Benjamin Rosewell was born in 1714 at Chatham, Kent, the son of William Rosewell, master shipwright of Plymouth, and his wife Elizabeth. William had died at the age of about 34 years, leaving Elizabeth to care for their six children but with financial support from William’s father, Benjamin Rosewell, master shipwright of Chatham Dockyard. Benjamin married Anne Colthurst on 10 January 1744 at St James Garlickhithe, London. They had nine children, of which only one son and three daughters survived them. The children were:
William Rosewell. Known as "Billy". Admitted to the Middle Temple in 1769. Dead by 1782, leaving one natural-born daughter.
Benjamin Rosewell. Referred to as ‘my unhappy son’ in his father’s will.
To comply with the Attorneys and Solicitors Act 1728, Benjamin Rosewell would have completed his “articles” with at least a five-year apprenticeship to a senior attorney. By 1740 he was practicing as an attorney at Ironmonger Street, London. He took on many apprentices over the ensuing years with records showing him at Bassinghall Street and Throgmorton Street in 1769. In London Directories for the years 1763 to 1777 he is listed as attorney of 12 Angel Court, Throgmorton Street. From 1778 to 1781 he is listed as Rosewell and Dawes, attorneys, of 12 Angel Court. When he wrote his will in 1782 he described himself as ‘Gentleman of Throgmorton Street and of Clapton in Hackney, Middlesex’ and referred to servants at each location. It is presumed that he resided at Clapton and practiced as an attorney from 12 Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, London. Benjamin Rosewell's practice partner at the time of his death was Edwin Dawes, who was possibly a nephew of Weeden Butler. The house at Angel Court became the office of Messrs. Dawes and Chatfield, Solicitors.
Death
Benjamin Rosewell made his will on 21 April 1782, in which he provided for his living children and grandchildren, including those natural born. He desired to be buried ‘in my own family vault at Chatham, Kent’. He expressed much disappointment and frustration with the behaviour of 'my unhappy son Benjamin' and seemed to blame the circumstances on ‘this vile town’.
He died on 1 June 1782 and was buried in the vault of Reverend Walter Rosewell, his second great grandfather, in the churchyard of St Marys, Chatham, on 10 June 1782. Administration was granted 18 June 1782 on the oaths of Ann Alleyne Widow and Elizabeth Rosewell Spinster, 'executors as long as they remain single and unmarried', and the other executors Reverend Weeden Butler and Edwin Dawes.
