David Hennell I

( 1785 )

Son of Robert Hennell of Newport Pagnell in the County of Buckingham framework knitter born 8 December 1712, apprenticed to Edward Wood 6 September 1728 on payment of £10 (another entry to the same effect, 29 November of same year). Free, 4 December 1735. Married 1 March 1736, to Hannah Broomhead 'at Wilson's' (Fleet Register of Marriages) when described as goldsmith of St Ann, Aldersgate. First mark entered as largeworker, 23 June 1736. Address: King's Head Court, Gutter Lane, which Heal records from trade card as Flower-de-Lis and Star in Gutter Lane, corner of Cary Lanes, and since Edward Wood (q.v.) had moved to Cary Lane in August 1735 and incorporates a mullet or star and fleur-de-lys in his mark of that date, it seems probable that the young Hennell remained working on his recent master's premises. In April 1737 he took as apprentice his half-brother William, but the latter never entered a mark. Second mark not in register, presumably June 1739 to comply with the new Act. The Hennell's had fifteen children of which only five reached maturity. John, born 1739, free of the company by patrimony but not apparently active in the trade. Robert, fifth child was apprenticed to his father, 1756 (see below). David, elected to Livery, June 1763. Third mark, entered in partnership with son Robert, 9 June 1763. Address: Foster Lane. Fourth mark similar, 9 July 1768. Retired from business at the request of the Company to become Deputy Warden, 1773, and gave evidence on marking procedure at the Assay Office to the Parliamentary Committee. Died 1785.