Davies-Gilbert

Davies-Gilbert

(Motto: Mallem Mori Quam Mutare/ I Prefer Death to Change)

The Davies-Gilbert family are descendants of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who was an older half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh (over 15 years younger). In the 19th Century, they developed the towns of Eastbourne and East Dean in Sussex. They also owned the Estate of Trelissick, Truro (Cornwall) from 1844 until it was sold in 1913.

Famous family members include Davies Gilbert (1767-1839, known as Davies Giddy before 1818). He was an engineer, author and High Sheriff of Cornwall. He was President of the Royal Society of Science from 1827 to 1830, and was a Member of Parliament as well. There have been several books written about, or by, the family. The book Beyond the blaze is the most famous of these.