Corruption, duels and bribery claims mire a former MP

Revealing some of the history behind the faces that adorn the portraits of Barnstaple's Guildhall, researcher Nigel Salsbury continues our 2025 series on past notable figures

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THE main chamber of the Guildhall has 41 large portraits around the walls. They portray some of the old worthies of the borough and the majority of the portraits show mayors.

One was Richard Bremridge, mayor in 1829 and again in 1859. His large portrait was donated to the council in 1912 by WH Toller.

Richard Bremridge was the son of Samuel Bremridge, from Heanton Court, Heanton Punchardon. He was a woolstapler (ie a dealer in wool), was elected as coroner of North Devon and was Mayor of Barnstaple in 1809 and 1817.