1765 JOSEPH CHAMBERS, (Draper).

(340)

Posthumous son of the Rev. Joseph Chambers, B.A.,

sometime curate of Shangton, co. Leic., and great grandson of AId. Joseph Chambers, mayor of Coventry in 1654. According to his epitaph he was born 19 March 1722~3. He was apprenticed 17 November 1737 to Wm. Bentley of Leic., mercer, and made free 12 June 1744 ; joined the corporation shortly afterwards, elected a chamberlain 1750, alderman 1761 and again mayor 1769 and 1784. Like his predecessor, he resided and carried on business in the Market Place. His name occurs in the original list of promoters and subscribers towards the establishment of the Leic. Infirmary. A man, we are told, of strict integrity, he supported his public character with dignity and independence, being highly respected by all who knew him. He was aJ.P. for both the borough and county.

Mr. AId. Chambers was for several years the senior member of the ruling body and complimentary regarded as "the father of the corporation." He married Frances, daughter of Thomas Phillips, and had an only son, John, who died young. After a life of service he died 25 April 1806, aged eighty~three, and was buried at Burbage, co. Leic. M.I. in the church there to him, his wife and son. Will not found.

"In memory of Joseph Chambers, esq. one of the aldermen,

and three times Mayor of the Borough of Leicester, and in the commission of the peace in this county.

He was born March 19, 1722-3 and died April 25, 1806.

Also Prances his wife, daughter of Thomas Phillips, esq. died Sept. 10, 1792, aged 78.

And John their only son died in his infancy Jan. 8, 1748-9."

Arms of Chambers :-Argent, a chevron azure be~ tween three trefoils slipped gules. Crest :-A bear passant proper, muzzled collared and chained or. Plate 5.

1766

1769   JOSEPH CHAMBERS. (2)

1784   JOSEPH CHAMBERS. (3)