RAY, Thomas (Grimwade p.323, 351, 637-8)

[MCB]

Indentures were signed in 1748 for John, son of John Bingley, Gentleman of Borough, Southwark, in 1749 for Edward, son of Edward Swindells Chymist (sic) of St Luke’s, London and in 1757 for Josias, son of Edward Thompson, Joyner of London, to be the apprentices of Thomas Ray, Citizen and Goldsmith.
The christening of Thomas, son of Thomas and Mary Ray was recorded in 1754 at Brideswell Chapel.
Thomas senior entered a maker’s mark at Goldsmiths Hall from Brideswell Precinct in 1759.
Duties were paid in 1759 by Thomas Ray, Goldsmith, for the Apprentice Indentures of Edward Garner, a copy of which has not been seen.
Indentures were signed from an address in Water Street, Brideswell Precinct in 1771 for his son Thomas and in 1780 for Benjamin, son of Charles Herbert, Gentleman of Bermondsey, to be apprenticed to Thomas Ray Citizen and Goldsmith of Brideswell Precinct to learn the art of watch case making.
Two maker’s marks were entered in 1777 as a case worker from 9 Brideswell Precinct.
A trade directory entry in 1785 recorded Thomas Ray as a watch maker of 9 Water Lane (sic), Blackfriars.
A burial of a man of this name aged 63 years, late of St Bride parish, was recorded at Brideswell Chapel in 1786 and may well be relevant.
A trade directory entry as a watch maker of 9 Water Street (sic) in 1790 in the same name may relate to Thomas junior as might the burial recorded at Brideswell Chapel in 1791, aged 37 years, late of Newington.