Ridgeway, Thomas

London; upholder, cabinet maker, appraiser and auctioneer (fl. 1759–81)

Trading at Houndsditch, 1759–65; Norton Falgate, 1767–72; as Ridgeway & Rolleston in 1768; and 168 Fenchurch St, 1773–81.

His trade card, c.1760–65 gives the address at the ‘Easy Chair near Gravel Lane in Houndsditch, London’ and states that he ‘Selleth four post & other Bedsteads & Furnitures ready made, Likewise Feather Beds, Blankets, Quilts, Ruggs Counterpanes & Coverlets, Mattresses, Flock Beds &c, Damasks Harriteens Cheneys, Linceys, Feathers & Flock ticking by y Yard or piece with all Sorts of Cabinet Goods. Chairs Tables, Glasses &c For Sea or Land; Also all Sorts of Paper Hangings, at the Lowest Prices. Funerals Furnishd.’ In 1763 he employed four non-freemen for three months when he was described as ‘citizen and skinner by trade an upholsterer’ [Leverhulme Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY].

Ridgeway bound an apprentice named James Williams until 1769 [Guildhall Library (GL), Upholders Company records].

He was declared bankrupt, London Gazette, 13–20 October 1764. 

Source: DEFM