Tailor of Chiswick - Charles Mitchell

[markyb74]

Hi,

One of my ancestors (Charles/Karl Mitchell) is described as being a tailor of chiswick (c1850-1890), both journeyman and then a master. However I cannot find any records relating to this (other than on census and BMD certificates). Any help in finding some records would be much appreciated.

Mark

[notanotherminer]

Do you have him in all the census years Mark? If he was the Master of his own business he would probably have been listed in Trade Directories.

The census often gave clues to a person's wealth and standing - maybe he was a member of one of the many London Societies. He may have left a will which would detail the property and effects that he had

[markyb74]

Hi,

Yes I do have him in every census and he died in the Brentford Union Workhouse so I don't think he would have made a will (but I intend to check when I visit the probate registry when I can arrange a day off work). I haven't found any trade directories which mention him though I have only found limited ones online.

Mark

[Peter Goodey]

Perhaps on your day off you may have time to visit London Metropolitan Archives who have a decent collection of trade directories. See this Information Leaflet

[Kerrywood]

If he was the Master of his own business he would probably have been listed in Trade Directories.

Not necessarily. Entries in the London trade directories had to be paid for, and not everyone would do this.

As you're in London, Mark, if you want to pursue this I'd suggest you try the huge collection of London directories held on microfilm at either Guildhall Library (open Saturdays), or the London Metropolitan Archives (normally 2 Saturdays per month - check their website for dates).

You could also try the local studies library for Chiswick and/or Hounslow.

[markyb74]

Thanks for the suggestions Peter and Kerrywood

Mark