Mary Brownrigg (nee Spedding) inherited from her father John Spedding, who died in 1758, an interest in a ropery in Whitehaven. William Brownrigg, who was acting for his wif Mary as administrator of the will, sold the ropery for £1,800. He advanced £750 of the proceeds to Anthony Benn, who had married Mary's niece, Margaret Spedding, half of which was to be held for Mary in Benn's name. This venture does not seem to have been a success. In 1789 the ropery was up for sale, and William was complaining that he had not received any accounts. Source: H.Brownrigg.