Kent, William, ‘The Black Lion & Tent’, opposite the Church wall in Hounsditch, London, upholder and cm (1760–61). Son of William Kent of Sussex, yeoman. App. to William Marston on 31 January 1752 and then to Thomas Ridgeway, a member of the Skinners’ Co., 6 January 1756. Free of the Upholders’ Co. by servitude, 3 January 1760. Recorded in the next year employing a non-freeman for six months under licence. His trade card [Leverhulme Coll., MMA, NY] states that he made and sold ‘Four Post & other Bedsteads, with Damask Morine, Harrateen, and Washing Furnitures, Feather Beds, Blankets, Quilts & Counterpains, fine Turkey & English Carpets, Variety of Mohogany and Wallnut-Tree Chests of Drawers, Book Cases, Chairs, Tables and Looking Glasses &c’. He also acted as an undertaker, appraiser and estate agent. [GL, Upholders’ Co. records; City Licence bk, vol. 2]