Mrs Rachel Bowditch, of Taunton

Rachel Bowditch, the sitter in Ponsford’s portrait was born Rachel Pile, the third child of Robert and Mary Pile of Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset. Her baptism was recorded there 12 November 1756. In 1779 she married Samuel Bowditch of Taunto, by whom she had four children (Rachel, Hannah, James and Betty). We do not know whether Samuel started the pawnbroking business, but when Rachel retired in 1823 she dated the start of her involvement from 1783.