1792    JOSEPH BURBIDGE, (Brushmaker).

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The youngest and seventh child of William Burbidge, Husbandman, of Packington Magna, co. Warwick, by his wife, Margaret Alsager, where he was baptized 16 March 1748, 9. The family to which he belonged had been associated with that parish since the reign of Henry VII. He came to Leic. when quite young, took up his freedom as a "stranger" 6 August 1771, commenced business as a brushmaker in Belgrave Gate, joining the corporation soon afterwards. In 1779 he was elected one of the borough chamberlains. He discharged his public duties, we are told, "with independence and integrity."

Ald. Burbidge married twice. By his first wife, Rebecca, maiden name unknown, he had eight children, four sons and four daughters, the records of whose births and baptisms are to be found recorded in the registers of St. Martin's and St. Margaret's. Mrs. Rebecca Burbidge died 30 March and was buried at St. Margaret's 2 April 1782, aged twenty-nine. M.I. there. He married secondly by licence at St. Margaret's 22 April 1783 Mary Palmer, spinster of St. Martin's, and by her, who died 14 June 1823, aged seventy-two, buried at St. Margaret's, M.I. there, he had issue, five children. The eldest son of the second union, Thomas Burbidge, solicitor, born 1 April 1784, was Town Clerk of Leic. 1813-1835, whose descendants are still living.

AId. Burbidge died on Tuesday 14 September 1807 in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and his remains were laid to rest a few days later in St. Margaret's churchyard near those of other members of the family. His will, if he made one, does not appear to have been proved either at Leic. or London. A local paper in referring to his death says of him "In private life he was deservedly esteemed as an affectionate father, a good neighbour and sincere friend."

Arms of Burbidge as used by the descendants of the above, named alderman:-Sable, a chevron engrailed or, guttee de sang, between three boars' heads couped argent. Crest:-A boar's head and neck erased argent bristled or, between two acorn branches leaved vert fruited or. Motto:-FA VORE DEI. Plate 7.