Charles Sandoe Gilbert

Charles Sandoe Gilbert (1760–1831) was an English salesman and historian of Cornwall.

Life

The son of Thomas Gilbert, was born in the parish of Kenwyn, near Truro, in 1760. In conjunction with a Mr. Powell he became an itinerant vendor of medicines in Cornwall and Devon. On Powell's retirement Gilbert continued the business alone, but afterwards took in a Mr. Parrot. Later on he had establishments at 29 Market Street, Plymouth, and at Fore Street, Devonport, with a staff of six travellers.

During the progress of his Survey Gilbert had money troubles, and on 29 October 1825 he was gazetted a bankrupt. In the following year he moved to London, where, taking Gilbert Morrish into partnership, he opened a chemist's shop at 27 Newcastle Street, The Strand. Here he was interviewed by the Rev. John Wallis; and he died at the same address 30 May 1831. He was buried in the churchyard of the Savoy Hospital, where a head-stone was erected to his memory.

Works

About 1810 Gilbert was led to believe that he might claim descent from the Gilberts of Compton Castle, Devon. Antiquarian studies saw him undertake a general history of Cornwall. In his journeys through Cornwall he took notes, and also had his travelers collect information. After 1812 he was accompanied in several excursions by the artist Henry Perlee Parker. The first volume appeared in 1817 of An Historical Survey of the County of Cornwall, to which is added a Complete Heraldry of the same, with numerous Woodcuts, 592 pages. The second volume came out in 1820, 962 pages. Although Gilbert was patronized by successive dukes of Northumberland, and obtained a number of subscribers, the work cost double his estimate.

References

•  "Gilbert, Charles Sandoe". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900. 

Attribution

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Gilbert, Charles Sandoe". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.