CHAPTER II
THE INHERITANCE

them back in Mitcham, Surrey, by 1796. Vere's sister, Lydia,

got married on July 25, 1796, to Isaac Bull who you could
probably describe as a general merchant. She was two months short
of her 18th birthday and the wedding took place in Wimbledon,
about five miles from Mitcham. Her father may have been dead by
that time.

We don't know if Lydia had the blessing of her family, but if she
did it wasn’t long before concerns were being voiced about Isaac as
we shall see later.

Vere’s school days were probably over by 1797 at the latest. At that
point he would have reached the age of 14, the usual time for boys to
be apprenticed to learn a trade. But for some reason he didn't decide
on a trade for another 18 months. Perhaps he was unsure of what he
wanted to do or perhaps the family had financial problems. What-
ever the reason, Vere was almost 16 before he set out on his career.

He has been described in various reports as an engraver, a work-
er in metals, and a silver smith. So what trade was he likely to take

17

To Beck family left Scotland soon after this and we find