Philemon Ewer
There were a number of shipbuilders and shipwrights called Philemon Ewer
in the villages of Bursledon and Hamble in the River Hamble area of Hampshire, England during the 18th century.
The Master Shipbuilder
The 'Master' shipbuilder was Philemon Ewer. He was atimber merchant and builder of small boats but gained an opportunity through
the outbreak of the 'War of Jenkins' Ear' to build Men of War for the
British government in 1739.
He also had a shipyard in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
He was buried at St Leonards in Bursledon on 16 December 1750 and has an elaborate memorial which records:
In Memory of MR PHILEMON EWER, who died the 13th day of December
A.D. 1750 aged 49 Years. During the late war with France & Spain
He build Seven large Ships of war for His Majesty's Service.
In the Execution of that important Trust He gained, and deserved,
the Reputation of an ingenious Artist and excellent workman
and an honest Man. All his Undertakings were crowned with Success,
And all his Industry justly rewarded With a fair Character & a plentiful
Fortune; The first of which he left for ye Imitation
The second for the Support & Enjoyment Of his numerous Family;
who in Gratitude erected This Monument A:D: 1754
His seven ships were:
Ship Type Armament Launched Shipyard Notes HMS Falkland Fourth Rate 48-gun 1744 Bursledon This was a rebuild of the first ever ship built in North America in 1696 HMS Lizard Sloop 14-gun 1744 Bursledon HMS Ruby Fourth Rate 50-gun 1745 Bursledon HMS Salisbury Fourth Rate 44-gun 1746 East Cowes James Lind carried out his famous experiments on scurvy on this ship in 1747 HMS Fox Sixth Rate 24-gun 1746 Bursledon HMS Anson Fourth Rate 60-gun 1747 Bursledon HMS Vanguard Third Rate 70-gun 1748 East Cowes Took part in the captures of Louisbourg, Quebec and Martinique
He also built a large house in the village from the proceeds. It was called 'Elm Lodge' at the time but is now known as 'Greyladyes' and is home to the 'Greyladyes Arts Foundation' .
There is also an 18th-century house called 'Ewers' on Lands End Road in Bursledon that was owned by the family.
Other Philemon Ewers
- The Master Shipbuilder's father Built trading ships mainly at Hamble
- The Master Shipbuilder's son Seems to have been known as 'Captain' and lived at 'Elm Lodge' in Bursledon - He does appear to have continued building smaller ships for the navy up to at least 1757 and left provision for his eldest son to be placed under an eminent shipwright in his will
- The Master Shipbuilder's nephew Lived at 'Upcott House' in Bursledon - Owned sloops for trading purposes and was also a maltster and timber merchant. He is recorded as offering to build ships for the navy.
- Both the Master shipbuilder's son and nephew had a son together named Philemon.