Obituary and Records – July 1810

At Stamford, died, aged 70, George Bindby. He was a very eccentric character, and dealt in toys, oranges, &c., with which he attended the neighbouring markets and fairs. The room in which he slept was so filled with goods, that he was obliged to climb over them in order to get into bed, which was situated within half a yard of a window that had scarcely a whole pane of glass in it. His family had received relief from All Saints parish, he always pleaded poverty, and giving them to understand that if they relied on him for any assistance they must starve; notwithstanding which he died possessed of property to the amount (it was supposed) of £1000, which he bequeathed, the day he died, to a person in no way related to him. At a sale of his effects, there was a turn-out of very many curious articles of every description, such as old knives, buckles, spurs, pistols, &c., which would at the present day produce much competition among antiquaries.

Source:

Obituary and Records for the Counties of Lincoln, Rutland & Northampton by Justin Simpson, page 99. Printed by William R Newcomb, Stamford 1861.

Submitted by Ronnie Teasdale.

Note: £1,000 pound sterling was worth £46,525.20 in 2017 according to The National Archives website. In 1810 this would buy: 95 horses; 200 cows; 111 stones of wool; 175 quarters of wheat; and 6,666 days wages for a skilled tradesman. They go on to state - The result of this calculation is intended to be a general guide to historical values, rather than a categorical statement of fact.

The Bank of England website gives a November 2025 value of £68,497.34, based on £1,000 in 1810.

A print version of this can be downloaded HERE