The Georgian House

Study

The study was a room in which John Pinney could discuss business or talk with his friends after dinner. It is furnished simply but to impress. On the walls are portraits of John Pinney and his son Azariah. The bookcases contain a collection of his books showing his interest in the study of plants and geography.

Although he had set up home in Bristol, John Pinney still owned a plantation on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean. He continued to run it through a manager based there. They were in regular contact. Many of the letters and family papers are in the University of Bristol library. He went into partnership with James Tobin another Nevis plantation owner also resident in Bristol, Over the years the company was involved with six different ships. These ships were used to trade with the islands in the Caribbean, importing sugar to Bristol and exporting plantation supplies.

In 1808 he sold his Mountravers estate on the island of Nevis to his neighbour Edward Huggins. He sold 183 slaves for £65 each (£3,250 each in today’s values). Huggins was a plantation owner known for his cruelty. The slaves rebelled against their new owner and many were punished for their part in the rebellion.