Robert Genn (son of Richard in my post of 9th March 2013) became a fairly prominent Ely figure. He was admitted to the King's School in Ely in
1771 (at the age of 11) as a Cathedral Chorister and remained as a chorister in
the Cathedral Choir until the age of 36.
Ely Cathedral
He married Ann Reynolds, widow of William Reynolds
(proprietor of the Lamb Inn or Hotel in Ely) by special licence in 1786 and
they proceeded to have three children, though only one survived infancy. Ann
had a son, James by her previous marriage.
Robert had various official posts over the years,
being Overseer of the poor, Surveyor of the Highways and sundry other roles. Robert Seymour Genn with the aid of Reg Holmes found out a lot about this man, but was unaware of a letter that Robert wrote to a Colonel Yorke of a government department and which survives at the British Library (reference ADD MS 35669. It runs as follows
Sir
I hope you'll be kind enough to excuse the liberty I have taken in writing to you, but I would wish to inform you that Mr Pratt, the Postmaster of Ely is in a very bad state of health at this time and is expected not likely to recover. If it should happen that the Postmasters place should be vacant, I shall esteem it a very great favour if you would be kind enough to recommend me to the General Post Master.
I have taken the liberty of asking the Bishop [of Ely] for the favour of this recommendation I think it my Duty to inform you.
In hopes that you will not promise your interest to any other person, if solicited. I understand several are making application, so [if] I should be lucky to succeed.[will] Endeavour to execute the Business with all the care and regularity I possibly can.
Your humble and Most Obedient Servant
Robert Genn, Ely, May 23rd [1788]
Thomas Pratt, Postmaster of Ely died in June, 1788
From 1788 to 1813 Robert Genn was the Ely Postmaster and owner
of the Lamb Inn/Hotel for the greater part of that time, this being reputedly
the best Inn in Ely. We find the following advertisement:
"Lamb Inn at Ely Cambs
Genn 's Post Coach from Ely to the King's Head,
Bridge Street, Cambridge, three times a week viz: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and returns
the same day, and if required sets out in time for the London coach each
morning. If not, at such times as shall be most agreeable to the passengers. Inside 4 shillings, outside 2 shillings.
Neat post chaises with able horses and careful drivers either by the week or
the day”.
There were frequent cock-fights at the Inn, details survive, and in 1808 upon his retirement
from the Inn an advertisement was placed in the Cambridge Chronicle, wherein Robert thanked his former patrons for their custom.
The Lamb as it is today
from the Inn an advertisement was placed in the Cambridge Chronicle, wherein Robert thanked his former patrons for their custom.
In 1815, Ely notables gave their support to a
celebration dinner for the poor at the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and Robert was the patron and
president of one table subscribing a guinea towards the cost of the dinner.
Ann Genn died in 1805, stated to be 56. Robert Genn died in 1833, aged 73. Letters of Administration (CRO) were granted
to his sole surviving son.
Robert and Ann had three children
Billett - see next post
Robert - two of the name died in infancy
For the notes above I am indebted to the late Robert Seymour Genn, a descendant of this family. A more complete version is in his booklet at the Society of Genealogists in London.
Robert - two of the name died in infancy
For the notes above I am indebted to the late Robert Seymour Genn, a descendant of this family. A more complete version is in his booklet at the Society of Genealogists in London.
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