George Hall of the Strand

[b.morris]

For family history purposes, I am looking for any information about George Hall of the Strand, who died in 1814. He patented some designs for silver, which are mentioned in his will. (viewtopic.php?t=16837). There is a bit more information about him here: seax.essexcc.gov.uk/%5CViewCatalogue.asp?ID=168585. He married Elinor Coward (formerly Wyllys), the widow of an east india merchant. Their daughter Louisa Hall married John Harvey, linendraper of Ludgate Hill, in about 1809. Hall and Harvey are two of the most frequent names in parish records between Westminster and St Pauls, from the sixteenth to the early nineteenth century, and they took up all kinds of trades over the centuries, but so far George is the only silversmith I have traced.
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[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Sir Ambrose Heal recorded a total of 15 persons connected with the trade and working in London by the name of Hall, including George Hall, who he noted as working at No. 482 Strand in 1790.

The list is as follows:

Hall----, goldsmith; Black Swan, Newgate Street.---1690
Hall, Benjamin, pawnbroker; Bell, Deadman's Place, Southwark.---1715
Hall, Edward, goldsmith; Maiden Lane.---1720
Hall, Francis, godsmith; Cheapside.---1634-1649
Hall ,George, working goldsmith; No. 482 Strand.---1790
Hall, John, goldsmith; parish of St Clement Danes.---c.1626
Hall, John, goldsmith; Leadenhall Street.---1681
Hall, Matthew, goldsmith; London.---1451
Hall, Robert, goldsmith; London---1442
Hall, Robert, pawnbroker; Three Balls, New Belton Street, Long Acre.---1764
Hall, Thomas, goldsmith; London.---1403
Hall, Thomas, goldsmith; Goldsmiths' Row.---1678- (buried?)-1718
Hall, Thomas, goldsmith; Denmark Street, Strand.---1773
Hall, William, goldsmith; parish of St Vedast, Foster Lane---1656-(buried) 1660
Hall, William, plate-worker; Finsbury Street.---1795-1800

Arthur Grimwade records George Hall as entering his first mark at Goldsmiths Hall as a goldworker on the 10th April 1788, the address entered was 482 Strand. Second mark, 15th March 1793 and a third mark on the 16th March 1811.

Trev.
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[dognose]

A couple of Patents awarded to George Hall:

28th November 1801. George Hall, of the Strand, Middlesex, goldsmith; For a method of making elastic fastenings for shoes, &c.

18th July 1810. To George Hall, of the Strand, goldsmith. For certain improvement in the art of working and making spoons, forks, and such other articles of gold, silver, or other metals, as usually are or may be stamped or struck by means of seats and punches, or dies of any kind or description ; and likewise in the tools or instruments to be used in carrying the said improvements into effect and practice.

Trev.
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[dognose]

George Hall, along with Paul Storr, appear as some who gave praise for the invention that is the subject of this topic: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=16562

Trev.
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[b.morris]

Hi Trev, I've just found your replies to my email last August. Thanks for all this very helpful information, which will give me material to work on in tracing back this family's history. I see from some other posts that the name Haynes appears as a London goldsmith or silversmith - George Hall married Eleanor Wyllys, whose mother's name was Deborah Haynes. In case it is of interest, here is the text of George Hall's will of 1814. I wasn't able to read every word, so there are some question marks in it. All best, and seasons greetings for christmas and new year, Barbara

George Hall 4
The Last Will and Testament of George Hall of the Strand in the County of Middlesex Goldsmith I give devise and bequeath unto my ffriend William Hodder ? of Ely Place ? London to whom I am indebted in the sum of (5000) five thousand pounds and upwards and to to his heirs .................. ...................... and assigns all the my right Tishe of and interest and in certain Letters Patent bearing safe ? the Eighteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and and ten and granted to me my creditors ? a................ and assigns for certain improvements in the art of working and ....... sing spoons spoons fforks and such other articles of gold silver and other metals as usually were ? or might be stamped onto ? Sturt ? by means of Seals and punches or dies ? of any kind or description and likewise in the tools and sustume ? is to to be used in carrying ? the said improvements into effect prattine ? together with the said Letters Patent and all ~~ benefit and advantage thereof all hewiten ? estate and effects both real ? and personal of what nature and kind soever which I may be possessed of or in any manner entitled unto at the time of my decease ? for his c tertin ? absolute use and benefit and I do thereby appoint the said William Hodder sole executor of this my will In witness thereof I the said George Hall the testator h............ ? to this my last Will and testament contained in one short paper out ? my hand and Seal this seventeenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirteen George Hall signed sealed published and ....................... by the above named Testator as and for his last Will and testament in the presence of us who ~ in his presence ? at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses Alfred Bangs // William Jones // ..................... .....................
.................. ......................./ Thos Aldin Millbank Street Westminster
PROVED at London 31st August 1814 before ~ ~ the worshipful Samuel Rush ........................ Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oath of William Hodder Esquire the sole Executor to whom .................. was granted having been first sworn duly to adminster.

[dognose]

Hi Barbara

In case it is of interest, here is the text of George Hall's will of 1814

It's of great interest, and many thanks for posting it. I'll transfer what you've decypered into our 'Goldsmith's Wills' post.

Regards Trev.

[b.morris]

By good luck, one of our guests over the christmas holiday was an archivist, who was able to read the whole of George Hall's will, as follows:

The Last Will and Testament of George Hall of the Strand in the County of Middlesex Goldsmith I give devise and bequeath unto my friend William Hodder of Ely Place London to whom I am indebted in the sum of (5000) five thousand pounds and upwards and to to [sic] his heirs executors and assigns all that my right Title & interest of & in certain Letters Patent bearing date the Eighteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and ten and granted to me my executors adm[inistrator]ors and assigns for certain improvements in the art of working and making Spoons Forks & such other articles of Gold Silver and other Metals as usually were or might be Stamped or Struck by means of seals and punches or dies of any kind or description and likewise in the Tools and Instruments to be used in carrying the said Improvements into Effect & practice together with the said Letters Patent and all benefit and advantage thereof All other the Estate and Effects both real and personal of what nature and kind soever which I may be possessed of or in any manner entitled unto at the time of my decease for his & their absolute use and benefit and I do hereby appoint the said William Hodder Sole Executor of this my will In Witness whereof I the said George Hall the Testator have to this my last will and Testament contained in one sheet of paper put my hand and Seal this Seventeenth day of November one thousand Eight hundred and thirteen George Hall Si Signed Sealed published and declared by the above named Testator as & for his last will & testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request & in the presence of each other have hereunto Subscribed our names as Witnesses Alfred [?Bangs] // William Jones // Thos [Aldin] Clerks to Messrs [?Mills] & Thrower Ely Place./ Thos Aldin Milbank Street Westminster

Proved at London 31st August 1814 before the Worshipful Samuel Rush [?Meyrick] Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the Oath of William Hodder Esquire the sole Executor to whom adm[inistrati]on was granted having been first sworn duly to administer./-

- - - -
Happy New Year,
B

[dognose]

Hi Barbara,

Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to post this new information.

And a happy new year to you.

Regards Trev.

[neverendingstory]

Hello b. morris,
I was delighted to see this post and hope you can reply.
George Hall is part of my Tree. His sister Elizabeth is my 4 x greatgrandmother. His father Thomas Hall was a goldsmith and snuffbox maker of Denmark Court, Strand. His mother was Sarah Romley and from a fascinating family. If you would like to reply much info may be exchanged.
Regards,
Kay

[dognose]

Hi Kay,

Welcome to the Forum.

The two Thomas Hall's that we are aware of are:

Thomas Hall (I) goldsmith; Goldsmiths' Row.---1678- (buried?)-1718 (as recorded by Sir Ambrose Heal). This is likely to be the same Thomas Hall, noted as 'Cashier of Hearthmoney' in 1688 and as one of the 'Excise Commissioners' in 1692, both typical postions held by the 'Banker-Goldsmiths' of their day.

Thomas Hall (II) of whom Arthur Grimwade recorded: Either son of Nathhaniel Hall, Citizen and Butcher of London, apprenticed to Sandylands Drinkwater 3rd May 1749 on payment of £21. Free 7th November 1759. Or, son of George Hall, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, apprenticed to James Ryder 2nd July 1752 on payment of £8 of the charity of Christ's Hospital and £8-5s. of the Goldsmiths' Company and turned over April 1753 to Richard Reily, Citizen and Stationer. Free, 2nd August 1759. Mark entered as smallworker, 7th May 1770. Address: Denmark Court, Strand. Appears as goldworker, Denmark Street, Strand, in the Parliamentary Report list 1773.

This is likely to be the same Thomas Hall whose will was recorded at the Perogative Court of Canterbury Probates 1700 —1830 as noted by Clive Taylor (Buckler) - (Thomas Hall, Goldsmith of St Martin in the Fields, Middx. 20 Mar 1788) See: viewtopic.php?t=16837


Anything you can add would be most welcome.

Regards Trev.

[neverendingstory]

Hello,
Thank you for this info; of the Thomas' (1) is not possible as Thomas' Will was proved 1788. Of (11) the second is more likely as George was the name of Thomas' son and inherited his work instruments. His beneficiaries are his wife, Sarah, and three children - George, Ann and Elizabeth. His Stock in Trade was to be sold and with his Book Notes Bills and Bonds and all Monies due be laid out in Bank Annuities for his wife's own use and on her decease to be divided between his three children. His wife Sarah, George and son-in-law Samuel [Elizabeth's husband] were to be Executors. The witnesses were William Vincent Bouquet and Samuel Stafford Jobson. The Will was proved 20th March 1788.
Thomas is described as 'snuff box' maker in another family member's Will.
Kay

[dognose]

Hi Kay,

Many thanks for posting this important information. Please bear us in mind with your future findings.

Regards Trev.

[neverendingstory]

Hello again Trev,
I do not know if this is in your purview and if not, please excuse, but do you have apprentice info on James Green of St Dionus Fenchurch Street, London watchmaker, Robert Romley watchmaker [his uncle] and John Wyke, watchmaker, all relatives of the Halls? I'm wondering if they were silverworkers also and pertinent to your forum?
Kay

[dognose]

Hi Kay,

A James Green of Fenchurch Street was Master of the Clockworkers' Company 1784-1804. He was working in Philpot Lane in 1787 and was appointed by Act of 1761 as expert on Harrison's timepiece.

Regards Trev.

[neverendingstory]

Hello Trev,

Please excuse the very long delay in replying and thank you for the Jas. Geen Jnr info.
Again I am unsure if the info re clockmaking/watchmaking etc is of use to the forum but will include Will info which refers to instruments and names involved in the business.
James Green Snr. and Jnr. were clockmakers; Snr. of Upper Moorfield in St Leonard Shoreditch and Jnr. of Fenchurch Street.
The Will of Snr. states as best I can interpret -
........"Then I give and bequeath unto my said son James Green my old Owston Clock which now stands on my bed Chamber to and for his own use and .... of. Then I give and bequeath unto my Grandson James Bently my Cylinder Watch and Universal Dictionary also and Large Silver Spoon and a Bureau and a B.. and furniture thereunto belonging in my bed chamber I also give and bequeath unto my said Grand Son James Bently my Finishing Engine with twenty five finishing Cutters and about fifty common Cutters thereunto belonging an Iron Stove Grate and the Furniture belonging to it in my Dining room, Also my China Barroll Engine and three pair of my best bench Vices my Metal Turn bench, my fi.. Piece with the perpetual Day of the Month, A large thick Work..bench which I used to work at and the ..est of of Drawers under the same and another long ne..t of drawers which has four Drawers in Depth and five drawers in Length thereof. Then I give to my said Grand daughter Francis Bently my Country Desk which stands in my Bed Chamber a bed with the furniture thereunto belonging, a large Glass in the front room up two pairs of Stairs, A round Mahogany table in the Parlour a Round Stove Grate ornamented with Brass and the furniture thereunto belonging, Stackhouses History of the Bible and New Testament in two Volumes folio and one large Silver Spoon and a tea Kettle Then I give and bequeath unto each of the three Daughters of my said Son James Green one large Siver Spoon Then I give and bequeath unto my said son James Green my Great Astronomical Clock which now stands in my Parlour In Trust to sell and dispose of the same as soon as my said Grandson James Bently shall attain his Age of twenty four years or before this said Age as may most beneficial and then to divide the Money arising from such Sale between himself and my Grand Son James Bently equally share and share alike...." Proved 1772

The Will of Jnr. states -
"Being in sound Mind and Memory and in good health I James Green Watchmaker of the Parish of St Dionus Fenchurch Street London after my unfeigned thanks to Almighty God for his Goodness to me and my family do make this my last Will and Testament First that my body with as little expense as possible be buried as most convenient to my*self and family That Mr Joseph Rennard at the Sugar House at Hull instead of Mr Viner Mr Willm Ridsdale Mercht in Clements Lane I also appoint Mr Rayner Merchant of Shakewell? to be my Executor Mr William Harrison Governor of the Foundling Hospital instead of Mr House deceased The Rev'd Mr Richd Linden of Pentonvill Islington Mr Thomas Wagstaffe Watchmaker in Grantham Street I now declare my Executors and that the aforesaid four Gentleman I appoint jointly with my Wife Ann Green to be Trustees for the due execution of this my Will that the said four gentleman be desired to look after my burial and to divide said stock in Trade as soon as convenient after my burial and to divide said stock into salable lots and that a public sale be made for the benefit of my family and creditors that the remainder of my respective debts are paid to be placed in the public funds and to be disposed of in manner following viz to my faithful and loving wife Ann...." (Ann Romley Green) .........."and as a testimony of my respect and for the trouble I give to the above named Executors and Trustees I give to each of them a gold ring value one Guinea each and I herein acknowledge I think myself happy in having four such friends whom I am satisfied from their constant desire of doing good to Mankind that they are blessed with Ability and Goodness to fulfil this my last Will and request And I do hereby revoke disallow and disannull all former bequests Wills and legacies by me heretofore in anywise left or made declaring and testifying this to be my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of January One thousand seven hundred and eighty one /-/ James Green /=/ Signed sealed delivered and declared by the within Testator James Green to be his last Will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto set our names Joseph Kent /-/ Edmund Howard Chelsea /-/ Jabez Smith /-/ " Proved 1787

[dognose]

Hi Kay,

Many thanks for posting this information. Such detail could turn out to be invaluable to someone researching the subect.

Regards Trev.