December 1750 and has an elaborate memorial which records:
In Memory of MR PHILEMON EWER, who died the 13th day of December A.D. 1750 aged 49 Years. During the late war with France & Spain He build Seven large Ships of war for His Majesty's Service. In the Execution of that important Trust He gained, and deserved, the Reputation of an ingenious Artist and excellent workman and an honest Man. All his Undertakings were crowned with Success, And all his Industry justly rewarded With a fair Character & a plentiful Fortune; The first of which he left for ye Imitation The second for the Support & Enjoyment Of his numerous Family; who in Gratitude erected This Monument A:D: 1754
His seven ships were:
Ship Type Armament Launched Shipyard Notes HMS Falkland Fourth Rate 48-gun 1744 Bursledon This was a rebuild of the first ever ship built in North America in 1696 HMS Lizard Sloop 14-gun 1744 Bursledon HMS Ruby Fourth Rate 50-gun 1745 Bursledon HMS Salisbury Fourth Rate 44-gun 1746 East Cowes James Lind carried out his famous experiments on scurvy on this ship in 1747 HMS Fox Sixth Rate 24-gun 1746 Bursledon HMS Anson Fourth Rate 60-gun 1747 Bursledon HMS Vanguard Third Rate 70-gun 1748 East Cowes Took part in the captures of Louisbourg, Quebec and Martinique
He also built a large house in the village from the proceeds. It was called 'Elm Lodge' at the time but is now known as 'Greyladyes' and is home to the 'Greyladyes Arts Foundation' Google Maps Link.
There is also an 18th-century house called 'Ewers' on Lands End Road in Bursledon that was owned by the family. Google Maps link
Other Philemon Ewers
edit- The Master Shipbuilder's father (died 1730) Built trading ships mainly at Hamble
- The Master Shipbuilder's son (1735 - 1797) Seems to have been known as 'Captain' (most likely due to his position in the local militia) and lived at 'Elm Lodge' in Bursledon Google Maps Link- He does appear to have continued building smaller ships for the navy up to at least 1757 and left provision for his eldest son to be placed under an eminent shipwright in his will
- The Master Shipbuilder's nephew (1726 - 1792) Lived at 'Upcott House' in Bursledon Google Maps Link - Owned sloops for trading purposes and was also a maltster and timber merchant. He is recorded as offering to build ships for the navy.
- Both the Master shipbuilder's son and nephew had a son together named Philemon.
References
edit- HOLLAND,A.J. Ships of British Oak: The Rise and Decline of Wooden Shipbuilding in Hampshire Newton Abbot, David & Charles. 1971.(ISBN 0715353446)
UK National Archives [1]
- 1750 Philemon Ewer (Master Shipbuilder) Will - Reference 'PROB 11/785'
- 1797 Philemon Ewer (Son of Master Shipbuilder) Will - Reference 'PROB 11/1287'
- There are a number of letters referring to Philemon Ewer in the 'ADM' series