WILLIS, John (Grimwade p.705/6)

[buckler]

Grimwade records John Willis' apprenticeship to Thomas Harding (a bucklemaker) in 1782.

Things then turned full circle as the ex-apprentice took his ex-masters son apprentice !
In 1793 the Goldsmiths Company Apprentice Book No 9, page 279, records the apprenticeship of William Harding, son of Thomas Harding of Wood Street, London, Goldsmith, to John Willis of Blue Anchor Alley , Bunhill Row ,London, Bucklemaker Citizen and Goldsmith , to learn the art of a Buckle Maker. Premium paid by the Charity of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’, London. There is also a reference to Mary Willis, widow of John Willis, probably turning William over to her on John’s death.

Grimwade gives John Willis moving to 28, Blue Anchor Alley in 1791, then to 81 Bishopsgate Without in 1794 , then entering a mark back at 28, Blue Anchor Alley, Bishopsgate Without in 1796 .

Assumed to have died around 1798

His presumed widow and successor Mary Willis entered a mark as bucklemaker at 81, Bishopsgate Street on 26th June 1798. (Grimwade p.398)

Whether 28, Blue Anchor was a business premise and 81, Bishopsgate Street a home/business address is unknow. But confusing .

NOTES
There was a George Willis , Silver Bucklemaker of 64 Bunhill Row in 1779. The Bunhill Row address suggests a link with John.
(Fire Insurance Policy Register, 1779 SUN 1 272 15\08\79 TW Policy Number 411902)

The will of John Willis of Saint Gregory by Saint Pauls , City of London proved at PCC 4th May 1798 does not relate. This John Willis had a wife and daughter called Elizabeth ! Cost £3.50 finding that out !