The Churchward Families of Stoke Gabriel: Frederick Churchward

Frederick Churchward, Esq., J.P

The sons of the house of Churchward, a very old Devonshire family, have for the most part followed three callings. They have been able diplomatists, gallant soldiers, and efficient and influential men of business. Frederick Churchward has never found time to try his hand at diplomacy, but he has been a soldier and a man of good business habits, combining two of the family traits. And there is no doubt that had he elected to share the fortunes of the Foreign Office, his strength of character and strong personality would have won him just as conspicuous a success there.

He was born in 1839, and is the son of the late John Churchward, Esq., of Hill House, Stoke Gabriel. He received his education at private schools in Paignton and Totnes, and as soon as his studies were completed he took up responsible duties in the outside world, entering the service of the National Provincial Bank of England, at Cardiff.

In 1874 he opened a branch of that great financial institution at the Bute Docks, and in 1881 was appointed to the office of Joint General Manager in London, from which post he retired in September 1906, after a continuous period of service extending over half a century. At the time of his retirement he enjoyed to an extent that few men ever have, the confidence, respect and esteem of the financial world, and it is doubtful if any single man ever wielded more influence in the same sphere, and was the recipient of a very handsome testimonial from the staff of the Bank.

During his time in London he resided at Blackheath; Club, Junior Carleton.

During his sojourn in Cardiff he held for some years a commission in the 10th Glamorganshire Rifles, and took great interest, which began at its inception and has not flagged since, in the Volunteer movement. He was appointed Justice of the Peace for the County of Devon in 1886, and his services in this office have been of the same firm, but never unkindly, character, which have aided him so materially in winning success in the commercial world.

Mr. Churchward married, in 1865, Hannah, daughter of Henry Sladen, Esq., of Cardiff and Folkestone, and since his retirement has been in residence at Hill House, Stoke Gabriel, and estate which has been in possession of the Churchward family for four hundred and twenty-two years. This fact he commemorated on April 26th, 1897, by gift of a beautiful stained glass window to the Parish Church.

He has thoroughly restored Hill House in recent years, and no estate in Devonshire is more picturesquely situated. The village of Stoke Gabriel is so old that its history cannot be thoroughly traced, but it is said that the Churchwards were settled there as early as the eleventh century. For the steepness of its streets it rivals Robin Hood's Bay, and from the doorstep of Jan Biddlecombe's house you can see the net menders. A craggy climb takes you to Hill House, and your eyes are dazzled on a bright day by glimpses here and there of the Dart shining-like polished silver in the distance. Many people have made the climb to enjoy Mr. Churchward's genial hospitality.

From Devonshire Leaders: Social and Political (published 1919 (?))