The Bevans and the Dewars

Bevans | Dewars | Letters | Topics raised in the letters

The Bevan and Dewar family corresponded from 1824 to 1870. Their letters survived and are now in the hands of their descendant, Patrick Baty. Patrick, an historic paint consultant and owner of Papers and Paints, provided us with the letters, which have been transcribed by volunteers here at the Town House.

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The Bevans were a relatively well-off family during the late 18th and 19th centuries with a variety of interests including significant ones in the banking industry. The modern Barclays Bank traces its roots back through to the Bevans. Robert Polhill Bevan became a well known painter. The Bevan family correspondence covers a variety of topics but is especially useful in providing us with an insight into general family life during the late-Regency period; sometimes as it was being led in Brighton. 

More about the Bevans

The Dewar family are related to the Bevans by the marriage of Richard Bevan to Sarah Dewar. The Dewar correspondence is concerned with events outside of the Regency period and is shown here mainly for completeness. The main topic is the Crimea war and the loss of a family member during this conflict.

More about the Dewars