Gorden, Richard

Exeter, Devon; cabinet and chair maker (fl. 1763–74)

Gorden was at the sign of the ‘Mahogany-Tree’, Northgate Street in September 1763, where he made and sold ‘all Sorts of Cabinet and Chair Work’. He also sold looking glasses. He later moved to Fore Street where he established himself opposite the Corn Market [Exeter Flying Post, 22 September 1763].

By early 1770 however he gave up the business and took over the ‘Seven Stars Inn’, Exeter, which had been run for many years by his mother. As a result he announced a sale on 5 March 1770 of his entire stock consisting of a ‘great Variety of Chairs, Tables, all kinds of Drawer Work, Looking Glasses’ [Exeter Flying Post, 16 February and 30 March 1770].

A further sale was held on 11 April when not only his stock in trade were offered but also household goods and furniture, work benches and utensils.

Despite this change of occupation in 1770, he was still declaring his trade as a cabinet maker in 1774. 

Source: DEFM