Henry Browne Mason's Childhood

In Bath John & Elizabeth Mason had four unmarried daughters, each of who was assigned in turn as guardian to one of Bryant & Elizabeth's children as they were sent home from India.

Henry Browne Mason, then the youngest boy was assigned to his youngest aunt, Georgiana. He had been sent home on the EastIndiaman Kent before he was three years old. In due course Henry joined his two elder brothers, Frank and Finch (John Finch Mason), at the school of Mr Meyricke in Ramsbury, Wilts. His two elder brothers went on to Eton. Henry did not go to Eton, but joined the Royal Navy as a youngster when he was only 12½ years old.

George Mason was born some 14 years after Henry, in the year of the Battle of Trafalgar. In 1807 George came back to England with his mother at the age of two, and joined his grandparents and aunts in Bath. George must have done better at school than Henry since he attended Oxford University -- but only for one year.

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