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Brannon, Philip

27.02.1817 – 19.06.1890

Born at Newport on the Isle of Wight, Brannon initially followed his father’s profession of printing and engraving. Moving to Southampton, in about 1845 he set up his own business. Subsequently, his interests widened to include architecture and engineering. Relocating to Shanklin in 1863, by the mid 1870s he was settled in London. Like many others, he acquired a particular fascination with flying machines.

The final years of his life were spent at Walton-on-the Naze in Essex. Unfortunately, it would seem that he mismanaged his business affairs, and on his death his wife and children were left destitute. In a letter published in the Daily Graphic and reprinted in The Isle of Wight Observer (28.06.1890) reference was made to his ‘inability or neglect to patent his ideas so that he was copied and superseded by others.’ It also contained an appeal for subscriptions to assist his family.

Sources

Portrait

Philip Brannon

Contribution to county’s history

Although many of Brannon’s publications are not strictly history, since they contain contemporary information about Southampton and environs in the mid 19th century, material from them has been used extensively by historians.

Relevant published works

  • Picture of Southampton (Southampton:  Brannon, 1850).

  • The Strangers Guide and Pleasure Visitor’s Companion to Netley Abbey (Southampton: W Sharland, 1857 third edition).

  • The Strangers Guide and Pleasure Visitor’s Companion to Southampton and the Surrounding country, (Southampton: W. Sharland, c.1868, 13th edition).

  • A New Complete and Correct Map of Southampton and its Suburban District (Southampton: Brannon, c.1870).

Critical Comments

The value of The Picture of Southampton is evidenced by the fact that it was republished in 1973.

Other Comments

In 1990 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Philip Brannon, a book entitled Brannon’s Southampton: Beauties of the Port and Town of Southampton with an introduction by Derek Whatley and J Edgar Mann was published by Ensign Publications of Southampton.

Contributor

Roger Ottewill (17.06.2022)

Key Words

Southampton, Picture of Southampton

Any queries or further suggestions for this part of the list should be addressed to celebrating@hantsfieldclub.org.uk.

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