Simpson, Thomas

Lancaster, Lancs.; cooper, chair maker and bedstead maker (fl.1825-36)

He had premises on St. Nicholas Street, Lancaster from about 1825-34. He apprenticed Oswald Airey, son of Oswald Airey, as a cooper and chair maker on 29 December 1836. His indenture (illus. Stuart (2008), pl.B40) was witnessed by Robert Simpson who was probably his son. The terms of the indenture were that Thomas Simpson was to pay his apprentice 1s 6d per week during his first year, 2s 6d, for his second year, 3s 6d, during his third year, 4s 6d. during his fourth year, 5s 6d, during his fifth year, 6s 6d, during his sixth year and 7s 6d, during his seventh year. Should his apprentice be off work through illness or without permission, except in case of accident in his trade, he was to receive no money. Thomas Simpson was to teach his apprentice by the best ways and means ‘the trades or businesses of a cooper and chair maker’. Oswald Airey senior was to provide or pay for all his son's basic needs, including ‘all sorts of wearing apparel both linen and woollen. Also meat, drink. washing, mending and lodgings and surgery physic and all other necessaries in case of sickness or lameness during all the said term of seven years’. Oswald Airey junior was to keep his master's secrets, gladly obey him, protect his master's goods and not embezzle him.

Source: Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London (2008), II, p. 282.