Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bond, Thomas
BOND, THOMAS (1765–1837), topographical writer, born at Looe, Cornwall, in 1765, was nominally in the profession of the law, but, having a private fortune, never sought practice. In 1789 he was appointed town clerk of East Looe, and also (a separate office) town clerk of West Looe, the same year that a relative and namesake was elected mayor of East Looe. In 1823, while still in office, he published ‘Topographical and Historical Sketches of the Boroughs of East and West Looe, in the County of Cornwall, with an account of the Natural and Artificial Curiosities and Pictorial Scenery of the Neighbourhood,’ eight plates and several woodcuts, London, 1823, 8vo, pp. 308. This work, written as a ‘labour of love,’ describes seaside places near Plymouth, which were popular resorts in summer for health and recreation. The views of Looe are by his relative, Mrs. Davies Gilbert. Bond was a great reader,and his knowledge of the law of tenures was extensive. He died much respected at East Looe 18 Dec. 1837, and., being unmarried, left the greater portion of his property to Davies Gilbert, Esq. F.R.S., one of his nearest relatives.
[Courtney and Boase's Bibl. Cornub. i. 32; Gent. Mag. 1858, p. 667.]