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Jeff Pack
18-01-2010, 2:53 PM
Does anyone know about Thomas Pack, died 1781. He co-ran the Whitechapel Bell Foundry for 30 years. From 1752 it was Lester and Pack, from 1769 it was Lester Pack and Chapman and from 1770 until 1781 it was Pack and Chapman. During his time the Foundry produced the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and much else. But I can find no details of family or parents.

Jeff Pack

Jan1954
18-01-2010, 3:03 PM
Hello Jeff - welcome to Brit-Gen,

Have you checked to see if Thomas left a will? That may name family members.

Have a look at this TNA Research Guide to wills prior to 1858 (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=220).

AnnB
18-01-2010, 6:27 PM
Have you contacted Whitechapel Bell Foundry, or, as you live in London, visited it?

They have a website at whitechapelbellfoundry.co.uk (just add the www)

Best wishes
Ann

PS Welcome to Brit-Gen :)

Kerrywood
18-01-2010, 6:43 PM
Thomas PACK's will (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=465706&queryType=1&resultcount=8) can be downloaded from TNA's DocumentsOnline, should you want it.

It's a full six pages, so good value for £3.50. ;)

Kerrywood

Geoffers
18-01-2010, 10:30 PM
Have you tried contacting the Whitechapel Bell Foundry itself, there are contact details on its web-site

Geoffers
18-01-2010, 10:32 PM
There is also a brief mention on the British history Online web-site

british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22170

Jeff Pack
20-01-2010, 10:51 AM
Thanks all for your replies and this is to answer all your repies.

Yes, Thomas did leave a will and I have a copy. He doesn't seem to have had a family, no mention of wife or children, he leaves a considerable estate to nieces and nephews.


I have also checked with the Bell Foundry and been there to see them Apparently there was a fire there in 19thC and many records were lost and they have no further detail about Thomas.


obi b
Hello Jeff - welcome to Brit-Gen,

Have you checked to see if Thomas left a will? That may name family members.

Have a look at this TNA Research Guide to wills prior to 1858 (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=220).

Kerrywood
20-01-2010, 11:34 AM
Have you checked to see if he served an apprenticeship in the City (or elsewhere)? The Apprenticeship Tax Records (http://www.parishchest.com/shop/index.php?cmd=viewproduct&cat=&id=P15478&pageOffset=0) might be useful here, as they often give the fathers' names and locations.

You can also access a selection of them on Origins.net, which offers a 72-hour subscription for just this sort of search.

Kerrywood

Jeff Pack
26-02-2010, 5:01 PM
Thanks, good idea, I've alreday been through the books at Kew for someone else and should have done Thomas at the same time

Jeff

JenniLl
26-02-2010, 10:44 PM
Jeff,

Thomas Pack would have been an accomplished ringer. He was a member of the Ancient Society of College Youths - in 1752, his membership number being 684. It may be worth contacting them to see if they hold any further information.

Jenni

tony vines
27-02-2010, 7:28 PM
Who do you think you are calling me a campanologist when you don't even know me........ducky!

Jeff Pack
28-02-2010, 11:40 AM
Thanks Jenni

Good idea, will do

Jeff