Kent, John, London, cm (1761–1802). Son of William Kent of Braintree, Essex, peruke maker. Brother of Abbot Kent. Free of the Upholders’ Co., 1 October 1761 by redemption under the terms of the 1750 Upholders’ Act. He appears to have followed the trade of cm however and from 1764–68 took out a series of licences to employ non-freemen. During this period the licences are continuous and involve permission for up to eight men. His address was given as Hounsditch, but in 1772 it was Whitechapel; from 1778–86 High St, Aldgate; in 1794 Freemans Ct, Cornhill and in 1802 Princess Sq. Took as apps George Brand, 1764–71, and Thomas Wilson, 1771–79. [GL, Upholders’ Co. records; City Licence bks, vols 4–6]