William Abdy II

[Juke]

Hi!

I would be interested to know more of William Abdy II. I have a candy bowl by him from 1798-99 and it would be nice to know for instance when he lived and what kind of objects he produced.

Regards,
Juke

[dognose]

Hi Juke,

The information from Grimwades reads thus: Son of William Abdy (1) and grandson of Matthew Adby of Sheffield. Free by patrimony 4th April 1781. First mark entered 15th September 1790 (nine days after his father's death). Second mark entered 16th October 1790. Probably left the the trade by 1823.

Regards Trev.

[Juke]

Hi Trev!

Thanks very much for the knowledge on William Abdy II. You are also doing a great job with the site.

Regards,
Juke

[buckler]

Currently I am on our narrowboat, with no Grimwade to check addresseses or dates , but would suggest that the following wills at the National Archive would be worth downloading

Will of William Abdy of Goldsmith Alms Houses Hackney Road , Middlesex 01 January 1835 PROB 11/1841
(maybe he fell on hard times or was an official ?)

Will of William Abdy, Silversmith of Oat Lane , City of London 15 September 1790 PROB 11/1195
(thats probably his father)

at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline
Will cost you £3.50 per will but often gives glorious information.
Or nothing much.
If you do get either of these I'd appreciate a copy !
Clive

[Juke]

Hi!

Thanks for the tip on the National archives. I will consider checking it out and agree that it would be very interested to read the will which could include intresting things what kind of items silversmiths could inherit from their father.

Regards,
Juke

[dognose]

The Oat Lane address appears to have been the long term abode of the Abdys. William (I) is recorded there as from 1765 and Heal records William (II) still working there in 1817.

Confirmation of the address can be found at an Old Bailey trial in 1770: http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.j ... 7700630-44 where William (I) states: 'I live in Oat-lane, No. 5, by Foster-lane' .

Trev.

[buckler]

Wills of this period rarely give much detail of the main part of the estate, i.e. what the eldest son receives, as he usually gets everything not specificaly bequested to others !
However wills will often give details of bequests to friends - often identifiable fellow silversmiths, details of what property (house etc) left for life to his widow, sometimes very large gifts to servants etc. You sometimes need to read between the lines - a widower leaving a house for life to his housekeeper is sometime a sign that they had more than a friendly relationship. Some wills mention partnership details not known to Grimwade, some in totally different trades. Family details are sometimes very detailed and give further clues, often daughters have married other known silversmiths . Executors names are also useful, again often other known silversmiths.
Expect the unexpected, or to get nothing!
Also expect bad handwriting and odd English .
I am always keen to get wills and to help transcribe them !