382 Bradford-on-Avon. [ Old Families & Worthies. 
who settled in Bradford. Three of his children seem to have 
survived him, Paul,—Anthony,—and Francis. The last named 
son left no succession, neither do we know anything of his history. 
The eldest was the “Paul Methwin” of Bradford, of whom men- 
tion has already been made, and from whom descends the present 
noble family of “Methuen.” The second, Anthony, was for several 
generations represented in Bradford by direct male descendants, 
the last of whom died in 1792. Through female branches he is 
still represented by several families of station and affluence both in 
Wiltshire and Somersetshire. It will be convenient to trace in 
order, down to the present day, the descendants of those two bro- 
thers respectively. 
Pavt,—the elder of the two,—described as of Bradford and Bishops 
Cannings, has been already spoken of in the course of our narrative. 
(p. 48). It was he that introduced some weavers from Holland 
into Bradford, and materially improved the manufactures and con- 
sequently the trade of the Town. He settled here about the year 
1620-1630. He married Grace daughter of Mr. John Ashe, of 
Freshford, of an ancient family in Somerset, and a member 
of several Parliaments during the reign of Charles I. Aubrey 
ealls this Paul Methwin, “the greatest cloathier of his time 
(Charles II.)” and says that “he succeeded his father-in-law 
in the trade.”” By prudent economy, and successful enterprise, he 
greatly improved his property, and amassed a large fortune. He 
died in the year 1667. 
1In the Harleian MS, No. 1559, fol. 42: is a pedigree of this family, from 
which the following is an extract:— 
John Ashe (of Westcombe, Co. Somerset, )__Ann d. of Thomas Strode of 
living 1634. Huxton Mallet. 
| 
James Ashe (of Fresh-_Grace d. of Richard Pitt Alice=John Pitt. Margaret=John Mansel 
ford) | of Melcombe Regis. of Weymouth 
Ln eee 
John (of _Elizad.of |Edward==Ann d. of Joseph=... Jonathan=... Samuel (of=.., 
Freshford) Henry M.P.for | Alexander (a Ba- Langle, 
M.P. in se- | Davissonof Heytes- | Popham ronet) Burrell. 
veral Par- | Freshford bury. of 1660. 
liaments of , Littlecote. 
Chas. I. “~~ “ 
Lt | |. Ait | | 
James (of Fifield) Ann=Sir John Grace=Paul Mary=Jacob Self 2 drs. 
John (of Beckington) Shaw. Methuen. of Beanacre. 
Benjamin (of Westcombe) 
(3 other sons.) 
