Coppersmiths in London?

[Catherine N]

Is anyone else researching Coppersmiths in London? My ancestor, Francis Tomkins was born c 1802 in London I'm assuming? I can't positively identify his baptism, which is why I need to find out if the coppersmiths had a guild/livery company in London. I have found mention of a 'Friendly Society of Workers in Copper', but that only started in 1846. They have since amalgamated with other trade unions several times and I've lost track of what they're called now! I got as far as the 'Union of Sheet Metal Workers', but they don't appear to have a website under that name.

Francis died 2 weeks before the 1851 census would have told me where he was born, but he married in Christchurch Southwark and his children were baptised in St Andrews Holborn and All Hallows By The Wall, so the family were living in the City c1820's. Does anyone know if any of the City churches are associated with metal workers? It might narrow my search for Francis' baptism.

I have sent an email to the Guildhall Library in London to see if they can assist, but in the meantime, can anyone else help?

Thank you!

[Peter Goodey]

he married in Christchurch Southwark

Are there any clues in the parish marriage register?

[winninboy]

Hi there,

I am in the same position as you. I have found a James Fraser born 1775 in Stepney, married 1800, who is listed as "Engineer and Coppersmith" in his 1818 Patent for a piece of kitchen equipment.

Did you ever find a Guild or Worshipful Company of Coppersmiths? I have taken the same route as you by writing to the Guildhall (c/o the Metropolitan Archive) and am awaiting their answer.

Then I found your letter and wondered if you had had any success!

Regards,

Terry Humphrey