Wilson, Edward

Lancaster, Lancs. and Strand, London; cabinet maker , upholsterer, appraiser and undertaker (fl.1775–1824)

Son of Mark Wilson of Burton-in-Lonsdale, successor to and nephew of Walter Wilson. Apprenticed to Miles Pennington of Lancaster 1775 and free 1783–84. He voted in Lancaster in the 1784 Parliamentary election when he was already living in the Strand, London, and no doubt active in the business of Walter Wilson which traded from 376 Strand. Although the business is referred to as Walter Wilson & Co. as late as 1803 it is possible that Edward took over its management from 1797 when a lease of 49¾ years was taken out on 128 Strand in the name of Edward & Ann Wilson. Ann appears to have been in partnership with Edward and their names are recorded jointly on an insurance policy as early as September 1792. Both 128 and 376 Strand were used by the business and Messrs. Wilson is included under both addresses in the list of master cabinet makers in Sheraton's Cabinet Dictionary, 1803. Trade cards of 1799 and 1810 are in the Banks Coll., BM, and these give only the 128 Strand address which was the showrooms. An insurance policy of October 1804 shows that both 128 and 129 were being used and utensils and stock here were valued at £3,000. Lofts, sheds and open yards behind 376 Strand were being utilised and cover here was a further £3,000. Walter may have had some continuing involvement, for directories to 1807 list A., E. & W. Wilson, but later only Ann & Edward are mentioned. Ann was still active as late as 1820. The high stock levels maintained in 1804 indicate an extensive business which must for many years have been profitable. In August 1823 Edward was living at Wellington St, Strand and in that month took out insurance cover of £16,300 on houses jointly with a William Wilson. He appears however to have extended credit to customers on a lavish scale and in January 1824 was declared bankrupt. Creditors of the business included Lord Lilburne who owed £25,442 7s 6d secured by a mortgage on the Mamhead estate in Devon. [D; Lancaster app. reg.; freemen rolls; Marylebone Lib., deeds 133/2, 133/3, GL, Sun MS vol. 389, ref. 605411; vol. 431, refs 764338, 767809; vol. 498, refs 1006733–36, 1008753; Brighton Gazette, 22 January 1824; PRO, B3/5264]

Source: DEFM; Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London (2008), II, pp 299 & 311