The second Martha Brett was a woman of literary and musical tastes, also interested in botany and Greek and Hebrew. Fortunately Wills’ inheritance meant servants could take care of the children and domestic arrangements.  Like her husband, Mattie was very musical, being both an accomplished singer and pianist.  Charleville was sold shortly after the marriage and they rented a house in Grey Abbey which had no parsonage.  13 children were born, 10 of whom survived, Elizabeth Corne Brett (named after Will’s aunt who had helped make the quilt), Charles Henry Brett, Thomas Brett, George William Montgomery Brett, Anne Catherine Brett, Annabella Matilda Brett, James Robert Brett, Mary Brett, William Jasper Brett, and the youngest Martha Alicia Brett, my great grandmother, born in 1854 when Wills was 56 and Mattie 45.  In 1843 Wills, Mattie and the children moved to brand new parsonage associated with a newly build church at Kircubbin about 5 miles from Grey Abbey, endowed by Robert Ward of Bangor, a distant relative.  Wills remained in this parish until his death aged 64 in June 1862.[1]

The church built for Wills Brett in Kircubbin.

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