New book looks at Chappell family’s fabric of Exeter’s past

Discover their journey from skilled traders to esteemed mayors in Margaret A. Rice’s latest book, "Merchants and Mayors: The Chappell Family in Tudor Exeter."

A spotlight will be shone on the rich history of the Chappell family, prominent figures in Tudor Exeter during this year's Heritage Open Days.

This year's theme, "Routes-Networks-Connections," underscores the intertwining stories of commerce, community, and legacy. Margaret A. Rice, an experience family historian, will launch her latest work, "Merchants and Mayors: The Chappell Family in Tudor Exeter," with an illustrated talk and book signing at Tuckers Hall on Fore Street, Exeter.

The book offers a vivid exploration of 16th-century Exeter through the lives of William, Thomas, and John Chappell—three pivotal members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers and the early cloth guilds. Their journey from skilled traders to mayors of Exeter illustrates the blend of ambition, resilience, and civic duty that characterised the era.

"Discover life in 16th-century Exeter—a story of a successful merchant family who were members of the Company of Merchant Adventurers and the early cloth guilds who, through courage and adversity, became Exeter’s leading citizens and mayors of the city," the invitation reads. Margaret A. Rice’s narrative is enriched by extensive archival research, providing detailed accounts of the Chappell family's homes, tax records, and the significant inheritances left to their descendants.

The launch event promises two sessions on Friday, September 13, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 3 pm. Admission is free, offering attendees a chance to delve into this historical narrative and meet the author. The illustrated talk will not only highlight the Chappell family's contributions but also draw connections to other prominent merchant families of the time.

A particularly captivating segment of the book details the life of Henry Bagwell, Thomas Chappell’s grandson. Christened in St. Petrock’s Church in 1589, Bagwell’s adventurous spirit led him to join a fleet in 1609, destined for Jamestown, Virginia. Surviving a shipwreck off Bermuda, he eventually became a notable planter and civic leader in early Virginia. His story, previously detailed in Rice's 2021 publication, "The Henry Bagwell Story: English Adventurer, Virginia Planter," adds a transatlantic dimension to the Chappell family saga.

Maggie and husband were invited to Virginia in October 2022 for the launch of the book. Maggie gave a talk to two historical societies and we were invited to stay in a farmhouse on Henry's original land at Old Plantation Creek in Northampton County,on the Eastern Shore and met many Bagwell descendants.

Maggie said: “It was quite a trip including a hurricane at Virginia Beach where I gave
one talk to one of the Jamestowne Societies- no power, therefore no power point but we managed.”

The Chappell family's narrative is not just a tale of personal triumph but a testament to the enduring legacy of Exeter’s merchant adventurers.

A private celebration will take place at Tuckers Hall on Thursday, September 12 courtesy of the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers, and Shearmen, and attended by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Kevin Mitchell.

Chappell book is published by Blue Poppy Publishing in Ilfracombe, an independent publisher.