1. George Abraham was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO/54/512 dated September 1812)
WO54/512
2
John (1)
Adams
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. John Adams was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch", which on average was every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) states that John Adams was a Collar Maker who earned 3/6d per day, with an additional 'Watch' allowance of 2/-d every third night. These details remained the same at the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/222
3
George
Adams
00/00/1778
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. George Adams was a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day. At that date he had one year's service dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224). In June 1807 and August 1808 he was still working as a Punt Man earning the same 2/-d per day, but allowed to Watch in Turn (Supply 5/227).
2. Employed as a Millman in 1810, his pay increased to 2/3d per day, and he was allowed 1/6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that George was still a Millman, but that he earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. This was still the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
4. Supply 5/231 and WO 54/524 dated the 25th June 1818, stated that George Adams was then a Saltpetre Refiner. He was a married man, aged 40, with three children, living in Waltham Abbey, then earning only 2/4d per day. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
5. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) shows the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. George Adams' name was on the List with his pay unchanged, but he was then not allowed to Watch.
6. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) indicates that Adams was then employed as a Brimstone Refiner. He was still paid 2/4d per day and was still allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
7. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that George was working as a Saltpetre Refiner. His rate of pay remained at 2/4d per day, but he then received 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
8. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that George was still a Saltpetre Refiner. All other entries remained the same as previously.
9. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of George Adams as 33 and that he was working as a Saltpetre Refiner, with 19 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
10 Returns showing the pay, allowances, length of service and giving every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822 and the 23rd January 1822) recorded that George Adams, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed on the 1st September, 1804 to work in the Corning House at Waltham Abbey. His position on the Establishment as a Brimstone Refiner was confirmed by orders of the Board dated the 4th September, 1818 and the 4th October, 1819. He was allowed to Watch in Turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him a total wage for the year of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, he had just over 17 years' service, was aged 41 years, and was a married man with 3 children living in Waltham Abbey. He had previously trained as a Brazier.
11 In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people who were to leave (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and the men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic, forwarding their Petitions to the Board for consideration. George Adams was one of 4 men who signed (with a cross) a second Petition on the 12th July, saying that he had been away unsuccessfully looking for work. He was consequently awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
12 A transcript of the 1841 Census shows that he and his wife, Phoebe, were living in Green Yard. In addition, it appeared that he was then working as a Labourer.
Supply 5/224
4
William (2)
Adams
00/00/1789
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Adams (2) was first employed as a Labourer on the 26th March, 1805 (WO56/623). After six months' service he was made a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 stated that Mr. Adams (2) was now employed as a Corning House Man, with an increased salary of 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to "Watch in Turn", for which they received 1/-d each time.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Adams was still a Corning House Man then earning 2/6d per day, and still allowed to watch.
4. Supply 5/228 dated the1st September 1810 indicated that he was still a Coming House Man, with his wage remaining the same at 2/6d per day; he was still allowed to watch, for which he was then paid 1/6d each time.
5. List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August,1812) indicated that he was then employed as a Bargeman earning 3/10d per day.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the13th February 1814 stated that Mr. Adams was still a Bargeman at that date, earning the same 3/10d per day.
7. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated that William was still a Bargeman; he was unmarried, aged 29, lived in Waltham Abbey, and then earned only 3/-d per day.
8. Another List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showsd the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. William Adams (2) was on the List, which also indicated that he was then a Saltpetre Refiner being paid 2/11d per day.
9. In a letter dated September, 1818 (Supply 5/231) it is stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement" - i.e., reduction of the Establishment numbers - and Mr. William Adams, Bargeman, was on the list.
10 However, a further List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) indicated that he had been retained as a Saltpetre Refiner. According to this List, he was a single man of 30 who earned 2/4d per day, and was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
11 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that Mr. Adams was then 31, still lived in Waltham Abbey, still earned 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn. By then he had married.
12 Supply 5/232 (WO54/536 dated April 1821) indicated that William was then 32 and still a Saltpetre Refiner, but on this Return he is listed as being unmarried, presumably a clerical error.
13 Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822 gave the age of William Adams, Saltpetre Refiner, as 33, with 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
14 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed those employed at the 31st December 1821, and appears to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. It stated that William Adams (2) was appointed on the 26th March, 1805 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey, then by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual earnings of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, by the 31st December 1821, he had nearly 17 years' service, was 33 years old, was married with one child and lived in Waltham Abbey.
15 Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822 was a List of Persons to Form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2,000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually. It indicated that William Adams, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained.
16 List of Employees dated the 1st October, 1822 (Supply 5/233) showed that William then had 3 children. However, an entry for the following year shows only one child; it may be that his twins died, or it could have been a clerical error.
17 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 showed that Adams (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, and this included an allowance for Watching in Turn, for which he received 2/0d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
18 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), William Adams (2) had his remuneration reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
19 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his annual pay was £39, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/0d per week. On this Return he is shown as having 2 children.
20 Return showing Pay and Allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp 93-95) confirmed the previous information given, and in addition, recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 26th March, 1805. His pay, however, had been reduced to £33.16.0d per annum.
21. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 indicated that William Adams (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner, confirmed his basic annual pay as £33.16.0d, and stated he was still allowed to watch at an average of 2/-per week, giving him total remuneration for the year of £39. Although confirming his previous service details, he was now shown as having only 1 child. This information is repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
22 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. A year later, WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, except that it indicated that Adams now had 2 children.
23 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
24 WO54/558 dated the the 1st October 1827 showed that on the 24th February 1827, William (2) had been promoted to a Corning House Man, with a basic income of £42.18.0d per annum, and he was allowed to watch in turn as before, giving him annual pay of £48.2.0d. He was then aged 37, married with 3 children, and had 22 years' service.
25 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as the previous record, but he had then completed over 22 years' service.
26 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
27 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged. On the 6th April 1829, Benjamin Guinn moved from his cottage in the old Tanyard on the south side of High Bridge Street to a tenement on the opposite side of the road (Supply 5/237) and from a List of Properties dated the 28th May 1840 (WO54/133) it seems probable that Guinn's old home was then occupied by William, and was Plot No. 52 on the Town Map.
28 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date William Adams (2) still earned the same £48.2.0d as previously. His length of service was given as nearly 24 years, and he was then aged 39.
29. Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
30 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 stated that William (2) was 40 years of age and that he had served nearly 25 years. His earnings were still £48.2.0d., and family information remained the same.
31 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 William (2) was 41 years of age and had served just over 25 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d, as indicated previously.
32 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service from the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
33 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service from the October 1831 Return, as did WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that William Adams (2) still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 27 years, and his age as 43.
35. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 states that William Adams (2) was 44 years of age and had served 28 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £48.2.0d; his family circumstances remained the same.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although William was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic salary had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £41.1.9d. He still had 3 children.
37 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return, with conditions and earnings remaining the same.
38 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) indicated that William (2) had been promoted to Second Foreman of the Corning House on the 22nd September, 1837 at £59.2.8d per annum, which included an allowance for being a Rounder every third night. By that date he had over 34 years' service and was aged 49.
39 A transcript of the 1841 Census showed that William Adams (2) lived on the south side of High Bridge Street with his wife Mary, aged 45, and his children, Richard, aged 15 - working as a Silk Printer - Samuel, aged 12, Mary aged 8, William aged 6, Sarah aged 5 and Ruth, aged 3.
40 On the 13th April, 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House. Seven men were killed, and much damage was caused in the town. William Adams (2) received £5 for his meritorious conduct on that day. (Winters, p.106)
41 Letter dated the 13th August, 1843, recommended William Adams be appointed to the position of Master Worker. He was appointed on the 11th October, 1843, and was soon to live in the Master Worker's house on Horse Mill Island.
42 According to a record dated 9th March 1855, William Adams, Master Worker, had died (Winters, p.111).
Supply 5/224
5
William (1)
Adams
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p. 38)
1. William Adams (1) was a Master Carpenter by trade. He was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October, 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government (Winters' Centenery Memorial, p.28).
6
John (2)
Adams
00/00/1813
Return of Employees
1. John Adams (2) was appointed as a General Labourer on the 1st December, 1837, with pay of £39 per annum, which included an allowance to Watch in Turn. He was a 26-year-old bachelor when the Return was made.
2. Transcript of the 1841 Census recorded that he and his wife, Sarah, aged 40, were living in Romeland. The Census confirmed he was a Labourer, and that both he and Sarah were born in the County. At that time they had no children. Sarah may possibly have been Benjamin Guinn's daughter (See entry for Benjamin Guinn (1) - Supply 5/238 dated September1840).
WO56/623
7
Richard
Adams
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p .107)
1. Richard Adams received a donation of £10 for meritorious conduct on the day (13th April, 1843) that some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House. Seven men were killed and much damage was caused in the town (Winters, p.107).
8
Robert
Adams
00/00/1781
Return of Employees
1. Robert Adams was employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineering Department according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816. He was a 34-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, and had 3 children.
2. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 gave his age as 35, and recorded that he had 4 children. In common with the rest of the labour force, however, his pay had been reduced to 2/4d per day.
3. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818 stated he was employed "Occasionally as required" and that he was paid 2/4d per day; this Return confirmed he had 4 children. His circumstances remained the same in 1819 according to WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) showed that Robert was still employed as a Labourer. He was aged 39, still lived in Waltham Abbey, but then had 5 children. His pay remained at 2/4d per day. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 indicated his pay was still 2/4d per day and that he was now aged 40 years.
5. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 repeated all of the entries contained in the previous Return.
6. According to WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, Robert was now paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. By then he had nearly 19 years' service starting on the 21st May, 1804. At that date he was aged 42.
7. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 stated that Robert was still paid 2/2d per day. His service was just over 20 years and he was aged 44.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry, and WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information, except that Robert was then 45 years' old with service of nearly 22 years.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 and WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded the same information as given before. However, Robert then had nearly 23 years' service and was 46 years of age. WO54/558 dated 1st Octobe, 1827, indicated no basic alterations from the previous Return.
10 Returns dated the 1st April and 1st October 1828 (both referenced WO54/562 updated the same basic information as before.
11 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 stated that Robert at that date still earned the same. His length of service was nearly 25 years, and he was aged 48.
12 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
13 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 all details remained the same for Robert as in previous Returns, except that his service was now 26 years and he was aged 49.
14 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Robert was still working as a Labourer. His family details and pay remained unchanged, but his length of service and age were updated.
15 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Robert Adams was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. Robert was still paid 2/2d per day, but employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories where "steadiness and sobriety are particuliary required." WO54/575)
16 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service from the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
17 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Robert still earned 2/2d per day, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum, but he had then served nearly 28 years, and was aged just over 50. WO54/581 dated 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service given in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
18 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Robert still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as nearly 29 years and at that date he was nearly 52.
19 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in the previous Return, except that he was now aged 52 and had served 29 years.
20. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as before, with age and length of service updated appropriately.
21 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 stateed that Robert still earned a total of £33.18.2d per annum, that he was 53 years of age, and that his service was 30 years.
22 Adams had joined the Board on the 21st May, 1804 as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department. In 1839 he was still a Labourer paid 2/2d per day, with estimated annual earnings of £33.8.2d. He was a 58-year-old widower with 5 children living in Waltham Abbey, having served nearly 36 years, according to WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839.
23 A transcript of the 1841 Census showed that Robert was living in Green Yard, Waltham Abbey, as a lodger with Thomas Parker and his family. His age was given as 60, he was a Labourer and was born in the County. He was a widower, and this is confirmed by WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839.
WO54/516
9
William (3)
Adams
00/00/1770
Pay List
1. William Adams (3) was employed as a Labourer by the Engineering Department in July, 1809 on work carried in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809, and for this he was paid 17/-d (Supply 5/228).
2. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816 recorded that he was earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 46-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey with 6 children, and had first started work at the Mills as a Casual Labourer on the 29th March, 1806.
3. He was still employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineering Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week according to WO/54/512 dated September, 1812.
4. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 confirmed William was a 47 year-old married man, a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, who had first worked for the Board on the 29th March, 1806. He lived in Waltham Abbey, had 6 unmarried children, and at that date was paid 2/4d per day
WO54/516
10
George (2)
Adams
List of Persons Employed
1. George Adams (2) commenced work in the Engineers' Department in June, 1825, (WO54/550 dated October 1825). His rate of pay was 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an annual amount of £33.18.2d. He was a married man with 4 children, and at that date his service was 4 months. However, he was "employed temporarily and due to be discharged at the end of the present month."
WO54/550
11
William
Akers
List of Employees and their Pay
1. William Akers was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and, in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed the above information.
Supply 5/229
12
William
Alexander
00/00/1778
List of Those Employed
1. William Alexander was first employed by the Board on the 21st May 1815 as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department. He earned 2/8d per day, and was a 37-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
13
Francis Bell
Allison
00/00/1811
Return of Emloyees
1. Francis Bell Allison was a 26-year-old bachelor when he started work as a General Labourer on the 1st December 1837. He was earning £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn (Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 - WO54/623).
WO56/623
14
Daniel (Senior)
Allsup
00/06/1760
List of Foreman Artificers & Others Employed
1. Daniel Allsup (senior) tarted work early in 1805 as a Dusting House Man earning 2/1d per day, according to the List of Foremen Artificers and Others Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224).
2. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226), stated this was still the case at that date. However, in addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Allsup was still employed as a Dusting House Man, then earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) stated that Mr. Allsup was still a Dusting House Man who was paid the same daily rate as before, but he then allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Daniel then earned 3/-d per day in the same job, and was still watching in turn at 1/6d. per night.
6. The previous information given was confirmed in the Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
7. On the 16th June 1808, the Board had purchased two tenements from a Miss Jones, on the north side of High Bridge Street, and the sketch map attached to the document clearly showed that they formed part of High Bank or Bank Cottages. The two tenants then in occupation were "Alsop and Aylin" (WO44/681A). A Statement of "monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded also that Daniel Allsup had been living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance on the 4th May. 1821, and that his rent was £8.9.0d per annum. The house, Tenement No. 26, has been identified as being at the western end of 5 cottages on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane, at the western end of a group of tenements known as Bank Cottages. (Part of Plot No. 1432 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Tithe Map, or Plot No. 48 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map). The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
8. For further information on the Allsup family see WAGP by Huggins, pp.132-140.
Supply 5/224
15
William
Allsup
00/01/1797
List of Officers and Artificers, etc.
1. William Allsup was Apprenticed to Master Mixer, George Pittendrigh, in August 1808, with remuneration of 6/-d per week (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808). This document also indicated that Mr. Pittendrigh was allowed 6/-d per week in respect of his Apprentice.
2. A receipt for eight weeks' pay dated the 30th September 1808, showed that William was illiterate (Supply 5/227).
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 30th September 1808 confirmed that he was Apprenticed to the Master Mixer of Composition at 6/- per week.
4. Employee List (Supply 5/228 of the 1st September 1810) confirmed William was still Apprenticed to the Master Mixer, was paid 6/- week, and that 6/- per week went to the Master Mixer.
5. According to the Employee List of the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229), William was still Apprenticed to the Master Mixer, but he now earned 6/2d per week, with his Master getting 6/6d per week.
6. At the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) William's circumstances remained the same, except that he then earned 6/8d and his Master was allowed 8/-d per week. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816 indicated that he was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed as a Labourer on the 4th August, 1815. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
7. Robert Perkis and William Allsup were two of the casualties of a reduction in the workforce in 1818. In their Petition (Supply 5/231) they stated that they were Articled Apprentices who had paid three pounds when first Articled, and that they had served seven years, continuing two years after the term of Apprenticeship had expired, after which they were discharged upon the reduction. Having gone into the Works at an early age, they were now unable to earn a livelihood in any other employment. They further wished to state that they had made themselves proficient in their several Departments, and hoped that their Lordships would take into their benign consideration their disagreeable case, and replace them again into their former situation in the Works, in which case, "your humble Petitioners will as in duty bound to you for ever pray."
8. In a letter dated the 7th April 1818 (Supply 5/231), it is stated "In obedience to the Honourable Board's commands contained in your letter of the 1st instant, desiring us to report upon the enclosed Petition of Robert Perkis and William Allsop, praying that they may be restored to their situations in the Royal Powder mills, having served their Apprenticeship in the Department from which they were discharged on account of the reduction. We beg leave respectfully to represent that Robert Perkis and William Allsup were taken as Apprentices, the one as Apprentice to the Assistant Master Worker, the other as Apprentice to the Master Mixer of Composition, [and] after serving their Apprenticeship they were employed as Labourers in the Manufactory." Further, "In forming an arrangement to comply with the Honourable Board's commands of the 22nd December last that a reduction should take place at the Royal Gunpowder Manufactory at Waltham Abbey, the beforementioned Robert Perkis and William Allsup were selected, amongst others, as the junior Labourers to be discharged, for if a preference had been given to them to be retained, other Labourers with families who had been longer in the service than themselves who are single young men [would feel the same and] we are therefore humbly of [the] opinion that they have not any cause for complaint." Nevertheless, in a letter dated the 10th April 1818 (Supply 5/202), it appears that the Board ordered these men to be re-entered when any augmentation should be required.
10 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that William was now 23, lived in Waltham Abbey, earned 2/4d per day and was single. He was also allowed 1/6d per night when watching in turn.
11 WO54/536 dated the 19th April 1821 stated that William Allsup, a single man aged 24, living in Waltham Abbey, was now employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; he was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
12 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of William Allsup, Saltpetre Refiner, as 25, with nearly 13 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
13 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. William Allsup, Saltpetre Refiner, was Apprenticed to the Master Mixer at Waltham Abbey on the 26th March 1808, and by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, was appointed a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him a total annual income of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he had nearly 14 years' service, was 25 and was single man who lived in Waltham Abbey.
14 In the Spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to go (Supply 5/232 dated the the 21st March, 1822), and the men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. William Allsup was one of the petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden (Supply 5/203 dated the 20th June, 1822).
15. After he left the Royal Gunpowder Mills, William married Esther (Ester), and by the time their son, also William, was baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 10th January 1830, he was working as a Miller (Huggins, op.cit.p.134).
16. According to a List of Property owned by the Board and prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office in May 1840, William Alsop, Miller, was living in a cottage previously occupied by Benjamin Ginn (WO44/133). This would have been part of Plot No. 62 shown on the Town Map of Waltham Abbey. However, he must have moved shortly after this, since the 1841 Census confirmed that he was still a Miller and that the family were then living in Romeland. 17. William died at the age of 71, and was buried in Waltham Abbey on the 20th June 1868 (Huggins, op.cit.p.134).
Supply 5/227
16
Daniel (Junior))
Allsup
00/00/1798
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Daniel Allsup, jnr. was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
17
James
Allsup
Huggins' Waltham Abbey Gunpowder People: Family Tree
1. James Allsup was the brother of Daniel Allsup, Snr., and a Postmaster. Although he did not work for the Mills, he leased property from the Ordnance Board in High Bridge Street for £10.8.0d. Annually, from which he ran the town's Post Office. The Post Office was at the eastern part of Plot No. 49, shown on the Waltham Abbey Town Map. (See family tree in Waltham Abbey Gunpowder People, Huggins, op.cit. pp.132-140).
18
Samuel
Allsup
00/00/1803
List of Employees in Engineers' Department
1. Samuel Allsup was first employed at the Mills on the 16th August 1823 (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 - Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department - stated that Samuel was paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as nearly 2 years; he was aged nearly 22, was single, and had not been brought up to any trade.
3. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry, as did WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, with the exception that Samuel was then nearly 23 years' old, with service of nearly 3 years.
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave the same information as the previous Return, as does WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827. However, at that date Samuel had nearly 4 years' service and he was nearly 24 years of age.
5. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, updated the previous Return and indicated that he had just over 4 years' service and that he was aged 24 years.
6. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the basic information given previously.
WO54/550
19
Thomas
Anderson
List of Artificers etc. employed in the Engineers' Department
1. Thomas Anderson worked as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week, agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
20
William
Anderson
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Anderson was employed in the spring of 1805 as a Charcoal Millman, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. List of those Employed dated June, 1807 (Supply 5/226) stated that William was still a Charcoal and Brimstone Man, and that in addition to his pay he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d. This information also applied in August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
Supply 5/224
21
Thomas
Andrews
List of those on the Establishment
1. Thomas Andrews joined the Engineers' Department as a Labourer on the 9th June 1837. He was paid 2/2d per day with an estimated annual income of £33.18.2d. He was 30 years' old, a single man living in Waltham Abbey, and had 2 years' service (WO54/623 dated 1st October 1839).
2. A transcript of the 1841 Census recorded that he was living in Paradise Row with Elizabeth Biss (30) and Fanny Rust (20). It also confirmed he was a Labourer and that he was born in the County.
WO54/623
22
Benjamin
Archer
00/00/1760
Personnel Record
1. Benjamin Archer was born in 1760 according to Supply 5/212 dated 27th November 1788. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave his start date as the 17th March, 1788. In records dated the 27th November 1788 and the 24th January 1789, it was noted that he was "promised to be continued" because he had previously worked for Mr Walton (Winters, pp.31/32).
2. Benjamin's pay was 1/6d per day on the 21st March, 1789 (Supply 5/212).
3. He was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals and charring wood" in Supply 5/213 dated the18th April 1789 and Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 29 years old and was employed attending the stoves.
4. Benjamin was working in the stores for 1/6d per day in March, 1790 (Supply 5/214) and this was still the case in August & September 1790 (Supply 5/215 dated the 11th December, 1790), April and June, 1791, as well as January and July to September 1792 (all Supply 5/215).
5. He was officially described as a "Storeman" in 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February,1793), and was still in the same position in August, September and October 1793 (also Supply 5/216) August and December, 1794 (Supply 5/217) and July, 1795 (Supply 5/219). He was paid an extra 6d per night when on night duty, according to Supply 5/219 dated the 3rd July 1795.
6. Benjamin enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794.
7. He was included as a Storeman in Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798.
8. A signed document - Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 - relating to a petition on pay, showd that he was illiterate and still working as a Storeman.
9. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was then working as a Labourer. (Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer). The Report stated that he was a married man with 1 child.
10 A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that although he was still employed as a Storeman, Benjamin was then engaged in cleaning and deepening the river, canals, ditches and any other work necessary, and on the 26th February, 1802, he was paid 2/-d for catching 8 moles (Winters p.61).
11 Benjamin was still working as a Storeman, but his pay had increased to 2/-d per day. All Storemen received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every fifth night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
12 Shown as a Warder in the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806, he was still earning 2/-d per day, and by that date had 17 years' service.
13 Benjamin was still a Warder in 1807 and 1808, and, according to the List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) his income was still 2/-d per day and he was allowed to watch.
14 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that he was a Warder at 2/- per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case in August, 1812, although he was then paid 2/8d per day, and List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) stated he was a Rounder every third night, being paid 2/-d for this duty.
15 List of Employees (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) stated that Benjamin Archer was still employed as a Warder at the same 2/8d per day and a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
16 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Benjamin was still a Warder, aged 58, but was now a widower with 1 child. He lived in Waltham Abbey but at that date only earned 2/4d per day. Although still allowed to watch in turn, he only received 1/-d per night for this duty as opposed to the 2/-d he was paid previously.
17 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Benjamin was retained with his pay unchanged, and this was confirmed by the Board's Order dated ther 30th September 1818, which also showed that he was the Warder at the Refining House Gate, and had a cottage in High Bridge Street.
18 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) stated that Archer was still employed as a Warder. He was aged 59, with 1 child, and his pay remained unchanged.
Subsequent Returns by the Royal Engineers showed that he lived in a cottage owned by the Board on the opposite side of High Bridge Street from the Refinery in the Storehouse Yard, and marked as Plot No. 21 on the Town Map (WO44/133)
19 List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that Benjamin was then 60 and that he was married with 1 child, although later records still stated he was a Widower. He was still a Rounder, but was then in receipt of 2/-d every third night.
20 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Benjamin was a 61-year-old widower, with all other details remaining the same as before.
21 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Benjamin, Warder, as 62, with 34 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
22 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appears to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Benjamin was confirmed as a Warder by the Board's Order dated the 4th September, 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week, by order of the Board dated the 30th June 1820, which gave him annual pay of £41.14.4d, and he had a "house as porters lodge". He had served nearly 34 years, was now 62 years of age, lived in Waltham Abbey, and was a still a widower with 1 child.
23 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the the 21st March, 1822). Benjamin Archer was one of the men to be dismissed on the 1st June, 1822. However, a List of Employees dated the1st October1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that Benjamin had been retained and was living at a Porters Lodge, likely to have been within the Manufactory. The same list showed that he was required to undertake general work wherever his services were required.
24 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 showed that Archer was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes, to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." His pay for the year was £33.16.0d, and his family and service details are confirmed as before, except that there appeared to be confusion with his age, which in this Return was shown as 63. He still had a house belonging to the Board as a "porters lodge."
25 According to a further document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), Benjamin Archer had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and 15th January 1823.
26 Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) stated Benjamin still earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as nearly 37 years and he was then aged 65.
27 Return showing Pay and Allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information, except that Benjamin then worked as a Labourer drawing stoves. It also confirmed that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 17th March 1788, and that his pay was £33.16.0d per annum.
28 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, indicated he was still a general purpose Labourer, that his basic pay was £33.16.0d per annum, and that he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, or total earnings of £39.0.0d. It also confirmed his previous family and service details and that he was still occupying a cottage as a Porters Lodge. WO54/550 dated the1st October 1825 confirmed his service and family details.
29 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the the 1st October 1825, as did WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826.
30 WO54/558 dated the the 1st April 1827 and another with the same reference dated the 1st October 1827, record no alterations since the Report of the the 1st October 1826. At the 1st October 1827, Benjamin Archer had nearly 40 years' service and was then 67 years of age.
31 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562), gave the same information as in previous Returns, with the exception that he had served a full 40 years.
32 Returns dated the 1st October 1828 and the 1st April 1829 (WO54/562 & WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged. He still had a cottage as a porter's lodge.
33 Return showing Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Benjamin still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 41 years, that he was 68 years of age, was a widower and had 1 child.
34 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same as before, except that he was then 69 years of age.
35 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given previously, except that his service was given as over 42 years.
36 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 recorded that he was then 70 years old with 44 years' service, and that he was still employed as a General Duties Labourer. His pay remained at £33.16.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn at an additional 2/-d per week, giving him a total of £39.0.0d per annum as before, and he still occupied a cottage at the entrance to the Saltpetre Refinery (Supply 5/237).
37 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return; all other details remained unchanged. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, as did WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832.
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that at that date Benjamin was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 45 years, and his age as 72.
39 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 showed that Mr. Archer's details were the same as in the previous Return, except that he had then served just over 45 years and was 73 years' old.
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although Benjamin was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum, but, allowed to watch, his total pay for the year amounted to £33.9.6d. He was still a widower, had a cottage as a porter's lodge, and his age and service details were updated.
41 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirme the information given previously except that he was aged 74 and had served just over 46 years.
42 Benjamin retired with a pension on the 26th November 1834, which, according to Supply 5/237, he was still receiving in 1837.
43 A Return of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office dated the 20th December 1834 showing the houses, etc. owned by the Board, recorded that Benjamin had retired and that it was proposed to let his cottage to G. Redpath (Supply 5/237). However, Redpath does not appear to have occupied the cottage. Benjamin had remained a widower, still living in the Porter's Lodge at the entrance to the Refinery. A list of Domestic Properties attached to the Royal Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey dated the 28th May 1840 recorded that Benjamin had died, and that Charles Clayden (Clayton) "now occupied his cottage" (WO54/133).
Supply 5/212
23
Edward
Archer
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. Edward Archer was a Labourer by trade, and was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October, 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton (Winters, p.29). However, Edward does not appear to have been retained.
24
William
Archer
00/00/1795
List of Employees on the Establishment
1. William Archer was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February, 1816, confirmed that William was initially employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department on the 25th July 1812. He was a 21-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey. Apparently, this was also the case in February 1817, but at that date his pay had dropped to 2/4d per day (WO54/520).
3. Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) simply stated that William Archer was employed temporarily on the 19th September 1828.
4. WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829, stated that at that date he earned £33.18.2d annually. His length of service was given as 6 months, and his age as just over 33. At that date he had 4 children.
5. Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service; family and pay details remaining unchanged.
6. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 all details remained the same for William as in Note 4, except that his service was eighteen months and he was aged just over 34.
7. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that William was still working as a Labourer, family details and salary remained unchanged but length of service and age updated.
8. A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that William Archer was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory; he was to be paid 2/2d per day and had to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particularly required (WO54/575).
9 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
10 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that William still earned 2/2d per day, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum.. He had then served 3 years and was aged 36.
11 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return with all other details remaining unchanged.
12 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that William still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as 4 years, and at that date he was 37 years old.
13 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 and WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833, confirm his basic details were unchanged. His age and length of service were updated and he still had 4 children.
14 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that he still earned a total of £33.18.2d per annum, that he was just over 51, and that his service was 12 years, 6 of which were in his present job.
15 In 1839 he was still a Labourer paid 2/2d per day, with an estimated annual income of £33.18.2d. He was a married man, then with 5 children, living in Waltham Abbey. He had 11 years' service (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
16 A transcript of the 1841 Census recorded that he and his wife Mary, sons William (20), George (15), Charles (8), and James (4), and daughters Martha (10), Helen (4) and Emma (1), were living in Silver Street. It also confirmed that he was a Labourer and that all the family were born in the County.
WO54/512
25
Isaac
Argent
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Isaac Argent was first employed in 1805. By the 30th January 1806 he had been a Millman with the Ordnance for 6 months, earning 2/3d per day.
Supply 5/224
26
John
Arnold
00/00/1796
List of Employees
1. John Arnold was employed as a Storehouse Labourer; he was a single man of 24, who lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day (List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 - Supply 5/232).
2. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that John was 25; all other details remained the same.
Supply 5/232
27
R.
Ashford
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. R. Ashford commenced work in the Corning House in 1805. According to the List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) he earned 2/2d per day, and had then been employed with the Ordnance for 6 months.
Supply 5/224
28
John
Ashton
Pay List
1. John Ashton was employed as a Carpenter (second class). He was paid £1.8.4d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
29
John
Ashwood
00/00/1762
Record of Wages
1. John Ashwood was employed to mark barrels according to a Return dated the 21st March, 1789 (Supply 5/212). He was seconded from Waltham Abbey to Faversham for training as a Labourer attending the stoves on the 1st January 1788 (Supply 5/70) returning to Waltham Abbey on the 1st February 1789, when he was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217).
2. He served in the Artillery from the 1st April 1771 to the 1st May 1784, and became a Sergeant in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
3. List of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 27th March 1790 (Supply 5/214), stated he was "weighing powder at Corning House and marking barrels."
4. His wage was given in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789 as 1/6d per day.
In that document he is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals and charring wood."
5. In September 1789, (also Supply 5/213) he was described as still "marking powder barrels", and his age was given as 27. On the 11th December 1790 (Supply 5/215) the details of age and employment remained unchanged.
6. An anonymous letter (Supply 5/190 dated January, 1791) to "His Majesty's Honble. Board of Ordnance" stated that "men whose work was very dangerous were frequently found in public houses neglecting his Majesty's duty and whose names ought to be reported." It made serious allegations against three men - John Goodfellow, John Ashwood and John White. The charge against Ashwood was that he "...often made complaints and finding faults without a cause with those men which he has no business with and whose buisiness he knows nothing of." The matter was referred to Major Congreve who was to "cause an enquiry to be made and report the result to the Board." The letter backfired on the anonymous writer, since no action was taken against Ashwood and he was still working at the Mills in 1793. Winters, in his Centenary book (pp.34-35) also refers to this incident, saying that the report was an anonymous letter complaining about several Millmen, i.e., John Ashwood, John Goodfellow and John White. He records also "the complaints were without foundation."
7. Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791 described Ashwood as still "Weighing powder & marking barrels." This was again the case in January (Supply 5/215) and July-September 1792 (Supply 5/216) as well as at the 28th February 1793 (Supply 5/216).
8. Ashwood was promoted to Foreman of Labour on the 1st March 1793 (footnote to Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793) then to Master Mixer on the 18th June 1793 (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1793).
9. A second letter of complaint against John Ashwood was received by the Storekeeper in August 1795. Its details are not known, but "two men discharged, (William) Fulham and Mason, the charge being non-proven" according to Winters (p.52).
10 A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800), showed that Ashwood was literate.
11 A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that Ashwood was the Master Mixer, that he was married with 4 children, and that he earned 3/-d. per day.
12 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that he was superintending the Millmen and Labourers, cleansing and deepening the river.
13 In March 1805, (Supply 5/223) he was shown as a Master Mixer, earning a weekly wage of £1.6.0d.
14 In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) he was described as a Master Refiner of Composition earning 5/-d per day, and at that date had been employed with the Ordnance for 18 years.
15 In June 1807, he was still in the same position and receiving the same wage, but in the remarks column of this document (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) it appears that he was provided with a house and entitled to take on an Apprentice.
16 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Ashwood was then the Assistant to the Master Worker, but still earned 5/-d. per day; he was allowed a house and given 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice, who, in August 1808, was Robert Perkis, Jnr.
17 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed all of the details given in the Return of the 23rd August 1808.
18 A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances had been granted by the Honourable Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in the Manufactory, etc. Among the recipients was "Elizabeth Ashwood, the widow of John Ashwood." She died on the 7th March 1818, and had been in receipt of 3/6d per week, although it was not stated when her husband had died.
Supply 5/212
30
Thomas
Ashwood
List of officers & Others on the Establishment
1. Thomas Ashwood was, possibly, the son of John Ashwood. A document (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) recorded that Thomas was Apprenticed to the Master Mixer and was paid 1/4d per day. In addition "one day extra [was] allowed for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801."
2. Thomas was still Apprenticed to the Master Mixer on the 28th March, 1805 (Supply 5/223) but he was then paid 8/2d per week.
3. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 stated he was paid 1/4d per day and that he had 2 years service, thereby confirming that his Apprenticeship began in 1804.
4. According to a further List of Officers and Others Employed (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807), Thomas was still Apprenticed to the Master Mixer, earning 1/6d per day. However, he was not included in the Return dated August 1808, and no further entries for Thomas were found.
Supply 5/223
31
Nathaniel
Attridge
Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Nathaniel Attridge was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department, at 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790, he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel Commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
2. In Returns dated April to June 1791 and the 31st January 1792, Nathaniel's employment was described as "grinding saltpetre, charcoal and brimstone." with a wage of 1/6d per day.
3. A Return of Employees dated the 31st July 1792 (Supply 5/216) indicated that he was working in the Corning Houses, and this was also the case in September, 1792 (Supply 5/216).
Supply 5/215
32
Thomas
Austen
00/00/1786
List of Employees
1. Thomas Austen was on the Establishment as a Millwright. He was a 31 year-old married man with 4 unmarried children. He trained as a Millwright and Engineer, and was first appointed to the Board on the 1st January, 1804. He was paid 5/8d per day and "allowed 2/10d per day extra" although it is not clear for what. He was also allowed a house by the Board which was in High Bridge Street (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
2. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 stated that Thomas was still a Millwright. He was then 32 and was married, with 5 unmarried children. At that date he was only earning 5/2d per day, with the same allowance of 2/10d per day extra, and still allowed a house.
3. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, stated that his details remained the same as those at the 28th February 1817, but that he had only 4 unmarried children.
4. List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Thomas Austin's name is on the list with his pay shown as 4/-d per day as the Superintendent for cutting materials for the Cooperage.
5. Thomas was appointed Superintendant of the Corn Mill and the Millwrights (no date given) and paid 9/-d per day. He still had five children. However, WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 gave this appointment date as the 5th June, 1818. He was still provided with a house, but no allowances. The property was Plot No. 65 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map, located on the north side of High Bridge Street, adjacent to the church, and then known as the Miller's House.
6. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) showed that Austen was still employed as the Superintendent of the Corn Mill and the Millwrights. His age was shown as 36, he was still living in Waltham Abbey, was married and had 6 children. He earned the same 9/-d per day and had no allowances, but had a house on the Establishment. The house he had been allocated was one of three built from reclaimed timbers which were located in Powder Mill Lane, and were ready for occupation in 1815. When Thomas moved into the Miller's house in 1818, it was then leased to Hugh Jones. Further details on the tenement can be found under Hugh Jones' notes.
7. A statement "of monies to which the public was entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1820, showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Thomas was still Superintendent of the Corn Mill; he had been living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 21st October, 1818. The Corn Mill was in Romeland. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
8. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 showed that Thomas was now aged 37 and had 6 children; his terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged. A footnote to this List stated "The superintendant of the Cornmill, Thos Austin, is paid from the receipts of a Water Corn Mill which he has improved and the working of which he superintends. The Profit received by the Board from the Concern exceeds £450 for year."
9. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing those employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that Austen was still the Superentendant of the Cornmill, that he was paid 9/-d per day for 365 days, had a coal and candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum, and was entitled to a house. This gave him an annual income of £164.5.0d. Whilst his service details remained the same, he then had 7 children.
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 indicated that Thomas was still paid 9/-d per day for 365 days as the Superintendant of the Cornmill, received a coal and candle allowance of £12.0.0d per annum, and that he was still entitled to a house. His service was given as just over 21 years, and his family details remained the same as before.
11 WO54/550 dated the 13th October, 1825, repeated the information given at the 1st April 1825, as did WO54/554 of the 31st December 1825 and WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826. However, Thomas was then just over 40 years' old, his service was just over 22 years and he now had 8 children.
12 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was the same as the previous Return as was
WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, with the exception that at that date Mr. Austen had just over 23 years' service and was just over 41years of age.
13 WO54/558 of the the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as the previous Return.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) although updating the same basic information, gave his full job description as Superintendant of the Cornmills and Machinery, and Second-class Clerk of Works. (WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 gave his appointment date as the 24th December, 1827). His basic pay was 12/6d per day for 366 days, giving him an annual wage of £228.15.0d.
15. Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service; his pay remained unchanged but he was now listed as having only 7 children, and this was confirmed in the 1841 Census.
16 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 recorded that Thomas earned only £228.2.6d annually at that date; his length of service was given as nearly 15 years, and he was 43 years of age.
17 Return dated the 1st October, 1829 (no reference) updated his age and length of service, with his family and pay details remaining unchanged.
18 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Thomas Austen as before, except that his service was just over 15 years and he was nearly 44 years of age.
19 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirms the previous information given, except that his service was 16 years and that he was 44 years of age.
20 A Return of Persons Belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831, recorded that Thomas Austen was to be in charge of the Flour Mill and Superintendant of Machinery in Mill Work (i.e., the Powder Mills). He was to be paid the same £228.2.6d per annum, and provided with a house. His presence was required constantly, and he was to have a practical knowledge of mechanics connected with Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories, and Flour Mills. He was also to have honesty and attention to his accounts, since all the money for the work at the Grist Mill was to pass through his hands.
21 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, and all other details remained unchanged.
22 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Mr. Austen still earned a total of £228.2.6d per annum. He had then served nearly 17 years and was aged 45.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that he still earned £228.2.6d per annum. He had by then served nearly 18 years and was just over 46 years old. These details remained the same in WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 and in the Return dated the 1st October 1833 (WO54/587).
25 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 stated that Thomas still earned a total of £228.2.6d per annum, that he was still entitled to a house, that he was nearly 48 years of age, and that his service was just over 19 years.
26 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 recorded that Thomas was the Superintendent of the Corn Mills and that he was a Clerk of Works, Second Class, having been appointed to this position on the 24th December 1827. His wage was £282.2.6d as before, he was still entitled to a house and his service and family details were updated. This Return also recorded that he was taken on to the Establishment on the 31st August 1807 as a Millwright, which tied in with his length of service.
27 Return of Employees dated the 1st October, 1839 (WO56/623), gave a potted history of Austen's career. He was apppointed a Millwright to the Ordnance Board on the 31st August 1807. On the 12th January, 1814, he was appointed Superintendent of Machinery, before later becoming the Superintendent of the Cornmill. On the 24th December 1827, he was appointed Second Class Clerk of the Works, with the title of Superintendent of Machinery and Corn Mill. His wages came out of the profits of the Corn Mill, and in 1839, he was entitled to a house. He was a married man aged 53, with 9 children.
28 According to the 1841 Census, the family was living in High Bridge Street North, and all members were born in the county. The family consisted of wife Mary (50) and children, Mary (31) Sarah (25) twins James and Caroline (20) William (12) and Henry, aged 10, i.e., 6 children living at home.
.
WO54/516
33
James
Austen
00/00/1797
List of those Employed
1. James Austen, an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, was employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department according to WO54/516 dated 19th February 1816, yet WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, clearly indicated that he was "…brought up…to the trade " of Millwright, and started on the 9th April, 1814.
2. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 recorded that James was then aged 19, and married. He earned 5/2d per day as a Millwright, and was employed "occasionally as the Service required." This information is confirmed in WO54/524 dated 1818 and WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819.
3. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that James was still employed as a Millwright, but that he was then aged 22 and lived in Waltham Abbey. This Return, however, stated that he was a single man. He still earned 5/2d per day, had no allowances, and was employed "occasionally as the Service required."
4. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was now aged 23, still single and that his Terms of Employment, etc. remained unchanged. He was not listed in the Return for December 1821 (WO54/536).
5. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 - Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department -confirmed that James was still paid 5/2d per day as a Millwright for 313 days, giving him an income of £80.17.2d for the year. He was now married but without children.
6. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 listing Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department, stated that James was still paid 5/2d per day for 313 days as a Millwright. His service was nearly 10 years, and he was now aged 25, was married and had 2 children.
7. WO54/550 dated 13th October 1825, was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825, but states that James was a widower with two children. It is possible, therefore, that his wife had died in childbirth.
8. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gives identical information as in the previous note, except that James then had 11 years' service.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, and WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, both give the same basic information as before. However, James had now served 12 years, and was 27 years of age. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, confirmed the basic information given in the previous Return, but stated that he had only 1 child.
10 Although no link has been found, it seems possible that he was related to Thomas Austen ,since they both started at Waltham Abbey in 1814, and both were Millwrights.
WO54/516
34
William George
Austin
Letter Book
1. William George Austin signed his Indentures as an Apprentice on the 4th July, 1840 (Supply 5/238).
Supply 5/238
35
John
Avis
List of Employees and their Pay
1. John Avis was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229). This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
36
William
Aylett
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Aylett's initial work was "in the punts, and setting and drawing stoves etc." earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August, 1790).
2. A Return of Employees dated the 16th April 1791, recorded that William was employed as a Millman at 2/-d per day, and this was also the case in August 1791 (Supply 5/215).
3. A letter to the Board from the Storekeeper, James Wright, and John Clowdersly, dated the 26th July 1791, recorded "at 1/2 past 1 o'clock the Lower Queens Mead Mill blew up. W Aylott the Millman had just laid on Green Charges and drawn the water gate just sufficient to move the runners and going to the Mill to liquor the Charge when it went off." William was uninjured and the Mill was working again that evening (WASC 475).
4. William was still working as a Millman in January 1792 (Supply 5/215).
Supply 5/215
37
Jeremiah
Aylin
00/00/1786
List of Officers and Other Employees
1. Jeremiah Aylin was working as a "Labourer refining Saltpetre & in other parts of the manufactory" with pay of 2/-d per day. He received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was his turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, states that Jeremiah was then employed as an extra Bargeman earning the same 2/-d per day. At that date his service was 2 years. According to a further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807), Mr. Aylin was still employed as a Bargeman at the same rate of 2/-d per day.
2. On the 16th June 1808 the Board purchased two tenements from a Miss Jones on the north side of High Bridge Street, and the sketch map attached to the document clearly shows that they formed part of High Bank or Bank Cottages. The two tenants then in occupation were "Alsop and Aylin" (WO44/681A). Aylin's tenement has been identified as that at the western end of 5 cottages on the north side of High Bridge Street known as Bank Cottages and shown as Plot No. 48 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map.
3. On the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Aylin, while still a Bargeman, then earned 3/-d per day, as he did in September, 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September, 1810).
4. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, stated that his pay had been increased to 3/10d per day, and that of the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) confirmed that Mr. Aylin was still a Bargeman earning the same 3/10d per day.
5. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated that Mr. Aylin was then Master Bargeman; he was a married man, aged 32 with 4 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey and then earned 4/2d per day.
6. List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Mr. Aylin's name was included with his pay unchanged.
7. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) showed that Mr. Aylin was still employed as a Master Bargeman (later to be described as a Bargemaster), a married man aged 33 with 4 children, and confirmed that he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 4/2d per day.
8. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Aylin was still employed as a Master Bargeman; his pay remained the same, but he then had 5 children.
9. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April,1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Jeremiah had been living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance on the 4th May 1821, and that he was paying an annual rent of £8.9.0d. This house, Tenement No. 27, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane, third from the end at the western end of a group of tenements known as the Bank Cottages. (Part of Plot No.1432 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Tithe Map, or Plot 709 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map). The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
10 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/ 232) indicated that Jeremiah was then 34. All other details remained the same as before, and this is confirmed by WO54/536 of the same date.
11 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Jeremiah, "Master Barge Man", as 38, with 18 years' service and pay per day of 4/2d.
12 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service of those employed in the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) was a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It stated that Jeremiah Aylin, Master Bargeman, was appointed on the 1st March 1804, as a Puntman at Waltham Abbey, with pay for the year amounting to £65.4.2d. His service was given at that date as nearly 18 years, his age as 38, and confirmed that he was a married man with 3 children living in Waltham Abbey.
13 In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, so the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822). The men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June and several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance. Many were long service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. Jeremiah Aylin does not appear to have signed a Petition, but the Storekeeper wrote to the Board on the 21st July 1822, recommending that he receive two weeks' pay to ease his financial hardships. However, the Board's response does not appear to have been recorded.
Supply 5/222
38
Henry
Aylin
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Henry Aylin was employed as a Punt Man in 1807, earning 2/d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
39
John
Bailey
Petition on Pay.
1. John Bailey was shown to be literate in a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800). This document recorded that he was working as a General Labourer in the Corning House, and earned 1/6d per day.
2. Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April, 1801, was a letter to the Board stating that the new Corning House on Horse Mill Island blew up the day before, with a tremendous explosion. Nine men were in the building and all were killed, including John Bailey, together with four horses. Winters recorded in his book "Centenary Memorial" (p.59) that "the mangled bodies of the poor men were buried in a high heap in the yard, without memorial stone, near the path leading to Mr King's House and in front of the Wollard tombs." (King was a Market Gardener at the Abbey Gardens)
3. A Petition dated the 24th April, 1801 (Supply 5/194) was signed by Sarah, the other widows and two mothers of the deceased, requesting "relief in their distress."
4. Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April, 1801 - a Report on the ages of the children and circumstances of widows and children - stated that Sarah was aged 37 and that she had no children from her husband Labourer, "but has reason to believe she is with child." At this date the Board agreed that the pension awarded to Mrs Sarah Bailey should be 5/3d per week. However, in May 1801 (Supply 5/194) it is stated that "pay and allowances were to be continued as follows: Sarah Baillee (Bailey) was to receive half of her husband's pay"; his pay had been 10/6d per week, plus 1/6d on account of "the severity of the times." The Ordnance Board decreed that the widows' pensions should be based upon their husband's or son's basic pay and not to include the extra "due to the severity of the times."
5. A document dated the 8th November, 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances were granted by the Hon. Board as widows, etc. Sarah Bailey was still among the recipients, as she was on the 17th November, 1821, according to Supply 5/232.
6. A document dated the 6th December, 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December, 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed again that Sarah's superannuation should continue at £27.6.0d per annum. A similar document (Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821), confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, as well as in 1826 (Winters, p.96)
7. A letter dated the 21st July, 1826, (Supply 5/205) stated that Sarah Bailey had died, and that any pension due could be paid to her legal representative.
Supply 5/220
40
William
Bailey
List of Officers, Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. William Bailey was employed as a Labourer, setting and drawing stoves, etc., earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808. This was also the case in September 1810, according to Supply 5/228.
2. On the 13th February 1814, his wage had increased to 2/8d per day (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/227
41
John
Baker
00/00/1756
Report of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Baker was a Labourer and Refiner at the Royal Laboratory from the 25th November, 1779 to the 13th April 1789, when he joined the Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey as "Master Refiner of Salt Petre". He was paid 2/6d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the18th April 1789). This is confirmed by Winters (p.33) who gave the date as the 7th April 1789, but on page 69 of his book, this becomes the 12th April 1789. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 33 years of age and employed as "Head Saltpetre Refiner" at 2/6d per day. Still Head Refiner in January 1792, September, 1792, August 1793 and the 31st January 1794 ((Supply 5/216), when his wage was increased to 3/-d. per day.
2. John was still Head Refiner in August and December of 1794.
3. Report on Pay and Allowances for Artificers and Labourers - Supply 5/217 dated 3rd July 1795 - confirmed his pay as 3/-d per day, together with an annual allowance of £4.4.0d for coals and candles.
4. Sergeant in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798).
5. Letter to the Board dated the 3rd December, 1798 (WO13/202) signed by Robert Coleman and James Wright, stated that John Baker had died, and that he had left 4 orphaned children, a girl aged 12 and three boys aged 11, 8 and 7 respectively. They had enquired what assistance the parish would give to the children and had been advised that this would be 4d per week. The eldest boy, Thomas, had been Apprenticed to his father to clean bags at the Refining House and received 3/6d per week. Wright and Coleman now requested that the Board employed the other two boys " cleaning Salt Petre sacks" at 9d per day, increasing to 1/-d per day as soon as they had "grown useful". They also stated that Baker's brother-in-law worked as a Labourer in the Refining House, but having a family of his own, he could not look after "these poor orphans." The Board's findings and decision are not recorded.
Supply 5/213
42
Robert
Baker
00/00/1779
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1.Robert Baker started an Apprenticeship as a Refiner in August 1789, aged 10, and was paid 1/0d per day.
2. Still an Apprentice in December 1794, but his wage had been increased to 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217). There appears to be an error in his start date, which in this Return is given as the 1st October, 1789.
3. In July 1795 (Supply 5/217) all of his details remained the same.
Supply 5/213
43
David B.
Baker
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. David Baker started as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 11th September 1794 at 1/6d per day. (Supply 5/217 dated the 31st December, 1794).
2. Still in the Corning House (Supply 5/217 dated 3rd July 1795).
Supply 5/217
44
Thomas
Baker
00/00/1787
List of Artificers, etc and Volunteer Corps Members
1. Thomas Baker started an Apprenticeship under his father, John Baker, the Master Refiner, in the Refining House on the 1st February 1797, with pay of 3/6d per week. The same document recorded that he was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798)
2. Although his pay was 1/6d per day, it is stated in a document dated the 8th May 1804 (Supply 5/222) that "one day extra allowed for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801."
3. Thomas was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with pay of 2/-d per day according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and had by that date nearly 9 years' service in total.
Supply 5/219
45
James
Baker
00/00/1791
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. James Baker was an Apprentice with pay of 9d per day (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). This document also stated "one day extra allowed for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801." No details of his Apprenticeship trade were given.
2. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) recorded that James was a Bricklayer. He was then aged 29, lived in Waltham Abbey and was married, with 2 children. At that time, he earned 4/1d per day and was employed "Occasionally as the Service Required."
Supply5/222
46
March
Baker
List of Officers and Others on the Establishment
1. March Baker was Apprenticed to the Master Saltpetre Refiner on the 1st June, 1804, with pay of 1/4d per day (Supply 5/223). He was still serving his Apprenticeship in 1805 and 1806, and Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 recorded that he had 2 years' service and was earning 1/4d per day
2. Still Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre according to the List of Artificers and Others Employed (Supply 5/226 dated the18th June 1807) earning 1/6d per day.
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, stated March's pay under Samuel Knowler was 6/4d per week, and that his Master, Samuel Knowler, was allowed 7/-d per week in respect of March Baker's Apprenticeship. Supply 5/227 of the 30th September 1808, confirmed the same information. Another document of the same date showed that March was literate.
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 stated that his pay had increased to 7/-d per week, while his Master was paid 9/-d per week in respect of Mr. Baker's Apprenticeship.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr. March Baker was now a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." This was also the case on 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/223
47
Charles
Baker
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Charles Baker was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229). This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
48
John W.
Baker
Return of Employees
1. John W. Baker was a Carpenter and Builder by trade, and was appointed Foreman Carpenter at Waltham Abbey on the 10th September 1830. He was promoted to Foreman of Works on the 29th September 1833. More promotion quickly followed, and he was appointed as a Fourth-Class Clerk of Works on the 27th July, 1836. In 1839 his wage was £137.5.0d per annum, with a house provided, which was attached to the Engineers' Office in Powder Mill Lane (WO56/623 dated the 1st October 1839 and WO44/133). The house was shown as Plot No. 73 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map.
2. According to the 1841 Census, Mr. Baker was living in Powder Mill Lane. Neither he or his family were born in Essex. His wife was Mary, aged 35, and he had 6 children - Sophia aged 15, Mary, 12, Richard, 6, Henry, 4, Charles, 2 and Alfred, aged 1.
WO56/623
49
Isaac
Baker
00/00/1791
Return of Officers Employed
1. Isaac Baker joined the Board as an Apprentice Bricklayer in the Engineers' Department on the 11th June 1804 (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
2. In 1812 (WO54/512 dated September 1812) he was employed as a Casual Bricklayer, earning 4/7d per day. In 1816 he earned 4/7d per day for a six-day week, and was a 25-year old batchelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516).
3.This information is updated by WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 but his pay was then given as 4/1d per day.
4. According to WO54/524 dated 1818, he was employed "Occasionally as required" and paid 4/1d per day, as he was in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, shows that he was a 30-year-old married man, living in Waltham Abbey with 1 child. All other information remained the same.
6. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
7. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing Personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that he was still paid 4/1d per day as a Bricklayer. This was for 313 days, giving him an income of £63.18.1d for the year. This Return also recorded that he had nearly 19 years' service, starting on the 11th June 1804. He was then aged 32, still living in Waltham Abbey, and married with 1 child.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 stated that Isaac was still paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Bricklayer. This gave him an annual income of £63.18.1d. His service was nearly 21 years, and he was aged 34, married and had 1 child.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry.
10 WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 9 and 10, with the exception that he was just over 34, with service of nearly 22 years. In addition, he then had two children.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was as the previous Return, confirming that he had 2 children.
12 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 recorded the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date Isaac had nearly 23 years' service and he was then 35. At this date he had 3 children.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave no basic alterations from the previous Return.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updateed the basic information given in the notes above.
15 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged. He trained as a Bricklayer.
16 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 stated that Isaac at that date still earned the same as in Note 9. His length of service was given as nearly 25 years, and he was nearly 38.
17 Return dated the 1st October, 1829 (no reference given) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
18 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Isaac as in Note 9, except that his service was 26 years and he was aged 38.
19 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Isaac was still a bricklayer, with family details and pay remaining unchanged, but length of service and age updated.
20 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Issac Baker was the only Bricklayer to be employed at the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and at the Small Arms Factory at Enfield. He was to be paid 4/1d per day, and required to undertake general services as a bricklayer in the Manufactory where care, attention, sobriety were indispensably necessary (WO54/575).
21 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, except that he now had 4 children.
22 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Isaac still earned 4/1d per day as previously, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. At that date he had served over 27 years and he was then aged forty.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Isaac was still a Bricklayer who still earned £63.18.1d per annum. His service was given as nearly 29 years, and at that date, he was 41 years of age.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in Note 25.
26 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that his basic details remained unchanged, but his age and length of service were updated.
27 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, stated that Isaac still earned a total of £63.18.1d per annum, that he then 42 years of age, and that his service was 30 years.
28 In 1839 he was paid 4/1d per day, with an estimated annual income of £63.18.1d. He was a 48-year-old married man with 4 children, living in Waltham Abbey. At that date, he had 28 years' service (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
WO54/516
50
John
Baldock
00/00/1752
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. John Baldock started work in the Corning House as a Labourer on the 1st April 1792 at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792). He was still working in Corning House in July to September 1792, and in February to March, 1793 (both also supply 5/216)
2. Mr. Baldock's name does not appear again until the 31st January 1794, when he was described as" setting & drawing stoves & in the punts." This was also the case in August and December, 1794, as well as in July 1795 (Supply 5/217). He enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, according to Winters (p.49).
3. He was still a Private in the Volunteer Company in September 1798, and was working in the Corning House (Supply 5/219).
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and working as a General Labourer .
5. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still working as a Labourer and that he was a married man with 1 child. (Note: in this document anyone who was not an artificer was described as a Labourer).
6. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer, cleaning and deepening the river, canals, and performing sundry necessary work.
7. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 recorded that Baldock was then working as a Refiner, and his pay was given as 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
8. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) confirmed that he was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with his wage still at 2/-d per day. However, there appears to be a discrepancy as to when he started at the Mills - this document indicated he started in 1789.
9. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that Mr. Baldock was still working as a Saltpetre Refiner, earning 2/-d per day and received 1/-d for watching in turn.
10 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Baldock was now employed as a Brimstone Refiner earning 2/3d per day, and was still allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d.
11 Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, stated that he was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn when not working.
12 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. John Baldock was a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, was still allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/ 230.
13 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March, 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Baldock was still a Refiner of Saltpetre, with a length of service of 26 years, and his age was given as 64. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d, and in the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Baldock and others should be superannuated "because of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory". It also stated therein that Mr. Baldock "has been twice severely hurt in the right hand in the discharge of his duty, has become very feeble and is incapable of exerting himself at work." However, in a letter dated 6th March, 1816, (Supply 5/200), Baldock was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing the 1st April 1816.
14 A Supplement to a document dated the 8th November, 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments, and among the recipients was John Baldock, Saltpetre Refiner, who received a pension of 12/-d per week, commencing the 1st April 1816.
15 List of Persons receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November, 1821) confirmed the entry above in respect of John Baldock.
16. A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232), gives the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It confirmed that John Baldock, lately a Saltpetre Refiner, was in receipt of £31.4.0d superannuation annually. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was also noted in 1826 by Winters, p.96.
Supply 5/216
51
Thomas
Baldock
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Baldock started an Apprenticeship in the general manufacture of gunpowder on the 1st February 1793, and was paid 1/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). Although still an Apprentice in December, 1794, his wage had been increased to 1/4d per day (Supply 5/217) and in July, 1795, it had been increased to 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217).
2. According to Supply 5/219 dated the 1st September 1798, he was working in the Corning House and was also a Private in the Volunteer Company
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that Thomas was illiterate, and working as a General Labourer.
4. Thomas's seven-year Apprenticeship ended on the 11th April 1800, at which time he still worked in Corning House.
5. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, and was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
6. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, he was still working in the Corning House as a Labourer, but his pay had increased to 2/1d per day. All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every fifth night.
7. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged; Baldock was one who agreed to go according to Winters (p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register (1573-1840) does not record his name, and subsequent service entries showed that he was not discharged as his service since 1793 appeared unbroken.
8. Thomas was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and had been employed with the Ordnance at that date for 14 years. This was also the case in 1807 (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226, 18th June 1807).
9. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Baldock was a "Foreman of Reeling Houses" earning 2/10d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling and six pence". The same details applied in 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
10 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Baldock was a Foreman of Corning Houses who earned 4/-d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder earning 2/-d every third night, as he was at the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
11 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Thomas was still working in the Corning House, that he was 38, resided in Waltham Abbey and was now married with 3 children. He earned 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
12 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231), recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Thomas Baldock's name was included, with his pay remaining unchanged, but his watch money reduced to 6d per night.
13 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Baldock was still employed in the Corning House, that he was a married man aged 39 with 3 children who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn for which he received 1/-d per night.
14 List of Employees dated the13th September 1820 (Supply 5/532) stated that Mr. Baldock had been appointed as the Foreman of the Dusting House on the 4th September 1818, and this is confirmed by WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822. By then he was aged 40, had 5 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He was earning 3/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night.
15 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply WO54/536) recorded that Mr. Baldock was 42, earned the same 3/4d per day and 1/6d per night when on watch.
16 List of Employees at the Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated February, 1822), however, indicated that he was aged only 41 with 29 years' service. He still earned 3/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night when on watch.
17 The above appeared to be a more detailed and, probably, more accurate Return than that dated the 9th April 1821. It stated that Thomas Baldock, Foreman of the Dusting houses, was appointed on the 1st February 1793 as an Apprentice Gunpowder Maker at Waltham Abbey. It confirmed he was appointed Foreman of the Dusting Houses on the 4th September 1818, with total earnings for the year of £52.3.4d. He had 29 years' service, was aged 41, and was a married man with only 2 children, living in Waltham Abbey.
18 Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822, listed persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, and stated that Thomas Baldock, Corning House Man, was to be retained.
19 A document dated the 10th October, 1822 (Supply 5/233) indicated that Thomas Baldock, Foreman of the Dusting House, had been demoted to a Corning House Man, with his pay reduced accordingly. This complied with the Board's Order dated the 22nd May 1822.
20 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Thomas Baldock was still a Corning House Man, and that his pay for the year was now only £48.2.0d, which included an allowance of 2/-d per week for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed.
21 According to WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B - dated the 1st April 1823, Baldock had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he was still a Corning House Man and that his annual wage was £48.2.0d, which included an allowance of 2/-d per week for watching the works in turn. His service details were confirmed, but according to this document, he had 3 children.
22 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93-95) confirmed the previous information given, and recorded that he had been in continuous service (32 years) with the Board since the start of his Apprenticeship on the 1st February, 1793. His earnings were still £48.2.0d per annum.
23 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, indicated that he was still a Corning House Man and confirmed his basic pay was £42.18.0d per annum; he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, which brought his total pay for the year to £48.2.0d. His previous family and service details were confirmed. These details are also recorded in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
24 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/550 dated the the 1st October 1825, as does WO54/554 of the 1st October 1826 and WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1827. The latter Return also recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date Thomas Baldock had 34 years' service in all, and was 48 years of age.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that he was promoted to Junior Foreman of the Corning House under Henry Coreham, with his basic annual earnings increased to £46.16.0d. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £52.0.0d. He was 48 years of age, married with 3 children and had 35 years' service.
27 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service with family details and pay unchanged, as did the Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566).
28 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date Thomas still earned the same as recorded in Note 26. His length of service was given as 30 years (Apprenticeship not included) and he was then aged 49.
29 WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
30 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 stated that Thomas was now 50 years of age and that he had served nearly 31 years (out of his Apprenticeship). His pay was still the same at £52 per annum as in Note 26, and all other information remained the same.
31 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, Thomas still earned a total of £52.0.0d annually. He had now served 38 years in all, and was aged 51.
32 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
33 Supply 5/207 dated the 18th July 1831 recorded that The Board agreed to pay Thomas Baldock, Foreman of the Corning House, two days' pay "in consequence of the hurt received in the performance of his duty."
34 Supply 5/207 dated the 15th February 1832, showed that Thomas Baldock successfully applied to the Board for a reduction in the rent of his cottage from 3/3d to 2/-d per week, and agreeing to this request, his annual rent was reduced to £5.4.0d (Supply 5/237). The cottage in question was at the western end of Bank Cottages on the north side of High Bridge Street, being Plot No. 48 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map.
35 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Mr. Baldock was still the Foreman of Corning Houses, earning the same £52.0.0d as before. He was 53, and had served nearly 39 years.
36 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Thomas Baldock still earned a total of £52.0.0d per annum. His service was given as 38 years, and his age as 53.
37 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining unchanged, as did the Return of the 1st October 1834 (no reference given).
38 WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839, recorded that his pay was then £64.16.0d per annum, which included an allowance for being a Rounder every third night. He was married with 3 children, and his employment as a Labourer started in 1800 after his 7-year Apprenticeship had been completed..
39 According to the 1841 Census, Thomas lived in High Bridge Street North with his wife Mary, aged 65. Living with them were James Robinson, a Labourer at the Mills, and his wife Mary. None of the occupants were Essex born.
Supply 5/216
52
George
Baldock
00/00/1773
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. George Baldock started as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 21st July 1793 with pay of 1/6d per day. He was still in the Corning House in January, 1794, and enlisted
as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Winters, p.42).
2. Baldock was Grinding Saltpetre, Charcoal and Brimstone in August (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
3. Supply 5/217 dated July 1795 recorded that he was working as a Refiner.
4. Supply 5/219 dated September 1798 indicated that by then he had become a Millman, with pay of 2/-d per day, and that he was still a Private in the Voluntary Company
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a Millman.
6. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman, was a married man and that he had 5 children.
7. He was working as a Millman in 1813 (Winters, p.76) and in a Report dated the the 13th February 1814, a George Baldock is recorded as a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman, earning 2/8d per day and that he was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
8. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that George Baldock was now a Saltpetre Refiner; he was a married man, living in Waltham Abbey, earning 2/4d per day. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
9. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Baldock's name is included with his pay unchanged, but he was then not paid watch money. However, in a letter dated September, 1818 (Supply 5/231), it is stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." and that list included a Mr. Baldock, Saltpetre Refiner.
10 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that George was still employed as a Brimstone Refiner, a married man aged 46, and recorded that he had 9 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey, was still paid 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
11 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. George Baldock was 47 and that he still lived in Waltham Abbey. According to this Return, he then only had 8 children and still earned 2/4d per day, but he then received 1/6d per night when allowed to watch in turn.
12 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/ 232) recorded that George was 48 and had 9 children; all other entries remained the same as previously.
13 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of George, Saltpetre Refiner, as 47, with 18 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
14 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822; George Baldock, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 21st July 1793, and by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him a total annual income of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he had 16 years' service, was 47 years old, was married with 9 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
15 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and the establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and the men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. George Baldock was one of the Petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks; pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/216
53
William
Baldock
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. William Baldock was taken on for one of the 7 vacancies available, and started work on the 15th August 1793 as a Labourer (Winters, p.40). Since no mention is made thereafter of William until 1804, it can only be supposed that his was a casual post.
2. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 recorded that William was working as a Refiner; his pay was 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch", which, on average, was every 5th night.
3. Supply 5/224 dated 30th January,1806He recorded that he was a Corning House Man earning 2/2d per day, having been employed by the Ordnance for one year.
4. Baldock was still working in the Corning House, earning 2/2d per day (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 of the 18th June 1807), and in addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
5. According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Baldock was then a "Foreman of Reeling Houses" earning 2/10d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
6. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that William Baldock was still a Reeling House Foreman but that he then earned 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder earning 1/6d every third night. This was also the case according to List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/222
54
Edward
Baldock
00/00/1794
List of Employees
1. Edward Baldock was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day . He was first employed by the Board on the 30th July 1815, and was a 21-year-old married man, living in Waltham Abbey, with one child (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
55
Robert
Bale
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. Robert Bale, according to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, was working as a Refiner earning 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch, which, on average, was every 5th night.
Supply 5/222
56
Thomas
Barby
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Barby was employed as a Labourer in the Corning House and paid 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/216 of the 31st July 1792.
Supply 5/216
57
John
Bardle (Bardell)
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed.
1. John Bardle (Bardell) commenced work as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807. He was also allowed 3d per night when on duty.
2. According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bardle was employed as a Dusting House Man earning 2/3d per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that Mr. Bardle was a Dusting House Man who was still paid 2/3d day, but was then allowed 1/6d per night to watch in turn.
Supply 5/226
58
Thomas
Bardle (Bardell)
List of Employees
1. Thomas Bardle (Bardell) was a Mixing House Man who earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. He was still employed as a Mixing House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with his pay and conditions remaining the same as quoted previously.
Supply 5/229
59
William
Bardle (Bardell)
00/00/1811
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.132
1. William Bardle (Bardell) was born circa 1811, and was the son of Thomas Bardle.
2. He died at the age of 23 in 1834, leaving a young widow, Ann, who was pregnant (information from Sally Thorn).
3. Their son, also William, started work in the Cylinder House in 1854 (Winters, op.cit., p.131) and was working as a 2nd class Labourer at the Mills in 1855 (Winters, op.cit., p.113). At that date he was allowed to watch in turn, on average every third night, for which he received 1/6d (Winters, op.cit. p.128).
4. William was eventually promoted as the Senior Foreman of the Cylinder Houses making Charcoal (Winters, op.cit.p.131).
5. Ann remarried circa 1839 - see notes on Thomas Hilton.
60
Joseph
Barfoot
00/00/1797
List of Employees
1. Joseph Barfoot was employed as a Cooper with pay of 1/9d per day; he was not allowed to watch.
2. Record on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) recorded that his pay was then 2/4d per day, but he was still not allowed to watch.
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Joseph Barfoot was still a Cooper; he was a single man aged 20, who lived in Waltham Abbey, and at that date, earned 3/6d per day.
4. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/232) showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Joseph Barfoot's name was on the List with his pay unchanged.
5. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Barfoot was still employed as a Cooper, that he was still a single man, aged 21, who still lived in Waltham Abbey. His rate of pay remained unchanged at 3/6d per day.
6. List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Barfoot was now 22, was still single, lived in Waltham Abbey but at that date only earned 3/-d per day.
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Joseph was 23, and that he was still single and living in Waltham Abbey. According to this Return, Joseph still earned 3/-d per day, and again, he was not allowed to watch.
Supply 5/229
61
Valentine
Barford
List of Officers, etc. Employed
1. Valentine Barford was employed as a Punt Man earning 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, according to the List of Officers, etc. Employed (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
62
William
Barker
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. William Barker was mixing composition at pay of 1/6d per day ( Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
2. He started work as a Labourer in the Corning House in August, 1792, and according to Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793, earned 2/-d per day. He was still in the Corning House on the 31st January 1794 earning the same 2/-d (Supply 5/216).
3. A letter written to the Board on the 15th May 1795 (possibly by the Storekeeper) making comments on a Petition on William Barker late "Millman at this place." recorded that for many months before his discharge, his character was very bad, he frquently came to work drunk and absented himself for 2 or 3 days at a time without leave. His shortcomings meant that his partner at the Mill was frequently obliged to work for 18 hours, and that Barker had frequently been cautioned. He was suspended for 3 days, but on account of his large family, he was given a final trial, notwithstanding which, he went on as before. The night of his discharge, after two days of absence, "...he came to duty in Liquor and left his mill running in much danger of her blowing up." In fact, he had gone into the Town seeking the Clerk of the Cheque, "... from Whom he desired a further absence of three days which he refused." On returning to the Works he was met by the Master Worker, to whom he was insolent, and he was discharged on the 11th July 1795 (WASC 475).
Supply 5/216
63
Samuel
Barker
List of Artificers etc. Employed in the Engineers' Department
1. Samuel Barker was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week, agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
64
James
Barker
List of Foremen & Labourers Employed in the Manufactory
1. James Barker was a Puntman who was paid 2/-d per day, and had served 9 months. (Supply 5/224 dated 31st January 1806).
2. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June,1807 Barker was then a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day. In addition, he was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Barker was a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but that he was then "allowed 6d per night when on duty. " Entered as JAMES Barker in 1808 and JOHN Barker on the 1st August, 1810 (Supply 5/228).
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that JOHN Barker was still a Millman who earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
5. Still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply5/230) with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty. Entered as JAMES Barker in this List. The variation in Christian name is possibly a clerical error.
Supply 5/224
65
Thomas
Barker
List of those in Employment and Pay
1. Thomas Barker was a Millman earning 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. He was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/229
66
John
Barnard
List of Employees and their Pay
1. John Barnard was a Sawyer working for the Engineers' Department. Between the 15th and 21st July 1809 he carried out seven days' work for the Manufactory, for which he was paid £1.9.9d, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809.
Supply 5/228
67
George (1)
Barnes
00/00/1763
Officers and Others on the Ordnance
1. George Barnes was appointed to the Establishment on the 19th January 1792 and Overseer of the Works at the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey on the 31st July 1809. In 1812, he was paid 7/-d per day and provided with a house, which was in Powder Mill Lane (List of Officers and Others on the Ordnance dated September 1812 - WO54/512)
2. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, confirmed he was still Overseer of Works and still paid 7/-d per day. He was then aged 52, a widower with 4 married and 2 unmarried children. He was still provided with an apartment, but now received a coal and candle allowance of £8 per annum. He was trained as a Bricklayer and Builder. He was first employed by the Board as a Bricklayer on the 3rd October 1786, becoming a Master Bricklayer on the 10th January 1791.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 recorded that Mr. Barnes was now 53, and was still a widower with 4 married and 2 unmarried children. It confirmed that he earned 7/-d per day and was in receipt of an apartment with a coal and candle allowance as before.
4. WO54/514 dated the 25th June 1818 and WO54/528 dated the 19th May, 1919 gave his age as 55, with all other details remaining the same.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Barnes was still employed as the Overseer of Works. He was 57 and still living in Waltham Abbey in an apartment, with an allowance of £8 for coal and candle. However, this Return shows that he had remarried and still had 6 children; it also recorded that he earned 10/d per day.
6. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 stated that he was George (1) was 58, and that his Terms of Employment, etc. remained unchanged.
7. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 is a repeat of the previous Return dated the 2nd April 1821; however, at that date he had 7children. A note at the bottom of the document concerned reads "The appointment of Overseer (George Barnes) is abolished from this day 31st December 1821."
8. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that George Barnes, Overseer of the Works, was living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house, tenement No. 8, from the 29th September 1809. This house was possibly in the Engineers' yard. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
WO54/512
68
George (2)
Barnes
List of Persons and Pay on the Ordnance
1. George Barnes (2) was employed as a Casual Millwright earning 5/2d per day, according to WO54/512 dated September 1812.
WO54/512
69
C. W.
Barnham
00/00/1796
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. C. W. Barnham was appointed an Assistant Clerk at Waltham Abbey on the 13th November 1815. Aged 22, he lived in Loughton, and was single. His pay was £70 per annum with a £20 gratuity, and he was not on the Establishment.
2. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons Employed dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231), Mr. Barnham was still Assistant Clerk, but then lived in Waltham Abbey. His age was given as 23, and all the other information given previously remained the same.
3. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with his basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. It was noted, however, that he was then living in Enfield, and was aged 24.
4. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Barnham was still Second Clerk, that he was then aged 24, was single and resided in Enfield. He now had a "£20 increased salary" and "£20 house rent, coals and candles."
5. Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) gave his total salary for the year, including service increase and allowance in lieu of house, coals and candles, as £110. By this date he had 6 years' service, was still single and was still living in Enfield. However, WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822, recorded that Barnham's post had been discontinued on the 31st December 1821 by the Board's order of the 29th December 1821.
Supply 5/231
70
Thomas
Bates
00/00/1766
Record of Wages and Salaries
1. Thomas Bates was transferred from Royal Gunpowder Factory at Faversham to the Waltham Mills, but quit the service on the 4th January 1788, "on account of the smallness of their Wages and the great difficulty they found to get any one to Lodge them except Publicans, because they were so black and Dirty by being engaged in Manufacturing Gunpowder. Thos. Bates, among seven (signed)" (Supply 5/113).
2. Although this note is out of sequence, Bates started at Faversham on the 1st November 1787, and and finally transferred to Waltham on the 1st February 1788 (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1789). Furthermore, it appeared that he did not "quit" employment in the Ordnance, since in 1806 he had 18 years' service (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
3. In March 1789, Thomas Bates was grinding "salt petre and charcoal, etc.", and for this, he was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212).
4. According to Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, Thomas was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
5. In August & September 1789, he was grinding salt petre, charcoal and brimstone, being paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213).
6. Supply 5/214 of September 1789, recorded that he was 23 and employed to grind Brimstone and Charcoal.
7. He was still grinding Saltpetre and charcoal, etc. in March 1790, for which he was paid the same 1/6d per day (Supply 5/214).
8. He was described as grinding salt petre, etc. on the 14th August 1790 (Supply 5/215).
9. On the 11th December 1790, he was working in the Corning House and still being paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215).
10 Bates was working in the Corning House January to March 1792, and was paid 1/6d per day as previously. (Supply 5/215)
11 In April, 1792, he was "mixing composition" (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April, 1792).
12 Between July and September 1792, he was "in the country charring wood." (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
13 Thomas was working on the punts in February and March 1793, before returning to the country again cutting wood (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793), and was still in the country in August and September, 1793 (Supply 5/216).
14 In January 1794, he was working in "the punts and drawing & setting stoves", while in August, 1794, he was "charring wood", still being paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216).
15 In December 1794 he was grinding Saltpetre, etc. (Supply 5/2170
16 In June and July of 1795, Mr. Bates is described as a "Charcoal Burner" (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
17 Bates became a Cylinderman at Waltham Abbey on the 1st November 1797, before transferring to West Sussex on the 14th January 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
18 A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer and was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
19 A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221), showed that he was still employed in the Cylinders in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Bates had been employed in stacking timber in the yards, and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited. For this he was paid 2/-d per day.
20 Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 confirmed that he was employed as a Cylinderman with pay at 2/-d per day; he had 18 years service, and was still based in West Sussex.
21 In a further Return dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226), it was confirmed that Thomas was still a Cylinderman in West Sussex.
22 According to the List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227), Mr. Bates was still employed as a Cylinderman earning 2/-d per day.
23 Employment List dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228) confirmed that Mr. Bates was still a Cylinderman at 2/-d per day, as he was in 1813 (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August, 1813) on the same rate of pay as previously, and still based in West Sussex.
24 Staff List dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228) confirmed that he was still employed as a Cylinderman at 2/-d per day.
25 List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) confirmed Mr. Bates was still a Cylinderman in West Sussex, but his wage was then 2/8d. per day. This entry appears to be the last for Thomas Bates.
Supply 5/212
71
Timothy
Bates
00/00/1777
List of Artificers, etc. & Members of the Volunteer Company
1. Timothy Bates started work at the Mills on the 27th March 1797, and by September 1798, he was employed as a General Labourer, described as "setting & drawing stoves and clearing willow plantation". He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1801 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a General Labourer.
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer and was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
4. In a letter dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately destroyed (on the 16th June, 1801) the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the Storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered."
5. Winters, in his book "Centenary Memorial", made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April, 1801; the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel." (Winters, p.59). However, it appears that yet again he had made a mistake with the date.
6. A letter, also dated the 23rd June 1801, (Supply 5/195) included Timothy Bates, and therein stated that "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great..." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to support these poor men with such wine or other proper support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
7. In a letter to the Board dated the 29th July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was recorded that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June, had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Bates, whose claim amounted to £2.13.6d in all - for a hat (6/-d.), handkerchiefs (4/6d) stockings (4/6d) shirt (5/6d) waistcoat (5/-d) breeches (12/-d) and sheets (16/-d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Bates, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking), at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
8. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Bates was working as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day and had 10 years' service.
9. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 - confirmed that Timothy Bates was working as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day. In addition, Refiners were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
10 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bates was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
11 Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed he was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn when not working.
12 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Timothy Bates was still a Saltpetre Refiner. According to this List he then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
13 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed that Timothy Bates was now employed as a Warder; he was a married man aged 41 with 3 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He then only earned 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
14 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Timothy's name was on the List, which confirmed that he was a Warder at the Stove Island (Horse Mill Island). His pay remained at 2/4d per day.
15 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Bates was still employed as a Warder, and was a married man of 42 with 3 children, living in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night..
16 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Timothy Bates was 43, employed as a Warder, was married with 3 children, and still lived in Waltham Abbey. His wage remained the same as before, but he was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
17 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Timothy was 44, with all other details remaining the same as in Note 16.
18 List of Employees at the Royal Gunpowder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Timothy, a Warder, as 45, with 27 years' service and pay per day of only 2/-d.
19. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Timothy Bates was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 27th March 1797, and confirmed as a Warder by the Board's Order dated 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week by order of the Board dated 30th June, 1820. He had an annual wage of £41.14.4d, and had a house as a porter's lodge. He had served nearly 25 years, was 45, and was married still with 3 children. The porter's lodge (watch house) was located at the Stove Island gate.
20 Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822 was a List of Persons to form the Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually. It stated that Timothy Bates, Warder, was to be retained.
21 WO54/542 dated the the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Bates was still a Warder and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. Family and service details were confirmed, and he still occupied a house belonging to the Board.
22 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), Timothy Bates had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
23 Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) recorded that Timothy earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service is given as nearly 28 years, he was 47 and was married, but this Return states he had only 1 child.
24 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 27th March 1797. His pay in total was confirmed at £39.0.0d per annum.
25 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Timothy was still a Warder, and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, and a total annual wage of £39.0.0d. This document also confirmed his previous family and service details, as did WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, although that document indicated that he was still only 47 years of age.
26 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
27 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
28 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Timothy Bates had nearly 31 years' service and was then 49 years of age.
29 Return dated the1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had served 31 years.
30 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
31 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated the information given in the previous Return.
32 Document showing Employees at the 1st October, 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Timothy still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum as in Note 25, that his service was now nearly 33 years and that he was now 50 years of age.
33 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Timothy as in Note 32, except that his service was given as 33 years and he was now aged 51.
34 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed the information given in Note 32, except that his service was nearly 34 years. WO54/570 dated April 1831 updated the October 1830, Return, and confirmed that he was still employed as a Warder, with a cottage as a Porter's lodge.
35 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
36 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
37 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged; he was still a Warder with a cottage.
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, stated that Timothy still earned a total of £39 annually in his capacity as Warder. His period of service was given as 36 years, and he was then aged 54. He retained the use of a cottage.
39 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave no change in Mr. Bates' basic details, but his age and length of service were updated
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, confirmed that Timothy was still employed as a Warder and still earned a total of £39 per annum. His period of service was given as 37 years and his age, 55.
41 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; he was then 56 years old and had served just over 37 years.
42 Letter to the Board dated the 20th June 1835, recorded that Timothy Bates, Water Warden, caught James Turnham and one other poaching on the Board's water at Lower Island. Turnham had been convicted before for poaching, and the Deputy Storekeeper, James Wright, then asked if they should be prosecuted (Supply 5/238),
43 On the 16th April 1836, explosions occurred when No. 125 Mill was shut up, and Mr. Bates, Water Warden, was called before Lt.Col. Moody as a witness (Winters p.103).
44 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO56/623) indicated that Bates was still employed as a Warder with a wage of £39 per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was still occupying the same cottage as a Porter's lodge.
45 The 1840 Return of Domestic Properties (WO144/133) recorded that Timothy and his family had occupied the Watch House on Horse Mill Island since it had been built. The house was Plot No. No. 98 on the Town Map in Appendix 1/
46. The 1841 Census indicated that Timothy and his wife, Elizabeth, were both in their sixties and born in Essex. He was still working as a Water Warden and lived in Waltham Marsh off High Bridge Street South.
Supply 5/219
72
William
Bave
00/00/1800
Return of Employees
1. William Bave joined the Engineers' Department as a Labourer sometime between April and October 1829; he was a 29-year-old married man with 3 children. His pay was 2/2d per day, giving him an annual wage of £33.18.2d (WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829).
2. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Willian as in Note 1, except that his service was then 1 year.
3. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that William was still working as a Labourer, with family details and wages unchanged, but length of service and age updated.
4. A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showed in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831. It recorded that William Bave was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
5. WO54/575 dated April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
6. WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that William still earned 2/2d per day as indicated previously, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He was then 31, and his family details remained the same.
7. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 6, except that he was then aged 32 and had served 4 years.
8. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that William Bave was transferred from the Engineers' Department to the Manufactory on the 15th July 1833, replacing Charles Clayden as a General Labourer. He was paid £33.16.0d per annum and allowed to watch in turn, which gave him a total wage of £39 per annum. This document also stated that he started work in the Engineers' Department on the 26th May 1828. General details were the same as the previous Return, except that William had then served 5 years and was 33 years of age. He was a married man, and at that date had 5 children.
9. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although William was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory, his basic wage had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased the annual wage to £33.9.6d. He still had 5 children and his age and service details had been updated,
10 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; he was then 35 years' old and had served just over 6 years.
No reference
73
Nathaniel
Beckwith
List of Officers and Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. Nathaniel Beckwith was working as a Puntman earning 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
Supply 5/227
74
Abraham
Bell
00/00/1770
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. Abraham Bell was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House in 1806 who was paid 2/-d per day. At that date he had served 6 months. (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Still working as a Saltpetre Refiner, earning 2/-d per day. In addition, Refiners were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to his entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bell was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed the entries in Note 3.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Abraham was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. On the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230), Abraham Bell was recorded as a Storehouseman at 3/10d per day.
6. A Return for the 25th June 1818, noted that Bell was still a Storehouseman, and was a 50-year- old married man, with 3 children (Supply 5/231). Another Return dated the 3rd September, 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed people who were to be retained; it lists Abraham as a Storehouseman, with a daily rate of pay of 3/4d.
7. WO54/528 dated the 9th May 1919, confirmed that Bell was a Storehouseman, with pay of 3/4d per day, and that he was a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he received 1/6d each time. He was a 51-year-old married man with 3 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
8. WO54/532 dated the 13th September 1820 recorded that he then received 2/-d per night as a Rounder, with all other details remaining unchanged. This was also the case on the 19th April 1821 (WO54/536).
9. WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822, recorded that Bell was 52, married with 3 children, lived in Waltham Abbey, and earned £64.6.8d per annum. This document stated also that he was appointed a Labourer at Waltham on the 19th September 1805. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, however, gives his start date as the 11th June 1805, and his job as a Storehouse Man on the 30th June 1813.
10 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, again gave Bell's wage for the year as £64.6.8d, which included an allowance for being a Rounder every 3rd night to superintend the watchmen, for which he received 2/-d. Family and service details remained the same as before, and document WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 confirmed that he started at the Mills on the 19th September 1805 as a Labourer, and was promoted to Storehouse man on the 30th June 1813.
11 WO/550 dated the the 1st April 1825, gave Bell's earnings as £52.3.4d per annum. He was still a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he received 2/-d, giving him a total wage of £64.6.8d per annum. His previous family and service details were confirmed.
12 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, recorded that Mr. Bell was promoted to Master Mixer on the 25th May 1825. Following the promotion of Hugh Jones as Master Worker, George Ridpath replaced him as the Storehouse Man. His rate of pay became £91.5.10d per annum with no allowances. His length of service was given as just over 20 years, he was aged 55, was married and had 3 children.
13 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 of the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the details given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
14 WO54/558 dated the1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
15 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 provided the same information as in the notes above. At that date Abraham Bell had just over 22 years' service and was then 57 years of age.
16 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that Bell had now served nearly 23 years.
17 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
18 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (no reference given) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
19 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date Abraham still earned the same as given previously. His length of service was just over 24 years, and he was then aged 58.
20 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830, updates his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
21 WO54/570 dated the1st the 1st October 1830, recorded that Mr. Bell was 59 years of age and that he had served over 25 years. His wages and all other information remained the same.
22 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, Abraham earned a total of £91.5.10d annually, he had served 26 years and was aged 60.
23 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details again remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Mr. Bell still earned the same as indicated in Note 22. All other details remained the same, except that at that date he was 62 years of age and had served just over 27 years.
26 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Abraham still earned £91.5.10d per annum. At that date his service was given as nearly 28 years, and his age as 62.
27 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, stated that Abraham was then 63 years of age and had served just over 28 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £91.5.10d and all other details remained the same.
28 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, updatedthe October 1833 Return for service and age, with conditions and wage remaining unchanged. He was still the Master Mixer.
29 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
30 Bell retired as the Master Mixer and received a pension from the 26th November 1834. He was still receiving his pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
Supply 5/224
75
Edward
Bellchambers
List of those Employed
1. Edward Bellchambers was a casual Millwright employed by the Engineers' Department, who first worked for the Board on the 1st October, 1815. He was a single man aged 25, living in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 5/8d per day, occasionally as the service required (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
76
Thomas
Belsham
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers
1. Thomas Belsham worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and at that date he had 6 months service.
2. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 of the 18th June 1807 - stated that in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. Belsham was still employed as a Corning House man with the same basic details, according to List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Belsham was still a Corning House Man, who then earned 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed the previous Return's information, except that Mr. Belsham was then in receipt of 1/6d when allowed to watch.
6. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House; the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House together with the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press record that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Thomas Belsham, who left a widow, Ann, and sons, Benjamin, aged 18, Thomas, aged 14 and daughter, Louisa, aged 16. These 3 children were in service, but he also had another 5 children at home - William aged 13, Joshua aged 4, John aged 2, Mary aged 8, and Ann aged 6, according to a letter dated the 3rd December 1811 (Supply 5/229). Winters on p.87, stated that Ann received a weekly pension of 17/6d commencing the 14th December 1811, although this date differs to that given in the document below (Note 7).
7. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) lists persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances were granted by the Hon. Board, as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in the manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was Thomas's widow, Ann, who received a pension of 17/6d per week commencing the 28th November, 1811.
8. Mrs. Belsham was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November, 1821).
9. A document dated the 6th December 1821 (also Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". Therein it was confirmed that Ann's superannuation should continue at £45.10.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821 confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This is also mentioned as the case in 1826 in Winters, (p.96).
10 Mrs. Belsham was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
Supply 5/224
77
William
Belsham
List of Employees
1. William Belsham was employed as a Cooper with a rate of pay of 1/9d per day, but he was not allowed to watch. He may well have been the 14 year-old son of Thomas Belsham, who died in the huge explosion in 1811 (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. William was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814, but was then paid 2/4d per day. However, he was still not allowed to watch, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/229
78
Job
Bendall
00/00/1777
List of Officers & Other Personnel
1. Job Bendall started work as a Labourer in the Saltpetre Refinery and in "other parts of the manufactory", with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Bendall was promoted to a Millman by January 1806, with pay of 2/3d per day. At that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for 2 years. He was still a Millman in June, 1807 (Supply 5/224) and this document stated he was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bendall was employed as a Brimstone Refiner earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Employee List (Supply 5/228 of the 1st September 1810) stated that he was a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
5. List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 18120, recorded that he was then employed as a Warder with pay of 2/8d per day. This was also the case in 1814, according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
6. List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) confirmed that Job was still a Warder, with service of 12 years, and his age was given as 38. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Bendall and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Bendall, "before he was admitted into these works, was a soldier for several years in a Regiment of the Line, was severely wounded in the West Indies, has no pension, and was severely burnt by a fall in the Brimstone Refining House in the execution of his duty." In addition it was recorded "…he has been changed about in various parts of the Manufactory to afford him a very fair chance of recovery, but he is now become so debilitated as to be incapable of any exertion whatever." However, in a letter dated 6th March, 1816 (Supply 5/230), Mr. Bendall was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816. At the same time, it was desired that the Office of Ordnance "cause Job Bendall to be examined by the Ordnance Surgeon, and a Report made of his present state of health."
7. A Supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was "Job Bendall, Warder" who received a pension of 8/-d per week, which had commenced on the 1st April 1816.
8. List of Persons receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821) confirmed entry No. 7.
9. A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place." It was confirmed that Mr. Bendall was in receipt of £20.16.0d superannuation per annum (8/-d per week), and a similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This is also noted by Winters (p.96).
10 Supply 5/205 dated the 4th December 1826 recorded that Job Bendall had died, and that the Board had authorised payment of the outstanding pension of £1.9.8d to his legal representative.
Supply 5/222
79
Thomas
Benfield
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.56
1. Thomas Benfield was listed as the Master of The Andrew Lighter in 1805, according to Winters (p.56)
80
James
Bennett
Personnel Record
1. James Bennett was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787, at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government (Winters, op.cit. p.28).
2. Supply 5/212 dated the 27th January 1789 stated that Bennet was to "be tried as a Millman."
3. A Report of Personnel dated the 29th January 1789 (Supply 5/212) listed Bennett as a Millman in the Corning House having originally been employed by Mr Walton.
4. His pay on the 21st March 1789 was 1/6d per day. This information was taken from the Personnel Return of those working in the Storekeeper's Department (Supply 5/212 dated 21st March 1789) where he was described as " Setting & drawing stoves, etc."
5. On the 12th September 1789, J. Wright and J. Clowdersly wrote to Major Congreve saying, "We beg leave to report that last night at 6 0'clock the 2nd of No. Head Mills blew up; the charge had not been upon the bed more than five Minutes and the Mill did not receive any injury, it was set to work this day at 10 0'clock. The Master Worker has removed James Bennett and Stephen Cock out of the Mills as he found them incapable of doing their business; we therefore desire to know if you would have them discharged." (WASC, 1392). It would appear that Bennett was in fact not discharged, since the Petition dated February 1800 relating to pay and conditions at the Mills, showed that he was one of the few Labourers who was literate (Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800).
Supply 5/212
81
Nathaniel
Bennett
List of Artificers etc. & Members of the Volunteer Company
1. Nathaniel was a Sulphur Millman who started at the Mills on the 8th July1797 (Supply 5/219). In addition, he was a Private in the Volunteer Company.
2. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was then working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with no children. In this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that although he was employed as a Saltpetre Millman, he was then engaged in cleaning and deepening the river, canals, ditches and other work necessary to be performed, for which he was paid 1/6d per day.
4. Nathaniel worked as a Refiner (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
5. According to the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224), Mr. Bennett was employed as a Saltpetre Millman, earning 2/-d per day. He had 9 years' service, which agrees with entry No.1.
6. Still a Saltpetre Millman in June, 1807, when a note (Supply 5/226) said "that in addition to his pay, he was allowed to Watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d."
7. Still a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 27th August 1808), he was paid the same 2/-d per day as previously, and allowed to watch in turn. This information was basically the same in September 1810 (Supply 5/228).
Supply 5/219
82
Matthew
Bennett
00/00/1764
List of Employees and Pay
1. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Matthew Bennett was a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d. per night. This was also the case according to the entry on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
2. List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March, 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Bennett was now a Dusting House Man with 21years' service, and his age was given as 51. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 3/-d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Bennett and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Bennett "is become so feeble as to be totally unfit to exert himself at work." However, in a letter dated 6th March, 1816 (Supply 5/200), Mr. Bennett was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/6d per day for six days in the week, commencing the 1st April 1816 (Supply 5/200).
Supply 5/229
83
Bartholomew
Bennett
00/00/1720
Faversh Gunpowder Personnel Register
1. Barholomew Bennett was birn circa 1720, and appointed as the Overseer of Works on the 25th April 1773.
2. On the 18th October 1787, Bennett, together with Mr Cowell, John Good Fellow and William Easton was "to go immediately to Mr Walton's Mills at Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/66)." Apparently, this was at the order of his Grace the Master General (of Ordnance), the Duke of Richmond (Supply 5/113).
3. At Waltham Abbey he supervised William Sutton, acting Overseer, also from Faversham, and the Artificers, etc., renovating the Mills. During this period he took an active interest in , and gave much good technical advice on, improvements to the Mills (W. H Simmonds, A Short History of Waltham Abbey Powder Mills).
4. By January 1788, he had returned to Faversham.
84
William
Benson
List of Employees
1. William Benson, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, William was employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was first employed by the Board on the 20th May 1815, and was a 25-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
85
William
Bettles
00/00/1776
Record of Employees
1. William Bettles was a trained Millwright aged 40. He was married but had no children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He earned 5/2d per day, and was employed "occasionally as the Service required." (WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817).
WO54/520
86
Thomas
Betts
Letter
1. A Return dated 1801 showing the marital status of the employees, lists Thomas Betts as a Labourer and a single man (Supply 5/221).
2. In a letter dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195), it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately (16th June, 1801) destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." The list included Thomas Betts, but it did not give his trade.
3. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221), recorded that Mr. Betts was so severely burnt in the Old Corning House that it would be dangerous to expose him with the other men in repairing the river banks at the time, but that he could perform trifling jobs as they occurred.
4. In 1804, Mr. Betts was working as a Refiner and was paid 2/-d per day; all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/221
87
Jeremiah
Betts
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. Jeremiah Betts started work as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House in June 1805, and was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). However, Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822, gave his start-date with the Board as the 1st September 1804.
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226, dated the 18th June 1807 - Jeremiah was still working as a Saltpetre Refiner, earning 2/-d per day. In addition, Refiners were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 indicated that Mr. Betts was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed the previous entry.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Jeremiah was still a Saltpetre Refiner but that he then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions were quoted on the Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply.5/230).
6. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that he was still a Refiner. He was a married man living in Waltham Abbey, aged 45, with 3 children. He now only earned 2/4d per day, but was still allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
7. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231), recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Betts' name is included, with his pay remaining unchanged, but he was then not allowed to watch. However, a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement.", and it included a Mr. Betts, Saltpetre Refiner.
8. Nevertheless, the List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) showed that Betts was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was a married man aged 46 with 3 children, that he still lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day. He was again allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
9. List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Jeremiah Betts was now 47, still lived in Waltham Abbey, still earned 2/4d per day, but now received 1/6d per night when allowed to watch. This record said that Mr. Betts only had 2 children, not 3 as stated in Note 8.
10 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821" dated the the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) showing the amounts received by the storekeeper, indicated that Jeremiah Betts had been living in a Board of Ordnance house from the 6th May 1812, and the rent was £5.4.0d per annum. The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
11 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Jeremiah was then 51, employed as a Saltpetre Refiner and that he had 3 children; all other entries remained the same as in Note 9.
12 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Jeremiah, Saltpetre Refiner, as 52, with nearly 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
13 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) gave the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Jeremiah Betts, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 6th September 1805, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual wages of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he had just over sixteen years' service, was 52 years old, was married with three children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. Additionally, he had originally trained as a Wool Comber.
14 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and, therefore, the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822), and they were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June that year. Several petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance. Many of the men were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their petitions to the Board for consideration. Jeremiah Betts was one of the petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
15 Nevertheless, WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 (Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department) stated that Jeremiah was paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer, which gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as nearly two years - presumably meaning from the date of his present appointment, i.e., the 16th June 1823; he was then aged 54, was married and had 3 children.
16 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmd the previous entry (WO54/550) and recorded that Betts started at the Mills on the 1st September 1805 as a Saltpetre Refiner.
17 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed entries in Notes 15 and 16, with the exception that he was now 55 years' old and had nearly 4 years' service.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the entries for the previous Return.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Jeremiah had nearly 4 years' service and was now 56 years old.
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in previous Returns, although Jeremiah now had nearly 5 years' service and was then 57 years of age.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the notes above, as did the Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562).
22 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 recorded that Jeremiah at that date still earned 2/2d per day. His length of service was given as nearly 5 years, and he was now aged 58.
23 Return dated the 1st October, 1829 (no reference given) again updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
24 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Jeremiah as previously, except that his service was now nearly 6 years from the date of his appointment as a Labourer in 1825, and he was aged 59.
25 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Jeremiah was still working as a Labourer. His family details and wages remained unchanged, but his length of service and age were updated.
26 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Jeremiah Betts was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory; he was to be paid 2/2d per day and used to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where "steadiness and sobriety are particularly required" (WO54/570.
27 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return (Note 25).
28 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Jeremiah still earned 2/2d per day, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served just over 7 years and was aged 61.
29 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 reiterated that Jeremiah still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as just over 8 years and his age as 62.
31 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed his basic details, with his age and length of service updated. He still had 3 children.
32 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 confirmed that Jeremiah still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served nearly 30 years and that his age was 63.
33 Jeremiah was appointed as the Office Keeper and Messenger in the Engineers' Department on the 14th October 1834, and moved into William Newton's house on Horse Mill Island. His earnings (Return of Employees dated the 10th October 1839) were £33.18.2d per annum. He was a 68-year-old married man with 3 children, and had 34 years' service. The house had been divided into two by 1828, and remained so until sometime between 1840 and 1841 when it was converted back to a single dwelling. By then Jeremiah had retired, and was living in an Ordnance Board cottage on the south side of High Bridge Street, Plot No. 96 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map. His cottage, previously owned by J. Davy, was one of 3 tenements formed out of a dwelling house in the Tanyard, purchased from a Mr. Cannopp in 1816, which was Plot No. 54 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map.
34 Jeremiah retired shortly after May 1840, and a transcript of the 1841 Census confirmed that Jeremiah and his wife, Mary, who was younger than her husband, were living in High Bridge Street South, opposite Powder Mill Lane.
Supply 5/224
88
Thomas
Bilton
Return of Employees
1. Thomas started at the Mills as a Labourer on the 13th April 1791, earning 1/6d per day "Setting and Drawing Stoves and in the punts" which he was listed to do until June 1791.
2. July to September 1792 saw him working in the Corning House, still at 1/6d per day, (Supply 5/216) and this was the case until July 1795 (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795). On the 16th March 1793, Mr. Bilton was chequered (fined) one day's pay for not having obeyed orders to ensure that his shoes were free of gravel when he entered the Corning House. In addition, Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the 29th July 1793, Thomas Bilton and others were chequered one day's pay for "having gone across the Hoppit contrary to repeated orders." (Winters, p.39).
3. Mr. Bilton had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, and was still in the Corning House in September 1798.
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay indicated that he was illiterate and was still working as a General Labourer.
5. Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April, 1801 recorded that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April with a tremendous explosion. Nine men in the building, including Thomas Bilton, were killed, together with 4 horses.
6. A Petition dated the 24th April, 1801 (Supply 5/194) was signed by his widow, Ann Bilton, along with the other widows and in two cases, mothers of the deceased, requesting "relief in their distress."
7. A Report on the ages of the children and circumstances of widows and children and parents of the deceased (Supply 5/220 dated the 29th of April, 1801) recorded that Ann Bilton, Thomas's widow, was aged 32 and had suffered an accident three or four years previously, which prevented her "doing for herself." She had several (Winters says 7, but this may be an error) children, of which, a boy of 12 years old and a girl of 3, survived. Ann was also believed to be with child.
8. The Ordnance Board decided that the widow's pension should be based upon their husband's or son's basic pay and not to include any extra, "due to the severity of the times." On the 23rd March 1802 (Supply 5/195), it was agreed that the pension awarded to Mrs Ann Bilton should be 10/-d per week.
Supply 5/215
89
Thomas
Bird
00/00/1766
List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed
1. Thomas was working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 of the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bird was still employed as a Dusting House Man, then earning 2/3d. per day. Dusting House men "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. According to a List of Pay (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) Thomas was a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and allowed to watch at 1/6d.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Bird was still a Corning House Man who then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
5. Bird was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and still allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
6. In a List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825), it is recorded that a Thomas Bird - possibly the same man as above - had been employed as a Labourer for 4 months since June 1825 on a temporary basis, and that he was to be discharged at the end of the month. This Return recorded that Bird was a married man, aged 59, who had 6 children, and that his pay was 2/2d per day.
Supply 5/226
90
John
Blackbee
List of officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. employed.
1. John Blackbee was employed as a Millman and paid 2/3d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807). According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, he was still a Millman earning earning the same, but "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
2. On the 6th October 1808, John was spreading a green charge when No. 6 Horse Mill exploded at 11.15 p.m. He received burns to his face, which, although not severe, caused him to be on the sick list from the 6th October to the 24th November that year. There was little damage to the Mill, although one horse had its mane singed. No blame was attached to Blackbee. (Supply 5/227 dated the 7th October 1808).
3. Blackbee was still a Millman in 1810, with a night allowance of 6d.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Blackbee was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
91
George
Blackford
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. According to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, George Blackford was a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Blackford was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, with 6d per night when on duty.
3. Still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 Mr. Blackford had the same rate of pay and night allowance (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228
92
Donald
Blackmore
00/00/1827
Letter Book
1. Donald Blackmore signed his Indentures as an Apprentice on the 4th July 1840 (Supply 5/238).
2. According to the 1841 Census, he was a 13-year-old Apprentice Saltpetre Refiner, lodging with Samuel Knowler, Jnr. in High Bridge Street North.
Supply 5/238
93
William
Blenkings
00/00/1785
Return of Employees
1. William Blenkings started work as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department "occasionally as the Service requires" on the 5th October 1809. He was not brought up to any trade (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816)
2. In 1812, Mr. Blenkings was employed as a casual Bricklayer earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September, 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that he was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. At that date he was a 31-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
94
George
Bloomfield
00/00/1781
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. George Bloomfield started work at the Royal Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey on the 29th November 1804 (Supply 5/232) and on the 30th January 1806, he was working in the Corning House at 2/2d per day. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Bloomfield had then been with the Ordnance for 1 year.
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed Mr. Bloomfield was still working in the Corning House earning the same. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to "watch in turn for which they received 1/-d."
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bloomfield was a Corning House Man then earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September) 1810 stated that Corning House Men were paid 2/6d day, and then allowed to watch for 1/6 per night when on duty.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Bloomfield's pay as a Corning House man was then 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
5. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/ 231 and WO.54/524) confirmed that Mr. Bloomfield was still working in the Corning House; he was 35, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 7 children. He then only earned 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which, at that date, he was only paid 1/-d per night.
6. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Bloomfield was one of the men to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. He was given the same pay, but his watch money was then reduced to 6d per night.
7. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Bloomfield was still in the Corning House, that he was a married man aged 36 with 7 children, lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he then received 1/-d per night.
8. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with basic pay and other details remaining unchanged. However, he then had 8 children, and was allowed 1/6d per night to watch.
9. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Bloomfield was now 45; all other details remained the same as in the previous note.
10 List of Employees at the R.G.M. (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gives the age of Mr. Bloomfield, a Corning House Man, as only 40, with just over 17 years' service, and his pay remaining the same as before.
11 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons working for the Ordnance at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that George Bloomfield, Corning House Man, was appointed on the 29th November 1804 as a Labourer. His position on the Establishment as a Corning House Man was confirmed by an order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him a total for the year of £50.16.11d; he had just over 17 years' service, was aged 40, and was a married man with 7 children who lived in Waltham Abbey.
12 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and, therefore, the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and George was one of the men who were to go on the 1st June, 1822. However, a List of People Employed at the Mills on the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/233) indicated that George was still employed as a Corning House Man.
13 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Bloomfield was still a Corning House Man, that his wages for the year were £48.2.0d and that this figure included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d. His family and service details were confirmed.
14 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), George had his wages reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
15 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) George earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance of 2/-d for watching in turn. His period of service was given as nearly 20 years, he was then aged 44, was married and had 7 children.
16 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp 93-95) confirmed the previous information given, except that Bloomfield then worked as a Labourer drawing stoves. It also recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 29th November 1804, and that his pay was £33.16.0d per annum.
17 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that he was a general purpose Labourer, that his basic pay was the same as in the previous Return, that he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, and confirmed his previous family and service details. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 also confirmed the previous details.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 recorded the same information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, but by then he had nearly 22 years' service. The information given showed that whilst he was not dismissed, he was generally demoted.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as recorded in the notes above, but that at that date George had nearly 23 years' service and he was then 46 years of age.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in previous notes. At that date he had served over 23 years.
22 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with his family details and pay remaining unchanged.
23 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) also updated his age and length of service, and again, family details and pay remained unchanged.
24 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that George still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 24 years, that at that date he was 47 years of age, and that he was married with 7 children.
25 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for George as in the previous note, except that his service was given as just over 25 years and he was now aged 48.
26 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed the information given previously, except that his service was now nearly 26 years. WO54/575 dated April 1831, updated the October Return and recorded that Bloomfield he was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory.
27 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return. However, at that time, he was employed as a Millman at the same rate of £39 per annum, but allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, an extra 2/-d per week, making his total annual pay £44.4.0d. He was aged 50 with 27 years' service, married, and had 7 children.
28 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return. He was then employed as a Millman in place of John Simpson, and paid a basic rate of £39 per annum, by an order dated the 31st May 1831. In addition, he was allowed night duties at 6d per night, which at that date gave him an annual wage of £46.16.0d. His family details remained unchanged.
29 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
30 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that George still earned a total of £46.16.0d per annum as a Millman. His service was given as nearly 29 years, and his age as 51. This Return, however, stated that he only had 6 children.
31 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that George was now 52 years of age and that he had served 29 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £46.16.0d, and all other details remained the same.
32 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although George was still employed as a Millman, his basic pay had been cut to £32.12.6d per annum; he was still allowed to watch in turn and also received an extra 6d when working at night, which increased his annual wage to £39.3.0d.
33 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
34 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed he was still employed as a Millman with total pay of £46.16s 0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. His other details remained unchanged.
35 Sometime between 1835 and 1840, George moved into a cottage in Powder Mill Lane, which was previously occupied by John Lockyer (WO44/133). The cottage was on Plot No. 63 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map, and the 1841 Census confirmed the location, listing George, together with his wife, Mary, and daughter, Eliza, aged 25, as the occupants, all of whom were born in Essex.
Supply 5/224
95
William
Bond
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. In July to September 1792, William Bond was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day "in the punts, setting & drawing stoves." In September 1792, he then replaced Edward Reyley "mixing composition", and was still mixing composition between February and March 1793, as well as August to September, 1793.
2. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, reported that on the night of Sunday, the 17th February 1793, William was not on his watch and finally arrived at 10.00 p.m. - drunk. He was chequered (fined) one day's pay and "ordered off watch for the present" (Winters, p.37)
3. In January to August of 1794 he was "drawing & setting stoves & in the punts.", and had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
4. From December 1794 to July 1795, he was working in the Corning House (Supply 5/219).
Supply 5/216
96
John
Bond
00/00/1785
Return of Employees
1. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, stated that John Bond was employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, having first been employed by the Board on the 2nd September 1815. He was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
97
David
Bonner
Record of Pay
1. David Bonner started as a Labourer grinding Saltpetre and Charcoal, etc., for which he was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789)..
Supply 5/212
98
J. W.
Bordwin
Winters
J. W. Bordwin was appointed Clerk of Works in place of Mr. Wilks on the 25 May 1805. He was paid 10/-d per day, with £20.0.0d per annum for rent, coal and candles (Winters, op.cit. p.63)
Winters, p.63
99
William
Boreham
00/00/1784
List of Foremen and Artificers etc, their Rates of Pay & Service.
1. William Boreham was employed as a Millman in 1805 and paid 2/3d per day (Supply 5/ 224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for 6 months. This was also the case in June 1807, and he was then allowed 3d per night when on duty.
2. According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Boreham was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but he was then "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. William Boreham was still a Millman who then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. This was also the case on the 13th February, 1814 (Supply 5/230) which confirmed he earned the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
4. In a letter from the Office of Ordnance dated the 10th December, 1817 (Supply 5/201) it is stated that a small tenement which was to be vacated by John Braddock, should continue to be let at the same rent of 2/-d per week to Mr. Boreham, who, it was stated, was a Warder at the Magazine Watch House.
5. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that William was a Warder; he was a married man aged 33 with 4 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 2/4d per day. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
6. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/ 231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. William Boreham's name was on the list, but he was then working as a Saltpetre Refiner, with his pay given as 2/4d per day.
Supply 5/224
100
Thomas
Boreham
List of People Employed and their Pay
1. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Thomas Boreham was employed as a Millman, earning 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
2. He was still a Millman on the 13th February, 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay as previously, and the same 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/229
101
William (1)
Boswell
List of Artificers, etc. & Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. William Boswell (1) was working in the Mixing House as a Labourer and paid 1/6d per day. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man and had 3 children. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Boswell (1) agreed to go, according to Winters p.60). However,the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573 - 1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
4. At the 8th May 1804 he was still working as a Labourer within the Mills, with pay of 2/1d per day. All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every fifth night. (Supply 5/222).
5. William (1) was promoted to a Millman by January 1806, on a rate of pay of 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and at that date, had been employed with the Ordnance for 9 years.
6. According to an entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Boswell was still employed as a Mixing House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
7. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Boswell was then a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn.
8. According to the List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) Mr. William Boswell (1) was still a Saltpetre Refiner earning the same as in note 6 above, and was still allowed to watch in turn.
9. The List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people proposed to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Boswell's name is not on the list and no further reference is made of him.
Supply 5/219
102
Richard
Boswell
List of artificers etc., marital status & no. of children.
1. Richard Boswell was working as a Millwright in the Engineers' Department and paid 3/-d per day, according to a Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221). This record also stated that he was unmarried.
Supply 5/221
103
James
Boswell
00/00/1787
List of Artificers, etc. and their Rates of Pay
1. James Boswell was a Labourer in the Corning House in May 1804, and paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. According to the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Boswell was employed in the Mixing House earning 2/-d per day, and by that date had 2 years' service (Supply 5/224).
3. He was still in the Mixing House in June 1807, when a note says that " in addition to his pay he is allowed to Watch in Turn for which he receives 1/-d."
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. James Boswell was a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
5. Boswell was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated that James Boswell was then a Bargeman. He was a married man, aged 30, with 3 children who lived in Waltham Abbey and then earned 3/-d per day.
7. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Boswell was still employed as a Bargeman, but was now a widower, aged 31, with 3 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 3/-d per day.
8. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Boswell was still employed as a Bargeman, with his conditions, etc. remaining unchanged, except that one of his children had died.
9. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that James Boswell had been living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance on the 4th May 1821, and paid rent of £8.9.0d per annum. This house, Tenement No. 29, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane at the western end of a group of tenements known as the 'Bank Cottages'. It was part of Plot No. 1432 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Tithe Map, or Plot 709 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map. The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821. His rent was reduced to £5.4.0d annually with effect from the 6th April 1829 (Supply 5/237).
10 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that James was now 33, with all other details remaining the same as in Notes 7 and 8 and is confirmed in WO54/536 of the same date.
11 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of James Boswell, Bargeman, as 36, with nearly 19 years' service and pay per day of 3/-d.
12 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that James Boswell, Bargeman, was appointed on the 1st January 1804, as a Labourer. His total wage for the year amounted to £46.19.0d, he had nearly 19 years' service, was aged 36 years, lived in Waltham Abbey and had 3 children.
13 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that James Boswell, Bargeman, was to be retained.
14. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 showed that Boswell was still listed as a Bargeman, and that his pay for the year was still £46.19.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed.
15 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) James still earned £46.19.0d per annum as a Bargeman. His period of service was given as nearly 22 years, he was then aged 38, was a widower and had 3 children.
16. Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93-95) confirmed previous information given and recorded that James had been in continuous service with the Board since the 1st January 1804. His pay was confirmed at £46.19.0d. per annum.
17 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that he was still a Bargeman, gave his basic wage as £46.19.0d per annum, and also confirmed his previous family and service details, as did WO54/550 of the 1st October 1825.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the the 1st April 1826, and stated he was "employed with the barges transporting gunpowder and stores".
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826"
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date James had 24 years' service and was 40 years of age.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as given previously, with the exception that he had now served over 24 years.
22 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
23 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service.
24 Return showing Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that James Boswell still earned in total £46.19.0d per annum, that his service was 26 years, that he was 41, and that he was a widower with three children.
25 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 all details remained the same for James as in Note 24, except that his service was given as nearly 27 years and he was then aged 42.
26 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed the information given in Note 24, and WO54/570 dated April 1831 updateed the October 1830 Return.
27 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
29 James was away from work through sickness between the 7th to 30th September 1832, and the Board agreed to pay him 30 days' sick pay at 3/-d per day (Supply 5/207 dated the 26th October, 1832).
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
31 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that James still earned £46.19.0d in his capacity as a Bargeman. His period of service was given as nearly 29 years, and he was aged 45.
32 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 updated the previous entry; he was still shown as a widower with 3 children.
33 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that James was still employed as a Bargeman. However, his basic annual wage by then had been reduced to £39.3.0d, His period of service was given as just over 30 years and his age, 46. In this Return, however, he was shown as being married and having only 2 children, so it must be assumed that one had died.
34 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the note above; he was 47, and had served nearly 31 years.
35 Following the death of John Nigh, Master Bargeman, on the 20th August 1837, the Ordnance Office at Waltham Abbey recommended that James Bosewell should be appointed in Nigh's place (Supply 5/237).
36 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that he was employed as a Master Bargeman with pay of £65.4.2d per annum. His other details were unchanged.
37 In a letter from the Deputy Storekeeper to the Board dated the 12th March 1841, it was stated that Master Bargeman, James Boswell, was to be at the West India Docks in four days.
38. A transcript of the 1841 Census showed that James, a Bargeman, was living in Silver Street with a Mary Saunders, aged 25, and that both were born in the County. Their house was on the north side of High Bridge Street at the western end of a row of tenements known as Bank Cottage, being part of Plot No. 48 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map.
Supply 5/222
104
George (1)
Boswell
List of Officers and Other Employees
1. George Boswell (1) was working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
105
George (2)
Boswell
00/00/1755
Return of Employees
1. George Boswell (2) was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 datedthe 19th February 1816, recorded that he was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806 as a Labourer. He was a 60-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 2 married and 1ummarried child.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 stated his pay was then only 2/4d per day, with all other details remaining unchanged.
4. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818 recorded that he was employed "Occasionally as required" and was still paid 2/4d per day.
5. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that George Boswell, aged 63, was working as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department "occasionally as the service requires". He was paid 2/4d per day and was then a widower living in Waltham Abbey with 2 children. This Return confirmed he was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806.
6. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that George was still employed as a Labourer. He was then aged 64, lived in Waltham Abbey and was a widower with 2 children. At this date he still earned 2/4d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
7. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was now aged 65 years, with his family details and terms of employment, etc. remaining unchanged.
8. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
9. A Return listing Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that George (2) was paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had 17 years' service starting on the 29th March 1804, and was aged 66, a widower with 2 children, living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823).
WO54/512
106
William (2)
Boswell
00/00/1765
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. William Boswell (2) was possibly the same person as William Boswell (1). List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825) recorded that William Boswell, a married man of 60 with 6 children, had been employed as a Labourer for 4 months since June 1825 on a temporary basis, and was to be discharged at the end of the month. He was paid 2/2d per day.
WO54/550)
107
George (3)
Boswell
Letter
1.. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it is stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement.", and included Mr. George Boswell, Bargeman.
Supply 5/231
108
Peter
Bowie
00/00/1801
List of Employees
1. Peter Bowie was a 15-year-old Waltham Abbey lad, who started as an Apprentice to the Master Carpenter on the 5th January, 1814. He was paid 6/-d per week, as he was during 1817, but in 1818, his pay had increased to 6/4d per week.
2. According to WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, at that date his pay had been increased to 6/8d per week.
3. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Bowie was still an Apprentice to the Master Carpenter. He was now aged 19, lived in Waltham Abbey, and single man; his pay at that date had been increased to 7/-d per week.
WO54/516
109
William
Bowles
00/00/1762
Report on Personnel Working for the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Bowles started at the Mills on the 7th April 1789 as a Labourer in the Saltpetre Refinery, earning 1/6d per day (Winters, p.33, and Supply5/213 of the 18th April 1789).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 records that he was 27 years of age, and employed as a Labourer refining Saltpetre.
3. By March 1790,Bowles had become a Millman earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th June 1791).
Supply 5/213
110
William
Boxall
List of Artificers, etc., their Marital Status and No. of Children.
1. William Boxall was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day, and was a single man (Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801). Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer, was described as a Labourer.
2. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (reference also Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Boxall had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be re-sited. He was given notice to leave, but returned to the Mills sometime in 1804.
3. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) Mr. Boxall was employed as a Cylinder Man, earning 2/-d. per day, and at that date he had 2 years' service.
4. According to a further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) Mr. Boxall was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, as he was in August 1808 (Supply 5/ 227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed the information given in Note 4.
6. List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) recorded he was still a Cylinder Man, but was now paid 2/8d per day, and this is information is confirmed by a further List of Employees and their Pay dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/221
111
Richard
Boxall
List of Artificers, etc., their Marital Status and No. of children.
1. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply5/221) recorded that Richard Boxall was working as a Labourer in Sussex earning 1/6d per day, and that he was married with 4 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Boxall had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be re-sited. He was given notice to leave in 1802 but returned to the Mills sometime in 1804.
3. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) Mr. Boxall was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d. per day, and that at that date he had 2 years' service.
4. According to a further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) Mr. Boxall was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, as was the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808), and this information is confirmed in a further Employment List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
5. Richard was still a Cylinder Man according to a List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812), but he was then earning 2/8d per day, and this information was confirmed in Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/221
112
William
Boyd
Winters' Centennial Book, p.55
1. William Boyd was a Bargemaster in 1796, according to Winters' Centennial Book (p.55).
113
Samuel
Brace
00/00/1766
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Brace was first employed by the Board on the 2nd December 1815 as a casual Labourer. He earned 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and was a 49-year-old married man with no children, living in Enfield (WI54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
114
John, Snr.
Braddock
00/00/1762
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. John Bradock (1) was born c.1762, and married his wife, Sarah, in 1793. They had two children, John, jnr., born in 1794 who was baptised at St. Martin in the Fields, and Sarah, born in 1803. John started work as a Barrel Marker on the 20th December 1804, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. His pay was increased to 2/6d per day according to Supply 5/199 dated the 15th January 1810, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave his appointment date as a Barrel Marker as the 30th December 1804.
3. Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed he was still a Marker of Barrels, but was then only paid 2/3d day. He was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Braddock was still a Marker of Barrels who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
5. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 recorded that Mr. John Braddock was a Foreman of Magazines earning 5/2d per day, as well as being a Rounder at 2/-d every 3rd night. This appointment dated from the 11th January 1813 (WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822).
6. In a letter dated the 10th December 1817 (Supply 5/201), it wa stated that the dwelling house formerly occupied by James Alsup, "will be ready to let in two distinct tenements on the 31st instant" and that, "those tenements should be let at 3/-d per week each to John Braddock, Foreman of Magazines and Michael Summers, Millman." In addition, a small tenement which would be vacated by Mr. Braddock, would continue to be let at the same rent of 2/-d per week to William Boreham, Warder at the Magazine Watch House.
7. Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 dated the 25th June 1818 confirmed that Mr. John Braddock was still a Foreman of Magazines. He was brought up in the trade of Silk Throwster, was aged 56, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with 2 children. At that date he earned 4/2d per day, and was a Rounder at 1/6d every fifth night.
8. Supply 5/231A dated the 28th August 1818, showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Mr. Braddock's name was included, with his pay reduced to 3/8d per day.
9. List of Employees dated the 19 May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that John was still employed as the Foreman of Magazines. He was a married man, aged 57, with 2 children; he lived in Waltham Abbey, trained as a Silk Throwster and was again paid 4/2d per day. He was also a Rounder at 1/6d every third night.
10 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry, with basic details on pay, etc., remaining unchanged. His pay as a Rounder, however, had increased to 2/-d per night.
11 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated 4th April,1821 (Supply5/232) recorded that John Braddock had been living in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 24, from the 10th December 1817 with a rent of £7.16.0d per annum. This property was identified as one of five cottages on the south side of High Bridge Street almost opposite Powder Mill Lane, and shown as Property No. 1972 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map.
12 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Mr. Braddock was 58, confirmed he was married and that he had 2 children, one of whom, John, Jnr., wrote the influential treatise, "A Memoir on Gunpowder" (WASC.0677). He still lived in Waltham Abbey and was still a Magazine Foreman earning the same amount as in (9) above. In addition, he was still a Rounder, earning 2/-d every third night.
13 List of Employees at the Powder Mills in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) confirmed that John Braddock was still Foreman of Stoves and Magazines, was aged 59, had 17 years' service and was paid 4/2d per day. The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
14 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that of the 23rd January,1822. It confirmed that John Braddock, Foreman of Magazines and Stores, was appointed on the 20th December 1804 as a Barrel Marker at Waltham Abbey, and as Foreman of the Magazines on the 11th January 1813. He became Foreman of Magazines and Stoves on the 7th September 1821, with total earnings for the year amounting to £65.4.2d, and was allowed to act as a Rounder, for which he received an additional £12.3.4d annually. He had 17 years' service, was aged 59, was a married man with 2 children and lived in Waltham Abbey. It confirmed he had trained as a Silk Throwster (one who twists and winds silk).
15 List dated the 21st March 1822 of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2,000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that John Braddock, Foreman of Stoves and Magazines, was to be retained and continued in that position, receiving the same pay and allowances (Supply 5/232 and WO54/542).
16 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 gave Braddock's pay for the year as £77.7.6d, which included an allowance for being a Rounder every third night to superintend the watchmen, for which he received 2/0d. His family and service details were confirmed.
17 Return showing the Pay, Allowances and Length of Service of all Employees (WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824) included John Braddock, who was appointed Foreman of Stoves and Magazines on the 11th January 1813. His pay was given as £65.4.2 per annum with allowances of 2/-d for Rounding every 3rd night, making a total of £77.7.6d per annum. At that date he had nearly 20 years' service, was aged 62, and was married with 2 children.
According to Winters (p.92) a letter dated the 25th February 1825 from John Braddock, Foreman of Stoves and Magazines, solicited the appointment of Master Saltpetre Refiner, and he was appointed to the position on the 11th March 1825 (Winters, p.93). At the same time, Hugh Jones, the Master Mixer, who was living in a house associated with the Saltpetre Refinery in High Bridge Street, was promoted to Master Worker, following the death of William Newton. Braddock correctly assumed that Jones would move to the Master Worker's appointed house on Horse Mill Island, so applied to be granted Jones' house in High Bridge Street. However, Jones did not move immediately, since Newton's house was divided into two and was lived in by others, namely, Betts and Simpson. Another version of the reference book relating to the map held at the Northamptonshire Records Office and labelled "in the year of 1826", showed that the name Braddock applied to Plot No.710 - a property owned by the Board (WAGP, p.44). At some time during 1825, Hugh Jones moved to Powder Mill Lane, which enabled Braddock to move into the house adjacent to the Saltpetre Refinery, shown as Plot No. 39 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map. A Return of Property owned by the Board dated the 20th December 1834, (Supply 5/237) showed that Braddock was granted the lease of Tenement No.39 in West Street (High Bridge Street, adjacent to the Refinery) on the 25th May 1825, with an annual rent of £5.4.0d.
18 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Braddock was appointed as the Master Refiner of Saltpetre on the 11th March 1825; it also confirmed his appointment as the Foreman of the Stoves and Magazines as of the 11th January, 1813. His pay was given as £118.3.7d per annum, he was entitled to a house, and was given an allowance for teaching an Apprentice. His service and family details were confirmed..
19 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the above entry in all details. Braddock had just over 21 years' service and was aged 62.
20 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
21 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October, 1828"
23 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date, John Braddock had just over 23 years' service and he was then 64 years of age.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had now served nearly 24 years, and was aged 64.
25 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date John Braddock still earned the same as in Note 18 as the Master Refiner of Saltpetre. His length of service was given as just over 25 years and he was now aged 65.
28 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
29 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that John was then 66 years of age and that he had served just over 26 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 18, and all other information remained the same, with the exception that no mention is made in this Return of any other allowances.
30 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, John Braddock, Master Refiner of Saltpetre, still earned a total of £118.3.7d annually; he had served nearly 27 years and was then aged 67.
31 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, and confirmed he was still entitled to a house.
32 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
33 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Mr. Braddock still earned the same as indicated in Note 30. All other details remained the same, except that at that date, he was 69 years of age and had served just over 28 years.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that Mr. Braddock, as a Master Refiner of Saltpetre, still earned £118.3.7d per annum. His service was given as 28 years, and his age as 69.
35 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that John Braddock was now 70 years of age and had served 29 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £118.3.7d. His family details remained the same and he was still entitled to the use of a house.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 updated the October Return for service and age, with conditions and pay unchanged.
37 WO54/… dated the 1st October 1834 (no reference given on photocopy) updated the previous Return for service and age, conditions and pay remaining unchanged, but his wife, Sarah, died that year at the age of 70.
38 According to Winters (p.104), on the 27th June 1836, John Braddock, then aged 74, was desirous of his pension in order to proceed to Graham's Town, Cape of Good Hope.
39 List of Pensioners dated 1838 (Supply 5/237) indicated that John Braddock, Master Refiner of Saltpetre, was granted a pension from the 30th December 1836; this pension was valued at £35.12.0d annually (Supply 5/237)
40 A letter dated the 28th March 1840 (Supply 5/237) recorded that John Braddock, Pensioner, died on the 26th March, 1840, and was buried close to the south wall of Waltham Abbey Church.
Supply 5/224
115
John (Jnr.)
Braddock
00/04/1794
List of Employees
1. John Braddock, Jnr. was the son of John Braddock, the Master Refiner of Salpetre (1762-1840) and was baptised at St. Martin in the Fields on the 30th April 1794 (WASC2229). He was trained as a powder maker, and by August 1812 he was employed at Waltham Abbey as a Labourer, "drawing and setting stoves, and in the willow plantation" He was paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (List of Employees - Supply 5/229 - dated the 29th August 1812). He was then engaged on a five-year contract by the East India Company in Madras as an "expert in making gundpowder" at 10/d per day. He sailed for India on the ship 'Hugh Inglis', arriving at Madras on the 9th August 1813, marrying Elizabeth Stephenson at St. Mary's church, Madras, in January 1819.
2. According to D. F. Harding, author of "Small Arms of the East India Company: 1600-1856", Vol.III Ammunition and Performance,1999 (p.38), John, jnr. wrote "A Memoir on Gunpowder" (WASC 0677) on the theory and practice of the manufacture and proof of gunpowder, originally published in Madras for the East India Company and reprinted in London in 1832 by Braddock's father. He apparently spent extra time among the workmen to master every part of the process and to pick up opinions, after which he was recruited by the East India Company and sent out to India as one of "Captain Thomas Fraser's team of specialists in the various branches of powder making." (WASC 2229)
3. On page 80, Harding says that "A Memoir on Gunpowder" filled a gap on "the subject of gunpowder in English Scholarship, and in the 1840's it is often quoted in the Company's records as the best authority on the subject of gunpowder." It also "received high praise from the gunmaker and author, Henry Wilkinson, and was even summarised in French." (WASC 2229).
4. John died in Madras on the 9th September 1840, and more information on his life in India can be found in an article on 'John Braddock - Powder Master' written by one of his descendants, Sylvia Murphy (WASC 2229).
Supply 5/229
116
Steven
Brand
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. Steven Brand was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per day, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters, p.29).
117
George
Brand
Return of Employees
1. George Brand was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated the 1st September, 1812)
WO54/512
118
James
Brass
Return of Employees
1. James Brass was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
119
Joseph
Bray
00/00/1778
List of Employees
1. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816 recorded that Joseph Bray was employed on the 2nd May 1815 as a Casual Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 36-year-old married man living in Cheshunt with 7 children, and had previously been trained as a Baker.
2. WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817, recorded that he then only earned 2/4d per day. It also indicated that he had moved to Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818, recorded that Bray was still employed "Occasionally as required" at 2/4d per day, and that these details remained the same in 1819, according to WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Joseph was still employed as a Labourer. His age was given as 42 and the document recorded that he lived in Cheshunt. He was married with 7 children, and still earned 2/4d per day working "Occasionally as the Service required."
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that Bray was 43 years of age with 7 children, and that his terms of employment, etc., remained unchanged.
WO54/516
120
William
Breeze
00/00/1768
List of Staff on the Establishment.
1. William Breeze was appointed as a Junior Clerk at Sheerness on the 26th May 1787. He was promoted there to First Clerk, before being transferred to Waltham Abbey on the 6th February 1805 as the Clerk of the Cheque, with a salary of £150 per annum (Supply 5/229 dated the 1st September 1810). In addition to his salary he was allowed £26 per annum lodging allowance, a coal & candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum and a gratuity of £50.
2. List of Staff dated the 18th June 1807 confirmed that his annual salary was £150 per annum, and that he was provided with a house - although its location is unkown - that he was given an allowance of £12.10.0d for coal and candles, and a gratuity of £65 (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 confirmed his salary was £150 per annum, and that he was provided with a house and a coal and candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum; his grauity, however, was noted as £63.
4. On the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228) all of Mr. Breeze's details remained the same, except that his gratuity was given as £80.
5. List of Officers and Other Persons in Employment and their Pay dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr. Breeze's date of appointment to the position of Clerk of Survey was the 26th February 1812, and that his salary had increased to £200 per annum. He was still provided with a house, and his allowance of £12.10.0d was the same as previously. Moreover, it was confirmed that the date of his first appointment in the Ordnance was the 26th May 1787.
6. List of Officers and Other Persons Employed dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) confirmed his salary at £200 per annum. He then had a £95 gratuity with a house provided, and £12.10.0d per annum coal and candle allowance. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1820, showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Breeze was living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 12th September, 1814. He had also been renting some 14 acres of Lammas or half-year land from the Board since the 2nd March 1812at a cost of £1.1.0d per acre. An analysis of a Return of Domestic Properties owned by the Ordnance Board for 1840 (WO44/123) showed that the house was in High Bridge Street, Parcel No. 708, on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Parish Map, while the land was part of Parcel No. 386 in Edmonsea Mead.
7. In a List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231), Mr. Breeze was listed as the Clerk of Survey, aged 50, living in Waltham Abbey; he was married and had 4 children. On the 26th May 1787, he was entered as Junior Clerk at Sheerness until his appointment at Waltham Abbey on the 26th February 1812. His salary was given as £200 per annum, with a gratuity of £250, £12.10.0d coal and candle allowance, and he was allowed a house upon the Establishment.
8. According to the Return dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Breeze was still Clerk of Survey, aged 51, with all the other information given above remaining the same.
9. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry with basic details on pay, etc., remaining unchanged.
10 List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Breeze was still Clerk of Survey, that he was then aged 53, was married with 4 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information, as indicated in Note 7, remained the same.
11 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated 16th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Breeze was still living in rent-free property and was now renting 14 acres of Lammas land at £14.14.0d per annum.
12 Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822 confirmed his salary at £200 per annum, with a gratuity based on service of £250, candle and coal allowance of £12.10.0d in lieu of coal and candles, and a further £13.16.0d in lieu of a Labourer from the 1st July to the 31st December 1821, giving him a total income of £476.6.0d. He had served with the Ordnance for 34 years, was 54 years of age and was married with 4 children. Additional notes on this document state that the position of Clerk of the Survey was abolished on the 31st December 1821 by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 1st August 1821, and that The Clerk of the Survey had 7 acres of grass amongst the Willow plantation cutting, the same at his expense, the supposed value being £15.
13 WO54/536 dated the 16th February 1822, confirmed that the position of Clerk of the Survey was to be abolished on the 31st December 1821 by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 1st August, 1821, and that Breeze had died shortly after (Supply 5/232).
14 Breeze's rent-free accommodation was then lived in by George Lovell, who worked at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. The house in High Bridge Street was recorded as Plot No. 51 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map. Lovell was also recorded as occupying the same area of Lammas Land, being Parcel No. 386 in Edmonsea Mead; this was Lammas land of the same area that Breeze had rented in 1812 and 1819. In addition, a Return of Domestic Properties dated the 28th May 1840 (WO/133)) confirmed that William Breeze was deceased, and, "the property he had lived in was occupied by G Kivekkm Esq,"
Supply 5/223
121
John
Brett
List of Artificers, etc., Marital Status and No. of children.
1. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that John Brett was working as a Labourer Foreman in the Engineers' Department earning 1/9d per day, and that he was a single man.
2. A list of Officers and Others Employed dated the 8th May 1804 (Supply 5/222) confirmed that he was still working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Department Established", with his pay reduced to 1/6d per day, and "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801."
3. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 stated that John had started working in the Corning House two years' previously, earning 2/2d per day
4. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 recorded that Corning House Men were also allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 (List of Pay) confirmed that John was still a Corning house Man who then earned 2/6d day, and that he was allowed to watch for 1/6d.
6. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) indicated that Mr. Brett, still a Corning House Man, then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
7. Brett was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/221
122
Richard
Brett
00/00/1797
List of Employees
1. List of Employees (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816) recorded that Richard was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department, and was first employed by the Board on the 22nd October 1815 as a Labourer. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
123
William
Bride
00/00/1759
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. William Bride started work in the Corning House as a General Labourer on the 21st April 1794 earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794), but by December 1794, he had been transferred to the Dusting House. He was still in the Dusting House between in September 1798, and was a Private in the Voluntary Company (Supply 5/219).
2. A signed document (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) relating to a Petition on Pay showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a General Labourer.
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man, and had 2 children. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
4. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer, and was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, etc., and performing sundry necessary work.
5. Recorded as working in the Dusting and Corning Houses as a Labourer, his pay was then 2/1d per day; all Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
6. Bride was still earning 2/1d per day in the Dusting House on the 30th January 1806, and at that date he had served 12 years (Supply 5/224).
7. Still working in the Dusting House and earning 2/1d per day, in addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
8. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Bride was still employed as a Dusting House Man but then earned 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
9. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that he was still a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch for 1/6d per night.
10 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Bride was still a Dusting House Man whose wage had increased to 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
11 Still employed as a Dusting House Man earning 3/-d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
12 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Thomas (clerical error) Bride was a Dusting House Man with 22 years' service, and that he was aged 56, and daily superannuation of 3/-d was recommended. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. William Bride and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory". It was also stated therein that Mr. Bride, "being very severely ruptured, is quite unfit for any exertion." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816 (Supply 5/200), Mr. Bride was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/6d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816.
13 A supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was William Bride, Dusting House Man, who received a pension of 15/-d per week which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
14 List of Persons Receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821) confirmed entry No. 13 above in respect of William Bride.
15 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that William Bride, lately a Dusting House Man, was in receipt of £39 superannuation per annum. A similar document, (Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821) recorded that the same pension would be paid in 1822, as well as in 1826 according to Winters (p.96).
Supply 5/216
124
Samuel
Britton
00/00/1770
Pay List
1. Samuel Britton was a Millwright who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 22nd July 1809).
2. In 1812 he was employed as a Carpenter earning 5/2d per day (WO54/512 dated September, 1812).
3. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816 confirmed that Samuel was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department. He had first worked for the Board on the 29th March 1806, and was a 44-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 1 married and 1 unmarried child. He was paid 5/2d per day.
4. According to WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, Samuel was aged 45 and still lived in Waltham Abbey, his family details remaining the same. He earned 5/2d per day, and was employed "occasionally as the Service required." This was also the case in 1818 and 1819 (WO54/524 and WO54/528 respectively).
5. List of Employees dated the the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that Samuel was still employed as a Millwright. He was then aged 49, and all other details, including his pay, remained unaltered.
6. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that Britton was now aged 50 years, with all other details previously shown remaining unchanged.
7. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper", indicated that Mr. Britton had been living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance. (Supply 5/232 dated the the 4th April 1821) and that his rent was £16 per annum. This house, Tenement No. 25, with a large garden, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane at the western end of a group of tenements known as the Bank Cottages (part of Plot No. 44 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Town Map, or Plot 44 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map in Appendix 1. Similar information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
8. Return of Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department (WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823) recorded that Samuel was still paid 5/2d per day for 313 days as a Millwright, giving him an income of £81.17.2d for the year. At that date he was nearly 53 and had served nearly 17 years.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 is a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1823, and confirmed Samuel was paid 5/2d per day; he had served 19 years and was aged nearly 55.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, recorded identical information as in Notes 8 and 9, with the exception that he was now nearly 56, with service of 20 years.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 and WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, gave the same information as before. However, in April 1827, Mr. Britton had 21 years' service and was nearly 57 years of age.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 showed no basic alterations from the previous Return except that he had served nearly 22 years and was aged 57.
13 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the notes above, showing that Britton was nearly 58 and had served 22 years.
14 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
15 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 recorded that at that date Samuel earned £80.17.2d annually. His length of service was given as 23 years and he was then nearly 59.
16 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
17 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Samuel as previously, except that his service was then 24 years and he was nearly 60.
18 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Samuel was still a Millwright,
with all further details and earnings remaining the same, but age and service updated.
19 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Samuel Britton was one of the three Millwrights to be employed at Waltham Abbey. His duties were as a general service Millwright within the Manufactory, requiring great attention, skill and sobriety, etc.
20 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
21 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Samuel still earned 5/2d per day, giving him a total of £80.17.2d per annum as indicated previously. He had then served for over 25 years and at that date was 61.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that he still earned £80.17.2d per annum. He had by then served over 26 years and was aged 62.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given previously, except that Samuel had now served 27 years.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 again confirmed the information given previously, with his service and age updated appropriately.
26 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that Samuel still earned a total of £80.17.2d per annum, that he was nearly 64 years of age, and that his service at that date was 28 years.
Supply 5/228
125
William
Brodstock (also Broadstock)
00/00/1789
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Brodstock (also Broadstock) was working in the Corning House as a Labourer earning 2/2d per day, and had started at the Mills in the summer of 1805 (Supply 5/22 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, but, in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Brodstock was still a Corning House Man who then earned 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. List of Employees (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) recorded that Mr. Brodstock was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn when not working.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Brodstock was still a Saltpetre Refiner but that he then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that William Broadstock was then a Bargeman. He was a married man, aged 28, with 3 children, and lived in Enfield. He earned 3/-d per day.
7. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The Establishment was to be reduced due to a downturn in work, and the list included Mr. William Brodstock.
Supply 5/224
126
Brookland
Winters' Centenary Memorial Book, pp.39/40
1. Robert Coleman's Minute Book dated Sunday, the 11th August, 1793, stated "Brookland Mill Stopt" and on the 14th August, "Brookland has set his Mill to work." Winters (pp.39/40). Note: it was common for a Mill to be known after its Millman.
127
Horace
Broom
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. Horace Broom worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for 9 months.
Supply 5/224
128
Matthew
Broom
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed
1. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed), Matthew Broom was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Broom was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st December, 1810) confirmed that he was still a Corning House Man at 2/6d per day, and allowed to watch at 1/6d.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Broom was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
5. Still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814, Supply 5/230 confirmed Broom had the same rate of pay as in the previous entry, and was still allowed to watch in turn at 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/226
129
Joseph
Brown
00/00/1771
Record of Personnel in the Storekeepers Department
1. Joseph Brown was employed as a Millman on the 6th February 1790 earning 2/-d per day, as he was in April to June 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791, updated weekly until the 26th June, 1791).
2. Supply 5/216 dated 31st July 1792 recorded that Joseph Brown was working in the Corning House as a Labourer on reduced pay of 1/6d per day.
3. Joseph was "Grinding Salt Petre, Charcoal & Brimstone" (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st January 1794) with pay of 1/6d per day. He continued in this occupation in August (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217), and, additionally, enlisted in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794.
4. A Report dated the 24th June 1795 (Supply 5/217) on established Artificers and Labourers employed at the Powder Mills, stated that Brown was a "Charcoal Millman" with pay of 1/6d per day. This was also the case in September 1798 (Supply 5/219) when he was also shown as a Private in the Voluntary Company.
5. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay, (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) indicated that he was illiterate and was working as a Labourer.
6. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer; it also indicated that he was a married man with no children. In this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
7. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 showed that Joseph was then working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
8. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 - indicated that Mr. Brown was still working as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d.
9. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Brown was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner with his pay and allowance the same as indicated in the previous note.
10 Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) recorded that Mr. Brown was then a Bargeman who was paid 3/-d per day.
11 List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) confirmed that Joseph was still employed as a Bargeman, but that his pay had increased to 3/10d per day.
12. List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) recorded that Mr. Joseph Brown was still a Bargeman at that date earning the same 3/10d per day, as does the List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231). He was a married man aged 49, still childless, and lived in Waltham Abbey, but by this date his pay had been reduced to 3/-d per day.
13 A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Although Joseph's name was on the List, he was then shown as an Office Keeper and paid only 2/-d per day, but still allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
14 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Brown was still employed as an Office Keeper, and that he was a married man aged 50 who had no children; he lived in Waltham Abbey and was then paid 2/11d per day, as well as having a watch allowance of 1/0d per night.
15 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Brown was still employed as an Office Keeper, with the same pay and conditions as stated in the previous note.
16 A Statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Joseph Brown was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance, Tenement No. 40, with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum, but its location is uncertain.
17 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/ 232) stated that Joseph was 52, and that all other details remained the same as indicated in Note 14.
18 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Joseph, Office Keeper, as 52, with 33 years' service and pay per day of 2/11d.
19 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every drescription of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appears to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January, 1822). It recorded that Joseph Brown, Office Keeper, was appointed on the 6th February 1790 as a Millman; he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him an annual earnings of £50.16.11d. He had 32 years' service, was aged 52, was a married man with no children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
20 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) was of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2,000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, and recorded that Joseph Brown, Office Keeper, was to be retained.
21 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Brown was still the Office Keeper, that his pay for the year was £48.2.0d and that this amount included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were as previously stated.
22 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), Joseph had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
23 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, recorded that Joseph still earned £48.2.0d per annum as in Note 21, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as nearly 35 years, he was aged 55, and was married but was childless.
24 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed he was still the Office Keeper, but gave his basic pay as £42.18.0d per annum. He was a Rounder which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him total earnings of of £55.1.4d per annum. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 also confirmed his service and family details.
25 WO54/554 dated the 1st April,1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
26 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded that there had been no alteration to his conditions since the previous Report dated the 1st October 1826.
27 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Joseph had nearly 38 years' service and was then 56 years of age..
28 Supply 5/205 dated the 31st January 1828 stated that the Director General of the Ordnance Medical Department agreed that Joseph Brown should be supplied with a truss to prevent him incurring further injury.
29 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, except that he had then served 38 years.
30 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
31 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details again remaining unchanged.
32 Return showing employees at the 1st October, 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Joseph still earned in total £55.1.4d per annum, that his service was then just over 39 years, that he was 57 years of age, and was married, but was childless.
33 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Joseph as in Note 32, except that his service was given as 40 years and that he was aged 58.
34 Return WO54/570 dated October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 32, except that his service was then just over 40 years. WO54/570 dated April 1831, updated the October 1830 Return, and confirmed that he was still employed as the Office Keeper.
35 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
36 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated Brown's age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
37 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April, 1832 Return; he was still the Office Keeper, but now had a cottage belonging to the Board - the one previously occupied by John Brown.
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that he was still the Office Keeper, was 61, was married and had no children. He had 43 years' service, being employed as a Millman on the 7th February 1790. His pay was still £55.1.4d per annum which included an allowance as a Rounder.
39 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as before, but his age and length of service were updated.
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that Joseph was still employed as Office Keeper, with his total pay remaining unchanged at £55.1.4d. His period of service was given as 40 years, and his age, 62. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the note above, but he was then 63 years of age and had served just over 40 years. A Return of Domestic Properties prepared by the Engineers' Office on the 20th December 1834, recorded that Joseph was occupying a tenement in Powder Mill Lane with the same rent as before (Supply 5/237). A similar Return for 1840 showed that he was living in a cottage originally built as a surgery in 1814 for $249 (Winters, op.cit. p.79) which locates it at the entrance to the Engineers' Yard (WO44/133), being Plot 92 on Drayson's 1833 Town Map.
41 In the 1841 Census, Joseph was described as a Labourer, living in Powder Mill Lane with his wife, Phillis, aged 70. Neither were born in the county
Supply 5/214
130
John (1)
Brown
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Brown (1) was employed as a Labourer in February 1793, and paid 1/6d per day for refining Saltpetre (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793); he continued to do so until July 1795, when he was pencilled in as a Millman, replacing R. Jameson (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
2. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the 29th July 1793, John Brown (along with others) was chequered (fined) one day's pay for "having gone across the Hoppit contrary to repeated orders." (Winters, p.39). According to page 52 of Winters, on the 13th February 1796 at 4.00 p.m., the Upper 15 Head Mill blew up, but although his clothes caught fire, John Brown was uninjured
3. A signed document (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that John was literate, and was working as a Millman with a rate of pay of 2/-d per day.
4. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman. This Report recorded that he was also a married man with 4 children. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October of that year that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Initially Brown refused to go, but it appeared that he changed his mind (Winters, p.60).
5. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that although still employed as a Millman, John was cleaning and deepening the river and canals as well as performing other sundry and necessary work. Brown possibly left his employment with the Ordnance Board, since his name does not appear in the Faversham records, nor is he recorded in the List of Employees dated the 8th May 1804 (Supply 5/222). However, WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822, recorded that a John Brown commenced work on the 1st March 1805 as a Labourer, and it is presumed that this is the same man.
6. In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) a John Brown is described as a Foreman of the Corning House, earning 2/6d per day and that he had been employed with the Ordnance for 3 years, which is in variance with the supposition above. However, WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed that he was appointed a Labourer on the 1st March 1805.
7. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June,1807 described Brown as a working Foreman of the Corning Houses, with pay of 2/6d per day. In addition, as a Rounder, he was allowed 1/6d every third night to superintend the Millmen and Watchmen on duty.
8. According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Brown was still a Foreman of Corning Houses, earning 3/-d per day, and every third night he was allowed 2/-d as a Rounder to superintend the Millmen and Watchmen on duty; this was also the case in 1810 (Supply 5/228)
9. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Brown was a Foreman of Corning Houses who then earned 4/-d per day, in addition to which, he was still a Rounder earning 2/-d. every third night.
10 According to the List dated the 13th February1814 (Supply 5/230), all of the above (9) still applied.
11 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. Brown was still a Foreman of the Corning Houses. He was aged 38, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with only 3 children. He earned 3/6d per day, in addition to which he was a Rounder at 1/6d every fifth night.
12 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. John Brown's name was on the List, but it seems his pay was reduced to 3/-d per day.
13 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Brown was still employed as a Foreman of the Corning House, that he was a married man aged 39 with 3 children and lived in Waltham Abbey. At that date he was paid 3/4d per day, and was still a Rounder, for which he was paid 1/6d every third night. WO54/532 dated the 19th September 1820 confirmed this information, except that his allowance as a Rounder had been increased to 2/-d per night.
14 A Statement of "monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and 31st December, 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232), recorded that John Brown, Foreman of the Corning house, was living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from December, 1810. This same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821. The location of this cottage (together with that of Benjamin Poulter who was granted a rent-free cottage at the same time) may be that described by Winters on page 97 of his book; he records that on the 24th January, 1827, William Davis, Collector of Taxes for Cheshunt, was paid the church rate for "land at the Aqueduct Lock and the two cottages at -do-" and "Aqueduct Lock lies within the Parish of Cheshunt."
15 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that John Brown was 45, was married and had 4 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, was still a Foreman of the Corning House, and was earning the same amount as in Note 13, but was now paid 2/-d every third night as a Rounder.
16 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) indicated that John Brown, Foreman of Corning House, was aged 45, had 21 years' service and was paid 3/4d per day.
17 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return, than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that John Brown, Foreman of Corning House, was appointed on the 1st March 1805 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey, was appointed Foreman of Corning House on the 4th September, 1818, and that his total earnings for the year amounted to £52.3.4d. He was allowed to act as a Rounder, for which he received an additional £12.3.4d annually, and he had served for nearly 17 years. He was aged 45, and was a married man with 4 children, living in Cheshunt. Note: previously there had been three Corning House Foremen who were generally described as working Foremen. Brown's appointment as Foreman is possibly from the date he he had been appointed as sole Foreman.
18 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2,000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that John Brown, Foreman of Corning House, was to be retained.
19 List of Employees dated the 1st October, 1822 (Supply 5/233) contained similar information as in Note 17, and confirmed that Brown had a rent-free cottage for his family to look after the waters.
20 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 gave Brown's earnings for the year as £64.6.8d, which included an allowance for being a Rounder every third night to superintend the watchmen, for which he received 2/-d. His family and service details were confirmed, and he was still entitled to a cottage owned by the Board. Details given in WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, included his date of appointment as a Labourer as on the 1st March 1805, as Foreman on the 4th September 1818 and reconfirmed on the 22nd May 1822.
21 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his wage as £52.3.4d per annum, with an allowance of 2/-d for being a Rounder every third night, giving him a total wage of £64.6.8d per annum. It also confirmed his previous family and service details.
22 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since 1805 and that his total wage was £77.1.6d per annum (Winters, pp. 93-95). The actual Return of that date confirmed that Brown was earning £65.4.2d and that he was rounding every third night at 2/-d by an order of the Board dated the 30th June 1820, which gave him an annual income of £77.1.6d. He had a cottage for his family to look after the water, and had been promoted to Foreman of Stoves and Magazines on the 25th May 1825 because Braddock had been promoted to Master Refiner of Saltpetre. He had nearly 24 years' service, and at that date was 49 years of age..
23 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
24 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the the 1st April 1826.
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
26 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827. gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date John Brown (1) had nearly 26 years' service and was then 51 years of age.
27 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in theprevious notes.
28 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
29 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged. He stll had a cottage "to look after the water".
30. WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 recorded that at that date John still earned the same as in Note 22. His length of service was given as nearly 25 years, and he was now aged 52.
32 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
33 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Mr. Brown was now 53 years of age and that he had served nearly 26 years. His earnings were still the same as in Note 22, and all other information remained the same.
34 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, John Brown, as a Foreman of the Stoves and Magazines, earned a total of £77.1.6d, and had served 26 years. At that date he was 54 years of age.
35 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged. He was still occupying a cottage paid for by the Board "to look after the water."
36 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
37 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 recorded that John Brown earned a total of £77.1.6d per annum. All other details remained the same, except that at that date he was 56 years of age and had served nearly 28years. On this Return, no mention is made of Mr. Brown occupying a cottage that was paid for by the Board.
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that John Brown still earned a total of £77.1.6d per annum. His service was given as 28 years and his age as 56. This Return confirmed that he was occupying a cottage paid for by the Board, and that he continued to "look after the water."
39 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed the above details, but he was now 57 years of age.
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 updated the October Return for service and age, with conditions and pay unchanged.
41 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
42 List of Domestic Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers dated the 20th December 1834, recorded that John Brown (as well as John Goats) was living on Aqueduct Island, and that the rent of his cottage was £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237).
43 On the 16th April 1836, two Mills exploded when shut up and not at work; John Brown, Rounder, was called before Lt. Col. Moody as a witness, according to Winters, p.103).
44 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) stated that his income was £65.13.7d per annum; he was still entitled to a cottage "for the family to look after the water." and had been in the service of the Ordnance for just over 34 years.
45 A Return of Domestic Property prepared by the Royal Engineers' in May 1840 (WO44/133) recorded that James Brown (this is a clerical or transcript error) was still the Foreman of Stoves, that he was the first occupant of the cottage and "this occupant is a married man, & has the cottage free of rent, as his wife is a kind of Watch on bargemen taking more water than is necessary."
Supply 5/216
131
Henry
Brown
00/00/1762
List of Foremen and Artificers etc, their rates of pay and length of service.
1. Supply 5/220 dated the 30th January 1806 recorded that Henry Brown was employed as a Millman in 1805, with a rate of pay of 2/3d per day. In June 1807 he was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but was also allowed 3d per night when on duty.
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Brown was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but was then "allowed 6d per night when on duty." This was also the case in 1810 (Supply 5/228 of the 5th September 1810).
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Brown was still a Millman who earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply/230) with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
4. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that Henry Brown was 56, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 8 children. He earned 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
5. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Henry Brown's name was on the list as a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day. However, a second List dated the 3rd September showed that he was retained as a Millman, and still paid 2/8d per day (Supply 5/231).
6. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Brown was still employed as a Millman, that he was a married man of 57 with 8 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He was still paid 2/8d per day and was allowed an additional 6d when on night duties.
7. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry.
8. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Brown was 58 and confirmed he was married with 8 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, remained a Millman and was earning the same amount as in (6) above.
9. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) stated that Henry Brown, Millman, was aged 59, had 17 years' service and was paid 2/8d per day, with an extra 6d when on night duties.
10 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 & WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822) appears to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It stated that
Henry Brown, Millman, was appointed on the 12th November 1804 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey, that his position on the Establishment as a Millman was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818, and that he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night. This gave him a total wage for the year of £46.18.8d. He had just over 17 years' service, was aged 59 years, was married with eight children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
11 List dated the 21st March, 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included Henry Brown, Millman, who was to be retained.
12 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Brown was still a Millman, and that his wages for the year were £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
13 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Mr. Henry Brown had his earnings reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
14 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he was still a Millman and that his annual earnings amounted to £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. His age was given as 62, he was a widower with 8 children, and his starting date was confirmed.
15 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 12th November 1804. His wage was £44.4.0 per annum. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his earnings as £39.0.0d per annum, he was allowed to watch in turn for which he received, on average 2/-d per week, and this gave him an annual income of £44.4.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details, and all of this information is repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the the 1st October 1825.
16 Winters, on p.95 of his book, states "...on the 13th March, 1826, Henry Brown ...injured by the late explosion..."
17 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
18 Supply 5/205 dated the 14th March, 1827 stated that the Board agreed that Henry Brown could occupy a cottage in Powder Mill Lane previously occupied by William Davis, and the rent was set at £5.4.0d per annum. The cottage in question formed part of plot 63 of Drayson's 1833 Town Map.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Henry Brown had nearly 23 years' service, and was then 64 years of age.
21 Supply 5/205 dated the 31st January 1828, stated that The Director General of the Ordnance Medical Department agreed that Henry Brown should be supplied with a truss to prevent him "incurring" further injury.
22 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) contained the same information as in previous notes. He had by then served just over 23 years.
23 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay still remaining unaltered.
25 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date Henry still earned the same as recorded in note 15. His length of service was given as nearly 25 years, and he was a widower, aged 65, with 8 children.
26 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
27 A footnote to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that John Fleming was appointed Labourer "in the room of Henry Brown" on the 12th May 1830; in other words, it appears that Henry Brown's services were terminated, or, possibly, that he retired on that date, because his name no longer appears in the lists of employees.
28 Supply 5/207 dated the 15th July 1831 indicated that the Board agreed that Henry should be superannuated at the rate of £10 per annum.
29 He was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
30 The 1841 Census described Henry as an Ordnance Pensioner, aged 80, living in Powder Mill Lane with a Henry Brown, Labourer, who was, presumably, one of his sons. Henry was not born in the county.
Supply 5/224
132
Edward
Brown
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc, with rates of pay and service.
1.Edward Brown was employed as a Millman in 1805 and paid 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for 9 months.
2. In a Return dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) he was paid the same as previously, but then allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Edward was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
Supply 5/224
133
William
Brown
00/00/1766
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809 indicated that William Brown was a Master Carpenter. He was paid £1.15.0d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July,1809.
2. WO54/512 dated 5th September, 1812 recorded that William was first appointed on the Establishment on the 1st August, 1806 as the Foreman Carpenter at Waltham Abbey. According to this Return, he was paid 6/4d per day for six days' work and one and a half days' pay for working on a Sunday. He was also entitled to 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
3. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816 recorded he was the Master Carpenter, a 49 year old widower with no children. He was still paid 6/4d per day on the Establishment, and this document indicated that he had trained as a Carpenter.
4. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, stated that William Brown was the Master Carpenter. This Return states that he had trained as a Cabinet Maker. He was 50 years old at that date, and his family details remained the same as before. However, he was then only earning 5/10d per day, with an allowance of 6/-d per week for an Apprentice.
5. WO54/524 dated 1818 gave identical details as in Note 4, but his age was given as 52.
6. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819 stated that his allowance for training an Apprentice had been increased to 8/-d per week.
7. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) recorded that William was then aged 54, lived in Waltham Abbey, and confirms that he was a widower without children. He still earned 5/10d per day with the same allowance of 6/d per week for an Apprentice.
8. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was aged 55 years; his terms of employment, etc., remaining unchanged.
9. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 repeated the details given in the Return dated the the 2nd April 1821.
10 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, confirmed William was paid 5/10d per day for 313 days, giving him an income of £91.5.10d for the year as the Master Carpenter; his family and service details were also confirmed.
11 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 listing personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, confirmed that William was still paid 5/10d per day for 313 days as the Master Carpenter, giving him the same annual income of £91.5.10d. His service was nearly 19 years, and at that date he was aged 58.
12 WO54/550 dated the 13th October, 1825 was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825.
13 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information as that in Notes 11 and 12, with the exception that he was 59 years of age, with service of nearly 20 years.
14 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 upated the previous Return.
15 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date William had nearly 21 years' service and was then over 60 years of age.
16 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 contained no basic alterations since the previous Return.
17 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the notes above.
18 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
19 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829, confirmed that William at that date still earned the same as in Note 11. His length of service was given as nearly 23 years, and he was just over 62 years of age.
20 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
21 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for William as in Note 11, except that his service was nearly 24 years and he was just over 63.
22 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that William was still the Master Carpenter, with family details and pay unchanged, but length of service and age updated.
23 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831, recorded that William Brown was one of the 3 Master Artificers to be employed at Waltham Abbey and Enfield; he was the Master Carpenter and was to be paid 5/10d per day. His duties were to work with Artificers and Labourers in the Gunpowder Manufactory, consequently requiring great attention, sobriety, and steadiness of conduct.
24 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that William still earned 5/10d per day, giving him a total of £91.5.10d per annum as indicated in Note 11 above. He had served 25 years and was 65 years of age.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831, Return.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that William still earned £91.5.10d per annum. He had by then served 26 years and was 66 years of age.
28 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1833 (WO54/587), all the details indicated in Note 27 were confirmed.
29 Under an order of the Board dated the 15th March 1833, William Brown, Master Carpenter, was to be discharged and granted a pension of £31.10.9d per annum until an opportunity to employ him again should arise (Supply 5/208 dated the 26 July 1833).
30 William retired on the 4th July 1833, and was in receipt of a pension which he was still receiving in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
Supply 5/228.
134
Samuel
Brown
00/00/1819
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Brown was a general Labourer who started at the Gunpowder Mills on the 6th May, 1835. He earned £39 per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 20-year-old bachelor. (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
2. A transcript of the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey does not record his name.
3. On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House together with another 20 in the Press House; 7 men were killed and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was Samuel Brown. (Winters, p.106)
4. A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc., was given in the London Illustrated News dated the Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). Samuel left a widow and two young children.
WO56/623
135
John (2)
Brown
Return of Employees
1. John Brown (2) was working as a Labourer. He was a married man with 1 child, according to Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801.
2. His name is not listed in the Return of Employees dated the 8th May 1804 (Supply 5/222).
Supply 5/221
136
William
Buck
Letter Book
1. According to Supply 5/238 dated the 15th September 1841, William Buck's pension was to be paid to his widow, Susannah. He was a late Master Carpenter.
Supply 5/238
137
William
Bunce
00/00/1770
Pay List
1. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809) recorded that William Bunce was a Carpenter, First Class. He was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
2. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that he was paid 4/1d per day as a Carpenter for 313 days, giving him an income of £63.18.1d per annum. It would appear that he initially worked for a contractor employed by the Board in 1791, and apparently had continuous work with them until he was taken on the Establishment with other Carpenters on the 8th March, 1822. This Return shows that he had nearly 34 years' service, starting on the 3rd July, 1791. He was aged 52, living in Waltham Abbey, and had 6 children. An 1825 valuation of property showed that William was living in one of the cottages at the junction of High Bridge Street and Powder Mill Lane, being one of the tenements in Plot No. 60 on Drayson's 1833 Map. Sometime after this, William moved to one of the cottages in the old Tanyard, Tenement No. 54 on the same Map.
3. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that William was still paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Carpenter. His service was given as nearly 36 years, and he was then aged nearly 55, was married and had 6 children.
4. WO54/550 dated the 13th October 1825, is a repeat of the Return dated the 1st April 1825. A note in "former appointments" recorded that he had been in the employment of a contractor, who worked for the Ordnance on the 3rd July, 1791.
5. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 3 and 4, except that he was nearly 56, with service of nearly 37 years.
6. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in the previous Return.
7. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date Mr. Bunce had nearly 38 years' service and he was over 56 years of age.
8. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
9. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the basic information given in the notes above.
10 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service with family details and pay unchanged. This Return confirmed that Mr. Bunce trained as a Carpenter.
11 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 stated that William at that date still earned the same as in Note 3. His length of service was given as just over 39 years, and his age as nearly 59.
12 Return dated the 1st October, 1829 (no reference) updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unaltered.
13 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Bunce as in Note 3, except that his service was just over 40 years, and he was nearly 60 years of age.
14 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that William was still a Carpenter, his family details and earnings remained unchanged, but his length of service and age had been updated.
15 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield - showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831- recorded that William Bunce was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was paid 4/1d per day, and required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory, requiring great care, attention and sobriety, etc.
16 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return; all other details remained unchanged.
17 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that William still earned 4/1d per day as indicated in Note 15, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. He had then served just over 41 years, and was aged 61.
18 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, and again, all other details remained unchanged.
19 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that he still earned £63.18.1d per annum. He had by then served just over 42 years and was aged 62.
20 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in Note 19, except that he was then nearly 63 years of age and had served nearly 43 years.
21 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that his basic details remained unchanged, but his age and length of service had been updated.
22 A Return of Properties owned by the Board prepared by the office of the Royal Engineers on the 20th December1834, recorded that Widow Bunce occupied a cottage in West Street (High Bridge Street) and that she (or her husband) had been in occupation since the 6th April 1829 (Supply 5/237). Another Return of the same date showing showing how vacant properties were proposed to be let, recorded that William Bunce had died, that the cottage had been leased to his widow on the 6th April 1829 but that the cottage was to be let to J. Lording, Labourer (also 5/237). The property has been identified as one of those purchased from Mr. Cannop in 1818 - see notes on Jeremiah Betts.
Supply 5/228
138
R
Burr
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.32
1. R. Burr was working as a Storehouseman in November 1789, earning 2/-d per day. No other details are available. (Winters, p.32)
139
George
Butcher
00/00/1769
Return of Employees
1. George Butcher was first employed by the Board as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the the 1st October 1815, earning 2/4d per day. He was a 46-year-old married man with no children, living in Epping (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
140
Samuel
Butler
00/00/1770
Employees in the Engineers' Dept. & their Pay
1. Samuel Butler was a Millwright who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 listing those employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that Samuel was paid 5/2d per day for 313 days as a Millwright, This gave him an annual income of £80.17.2d. His service was 19 years, and he was aged nearly 55; he was a married man with 2 children.
Supply 5/228
141
John
Butte
List of Officers Employed
1. John Butte was employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling." (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
Supply 5/227
142
Col. John
By
00/00/1779
1. Colonel By's name appears on many documents and Returns made to the Royal Ordnance Board from Waltham Abbey. Having studied at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, (John By, Builder of the Rideau Canal, p.6, Legett, Ottowa, 1982) was commissioned in the Royal Artillery in 1799 before being transferred to the Royal Engineers in the same year, serving in Canada and the Peninsular War (WO54/241). In 1812, By was appointed Officer Commanding Royal Engineers at the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey and Faversham, the Government Magazines at Purfleet, and the Government Armoury at Lewisham, holding this post until 1821 when he retired (WO54/251). In 1812, By was given the important task of planning and erecting the Government's Small Arms Factory at Enfield (WO55/753). In addition, he organised the official fireworks' display to commemorate the Peace of Paris in 1814. He was recalled to the Army in 1823 and promoted Lt. Colonel in 1824.
2. In 1826 he was posted to Canada to carry out what represented the pinnacle of his career - the building of the Rideau Canal from the Ottawa River to the fortress at Kingston on Lake Ontario. The canal was built for strategic reasons, bypassing a section of the St. Lawrence River on the military supply route from Montreal to Kingston, which was vulnerable to American attack. By's operational centre, originally named Bytown, became the city of Ottawa (Legett, op.cit. pp.23/24). The Rideau Canal was completed in 1832, a masterpiece of civil engineering which is still in use today.
3. Colonel By died in 1836 at Frant, where he is buried.
143
Robert
Byner
00/00/1794
Personnel Employed by the R.G.M.
1. Robert Byner was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, having first been employed by the Board on the 6th March 1813. He was a 21 year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, and had previously trained as a Cordwainer. (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
144
Thomas
Byner
00/00/1796
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Byner was first employed by the Board on the 14th November 1812 as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day; he was a 19-year-old bachelor who lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
145
W. C.
Byres
00/00/1815
Return of Employees
1. W. C. Byres was appointed Clerk in the Engineers' Department on the 24th May 1837, and,
following the death of Thomas Littler in July 1839, with the promotion of David Wilkie to First Clerk, was appointed Second Clerk on the 19th August 1839. His salary was £80 per annum, with a house provided. He had just over 2 years' service, and was a 24-year-old batchelor (WO56/623 dated 1st October, 1839).
2. Byres' name does not appear in the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey.
WO56/623
146
John
Cadwell
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. John Cadwell was employed as a casual Bricklayer's Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, having first been employed by the Board on the 21st August 1813 as a general Labourer. He was a 50-year-old widower living in Waltham Abbey with 2 children, one married and the other unmarried (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
147
Charles
Callensoe
00/00/1740
Personnel Record
1. Charles Callensoe, born circa 1740, was seconded form the Royal Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey on the 17th December 1787 for training at Faversham (Supply 5/70). At Faversham he worked as a Labourer marking powder barrels and as a Stoveman. He was "entered for Waltham Abbey Powder Mills" on the 8th March 1788 (Supply 5/113).
2. According to a Report dated 24th January 1789, Mr. Callensoe had been transferred from Faversham ((Supply5/212).
3. He was working as a Millman according to the List of Persons Employed dated 27th November 1788 (Supply 5/212), but on the 29th January 1789 (also Supply 5/212) Mr. Callensoe was described as a Stoveman. The List of Personnel and Pay dated the 21st March 1789 (Supply 5/212) recorded that he was earning 1/6d per day.
4. In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, he was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Stove, unloading a barge of coals & charring wood."
5. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 49 years of age and was "Warding at the Refining House Field Gate and Bank of Canal."
Supply 5/212
148
B
Camp
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Mr. B. Camp started work grinding Saltpetre and Charcoal on the 31st August 1793 replacing John Haynes, who had been discharged for stealing coal (Supply 5/216).
2. He was employed in the Corning House from September 1793, with pay of 1/6d per day, according to a Report of Artificers Employed in the Store Keeper's Department dated the 31st August 1793 (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in January and August 1794 (both also Supply 5/216).
3. Robert Coleman reported on the 11th March 1794 that Camp had been chequered (fined) for striking George Pain whilst working in the Corning House.
4. Camp enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, and by the end of that year he was described as "separating gunpowder." (Supply 5/217).
5. In June and July 1795 (also referenced Supply 5/217) he was described as a Puntman.
Supply 5/216
149
Henry
Camps
00/00/1740
Personnel Record
1. Henry Camps was born circa 1740, and saw military service in America. Prior to the capture of Quebec in 1759, he had been taken prisoner by the French and confined in a fort situated on the Canadian Lakes (Supply 5/229). During the American War of Independence (1778-1783) he was the Conductor of Artillery Stores, and appointed Office Keeper at the Powder Mills on the 1st June 1788 at the age of 48 with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788) . This was on the order of William Congreve, Deputy Controller, according to Supply 5/214 dated September1789, which recorded that he was then 49 years of age and "employed attending the office." He was given 8/8d for postage on the 30th September 1790, having apparently paid for official post out of his own pocket (WASC 1382).
2. Mr. Camps was transferred as a Storehouse Man on the 12th July 1792 at the same 2/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792), and was still in the same position in 1793 and 1798 (Supply 5/216 of the 31st August 1793 and Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
3. Two years later, he was still the Storehouse Man, and a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) indicated that he was literate.
4. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confimed that he was still the Storehouseman, and was a widower with 3 children.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as the Storehouse Man "attending to the Storehouse to deliver the stores." Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March 1805, recorded that he was then receiving weekly pay of 17/6d as well as an allowance of 1/6d every third night for Rounding.
6. There were three cats on the Establishment and Henry was paid 4d per cat per week for their keep according to Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.64).
7. In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224), Henry is described as a Storehouse Man earning 2/6d per day, and he had been employed with the Ordnance for 18 years.
8. A Petition from the Storekeeper, Hugh Mathews, and the Clerk of the Cheque, William Breeze, to the Board (Supply 5/226 dated the 17th April 1807) recommended that Henry Camps be promoted to the position of "Foreman of General Storehouse" with a nominal increase in pay. The Petition went on to say that in the course of his duties, Henry had ruptured himself, necessitating the use of a truss. To the Petition was appended a statement from Robert Hilton, Surgeon at the Royal Powder Mills, stating that Henry Camps had suffered a serious injury which required the immediate use of a truss, although no mention is made of the Board concurring with this request.
9. In June 1807 Mr. Camps is described as "storehouseman" with pay of 2/6d per day, and allowed 1/6d every third night as Rounder to superintend the watchmen. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
10 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Camps was still a Storehouseman who now earned 3/-d. per day, and every third night was allowed 2/-d as Rounder to superintend the Watchmen on duty. This was still the case two years' later ( Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
11 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Camps was still a Storehouse Man. However, he then earned 3/10d per day.
12 According to a letter to the Board (Supply 5/229 dated the 28th June, 1813) Henry died that day while unloading a barge which had arrived from the Tower with hoses, his death having been occasioned by a blow which he received during the morning of the 27th June 1813. A sudden and violent gust of wind had blown the door of the bargehouse against him, thereby throwing him on to the gunnels of the barge, "...by which accident the abdomen and parts adjacent were so much injured as to cause his death 24 hours afterwards."
13 Henry, described as the Senior Storehouseman, was "about " 74 years of age when he died, and had seen service in America. Prior to the capture of Quebec, he had been taken prisoner by the French and confined in a fort situated on the Canadian lakes. He left 3 children, a son who was a Sergeant in the army in Spain, and 2 daughters, the youngest of whom, Caroline, was unmarried and entirely dependant on her late father. The Storekeeper, H. J. Mathews, and J. Wright, the Clerk of the Cheque, requested that the Board pay Caroline an allowance of 9d per day commencing September1813, and according to Winters (p.75), this request was granted.
Supply 5/212
150
William
Campton
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.28)
1. William Campton was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
151
John (1)
Cannon
List of Employees and their Pay
1. John Cannon (1) according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that he was working as a Corning House Man at that date, earning 3/3d per day; in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/229
152
John (2)
Cannon
List of Employees
1. John Cannon (2) was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation". He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that John (2) was then employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; he was still paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/229
153
Joseph
Cannon
List of Employees
1. Joseph Cannon was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn according to List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
2. On the 13th February 1814, Joseph was recorded as a Punt Man, still earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230). His name does not appear in subsequent Returns so it is assumed that he was one of those dismissed at the cessation of the Napolionic Wars.
3. However, according to the Return of Employees dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570), Joseph Cannon was appointed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 27th August 1829. His rate of pay was given as 2/2d per day for 313 days, making a total of £33.18.2d annually. His length of service was given as 6 months; he was 40 years old, married with 6 children, and had not been brought up to any trade.
4. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that Joseph was still working as a Labourer and that his family details and pay were unchanged; his length of service and age in this Return were updated.
5. A Return of Persons Belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831 recorded that Joseph Cannon was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory; he was paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/570)
6. WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
7. WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Joseph still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 3, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. At that date he had served 2 years and was aged just over 41.
8. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
9. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Joseph Cannon still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as 3 years and at that date he was 42.
10 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, gave the same information as in note 9 above, except that Joseph was aged 43, and had served for just over 3 years.
11 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that his basic details remained unchanged, but his age and length of service were updated.
Supply 5/229
154
Lewis
Capet
00/00/1795
1. Lewis Capet, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was first employed by the Board on the 27th February 1815, and was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Cheshunt.
WO54/516
155
John
Carr
00/00/1799
Return of Employees
1. John Carr, according to a letter (Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd October 1811) was approved as an Apprentice to Master Worker, William Newton. John was to lodge with his father, John Carr, Shoemaker of Waltham Abbey. His Apprenticeship started on the 30th September 1811 according to WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823.
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed that John was still Apprenticed to the Master Worker and earned 6/-d. per week, with his Master getting 6/-d per week for this Apprentice.
3. At the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) his situation was the same, and his Master was still getting 6/-d per week.
4. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that John Carr was still Apprenticed to the Master Worker. He was a single man, aged 19, and lived in Waltham Abbey. At this date he earned 7/-d per week.
5. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of the people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Carr's name was included, with his pay increased to 9/-d per week.
6. Petition from John Carr dated the 6th January 1819 (Supply 5/202) recorded that at that date he had completed his Apprenticeship under the Master Worker, and begged that he remain at the Mills to support himself and his family. The Board agreed to retain him as an Artificer under the Master Worker.
7. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that John Carr was employed as Brimstone Refiner. He was still single, aged 20, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
8. List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that John was 22, still single, still lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 2/4d per day as a Saltpetre Refiner. However, he received 1/6d per night when allowed to watch in turn.
9. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that John's details remained the same as in Note 8.
10. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Mr. Carr, Saltpetre Refiner, as 23, with just over 10 ten years' service, and pay per day of 2/4d.
11. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, i.e., it stated that John Carr, Saltpetre Refiner, was Apprenticed to the Master Worker on the 30th September 1811 and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, became a Saltpetre Refiner. His annual pay was £41.14.4d, and according to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had just over 10 years' service, was 23, was single and lived in Waltham Abbey.
12 In the Spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced; accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822). John Carr was one of the men who was to be dismissed on the 1st June, 1822. However, a List of Employees dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that he was retained as a General Workman carrying out whatever type of work was required anywhere within the Manufactory.
13 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Carr was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." His pay for the year was £33.16.0d, and his service details were confirmed.
14 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), John Carr had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
15 According to the Return dated the the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) John earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as 13 years, he was then aged 26, and he was still single. He had trained as a Gunpowder Maker.
16 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters', pp. 93/95) confirmed the previous information given. It also recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 18th September 1811, and that his earnings were £33.16.0d. per annum.
17 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that he was employed as a General Purpose Labourer and confirmed his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total pay £39.0.0d. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the information given 6 months earlier.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, except that he was then a married man.
19 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 but recorded that he then had 1 child.
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826." except that his length of service started at the end of his Apprenticeship in January 1819.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. He was then 28 years of age, married, and had 1 child.
22 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he served 9 years at that date.
23 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) showed no alteration to the details given in the April Return above.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with pay unchanged, but recorded that he then had 2 children.
25 Return of Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Mr. Carr, as in Note 17, still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was over 10 years, that he was 29, was married and had 2 children.
26 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Carr as in Note 25, except that his service was 11 years and he was now aged 30.
27 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed the information given in the previous Return.
28 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated the October 1830 Return, and confirmed he was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory.
29 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 recorded that John was dismissed by the Board's Order No. 1082 dated the 26th September 1832.
Supply 5/229
156
Thomas (1)
Carter
00/00/1765
Record of Personnel Working in the Stores Department
1. Thomas Carter (1) was employed as a Labourer on the 8th March 1810. According to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, Thomas (1) was a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr. Thomas Carter was a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
3. Thomas (1) was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay as previously, and allowed to watch in turn.
4. List of Officers on Employment dated the the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Thomas Carter was a Saltpetre Refiner, aged 53, who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was married with 9 children, but then earned only 2/4d per day, with the same allowance of 1/6d per night when watching.
5. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) stated that Thomas was only 50 and still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remain the same as in Note 4.
6. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Thomas, Saltpetre Refiner, as 51, with 12 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
7. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, and confirmed that Thomas Carter (1), Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 8th March 1810, and by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual income of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at 31st December 1821 he had nearly 12 years' service, was 51 years old, was married with 8 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He had previously trained as a Shoe Maker.
8. List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, indicated that Thomas Carter, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained.
9. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Carter was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn for which he received 2/-d per week. Family and service details were confirmed except that according to this Return he then only had 7 children.
10 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Thomas Carter (1) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
11 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his annual pay was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. His service and family details were confirmed.
12 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 in Winters (pp 93-95), confirmed the previous information, and that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 8th March 1810. His annual income was £33.16.0d. per annum.
13 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 recorded that Thomas (1) was still a Saltpetre Refiner and confirmed his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total pay £39.0.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous family and service details. These details were repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. However, it should be noted that here are inconsistencies with his age.
14 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic details given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded that on the 24th February 1827, Thomas was promoted to being a Corning House Man with basic pay of £42.18.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which gave him a total annual income of £48.2.0d. At that date he had just over 17 years' service and was then 62 years of age, was still married and had 7 children.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had served nearly 18 years.
15 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
16 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unaltered..
17 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date Thomas (1) still earned the same as in note 13. His length of service was given as nearly 20 years, and he was aged 63.
18 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830, updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
19 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 stated that Thomas Carter was 64 years of age and that he had served just over 20 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 13, and all other information remained the same.
20 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Thomas was 65 years of age and had served nearly 21 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d.
21 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return. All other details remained unchanged.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated Thomas's age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April, 1832 Return, and confirmed that he was still a Millman.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Thomas Carter was a Millman who still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as nearly 23 years, and his age as 67.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 stated that Mr. Carter was 68 years of age and had served just over 23 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £48.2.0d, and his family details remained the same.
26 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Thomas was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic wage had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum; he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual income to £41.1.9d.
27 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
28 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) stated that since the 5th September 1837, Thomas Carter (1) had been employed as a Corning House Man with pay of £42.18. 0d; he was 72 years of age at that date, and although he was allowed to watch in turn, it appears that due to his age, he declined.
29 A transcript of the 1841 Census recorded that a Thomas Carter of a similar age was living with his wife, Elizabeth, (aged 60) in North Upshire near the Green Man. He is described therein as an Agricultural Labourer, and was born in the county.
Supply 5/228
157
William
Carter
00/00/1765
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Dept.
1.William Carter was refining and milling Saltpetre, and paid 1/6d per day according to Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794. These details were confirmed on the Return dated the 31st December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
2. William was still a Refiner on the 24th June 1795, according to Supply 5/217; this document states that he started with the Ordnance on the 21st November 1791.
3. According to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798, he enlisted with the Waltham Volunteers.
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a Refiner.
5. A Report of Employees dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) indicated that he was a married man with 6 children.
6. List of Employees dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) confirmed that William was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner with just over 15 years' service and paid 2/-d per day. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 confirmed this information, but he was then allowed to watch in turn when not working "extra". Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 and Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirm the information given above, as did Supply 5/229 of the 29th August 1812, but this Return recorded he was now paid 2/8d per day.
7. Mr. Carter was still a Saltpetre Refiner according to the Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230); he was still being paid 2/8d per day, and when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
8. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) stated William was still a Saltpetre Refiner, but his pay had been reduced to 2/4d per day. He was still allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night. He was a 53-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, and now had 7 children.
9. During 1818, it was proposed to reduce the Establishment at Waltham Abbey; William was to be retained, but he was subsequently reclassified as a Brimstone Refiner.
10 As a Brimstone Refiner (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819) he was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night. He was then a 54-year-old married man with 7 children, living in Waltham Abbey.
11 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820) recorded that William was a Saltpetre Refiner who was still paid 2/4d per day, and now allowed to watch for 1/6d per night. His age was given as 55, and, according to this Return, he had 8 children. An update (Supply 5/232 of the 9th April 1821) gave similar information. and is confirmed in Supply 5/232 for 1822.
12 List of Employees dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that William started with the Ordnance on the 21st November 1791 as a Labourer, and that he was then a Saltpetre Refiner with an annual remuneration of £41.14.4d, which included allowances for watching. This document stated that he had been trained as a Butcher before working at the Mills, that he was 57 with 30 years' service, that he was married and had 9 children. He was still living in Waltham Abbey.
13 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Carter was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
14 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his annual earnings were £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, which, on average, paid him 2/-d per week.
15 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) William Carter had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December, 1822, and 15th January 1823.
16 WO/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed William was still a Saltpetre Refiner and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. It also confirmed that he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his pay £39.0.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous service details, but this Return recorded that he had only 7 children.
17 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, recorded that William Carter had died.
Supply 5/216
158
Thomas (2)
Carter
00/00/1792
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Thomas Carter (2) was employed as a Cooper earning 1/9d per day. According to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 he was not allowed to watch, and, therefore, must have been under 14 when he started work.
2. In Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, he was described as Thomas (2) and this document confirmed he was still a Cooper, then earning 2/4d per day, but still not allowed to watch.
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Thomas Carter was still a Cooper, and that he was a married man, aged 20, with no children, who lived in Waltham Abbey. He then earned 3/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch.
4. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." (Reduction in the Establishment following the end of the Napoleonic wars). The list included Mr. Thomas Carter.
5. Winters (pp.93-95), stated that in a Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825, Thomas was re-engaged on the 20th December 1824 to make cement casks for Harwich. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed that at that date he had been employed for 9 months as a Cooper making cement casks for Harwich, with pay of £54.12.0d per annum. He had been trained as a Cooper, and was a 26-year-old married man, with 2 children. After 1825, no further references to Thomas Carter (2) can be found, and it is possible that he had left the area.
Supply 5/228
159
Charles
Carter
00/00/1803
List of Employees
1. Charles Carter, according to a List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) was Appenticed to the Master Worker. He was a single man who lived in Waltham Abbey, and earned 6/-d per week.
2. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Charles Carter's name was on this list with his pay increased to 6/2d per week.
3. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Carter was still Apprenticed to the Master Worker, lived in Waltham Abbey and that he was paid 6/2d per week.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that 16-year-old Charles Carter was still an Apprentice, but that his pay had increased to 6/4d per week.
5. According to the List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) Charles was 17 at that date and Apprenticed to the Master Mixer of Composition; he was then paid 6/8d per week.
6. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave Charles' age as 18; he was still an Apprentice with over 6 years' service, and then earned 7/-d per week.
7. Return showing the pay, allowances, length of service and every drescription of those employed in the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed , and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It stated that Charles Carter was appointed Apprentice to the Master Worker on the 14th August 1815 at Waltham, and then as a Gunpowder Maker. His total earnings for the year amounted to £17.14.3d. At that date he had nearly 7 years' service, was aged 19, was a single man, and he lived in Waltham Abbey.
8. Return dated the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/233); this document recorded that Charles Carter, Apprentice, having completed his Aprenticeship with the Master Worker, had been discharged by the Board's Order dated the 22nd May 1822.
9. List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825) confirmed that Charles Carter, a single man aged 22, had been employed as a Labourer for 4 months from June 1825 on a temporlary basis, and was to be discharged at the end of that month. He was paid 2/2d per day.
10 Although Charles was apprehended, together with William Taylor, by the Thames Police for being in possession of Government stores from the Waltham Abbey Mills, the outcome of this is unknown. (Supply 5/208 dated April 1833).
11 Nevertheless, a Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that Charles was employed as a General Labourer on the 17th April 1837, with pay of £39 per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was then a 34-year-old married man with 1 child.
12 Supply 5/238 of the 30th November 1840 indicated that Charles Carter, a Labourer in the Mixing House, was appointed Millman.
13 The 1841 Census recorded that Charles was 35 years old, and that he and his wife, Ann, aged 25, were living in Broomstick Hall Road with their chidren Charles (4), George (3) and Thomas (3 months). All were born in Essex.
Supply 5/231
160
Daniel
Carter
Return of Employees
1. Daniel Carter, according to the Return of Employees dated the the 1st October 1839 (WO56/623) was employed as a General Labourer in April 1837 at the age of 34. He was, however, discharged in September or October of 1839 according to this Return.
WO56/623
161
Abraham
Carter
00/00/1802
Return of Employees
1. Abraham Carter, according to the List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825) was a single man aged 23, and had been employed as a Labourer for four months since June 1825 on a temporary basis, at 2/2d per day. He was to be discharged at the end of October 1825.
WO54/550
162
Thomas (3)
Carter
00/00/1797
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. Thomas Carter (3) was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and was first employed by the Board on the 9th September 1815. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
163
Isaac
Cass
00/00/1732
Personnel Record
1. Isaac Cass was a Labourer by trade and and was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winter's Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. Record dated 27th January 1789 (Supply 5/212) stated that Mr. Cass was "to be tried as a Millman". He was appointed a Millman in the Corning House "...having lately been employed by Mr Walton."
3. His pay on the List of Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 21st March 1789 (Supply 5/212) was given as 2/-d per day.
4. In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789 Isaac's job was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
5. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 57 and employed as a Millman.
He is also described as a Millman in March 1790 and April 1791 (Supply 5/214 and 5/215) and again in July to September 1792, as well as in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). This was also the case in August to Sept 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793) and in January, August and December, 1794 (Supply 5/216 of the 31st January 1794, 5/216 of the 31st August 1794 and 5/217 of the 31st December 1794 respectively).
6. By the 24th June 1795, Isaac was working in the Dusting House on reduced pay of 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795.
7. A signed document, a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) indicated that he was literate and was working as a Warder.
8. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed he was working as a Labourer and was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
9. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Warder "attending at the field gate, the Refining House and the upper part of the works."
Supply 5/212
164
John
Cass
List of Employees and their Pay
1. John Cass, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This remained the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
165
Luke
Cawthorn
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. Luke Cawthorn was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week, agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March 1801." (List of Officers and Others Employed dated the 8th May 1804 - Supply 5/222).
Supply 5/222
166
James
Cellop
List of Officers etc employed.
1. James Cellop was employed as a Millman with a rate of pay of 3/-d per day, and an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814)
Supply 5/230
167
William
Champness
List of Employees and their Pay
1. William Champness was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, and earned 2/8d per day; in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
2. WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, indicated that William was now employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, having started in that capacity on the 12th September 1815. He was a 23-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 1 child.
Supply 5/229
168
Joseph
Chapel
List of Artificers etc., their Marital status and Number of children.
1. Joseph Chapel was working as a Labourer and paid 1/6d per day according to a Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221). He was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/221
169
John
Chaplin
00/00/1787
Employee Return
1. John Chaplin was appointed as a Labourer within the Manufactory on the 11th February 1834, and was a 46-year-old married man with 7 children. He had worked in the Royal Ordnance Laboratory as a Labourer since the 1st May 1806 and had some 28 years' service. He was paid £28.5.6d per annum and was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him total annual pay of £33.9.6d (WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834).
2. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in Note 1, except that he was then 47 years old and had served just over 28 years.
3. Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) indicated that he was employed as a Millman on the 26th October 1836 with pay of £46.16.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He had 33 years' service, was a married man, was now aged 52, and had 7 children.
4. The 1841 Census recorded that John was only 50 years' old at that date, and that he and his wife, Sarah, who was described as a 45-year-old charwoman, were living in Camp's Alley with 5 of their children, John, aged 15 - described as a Labourer working at the Gunpowder Mills - Mary, aged 15, Eliza, aged 14, Rachael, aged 11 and Richard, aged 9. With the exception of Richard, they were all born in Essex.
WO54/593
170
William
Chaplin
Return of Employees
1. William Chaplin, according to the Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) was to be employed as a general Labourer on the 2nd October 1839, in place of Charles Horam who had been discharged. He was to be paid of £39 per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn.
WO56/623
171
Thomas
Chaplin
Letter out book
1. Thomas Chaplin, a general Labourer, replaced Charles Carter as a Labourer in the Mixing House on the 30th November 1840 (Supply 5/238 dated the 26th April 1841).
Supply 5/238
172
William
Chapman
Petition on Pay
1. William Chapman was illiterate and working as a general Labourer, according to a signed document of the 2nd February 1800 (Supply 5/220 relating to a Petition on Pay).
2. Chapman was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation", paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
3. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that he was then employed as a Cooper, but his pay had been reduced to 2/4d per day, and he was then not allowed to watch.
Supply 5/220
173
Joseph
Chapple
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. Joseph Chapple was working as a Labourer "Setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc." at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the18th June 1807). At that time and had 9 months' service
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, showed Mr. Chapple was now employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that Joseph was then a Corning House Man who was still paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch for 1/6d.
4. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House; the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning and Reel Houses, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Joseph Chapple, a widower, who left a 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, who was in service, and who was generally considered to be dependant "to a great measure" on her late father.
5. In a letter dated 29th November 1811 (Supply 5/199), the Board had agreed to pay "a donation of ten guineas" to Sarah, "the daughter of Joseph Chapple." His other children were provided for according to a letter dated the 3rd December, 1811 (Supply 5/229). This letter confirms that before his death, Mr. Chapple was employed as a Millman in the Corning House at 2/6d per day.
Supply 5/224
174
Edward
Chase
Record of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Edward Chase was a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and in the punts for 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791).
Supply 5/215
175
Anthony
Childs
List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers etc., employed in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Anthony Childs was employed as a Puntman and paid 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr. Childs was then a Corning House Man earning 3/3d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
3. Anthony was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/228
176
William
Chillis
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. William Chillis was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner in June 1807 and was paid 2/-d per day. In addition, he was allowed to watch in turn when not working, for which he was paid 1/-d (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. An entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 confirmed Mr. Chillis was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 was a repeat of the previous two entries.
Supply 5/226
177
James
Chillis
List of Employees and their Pay
1. James Chillis was a Brimstone Refiner who earned 3/-d per day, according to a List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229). Iin addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night. This information also applied on the 13th February 1814 according to Supply 5/230 of that date.
Supply 5/229
178
John
Chillis
List of Employees and their Pay
1. A 'Chillis, J' was recorded as a "new entrant" in Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and employed as a Brinstone Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. The name of J. Chillis does not appear again in the records until 1812 when the name John Chillis appears, and it is assumed that this is one and the same man.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that a John Chilis was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner at 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. This remained the case on the 13th February 1813 (Supply 5/230).
3. In a letter from the Office of Ordnance dated the 3rd November 1817 (Supply 5/201) it was stated that the Ordnance Surgeon, Mr. Hilton, has "represented the life of John Chillis, a Labourer... to be in danger for want of proper trusses to be used by him in a case of Hernia occasioned by his work in the manufactory, and which cannot be reduced". As a consequence, directions were given to the Director General of the Ordnance Medical Department "to cause two trusses of the description you have stated, to be immediately forwarded to Waltham Abbey for the use of this man."
Supply 5/224
179
Peter
Clark
List of Artificers, etc. Employed
1. Peter Clark was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day, and was married with 5 children. (Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801). Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. In his book "Centenary Memorial" (p.59) Winters stated that men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801 and that Peter Clark was one of those men. He also recorded that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
3. In a letter dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately destroyed (16th June, 1801) the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." The list included Peter Clark, and therein stated that "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great…" and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
4. In a letter to the Board dated the 29th July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it is stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June, had requested that they be reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Clark, whose claim amounted to £2.12.6d in all - for a hat (4/-d), stockings (2/6d), shirt (5/6d), coat (6/6d), Breeches (4/-d), waistcoat (6/-d) and sheets (£1.4.0d.). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Clark, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking), at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) stated that Mr. Clark and others had been so severely burnt in the Old Corning house, that it would be dangerous to expose him with the other men in repairing the river banks at that time, but that instead, he should perform trifling jobs as they occurred.
Supply 5/221
180
John (1)
Clark
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., their rates of pay & service.
1. John Clark (1) started work as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/3d per day, and his service was given as 9 months ( Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. He was still employed as a Millman in June 1807 and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226)
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Clark was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty." This was also the case in 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/224
181
William
Clark
00/00/1780
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Clark commenced work in the autumn of 1805 as a Labourer, "Drawing and Setting Stoves etc.", earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 - William then worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed Mr. Clark was still employed as a Corning House Man, but with his pay increased to 2/6d. per day, and, again, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed the information given in Note 3.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Clark was still a Corning House Man, but that he now earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
6. William was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for the same 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
7. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that William Clark was still working in the Corning House, that he was 38, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 1 child. He then earned 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid only 1/-d per night.
8. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and Clark's name was not on that list. However, a second list dated the 3rd September, modified the cut- back and Clark was retained on the same wage, although he was then not allowed to watch.
9. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Clark was still employed in the Corning House and that he was a married man aged 39, with 1 child. He lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
10 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. William Clark was now 40. He then lived in Cheshunt, earned only 2/4d per day as a Saltpetre Refiner, but was allowed 1/6d per night when watching in turn.
11 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that William was 40, was married with 1 child, but was then employed as a Saltpetre Pefiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 5.
12 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of William, Saltpetre Refiner, as 42, with 16 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
13 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of the persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. William Clark, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 13th June 1805, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had 16 years' service, was 42 years of age, was married with 1 child, and lived in Cheshunt.
14 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder. The Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced, and, accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822). The list included William Clark, and the men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. William Clark was one of the petitioners, and as a consequence he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/224
182
Benjamin (2)
Clark
Return of Employees
1. Benjamin Clark (2) was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
183
Daniel
Clark
List of Employees
1. Daniel Clark was first employed by the Board on the 14th October 1814 as a casual Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department He was a 21-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
184
John (2)
Clark
00/00/1793
List of Employees
1. John Clark (2) was first employed by the Board on the 11th November 1815 as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department. He earned 2/8d per day, and was a 22-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 1 child (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
185
Benjamin (1)
Clarke/Clark
00/00/1764
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Benjamin Clarke/Clark (1) started on the 8th October 1794 as a Labourer in the Corning House, earning 1/6d per day. (Supply 5/217 of the 31st December 1794). Note: the spelling of his name varies throughout the documents. According to Supply 5/217 dated 3rd July 1795, he was still a Labourer in the Corning House.
2. Supply 5/219 of September 1798 recorded that Benjamin (1) was a Refiner who had enlisted as a Private in the Voluntary Company on the 8th October 1794.
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay indicated that he was illiterate and was still working as a Refining House Labourer .
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a single man. Note: in this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Benjamin Clark was one who agreed to go according to Winters' (p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register dated 1573 - 1840 does not record Clarke's name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated, but that he was subsequently re-engaged.
5. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Clark was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
6. Return of Employees (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed that he was Saltpetre Refiner, that he was paid 2/-d per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn when not on duty.
7. List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) recorded that Benjamin was employed as a Warder in August 1812, with pay of 2/8d per day but not allowed to watch in turn. This information is confirmed at the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
8. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Benjamin was still a Warder; he was a widower, aged 54, with 3 children who lived in Waltham Abbey. At that date he earned 2/4d per day.
9. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it is stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement", i.e., a reduction in the Establishment due to a downturn in work. The list included Mr. Benjamin Clarke.
Supply 5/217
186
William
Claverly
Pay List
1. William Claverly was employed as a Common Labourer. He was paid 17/-d for 7 days for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809),
2. According to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, he was employed in setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations, etc., for which he was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Claverly was then a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
4. He was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and still allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228
187
Charles
Clayden/Claydon/Clayton
00/00/1784
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers
1. Charles Claydon, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, had 3 months' service working in the Corning House at that date, and earned 2/2d per day WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that he was first employed as a Puntman on the 24th October 1805, so it would appear he was transferred as a Corning House Man shortly afterwards.
2. Charles was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Claydon was still employed as a Corning House Man, but then earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Employee List dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228) confirmed the information given in the previous note.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Claydon was still a Corning House Man who then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
6. According to the List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) Mr. Claydon was now a Reeling House Foreman earning 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was still allowed to watch in turn at 1/6d per night.
7. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that Charles was working in the Corning House, that he was 33, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with 5 children. He earned 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
8. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Claydon's name was on the list with his pay remaining unchanged, but he was then not paid watch money.
9. Charles' name was included in a list attached to a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) wherein it stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement."
10 However, on a List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Clayden was apparently still employed in the Corning House. He was then a married man, aged 34, with 5 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey. His pay was still 2/11d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
11 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed the information given in Note 10, although he was then allowed 1/6d per night to watch. In addition, according to this Return, he only had 4 children.
12 A document dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) was a statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 and showed the amounts received by the Storekeeper. It indicated that Charles Claydon was living in a house owned by the Board of Ordnance (Tenement No. 4) leased to him at £5.4.0d per annum. The property has been identified as being in Romeland. The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
13 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Charles Claydon was then 39, was married, had 4 children and still lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information remained the same as in Note 11.
14 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Mr. Charles Claydon, Corning House Man, as 39, with pay per day of 2/11d.
15 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that Charles Claydon, Corning House Man, was appointed on the 24th October 1805 as a Puntman at Waltham Abbey. His position on the Establishment as a Corning House Man was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818, and he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him total annual pay for the year of £50.16.11d. He had just over 16 years' service, was aged 40, and was a married man with 4 children, living in Waltham Abbey.
16 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included Charles Claydon, Corning House Man. A Statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit" dated he 4th April 1822, recorded that Charles was one of several employees "having occupied their present residences previous to the Hon. Board purchasing the same, sanction will be asked for their future residing in them." Under an Order dated the 4th May 1821, the property was leased to him for an annnual rent of £5.4.0d, (Supply 5/232) although where the property was is unknown. In the spring of 1827, Charles moved to Romeland to another tenement owned by the Board off High Bridge Street. A List of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office recorded that on the 6th April 1827, Charles Clayton was granted the lease of a tenement owned by the Board (Supply 5/237 and WO44/133) for which he was charged £5.4.0d per annum. The cottage is Plot No. 71 on the Drayson Town Map of 1833, and according to the 1825 Rateable Valuation for Waltham Abbey, had then been occupied by a Thomas Clayton (D/DHf B29). Charles continued to work as a general Labourer and retained his right to watch in turn until October 1827, when he was classified as a Leading Hand. This allowed him to act as a Rounder, which increased his annual income to £47.17.4d (WO54/558) Sometime between 1834 and 1840 he moved into a cottage within the Storehouse Yard following the death of Benjamin Archer, and this was Plot No. 21 on Drayson's 1833 Town Map.
17 A Return of Employees dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) showed that he was required to carry out any type of work required anywhere within the Manufactory.
18 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that Clayden was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." - in other words a general Labourer. He was paid £33.16.0d per annum, and this record showed that he was then a widower with 4 children.
19 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 ( - Alteration in Return B), Charles had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
20. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824 recorded that Charles earned £39.0.0d per annum which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-per week. His period of service was given as 19 years, he was then aged 42, and was a widower with 4 children.
21 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed he was still a general purpose Labourer, and that he was earning £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him total pay of £39.0.0d per annum; this Return also confirmed his previous family and service details.
22 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the basic details given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
23 According to WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, although Charles was still classified as a General Labourer, he was a Leading Hand. This allowed him to act as a Rounder every third night, which increased his annual income to £47.17.4d. Family details were confirmed as in the notes above. At that date Charles Claydon had 22 years' service and was then 44 years of age.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had then served nearly 23 years.
25 Return dated the 1st October 1828 ((WO54/562)) updateed his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
27 Return of Employees as at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) recorded that Charles earned in total £45.17.4d per annum, that his service was nearly 24 years, that he was 45 years of age, and that he was married, with 4 children.
28 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Charles as in Note 27, except that his service was given as just over 24 years and that he was aged 46.
29 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 27. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October Return, and confirmed that he was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory.
30 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return. He was a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him annual pay of £47.17.4d.
32. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April, 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
33 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that at that date Charles was still earning £45.17.4d annually. His period of service was given as 27 years, and his age as 49.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 stated that Charles was 50 years of age, and had served for 28 years. On the 15th July 1833, he had been promoted to a Corning House Man, replacing James Pallett who had died This Return recorded that his annual wage was then £53.16.0d, which included an amount for Rounding every 3rd night of 2/-d.
35 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Charles was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic pay had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum. He was still a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he was paid 2/-d each time, and this increased his annual pay to £48.1.9d. His age and service details were updated.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, but his conditions and pay remained unchanged.
37 A List of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers on the 20th December 1834, recorded that Charles Claydon had leased or rented Tenement No. 72 since the 6th April 1827. This property was in Romelands although the document described it as on "Horse Mill Island." This may have been a clerical error, since Charles was soon to move into another cottage following the retirement of Benjamin Archer. That cottage was located within the Salpetre Refinery, where a track via a footbridge, led to the island.
38 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) indicated his pay was £55.0.8d per annum, which included an amount for being allowed to watch in turn. He had been restored as a Corning House Man on the 5th September 1834; all other details remained unchanged.
39 The 1841 Census recorded that Charles was living in a cottage on the south side of High Bridge Street with, presumably, his second wife, Elizabeth. Both were in their fifties, and living with them was a Sarah Pegrum, aged 90, perhaps his mother-in-law.
Supply 5/224
188
Thomas
Claydon
List of officers, foremen, artificers etc.
1. Thomas Claydon was a Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory, setting and drawing stoves and loading and unloading barges, etc., for which he was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
189
Joseph
Claydon
List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. employed in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Joseph Claydon was employed in setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations etc. at 2/-d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn. (Supply 5/228 dated September 1810).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Joseph was a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
3. Joseph was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228
190
John
Clowdesly
C.V's of Clerks at Waltham Abbey
1. John Clowdesly was appointed by General Conway at Portsmouth on the 12th October 1772, and made Extra Clerk at Portsmouth on the 24th February 1776. He was an Extra Clerk at Woolwich on the 24 April 1777, and became Clerk of the Cheque at Purfleet on the 12th August 1780 (Supply 5/216 dated the 23rd August 1792).
2. He was appointed Clerk of the Cheque at Waltham Abbey on the 1st April 1788 (FGP, p.21).
Supply 5/216
191
John
Coal
00/00/1786
List of Officers and Foremen, etc.
1. John Coal was employed as a Casual Bricklayer's Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816. He was first employed by the Board on the 12th June 1813, and was a 30-year-old married man living in Enfield, with 1child.
WO54/516
192
Stephen
Cock
Personnel Record
1. Stephen Cock was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October, 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters, op.cit.p.28).
2. A Report dated the 27th November 1788 (Supply 5/212) recorded that Stephen was to be tried as a Millman, yet a further Report dated the 21st March 1789 (also Supply 5/212) recorded that Cock was at that date "Setting and Drawing Stoves, etc." at 1/6d per day.
3. A letter dated the 12th September 1789 from J. Wright and J. Clowdersly to Major Congreve said, "We beg leave to report that last night at 6 O'clock the 2nd of No. 16 Head Mills blew up; the charge had not been upon the bed more than five Minutes and the Mill did not receive any injury, it was set to work this day at 10 O'clock. The Master Worker has removed James Bennett and Stephen Cock out of the Mills as he found them incapable of doing their buisiness, we therefore desire to know if you would have them discharged. We have given notice to Richard Stevens and Thos Wright that they are not to be employed after the 20th Instant which we hope will meet your approbation." (WASC 1392).
Supply 5/212
193
Abraham
Cockham
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Abraham Cockham was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This remained the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
194
John
Codwell
List of Employees.
1. John Codwell was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
195
William
Colbert
Return of Employees
1. William Colbert, according to WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, was originally brought up as a musician to the Dragoons. He commenced work with the Board on the 31st May 1800, but where was not known. His employment at Waltham Abbey dated from the 18th May 1832, and he had not worked there previously. In April 1833, he was the Foreman of Labourers, with a daily rate of pay of 4/9d for 313 days, giving him annual earnings of £74.6.9d. His period of service was given as 33 years, and he was then aged 67, a widower with 6 children.
2. Under an order of the Board dated the 15th March 1833, William Colbert, Labourer with the Engineers' Department, was to be discharged and granted a pension of £29.14.9d per annum, until an opportunity arose to employ him again. (Supply 5/208 dated 26 July 1833).
WO54/587
196
Thomas
Cole
00/00/1739
List of Artificers, etc.
1. Thomas Cole was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers's Department at 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. Thomas signed for his pay with a firm hand (WASC 1382).
2. According to a Report dated the 8th May 1801, Thomas was working as a Labourer Foreman in the Engineers' Department; he was a married man with 1 child, and was paid 1/9d per day, having started work at the Mills in 1790 (Supply 5/221).
3. In a letter dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately [16th June, 1801] destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all of their pay until they are recovered." Winter's in his book "Centenary Memorial" made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which had blown up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
4. The list dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) included Mr. Cole, and stated therein, "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated that Mr. Cole and two others were "Burnt so as to prevent them working, but they may soon be well." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
5. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was recorded that the men, including Thomas Cole, who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June, suffered so much that they wished for death to release them from their torture, and it was a matter of surprise that they were recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) when they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested, therefore, that financial allowances be made.
6. A List of Officers and Others Employed (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) showed Thomas was still working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Department Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March 1801."
7. A List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) showed Thomas was a Warder earning 2/-d per day, and that he had 16 years' service, which agrees with the first entry.
8. He was still a Warder in 1807 and 1808 according to the List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808, when he earned 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227).
9. List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) confirmed that he was still employed as a Warder in August 1812, but that his pay had increased to 2/8d per day.
10 List of Employees (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) confirmed the information given in Note 8.
11 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Thomas Cole was still a Warder who had served 27 years, and his age was given as 76. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Cole and others should be superannuated "...because of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Cole "has been getting more feeble every month for several years past, and is now incapable of exertion and quite worn out." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816 (Supply 5/200), Mr. Cole was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816.
12 A supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was "Thomas Cole, Warder" who received a pension of 12/-d per week, which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
13 List of Persons receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821) confirmed entry No. 11 above in respect of Thomas.
14 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It recorded that Thomas Cole, "lately a Warder" was in receipt of £31.4.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This is also the case in 1826 according to Winters (p.96).
Supply 5/221
197
James
Cole
00/00/1786
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. James Cole was working in Corning House earning 2/2d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and had been employed with the Ordnance since the 8th September 1804 (Supply 5/232)..
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 confirmed he was still working in the Corning House earning the same amount as before, but in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d each time.
3. An entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 stated that Mr. Cole was a "Foreman of Reeling Houses" earning 2/10d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling and six pence", as was the case in 1810 and 1811.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Cole was still a Reeling House Foreman, but that he then earned 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was still watching in turn at 1/6d. per night.
5. According to the List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) the information regarding Mr. Cole remained the same as in Note 4.
6. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) state that James was working in the Corning House, that he was 32 and resided in Waltham Abbey, and that he was married with 4 children. He earned 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
7. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) gave the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Cole's name was included, with his pay reduced to 2/6d per day, and he was not allowed to watch.
8. James, according to the List of Employees dated the the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) was employed in the Corning House, was a married man aged 33 with 4 children, lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
9. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry, the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged, except that they were now allowed 1/6d per night to watch..
10 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that James was then 34; all other entries remained the same as in Note 9.
11 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave James's age as 36. He still worked in the Corning House and at that time had just over 17 years' service, with pay per day of 2/11d.
12 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons working at the Ordnance, Waltham Abbey, as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822.
It recorded that James Cole, Corning House Man, was appointed on the 8th September 1804, and that his position on the Establishment as a Corning House Man was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September, 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him a total for the year of £50.16.11d. He had just over 17 years' service, was aged 36, was a married man with 4 children and lived in Waltham Abbey. In addition, it recorded that he originally trained as a Pin Maker.
13 Supply 5/232 (List dated the 21st March, 1822 of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually) included James Cole, Corning House Man.
14 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Cole was still a Corning House Man, and that his pay for the year was £48.2.0d which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
15 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), James had had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 confirmed that he was still a Corning House Man and that his annual earnings were £48.2.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. His service and family details were confirmed.
16 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given, and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 8th September, 1804. His pay was given as £42.18.0d per annum.
17 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 recorded that James was still a Corning House Man, and gave his basic salary as £42.18.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making a total remuneration of £48.2.0d per annum. His previous family and service details were also confirmed . All of this information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the the 1st October 1825.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the details given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date, however, James had nearly 23 years' service and he was then aged 43.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had served just over 23 years.
22 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
23 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) also updated James' age and length of service, with family details and pay unaltered.
24 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date James still earned the same as recorded in Note 17. His length of service was given as nearly 25 years and he was then aged 44.
25 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that James was 45 and that he had served for nearly 26 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 17.
27 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, James was 46 and had served just over 26 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d per annum.
28 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return and all other details remained unchanged.
29 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April, 1832 Return.
31 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that James still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 28 years, and his age as 48.
32 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that James was 49 years of age and had served 29 years. He was still in receipt of annual pay of £48.2.0d, and his family details remained the same.
33 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although James was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic pay had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum, although he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his pay £41.1.9d per annum. He still had 4 children, and his age and service details had been updated.
34 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
33 Return of employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that he was still employed as a Corning House Man with annual pay of £42.2.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. His other details remained unchanged.
34 James Cole's name did not appear in the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey.
33 On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House; 7 men were killed, and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was James Cole (Winters, p.106).
34 A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc. was given in the London Illustrated News dated the Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). James left a widow and 4 children.
35. James was buried on Saturday, the 15th April 1843, in Waltham Abbey churchyard.
Supply 5/224
198
Robert
Coleman
C.V of Clerks at Waltham Abbey
1. Robert Coleman was appointed Extra Clerk at Purfleet on the 22nd July 1780, and Clerk at Waltham Abbey on the 1st April 1788 (Supply 5/216 dated the 23rd August 1792 - C.V's of Clerks at Waltham Abbey).
2. In 1794 he became a First-Lieutenant in the Militia formed at the Mills (Winters, p.51).
3. Report on Pay and Allowances for Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795) indicated that he was appointed Clerk of the Cheque, and gave his salary as £90 per annum, with £20 per annum for house rent.
4. A List of Artificers, Labourers and Members of the Volunteer Company dated September 1798 was prepared by Robert Coleman and signed by him as the "Storekeeper on duty", i.e., at the time, the Storekeeper was away from the Powder Mills (Supply 5/219).
5. Coleman kept a Minute Book between 1793 and 1796 which Winters used extensively in his Centenary Memorial, (pp 36-48), published in 1878. The Minute Book contained many small incidents relating to life and working conditions at the Mills, and his last entry on the 17th June 1796 read "Discontinued these Minutes, for it is impossible to keep them with accuracy in consequence of my frequency of going, after the Cylinder Works and Charcoal Wood." The cylinder works were at Fisher Street and Fernhurst in West Sussex, and he made frequent "scouting " trips in Essex for charcoal." He signed most of the letters in conjunction with the Storekeeper, James Wright, but a note on one dated the 17th May 1799, recorded "Clerk of the Cheque absent on duty in Sussex" (WO13/2202).
6. A letter from the Board dated the 19th August 1801 recorded that Henry Dugleby had been promoted to Clerk of the Cheque in place of Robert Coleman, who had been promoted (Supply 5/195).
7. Where Coleman was posted to is unknown.
Supply 5/216
199
George
Coleman
List of Employees
1. George Coleman, in a Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) ws shown as a Labourer who earned 1/6d per day. This Return also recorded that he was a married man with 1 child.
2. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (also Supply 5/221) stated that he was employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Coleman had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited, but "…it is possible that they [he] will go to Faversham as has been done heretofore, or their [his] business will be terminated."
Supply 5/221
200
James
Collop
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. James Collop was initially employed as a Labourer, drawing and setting stoves etc., earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806), and at that date he had 1 year's service
2. According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 Mr. Collop was then employed as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
3. A Return dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228) indicated that he was employed as a Millman with pay of 2/3d per day, and he was also allowed 6d per night when working extra.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Collop was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was still allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/224
201
Joseph
Colver
00/00/1768
Return of Employees
1. Joseph Colver was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week, according to WO54/512 dated September 1812.
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that he was employed as a Casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 12th November 1811. He was a 48-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 8 unmarried children.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 recorded that his pay was then only 2/4d per day, and that one of his children had married.
4. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818, recorded that he was employed "Occasionally as required" and paid 2/4d per day.
5. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, confirmed that he was still earning 2/4d per day. On this Return his age was given as 51.
6. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that Joseph was still employed as a Labourer. At that date he was 52, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 8 children. He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked only "Occasionally as the Service required."
7. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was 53 years' old with alll other details previously givenremaining unchanged.
WO54/512
202
John
Colverd
00/00/1787
Pay List
1. John Colverd, according to Pay List dated the 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228) was a Carpenter (1st class), and was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 (Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department) recorded that John was paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Carpenter. This gave him an annual income of £63.18.1d. His service at that date was nearly 15 years, and he was then 38 years' old. He was married and had 10 children, and this document also recorded that he was appointed to the Establishment in 1810.
3. WO54/550 dated the 13th October 1825, was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825. A note against 'Former Appointments' recorded that he was in the employment of a contractor on the 6th September 1804, who, it is assumed, worked for the Ordnance.
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, gives identical information as that in Notes 3 and 4, with the exception that he was then nearly 40 years' old, with service of nearly 16 years.
5. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, gave the same information as on the previous Return.
6. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded the same information as in the notes above, but at that date, Mr. Colverd had nearly 17 years' service.
7. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, showed no basic alteration from the previous Return.
8. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the information given in the notes above.
9. Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged. This Return confirmed he had trained as a Carpenter.
10 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829, confirmed that John at that date still earned the same as in Note 2. His length of service was given as nearly 17 years, and he was 42 years' old.
11 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
12 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Colverd as in Note 2, except that his service was now nearly 20 years, and his age was 43.
13 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that John was still a Carpenter, with family details and pay remaining unaltered, but length of service and age updated.
14 A Return of Persons Belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831, recorded that John Colverd was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 4/1d per day, and was required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory which required, " great care, attention and sobriety, etc."(WO54/575).
15 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
16 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that John still earned 4/1d per day as in Note 14, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. At that date he had served just over 21 years, and was aged 45.
17 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that he still earned £63.18.1d per annum and had, by then, served just over 22 years. He was then 46 years of age. This Return stated that the "Date of Present Appointment" was 23rd June 1823.
18 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 17.
19 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that he was in "Contractors' employ" at the Mills on the 6th September 1804 as a Carpenter, and that he had held his "present employ since the 23rd June 1823". His length of service was given as just over 23 years, which indicates that he first worked at the Mills in 1810. This is at variance with later entries. His pay remained at £63.18.1d, and this Return confirmed he had 10 children.
20 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 stated that John still earned a total of £63.18.1d per annum, that he was 47 years of age, and that his service was nearly 24 years.
21 In 1839 he was still paid 4/1d per day, with an estimated annual remuneration of £63.18.1d. He was a 53-year-old married man with 10 children, living in Waltham Abbey. (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
22 In the 1841 Census it was recorded that John, a Carpenter, and his wife Mary, lived in Romeland, together with their children Charles, aged 20, (also a Carpenter), James, aged 15 (a Shoemaker), and daughters Ann, aged 15, (who worked in the S.A.F. as a Percussion Cap Maker), Elizabeth, aged 13 and Rebecca, aged 7, who were both Pin Makers. John was not born in Essex, but the rest of his family were.
Supply 5/228
203
Thomas
Colverd
00/00/1810
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Colverd joined the Engineers' Department as a Labourer on the 21st May 1829 (WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829). He was a 19-year-old single man, who had trained as a Carpenter and was paid 2/2d per day, which gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. He may possibly have been the eldest son of John Colverd, Carpenter.
2. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Thomas as in Note 1, except that his service was given as 1 year.
3. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Thomas was still working as a Labourer, with his pay remaining unchanged.
4. A Return of Persons Belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Thomas Colverd was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory, and that he was to be paid 2/2d per day to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, "where steadiness and sobriety are particuliary required" (WO54/575).
5. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
6. WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Thomas Colverd still earned 2/2d per day, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served just over 2years and was aged 21.
7. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
8. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Thomas still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as just over 3years, and at that date he was just over 21 years of age.
9. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, gave the same information as in Note 8 above, except that Thomas was at that date 22 years' old and had served 4 years.
10 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that Thomas's basic details were unchanged and confirmed that he was still single.
11 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that Thomas still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served 5 years, that his age was 23 and that he was still a single man.
12 Based on the 1841 Census and previous information regarding age and marital status, it is possible that he may have been the Thomas Colverd, a 30-year-old bachelor and Carpenter by trade, who was living in what appeared to be a lodging house in Mr Hicks' yard in Sewardstone Street.
WO54/566
204
Joseph
Conyerd
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Joseph Conyerd, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This remained the case on the the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
205
Thomas (1)
Cook
00/00/1776
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Cook was taken on as an Apprentice in the Mixing House in August 1789, and was paid 1/-d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789). He remained an Apprentice until some time in 1793, but as his name is not included on the List of Employees dated the 31st August 1793 (Supply 5/216) it must be assumed that by that date he had left the Mills.
Supply 5/213
206
Thomas (2)
Cook
Return of Employees
1. In 1812, a Thomas Cook was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
207
John
Cook (also Cooke)
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Cook started work as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 5th November 1789,
receiving 1/6d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790). In April 1791, he was "in the barges" (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791). This was also the case in January to March 1792, according to a footnote on Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792. Supply 5/216 of the 31st July 1792, recorded that he was "in the country charring wood" and would be until September 1792, at which time he was paid 1/6d per day.
By February 1793, John Cook was working as a Bargeman. Together with John Turnham and William Fuller he was taking materials to London by barge, and was clearly afraid of being "seized by the Press Gangs" because the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey wrote to the Duke of Richmond to the effect that Cook, Fuller and Turnham were Gunpowder Makers and Bargemen, and were apprehensive of the Impress Office on the River Thames. They requested that "you will be pleased to grant them protection." (WASC 475).
2. John was desrcibed as a Bargeman in February to March 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) and August to September of that year (Supply 5/216). This remained the case in January to August 1794 (Supply 5/216), and in December 1794 (Supply 5/217). The same information is repeated in July 1795 (Supply 5/217) when his pay was shown as 9/-d per week. Additionally, John Cook and John Goodwin were Masters of the Bengal in 1797, according to Winters (p.55).
3. In a Return dated September 1798 (Supply 5/219) John was still listed as a Bargeman.
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that John was illiterate and was still working as a Bargeman.
5. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man, and had 2 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
6. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) stated that although he was still employed as a Bargeman, when not in the barges he was employed with the other men cleaning and deepening the river, canals, ditches and performing any other work necessary..
7. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, John was working as a Bargeman with pay of 3/3d per day. This Report also recorded that while transporting gunpowder to Pickets Field, Bargemen were allowed double pay.
8. A List of Officers and other Persons on the Establishment dated the 28th March 1805 (Supply 5/223) recorded that together with John Turnham, Cook was in charge of 19 men employed in shipping gunpowder, landing and drawing stores, transporting gunpowder and working in the willow plantation. They were earning 14/-d per week.
9. John is described as a Master Bargeman in January 1806 (Supply 5/224) with 15 years' service.
10 In a record dated 1807 Mr. Cook was still listed as a Master Bargeman, now earning 4/-d per day. This was also the case in 1808 (List of Officers and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 - Supply 5/227) and again in 1811, according to Supply 5/229.
11 Cook was still employed as a Master Bargeman in August 1812, with his pay increased to 5/2d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
12 List of Employees and their Pay (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) confirmed that Mr. Cook was still a Master Bargeman at that date, and that he was earning the same 5/2d per day.
13 Report of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) confirmed that Mr. Cook was still a Master Bargeman with service of 26 years. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 5/2d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Cook and others should be superannuated because "...of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Cook had, "previous to his entry into the Ordnance, served in the employment of the Merchants at these works from his childhood." In addition it was said that he had been "very much bruised and severely hurt in the Ordnance service at various periods, which has brought on complaints which render him unfit to continue his duty." However, in a letter dated the 6th March 1816 (Supply 5/200), Mr. Cook was finally awarded superannuation of only 3/6d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816.
14 A supplement to Supply 5/231 dated the 18th November 1818, listed "persons who have been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments." Among the recipients was John Cook, Master Bargeman, who received a pension of 21/-d per week, which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
15 A Statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232 dated the 4th April 1821), recorded that John Cook, by an Order of the Board dated the 4th May 1821, was living in a house owned by the Board at a rent of £8.9.0d per annum. This house, Tenement No. 28, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street, to the west of Powder Mill Lane at the western end (fourth from the end) of a group of tenements known as the Bank Cottages, and part of Plot No. 1432 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Tithe Map or Plot No. 48 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. This same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
16 List of Persons receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821) confirmed entry No. 14 above in respect of Mr. Cook.
17 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance and "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It confirmed that John Cook, lately a Master Bargeman, was in receipt of £54.12.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, and again in 1826, according to Winters (p.96).
18 A Return of Properties dated the 20th december 1834, showed that John Cook had vacated his cottage, which was then occupied by Edward Essex (Supply 5/237)
19 John was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 according to Supply 5/237.
20 The 1841 Census recorded that John Cook was an Ordnance Pensioner, aged 75, that his wife, Jane, was aged 70, and that they lived in Paradise Row. Both were born in Essex.
Supply 5/214
208
John
Cooms
List of Pay of those Employed
1. John Cooms, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809, was employed as a Bricklayer. He was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809. This is the only reference found relating to Mr. Cooms.
Supply 5/228
209
John
Cooper
00/00/1790
List of those Employed
1. John Cooper, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and this Return recorded that he was first employed by the Board on the 3rd May 1815. At that date he was a 26-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with one child.
2. The information given above is confirmed by WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, but his pay was then given as 2/4d per day.
3. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818, recorded that he was still employed "Occasionally as required" and paid 2/4d per day. He then had 2 children, and WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819 confirmed this information.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that John was still employed as a Labourer. He was then aged 30, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 2 children. He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
5. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821, was a repeat of the information detailed in a Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
6. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing those employed in the Engineers' Department, stated that John was paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had 8 years' service which had started on the 3rd May 1815. He was aged 32, married, living in Waltham Abbey, and had 2 children
7. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that John, as a Carpenter, was paid 4/1d per day for 313 days, and this gave him an annual income of £63.18.1d. His service was given as 10 years, and he was then nearly 35 years of age, was married, and had 2children.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirms the previous entry.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, gave identical information as in Notes 8 and 9, but he was then just over 35 years' old, with service of nearly 11 years.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was a repeat of the previous Return.
11 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above except at that date, John had nearly 12 years' service, and was then nearly 37 years' old.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
13 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updateed the same basic information as in the previous notes, but recorded that Cooper then had 3 children.
14 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
15 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Cooper as in Note 8; his service, however, was then nearly 15 years, and he was nearly 40 years old.
16 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that John was still a Carpenter; his family details and pay remained unchanged, but length of service and age were updated.
17 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that John Cooper was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory, and was paid 4/1d per day. He was required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory, "requiring great care, attention, sobriety, etc." (WO54/575).
18 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
19 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that John Cooper still earned 4/1d per day as indicated in Note 18, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. He had then served just over 16 years and was aged 41.
20 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
21 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that he still earned £63.18.1d per annum. He had by then served just over 17 years, and was aged 42.
22 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 22, except that he was now nearly 43 years' old and had served nearly 18 years.
23 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, contained the same basic details, but his age and length of service had been updated.
24 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, confirmed that John still earned a total of £63.18.1d per annum, that he was now nearly 44 years of age, and that his service was nearly 19 years.
25 WO56/623 dated the 1st April 1839 stated that John Cooper was originally appointed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 3rd May 1815. According to this Return, he had trained as a Carpenter and was appointed as a Millwright on the Establishment on the 16th October 1834. He was paid 5/2d per day, with estimated annual earnings of £80.17.2d. He was then a 49-year-old married man with 5 children living in Waltham Abbey, and by then had 24 years' service.
26 The 1841 Census recorded that John, who was described as a Millwright, was living in Paradise Row, together with his wife, Mary, who was aged 50, and daughters Jemimah, aged 20, Susan and Mary, aged 15 and 12 respectively, and son, John, aged 10. All were born in Essex.
WO54/516
210
William
Coote
00/00/1802
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. William Coote was employed as a Cooper earning 1/9d per day, and was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that William, aged 15, was still a Cooper and that he lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 1/9d per day.
3. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement", and the list included William Coote, Cooper.
Supply 5/230
211
Henry
Coreham
00/00/1766
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. Henry Coreham started work at the Mills on the 1st June 1793 as a Labourer in the Corning House, and was paid 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/216 of the 31st August 1793. This information was confirmed the following year (Supply 5/216), and remained the case in July 1795 (Supply 5/215 dated the 3rd July 1795).
2. Henry was still in the Corning House in September 1798 according to Supply 5/219, and had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794.
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a general Labourer, and a Return on the Marital Status of the Employees dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that Henry was a married man ,without issue.
Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Coreham was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60), but the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 did not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services were terminated, and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
4. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, Henry was still working in the Corning House as a Labourer with pay of 2/1d per day. In addition, all Labourers received an extra allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
5. In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) Henry was described as a Foreman of a Corning House earning 2/6d per day, and, according to this Return, he had been employed with the Ordnance for 14 years.
6. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, indicated that Henry was a Working Foreman of Corning Houses, with pay of 2/6d per day. He was allowed 1/6d as a Rounder to superintend the Watchmen on duty every 3rd night .
7. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Coreham was still a Foreman of Corning Houses, who then earned 3/-d. per day and every 3rd night was allowed 2/-d as Rounder to superintend the Watchmen on duty. This information was repeated in 1810 (Supply 5/228).
8. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Coreham was still a Foreman of Corning Houses, but that he then earned 4/-d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder earning 2/-d. every 3rd night. This was also the case according to the List of Employees dated the 13th February (Supply 5/230).
9. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) stated that Mr. Coreham was then Foreman of the Reeling House. He was aged 53, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married but had no children. He earned 3/4d per day according to WO54/524, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 1/6d every 5th night.
10 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Coreham's name was on the List, with his pay remaining as before.
11 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Coreham was still employed as the Reeling House Foreman, that he was a married man aged 54 with no children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 3/4d per day. He was also still a a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he received 1/6d per night.
12 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the entry above, but his pay as a Rounder had been increased to 2/-d per night.
13 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Coreham was 56, and that he was married without children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, was still a Reeling House Foreman, and was earning the same amount as in Note 11, with 2/-d per night as a Rounder.
14 List of Employees in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the 26th January 1822) confirmed that Henry was Foreman of the Reeling House. He was then aged 57, had 30 years' service and was paid 3/4d per day.
15 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232/WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822.
It recorded that Henry Coreham, Foreman of the Reeling House, was appointed on the 1st June 1793 as a Corning House Man at Waltham Abbey, and appeared to have been appointed as the Reeling House Foreman by an order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. His annual pay was given as £52.3.4d, and he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night. This gave him total annual pay of £57.7.4d. He had just over 28 years' service, was aged 57, was a married man with no children, and he lived in Waltham Abbey.
16 A List of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included Henry Coreham who was to be demoted as a Corning House Man (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822).
17 List of Employees dated the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that Henry was employed as a Corning House Man with effect from the 22nd May 1822, and that his pay had been reduced accordingly.
18 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Coreham was still a Corning House Man and that his pay for the year was only £48.2.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn of 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Corning House Man with the same annual earnings of £48.2.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn. His service and family details were confirmed.
19 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Coreham had had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
20 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, gave his basic pay as £42.18.0d per annum; in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week making an annual amount of £48.2.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details.
21 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 recorded that Coreham had been promoted to the Foreman of the Corning House on the 25th May 1825, in place of John Brown who was then the Foreman of the Stoves and Magazines. Coreham's pay was then £52.3.4d per annum and he was allowed to guard the works, for which he received on average 2/-d per week, giving him a total income of £57.7.4d for the year.
22 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the details given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
23 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
24 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Henry Coreham had just over 33 years' service and he was then 61 years of age.
25 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date he had served nearly 34 years.
26 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
27 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unaltered.
28 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date Henry still earned the same as quoted in Note 21. His length of service was given as just over 35 years and he was then aged 62.
22 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 stated that Mr. Coreham was then 63 years of age and that he had served just over 36 years. His pay was still the same as given in Note 21, and all other information remained the same, except that he was then a Widower.
24 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831 Henry still earned a total of £57.7.4d annually. he had then served nearly 37 years and was 64 years of age.
25 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return. He was still the Corning House Foreman under an Order dated the 30th June 1830, and was a Rounder every 3rd night, for which he was paid 2/-d per night. This gave him pay of £64.6.0d per annum.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Mr. Coreham was still the Foreman of Corning Houses, earning the same £64.6.0d as before. He was then 66 years of age and had served just over 28 years.
28 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that Henry Coreham, Foreman of Corning House, then earned only £57.7.4d per annum. His service was given as nearly 29 years, and his age as 66.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, stated that Henry was 67 years of age and had served 29 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £57.7.4d, and his family details remained the same.
30 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, updated the October 1833 Return for service and age. He was still a Foreman in the Corning Houses, with his conditions and pay unchanged.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
32 A List of Properties owned by the Board (Supply 5/237 dated the 20th December 1834)
recorded that Henry had leased one of their cottages in Powder Mill Lane since the 29th September 1829 for an annual rent of £5.4.0d. Between April and October 1830, Henry's second wife died (WO54/570).
33 A List of people dated the 12th September 1837 who were either promoted or superanuated (Supply 5/237) noted that "Henry Coreham, aged 71, with an infirmed hand, is now a Foreman in the Corning Houses, but recognises his infirmity, proposed that he is superannuated."
34 A Return of Domesetic Properties owned by the Board and dated May 1840, recorded that Henry had died, and that his cottage in Powder Mill Lane was then occupied by J. Gibbs (2) (WO44/133).
Supply 5/216
212
John
Cornhill
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers with their Pay & Service
1. John Cornhill was employed in the Corning House at 2/2d per day, and at the 30th January 1806, had been so employed for 1 year (Supply 5/224).
2. At the 18th June 1807, Cornhill was still working in the Corning House earning the same. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226)
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that John was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
4. John was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1813 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
213
William
Cornhill
List of Officers and their Employment
1. William Cornhill was employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d. per day, according to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
2. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmws he was still a Corning House Man at 2/6d day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he then received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/227
214
Daniel
Cornish
00/00/1750
Personnel Record for the Corning House
1. Letter from W. Congreve, Major of Artillery, Waltham Abbey, 21st September 1787, to Mr. Daniel Cornish:-
"I am directed by his grace the Duke of Richmond to desire you will immediately hire the best of the Millmen and Labourers who lately worked at Mr Walton's Powder Mills. They will be paid nine shillings a week for a month certain, and for every week they may be continued in these Powder Mills if they (the mills) should be purchased by the Government; and they (the above named men) will be allowed every advantage that was hitherto given to the Millmen and Labourers who work in the Royal Powder Mills at Faversham. Mr Cornish, you will be paid fifteen shillings a week from the date hereof for one month certain."
2. Daniel Cornish, according to Supply 5/188 dated the 16th February 1789, in addition to his wage was entitled to train an Apprentice, for which he received 7/-d per week.
3. Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789 stated that he earned 2/6d per day.
4. Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, recorded that he was "fitting up racks to the Store & preparing stuff to the Charcoal Mill etc", and later described as fitting sieve lines, etc. He continued with general repairs to buildings and equipment through 1790,1791,1792 and 1793.
5. Daniel had been a Carpenter with the Walton family since the year 1780, and joined the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey on the 1st November 1787 (Supply 5/217). He also joined the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a petition on pay, showed that he was literate and was still working as a Carpenter.
7. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Carpenter for 3/-d per day, and was a married man with 4 children.
8. Daniel was shown as a Carpenter in the "Engineers Department Established" and paid 4/1d per day, with an additional allowance of 6/-d per week for an Apprentice. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
9. In a letter dated 16th July, 1806 (Supply 5/197) it was stated that Mr. Cornish, Master Carpenter, should retire upon 10/6d per week, which would be borne upon the Charity List . In addition, "William White be appointed as Master Carpenter in the room of Daniel Cornish." However, in a further letter dated 19th November 1806, (also Supply 5/197) it appeared that Cornish had said that he was unable to support his family on the superannuation granted to him, and "requested the indulgence of being allowed to make ...Articles for the Powder Works at the prices stated against each." The letter went on to say that the writer desired that the Storekeeper paid Cornish "...periodically for such work as he may perform, quoting the date of this Order and the Storekeeper's authority for such payments."
10 In a letter from the Office of Ordnance dated 10th November 1817 (Supply 5/201) it was stated that the Board had ordered the superannuation allowance of 2/-d per day granted to Mr. Cornish - formerly Foreman of Carpenters in the Engineering Department, - to be paid by the Storekeeper, from the 1st January 1818.
11 A supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among those listed was Daniel Cornish, Foreman Carpenter, who received a pension of 12/-d per week which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
12 This pension was subsequently increased to 14/-d per week with effect from the 1st January, 1818. (Supply 5/231 dated the 8th November 1819)
13 A Statement of "Monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821, (Supply 5/232) indicated that Daniel Cornish, Pensioner, had been living in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 18, leased to him on 13th June 1808 for £6.10.0 per annum. Sometime after May 1821, Cornish moved to a tenement purchased by the Board of Ordnance that year. The house has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane at the eastern end of a group of tenements known as Bank Cottages (Part of Plot Number 1432 on the 1842 Waltham Abbey Tithe Map). This house was originally let to James and Eliza Allsup, who ran a Post Office. It was subsequently split into two dwellings and Daniel Cornish lived in the western half, while the Allsup family continued to occupy the portion nearest to Powder Mill Lane. Information on the rental for 1821 was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822.
14 List of Persons receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November, 1821) confirmed the information given in Note 10.
15 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Daniel Cornish, lately a Foreman Carpenter, was in receipt of £36.8.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. According to Winters (p.96), a later Superannuation List confirmed that Daniel Cornish died in 1825.
Winters further recorded on page 152 that Daniel had received a pension of £38.8.0d per annum.
16 A Return of Domestic Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office in May, 1840 (WO44/133) confirmed the location of Daniel's property, which was then occupied by Benjamin Cornish, his son.
Supply 5/188
215
James
Cornish
00/00/1776
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. James Cornish was born circa 1776 and started as a Carpenter's Apprentice at the age of 13 on the 16th February 1789, earning 1/-d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789).
2. In August 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
3. James joined the Volunteer Company as a Drummer Boy on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219) and was sent to Woolwich in July 1795 "to be perfected in the drums".
4. James was still an Apprentice in December 1794, but his wage had been increased to 1/10d per day (Supply 5/217). This was also the case in July 1795 (also Supply 5/217) with his pay at that date amounting to 2/-d per day.
5. On the 1st March 1796, he had completed his 7-year Apprenticeship, and was taken on the Establishment.
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate, and was still working as a Carpenter.
7. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was still working as a Carpenter, but was then a married man with 2 children..
8. List of Officers and Others Employed (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) confirmed that he was still a Carpenter in the "Engineers Department Established", and that his pay had increased to 2/6d per day.
Supply 5/213
216
John
Cornish
List of Artificers, etc. and Volunteer Corps Members
1. John Cornish started work as an Apprentice Carpenter on the 3rd March 1796 earning 1/-d per day. He also served as a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was still working as an Apprentice Carpenter, and that he was married, with one child.
Supply 5/219
217
Benjamin
Cornish
00/00/1796
Lisit of Officers and Foremen Employed
1. Benjamin Cornish was employed as a Cooper in September 1810 with pay of 2/6d per day, and, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, he was not allowed to watch.
2. He was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812 with his pay increased to 3/2d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
3. Benjamin was still in the same job on the 13th February 1814, but was now paid 4/-d per day (Supply 5/230).
4 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Benjamin Cornish, Cooper, was a single man, aged 21, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 4/-d per day.
5. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people the Storekeeper proposed to retain between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Benjamin Cornish's name was included with his pay given as 3/-d.
6. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Cornish was still a Cooper, that he was then 22, lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 3/6d per day. However, his name does not appear in a similar Return dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) and he appeared to have left the Mills.
7. Return showing Pay and Allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, p. 94) recorded that he was re-engaged on the 20th December 1824 to make cement casks for Harwich.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed that he was employed for threequarters of a year as a Cooper making cement casks for Harwich, with pay of £54.12.0d per annum. He had been trained as a Cooper, and at the time was a 25-year-old married man with 2 children.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, recorded that Cornish was re-employed as a general Labourer from the 10th February 1826, with basic pay of £33.16.0d per annum, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received an extra 2/-d per week, giving him an annual income of £39.0.0d. At that date he had 3 children, and his age was recorded as 30 years. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
10 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
11 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the previous notes.. At that date Benjamin had nearly 2 years' service as a general Labourer.
12 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes above, except that he had then served for just over 2 years.
13 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) (WO54/566) updated the previous document.
15 A List of Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that Benjamin still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was nearly 4 years, that he was 31, was married and had 3 children.
16 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Benjamin as in Note 15, except that his service was just over 4 years, and he was aged 32.
17 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 15, except that his service was then nearly 5 years.
18 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, recorded that Benjamin then had 4 children, that he was still employed as a General Labourer within the Manufactory and that his pay and allowances to watch remained as before.
19 WO54/575 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
20 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 return, all other details remaining unchanged.
21 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
22 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that Benjamin was still a Labourer earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service is given as 7 years, and his age as 35.
23 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that all details were the same as the previous Return, except that Benjamin had now served over 7 years and was 36 years' old.
24 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that Benjamin "had been removed to the Saltpetre Refinery" replacing William Turnham, deceased. Although he was allowed to watch in turn, his annual pay had been reduced to £33.9.6d.
25 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; he was then 37, and had served just over 8 years.
26 A Return of Properties dated the 20th December 1834, prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office and listing the houses and cottages owned by the Board, recorded that Benjamin Cornish had been renting one of their cottages in High Bridge Street since the 6th April 1829 at £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237). This was possibly when the rent was reduced because previously, the same cottage was occupied by Daniel Cornish at a rent of £8.9.0d per annum.
27 A Petition from Benjamin Cornish dated October 1838 (Supply 5/237) stated that he had been brought up as a Cooper and had 14 years' service as a Labourer (compelled to take a Labourer's place), that he had a large family of 6 children and that he was only paid 10/10d per week. In this Petition he requested that he should replace Thomas Sadd, a Cooper, who had been promoted to Master Mixer.
28 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that he had previously been employed as a Cooper on the 10th February 1826. His pay in 1839 was £39 per annum. He was then a 39-year-old married man, but this Return mentioned that he only had 5 children.
29 In a letter to the Board dated the 23rd March 1840 (Supply 5/238) it was stated that Bejamin Cornish's services were more valuable than that of a common Labourer, for which he was now paid 2/4d daily. He was employed as a Cooper occasionally, and often worked in the Proof House mending machinery. The Storekeeper recommended, therefore, that his pay be increased to 3/-d per day.
30 The 1841 Census showed that Benjamin and his wife Sarah, a Stay Maker, together with their 6 children, were living in High Bridge Street North.
Supply 5/228
218
James (2)
Cornish
1. According to WASC 1382 dated 10th August 1790, James Cornish was a Labourer in the Engineers' Department, and he was to be paid 9d for half a day's work within the Manufactory. (Document submitted by W. Spry, Colonel Commanding the Royal Engineers, to J. Wright, Esq., Storekeeper).
WASC1382
219
William
Cottage
List of Employees
1. William Cottage, according to a List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was employed as a Puntman, paid 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/229
220
John
Crabb
List of Officers etc. Employed.
1. John Crabb was employed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and in the Willow plantations, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
221
William
Creamer
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Creamer was employed as a Mixing House Man earning 2/-d per day, and had 6 months' service according to a List of Foreman Artificers, etc. dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224).
2. William was still in the Mixing House in June 1807, and a note in Supply 5/226 said that "in addition to his pay he is allowed to Watch in turn for which he receives 1/-d."
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Creamer was still employed as a Mixing House Man then earning 2/3d. per day, and in addition to his pay, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d.
Supply 5/224
222
Walter
Creek
Winters (p. 33)
1. Walter Creek was a Cooper who was paid 2/6d per day in November 1789, according to Winters, p.33.
223
James
Creemer (Creamer)
Return of Employees
1. James Creemer (Creamer) was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 18th July 1815, earning 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated February 1816). He was a 37-year-old married man with no children, living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
224
Thomas
Cross
Letter
1. Thomas Cross had been employed in cutting the weeds in the streams, according to a letter from his widow (Supply 5/198 dated the 23rd January 1807). Contained in this letter was a Petition from Elizabeth Cross that her husband, having been principally employed for 4 years in this capacity, had caught such a "violent cold as to be the cause of bringing on a Consumption of which he died', and she, therefore, requested fianancial assistance. In a letter dated the 16th February 1807 (also Supply 5/198), it was stated that she should be allowed the sum of "Two Guineas as some relief in her present necessity." Thomas Cross would have been a General Labourer; he died on or about the 23rd October 1806.
Supply 5/198
225
John
Cuttle
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.119
1. John Cuttle was appointed Overseer of the Works (Clerk of the Works) in the Engineers' Department on the 17th July 1789, according to Winters (p.119).
2. He was paid £18.8.0d by James Wright, Storekeeper, for work carried out in the Manufactory between the 1st July and the 30th September 1790 (WASC 1382).
226
William
Cuttle
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. William Cuttle, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
2. Cuttle was employed as a Millman on the the 13th February 1814 earning 3/-d per day, with an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
227
Edward
Dabnam
00/00/1763
Return of Employees
1. Edward Dabnam was first employed as a Blacksmith on the 22nd March 1813, earning
4/7d per day in the Engineers' Department, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816. He was a 52-year-old widower living in Waltham Abbey, with 1 married, and 11 unmarried, children.
2. These details were updated by WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817.
WO54/516
228
Samuel
Dabnam
00/00/1797
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Dabnam was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 2nd September 1815, earning 2/8d per day. According to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, he was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
229
Thomas
Dane
Centenial Memorial
1. Thomas Dane was listed as the Master of The Whearsheaf in 1799 (Winters (p.55) and the Faversham Gunpowder People gives a description of his family on p.25.
Winters, p.55
230
John
Daniel
Return of Employees
1. John Daniel was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a 6-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
231
Clark
Davie
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. Clarke Davie was employed as a Labourer in the Refining House earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792 ).
2. From July to September of that year he was refining Saltpetre (also Supply 5/216) as well as in February to September 1793, when it would appear that he left the employment of the Royal Powder Mills, and was replaced by John Godwin (Supply 5/216).
3. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the 29th July 1793, "C Davie" and others were chequered [fined] one day's pay for "having gone across the Hoppit contrary to repeated orders." (Winters, p. 39)
4. Robert Coleman reported that Davie, together with Ben Wall Junior and William Dunn, Labourers, were discharged on the 4th November 1793, being suspected of stealing iron from a farmer's gate (Winters, p. 40).
Supply 5/216
232
William
Davis
00/00/1750
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. William Davis was first employed mixing composition at the Mills on the 11th February 1793, at 1/6d per day. This was still the case on the 31st August 1794 (Supply 5/216) the 31st December 1794 (Supply 5/217) and the 3rd July 1795 (Supply 5/217).
2. According to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798 he was still a Mixing House Man, and the Return in question confirmed that he had enlisted in the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 indicated that he was working as a Labourer, that he was a married man with no children and that he was still paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/221).
3. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 suggested William was then working as a Saltpetre Refiner and in other parts of the Manufactory, with his pay increased 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
4. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, William was still a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with 13 years service and pay of 2/-d per day. This was still the case on the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) and on the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228), both of which stated that when he was not working he was allowed to watch in turn.
5. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that he had been promoted as one of the 2 Foremen in charge of Saltpetre Refining and at that date, was paid 5/2d per day. He was also a Rounder every 3rd night. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/5/230).
6. Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818, confirmed he was still a Foreman in the Saltpetre Refining House, but in common with the rest of the Manufactory, his wages had been reduced to 4/2d per day, although still a Rounder at 1/6d per night. He was then 48, married without children and lived in Waltham Abbey. This Return also recorded that he had been trained as a Butcher.
7. The Establishment was drastically reduced in 1818, but Davis was retained, although suffering another cut in his pay which was reduced to 3/8d per day (Supply5/231 dated the 3rd September 1818). According to Supply 5/231of the 19th May 1819, Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820 and Supply 5/232 of the 9th April 1821, the basic facts remained unaltered.
8. Supply 5/232 dated the 4th April 1821, stated that Mr. Davis was living in a house belonging to the Board, and paid rent of £5.4.0d per annum. His cottage was in Powder Mill Lane, being part of Plot No.63 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
9. In a letter dated the 15th September 1821, Davis, amongst others, applied for his superanuation. The Board in their letter of reply dated the 16 November 1821 (Supply 5/236) agreed, and his pension of £15.15.7d commenced from that date. A similar document, (Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821) confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, and, according to Winters (p.95), this was also the case in 1826.
10 Supply 5/205 dated the 14th March 1827, indicated that William Davis, Pensioner, had informed the Board that he intended to quit his cottage on the 25th March 1827, recommending that Henry Brown, Labourer, should occupy the property, and, to this, the Board agreed.
Supply 5/216
233
Joseph
Davy
00/00/1798
List of Persons employed by the Engineers' Department
1. Joseph Davy, a single man, aged 27, had been employed as a Labourer on a temporary basis for 4 months from June 1825, at 2/2d per day. However, according to the List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825) he was to be discharged at the end of October 1825.
WO54/550
234
J
Davy
Return of Domestic Properties
1. A Return of Domestic Properties made by the Royal Engineers' Office in May 1840, recorded that a cottage - previously let to Patrick Hayes - was then occupied by J. Davy, a Labourer in the Royal Engineers' Department.
WO44/133
235
J.
Dawson
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. J. Dawson had worked in the Corning House for a year from early 1805 at 2/2d per day, according to List of those Employed dated 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224).
Supply 5/224
236
Henry
Dews
00/00/1744
Report on Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Henry Dews was employed as a Labourer in the Refining House and paid 1/6d per day according to a Report dated the 18th April 1789 (Supply 5/213 and Winters, p.33).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 45, and employed as a Labourer refining Saltpetre.
3. A further Report of Personnel dated the 27th March1790 (also Supply 5/214) recorded that he was refining Saltpetre under John Baker.
4. Mr. Dews was still in the Refining House in January 1792 (Supply 5/215).
5. Supply 5/216 dated the 2nd May 1792, was a Report to the Board by Messrs.Wright and Clowdesly, regarding the accident and subsequent death of Henry Dews on the 30th April 1792.
It states that he was was standing in the Refining House between two coppers, with the intention of removing a pump from one of them with a block and tackle, but that he apparently forgot to hook the tackle to the pump, and that " he took hold of the fall, and not making any resistance, fell backwards into a copper of boiling Salt Petre." Although he was pulled out by other Labourers, he only lived for another 24 hours, and died on the 30th April. He had resided with John Baker, the Foreman Refiner, and had no relatives living. Before he died, he requested that his effects be left to Baker. Wright and Clowdesly, therefore, requested that the Board pay Henry's April earnings of £2.18.6d. to Baker, and permission by the Board was given to that effect.
Supply 5/213
237
Francis
Dimmock
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Francis Dimmock was working in the Corning House as a Labourer earning 2/2d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and at that date, had 1 year's service. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809, stated that Dimmock was a common Labourer, who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Deptment in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Dimmock was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This remained the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
238
Jeremiah
Dimsey
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. Jeremiah Dimsey was a Labourer working in Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, had been employed with the Ordnance for 1 year.
Supply 5/224
239
Gray
Dixon
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Gray Dixon was initially employed as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 1st April 1792, and paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
2. He was transferred to refining and melting Saltpetre by February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) and was still in that position in September 1793 (Supply 5/216), December, 1794 (also Supply 5/216), and July 1795 according to Supply 5/217.
3. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd April 1793, that Dixon had deserted his watch for half an hour. He was chequered (fined) 1 day's pay, and ordered off the watch "for present."
4. Dixon had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
5. According to Winters (p.45), Coleman reported on the 24th January 1795, that Dixon, watchman, "had seen two men on the Corning House platform at 4 o'clock in the morning" but that "he could not get over, the water being low and the punt froze, he called them and they, he supposed, went away, as he saw no more of them."
Supply 5/216
240
William
Drayson
Return of Employees
1. William Drayson was first employed by the Board on the 19th September 1804 at Faversham as an Overseer of Works, and appointed Clerk of the Works at Waltham Abbey on the 17th March 1806. In September 1812, (WO54/512) he was on the Establishment, paid 7/-d per day and provided with a house which was in Powder Mill Lane. In addition, he also received an annual allowance of £12.10.0d for coal and candles.
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, indicated that Mr. Drayson was aged 39, and was a married man with 8 unmarried children. He was still employed as Clerk of Works, was now paid 10/-d per day, was still provided with an apartment and had the same allowances.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, stated that Mr. Drayson was Clerk of Works, was 40 years old, was married and now had 9 unmarried children. He was still earning 10/-d per day, with the same allowance of £12.10.0d, and was provided with an apartment.
4. WO54/524 dated 1818, confirmed the above basic information, but recorded that he then had 10 unmarried children. According to WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, the children had increased to 11.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232/WO54/532) confirmed that Drayson was still employed as Clerk of Works, with the same pay and conditions as mentioned in Note 3. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was aged 45 with 12 children, and that his terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged.
6. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the Storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 4th April 1821) indicated that William Drayson, Clerk of the Works, was living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 29th September 1809. This house, Tenement No. 7, was within the Engineers' yard on the west side of Powder Mill Lane and was Plot No. 700 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map, or Plot No. 73 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for 1821.
7. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821 is a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821 except he now had 13 children.
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 - Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department - confirmed that Drayson was still paid 10/-d per day for 365 days as the Clerk of Works, that a coal and candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum was given, and that he was entitled to a house. This gave him an annual income of £195.0.0d. His service details were as before. He then had only 12 children, so ossibly one had died.
9. WO54/550 dated the1st April 1825, confirmed that Drayson was still paid 10/-d per day for 365 days as the Clerk of Works, that he had a coal and candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum and that he was entitled to a house. This gave him an annual income of £195.0.0d. His service was then just over 20 years, and he was aged 49.
10 WO54/550 dated the 13th October, 1825, was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 9 and 10, with the exception that he was then 50, with over 21 years' service.
12 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was as the previous Return, but he then had 13 children.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as Notes 9 to 12. However, at that date Mr. Drayson had over 22 years' service, and was 51 years of age.
14 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded no basic alterations from the previous Return.
15 A further Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated his pay to 13/6d per day for 366 days, which gave him a total take-home annual pay of £247.1.0d.
16 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
17 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 confirmed the information given in Note 15, except that his length of service was over 24 years and he was aged 52.
18 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566)) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
19 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Drayson as in Note 15, except that his pay had risen to a total of £246.7.6d per annum. At that date his service was over 25 years, and he was then aged 53.
20 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 19, except that his service was then 26 years.
21 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield - showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831 - recorded that Drayson was the Clerk of the Works at the Waltham and Enfield Manufactories, and was occasionally required at Faversham. He was paid £246.7.6d per annum and provided with a house. His duties were to carry out the orders of the Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers, maintain accounts, official papers, stores and fixtures, as well as having to be acquainted with the machinery associated with the manufacture of gunpowder and small arms. This was in addition to the ordinary qualifications (duties) of a Clerk of Works, and he was required to perform the same duties at Faversham, by correspondence and occasional visits (WO54/575).
22 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
23 WO54/575 dated the 1st October 1831 confirmed his salary at £246.7.6d per annum, that he had served 27 years and was aged 55. His family details remained the same, i.e., he was married and had 13 children.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, all other details remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that he still earned £246.7.6d per annum. He had by then served 28 years and was 56.
26 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1833 (WO54/587) William was 56, and his service at that date was nearly 29 years.
27 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed Drayson's basic details but updated his age and length of service.
28 WO54/593 dated the 1st January 1834, recorded that Mr. Drayson still earned a total of £246.7.6d per annum, that he was still entitled to a house, that he was now nearly 57, and that he had served for nearly 30 years.
29 Drayson's name did not appear in the Return for the 1st October 1834, and recorded that Henry Wright had been appointed as Clerk of Works (WO54/593) instead.
30 For further reading on the Drayson family, see The Faversham Gunpowder Register (1573-1840) by Godfrey & Arthur, and Waltham Abbey Gunpowder People by P. J. Huggins.
WO54/512
241
Frederick
Drayson
1. Frederick Drayson, the son of William and Ann Maria Drayson, was born at Waltham Abbey on the 14th July 1810, and wrote a Treatise on Gunpowder when he was only 20 years of age. (For further reading see Waltham Abbey Gunpowder People by P. J. Huggins)
2. Frederick's name does not appear further in the records relating to the Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey, but from his Treatise on Gunpowder, it could be supposed he possibly served as a 'superior apprentice' at some Manufactory or Establishment run by the Ordnance.
It is suggested that, perhaps, he followed in the footsteps of his contemporary, Henry Wright. They were both born at Waltham Abbey and their fathers worked at the Mills. Henry Wright, at the age of 16, trained under his uncle, Joseph, at the Tower of London in 1828 and was "time served" in 1834. If Frederick Drayson followed the same training he may, possibly, have joined Wright at the Tower in 1826, some 4 years' prior to publishing his Treatise. In addition, enough time would have elapsed for him to have become a skilled draughsman, in order to have produced the drawings in his Treatise, and to have learnt the basics of building construction, both in theory and the practical side.
242
William
Dudley
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Dudley was working in the Corning House at 2/2d per day according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and at that date he had been employed by the Ordnance for 9 months.
2. According to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, William was a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman, with pay of 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Dudley was still a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman who then earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
4. Dudley was still employed as a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230), but with a his pay reduced to 2/8d per day. However, he was still allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
5. In 1816, the Board formed three tenements out of the dwellings in the Tanyard on the south side of High Bridge Street. William was allocated one of Plots Nos. 54 and 55 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map, with a rental of 2/-d per week (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.83).
Supply 5/224
243
John
Dudley
00/00/1813
Return of Employees
1. John Dudley, according to WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, started work as a General Labourer on the 3rd June that year, and at the time was a 20 year-old, single man. His rate of pay was given as £33.16.0d annually, and he was allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £39.
2. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that John's basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d.
3. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the previous information given; however, he was then aged 21, and had served 15 months.
4. Dudley replaced James Horam as a Corning House man in the late summer of 1837 (Supply 5/237).
5. Return of Employees on the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that he was employed on the 22nd September 1837 as a Corning House Man with pay of £42.2.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. His other details remained unchanged. At that date he had nearly 7 years' service, and was 25 years of age.
6. His name does not appear in the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey, so, presumably, he lived out of town.
7. On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House together with another 20 in the Press House; 7 men were killed, and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was John Dudley. According to Winters (p.106), a note dated the 2nd June 1843 stated, "Mary Dudley to receive a donation of £2 in her confinement, consequent of the explosion."
8. A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc., was given in the Illustrated London News dated the Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). John left a widow and child.
WO54/587
244
William
Dugard
00/00/1753
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Dugard was a Labourer earning 1/6d per day "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals and charring wood." (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
2. Supply 5/213 dated the 28th August 1789, recorded that he was setting and drawing stoves, for which he was paid 1/6d per day,
3 Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 36 years of age, and confirmed he was employed drawing and setting the stoves, and sundry other jobs in different parts of the Manufactory
4. William was working as a Millman earning 2/-d per day in March 1790 (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790).
5. Still working as a Millman in 1791 through to August, 1793 (Supply 5/216 of the 28th February 1793 and Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793).
6. Report on the Establishment stated "W Dugard, Millman, joined the Establishment on the 1st May, 1789" (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
7. Mr. Dugard was still a Millman in July 1795 earning 2/-d per day, with an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
8. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay and Conditions, showed that he was literate and was still a Millman.
9. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still a Millman, and was a married man with 1 child.
10 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that William was still a Millman, but that at the time he was engaged on "cleansing & deepening the river, canals & ditches and other necessary work."
11 Mr. Dugard was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day, with an additional 3d per night when "duty working was called for." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
12 In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806, (Supply 5/224) he was described as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, who had been employed with the Ordnance for 17 years.
13 By the 18th June 1807, Dugard had been transferred to the Dusting House, earning 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/226).
14 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Dugard was employed as a Dusting House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
15 Employee List (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) confirmed he was a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
16 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that William was still a Dusting House Man who now earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
17 Return dated the 13th February 1813 (Supply 5/230), confirmed the information given in Note 16.
18 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr.William Dugard was now a Warder with service of 28 years, and his age was given as 65. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Dugard and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory". It was also stated therein that Mr. Dugard "has become very feeble and incapable of any hard work, and any violent noise or exertion appears to affect his senses." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816 (Supply 5/200) Mr. Dugard was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for 6 days in the week, commencing on the 1st April, 1816.
19 A Supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) lists persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was William Dugard, Warder, who received a pension of 12/-d per week, which commenced on the 1st April 1816
20 List of Persons receiving superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November, 1821) confirmed the information in Note 18.
21 A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place", and it was confirmed that William Dugard, lately a Warder, was in receipt of £31.4.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was also the case in 1826 according to Winters (p.96).
Supply 5/213
245
Thomas
Dugard
Petition on Pay
1. Thomas Dugard, was illiterate and was working as a General Labourer, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) indicated that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man, and had 2 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Duggard was one of those who agreed to go according to Winters (p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573- 1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated, and and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
4. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, Thomas was working in the Corning House as a Labourer at 2/1d per day. All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
5. Working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day, he then had 5 years' service (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
5. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 confirmed that Dugard was still working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
6. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Dugard was still employed as a Dusting House Man. His pay had been increased to 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
7. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September1810, confirmed he was a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn, then at 1/6d per night.
8. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Thomas was still a Dusting House Man. His pay had increased to 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
9. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1813, confirmed Dugard was earning 3/-d per day and that he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/220
246
Henry
Dugleby
C.V of Clerks Working at Waltham Abbey
1. Henry Dugleby, according to the C.V. of Clerks working at Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/216 dated the 23rd August 1792) started work at Woolwich on the 1st January 1781, became Clerk at Woolwich on the 2nd February 1783, and was appointed Clerk at Waltham Abbey on the 1st April 1788.
2. He became a First Lt. in the Militia formed at the Mills in 1794, according to Winters (p.51).
3. Report on Pay and Allowances for Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795) recorded that his salary was £70 per annum, with £15 per annum for house rent.
4. According to Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, Henry had become the First Clerk.
5. In a document dated the 19th August 1801 (Supply 5/195), Dugleby was promoted to Clerk of Cheque, replacing Robert Coleman.
6. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, Henry's salary at that time was £150 per annum, with a lodging allowance of £26 per annum, and coal/candle allowance of £12.10.0d.
7. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 recorded that Mr. Dugleby was, additionally, an Overseer in the "Engineers' Department Established", and was paid 1/6d per day by the Storekeeper.
8. Henry Dugleby was replaced by William Breeze as the Clerk of the Cheque on the 6th February 1805 (Supply 5/223).
Supply 5/216
247
William
Dunn
Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Dunn was engaged as a Labourer and paid 1/6d per day, but according a a footnote on Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793, was to be replaced by William Cottage in March 1793.
2. He was working in the Dusting House in August 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793) and was actually replaced by R. Wright when Dunn was discharged in November 1793 (see Note 3 below).
3. Robert Coleman reported that Dunn, together with Ben Wall, Jnr. and Clark Davie, Labourers, were discharged on the 4th November 1793, having been suspected of stealing iron from a farmer's gate (Winters, p.40).
4. A William Dunn was employed as a Puntman at 2/8d per day in 1812 and allowed to watch in turn, according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
5. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 recorded that Mr. William Dunn was an additional Bargeman at that date, and earned 3/10 per day.
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) indicated that William was a Master Bargeman; he was a married man aged 24 with one child, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 4/2d per day.
7. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Dunn's name was on the List, but he was then described as a Bargeman, with his pay reduced to 3/-d per day.
8. In a letter dated September, 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included William Dunn, Master Bargeman.
Supply 5/216
248
James
Dunn
00/00/1762
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. James Dunn was working as a Brimstone Refiner in 1806, and received 2/-d per day in this capacity. At that date, he had 9 months' service.
2. Still employed as a Brimstone Refiner, his pay had increased to 2/3d per day, and in addition, Brimstone Refiners were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d ( Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Dunn was still employed as a Brimstone Refiner earning 2/3d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that James was a Brimstone Refiner who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that James was a Brimstone Refiner who now earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night. This was also the case according to the Return dated 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
6. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that James was a Mixing House man, that he lived in Waltham Abbey, was 55, single, and earned 2/8d per day. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
7. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231), showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Dunn's name was on the List, but his pay had been reduced to 2/-d per day.
8. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Dunn was still employed as a Brimstone Refiner and a single man aged 56, still living in Waltham Abbey. At that date he was paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn for 1/-d per night.
9. Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820, updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. However, he was now allowed 1/6d per night to watch.
10 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821, (Supply 5/232) recorded that James Dunn was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance (Tenement No. 34) with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. The property, together with its small garden, was identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of its junction with Powder Mill Lane (part of Property 714 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map or Plot 1434 on the 1842 Tithe Map). This same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
11 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. James Dunn was now 57; all other entries remained the same as in Note 9.
12 Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822, gave the age of Mr. James Dunn, Brimstone Refiner, as 63, with nearly 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
13 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It stated that James Dunn, Brimstone Refiner, was appointed 13th August 1805 as a Labourer. His position on the Establishment as a Brimstone Refiner was confirmed by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him a total for the year of £41.14.4d. He had nearly 17 years'service, was aged 63 years, and was a single man living in Waltham Abbey.
14 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822). The men, including James Dunn, were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June of that year. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. James Dunn was one of 4 men who signed a second Petition on the 12th July, saying that he had been away unsuccessfully looking for work. He was awarded 2 weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/224
249
John
Dye
List of Employees
1. John Dye was originally employed as a Puntman. He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. John became a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 earning 3/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
250
James
Dye
00/00/1796
Return of Employees
1. James Dye was first employed as a casual Labourer by the Board on the 8th November 1815. He earned 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and was a 19-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
251
William
Dyer
00/00/1764
Personnel Record
1. William Dyer, according to records dated the 27th November 1788 and 27th January 1789 (both Supply 5/212) was promised to be continued, since he had previously worked for Mr. Walton.
2. Personnel Return (Supply 5/212 dated 21st March 1789) recorded that he was earning 1/6d per day for work in the Corning House.
3. In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, he is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
4. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded his age as 25 years, and in this Return he is described as "Corning Gunpowder". Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790, confirmed that he was working in the Corning House, as was the case until January1794, according to Supply 5/216 dated the 31st January 1794.
5. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, stated that on the 13th and 14th May 1793, William Dyer had gone away from his watch without leave, and was ordered off his watch. (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.39).
6. Coleman also reported on the 31st May 1794 that Dyer was discharged for improper conduct at the "Club" which was being used by the Waltham Volunteers' Militia. However, it would appear that he was re-engaged, since on the 15th January 1795, Robert Coleman recorded "Dyer and Mold sent with two loaded waggons to Purfleet." (There was a severe frost in January 1795 which prevented barge transport, and, therefore, work stopped at the Mills).
Supply 5/212
252
John
Eason (Eaton)
00/00/1790
Return of Employees
1. John Eason was appointed a Labourer on the 17th June 1829 in place of Thomas Freeman, Snr., who had died. Mr. Eason's wages were given as £33.16.0d per annum, but as he was allowed to watch in turn, this brought his earnings up to £39.0.0d per annum. At that date he had served three months, was aged 38 and was a widower with 5 children. He had previously been a Mariner (WO54/566 dated October 1829).
2. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Eason as in Note 1, except that his service was 9 months, and that he was aged 39. This Return recorded that he was married; it can only be assumed that he had remarried - a common occurrence for a widower with a young family.
3. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 1, except that his service was then just over one year. This Return confirmed that he was a married man of 39 with 5 children. WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October 1830 Return.
4. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with family and pay details remaining the same.
6. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return.
7. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that at that date John Eason was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as almost 4 years, and his age as 42.
8. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded the same details as the previous Return, except that John had then served just over 4 years and he was 43.
9. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although John was still employed as a General Labourer, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his pay to £33.9.6d annually. He had served nearly 5 years by then and still had 5 children.
10 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in Note 9, except that he was now 44, and had served just over 5 years.
11 On the 16th April 1836, 2 Mills exploded. According to Winters (p.103), John Eaton (Eason?) watchman, was called before Lt.Col. Moody as a witness.
WO54/566
253
James
Easton
00/00/1726
Personnel Record
1. James Easton was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28). James was promised to be continued since he had previously been employed by Mr Walton (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788.
2. On the 29th January 1789 (also Supply 5/212) he was described as a Charcoal and Sulphur Millman at the Corning House, earning 1/6d per day. In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, his job is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
3. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was aged 63 and employed attending the stoves.
4. Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March1790 and Supply 5/215 dated the 11th December 1790 both confirmed that James was still attending the stoves, and that he was paid 1/6d per day. His name does not appear after this last entry.
Supply 5/212
254
Nathaniel
Easton
00/00/1762
List of Employees
1. Nathaniel Easton was employed as a Casual Bricklayer earning 4/3d per day for a six-day week according to WO54/512 dated September 1812.
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that although he was still employed as a Casual Bricklayer, at that date he earned 4/7d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was first employed by the Board as a Bricklayer on the 7th May 1808, and was a 53-year-old widower living in Cheshunt.
WO54/512
255
William
Eaton
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed.
1. William Eaton was employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day and allowed 3d per night when on duty, according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed Mr. Eaton was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but at that date he was "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
Supply 5/226
256
Benjamin
Eaton
List of Officers & Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. Benjamin Eaton was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 - Supply 5/227).
2. He became a Millman in September 1810, at which time, his pay had increased to 2/3d per day. He was also allowed 6d per night when on duty Supply 5/228).
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Eaton was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
4. Benjamin was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/227
257
Chris
Edwards
Accounts for September 1790
1. Chris Edwards was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department and paid 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790, he worked within the Manufactory with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
2. Christopher Edwards' name appears as a footnote to Supply 5/215 dated the 11th December 1790, indicating that he was "Working in stores". Elsewhere, he is recorded as starting at the Mills on the 21st September 1790.
3. From April to June 1791, he was "setting & drawing stoves and in the punts."
4. By January 1792, he was employed as a Millman and was paid 2/-d per day, with an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792).
5. He continued working as a Millman for the rest of 1792, as well as in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793), and August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in January 1794 (Supply 5/216), and in August 1794 (also Supply 5/216), and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was illiterate and was still working as a Millman.
7. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman, and that he was a married man with 3 children.
8. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that, although still employed as a Millman, he was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and was performing other sundry necessary work.
9. Mr. Edwards was still employed as a Millman in 1804, when his wage was 2/3d per day. At that date he also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill" i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d. This was also the case in January 1806, when he had been employed with the Ordnance for 15 years (Supply 5/226). After January 1806, there are no further entries found in the records for Mr. Edwards.
WASC 1382
258
Isaac
Edwards
Winters' Centenary Memorial Book (p. 29)
1. Isaac Edwards was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the government from Mr Walton. (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29). Since there are no entries in the records for Mr. Edwards, he does not appear to have been retained
Winters (p.29)
259
Samuel
Edwards
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Samuel Edwards was a common Labourer who was paid 4/6d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory, between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228.
260
Mary
Edwards
1. See under WILLIAM WEST, Mary Edwards' son.
261
Charles
Edwards
00/00/1784
Return of those Employed
1. Charles Edwards, according to WO54/516 dated February 1816, was first employed by the Board on the 20th September 1815, as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 31-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, who had 4 children. His previous employment was as a Grocer.
WO54/516
262
John
Egleton
00/00/1793
Return of those Employed
1. John Egleton was first employed as a casual Labourer by the Board on the 19th August 1815, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 22-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
263
Samuel
Ellenthorpe
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Samuel Ellenthorpe was employed as a Labourer in the Corning House with pay of 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790.
2. In a Return dated the 11th December 1790 (Supply 5/215) Samuel, along with Clark Rook, was sick but "they receives their pay." In a footnote to this document it was recorded that both men had returned to work by the 18th December.
3. Samuel was "Dusting and glazing powder" according to Supply 5/215 dated 16th April 1791,
but a footnote on this document recorded that he was to be discharged on the 21st May 1791.
Supply 5/215
264
George
Elliott
00/00/1779
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. George Elliott was employed as a Stoveman on the Gloom Stoves for drying gunpowder, earning 2/-d per day; at that date he had 1 year's service (Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806).
2. In June 1807 (Supply 5/226) he was described as "Rex Officers Labourer", still at 2/-d per day.
3. According to a Report dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227), Mr. Elliott was then employed as a Cylinder Man, earning 2/-d per day at Fisher Street in West Sussex.
4. A Staff List (Supply 5/228) dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
5. List of Employees (Supply 5/229, dated the 29th August 1812) described him still as a Cylinder Man, then earning 2/8d. per day.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 recorded that George was still a Cylinder Man, and confirmed that he still earned 2/8d per day.
8. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that George, a Cylinder Man, was married, was aged 38, and had 1 child. He lived in Fernhurst in Sussex, and at that date earned 2/4d per day.
9. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." i.e., a reduction of the Establishment due to a downturn in work. The list included George Elliott.
Supply 5/224
265
Henry
Elliott
00/00/1757
Return of Employees
1. Henry Elliott was employed by the Board on the 17th January 1796, as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department . He was a 37-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey with 5 children (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
2. His details were updated by WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817, his pay then being only 2/4d per day.
3. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818, confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" at the same rate of pay as before. His age was shown as 39.
4. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, confirmed that his pay was still 2/4d per day, but that he was then 40 years if age. His family details remained unchanged.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532), recorded that Henry was aged 42, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 5 children. He earned the same as in Note 4, and still worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
6. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was then 43, but that he had 6 children. His terms of employment remained the same.
7. WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821, confirmed the information given in the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 recorded that he then only earned 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had 27 years' service starting on the 17th January 1796, was aged 45, and was a married man living in Waltham Abbey with 6 children.
WO54/516
266
Joseph
Elliott
00/00/1807
Return of Employees and Rates of Pay
1. Joseph Elliott was appointed as a Labourer on the 27th August 1829 at the rate of 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him annual pay of £33.18.2d. He was a single man of 22 who was not brought up to any trade (WO54/570 dated the1st April 1830).
2. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Joseph was still working as a Labourer; his family details and pay remained unchanged, but his length of service and age were updated.
3. A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield - showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831 - recorded that Joseph was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was paid 2/2d per day and undertook different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
4. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Joseph still earned 2/2d per day as indicated previously, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served 2 years, and was nearly 24 years' old.
6. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as before but updated his age and length of service. He was married without children.
7. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that Joseph still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served nearly 5 years, and that his age was 26.
WO54/570
267
Benjamin
Ellis
00/00/1764
Record of personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. Benjamin Ellis was employed as a Labourer in the Refining House on the 1st April 1792 at 1/6d per day. He was still at the Refining House in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793), and in August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in January 1794 (Supply 5/216) and August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and again in December 1794 (Supply 5/217),
2. According to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798, Benjamin enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794.
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was literate, and was still working as a Refining House Labourer.
4. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with 2 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. Working as a Refiner, his pay was then 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
6. Benjamin was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House, still with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and at that date, he had just over 15 years' service. Supply 5/226 of the 18th June 1807 confirmed that his basic details remained the same, but his service was updated.
7. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr Ellis was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
8. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn when not on duty.
9. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Benjamin was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
10 According to the entry on Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, Benjamin Ellis's details all remained the same as stated in Note No. 9.
11 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) record that Benjamin was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was then aged 53, was married with 2 children and resided in Cheshunt. His pay was then only 2/4d per day and he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
12 According to the List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) Ellis was to be retained on reduced pay of 2/-d per day.
13 Return of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) stated that Mr. Ellis was 54, married with 2 children, still living in Cheshunt, and his pay had then been restored to 2/4d per day; in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
14 According to the Return dated the 13th September 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Ellis's pay and conditions remained unchanged.
15 Return of Employees and their Pay dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Ellis was then living in Waltham Cross, that he was still classified as a Saltpetre Refiner and paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night.
16 According to the Return dated the 23rd January 1822 (Supply 5/232) Mr. Ellis was 58, had served nearly 32 years, and his pay was still 2/4d per day.
17 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Benjamin Ellis had been appointed as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 17th November 1791, and by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at 31st December, 1821, he had 30 years' service, was 58, was married with 2 children and lived in Cheshunt.
18 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to cut back the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and their list included Benjamin Ellis. The men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June, and several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance. Many were long-service employees in their middle age, who pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic, and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. Benjamin Ellis was one of the Petitioners and he was awarded 2 weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/216
268
J
Ellis
List of Artificers, etc., their Marital Status and Number of Children.
1. J. Ellis was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day in the Engineers' Department, according to a Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221). He was a single man.
Supply 5/221
269
William
Ellis
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. William Ellis was an extra Bargeman employed on three barges transporting gunpowder to Picket's Field and the Magazines. For this, he earned £2.2.0d. per week, according to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804.
Supply 5/222
270
John
Ellis
List of Foremen and Artificers etc., with rates of pay and Service.
1. John Ellis was employed as a Millman in 1805 at 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). This was also the case in the 16th June 1807 (Supply 5/226)
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Ellis was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 2/6d per night when on duty." i.e., an extra 3d when working at night.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was a Mixing House Man who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 6d per night, making 2/9d when working the night shift.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that John Ellis was still a Mixing House Man, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch the works in turn, for which he received 1/6d each time..
5. According to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, John was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner and paid 2/8d per day. When not working extra he was allowed to watch in turn at 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
271
Richard
Ellis
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., with their Rates of Pay
1. Richard Ellis was employed as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/3d per day. (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
Supply 5/224
272
Stephen
Ellis
List of Officers, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Stephen Ellis was employed in 1808 as a Puntman earning 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
2. Employed in setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations etc., by September 1810, he was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn. (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
3. Employed as a Labourer in August 1812 "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation", he was then paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This was also the case in 1814 according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/227
273
Thomas
Ellis
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Thomas Ellis was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. This remained the case on the the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/229
274
William
Ellison
00/00/1807
Return of those Employed
1. William Ellison was appointed as a general Labourer at Faversham on the 11th January 1830, and transferred to Waltham Abbey on the 5th October 1832 (WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833). At that date he was earning £39.0.0d annually, and his period of service was given as 3 years and his age as 25. He was a single man.
2. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed that his details were the same as in the previous Return, except that William had then served just over 3 years and he was 26 years old.
3. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 recorded that although William was still employed as a General Labourer, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d. He was still 26 and single, but by then had served just over 4 years.
4. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the previous note,except that he was now 27 and had served nearly 5 years.
5. Return of Employees on the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623), confirmed he was appointed as a Labourer at Faversham on the 11th January 1830. In 1839 his pay was £39 per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a married man with no children, and his length of service was given as nearly 10 years.
6. A Return of Properties owned by the Board dated the 28th May 1840 (WO$$?!££) recorded that William Ellison, Stoveman, had been living in a cottage identified as Plot No. 61 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and noted that he had "given it up".
7. The 1841 Census recorded that William was born in Scotland, and that his rounded-down age was 30; his wife Betsy, aged 30, together with their children William (aged 2) and Barbara (aged 6 months) lived on the south side of High Bridge Street, and all were born in Essex.
WO54/587
275
Thomas
Emery
Accounts for 1790
1. Thomas Emery was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department at 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
276
William
Enticknap
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) Mr. Enticknap was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d. per day, and at that date, he had 10 years' service.
2. A further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) confirmed that Mr. Enticknap was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, and this was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
4. Although according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 he still worked as a Cylinder Man, William's pay had risen to 2/8d. per day
5. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed the information given in Note 4.
Supply 5/224
277
James
Enticknap
List of Artificers & Others Employed
1. James Enticknap, according to Supply 5/226 of the 18th June 1807, was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day.
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that James was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning the same 2/-d per day.
3. The above information was confirmed in Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, as well as in Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
4. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that although James was still a Cylinder Man, his earnings by then had increased to 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/226
278
John
Essex
00/00/1745
Personnel Record
1. John Essex was promised to be started at the Mills as a Labourer in the Corning House and on the glazing engine, on the 9th February 1789, according to Supply 5/212 dated the 27th January 1789.
2. Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789, recorded that John was employed as a Labourer with pay of 1/6d per day.
3. He is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789.
4. In Supply 5/215 dated September 1789, he is described as "Corning gunpowder". The document in question also recorded that he was then a 44-year-old.
5. John was promoted to Millman in the early part of 1790 with a rate of pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March1790). He was still working as a Millman in January 1792 (Supply 5/215) as well as in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) and August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216).
6. In January 1794, he was working in the Dusting House "dusting & glazing powder", but returned to work as a Millman in August to December 1794 according to Supply 5/216.
Robert Coleman reported on the 7th March 1794 that John Essex, Millman, had been chequered (fined) for coming to work drunk at 6 p.m (Winters, p.41). Together with Benjamin Guinn, he was also chequered 2 days' pay for coming to work drunk on Christmas Day 1794 (Winters, p.41).
7. He was still a Millman in July, 1795, and Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
8. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was illiterate and still working as a Millman.
9. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman at 2/-d per day, and recorded that he was a married man with 2 children.
10 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that, although still employed as a Millman, he was cleaning and deepening the river, canals, and performing sundry necessary work.
11 Although still employed as a Millman in 1804, his wages had risen to 2/3d per day. In addition, he also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill", i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d.
12 On the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224), John Essex is shown as a Warder earning 2/-d. per day, with 18 years' service, which is broadly in line with the first entry above.
13 Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 stated that John was working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
14 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Essex was still employed as a Dusting House Man but was then earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
15 Employee List Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed the information given in Note 14.
16.List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that John Essex was still a Dusting House Man but that he then earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
Supply 5/212
279
Edward
Essex
00/00/1776
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Edward Essex was employed dusting and glazing powder at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794).
2. Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, recorded that he was employed in the Corning House and had commenced work at the Mills on the 14th August 1793.
2a. He joined the Military Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Winters, p.42)
3. He was still a Corning House Man earning 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795
4. Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was illiterate and was working as a Millman. The Return on the Marital Status of the Employees dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was a married man with 2 children.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that, although still employed as a Millman, he was "cleaning and deepening the river, canals, & performing sundry necessary work."
6. Edward was still employed as a Millman on the 8th May 1804 according to Supply 5/222, but he then earned 2/3d per day. In addition, he also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill", i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d. This was also the case on the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224), and this record also stated that he had 13 years' service at that date,
7. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1797, recorded that he was employed as a Corning House Man earning only 2/2d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn. Although still working in the Corning House on the 28th August 1808 (Supply 5/227) he was then paid 2/6d per day, with 1/-d when allowed to watch.
8. Still a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, with watch allowance increased to 1/6d (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
9. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed he was still employed as a Corning House Man but that he then eaned 3/3d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d.
10 According to the Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) Edward remained a Corning House Man earning the same each day and with the same watch allowance, as indicated in Note 9.
11 Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 dated the 25th June 1818, both stated that Edward Essex was then employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was given 1/-d per night. He was a married man, aged 43, with 4 children, and he lived in Waltham Abbey.
12 With peace in Europe, it was proposed to reduce the Establishment in 1818. Edward was one of those to be retained but with his pay reduced to 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/231 dated 28th August 1818.
13 Nevertheless, the reduction in pay did not appear to have been implemented because Edward was still employed on the 19th May 1819 at the rate of 2/4d per day, and he was allowed to watch as before (Supply 5/231).
14 By September 1820 he was working in the Corning House, and his pay had increased to 2/11d per day, in addition to watching in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820).
15 WO54/536 dated the 19th April 1821, confirmed that Edward was still a Corning House Man earning 2/11d per day, and allowed to watch as before. He was a 44-year-old married man with 4 children living in Waltham Abbey .
16 Supply 5/233 of the 1st October 1822, confirmed he was still employed as a Corning House Man. At that date his total wages per annum, including his watch allowance, were estimated at £50.16.11d, and this document recorded that he started work for the Board as a Labourer on the 14th August 1793.
17 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Essex was still a Corning House Man, and that his earnings for the year were £48.2.0d which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed, and he had previously been trained as a Baker.
18 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Edward Essex had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the7th December 1822 and 15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Corning House Man and that his annual pay was £48.2.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. His family details were confirmed, and it was recorded that he started work as a Labourer at the Mills on the 14th August 1793.
19 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Edward was still a Corning House Man, confirming his basic wage as £42.18.0d per annum, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making a total income of £48.2.0d. His previous family and service details were confirmed, and this information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
20 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recordsed "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the previous Notes. At that date Edward Essex had 34 years' service and he was then 52..
23 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirmed the information given in the Notes above, with the exception that he had then served over 34 years.
24 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
25 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date Edward still earned the same as recorded in Note 19. His length of service was given as 36 years and he was then aged 53.
27 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830, updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
28 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Edward was 54 years of age and that he had served for nearly 37 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 19, and all other details remained the same.
29 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Edward was 55 and had served just over 37 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d as indicated in Note 19.
30. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
32 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated Edward's age and period of service in the April 1832 Return.
33 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that Edward still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 39 years, and his age as 57.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Mr. Essex was 58, and had served 40 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £48.2.0d, and his family details remained the same.
35 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Edward was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic wage had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum,. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual earnings to £41.1.9d. His family details remained the same, but his age and service details were updated.
36 WO54/59 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay unchanged. A Return of Properties dated the 20th December 1834, recorded that he was then occupying a cottage in High Bridge Street, owned by the Board and vacated by John Cook. The cottage was one of five known as Bank Cottages and the rental was £8.9.0d per annum (Supply 5/237) or part of Plot 48 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
37 Edward was still employed as a Corning House man in October 1839, with total pay for the year of £48.2.0d, according to WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839.
38 The 1841 Census recorded that Edward, aged 60 and born in Essex, together with his wife Ester, aged 60, but not of the County, lived on the north side of High Bridge Street. At the time of the Census James Essex, aged 8, and Mary Bennett, aged 1, possibly their grandchildren, were living with them.
39 On the 13th April, 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House; 7 men were killed, and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was Edward Essex (Winters, p.106).
40 A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc. was given in the London Illustrated London News dated Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). Edward left a widow and two grown up children.
Supply 5/216
280
William
Essex
List of Employees
1. William Essex was employed as a Cooper with a rate of pay of 1/9d per day, but he was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812)
2. He was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1813, but his pay was then 2/4d per day, but he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230),
Supply 5/229
281
William
Etherington
List of Artificers and Others Employed
1. William Etherington, according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, was employed as a Cylinderman earning 2/-d per day.
Supply 5/226
282
Nathaniel
Ethridge
Winters' Centenary Memorial
1. Nathaniel Ethridge was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish at 9/-d per week in October 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government. He does not, however, appear to have been retained (Winters p.29).
2. He was descibed as one of the first Labourers employed at the Mills, and that he was away on militia duty in May 1792 in Winters' book (p.69).
Winters (p.29)
283
Charles
Fenton
00/00/1770
Lkist of Employees in the Engineers' Dept.
1. Charles Fenton was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816, and appointed by the Board on the 10th November 1815. In 1816, he was a 45-year-old married man with 3 children, living in Enfield.
WO54/516
284
James
Ferguson
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. James Ferguson was in the Artillery from the 7th August 1778 to the 30th June 1789, and started at the Mills as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 26th January 1790, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790).
2. He was still in the Corning House in August and September of 1790 (Supply 5/215) and from December 1790 to June 1791 (Supply 5/215).
3. James was promoted to being a Millman earning 2/-d per day by the 31st January 1792 (Supply 5/215) and remained a Millman from July 1792 to December 1794 (Various Returns, all referenced Supply 5/216).
4. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty, according to Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795.
5. James was made a Corporal in the Volunteer Company by 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
6. A Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) recorded that he was literate and still working as a Millman.
7. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman and that he was a married man with 6 children.
8. On the the 31st December 1801, his wife Mary was paid 4d per pair for washing sheets - these would have been used in the Watch Houses (Winters, p.61).
9. A letter dated the 4th October, 1809 (Supply 5/228) from his wife, Mary, refers to the death of her husband James, a Millman, of a cold in the autumn of 1801, while employed in cleaning gravel from the river. In this letter, she requested financial help.
10 Supply 5/199 dated the 6th October 1809, recorded that Mary was awarded a pension of 7/- per week by the Board.
11 A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances were granted by the Honourable Board. Among the recipients was Mary, and it confirmed she received a pension of 7/-d per week, which had commenced on the 1st October 1809.
12 Mary was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821).
13 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (also Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place", in which it was confirmed that Mary's superanuation should continue at £18.4.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmsedthat the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was also the case in 1826 (Winters, op.cit. p.96).
Supply 5/214
285
John
Ferguson
List of officers, foremen, artificers etc.
1. John Ferguson was described as "Rex Officers Labourer" in June 1807, receiving pay of 2/-d per day.
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Ferguson was employed as a Dusting House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. John was employed as a Labourer "setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations, etc." by September 1810, and was paid 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to "watch in turn" (Supply 5/228).
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that John Ferguson was then employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This remained the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
286
James
Ferris
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. James Ferris, according to a List of Officers and Others Employed (Supply 5/222) dated 8th May 1804) was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established". He earned 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March 1801."
Supply 5/222
287
William
Feversham
List of Officers and Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. William Feversham was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 - Supply 5/227).
Supply 5/227
288
John
Fewell
00/00/1785
Return of Employees
1. John Fewell was first employed as a casual Labourer on the 13th September 1815, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 30-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816)
WO54/516
289
William
Field
Pay List
1. William Field was a Carpenter-2nd class, who was paid £1.3.4d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809. (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809)
Supply 5/228
290
John
Finlay
Winters' Centenerary Memorial
1. John Finlay, a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, was appointed Inspector of Gunpowder at the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Faversham and Waltham Abbey on the 31st January 1789, and was paid a salary of £200 per annum (Winters' Centenerary Memorial, p.115).
2. Finlay wrote to the Royal Mills at Waltham Abbey enquiring as to whether any staff would wish to learn the use of arms; they assembled and agreed On the 1st May 1794, 56 men enrolled for the Waltham Abbey Volunteer Company (Winters, op.cit. p.41). Further information on Finlay is given in the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Records (p.32)
p.115
291
Henry
Fish
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. Henry Fish started work on the 1st July 1796 as a Cylinder man in Sussex earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/219 dated the 1st July 1798).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was married with 4 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (also Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Fish had been employed in stacking timber in the yards, and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
4. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806), Mr. Fish, as a Cylinder Man, earned 2/-d. per day, and at that date he had served 10 years.
5. According to a further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) Mr. Fish was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day, and this was again the case according to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808.
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 contained similar information to the previous notes, i.e., his wages and occupation remained the same.
7. According to the List of Employees ( Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, Mr. Fish was then earning 2/8d per day doing the same job as previously, and this was also the case according to the List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
8. A Return of Employees dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) confirmed that Mr. Fish was still a Cylinder House Man, with 20 years' service. His age was given as 50, and it was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Fish and others should be superannuated "because of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that the health of Mr. Fish "who is now extremely ill, has been so much impaired by the nature of his employment, as to make it improbable that he can ever be again advantageously employed in the service". However, in a letter dated the 6th March 1816 (Supply 5/200) Mr. Fish was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, to start on the 1st April 1816.
9. A supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231), listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was Henry Fish, Cylinderman, who received a pension of 12/-d per week, and it confirmed that the pension had commenced on the 1st April 1816. He was subsequently paid his pension at the cylinder works.
Supply 5/219
292
Richard
Fish
00/00/1767
Return of Employees
1. Richard Fish started work as a Cylinder Man in Sussex on the 1st July 1796, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/219 dated the 1st July 1789).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, and was married with 4 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Richard Fish had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders where to be resited.
4. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Fish was employed as a Cylinder Man, earning 2/-d. per day. He then had 10 years' service.
5. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that Richard was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, as was the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808) and again in October 1808 (also Supply 5/227).
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 gave the same information as in the notes above, and he was working in the same capacity in August 1812, but by then he was earning 2/8d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
7. List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February1814) confirmed that Richard was still a Cylinder Man on the same wage as in Note 6.
8. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) gave the same information as previously, with an additional note stating that he was a married man, aged 50, then with 7 children; he lived in Fisher Street in Sussex, and at that date earned 2/4d per day.
9. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement", i.e. a reduction in the Establishment due to a downturn in work, and the list included Richard Fish.
Supply 5/219
293
John
Fleming
00/00/1801
Return of Employees
1. John Fleming was appointed a Labourer "in the room of Henry Brown" on the 12th May 1830, according to a Return of Employees (WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830). At that date he had served 4 months, was aged 29, was single, and was brought up in the Bakery Trade. He earned £33.16.0d per year but was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him a total amount annually of £39.0.0d.
2. WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October 1830 Return, with no basic changes.
3. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged. The same information applied to
WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, whilst updating his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
4. Supply 5/207 dated the 8th August 1832, recorded that John and 3 others had been cautioned for being absent from their work for a whole day without leave, and warned that a repeat would result in their dismissal.
5. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, and all other details remained unchanged.
6. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date John was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as nearly 3 years, and his age as 32. He was still unmarried at that date.
7. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed that Fleming's details were the same as in the previous Return, except that he had then served just over 3 years, and was 33 years' old.
8. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although John was still employed as a General Labourer, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which took his annual earnings up to £33.9.6d. He was 33 and single, but by then had served nearly 4 years.
9. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above, but he was then 34 and had served just over 4 years.
10 Return of Employees dated the 10th October 1839 (WO56/623) recorded that he was employed as a Storehouse Man, with pay of £57.7.4d per annum which included an allowance to watch in turn. It confirmed that he had been appointed as a Labourer at the Mills on the 12th May 1830, and transferred to the stores on the 12th July 1837. He was a 38-year-old bachelor.
11 According to Winters (p.105) John was appointed Master Mixer on the 13th December 1839.
12 A transcript of he 1841 Census records that John was only 35 years old, and that he was not born in Essex. He was then married, and he and his wife, Elizabeth, aged 30, lived in Romeland with their son, William, who was 4 months' old at the date of the Census. Both mother and son were born in Essex.
WO54/570
294
John
Fordham
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. John Fordham was working as a Punt Man according to Supply 5/224 of the 30th January 1806. He earned 2/-d per day and at that date had 3 months' service. In June 1807, the description of his work was "Setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc." (Supply 5/226).
2. According to the entry for John on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, he had now become a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and was "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was working in the Glazing Mill at the same rate of pay as in the previous note, but was now allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that John Fordham was still a Glazing Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) stated that Mr. Fordham was still a Glazing Millman, but that he then earned 3/10d per day in addition to being allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
295
Thomas
Foreman
Record of personnel working in Storekeepers Dept..
1. Thomas Foreman commenced work at the Mills as a general Labourer earning 1/6d per day, on the 5th November 1789, Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790 stated that he was "Grinding salt petre, charcoal etc.", as was the case on the 14th August 1790 (Supply 5/215),
December 1790 (Supply 5/215 dated the 11th December, 1790), April to June 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791, the 31st January 1792 (Supply 5/215), July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216), January to September 1793 ( also Supply 5/216), January to August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
2. A Report dated 24th June 1795, recorded that Foreman was a "salt petre Millman," and that his pay remained at 1/6d per day, as was the case in September 1798 (Supply 5/219).
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay showed that he was literate and was then working as a Labourer. However, it would appear from subsequent entries that he retained the status of a Saltpetre Millman, and was to do labouring work when not required as a Millman.
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, and was a widower with 1 child. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer, was described as a Labourer.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (also Supply 5/221) recorded that he was employed as a Saltpetre Millman, but at the time, was engaged in cleaning and deepening the river, canals, ditches and other work necessary to be performed.
6. Thomas was now working as a Warder with pay of 2/-d per day. All Warders received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May1804).
7. Thomas is shown on the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) as a Warder, still at 2/-d. per day. This was also the case in June 1807, and again in 1808, according to the List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
8. Return of Employees dated October, 1810, confirmed that Thomas was still employed as a warden at 2/-d per day, and was allowed to round every third night for which he was paid 2/-d (Supply 5/228).
9. A letter to the Board (Supply 5/199 dated the 28th January 1811) requested approval for the retirement of Thomas, due to age and infirmity. The request was granted, and he was to be paid 2/-d per day by the Storekeeper.
Supply 5/214
296
John
Foxen
00/00/1782
Return of Employees
1. John Foxen was employed as the Storekeeper's Labourer, according to a Report of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231). He was a married man, aged 35, with 4 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He earned 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
2. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (also Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Foxen's name was on the list with his pay at 2/-d per day, but he was no longer paid to watch.
3. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Foxen was still the Storekeeper's Labourer, and also that he was a married man, aged 36, with 4 children. He was paid 2/4d per day and, according to this Report, was again allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
Supply 5/231
297
William
Franklin
00/00/1800
List of Employees
1. William Franklin had been employed for 4 months from June 1825, according to the List of Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825). It also recorded that he was a single man, aged 24, and that he had been engaged as a Labourer on a temporary basis and was to be discharged at the end of October 1825. His pay during the 4 months amounted to 2/2d per day.
WO54/550
298
James
Free
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers
1. James Free had been employed in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day for 3 months according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Free was a Corning House Man who then earned 3/3d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
3. James was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and watch fee.
4. The 1841 Census recorded that James was an Agricultural Labourer, who, together with his wife, Elizabeth, was lodging with Ann Hudson, an Ordnance Board Pensioner.
Supply 5/224
299
Thomas (1)
Freeman
00/00/1779
List of Foreman, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. Thomas Freeman (1) started work as a Labourer "setting & drawing stoves and clearing willow plantation" on the 1st September 1798, earning 1/6d per day. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a Labourer.
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was a Labourer, that he was married and had 1 child. Note: in this document, anyone not an artificer, was described as a Labourer.
4. A List of Officers and Others Employed (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) recorded that Thomas was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March 1801."
5. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, described Thomas as a "Salt Petre Millman" who earned 2/-d per day; at that date he had 6 years' service with the Ordnance Board.
6. He was still a "Salt Petre Millman" in June 1807 (Supply 5/226), and a note said that in addition to his pay he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d.
7. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Freeman was then employed as a Charcoal Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
8. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that Thomas was a Mixing House man who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
9. Supply 5/229 - WO54/512) confirmed that Thomas (1) was still a Mixing House man, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
10 List of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (WO54/524) stated that Thomas was a 37-year-old married man with 5 children living in Cheshunt, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
11 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) gave the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Freeman's name was on the List with his pay reduced to 2/-d per day, and he was not paid watch money.
12 In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it is stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." Thomas Freeman's name was included.
13 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) indicated that Freeman was still employed as a Mixing House Man, was married and was aged 37, with 5 children. At that time he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day, as well as again being allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
14 List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas (1) was 38 with 5 children, and then lived in Cheshunt. His pay was still 2/4d per day, but he was now in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
15 A Return dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Thomas was now 40, and that all other details remained the same as in Note 14.
16 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) recorded that Thomas's service was nearly 25 years, and that he was still paid 2/4d per day.
17 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, and confirmed that Thomas (1) was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 1st September 1798, and later became a Mixing House Man. He had an annual income of £36.10.4d, and according to this Return at the 31st December 1821, he had just over 23 years' service, was 42 years old, was married with 5 children, and lived in Cheshunt.
18 List of Employees dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, indicated that Thomas Freeman, "Mixing House Man", was to be retained.
19 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given, Thomas was a Mixing House Man and had been in continuous service with the Board since the 1st September 1798. His basic pay - with no allowance for watching - was £33.16.0d per annum.
20 Return dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Freeman was still a Mixing House Man, and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were the same as recorded as previously.
21 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Thomas (1) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated 27th December 1822 and 15th January 1823.
22 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, confirmed that he was still a Mixing House Man and that his annual remuneration was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. He then had 6 children.
23 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total annual earnings £39.0.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details, and the information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
24 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
26 Supply 5/205 dated the 28th May 1827, recorded that Thomas Freeman requested that he be allowed the tenancy of a cottage at a rental of 2/-d per week, being the same rent paid by the woman who "has quitted the premises." This was the cottage in Powder Mill Lane occupied by John Simpson and then granted to his widow for a period of 12 months.
27 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded the same information as in the notes above. At that date Thomas had nearly 29 years' service and was then aged 44.
28 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirms the information given in the notes above, with the exception that he had then served for just over 29 years.
29 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
30 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, again with his family details and pay remaining unaltered..
31 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566)
Thomas Freeman (1) had died sometime between April and October of 1829.
Supply 5/219
300
Thomas (2)
Freeman
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Thomas Freeman (2) was Drawing and Setting Stoves (Gloom stoves for drying gunpowder) earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had 1 year's service.
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that he was then working as a Warder, still earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case in 1808, according to a Return dated the 23rd August of that year (Supply 5/227).
3. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed that he was still employed as a Warder, with the same rate of pay per day as in the previous notes.
Supply 5/224
301
William
Freemantle
List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed.
1. William Freemantle was employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Freemantle was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
Supply 5/226
302
John
Fullar
00/00/1770
Return of Employees
1. John Fullar was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816 recorded that he was first employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 18th May 1811. He was paid 2/8d per day and was a 45-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey. His previous employment had been as a Butcher.
WO54/512
303
Phillip
Fullar
Return of Employees
1. Phillip Fullar was a Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week, according to WO54/512 dated September 1812.
WO54/512
304
Richard
Fullar
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. Richard Fullar was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 10th July 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
305
William
Fullar
Return of Employees
William Fullar was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 10th July 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 31-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
306
William
Fuller
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p. 28)
1. William Fuller, a Labourer, was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters, p.28).
2. He was was working as an occasional Labourer in November 1788 (Supply 5/212).
3. Record dated the 27th January 1789 (Supply 5/212) stated "Warder, but has no promise to be continued."
4. A William Fuller was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department at 1/6d per day. In August 1790, he worked within the Manufactory with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
5. By February 1793, Willam Fuller was working as a Bargeman. Together with John Turnham and John Cook, he was taking materials to London by barge and was clearly afraid of being "seized by the Press Gangs." Accordingly, the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey wrote to the Duke of Richmond stating that Cook, Fuller and Turnham were Gunpowder Makers and Bargemen who were apprehensive of the Impress Office on the River Thames. They requested that "you will be pleased to grant them protection" (WASC 475).
307
Thomas
Fuller
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Fuller was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn when not on duty, according to a Return dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Thomas was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/228
308
William
Fullham
Personnel Record
1. William Fulham was described in January to March 1792 as "in the punts and likewise drawing & setting stoves, landing and shipping gunpowder & stores etc.", and earned 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792) This was also the case in July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216), February to March 1793 (Supply 5/216) as well as in August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216).
2. In January 1794 he was "drawing & setting stoves and in the punts" (Supply 5/216) as well as in August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
3. William enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
4. In Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795, he is listed as a Millman with pay of 2/- d per day, and an additional 3d when on night duty.
5. Robert Coleman recorded that a second charge was made in August 1795 against John Ashwood, the Master Mixer, by Fulham and Mason, but "Order to discharge Fullham and John Mason, not having made good their charge against Ashwood." was recorded, and he was, therefore, discharged on the 18th September 1795.
Supply 5/212
309
James
Furlouger
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. James Furlouger was employed as a Punt Man earning 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
310
Charles
Gale
00/00/1783
Pay List
1. Charles Gale was a Carpenter (1st Class) who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that on the 27th July 1796, he was in "Contractors Employ".
2. Gale rejoined the Board on the 8th March 1822, as a Carpenter in the Engineers' Department, and this may be the date he was appointed on the Establishment - see below for pensionable service.
3. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, stateed that Charles was paid 4/1d per day as a Carpenter for 313 days, giving him an income of £63.18.1d for the year. He was aged 39, living in Waltham Abbey and had 6 children. He appeared to have been taken on the Establishment with other Carpenters on the 8th March 1822, but it is odd that his name does not appear in the records between 1809 and 1822, since this Return shows that he had just over 27 years' service, starting on the 27th July 1796.
4. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Charles was still paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Carpenter, and this gave him an annual income of £63.18.1d. His service was just over 29 years, he was aged 41, was married and had 6 children.
5. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry. It also recorded that Charles had been employed by a contractor who had worked at the Mills on the 17th May 1796.
6. WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826, recorded identical information as in Notes 4 and 5, with the exception that he was then a 42-year-old with service of just over 30years. In addition, he then had 7 children.
7. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the previous Return.
8. WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 confirmed the information given in the notes above, although at that date Mr. Gale had just over 31 years' service and was then 43. In addition, he then had 8 children.
9. WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827 recorded no basic alterations from the previous Return.
10 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the basic information as in the notes above, except that Charles then had 9 children.
11 Return dated the 1st October1828 (no reference given) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged. This Return also recorded that he had trained as a Carpenter.
12 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 confirmed that Charles at that date still earned the same as in Note 4. His length of service was given as just over 33 years, and he was then 45 years of age.
13 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unaltered.
14 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Charles as in Note 4, except that his service was 34 years and he was aged 46.
15 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Charles was still a Carpenter with family details and salary unchanged, but length of service and age were updated.
16 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Charles Gale was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory, and that he was to be paid 4/1d per day. He was required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory "requiring great care, attention, sobriety etc."
17 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
18 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Charles Gale still earned 4/1d per day as indicated in Note 16, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. He had then served nearly 36 years and was aged 48.
19 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, all other details remaining unaltered.
20 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832, confirmed that Mr. Gale still earned £63.18.1d per annum. His service was given as nearly 37 years, and at that date he was aged 49 years, was married and had 9 children.
21 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 20.
22 WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833, recorded that his basic details remained unchanged, but his age and length of service were updated.
23 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that Charles still earned a total of £63.18.1d per annum, that he was nearly 51, and that his service was just over 38 years.
24 In 1839 he was still paid 4/1d per day, with an estimated annual income of £63.18.1d. He was a 56-year-old married man with then only 8 children, living in Waltham Abbey. He had 17 years' service (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839). See also notes on John Cooper.
25 The 1841 Census recorded that Charles Gale, Carpenter, and his wife, Ann, were living on the south side of High Bridge Street, together with their son Edward (aged 20) who was a Brushmaker, son William (aged 15) and daughter Tabitha (aged 11).
Supply 5/228
311
Charles
Gale
00/00/1806
List of Employees in Engineers' Department
1. Charles Gale was employed in the Engineers' Department as a Labourer on the 11th October 1823, and was paid 2/2d per day for 313 days. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as 18 months, and he was a single man aged 19 (WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825).
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry.
3. Information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, was identical to that given in the October 1825 Return, and confirmed that his date of appointment was the 11th October 1823.
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, recorded the same information as in the previous Return, as did WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, but at that date, Charles had nearly 4 years' service, and was 21 years of age. He was still a single man.
WO54/550
312
Thomas
Galleon
Report on Established Artificers and Labourers.
1.Thomas Galleon was appointed as a Labourer working in the Corning House on the 21st May 1795, at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217 dated 24th June 1795). He was still in the Corning House in July 1795 (Supply 5/217 dated the 31st July 1795).
2. In September 1798 he was described as a Puntman (Supply 5/219).
3. According to Supply 5/219 dated September 1792, he was a Private in the Volunteer Company
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was literate and was working as a general Labourer.
5. Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801, recorded that Thomas was working as a Labourer, was a married man, and had 2 children. Note:- anyone not an Artificer was described in this document as a Labourer. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged and Galleon was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services were terminated and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
6. According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, Thomas was working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
7. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that he was working as a Stoveman and earned 2/-d per day. According to this Return, he had 10 years' service at that date.
8. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that Mr. Galleon was "an Assistant to Steam Stoveman", then earning 2/6d per day.
9. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September1810, stated that Galleon was then employed as an Assistant Coppersmith with pay of 2/6d per day.
10 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Galleon was an "Assistant to Copper Smith, etc." earning 3/3d per day.
Supply 5/217
313
Thomas
Gapes
List of Officers & Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. Thomas Gapes was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
Supply 5/227
314
George
Garnett
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. George Garnett was taken on as a Labourer in the summer of 1805, "drawing and setting stoves etc", earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Garnett was still employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that George was then employed as a Collar Maker with pay of 2/6d per day. Winters (pp.69-70) confirmed he was appointed to this position in 1808.
Supply 5/224
315
Henry
Gatensbury
Return of Employees
1. Henry Gatensbury was a married man with 3 children who worked as a Labourer, according to Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (also Supply 5/221) it was stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for their loss of clothing. Mr. Gatensbury's claim amounted to 12/-d for a hat.
3. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Gatensbury apparently refused to go and was, therefore, discharged, according to Winters (p.60).
Supply 5/221
316
John
Gayler
00/00/1779
Return of Employees
1. John Gayler was first employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 9th September 1815, earning 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816). This document also stated that he was a 36-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with no children.
WO54/516
317
John
Gelleoun
List of Employees
1. John Gelleoun was employed as a Cooper at 1/9d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated 29th August 1812).
2. He was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814, but his pay was then 2/4d per day, and he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
318
Robert
George
00/00/1789
Return of Employees
1. Robert George was first employed as a Labourer on the 30th November 1815 at 2/8d per day. He was a 27-year-old widower living in Enfield, with no children (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
319
Joseph
Gibbs
Report on Explosion in the new Corning House
1. Joseph Gibbs, along with 8 other men and 4 horses, was killed on the 18th April 1801, in a tremendous explosion when the new Corning House blew up (Letter to the Board - Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801).
2. Supply 5/194 - a Petition dated the 24th April 1801 - recorded that Joseph's mother, Elizabeth, along with another mother and the widows, requested "relief in their distress."
3. Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801 was a Report on the ages of children and circumstances of widows concerned. It said that Joseph's mother, Elizabeth Gibbs, who was 47 and Joseph's next of kin, was infirm and had been supported by her son.
4. Elizabeth was awarded a weekly pension of 2/-d (Winters, p.58).
Supply 5/220
320
Paul
Gibbs
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 32)
1. Paul Gibbs was employed as a Millwright at 3/-d per day, in November 1789 (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.32)
321
George
Gibbs
00/00/1795
Return of Employees
1. George Gibbs was first employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department at 2/8d per day on the 27th May 1815. He was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
322
James
Gibbs
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. James Gibbs started work as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 15th August 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 22-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, and his previous trade was that of a Butcher (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
323
John
Gibbs (Junior)
00/00/1822
Petition
1. John Gibbs (2) was Apprenticed to the Master Sulphur Refiner on the 1st October 1834, according to a Petition to the Board dated the 7th March 1838 (Supply 5/237) from Sarah Gibbs, widow, who stated that her son was appointed as an Apprentice Sulphur Refiner upon the death of her husband, who had been a Millwright for many years. She continued that her son was then doing a man's job, and requested a pay increase for him. It was agreed by the Board to increase his money from 6/-d to 9/-d per week (Supply 5/237 dated the 1st April, 1838).
2. Return of Employees (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839) confirmed that John Gibbs (2) started work at the Mills on the 1st October 1834, as an Apprentice Brimstone Refiner. He was a 17-year-old bachelor with 5 years' service, and his rate of pay was £23.8.0d per annum.
3. A letter from the Storekeeper to the Board related that John, although only an Apprentice, was doing the work of a man. He recommended that the 6d being paid to James O'Brien, The Master Sulphur Refiner, be withdrawn and that Gibbs should be paid 2/4d daily (Supply 5/238 of the 20th March 1840).
4. According to a list prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office in May 1840 of property owned by the Board (WO44/133) J. Gibbs, sulphur refinery, was then living in a cottage previously occupied by Henry Coram (Coreham). This would have been in Powder Mill Lane, part of Plot 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
5. The 1841 Census confirmed that a 20-year-old man by the name of John Gibbs lived in Powder Mill Lane and worked at the Gunpowder Mills as a Brimstone Refiner. In the same property were Ann Gibbs aged 20, a dressmaker, together with Caroline Gibbs aged 15, who was described as a female servant, and Kate Gibbs, aged 7 years. All were born in Essex.
Supply 5/237
324
John
Gibbs (Senior)
00/00/1783
Pay List
1. John Gibbs was a Millwright who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809). WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, recorded that he first worked for the Board on the 29th March 1806, and this agreed with the length of service recorded in later Returns.
2. WO54/512 dated September 1812, confirmed that he was employed as a Millwright earning 5/2d per day.
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that John was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department and had first worked for the Board in that capacity on the 29th March 1806. He was a 32-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey with 4 children, and was then paid 5/8d per day.
4. According to WO54/520 dated 28th February 1817, Mr. Gibbs was still a Millwright aged 33, who was married, but now had 5 children. He was paid 5/2d per day, and was employed "occasionally as the Service required." This was also the case in 1818 (WO54/524).
5. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that although he then had 6 children, all his other details remained the same.
6. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that John Gibbs was still employed as a Millwright. He was then 37, lived in Waltham Abbey, and this Return statesdthat he was married with 7 children. He still earned 5/2d per day, and was still employed "occasionally as the Service required." These details remained the same according to WO54/536 dated 2 April 1821 and WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821.
7. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 recorded that John, as a Millwright, was paid 5/2d per day for 313 days, which gave him an annual income of £80.17.2d. It confirmed that he had 7 children, and his service details remained the same.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that John Gibbs was still paid 5/2d per day for 313 days as a Millwright, which gave him an annual income of £80.17.2d. His service was given as 19 years, and he was then aged 42 with 8 children.
9. WO54/550 dated 13th October 1825 repeated the information given in the Return dated 1st April 1825.
10 WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826, recorded identical information as given in Notes 8 and 9, with the exception that he was now 43 and had served 20 years. In addition, he then had 9 children.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in the previous notes, as did WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827. However, at that date John Gibbs had 21 years' service and was 44 years of age.
13 WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827 recorded no basic difference from the previous Return.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information already given.
15 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated John's age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
16 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829, confirmed that John still earned £80.17.2d annually. His length of service was given as 23 years and he was then 46 years of age..
17 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
18 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Gibbs as in Note 16, except that his service was then 24 years and he was 47 years of age.
19 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that John was still a Millwright, with family details and pay remaining the same, but his service and age were updated.
20 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that John Gibbs was one of the 3 Millwrights employed at Waltham Abbey. He was paid 5/2d per day and his duties were given as general service as a Millwright within the Manufactories, which required great attention, skill and sobriety, etc.(WO54/570).
21 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
22 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that John Gibbs still earned 5/2d per day, giving him a total of £80.17.2d per annum. At that date he had served over 25 years and was 49 years of age.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832, recorded that he still earned £80.17.2d per annum and that by that date he had served for over 26 years. His age was given as 50.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 24, except that he had served 27 years.
26 WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as in Note 25, but his age and length of service had been updated.
27 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that John still earned a total of £80.17.2d per annum, that he was just over 51 years of age, and that he had served 28 years.
28 In a Petition to the Board dated the 7th March 1838, Sarah, John Gibbs' widow, stated that her son had been Apprenticed to the Master Sulphur Refiner on the 1st ctober 1834, following the death of his father. She continued that her son was now doing a man's job, and requested a pay increase for him. It was agreed by the Board to increase his money from 6/-d to 9/-d per week (Supply 5/237). It can be assumed, therefore, that John Gibbs died between April and October 1834.
Supply 5/228
325
Robert
Giffin
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Robert Giffin started work as a Labourer drawing and setting stoves in the Autumn of 1805, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
Supply 5/224
326
William
Gilham
Winters' Centenary Memorial (page 29)
1. William Gilham was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters, p.29).
327
J
Gillham
Record of Personnel in the Storekeepers Department
1. J. Gillham was working on the barges and punts, earning 1/6d per day, according to the Return of Personnel dated the 18th April 1789 (Supply 5/213).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, confirmed he was working in the barges.
3. Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790, recorded that he was working on the barges, but at the time of the Return was away sick, and that his place had been taken by Edward Heddy.
Supply 5/213
328
Thomas
Gilliam
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Thomas Gilliam was employed as a Stoveman (drying gunpowder by means of a Gloom stove) with pay of 2/-d per day. In addition to his pay, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d each time (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
329
Thomas
Ginn
00/00/1777
Pay List
1. Thomas Ginn was a Bricklayer who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that Thomas was employed in the Engineers' Department as a casual Bricklayer earning 4/7d per day, and confirmed that he was first employed as a Bricklayer by the Board on the 23rd July 1806. He was a 38-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 3 unmarried children.
Supply 5/228
330
John
Ginn
00/00/1797
Return of Employees
1. John Ginn was employed as a casual Bricklayer's Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 14th November 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was an 18-year-old-batchelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
331
Richard
Gladwin
Pay List
1. Richard Gladwin had been employed as a Carpenter (2nd Class) and was paid £1.8.4d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
332
Daniel
Goats
List of Foremen & Labourers Employed in the Manufactory
1. Daniel Goats started work in the summer of 1805 as a Puntman, and according to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, he remained in this capacity for 3 years, earning 2/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that Daniel was then a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
3. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House. The ensuing fire engulfed the Corning and Reel Houses, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press record that the explosion at the Press House was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Daniel, who was single, and as far as was known, had no encumbrance (Letter - Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd December 1811).
4. Daniel's widowed mother, Ann, lived in Bishops Stortford, but came to Waltham to ask for a small allowance or donation as the Board "judged to be proper" (Supply 5/229 dated the 24th November 1811), and according to Winters (p.73), the Board granted Ann 20 guineas.
5. On page 153 of his book, Winters recorded that although Daniel was killed in the explosion in the Corning House on Lower Island and a coffin "supposed to contain his remains was buried with the bodies of the rest of the unfortunate men", his body was not actually discovered until some time afterwards. John Smith, who found the body, was given a reward of £1, and John Rowland, a Carpenter employed by the Engineers' Department, was paid £2.8.1d for funeral expenses.
Supply 5/224
333
William
Goats
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p. 40)
1. William Goats started work at the Mills on the 12th August 1793, and Coleman recorded that day that he was engaged to fill one of 7 vacancies then available at the Mills (Winters, p.40).
334
John
Goats
00/00/1771
List of Employees
1. John Goats started work on the punts and "setting & drawing stoves" on the 19th December 1792, with pay of 1/6d per day. (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793).
2. In January and August 1794, he was in the Corning House (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in December 1794 as well as July 1795 (Supply 5/217)
3 John enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/217).
4. In September 1798 (Supply 5/219) he was recorded as working as a Bargeman and a Private in the Voluntary Company
5. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) indicated that he was literate and was still working as a Bargeman.
6. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer and that he was a married man with no children. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
7. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and John was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, his name does not appear in the Faversham records, so it is possible that he may have been retained at the Mills or re-engaged at a later date.
8. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that John was working as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with pay of 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 13 years' service.
9. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Goats was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
10 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Goats was now a Foreman of Saltpetre Refiners, earning 4/7d per day; this was also the case in 1814, according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
11 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that John Goats was a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was a married man of 47 with no children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. He was earning 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
12 A Report of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. John Goats' name was included with his pay unchanged, but he was no longer allowed to watch.
13 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that John was then employed as a Brimstone Refiner; he was a married man, aged 48, with no children, who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was still paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
14 A Record of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that John Goats was now 49, still lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 2/4d per day, but then worked as a Saltpetre Refiner. When watching, he was paid 1/6d per night.
15 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that John was now 50 and confirmed that he was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 14.
16 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of John, Saltpetre Refiner, as 51, with just over 29 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
17 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, and confirmed that John was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 19th August 1793; by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, he was appointed as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at 31st December 1821, he had 29 years' service, was 51 years' old, was married with no children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
18 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of Persons to Form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, confirmed that John Goats, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained.
19 List of Employees dated the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that John Goats was living in a cottage belonging to the Board. All other details remained unaltered.
20 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Goats was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, and that this included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed, and he was still living in a cottage owned or rented by the Board "so that his wife could look after the water." It was noted that he then lived in Cheshunt, which would indicate that this was Aqueduct Lock in that parish, and this fact was confirmed in a later Return dated 1st April 1834 (WO54/593).
21 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) John Goats had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
22 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his annual pay was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. There is no mention in this document that he lived in property belonging to the board. His service and family details were confirmed.
23 Return showing Pay and Allowances, etc., dated October 1st 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given, and recorded that Mr. Goats had been in continuous service with the Board since the 19th August 1793. He earned £33.16.0d. per annum.
24 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that John was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his basic pay was £33.16.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total pay £39.0.0d per annum. His family and service details were as before, and the same information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
25 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the details given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
26 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
27 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date John had 34 years' service and was 54 years of age. He still lived in the Board's cottage so that his family could look after the water.
28 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) records the same information as in the notes above.
29 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged. He still lived in a cottage belonging to the Board.
30 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay again remaining unchanged.
31 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date John Goats still earned £39.0.0d. His length of service was given as 36 years and he was then aged 55.
32 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John except that he was then aged 56 years, and Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Mr. Goats had by then served 37 years.
33 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, John was 57 years of age, and had served over 37 years. He was still earning a total of £39.0.0d.
34 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
35 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, again with all other details remaining unaltered, as did WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832.
36 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date John was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as nearly 40 years, and his age as 59.
37 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, indicated that all details were the same as the previous Return, except that John had then served 40 years and that he was 60 years of age.
38 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although John was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum; he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual income to £33.9.6d. His age and service details were updated, and he still retained a cottage so that his family could look after the waters.
39 WO54/593 dated 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the note above; he was then 61, and had served 41 years.
40 A List of Domestic Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers dated the 20th December 1834, clearly indicated that John Goats (as well as John Brown) was living on Aqueduct Island, and that his rent for the cottage was £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237).
41 A Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that John was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner with income of £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was then shown as a widower.
42 The 1841 Census recorded that John was then lodging with Elizabeth Pallett, the widow of James Pallett, in Powder Mill Lane, and that he was not born in the County.
Supply 5/228
335
Edward (1)
Godwin
00/00/1765
Personnel Record for the Corning House
1. Edward Godwin (1) was employed as a Storehouse Man earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/213 dated August 1789.
2. The following month he was described in a Return of Employees as "looking after the Storehouse and delivering out of the stores etc." and indicated that he was 29 years of age (Supply 5/214).
3. Edward continued to work as the Storehouse Man on the same daily pay until he was replaced by Henry Camps, according to a Return dated the 31st July 1792 (Supply 5/216).
Supply 5/213
336
John (Senior)
Godwin
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Godwin, Snr. had joined the Royal Navy in his youth, and served for several years. He then worked at Waltham Abbey as a Gunpowder Maker and a Bargeman (Supply 5/222 dated the 2nd May 1804).
2. List of Artificers Employed dated the 22nd August 1789, recorded that John Godwin was "Setting and drawing stoves" (Supply 5/213). A further List of Employees dated the 14th August, 1790 (Supply 5/215) recorded that he was working in the Corning House for 1/6d per day. He was still there on the 16th April 1791 (Supply 5/215) and on the 31st January 1792 (Supply 5/215) and continued there until (circa) the 31st August 1793, when he replaced Clark Davie in the Refining House with the same rate of pay.
3. Supply 5/216 dated 31st August 1793, recorded that he was refining Saltpetre; however, by the 31st December 1794, he was setting and drawing stoves, for which he was paid 1/6d per day (also Supply 5/216).
4. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded on the 29th July 1793, that a Job Godwin (and others) was chequered (fined) one day's pay for "having gone across the Hoppit contrary to repeated orders." (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.39).
5. John enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, and is recorded as having joined the Ordnance Board on the 1st April 1789 (Supply 5/219).
6. On the 24th June 1795, he is described as a "Bargeman" in Supply 5/217, and paid 1/6d per day exclusive of extras when in the barge at night. This was also the case in 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
7. Winters (p.55) stated that John Godwin and John Cook were Masters of the Bengal in 1795.
8. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and still working as a Bargeman.
9. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man and had 3 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
10 In a letter dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's command to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately (16th June, 1801) destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all of their pay until they are recovered."
11 The List, (also Supply 5/195) included John Godwin, and therein stated "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great ..." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
12 Winters, in his Centenary Memorial book, made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
13 In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221) it was stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The attached list included Mr. Godwin, whose claim amounted to £2.14.0d in all - for a hat (5/-d), handkerchiefs (2/6d) stockings (2/6d), shirt (5/-d) waistcoat (8/-d), breeches (8/-d), another shirt (6/-d) and sheets (17/0d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Godwin, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking), at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
14 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) stated that Mr. Godwin and others had been so severely burnt in the old Corning House that it would be dangerous to expose him with the other men in repairing the river banks at that time, but that instead, he could perform trifling jobs as they occurred.
15 Letters dated 24th April and 2nd May 1804 (Supply 5/222) record that John Godwin, Bargeman, had died, and that it was believed that his death was caused by the injury he had received when the old Corning House was burnt on the 16th June 1801. He left a wife, Hannah, aged 32, and children, John (8) - see John Godwin, jnr. - William (6), Hester (3) and Elizabeth aged 16 months. James Wright wrote to the Ordnance Board requesting financial assistance for Hannah, and the Board agreed to pay her a pension of 16/-d per week, being her husband's salary.
16 A document dated the 8th November 1818, (Supply 5/231) lists persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances were granted by the Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in the Manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was
Hannah Godwin, who received a pension of 16/-d per week commencing the 17th April 1804.
17 Hannah was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821).
18 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Hannah's superannuation should continue at £41.12.0d per annum, and a similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was also the case in 1826 (Winters, p.96).
19 Hannah was still in receipt of a pension of 10/-d per week in 1837 (Supply 5/237) and this document confirmed that she had been in receipt of this amount since 1804.
20 The 1841 Census recorded that Hannah, aged 65 and described as an Ordnance Pensioner, together with her daughter Ester (not Hester) aged 30, were living in Silver Street. Both were born in Essex.
Supply 5/213
337
John (Junior)
Godwin
00/00/1796
List of Officers and Others on the Establishment
1. John Godwin, jnr., son of the John Godwin who died as a result of his injuries in the Corning House in 1801, was a youngster of 8 years when he became Apprenticed to the Master Worker, William Newton, on the 4th October 1804, earning 1/2d per day (Supply 5/223). However, under a Board Order dated the 12th March 1801, the Apprentices were allowed one day extra each week, which gave John weekly pay of 8/2d (Supply 5/222).
2. He was still an Apprentice in January 1806 with 2 years' service, as was the case in 1807, according to a List of Officers and Others Employed dated the 18th June 1807, when he then earned 1/4d per day. According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, his pay was 6/2d per week. The apparent reduction in the Apprentice's wages appears to be in accordance with an Order of the Board dated the 5th August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
3. A document dated 30th September 1808, showed that he was literate and still Apprenticed to the Master Worker, William Newton, with pay of 6/2d /week (Supply 5/227 dated the 30th September 1808).
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that John was still Apprenticed to the Master Worker, but that he was now paid 6/8d per week. His Master was given 8/-d per week in respect of John Junior's Apprenticeship.
5. WO54/512 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that John had finished his Apprenticeship and was then employed as a Cooper with pay of 1/9d per day, but that he was not allowed to watch.
Supply 5/223
338
William
Godwin
00/00/1797
Return of Employees
1. William Godwin was Apprenticed to the Master Bricklayer and paid 6/-d per week, according to Return WO54/512 dated September 1812.
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that William was an 18-year-old Waltham Abbey lad who started as an Apprentice to the Master Bricklayer on the 19th August 1811. He was paid 6/-d per week, as he was in 1817 and early 1818, but June 1818, his pay was increased to 6/4d per week (WO54/524 of the 25th June 1818).
3. With his Apprenticeship completed, William was then employed as a Bricklayer "occasionally as the service requires" and paid 4/1d per day. His age was given as 21 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that William was still employed as a Bricklayer. He was then 22, still lived in Waltham Abbey and was single. He still earned 4/1d per day and was employed only "occasionally as the Service requires."
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was then 23 years of age and still single. His terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged.
WO54/512
339
Edward (2)
Godwin
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. Edward Godwin (2) worked in the Corning House and was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789). Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 cofirmed his position and pay, and his age was given as 24 years. These details were repeated in Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790.
2. Supply 5/215 dated 11th December 1790, recorded that Edward Godwin was no longer in the Corning House, his name being replaced by John Godwin, who was later severely burnt when the Corning Mill blew up in June 1801.
Supply 5/213
340
John
Golding (Also Golden)
00/00/1721
Personnel Record
1. John Golding (also Golden) was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. Supply 5/212 dated 24th January 1789, recorded that Golden was to "be tried as a Millman". He was appointed to that position in the Corning House in 1789 "having lately been employed by Mr Walton."
3. John's pay on the 21st March 1789, taken from the Storekeeper's Personnel Return
(Supply 5/212) was 1/6d per day, and on the same date he is described as "setting & drawing stoves etc". (In this document, his name is given as Golding)
4. He was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, and was still paid 1/6d per day.
5 .During August 1789 he was described as "setting & drawing stoves". (Supply 5/213).
6. In September 1789, John, aged 58, appeared to be working as a Labourer "attending at the Proof House to keep the fires [and] prove powder etc. " (Supply 5/213).
7. An undated memo (No. 191) signed by William Congreve (Supply 5/189) stated "old Golding is to have one month's notice and then be discharged."
8. Golding's name does not appear in the List of Employees dated the 27th March 1790.
Supply 5/212
341
John
Gooch
Return of Employees
1. John Gooch was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801. This Report recorded that he was married and had 1 child. Note: in this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Gooch refused to go, and was discharged. (Winters, p.60)
Supply 5/221
342
John
Goodfellow
00/00/1745
Personnel Record for the Corning House
1. John Goodfellow was one of 3 men sent from Faversham to Waltham Abbey on the orders of the Duke of Richmond in October 1787 in order to set up the Mills there, which were about to be purchased by the Government (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29). Major Congreve was of the opinion that the Mills at Waltham "were not settled", and the men should continue to be on the list at Faversham. Consequently, Goodfellow was entitled to receive double pay, i.e., 18/-d per week. John was appointed to the Establishment at the Mill as the first Master Mixer on Sunday, the 1st February 1789, and in addition to his wage, he was entitled to train an Apprentice, for which he received 7/-d per week (Supply 5/188 dated the 16th February 1789). See also the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register for further information on John Goodfellow.
2. Pay of 3/-d per day was recorded in Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789, and Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that John Goodfellow was 44 years of age and was mixing Composition.
3. Report on the activities "in the Storekeepers department" dated the 18th April 1789 (Supply 5/213) recorded that Goodfellow was "superintending the men planting willow, cutting canal etc."
4. John was described as "mixing composition" in Supply 5/215 dated the11th December 1790.
5. Supply 5/190 dated January 1791, was an unsigned Report - possibly a draft - to "His Majesties Honourable Board of Ordnance" and recorded that "men whose work was very dangerous were frequently found in public houses neglecting his Majesties duty and whose names ought to be reported." On the 7th February 1792, a note was written on Supply 5/190 stating that the matter should be referred to Major Congreve and that he [was] to "cause an enquiry to be made and report the result to the Board." Heading the list of 3 was John Goodfellow, Master Mixer, who on the 12th January 1791, was "incapacitated and incapable of his business all day and slept in the works all night." Goodfellow appears to have survived the complaint as he was still the Master Mixer in April 1791 (see also Winters' Centenary Book, pp.34/35, where he recorded that the complaints were without foundation).
6. According to a Report dated 31 January 1792 (Supply 5/215) Goodfellow was still mixing Composition and was still earning 3/-d per day. This was also the case in July 1792 (Supply 5/215) and on the 28th February 1793 (Supply 5/216).
7. On the 27th February 1793, Robert Coleman, the Clerk of the Cheque, discovered gravel adhering to the bottom of shoes belonging to a Labourer working at the New Corning House; this was a danger, so Goodfellow was ordered to examine people's footwear at frequent intervals (Winters, op.cit. p.37). This incident was only one of several of its type which were recorded in Coleman's Minute Book.
8. By the 18 June 1793, John Goodfellow had been replaced by John Ashwood (Supply 5/217).
Supply 5/212
343
William
Goodhew
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. William Goodhew was a Labourer grinding Saltpetre and Charcoal at 1/6d per day until March 1792. At that time he was to be replaced by John Speller, according to a footnote to Supply 5/216 of the 31st July 1792.
Supply 5/216
344
Alexander
Gordon
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Alexander Gordon was "Employed at Sundry Places, Royal Gunpowder Mills, Aug 1798" (Supply 5/114) - taken from the FGPR ( p.36). A letter dated the 29th December 1789 to Waltham Abbey from the Royal Powder Mills at Faversham, records that John Montague and Alexander Gordon, "labourers at this place" were to be transferred to Waltham Abbey the next day, and that they had been paid to the end of the month. Gordon had "frock and slippers", while Montague had been furnished with neither (WASC 475).
2. Alexander Gordon was employed as a Millman earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March1790) as he was in April 1791 and January 1792 (both Supply 5/215).
3. From July to September 1792 he worked as a Labourer in the Corning House, with his pay reduced to 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated September 1792).
4. Alexander was still working as a Millman in February 1793, with his pay restored to 2/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). This was also the case in August to September 1793 and January 1794 (both Supply 5/216).
5. Robert Coleman reported on the 15th January 1794, that Gordon was chequered (fined) one days pay for fighting in the Watch House (Winters, p.40).
6. Alexander was in trouble again shortly afterwards, because Robert Coleman recorded on the 12th February 1794, that he was chequered three days' pay for "not coming on duty till past midnight, and having been refused entry tried to gain admittance by getting over the ditch." It was agreed "for his next offence he would be discharged" (Winters, p.41).
7. Gordon's name does not appear in the List of Employees dated the 31st August 1794 (Supply 5/216).
Supply 5/214
345
H.
Gough
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. H. Gough was employed in the Dusting House at 2/1d per day, and at the 30th January 1806 had served for a year (Supply 5/224)
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 recorded that he still worked in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
Supply 5/224
346
Stephen
Gough
Officers on Employments
1. Stephen Gough was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty" (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still a Millman who was paid the same 2/3d per day.
Supply 5/227
347
Robert
Granger
00/00/1807
Persons Employed by the Engineers' Department
1. Robert Granger had been employed as a Labourer for 4 months since June 1825, on a temporary basis at 2/2d per day, and was a single man, aged 18. However, he was to be discharged at the end of October 1825 (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
WO54/550
348
John (1)
Grapes
List of Foremen and Labourers Employed
1. John Grapes (1) was working as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and at that date he had one year's service.
2. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, John was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. An entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that Mr. Grapes was still employed as a Corning House Man, who now earned 2/6d. per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still a Corning House Man at 2/6d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town, with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72) Among those killed was John Grapes, who left a widow, Sarah, but no children (letter - Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd December 1811). Sarah received a pension of 17/6d per week with effect from the 17th May 1818, according to Winters (p.87), although he has quoted the date of inception incorrectly. A letter dated 3rd December 1811 (Supply 5/229) recorded that John Grapes "Died in a great explosion on 27 November 1811, working in the Corning house, paid 2/6 day, left a widow, has no children."
6. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed "persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Hon. Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who have lost their lives in this manufactory, or who have been superannuated on accounts of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments." Among the recipients was Sarah Grapes, whose husband had worked in the Corning House, and who received a pension of 17/6d per week, commencing the 28th November 1811.
7. Sarah was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821).
8. A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place." It was confirmed that Sarah's superannuation should continue at £45.10.0d per annum, and a similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmsed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. Winters, (p.96) recorded that this would also be the case in 1823.
Supply 5/224
349
John (2)
Grapes
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. John Grapes (2) was first employed as a casual Labourer on the 16th January 1813. He earned 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and was a 50-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 5 children - four of whom were married (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
350
Samuel
Grapes
00/00/1795
Report of Employees
1. Samuel Grapes was first employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 16th January 1813. He earned 2/8d per day, and was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
351
Samuel
Graves
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Samuel Graves had been engaged as a Punt Man in the early months of 1804, earning 2/-d per day. At the 30th January 1805, he had one year's service (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1805) and this was still the case in June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that Mr. Graves was then a Millman earning 2/3d. per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed 6d when on night duty.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 recorded that Mr. Graves was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d. per night when on duty (Supply 5/229).
5. Graves was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
352
James
Gray
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. employed in Storekeeper's Department
1. James Gray was employed as a Puntman; he was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 recorded that James was still employed as a Puntman, but that he was now paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228
353
George
Gray
List of Officers Employed.
1. George Gray was engaged as a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with pay of 3/-d per day and an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/230
354
Thomas
Grayling (Graylin)
00/00/1762
Personnel Record
1. Thomas Grayling (Graylin) was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28). However, according to Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788, he actually started work on the 1st November 1787.
2. Supply 5/212 dated the 24th January 1789, recorded that Graylin was to "be tried as a Millman" and was appointed Millman in the Corning House, "having lately been employed by Mr Walton."
3. Thomas's pay at the 21st March 1789 was 2/-d per day (Supply 5/212), as was the case in March, 1790, which also confirmed he was working at his trade (Supply 5/214). Although Grayling was a Millman, Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, recorded that he was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." in common with the majority of the workforce.
4. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 did not record his age as other entries in the list did, but confirmed that he was a Millman.
5. Winters (p.33) stated "Feb. 4th 1790. This morning, at One o'clock, one of the Queens Meads Mills blew up, which entirely unroofed the same. The charge had been worked an hour. Thos. Graylin, Millman on duty, and set fire to his jacket: but he received no bodily harm." This account is confirmed by a letter of the same date in WASC 475.
6. Grayling was still working as a Millman in 1791 and January 1792 on the same pay (Supply 5/215) and this was also the case in July to September 1792, as well as in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793), August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216), January 1794 (Supply 5/216), and August to December 1794 (Supply 5/216).
7. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
8. Robert Coleman recorded on the 9th March 1795 that the Rounder had found Thomas Graylin, Millman, asleep on duty and that he was chequered (fined).
9. A signed document (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) relating to a Petition on Pay showed that Thomas was illiterate and was still working as a Millman.
10 Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still a Millman and a married man with one child.
11 Supply 5/221dated 3rd November 1801 recorded that, although still employed as a Millman, Thomas was used in cleaning and deepening the river, canals, and performing sundry necessary work.
12 He was still employed as a Millman in 1804 (Supply 5/222) but his wage had increased to 2/3d per day, and he was still in receipt of an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill", i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d. This was also the case in 1806 (Supply 5/224) when he had been employed with the Ordnance for 18 years, as well as in June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
13 According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Grayling was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
14 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Grayling was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
15 List of Employees dated 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Grayling was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d. per night when on duty. The same details were recorded on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
16 Supply 5/230 dated the 2nd March 1816, recorded that Mr. Grayling had been employed for 28 years, and his age was given as 53. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 3/-d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Grayling and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Grayling "had been very quiet and inoffensive in the discharge of his duty, had scarce ever lost any time from sickness or from any other cause, but has become so feeble as to make it improper to employ him in a Gunpowder Manufactory any longer." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816, (Supply 5/200) Mr. Grayling was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/6d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816.
17 A supplement to Supply 5/231 dated the 8th November 1818, listed "persons who have been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments." and among the recipients was "Thomas Graylin, Millman" who received a pension of 15/-d per week which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
18 List of Persons Receiving Superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821) confirmed the previous entry in respect of Mr. Grayling.
19 A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Thomas Graylin, lately a Millman, was in receipt of £39.0.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, and, according to Winters (p.96) this was also the case in 1826.
20 List of Pensioners dated the 21st August 1838 (Supply 5/237) recorded that Thomas Graylin, Millman, had been granted a pension on the 6th March 1816.
21 A letter from Waltham Abbey to the Board dated the 7th October 1840 (Supply 5/238) recorded that Thomas Grayling, Millman, had died on the 4th October 1840.
Supply 5/212
355
Phillip
Green
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Phillip Green started work as a Charcoal Millman in the spring of 1805, earning 2/-d per day. At the 30th January 1806, he had served 9 months (Supply 5/224).
2. Mr. Green was still working as a Charcoal and Brimstone Millman in June 1807; Supply 5/226 of that date recorded, " in addition to his pay he is allowed to Watch in turn for which he receives 2/-d."
3. According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Green was then employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Phillip was a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Green was still a Corning House Man, but that he now earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
6. On the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) Mr. Green was described as a Glazing Millman, then only earning 3/-d per day, but he was still allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
356
William
Greenfield
List of Officers and Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. William Greenfield was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day according to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808.
2. This was also the case in September 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
3. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 confirmed he was still in the same position at the same rate of pay as before.
4. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, indicated that although still a Cylinder Man, at that date, William's pay had been increased to 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/227
357
Samuel
Greenway
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Samuel Greenway was a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day, according Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February1814 confirmed that Samuel was still a Cylinder Man, earning the same 2/8d per day as before.
Supply 5/229
358
J
Gregg
Petition on Pay
1. J. Gregg worked as a General Labourer, according to a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay dated the 2nd February 1800. The document in question also indicated that Gregg was literate (Supply 5/220).
Supply 5/220
359
William.
Grenville
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Grenville was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
2. The previous information was repeated in Supply 5/227 dated August 1808.
Supply 5/226
360
Thomas
Griffin
00/01/791
List of Employees
1. Thomas Griffin was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, with an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. A Return of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that Thomas was then employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, and that he was a married man of 27 with 2 children, living in Enfield. This Return stated that he only earned 2/4d per day, but confirmed that he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he then received 1/-d per night.
3. The Establishment was reduced in numbers in September 1818 as a result of peace in Europe and, therefore, a reduction in the production of gunpowder was made. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement.", and Mr. Griffin's name was included on that list.
Supply 5/230
361
Thomas
Grover
List of employees
1. Thomas Grover was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/229
362
James
Gubby
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. James Gubby was engaged as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to a List of Employees dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) he was still employed as a Millman at the same rate of pay, in addition to which, he was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/224
363
Benjamin (1)
Guinn
00/00/1767
Personnel Record
1. Benjamin Guinn (1) was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 1/6d per day, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788). It was noted in a record dated 27th November 1788, that he was promised to be continued since he was previously employed by Mr Walton (Winters, p.31). In Supply 5/212 dated the 29th January 1789, he was described as a Saltpetre Millman, earning 1/6d per day.
2. He is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, and Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 22 years of age and employed as a Labourer refining Salt Petre.
3. Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790, confirmed that he was Refining Saltpetre under John Baker, and that he was still in the Refining House in January 1792 (Supply 5/215). This was also the case in July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216), February to September 1793, and January1794 (Supply 5/216) as well as in August 1794 (also Supply 5/216).
4. He apparently went to work drunk on Christmas Day 1794, and was chequered (fined) two days' pay by Robert Coleman, the Clerk of the Cheque (Winters, p.44).
5. Benjamin had been promoted to Millman by December 1794, and was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/217 dated the 21st December, 1794).
6. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
7. Benjamin joined the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
8. Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was illiterate and confirmed he was still working as a Millman.
9. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) stated that he was still working as a Millman, and that he was a married man with 3 children.
10 A Return dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that, although still employed as a Millman, he was also cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and was performing other sundry necessary work.
11 Benjamin was still employed as a Millman in 1804 (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) but his wage had been increased to 2/3d per day, and he also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty, i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d. This was also the case on the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) when he had been employed with the Ordnance for 17 years, as well as on the 18th June 1807 (Supply 226).
12 Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Guinn was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and he was "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
13 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that he was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, as well as being allowed 6d per night when on duty.
14 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Guinn was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
15 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/ 231 and WO54/524) recorded that Mr. Guinn was aged 52, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with six children. He then only earned 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
16 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December. 1818; Guinn's name was included with pay of 2/-d per day, and his allowances remained unchanged.
17 In a memo dated the 25th January 1819 (Supply 5/202) the Board agreed with the Surgeon's request that Benjamin Guinn be provided with a truss.
18 List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Guinn was still employed as a Millman, that he was married man, aged 53, with 6 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed an additional 6d when on night duty.
19 Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820, updated Benjamin's previous entry with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged.
20 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1821) recorded that Benjamin (1) was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance (Tenement No. 42) with a rent of £7.16.0d per annum, which covered his house, garden and a large shed. The property and its small garden has been identified as being one of a terrace of 5 tenements on the south side of High Bridge Street, opposite its junction with Powder Mill Lane. It was part of Property No. 1972 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map, or Plot 1415 on the 1842 Tithe Map.
21 Supply 5/232 dated the 9th April 1821, recorded that Mr. Guinn was aged 53, was married and had six children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, and as a Millman was earning the same amount as in Note 17. When on night duty he was still allowed 6d.
22 List of Employees dated the 23rd January 1822 (Supply 5/232) gave Benjamin's age as 53, and recorded that he was paid 2/8d per day. It confirmed he was a Millman, and that he had 34 years' service at that date.
23 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed,and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that Benjamin Guinn, Millman, had been appointed as a Labourer on the 22nd October 1787. His position on the Establishment as a Millman was confirmed by an order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818, and confirmed that he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night. This gave him total annual pay of £46.18.8d. He had served just over 34 years, was aged 53, and was a married man with six children who lived in Waltham Abbey.
24 Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822, was a list of persons to form an Establishment to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, and recorded that Benjamin Guinn, Millman, was to be retained.
25 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), Benjamin (1) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
26 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Guinn was still a Millman and that his pay for the year was £44.4.0d, which included an allowance opf 2/-d per week for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed. These details were repeated in WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823.
27 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given and recorded that Benjamin (1) had been in continuous service since the 22nd October, 1787. His annual pay was confirmed at £44.4.0d.
28 WO/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his basic pay as £39.0.0d per annum; he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making total pay of £44.4.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous family and service details, and all of this information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
29 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
30 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last Report dated the 1st October 1826."
31 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 confirmed the previous information, but at that date Benjamin had served nearly 40 years, and was now 60 years of age.
32 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as provided in the previous notes, except that he had then served just over 40 years.
33 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
34 Return dated 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) also updated his age and length of service with family details and pay unaltered..
35 WO54/566 dated 1st October 1829 recorded that at that date Benjamin still earned the same £44.4.0d as in Note 27. His length of service was given as nearly 42 years, and he was then aged 61.
36 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
37 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Benjamin Guinn (1) was now 62 and that he had served nearly 43 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 27, and all other information remained the same.
38 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Benjamin was then 63 years of age and had served nearly 44 years. He was still earning a total of £44.4.0d.
39 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
40 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged except that he was then allowed night duties at 6d per night, and was receiving pay of £46.16.0d per annum.
41 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
42 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that Benjamin Guinn (1) still earned a total of £46.16.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 45 years, and his age as 65.
43 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Mr. Guinn was 66 years of age, and that he had served nearly 46 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £46.16.0d, and his family details remained the same.
44 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Benjamin was still employed as a Millman, his basic pay had been cut to £32.12.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, and also received an extra 6d when working at night, which increased his annual pay to £39.3.0d.
45 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay unchanged.
46 The 1825 Rateable Value of Waltham Abbey showed that Benjamin was living next to widow Hudson (D/DHF B29), so it would appear that he had taken over the property from Thomas Mason, and would, therefore, be Plot 52 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. However, a Return of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office dated the 20th December 1834 listing the houses and cottages owned by the Board, recorded that Benjamin Guinn had the rent on his cottage in Powder Mill Lane reduced to £5.4.0d per annum with effect from the 6th April 1829 (Supply 5/237) and this tenement was part of Plot 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
47 A letter from the Storekeeper to the Board dated the 2nd September 1837(Supply 5/238) recorded that Benjamin Guinn, Millman, was aged 70, and that he "is too infirm to be trusted with supervising the Mill, and it is proposed to superanuate him." He was retired on the 22nd October 1837, having completed 50 years' service. His position was filled by Joseph Perry (Supply 5/237).
48 Supply 5/238 of the 22nd September 1840, recorded that Benjamin Guinn, Pensioner, formerly a Millman, died on the 20th September 1840, and that his pension was paid to his daughter, Sarah Adams (Supply 5/238).
Supply 5/212
364
James
Guinn
List of Artificers, etc. Employed in the Engineers' Department
1. James Guinn worked as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Department Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated 8th May 1894).
Supply 5/222
365
George
Guinn
List of Officers and Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. George Guinn was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, according to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that George was employed as a Cooper, paid 2/6d day, but not allowed to watch.
3. George was still employed as a Cooper on the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) with pay of 4/6d per day, but still not allowed to watch. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply5/227
366
Benjamin (2)
Guinn
Pay List
1. Benjamin Guinn (2) was paid 5/6d as a Common Labourer for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d day, and allowed to watch in turn.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Benjamin (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
4. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Benjamin Guinn's name was on the list, but his pay had been reduced to 2/-d per day.
Supply 5/228
367
John
Guinn
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. John Guinn was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. (Return of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. John was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner on the 13th February 1814, with the same pay and conditions as before (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
368
Thomas (1)
Guinn
00/00/1794
List of Employees
1. Thomas Guinn (1) was employed as a Puntman who was paid 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This information was repeated in Supply 5/230 dated the13th February 1814.
2. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that a Thomas Guinn was employed as a Labourer with the Engineers' Department on the 14th August, 1820 "occasionally as the services require". He was a 26-year-old married man with three children living in Waltham Abbey, and was then only paid 2/4d per day.
Supply 5/229
369
William
Guinn
List of Officers etc. Employed.
1. William Guinn was a Corning House man who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night. (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - WO54/512).
2. William was still employed as a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) under the same conditions which applied in August, 1812.
WO54/512
370
Thomas (2)
Guinn
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. Thomas Guinn (2) was employed as a Casual Millwrght earning 4/7d per day ( WO54/512 dated the 29th August 1812).
WO54/512
371
Thomas (3)
Guinn
00/00/1790
List of Employees
1. Thomas Guinn (3) was employed in the Engineers' Department as a Labourer and paid 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d annually. He had 1 year's service from the 1st April, 1822. He was a 31-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with two children (WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823).
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed the information stated in the previous Return, except that his service was 3 years, and he was then aged 34. His family details remained the same.
3. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry.
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 recorded that a Thomas Guinn, a 35-year-old married man with two children, was employed in the Engineers' Department as a Labourer, and confirmed that his appointment dated from the 1st April 1822, i.e., that he had 4 years' service.
5. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, gave the same information as the previous Return.
6. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded similar information, except that Thomas was 36 years' old and at that date had served for 5 years.
7. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same details as previously, except that he then had over 5 yeas' service and was nearly 37 years of age. In addition, his children then numbered five.
8. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated Thomas's basic information.
9. Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO564/566) updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
10 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570), Thomas (3) was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served 8 years and was 39 years' old, with five children.
11 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Thomas was still working as a Labourer; his family details and pay were unchanged, but his length of service and age had been updated.
12 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield - showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831 - recorded that Thomas Guinn was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was still paid 2/2d per day, and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories where steadiness and sobriety were particularly required (WO54/575 dated January 1821).
13 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 and WO54/575 of October 1831, confirmed that Thomas (3) still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 1, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. In 1831, however, he had served over 9 years and he was aged just over 40.
14 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
15 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 confirmed that Thomas (3) still earned £33.18.2d per annum. He had by then served over 10 years and his age was given as just over 41.
16 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, gave the same information as in Note 15, except that Thomas (3) was now 42, and had served for 11 years.
WO54/542
372
John
Guinstock
List of Employees and their Pay
1. John Guinstock was employed as a Labourer to the Clerk of the Cheque; he was paid 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn, according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
Supply 5/229
373
Howard
Gunn
List of Officers Employed
1. Howard Gunn was employed as a Dusting House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling." (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Gunn was a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
Supply 5/227
374
George
Gunnett
List of officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc.
1. George Gunnett was employed as a Punt man in June 1807, earning 2/-d per day. The description of his work was "Setting & drawing stoves, loading & unloading barges, etc." (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
375
James
Guthrie
00/00/1786
Return of Employees
1. James Guthrie was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department He was a 35-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 5/2d per day (WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817).
WO54/520
376
James
Haismar
00/00/1789
Return of Employees
1. James Haismar was employed as a casual Millwright earning 5/2d per day (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed James was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department, and that he had first worked for the Board on the 19th September 1809 in that capacity. He was a 26-year-old single man living in Waltham Abbey, and at that date was paid 5/8d per day. These details remained unchanged on the 28th February 1817 (WO54/520).
WO54/512
377
Charles
Hall
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. Charles Hall worked as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that Charles Hall was working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day, and that at that date he had completed 2 years' service.
3. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed Charles was still working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
4. According to an entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Charles was still employed as a Dusting House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
Supply 5/222
378
Thomas
Hall
Winters' Centenary Memorial (page 28)
1. Thomas Hall was a Sawyer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr. Walton by the Government. He was not retained once his work was completed (Winters, p.28).
379
Searing
Hall
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.55)
1. Searing Hall was listed as the Master of the Barge "The Betsey" in 1802 (Winters, p.55).
380
Henry
Hallet
Personnel Record
1. Henry Hallet was employed in the Corning House as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
2. Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793, recorded that Henry was transferred to refining and melting Saltpetre at that date.
Supply 5/216
381
Benjamin
Halls (Also Hall)
List of Employees
1. Benjamin Halls (also Hall) was a Millman earning 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 stated that his name had then been entered in the records as Hall, and that he was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same pay and conditions.
Supply 5/229
382
Henry
Halsted
Report on Artificers and Labourers
1. Henry Halsted was a Clerk with a salary of £60 per annum, together with £15 annually for house rent (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
2. Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, recorded that Halsted signed, as a witness, the Petition on Pay and Allowances presented by the workforce . He was the 2nd Clerk.
3. By May 1804, Henry had been promoted to First Clerk with a salary of £80 per annum, lodging allowance of £20.16.0d, and coal/candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum. He had been awarded a £10 increase in pay and a gratuity of £8.0.0d according to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804.
Supply 5/217
383
Dr
Hammond
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.122)
1. Dr. Hammond was appointed Surgeon to the Mills in 1784 (Winters, p.122).
384
John
Hampton
00/00/1769
Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Hampton was a Labourer (Refiner) aged 20, who started at the Mills on the 10th August 1789. During August and September 1789, he was described as "setting & drawing stoves and sundries in various parts of the Manufactory", earning 1/6d per day. (Supply 5/213).
2. Report on Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 27th March 1790 (Supply 5/214) confirmed he was refining Saltpetre under Thomas Baker; he was still in the Refining House in January 1792 (Supply 5/215), and in July to Sept 1792 (Supply 5/216) as well as February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). This was also the case in August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216), January and August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
3. On the 7th May 1794, Hampton enlisted in the Volunteer Company as a Private (Winters, p.42).
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that John was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/213
385
William (1)
Hampton
00/00/1789
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. William Hampton was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day; in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). The same pay and conditions applied in 1814, according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
2. List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that William Hampton (1) was 27 years of age, and that he was still a Refiner of Saltpetre with service of 6 years. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d, and in the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Hampton and others should be superannuated "because of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that "this man will probably not live many weeks to receive the Board's bounty." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816, (Supply 5/200) Mr. Hampton was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing the 1st April, 1816.
Supply 5/229
386
William (2)
Hampton
00/00/1773
List of Persons Employed
1. William Hampton (2) was employed by the Engineers' Department (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825). This Return records that William, a married man, aged 51 with 4 children, had been employed as a Labourer for four months since June 1825 on a temporlary basis. He was paid 2/2d per day, but was to be discharged at the end of the month. . He may possibly have been the father of William Hampton (1).
2. A William Hampton was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers's Department in 1790 and paid 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790, he worked within the Manufactory with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
WO54/550
387
Samuel
Hands
List of Artificers, etc. Employed in the Engineers' Department
1. Samuel Hands was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
388
John
Hanes
List of Employees in the Engineers' Dept.
1. John Hanes was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
389
Henry
Harbert
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. Henry Harbert was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
390
John
Hardwick
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. John Hardwick was employed in the Dusting House at 2/1d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806.
Supply 5/224
391
John
Harper
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. John Harper was described as a Labourer working in various parts of the Manufactory, setting and drawing stoves, and loading and unloading barges, for which he earned 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
392
Edward
Harris
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. Edward Harris worked as a Corning House Man in February 1814, for which he was paid 3/3d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230 dated 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
393
George
Harris
00/00/1779
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. George Harris was engaged by the Board as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 25 June 1815. He earned 2/8d per day, and was a 38-year-old married man living in Cheshunt with four children (WO54/516 dated February 1816)
2. WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817, recorded that his pay had decreased to 2/4d per day, and that he then lived in Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required". His pay was still 2/4d per day. These details were the same in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819) except that by then he had five children.
4. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that George was still employed as a Labourer. At that date he was aged 42, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and his family details remained the same as before. He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked, "Occasionally as required." WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was then aged 43, with his family details and terms of employment, etc. remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
6. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that he was then paid only 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had just over 8 years' service starting on the 25th June 1815. It confirmed he was aged 43, and a married man with five children, living in Waltham Abbey.
7. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that George was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. His service was given as just over 10 years, and at that date he was aged 45.
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry, and WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, recorded the same details as given in the October 1825 Return.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, indicated the same details as given in Note 8.
10 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, gave the same information as previously. However, at that date, Mr. Harris had just over 12 years' service and he was 47 years of age.
11 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, recorded the same information as in Note 10, with the exception that George then had nearly 13 years' service.
12 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information given in the previous notes.
13 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
14 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 stated that at that date George still earned the same as in Note 7. His length of service was given as just over 14 years, and he was aged 49.
15 Return dated the 1st October, 1829 (no reference given) updated his age and length of service, again with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
16 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570) George was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served just over 15 years and he was aged 50.
17 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that George was still working as a Labourer with his family details and pay unchanged, but with his length of service and age updated.
18 A Return of Persons Belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that George Harris was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. It confirmed he was paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
19 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
20 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that George still earned 2/2d per day as previously indicated, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served nearly 17 years and was aged just over 50.
21 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, again with all other details remaining unchanged.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that George still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as nearly 18 years, and at that date he was just over 52.
23 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded the same information as in Note 22, except that George was now 53 years' old, and had served for 18 years.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that George's basic details remained unchanged, but updated his age and length of service.
25 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that George still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served just over 19 years and that his age was 54.
WO54/516
394
James
Harris
00/00/1795
List of those Employed
1. James Harris was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. Hewas first engaged by the Board on the 20th July 1815, and was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
395
Thomas
Harrison
Pay List
1. Thomas Harrison was a common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that Harrison was a Cooper who was paid 2/6 day, but that he was not allowed to watch.
3. In 1812 he was employed as a casual Bricklayer's Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week ( WO54/512 dated September 1812).
4. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that Thomas was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and recorded that was first employed by the Board on the 29 March 1806. In 1816, he was a widower from Enfield with no children.
Supply 5/228
396
John
Harrod
List of Employees
1. John Harrod was a Mixing House Man who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/228
397
William
Hasler
00/00/1813
Return of Employees
1. William Hasler was employed as a general Labourer on the 3rd December 1838 with pay of £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 26-year-old bachelor (WO54/623 of the 1st October 1839).
2. The 1841 Census recorded that a William Hasler of the same age was now married and working as an Agricultural Labourer at Horseshoe Hill with his young family.
WO54/623
398
Arthur
Hatby
Return of Employees
1. Arthur Hatby was engaged as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
399
John
Hattersley
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. John Hattersely was employed as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with pay of 2/-d per day, and "when not working [was] allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. He was later employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day, according to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
Supply 5/226
400
John
Hawkins
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. John Hawkins was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March 1801" (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
401
James
Hay
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. James Hay was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. The same pay and conditions applied as before according to Supply 5/230 of the 13th February 1813.
Supply 5/229
402
Thomas
Haycock
Pay List
1. Thomas Haycock was employed as a Labourer, and was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21 July 1809).
Supply 5/228
403
John
Haycock
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. John Haycock was working as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was employed as a casual Labourer, but recorded that he was only earning 2/4d per day. He was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806 as a Labourer, and was a 50-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817, confirmed that his pay was 2/4d per day, and that all other details remained unchanged
WO54/512
404
John
Haydon
List of Artificers, etc., and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. John Haydon was a Charcoal Millman who replaced Richard Hudson. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
405
Patrick
Hayes
00/00/1784
List of Employees
1. Patrick Hayes was employed as a Charcoal Burner at Faversham, then transferred to Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/207 dated the 29th November 1832).
2. At Waltham Abbey he was employed as a Labourer in the Cylinder House, with pay of 2/2d per day (Winters, op.cit. p.102).
3. A Return dated the 1st April 1833 (WO54/587) stated that Mr. Hayes was a Cylinder House Man, that the date of his appointment was the 19th November, 1832, and that he had previously been employed as a Labourer at Tooley Street on the 27th May 1827. It would, therefore, appear as though he went from Tooley Street to Faversham and then to Waltham Abbey. Mr. Hayes earned a total of £39.0.0d annually, and his period of service was given as nearly 6 years. At the 1st April 1833, it was recorded that he was a married man of 38, although this is a clerical error, because in fact he was 48, and his age appears inconsistent throughout all the documents researched. He had four children, and was brought up to be a Tanner (WO54/587).
4. WO54/587 dated 1st the 1st October 1833, gave the same details as in the previous Return, but indicated that Patrick had served just over 6 years and that he was 39 years of age.
5. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that Patrick was still employed as a Cylinder House Man. However, his basic annual income by then had been reduced to £28.5.6d. He was allowed to watch in turn, and this gave him a total annual sum of £33.9.6d, as opposed to his previous earnings of £39. His period of service was given as nearly 7 years, and he had 5 children. In this Return his age is given as 49.
6. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the basic information given in the previous note, but indicated that he was 50 years of age and had served just over 7 years.
7. A Return made by the Royal Engineers' Office dated December 1834 showing how the Board's houses and cottages were let, recorded that Tenement No. 55, previously occupied by Michael Summers, was to be allocated to Patrick Hayes, Cylinder man (Supply 5/237). This cottage has been identified as being on the south side of High Bridge Street and formed out of dwellings in the old Tanyard, Plot No. 55 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
8. Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that Hayes was still employed as a Cylinder House man with pay of £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. His appointment at Waltham dates from the 19th September 1832; he was a 54-year-old married man with 5 children and 12 years' service.
9. A Return of Domestic Properties dated 1840, recorded that Patrick had moved to the opposite side of High Bridge Street into one of the cottages known as High Bank, forming part of Plot 48 on the Town Map shown in Appendix 1.(WO44/133).
10 The 1841 Census recorded that Patrick - aged 40 - and his wife, Catherine (30) were both born in Ireland and confirmed they lived on the north side of High Bridge Street with their children, Thomas (15), Edmund (11) and William (7). Only William was born in Essex.
Supply 5/207
406
John
Haynes
00/00/1753
Personnel Record
1. John Haynes was described as an "Occasional Labourer" in Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788. During August and September 1789, he was "setting & drawing stoves and sundries in various parts of the Manufactory" earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 36 years' old, and was employed in the punts to convey powder from the Mills to the Corning House, and drawing and setting stoves.
3. Supply 5/214 dated March 1790 and Supply 5/215 dated August 1790, both confirm the information given in Note 2.
4. Haynes was working in the Corning House from April to June 1791, according to Supply 5/215 dated 16th April 1791.
5. Returns dated 31st January 1792 (Supply 5/215) and 28th February 1793 (Supply 5/216) both record that John Haynes was a Millman.
6. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, stated in his Minute Book on the 11th April 1793, that several men had reported that they had seen Haynes put coal in his pocket while at the Watch House; evidence was given by Ben Wall, Snr. and C. Edwards, who claimed to have seen him do this, and others who gave evidence were A. Gordon, J. Ferguson, W. Dugard and J. Cass. Haynes denied the offence and said that he only took them to admire them. Nevertheless, he was discharged on the 11th November 1793, and replaced by Mr. B. Camp (Winters, op.city.p.38).
Supply 5/212
407
James
Haynes
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.32
1. James Haynes, according to Winters (p.32) was appointed Warder at the Refinery House.
408
Thomas Henry (2)
Hayward
00/00/1809
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Henry Hayward was possibly the son of Thomas Hayward (1).
2. He was appointed a Carpenter in the Engineers' Department on the 6th July 1830 and was paid 4/1d per day, which gave him an annual amount of £63.18.1d. He was a 22-year-old single man who had trained as a Carpenter (WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830).
3. A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Thomas Hayward was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 4/1d per day, and was required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory, requiring great care, attention and sobriety, etc.
4. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Thomas (2) still earned 4/1d per day, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. At that date he had served just over a year, and was a single man, aged 23.
6. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
7. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Thomas Henry still earned £63.18.1d per annum. His service was given as just over 2 years, and at that date he was 24 years of age.
8. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed the information given in Note 7.
9. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as before, but updated Mr. Hayward's age and length of service.
10 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, confirmed that Thomas Henry still earned a total of £63.18.1d per annum, that he was then just over 25, and that his service was just over 4 years.
WO54/570
409
Thomas
Hayward/Haywood
00/00/1773
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Hayward had been trained as a Carpenter and Millwright and earned a total of £91.5.10d per annum. His service was given as 38 years, and he was a married man, aged 60, with 6 children (WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833).
2. WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details as before, with his age and length of service updated.
3. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, confirmed that Thomas, Master Millwright, still earned a total of £91.5.10d per annum, that he was 61, and that his service at that date was 39 years.
4. A Return of Properties owned by the Board, dated the 20th December 1834 and prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office, recorded that Thomas Hayward had been renting one of their cottages since the 3rd June 1825 (Supply 5/237).
5. Thomas was trained as a Millwright and Carpenter and was on the 1795 Pay Return for the Engineers' Department, but no other details were recorded on the Return of Employees for October 1833 (WO54/587). He was appointed Master Carpenter within the Engineers' Department on the 23rd July 1806, and then Acting Foreman of Works on the 14th October 1834. His rate of pay in 1839 was 5/10d per day, and his estimated annual income was £91.11.8d. He lived in a house at the northen end of a row in Powder Mill Lane, for which he paid rent. He was a 66-year-old widower with 6 children, and had served for nearly 45 years (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
6. The 1841 Census confirmed that Thomas (1) lived in Powder Mill Lane with Eleanor Hayward (25) and Emma Hayward (4), that he was a Carpenter and that he was not born in the County.
WO54/587
410
Charles
Hearn
Return of Employees
1. Charles Hearn was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
411
Thomas
Heath
Petition on Pay
1. Thomas Heath was a General Labourer working in various buildings. A signed document (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) showed that he was literate.
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with no children. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/220
412
J
Heather
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. J. Heather was an extra Bargeman employed on three barges transporting gunpowder to Picket's Field and the Magazines, and he was paid £2.2.0d. per week (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
413
Edward
Heddy (also Heady)
00/00/1726
Personnel Record
1. Edward Heddy, according to a list of old barges employed by the Board 1789, was The Endeavour's Master. Heddy had previously worked for Mr Walton, and was an occasional Labourer at the Mills in 1788 (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.32). Edward earned 1/6d per day according to Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788, and was still earning the same in 1790 (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March1790). He was still Master of the Endeavour in 1790 (Winters, op.cit. p.55).
2. Between August and September 1790, Edward worked within the Manufactory as a Labourer with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
3. Supply 5/215 of December, 1790 recorded that at that date he was working on the barges, which was also the case in April to June, 1791 (Supply 5/215) and January to March, 1792 (also Supply 5/215).
4. Between July and September 1792, Edward was "in the country charring wood." (Supply 5/216 dated 31st July 1792),
5. Edward was described as a Bargeman in February and March of 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th January, 1793) as well as in August to September 1793, (Supply 5/216), but by January 1794, he had been replaced by John Turnham. Edward was then employed as a Warder (Supply 5/216 dated January 1794) as was the case in August 1794 (Supply 5/216), December 1794 (Supply 5/217) and July 1795 (also Supply 5/217). Supply 5/217 gave his start date as a Bargeman as the 28th May 1788, and as a Warder, the 1st October 1793.
6. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that Edward was now working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man without children. Note: in this document anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer).
7. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as Warder "attending at the field gate, Refining House and upper part of the works."
8. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, confirmed that he was still working as a Warder and that his pay had increased to 2/-d per day. All Warders received an additional allowance of
1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
9. Edward was shown on Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806 as a Warder, and this Return confirmed he was earning 2/-d per day. He had 16 years' service, which agreed with previous information, and this Return also confirmed that he was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
10 A Return dated 1st September 1810 confirmed he was a Warder at 2/-d per day, and that he was allowed to 'round' every third night for which he was paid 2/- (Supply 5/228).
11 A Petition was received by the Board from Edward's wife (Supply 5/229 dated the 20th November 1811) asking for a pension after the death of her husband. A second Report dated 2nd December 1811 (Supply 5/229) related that he was in his 85th year, and confirmed that prior to becoming a "warderman" he had been a Bargeman, a position he had held with Mr Walton prior to the Mills being purchased by the Ordnance in 1787. The Report also described how Edward Heddy had left his post at the Refining House to wash his hands in the river on the 19th November 1811, when he became giddy and fell into the water. He was rescued, taken to the Wardhouse and lived for another 30 minutes. His wife, Mary, upwards of 67 years, asked for a small allowance "for the remaining years of her life." (Winters, op.cit.p.70).
12 The Board agreed to pay Mary 5/-d per week "upon the charity list", commencing from the date of her husband's death (Supply 5/199 dated 6th December 1811).
Supply 5/212
414
J.
Hedley
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. J. Hedley worked as a Labourerer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801" (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
415
George
Herbert
List of Employees
1. George Herbert was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812, Supply 5/229).
2. George was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay, and an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/229
416
William
Hickman
List of employees
1. William Hickman was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
417
George (1)
Hicks
00/00/1753
Personnel Record
1. George Hicks (1) started work at Faversham on the 1st November 1787, and transferred to Waltham Abbey on the 15th September 1788 (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788).
2. According to the Personnel Return for the Storekeepers Department (Supply 5/212 dated 21st March 1789) he was paid 1/6d per day as a Sieve Puncher.
3. George is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood" in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, and Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 36 and employed punching parchment bottoms and mounting sieves.
4. Supply 5/189 dated the 26 December 1789, was a memorandum signed by William Congreve which stated that "Hicks, the puncher and mounter of sieves, is to do that duty in the proof house and have the care of that building."
5. He was still "punching sieves and at the proving house" in March 1790 (Supply 5/214) and this was also the case in July 1795 (Supply 5/217). In addition, he had also enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
6. Winters, (op.cit. pp. 46/47) recorded that in December 1795, George Hicks stole a considerable quantity of Saltpetre, which he took to London; he was subsequenty tried at Chelmsford Assizes, and a cart was sent to Chelmsford after his trial to collect the stolen Salpetre. In March 1796, he was sentenced to seven years' transportation.
Supply 5/212
418
Nathaniel
Hicks
Employee List
1. Nathaniel Hicks was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn, according to a Return of Employees dated the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Nathaniel was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and confirmed that in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. The same pay and conditions applied as before, according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/228
419
George (2)
Hicks
00/00/1769
Return of Employees
1. George Hicks (2) was first employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department on the 18th July 1815, and was a 46-year-old bachelor living in Enfield (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
2. According to WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817, his pay was only 2/4d per day, and he was then living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
420
R.
Hide
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. R. Hide was an extra Bargeman who was employed on three barges transporting gunpowder to Picket's Field and the Magazines, and was paid £2.2.0d. per week (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
421
Richard
Higgins
00/00/1791
Faversham Gunpowder People Return
1. Richard Higgins was born at Preston-next-Faversham in 1791, and employed as a Cooper at Faversham in 1806. His service records indicated that he left the Ordnance for a short while, but was re-employed as a Cooper on the 30th November 1808 until the 25th June 1824, when his occupation changed to that of a Charcoal Burner. On the 1st April 1825, a Return (Supply 5/116) recorded that he was still a Charcoal Burner earning 2/4d per day, and that he was a married man with one child. Between the 1st July and 31st December 1825, he was stopped 1/-d for medical attention. During October 1826, he was suffering from ague, possibly Malaria, (Supply 5/116, FGPR, p.44)
2. Richard was transferred to Waltham Abbey on the 30th July 1832, and promoted to Foreman Charcoal Burner at 4/-d per day (Winters, op.cit., p.102). At that time, charcoal was burnt in slip cylinders at Waltham.
3. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that Richard was then at Waltham Abbey and that at that date he was earning £72.16.0d annually. His period of service was given as 24 years, and his age as 42. This Return confirmed he was a married man with one child, and had trained as a Cooper. His present appoinment was dated from the 30th July 1832.
4. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Richard's details were the same as the previous Return except that he had served just over 24 years, and was 43.
5. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, recorded that Richard was employed as Foreman of the Cylinder Works. He was still earning £72.16.0d annually, was still 43, but by then had served just over 25 years.
6. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in Note 5; he was then 44, and had served just over 25 years.
7. Return of Properties made by the Royal Engineers' Office dated the 20th December 1834 (Supply 5/237) recorded that Richard Higgins had been leasing one of the Board's cottages (Tenement No. 62) from the 10th July 1833, at a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. The cottage was in Powder Mill Lane and formed part of Plot o. 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
8. Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that Richard had come to Waltham from Faversham, where he had been employed on the 20th November 1806 as a Cooper. In 1839 his annual income was £72.16.0d, and he was a 48-year-old married man with one child
9. A Return of Domestic Properties for 1840 (WO44/133) dated the 28th May 1840) confirmed that Richard was living in a small cottage in Powder Mill Lane previously occupied by widow Freeman, for which he paid an annual rent of £4.0.0d. The cottage, with its small garden of two and a half perches, was listed as No.12 in a "statement of monies due on the 31st December, 1821" (Supply 5/232 dated the 14th February 1822).
10. The 1841 Census confirmed that Richard and his wife, Amy, were living in Powder Mill Lane; neither were born in the county, and no child was mentioned
Supply 5/116
422
John
Hill
List of Foremen, Artificers, etc.
1. John Hill was employed as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
Supply 5/224
423
Robert
Hilton
00/00/1766
Record of Wages paid to Artificers and Labourers
1. Robert Hilton was born circa 1766 and appointed Surgeon on the 1st April 1791 (Supply 5/217 dated 3rd July 1795, and remained in that capacity on the same salary until the 18th June 1807, according to a document of that date (Supply 5/226 ). In the remarks column of this document, it also stated that in addition to his salary, each of the Foremen and Labourers paid Robert Hilton an allowance of 6d per month for medicines, . This was also the case in August 1808, and in September 1810.
2. List of Officers and Other Persons Employed dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Hilton was earning £63.17.6d, and confirmed that in addition to his salary, each of the Labourers paid him an allowance of 6d per month for medicines .
3. Winters (op.cit., p.122) confirmed he was appointed Surgeon to the Mills in 1791, and retained that position until 1839.
4. In 1814 Robert's Terms of Employment were changed, insomuch as he received a lump sum of £50 per annum in lieu of stoppages for medicines from the men (Supply 5/230 dated 13th February 1814).
5. Supply 5/231 dated 25th June 1818, confirmed that he was employed as Surgeon, that he was 52, resided at Waltham Abbey, and was married with 7 children. It also confirmed that he was appointed on the 1st April 1791, and that his salary in 1818 was £63.17.6d per annum. In additon, he was allowed £50 per annum in lieu of "stoppages for medicines". He did not have a house, but was "Upon the Establishment".
6. According to a further List of Employees (Supply 5/231dated 19th May 1819) Mr. Hilton was still the Surgeon, he was then aged 53, and all the other information given previously remained the same.
7. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entries; his age was given as 55.
8. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Robert Hilton was still Surgeon, that he was then aged 55, was married with 7 children and resided in Waltham Abbey.
9. Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822 indicated that Hilton was still paid £63.17.6d, plus £48.8.0d per annum for medicines, giving him a total income of £112.5.6d. He had served for nearly 34 years, was 56 years old, and was married with 7 children.
10 In June 1822, the Establishment at Waltham Abbey was reduced, and with the decrease in numbers, the Board ordered the Storekeeper to reduce Hilton's salary to £40 per annum, and that the allowances for medicines should be discontinued (Supply 5/232 dated the 16th July 1822).
11 According to the document, 'Alteration in Return A' dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542) Mr. Hilton's salary was confirmed at only £40 per annum, with his allowance for medicines discontinued. His family details and date of appointment were also confirmed.
12 Hilton was replaced as Surgeon at the Mills by Edwin Wheble in 1839 (Winters, op.cit.p.132).
13 It is possible that Robert had died, since the 1841 Census recorded that only Charlotte Hilton, Independent aged 70, Frederick Hilton, Surgeon aged 45, and Marriett Goss, female servant aged 20, were all living in Sewardstone Road.
Supply 5/217
424
Joseph
Hilton
00/00/1788
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Joseph Hilton was born circa 1788 at Great Munden in Hertfordshire, and was employed as a Millman in January 1805, earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). This was also the case in in June 1807 (Supply 5/226) when he was allowed 3d per night while on duty
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Joseph was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but was then "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that he was still a Millman whose pay remained at 2/3d day, and that he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He married Elizabeth Webb at Waltham Holy Cross Church on the 26th August 1810, and their first son, William was born and baptised at the Abbey Church in 1813. William was followed by Thomas in 1815, and Joseph, jnr. in 1818. In addition, they had 2 other sons, John, born in 1826 and Benjamin in 1829, as well as two daughters, Harriet, born in 1820 and Frances in 1822. Joseph died in 1862. Elizabeth died in 1843 and John in 1861. Their sons, William, Thomas and John, all worked at the Mills (David Bishop Family History).
4. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed that Joseph was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d. per night when on duty.
5. List of Employees and their Pay (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) recorded that Joseph was now the Storekeeper's Labourer, earning 2/8d per day.
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Joseph Hilton was a Saltpetre Refiner. He was a married man, aged 29, with 2 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey, and earned 2/4d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night. (His given age means he was born circa 1788; he seems, therefore, to have been very young to have been a Millman in 1805).
8. With the output of gunpowder reduced following the end of the wars in Europe, the workforce was cut back. The Storekeeper drew up lists of people who were to be made redundant, and initially Joseph was to be retained, but in a letter to the Board dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." and the list included Joseph Hilton.
9. The 1841 Census showed that a Joseph Hilton, Labourer, of a similar age, was living in Silver Street with his wife, Elizabeth, and sons, William (25) John (15) and Benjamin (12).
10 Joseph died in 1862.
Supply 5/224
425
William
Hilton
00/00/1812
Return of Employees
1. William Hilton, the eldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth, was born circa 1812, and was baptised at the Waltham Abbey Church in 1813. He joined the Ordnance Board on the 22nd December 1830 when he was 18 according to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 183,. And had replaced Thomas Martin, Snr. as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was unmarried and his basic rate of pay was £33.16.0d per annum, but he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him a total income of £39 per annum.
2. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
3. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, again with all other details remaining the same.
4. Supply 5/207 dated the 8th August 1832, indicated that William Hilton and three others had been cautioned for being absent from their work for a whole day without leave, and warned that a repeat would result in their dismissal.
5. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated Hilton's age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, confirming that he was still a Salpetre Refiner.
6. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that at that date William was earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 2 years and his age as 20, and the Return indicated that he was still unmarried.
7. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that William's details were the same as given in the previous Return, except that he had now served over 2 years and that he was 21 years of age.
8. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although William was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. However, he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to 33.9.6d.
9. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given previously; he was then 22, and had served nearly 4 years.
10 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that William had been employed at the Mills as a Saltpetre Refiner on the 22nd December 1830. His annual pay in October 1839 was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was then a 26-year-old bachelor.
11 He was described as a Labourer in the 1841 Census, living with his parents in Silver Street.
Although there was no reference to the Gunpowder Mills, William was working there in 1855 where he had become Foreman in the Granulating House (Winters, op.cit. p.112)
WO54/575
426
Thomas
Hilton
1841 Census
1. Thomas Hilton, the second son of Joseph and Elizabeth, was born at Waltham Abbey in 1815. He possibly married Ann Bardell, the widow of William Bardell, who died in 1834, aged 23. At the time of William's death, Ann was pregnant and went to the workhouse (information from family member, Sally Thorn).
2. According to the 1841 Census, Thomas was a man of 25, working as a Labourer in the Gunpowder Mills. He and his wife, Ann, (also 25 - rounded down) were living in Blackboy Alley with William Bardell, then aged 7, and their daughter, Elizabeth, aged 1. Although Thomas was born in Essex, Ann was born elsewhere.
Census
427
John
Hilton
00/00/1826
Winters Centenary Memorial, p.112
1) John Hilton, the youngest son of Joseph Hilton, was born at Waltham Abbey, circa 1826. The 1841 Census recorded that he was living with his parents in Silver Street.
2. In 1855, he was employed within the Manufactory as a Millman (Winters, op.cit. p.112).
3. The 1861 Census confirmed the above information.
428
Samuel
Hobbs
Accounts for September 1790
1. Samuel Hobbs was employed as a Millwright in the Engineers' Department at 3/6d per day. In August 1790, he worked within the Manufactory, and his wages - amounting to £1.13.3d - were submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a firm hand (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
429
Henry
Hodgson
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. Henry Hodgson was a Labourer who started in the Corning House at 1/6d per day on the 11th December 1792. He continued to work in the Corning House in August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216) and January to December 1794 (also Supply 5/216). Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the15th May 1793, Henry Hodgson had been chequered for "coming to work in liquor" and was ordered off his watch until the 1st June. (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.39). Henry enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
2. He was promoted to Foreman by July 1795, with his pay remaining unchanged, "& as rounder every 3rd night 1/6" (Supply 5/217).
3. He was still a Private in Volunteer Company according to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798.
4. Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 - a Petition on Pay - showed that Hodgson was illiterate, and was working as a Foreman in the Corning House. He was still a Rounder.
5. In a letter to the Board (Supply/220 dated the 19th April 1801) the Board was informed that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April with a tremendous explosion. Nine men, including Henry Hodgson, were in the building, and were killed, together with four horses.
6. A Petition (Supply 5/194 dated the 24th April 1801) signed by their widows and in two cases, their mothers, requested "relief in their distress."
7. Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801 was a statement of the ages of children and the circumstances of the widows and children. Henry left a widow, Frances, aged 57 (another source says 51) with two sons, "the oldest in deep decline, and the youngest, an Apprentice who is kept in clothing by the widow."
8. Supply 5/194 dated 5th May 1801, recorded that pay and allowances were to be continued to Mrs. Hodgson, "...until her eldest son shall recover his health, or until his decease, after which, she is to receive half her husband's pay."
9. The Board queried payments made to the widows; Hodgson's basic pay was 12/-d per week, plus 1/6d "on account of the severity of the times." The Ordnance Board decreed that the widow's pension should be based upon her husband or son's basic pay, and should not include the extra "due to the severity of the times." On the 23rd May (Supply 5/194) the Board agreed that the pension awarded to Mrs. Hodgson should be 12/-d per week.
Supply 5/216
430
Daniel
Holden
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed.
1. Daniel Holden worked as a Millman, according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Holden was still a Millman and that he earned 2/3d per day, as well as being "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. List of Employees (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) recorded that Mr. Holden was a Dusting House Man who was still paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
4. In August 1812, Daniel was employed as a Puntman with increased earnings of 2/8d per day, as well as still being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
5. The above details were repeated in Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/226
431
Thomas
Holden
00/00/1756
Return of Employees
1. Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809, stated that Thomas supervised the Engineering Department Labourers working in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809, for which he was paid £1.4.6d.
2. Thomas had been appointed to the Ordnance on the 1st August 1806, and was made Foreman in charge of the Labourers in the Engineers' Department on the same day. His pay was 5/3d per day for a six-day week, and if he worked on a Sunday, he was paid one and a half days' pay (WO54/512 dated September, 1812).
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that he was still employed as Labour Foreman earning 5/3d per day in the Engineers' Department. At that date he was a 59-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with four unmarried children. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818 gave identical information, but noted that he was "established."
4. On the 21st April 1818 (Supply 5/231) Thomas petitioned the Ordnance Board for a cottage, stating that he entered the army in 1772 and was made a Serjeant in 1774, whereby he was at the Battle of Camden in South Carolina at the defeat of Generals Gates and Green, and that on the night prior to the engagement, was stationed with a party of men at an outpost about a mile from the battle in order to guard a Corn Mill (the only one in that station to supply the troops) when the enemy advanced with a party with lighted matches to set the same on fire. Mr. Holden, having posted his men, attacked the party and routed them, forcing them precipitately to fly and throw away their matches, for which action Colonel Doyle (afterwards Sir John), warmly recommended him to Lord Moira, who for good conduct appointed him in the year 1804 to the situation he at held at the date of the Petition. Mr. Holden further stated that he had never asked any favour whatever of them during the seventeen years he had been employed, and that in the whole of that time no complaint had ever been made against him for neglect of any kind. He then stated that he had a wife and four children - all females - and, therefore, could not but feel that the reduction which had been made in his pay should be viewed with dismay. He further stated that other cottages had been assigned to several of the Foremen in the different departments, and, therefore, he humbly requested that he would be granted the same, a cottage being much nearer to the works than the dwelling he occupied at that time. Mr. Holden also mentioned that should he be granted a cottage, it would enable him in case of any accident to attend his duty with more expedition.
5. On the 7th May, 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was recorded, "having received the Hon. Board's Commands of the 1st instant to report upon the Petiton by Thomas Holden, Foreman of Labourers, praying that on account of his services and the reduction made in his pay, Mr. Holden be allowed to inhabit a cottage, the property of the Board, it was found that a Mr. Matthews was in possession of the house which Holden desired to occupy, and that Mr. Matthews signified that he obtained the Board's permission to deposit therein portions of furniture and other articles, his property, until he had an opportunity of removing same, and that it was quite impossible for him to give up possession of this house until he was enabled finally to remove. The house was in any case under orders to be divided into two tenements to be let to Labourers or others in the Department, but which division must now be delayed until Mr. Matthews could give up possession." In addition, it was stated that the property was much too large for a person in Holden's situation, even should the Hon. Board be desirous of granting a cottage to him for his residence. Holden was first employed as a Labourer on the 1st September 1804 to 31st July 1806 at 1/6d per day, and afterwards as Foreman of Labourers at 2/6d per day from the 1st August to the 11th December, 1806. In consequence of an application to Lord Moira, his pay was increased from 2/6d per day to 4/9d per day. In April, 1812, he received an addition of 6d per day on account of the high price of provisions in common with all other Foremen, and he had only had a reduction of that 6d by the Board's order of the 19th April 1816, in common with all other Foremen. His pay in May 1818, was 4/9d per day for six days in the week, in addition to which, he was paid a considerable military pension, which was conceived to be an ample provision for his services in the army. It was concluded, therefore, that there were many Foremen in the Powder Works who were much more entitled to a residence at the public expense than was Holden.
6. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, gave Holden's age as 63. It confirmed he was married with four children and that he was living in Waltham Abbey, that he was on the Establishment as the Labour Foreman, and that he was paid 4/9d per day.
7. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Thomas Holden was still employed as a Foreman of Labourers. He was then 64, still lived in Waltham Abbey, was married with four children and earned the same 4/9d per day.
8. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was 65, and that his terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged.
Supply 5/228
432
Thomas
Holmes
00/00/1764
Personnel Return - Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Holmes started work at Faversham on the 1st November 1787, transferring to Waltham Abbey on the 1st February 1789 as a Labourer in the Storekeeper's Department, earning 1/6d per day.
2. He was recorded as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood" in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789. During August 1789, he was "setting & drawing stoves and sundries in various parts of the Manufactory" and in September 1789, he was described as a "collier" of 25 years old (Supply 5/214).
3. In March 1790 (Supply 5/214) he was "setting and drawing stoves and in the boats, and planting willows."
4. In August and September 1790, he was "in the country bagging alder wood." (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August, 1790).
5. In December 1790, he was "At the Corning House" (Supply 5/215).
6. Between April and June 1791, he was "In the country charring" (Supply 5/215).
7. Between July and September 1792, he was still "in the country charring wood." (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792) returning to the punts in February to March 1793, before returning to the country again cutting wood (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793). This was also the case in August to September 1793, but by January 1794, he was in the Mixing House "Mixing composition" (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st January 1794).
8. Thomas enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/217).
9. In August 1794, he was "charring wood" (Supply 5/216) while in December of the same year he was "setting & drawing stoves, etc. in the punts" (Supply 5/217).
10 He was described as a charcoal burner in Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795.
11 Robert Coleman recorded on the 25th October 1795, " Holmes and (Richard) Jameson sent to Faversham." He also recorded that on the 22rd March 1796, he wrote to Faversham asking for their return (Winters, op.cit. p.47).
12 At some stage Thomas was transferred to Fernhurst in West Sussex and made a "Foreman of Cylinders" (for making charcoal).
13 A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still a Foreman of Cylinders and that he was a married man with four children.
14 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801(Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still employed as a Foreman of Labour at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Holmes had supervised the men in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
15 Thomas was still a Foreman of Cylinders in 1804 with pay of 3/1d per day, and an extra allowance of 6d per month (Supply5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
16 In March 1805, he was still the Foreman of the Cylinders earning £1.2.0d per week, with an additional allowance of 6/-d per month. A note said that the appointments at the Cylinder Works were at Fisher Street and Faversham, but it is unclear where he and another Foreman, Fish, actually worked there.
17 According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Thomas was still employed as a Foreman of Cylinders, earning 3/6d per day, and at that date, he had 18 years' service .
18 Holmes was still a Foreman of Cylinders in June 1807, on the same pay (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)and in the 'remarks' column, it was stated that he had "apartments at Fishers Green and Farnhurst (Fernhurst)." In August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808) his pay was 4/-d per day, as was the case in 1810, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.
19 Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Mr. Holmes was an "Overseer of Cylinder Works" earning 5/8d per day. He also had an apartment at the Cylinder Works.
20 All of the above (19) still applied in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
21 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Thomas Holmes was the Junior Overseer of the Cylinder Works at Fernhurst in Sussex. He was a married man aged 50, with seven children, and was provided with accomodation at Fernhurst. He earned 5/8d per day.
22 A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Holmes' name was included, with his pay shown as 4/8d per day.
Supply 5/212
433
Thomas (2)
Holmes
00/00/1774
List of employees
1. Thomas Holmes (2) was employed as a Hoopmaker; he was a married man aged 44, with 3 children, who lived in Cheshunt. He earned 3/6d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night (Supply 5/231dated the 25th June 1818).
2. In a letter dated September 1818, it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Mr. Thomas Holmes (2), Hoop Maker (Supply 5/231).
Supply 5/231
434
Samuel
Horad
List of Employees
1. Samuel Horad worked as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, and at the 30th January 1806, he had 3 months' service (Supply 5/224).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Horad was employed as a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
3. Samuel was still a Corning house man on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
435
R
Horam
List of Foremen, etc., in the Manufactory.
1. R. Horam was listed as a Brimstone Refiner in January 1806, with a rate of pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). The format of the entry suggested that he had only just joined the labour force).
Supply 5/224
436
John (1)
Horam
List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. John Horam (1) was employed as a Cooper at September 1810, and was paid 2/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch.
2. He was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812, by which time his pay had risen to 4/-d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). On the 13th February 1814, his pay was given as 4/6d per day, but he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
437
James
Horam
00/00/1785
List of Employees and their Pay
1. James Horam was employed as a Labourer on the 28th August 1806, but later became a Bargeman with pay of 3/10d per day, according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. Horam was still a Bargeman at that date, earning the same 3/10d per day.
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that James was still a Bargeman. He was a married man, aged 30 ,with no children, and lived in Enfield, but, according to this Return, he only earned 3/-d per day.
4. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Horam's name was on the list with his pay remaining unchanged, but he was then not paid watch money.
5. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Horam was still employed as a Bargeman, that he was a married man, aged 31, with no children, and lived in Cheshunt. This document also confirmed that he was paid 3/-d per day.
6. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Horam was still employed as a Bargeman, with his conditions remaining unchanged from above, except that he then had one child and lived in Waltham Abbey.
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that James was 33, lived in Waltham Abbey, and had one child; he was still paid 3/-d per day, and these details were confirmed by WO54/536 of the same date.
8. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of James, Bargeman, as 37, with 16 years' service and pay per day of 3/-d.
9. Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It confirmed that James Horam, Bargeman, was appointed on the 28th August1806 at Waltham Abbey as a Labourer, with total pay for the year amounting to £46.19.0d; it also confirmed 16 years' service, that he was aged 37, was a married man with one child and that he lived in Waltham Abbey.
10 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and James Horam was one of the men to go on the 1st June 1822. However, a List of Employees dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) showed that he had been retained, and was required to carry out any type of work required anywhere within the Manufactory.
11 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Horam was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." His pay for the year was £39.0.0d, and this included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed.
12 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), James had had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
13 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed James earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as 18 years, he was aged 38, was married and had two children.
14 A Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given, except that he now worked as a Labourer drawing stoves. It also recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 28th August 1806, and that his salary was £33.16.0d per annum.
15 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed his position as a general purpose Labourer within the Manufactory, and that in addition to his basic pay of £33.16.0d, he was allowed to guard the works in turn, for which he received, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him an annual income of £39.0.0d. James' family and service conditions were confirmed.
16 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
18 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, recorded that on the 27th February 1827 James was promoted as a Corning House Man, which increased his basic pay to £42.18.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch, which increased his annual income to £48.2.0d . At that date he had over 21 years' service; he was 40 years of age, and was married with three children.
19 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, with the exception that he had now served 22 years.
20 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
22 WO54/566 dated 1st October 1829 stated that at that date, James still earned the same as was recorded in Note 18. His length of service was given as over 23 years, and he was now aged 41.
23 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830, updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that James was now 42 and had served over 24 years. His pay was still the same as given in Note 18, and all other information remained the same.
25 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, James was now 43 years of age and had served 25 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d as he was in 1827, some four years earlier. This Return, however, states that he was now a widower.
26 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, again, with all other details remaining unchanged.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that James still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as over 26 years, and his age as 45.
30 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that James was now 46, and that he had served 27 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £48.2.0d, and his family details remained the same.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although James was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic pay had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased the annual pay to £41.1.9d. He had 4 children, and his age and service details were updated.
32 James Horam was now Bargeman in the place of James Boswell, who had been appointed as the Master Bargeman in the late summer of 1837 (Supply 5/237).
33 Return of Employees of the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623), confirmed he was a Bargeman on the 22nd September 1837, with pay of £39.0.0d per annum. He was a 52-year-old widower with 4 children.
Supply 5/229
438
Charles
Horam
Return of Employees
1. Charles Horam worked as a Labourer within the Manufactory, but was discharged at the end of September 1839 (WO54/623)
WO54/623
439
John (2)
Horam
Pay List
1. John Horam (2) was a Millwright's Assistant who was paid £1.1.3d for work carried out in the Manufactory by the Engineers' Department, between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that John (2) was employed as a casual Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board in this capacity on the 26th November 1815. He was a 22-year-old bachelor from Cheshunt..
Supply 5/228
440
John (3)
Horam
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. John Horam (3) was first employed as a casual Labourer by the Board on the 26th November 1815. He was a 22-year-old bachelor from Cheshunt and was paid 2/8d per day
(WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
441
James
Horn
00/00/1756
Pay List
1. James Horn was described as a Common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory, between the 15th and 21st July 1809. (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/512 dated September 1812, recorded that James was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week.
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806. He was a 59-year-old married man, who lived in Waltham Abbey. He had three children, two married and one unmarried..
4. These details were updated by WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817, and his pay was given as 2/4d per day.
Supply 5/228
442
Nathaniel
Horne
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Nathaniel Horne was employed as a Millman in 1805 and paid 2/3d per day; at that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for one year (Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806).
2. Employed as a Brimstone Refiner with pay of 2/3d per day, and, in addition, Brimstone Refiners were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Horne was again employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Nathaniel was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Nathaniel Horne was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, with the same pay and conditions (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
443
James
Horne
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. James Horne started work in the Manufactory in September 1805 as a Refiner in the Salt Petre House earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806.
2. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included James Horne.
Supply 5/224
444
Henry
Horne
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. Henry Horne was employed as a Cooper earning 1/9d per day, but he was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Henry was still a Cooper. He was a single man, aged 19, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 4/-d per day, although he was still not allowed to watch.
3. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Henry Horne, Cooper.
Supply 5/230
445
John
Horrod (Also Horod)
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. John Horrod (also Horod) was employed as a Punt Man at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, John was then employed as a Mixing House Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Mr. Horrod was a witness to a fight in the Watch House when Barnard Presland killed Noah Sayer on the 8th April 1809. Sayer left a widow, Ann. Presland was discharged from the Mills, but it is not known what punishment he received for killing Sayer (Winters, pp.67/68)
Supply 5/226
446
William
Hosty
List of Employees
1. William Hosty was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation". He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. By the 13th February 1814, he had become a Puntman earning 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229.
447
William
Hounsom
List of Artificers etc., their Marital Status and number of Children
1. William Housom was employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801). The same document recorded that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Hounsom had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited
2. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) although possibly given notice to leave in 1802, William returned to work on the cylinders in 1803. He earned 2/-d per day, and, according to this Return, at that date he had 3 years' service.
3. At the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) Mr. Hounsom was still employed as a Cylinder Man on the same pay, as he was on the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Hounsom was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
5. Although still a Cylinder Man on the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229), William's pay had then increased to 2/8d per day.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that William was still a Cylinder Man at 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/221
448
Edward
Howe
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. Edward Howe started work as a Refiner in the Salt Petre House in 1805. At the 30th January 1806, he was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224).
Supply 5/224
449
Richard
Hudson
00/00/1761
Personnel Record
1. Richard Hudson was hired at the age of 28, according to records dated the 27th November 1788 and 24th January 1789 (Supply 5/212). He was promised to be continued as a general Labourer since he had previously worked for Mr Walton. He started work at the Mills on the 1st April 1788, and was paid 1/6d per day.
2. Richard was described in Supply 5/212 dated 21st March 1789 as "mixing composition."
3. He was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." according to Supply 5/213 dated 13th April 1789, but Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was employed in mixing composition, and confirmed that at that date he was 28 years of age.
4. Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March1790, confirmed that he was mixing composition.
5. Richard was again described as mixing composition on 22 August 1789 (Supply 5/213) as well as on the 14th August 1790 (Supply 5/215) and January 1792 (also Supply 5/215),
6. He was "marking barrels" in August 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793) as well as in January to August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and in December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
7 In June 1795, his work was described as marking barrels and attending the magazine, and he was paid 1/6d per day. (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
8. Hudson was working in the Magazine and a Private in Voluntary Company, according to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798.
9. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) showed that he was literate and was working as a Labourer.
10 Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with no children. Note: in this document anyone who was not an artificer was described as a Labourer.
11 In a letter dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately destroyed (16th June 1801) the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all of their pay until they are recovered."
12 The list, also dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) included Richard Hudson, and therein stated, "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great..." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
Winters, in his book "Centenary Memorial", makes it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, [and that] the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
13 In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221) it was recorded that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Hudson, whose claim amounted to £2.4.6d in all - for a hat (4/-d), handkerchiefs (5/-d) stockings (3/6d), shirt (6/-d) coat (5/-d), breeches (6/-d) and sheets (15/-d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Hudson, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
14 A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that because Mr. Hudson was so severely burnt in the Old Corning House, it would be dangerous to expose him with the other men in repairing the river banks at that particular time, and he that he may instead perform trifling jobs as they occurred.
15 Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, recorded that Richard was working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
16 In March 1805, he working as a barrel-marker earning 2/-d per day, in addition to which, he was paid an allowance of 1/6d every third night for rounding.
17 According to a List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Hudson was marking barrels, earning 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 17 years' service (Supply 5/224).
18 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Hudson was an "Office Keeper" earning 2/6d. per day, and a "Rounder at 2/-d each night."
19 The List of Officers on Employment dated 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Hudson was then a Foreman of Stoves earning 5/2d per day, as well as still earning 2/-d per night as a Rounder every third night.
20 All in Note 19 still applied in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February). In 1816 the Board formed three tenements out of the dwellings in the Tanyard on the south side of High Bridge Street, and Richard, Foreman of the Stoves, was allocated one of them, with a rental of 3/-d per week (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.83). This was confirmed in the statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and 31st December 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper", which recorded that Richard had been living in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 23, from the 24th December 1816. It confirmed that his rent at the time was £7.16.0d per annum. The property has been identified as Plot No. 53 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map, being opposite Powder Mill Lane (Supply 5/232).
21 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Richard Hudson was still a Foreman of Stoves, that was aged 58, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married, but had no children. He then only earned 4/2d per day. He was trained as a baker..
22 Supply 5/231dated the 28th August 1818, recorded the names of employees to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Hudson's name was on the list with his pay reduced to 3/8d per day.
23 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/523) confirmed that Hudson was still employed as a Foreman of Stoves, and that he was a married man of 59 with no children, who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 4/2d per day and had trained as a Baker.
24 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged.
25 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Richard had been living in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 23, from the 24th December 1816, and that his current rent was £7.16.0d per annum. This property has been identified as one of five cottages on the south side of High Bridge Street, almost opposite Powder Mill Lane, and shown as Property No. 1972 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map. This same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th February 1822, for the year 1821.
26 Supply 5/232 dated the 9th April 1821, recorded that Mr. Hudson was then 61, and confirmed that he was married, but that he had no children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, was still a Foreman of Stoves, was trained as a Baker, and was earning the same amount as in Note 23.
27 A letter from Waltham Abbey to the Board giving details of a petition received from Mrs Ann Hudson, widow of Richard Hudson, Foreman of Stoves, who had recently died, pointed out that Richard Hudson was sent to Waltham Abbey by the late Gen. Congreve as a Labourer on the 1st April 1788 and that by good conduct and activity in the service he was made Office Keeper. In the year 1808, he was promoted to the situation of Foreman of the Stoves, in which situation he continued until his death. On the 16th June 1801, he was severely burnt in the fire at No.3 Corning House, and, thereafter, never enjoyed a good state of health. Ann, at the age of 60, and in a hapless situation, requested that the Board grant her a small charitable pension, or allow her to live in her cottage - which belonged to the Board - rent free.
28 The Board replied to the letter asking further questions, which Waltham replied to on the 22nd January 1822 (Supply 5/232). They agreed that Hudson had been severely burnt in the explosion at the Corning House in 1801, although the Surgeon who treated him, Robert Hilton, did not think that this was a contributory factor to his death at the age of 64. To alleviate her financial hardship, however, Middleton and Wright requested the Board to allow Mrs Hudson to continue to live in her cottage with the rent reduced from 3/-d to 1/-d per week. The Board agreed - see Note 29.
29 A Return of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office listing the houses and cottages owned by the Board and dated the 20th December 1834, recorded that widow Hudson had rented one of their cottages in High Bridge Street South (the site of the old Tanyard) from the 1st March 1822, paying £2.12.0d rent annually, which reflected Note 28 (Supply 5/237).
30 The 1841 Census confirmed that Ann Hudson, an Ordnance pensioner aged 70, was living on the south side of High Bridge Street, with James and Elizabeth Free as lodgers.
Supply 5/212
450
William
Hudson
List of Employees
1. William Hudson was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This was also the case in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/229
451
John
Hughes
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. John Hughes started work as a Brimstone Refiner in September 1805, and in January 1806, it was noted that he had 3 months' service (Supply 5/224). He was still a Brimstone Refiner in June 1807 (Supply 5/226) and the Return in question included a note saying "when not working, allowed to watch in turn."
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Hughes was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and again, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
Supply 5/224
452
John
Huken
Accounts for September 1790
1. John Huken was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department at 1/6d per day. In August 1790, he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay "with a firm hand." (WASC 1382 dated 30th September 1790).
WASC 1382
453
J
Hunch
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. J. Hunch worked in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. At the 30th January 1806, he had served one year (Supply 5/224).
Supply 5/224
454
William
Hunns
Accounts for 1790
1. William Hunns was employed as a Millwright in the Engineers' Department and paid 3/6d per day. Between August and September 1790, he worked within the Manufactory with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a firm hand (WASC 1382 dated the 30th September 1790).
WASC 1382
455
John
Hunt
00/00/1784
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. John Hunt worked as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House at 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. John was employed as an extra Bargeman in January 1806 (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and was still paid 2/-d per day. He had 2 years' service.
3. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, Mr. Hunt was still employed as a Bargeman, earning 2/-d per day; an additional List dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that he was then earning 3/-d per day.
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed John was still employed as a Bargeman at 3/- day.
5. Mr. Hunt was employed as a Master Bargeman in August 1812, with pay of 5/2d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1813, confirmed that Mr. Hunt was still a Master Bargeman at that date, earning the same 5/2d per day.
7. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Mr. Hunt was a Master Bargeman; he was a married man, aged 32, with three children, who lived in Cheshunt and earned 4/2d per day.
8. Supply 5/231 dated December 1818, recorded the names of people to be retained. Hunt's name was included, with his pay unchanged.
9. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Hunt was still employed as a Master Bargeman (later, this trade was described as Bargemaster), a married man, aged 33, with 3 children, who lived in Cheshunt and was paid 4/2d per day.
10 The 1841 Census recorded that John Hunt, Bargeman, aged 51, Sarah, aged 50, James, Shemaker aged 20, and Ellen, aged 15, were living in Romseland. None had been born in the County of Essex.
Supply 5/222
456
Wm.
Hunt
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers
1. William Hunt was a Labourer working in the Corning House, earning 2/2d per day. He had 1 year's service, so had started work early in the year 1805 (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that he was still working in the Corning House earning the same amount. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
Supply 5/224
457
Thomas
Hunt
List of officers, foremen, artificers etc.
1. Thomas Hunt was employed as Punt Man in June 1807, earning 2/-d per day.
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Hunt was then a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and was "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1808, confirmed he was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Hunt was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d. per night when on duty. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and the additional 6d per night when on duty according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/226
458
Richard
Hunt
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Richard Hunt was a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day, according to the List of Employees, dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that Richard was still a Cylinder Man, earning the same 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/229
459
Mead
Ingle
00/00/1767
Return of Employees
1. Mead Ingle was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was first employed by the Board on the 22nd April 1815 as a Labourer, and was a 48-year-old married man, with one married, and five unmarried children, living in Cheshunt (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
460
James
Ingles
List of Artificers, etc ., and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. James Ingles started work at the Mills as a General Labourer in the Magazine on the 20th October 1787. He was paid 1/6d per day, and was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on pay, showed that James was literate and was still working as a General Labourer.
3. Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801, confirmed that he was still working as a Labourer, and that he was and a married man with one child. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer).
Supply 5/219
461
William
Irons
Record of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Irons worked as a Labourer dusting powder in March 1793, earning 1/6d per day.
2. Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790, recorded that he was a Millman who then earned 2/-d per day, and these details were confirmed by Supply 5/215 of the 11th December 1790 and Supply 5/215 of the 16th April 1791.
3. Supply 5/216 of the 28th February 1793, recorded that Irons was a Barrel Marker earning 1/6d per day.
Supply 5/214
462
Joseph
Ives
List of Officers and other Employees
1. Joseph Ives worked in the Corning House as a Labourer, with pay of 2/1d per day. All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Mr. Ives was working as an extra Bargeman in January 1806, and paid 2/-d per day. He had 2 years' service according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806.
3. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that Mr. Ives was still employed as a Bargeman earning 2/-d per day.
4. Ives was promoted to being a Master Bargeman by August 1808, earning 4/-d per day, according to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808.
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed Joseph was employed as a Master Bargeman at 4/- day.
Supply 5/222
463
William
Izzard
List of Artificers & their Marital Status
1. William Izzard was a General Labourer who started work at the Mills in 1799, according to Note 4 below. He was a married man with one child, who was paid 1/6d per day, and was "cleaning and deepening the river, canals, & performing sundry necessary work." (Supply 5/221 dated 2nd May1801)
3. At the 8th May 1804 (Supply 5/222), Izzard was working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day; all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
4. According to a List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers employed (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) Mr. Izzard was then working as a Charcoal Millman, earning 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 7 years' service.
5. Still working as a Charcoal and Brimstone Millman in June 1807, a note said "in addition to his pay he is allowed to watch in turn, for which he receives 1/-d" (Supply 5/226).
6. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Izzard was still employed as a Charcoal Mill Man earning 2/3d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
7. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Izzard was a Charcoal Millman earning 2/3d day, and allowed to watch for 1/6d night.
8. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Izzard was still a Charcoal Millman who then earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
9. Mr. Izzard was still employed as a Charcoal Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) earning 3/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/221
464
R
James
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28
1. R. James was a Carpenter by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
465
William
James
Pay List
1. William James, Sawyer, was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
466
Richard
Jameson
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Richard Jameson started work at the Mills on the 4th June 1790, as a Labourer "Mixing composition" (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790). He was paid 1/6d per day in December 1790, and this was also the case in April and June 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated 11th December 1791).
2. Jameson was promoted to Millman on the 31st Jauary 1792 (Supply 5/215) and remained a Millman until February 1793 when he earned 2/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). This was also the case in August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216), and January 1794 (Supply 5/216) as well as August to December 1794 (Supply 5/216). Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty {Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795). According to Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, he was in the Artillery from November 1779 to March 1790. Richard enrolled in the Militia - the Waltham Volunteers - in May 1794, and was promoted to Sergeant (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798). The same document indicated that he was then the "foreman of cylinders" at Fenhurst, West Sussex, earning 2/6d per day.
3. Robert Coleman recorded on the 25th October 1795 " (Thomas) Holmes and Jameson sent to Faversham." He also recorded that on the 22nd March 1796, he wrote to Faversham asking for their return (Winters, op.cit. p.47). Both Jameson and Holmes were appointed as Foremen of Cylinders on the 25th October 1795 (Supply 5/219). Winters also recorded on p.92 of his book, that Jameson was appointed Senior Foreman in the Cylinder House under the direction of the Board on the 1st October 1796.
4. At some stage he was transferred to Fernhurst (West Sussex) as a Foreman filling cylinders with charcoal for Waltham Abbey, and possibly for Faversham.
5. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still a "foreman of cylinders". It also recorded that he was a married man with one child.
6. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still employed as a Foreman of Labour at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Jameson had supervised the men in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be re-sited.
7. Still Foreman of Cylinders in 1804, at that time Jameson earned 3/1d per day, with an extra allowance of 6d per month (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
8. In March 1805 he was still Foreman of the Cylinders, on a weekly wage of £1.2.0d., with an additional allowance of 6/-d per month. A note said that the appointments at the cylinder works were at Fisher Street and Faversham, but it is unclear where he and Holmes (another Foreman) actually worked (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March,1805).
9. List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806, recorded that he was still working as a Foreman of Cylinders, earning 4/-d per day. At that date he had 16 years' service.
10 Still a Foreman of Cylinders in June 1807 and on the same wage, the Remarks column stated that Jameson had "apartments at Fishers Green and Faversham." (Supply 5/226).
11 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Jameson then earned 4/6d per day, and still had "apartments at Fishers Green and Faversham." This was still the case in 1810.
12 According to the List of Officers and Others employed dated 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) Mr. Jameson was an Overseer of cylinder works at 6/3d per day, with an "apartment at the Cylinder Works."
13 The details given in Note 12 also applied in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February).
14 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Richard Jameson was the senior overseer of the Cylinder Works at Fisher Street in Sussex. It confirmed that he was a married man with one child, and was provided with accomodation at Fisher Street. It also stated that at that date, he earned 6/3d per day.
15 A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Jameson's name was on the list with his pay shown as only 5/3d per day.
Supply 5/215
467
William
Jasamine
Personnel Record
1. W. Jasamine was employed as an occasional Labourer, and was under promise to be continued (Report on Labourers employed dated the 27th November 1788).
2. He was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department and paid 1/6d per day, and between August and September 1790, worked within the Manufactory with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
3. Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.32) recorded him as an occasional Labourer in November 1788.
Supply 5/212
468
James
Jasper
Return of Employees
1. James Jasper was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
469
J
Jenkins
Winters, Centenary Memorial, p. 33
1. J. Jenkins worked as the Foreman of the Corning Houses in November 1789, and was paid 1/6d per day (Winters, p.33). No other details for this man could be found in the records.
470
J.
Jenner
List of Artificers, etc., Marital Status and No. of Children.
1. J. Jenner worked as a Labourer at 1/6d per day, according to Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801. This document also recorded that Jenner was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. A Return of Artificers and Labourers confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document reported that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Jenner had been employed in stacking timber in the yards, and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be re-sited (Supply 5/221 dated the 3rd November 1801). He was possibly given notice to leave in 1802, since his name does not appear in the records after 1801.
Supply 5/221
471
Thomas
Jennins
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Jennins was employed on the 4th September 1815, as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day. He was a 22 year-old-bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated September 1815).
WO54/516
472
James
Jessop
List of Staff on the Establishment
1. James Jessop was appointed to the Ordnance on the 26th May 1787 as a Junior Clerk at Sheerness, and transferred to Waltham Abbey as the Second Clerk of the Cheque on the 14th March 1805, with a salary of £80 per annum and an allowance of £10 (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March 1805).
Supply 5/223
473
Thomas
Jiepes
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Jiepes was employed as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 7th April 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 22-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
474
John
Johnson
00/00/1761
Document relating to a Petition on Pay.
1. John Johnson was appointed Master Refiner in the Saltpetre House, possibly following the death of John Baker in November 1798. He was paid 3/-d per day (Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800).
2. Another document (also Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that Johnson was literate.
3. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still the Master Refiner, and a married man with no children.
4. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still employed as the Master Refiner, but having "considerable depot of salt petre etc. " was directed by the Comptroller to take care of the Refining House and Saltpetre Storehouse. In December 1801, Johnson, Master Refiner, was allowed £4.4.0d per annum for coal and candles (Winters, p.61). Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 gave his rate of pay as 4/3d per day.
5. Johnson earned £1.10.0d per week, with a candle/coal allowance of £4.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March, 1805) and was to be paid an extra allowance of 6d per month (Supply 5/223 dated 8th May 1805).
6. On the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) his pay was given as 5/-d per day, and at that date, he had just over 15 years' service.
7. In June 1807, he was still in the same position, receiving the same 5/-d per day; in the Remarks column of this document (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) it was noted that Johnson was entitled to take on an Apprentice.
8. The Mills were, presumably, working long hours and Johnson was spending considerable time there, for on the 20th July 1807, he petitioned the Board for "a house on the premises to ensure that the necessary degrees of heat at which the liquor in the boilers must be kept..." He went on to say that the Master Refiner at Faversham was provided with a house. The Board granted his request (Supply 5/198).
9. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Johnson now earned 6/-d. per day, with an allowance of £20.0.0d house rent, and coal and candle allowance of £4.4.0d. He was also entitled to an allowance of 7/-d per week to train an Apprentice, and his Terms of Employment were the same in 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810). By the 7th March 1810, he was entitled to a rent-free house, which was located in the Saltpetre Refinery on the north side of High Bridge Street (Plot No.712 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Parish Map)
10 According to the List of Officers and Others Employed dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229), Mr. Johnson was then earning 8/1d per day, he still had a house and an allowance of £4.4.0d for coals and candles, and was allowed an Apprentice. This was also the case in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
11 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that Mr. Johnson was a Master Refiner of Saltpetre, aged 57, who resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with three children. He earned 7/7d per day, had a house owned by the Board with an allowance of £4.4.0d per annum for coal and candles, as well as £22.8.0d per annum in respect of an Apprentice. .
12 A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Johnson's name was included, with his pay and conditions unchanged.
13 According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in the Employment and Pay of the Board dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Johnson was still a Master Refiner of Saltpetre, then aged 58, and all the other information given in Note 11 remained the same. He was also still training an Apprentice.
14 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, the basic details on pay and conditions etc. remaining unchanged, except that it was recorded that he then received 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
15 A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that John Johnson, Master Refiner of Saltpetre, had been living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 9, from the 7th March 1810. The Refinery and house were located on the north side of High Bridge Street, and shown as Plot No. 39 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822, for the year 1821.
16 List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. John Johnson was still Master Refiner, that he was then aged 60, was married, with no mention this time of children, and resided in Waltham Abbey. All other information as indicated in Note 11 remained the same, with the exception that there was no mention made of an allowance for an Apprentice.
17 Return (Supply 5/232 dated the 26th January, 1822) giving age, number of years in service and pay per day, confirmed that John Johnson was the Master Saltpetre Refiner and that he was paid 7/7d per day. He was then aged 60, and at that date had 40 years' service.
18 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It stated that John Johnson, Master Refiner of Saltpetre, was appointed on the 1st April 1780, as a Labourer at Woolwich, appointed Saltpetre Refiner at Faversham 1 June 1793, and appointed Master Saltpetre Refiner at Waltham on the 4th December 1798. His total pay for the year, including an allowance of £16.5.9d for teaching an Apprentice, amounted to £138.13.4d. In addition, it stated that he was provided with a house, that he had nearly 42 years' service, that he was aged 61, was married and lived in Waltham Abbey.
19 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Johnson, Master Refiner of Saltpetre, who was to be retained.
20 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed his pay, allowances and previous employment details.
21 According to Winters (op.cit. p.90) John Johnson, Master Saltpetre Refiner, was killed by lightning on the 27th June 1823, and his position remained unfilled.
22 Henry Wright's memories of the Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey as related to Winters, said, "I knew perfectly well Mr Johnson, Master Refiner of salt petre, who was killed by lightning in the presence of my father and myself; the only two persons that were with him in his office. He was reading at his desk close to the window, which looked towards the chrystalizing house; he was struck on the left side of his head; he was wearing his hat at the time; this was shattered. The electricity passed down his side and out of his shoe bursting it. He did not fall from his chair for a few seconds. My father immediately opened a vein in his arm; the blood was solid, not a drip came. At this terrible flash his wife was dreadfully alarmed; she was at home in a small room near the refinery now occupied by Mr Knowler. We were told she exclaimed ' My dear husband,' and I am under the impression she died very shortly afterwards." (Winters, op.cit., p.142)
Supply 5/220
475
Henry
Johnson
List of Officers & Others Employed
1. Henry Johnson was a Millwright in the "Engineers Department Established", paid 3/6d per day by the Storekeeper, and allowed "6d per month in addition." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809, recorded that Johnson, Master Millwright, was paid £1.15.0d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
3. WO54/512 dated September 1812, recorded that Johnson was first appointed on the Establishment at Waltham Abbey on the 16th November 1804, as the Foreman Millwright . In 1812, he was paid 6/4d per day for six days' work and one and a half days' pay for working on a Sunday. He was also entitled to 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
4. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed Henry was still the Master Millwright on the Establishment, that he was a 63-year-old married man with one married and five unmarried children, that he had trained as a Millwright; his pay and allowances remained unchanged.
5. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, confirmed that Henry Johnson was still the Master Millwright. At that date he was 64 years' old and married, with 2 married and 4 unmarried children. He was then only earning 5/10d per day, with an allowance of 7/-d per week for an Apprentice.
6. WO54/524 dated 1818 reflected no change from the information given in Note 5. W054/528 dated the 19th May 1819 was also the same, but Henry's allowance for training an Apprentice had increased to 8/-d per week.
7. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Henry was still employed as the Master Millwright. He was now aged 68, lived in Waltham Abbey, and this Return recorded that he was married with six children. He still earned 5/10d per day, with the same allowance of 8/-d per week for an Apprentice. These details are also confirmed in WO54/536 dated the 9th April 1821.
8. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821, was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
9. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed he was paid 5/10d per day for 313 days, giving him an income of £91.5.10d for the year; his family and service details remained the same.
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Henry was still paid 5/10d per day as the Master Millwright for 313 days, giving him an annual income of £91.5.10d. His service was just over 20 years, and his age, 73. It also confirmed that he was married and had six children.
11.WO54/550 dated 13th October 1825, was a repeat of the previous record.
12 WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 10 and 11, with the exception that he was then 74, with over 21 years' service.
13 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was a repeat of the previous Return.
14 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 gave the same information as Note 13. However, at that date, Henry had over 22 years' service and he was then 75 years of age.
15 WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827, contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
16 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the basic information given previously.
17 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
18 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829, confirmed that at that date, William still earned the same as in Note 10. His length of service was given as nearly 25 years, and he was then 77.
19 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
20 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Henry as in Note 10, except that his service was then over 25 years, and he was aged 78.
21 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Henry was still the Master Millwright. His length of service and age were updated, but his family detailes remained unaltered.
22 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Henry Johnson was one of the three Master Artificers to be employed at Waltham Abbey and Enfield; he was the Master Millwright and was paid 5/10d per day. His duties were to work with Artificers and Labourers in the Gunpowder Manufactory, which, consequently, required great attention; sobriety, and steadiness of conduct (WO54/575).
23 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Henry Johnson still earned 5/10d per day, giving him a total of £91.5.10d per annum as indicated in Note 22 above. He had by then served 27 years, and was aged 79 years.
25 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return; all other details remained unchanged.
26 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832, confirmed that he still earned £91.5.10d per annum, and that by then, he had served for 28 years and was just over 80 years' old.
27 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in Note 26, except that Henry was then 81 years of age.
28 Under an order of the Board dated the 15th March 1833, Henry Johnson, Master Millwright, was to be discharged and granted a pension of £36.10.0d per annum, until an opportunity to employ him again should arise (Supply 5/208 dated 26 July 1833).
Supply 5/222
476
Thomas
Johnson
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. Thomas Johnson was a Millwright in the "Engineers Department Established." He was paid 3/6d per day by the Storekeeper, and allowed 6d per week in addition.
Supply 5/222
477
James
Johnson
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 29)
1. James Johnson was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the government from Mr. Walton. He does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
478
George (1)
Johnson
Pay List
1. George Johnson (1) was a common Labourer who was paid 8/6d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. He was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week, according to WO54/512 dated September 1812.
Supply 5/228
479
Richard
Johnson
List of Employees.
1. Richard Johnson was employed as a Puntman at 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn. (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) recorded that Richard Johnson was an additional Bargeman at the 13th February 1814, earning 3/10d per day (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
480
George (2)
Johnson
Return of Employees
1. George Johnson (2) was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
481
Edward
Jones
00/00/1739
Personnel Record for the Corning House
1. Edward Jones was an experienced Millwright who started his trade in 1761, and began working at the Powder Mills on the 1st November 1787 (Supply 5/217 dated the 25th June 1795)). His pay was recorded in Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789 as 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was entitled to train an Apprentice, for which he received 7/-d per week (Supply 5/188 dated the 16th February 1789).
2. Report on the activities "in the storekeepers department" dated the 18th April 1789 (Supply 5/213) recorded that he was "repairing dust reel in the Corning House & making a new curb to the charcoal mixer." Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was a Millwright repairing the machinery used in the different parts of the Manufactory, and that at that date he was aged 50. He continued with maintenance work throughout 1790 to 1793, and unless stated to be working on a specific item, was generally described as "repairing mills and sundrys".
3. Letter from William Congreve, the Comptroller, to the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey, dated 1791, expressed his surprise that "Jones the Millwrght" had been allowed to put iron keys in the "Brass Bridges of your Corning House." He ordered that the Corning House was to stop work until metal keys had been fitted (WASC 475).
4. Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792, described Edward as "fitting machinery to new salt petre and charcoal mill, sundry repairs to mills etc."
5. Continued as Millwright throughout the 1790's, enlisting in the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was literate.
7. A Report dated 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Millwright, and that he was unmarried. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/212
482
Samuel
Jones
00/00/1775
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Samuel Jones was appointed on the 16th July 1789 at the age of 14 as an Apprentice Millwright, at 1/-d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August, 1789)/ He was possibly related to Edward Jones, the Gunpowder Mills' Millwright.
2. Samuel was still an Apprentice in December 1794, but his wage had been increased to 1/10d per day (Supply 5/217).
3. After serving his 7-year Apprenticeship on the 1st March 1796, Samuel was taken on the Establishment
4. Samuel was still working as a Millwright in February 1800, and a signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was literate.
5. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Millwright, was unmarried and his pay had been increased to 3/-d per day. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
6. In a letter dated the 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer "had the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately (16th June 1801) destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." Samuel Jones, Millwright employed by the Engineers' Department was one of those burnt.
7.The list, also dated 23rd June, 1801, (Supply 5/195) included Mr. Jones, and therein stated, "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further stated that Mr. Jones and two others were "Burnt so as to prevent them working, but they may soon be well." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
Winters, in his book "Centenary Memorial", maked it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
8. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they be reimbursed for the loss of clothing. Mr. Jones' claim amounted to 5/-d in all for a hat.
9. Pay List (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809) stated that Samuel Jones, Millwright, was paid 17/6d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
Supply 5/213
483
Evan
Jones
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Evan Jones was employed as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day "setting and drawing stoves and in the boats as well as planting willows." (Supply 5/214 dated the 3rd March 1790).
2. A letter to the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey from the Comptroller, William Congreve, requested that Evan Jones be sent to the Royal Laboratory, and that the bearer of the letter, Phillip Sherren, be "entered as a Labourer in his place" (WASC 475).
Supply 5/214
484
Hugh
Jones
00/00/1761
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Hugh Jones was listed as a Millman earning 2/-d per day in August 1790, but by the end of that year he is shown as a Labourer in the Corning House (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790).
2. From May 1790 to January 1791, he was still described as "Working in the Corning House." (Supply 5/215 dated January 1791).
3. Supply 5/215 dated January 1792, referred to him "grinding salt petre, charcoal and brimstone."
4. Jones was made Office Keeper and Rounder on the 11th July 1792, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August, 1790).
5. According to Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, he started work at the Powder Mills as a Labourer on the 10th May 1790. He served in the Artillery from May 1784 to January 1790, and joined the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, initially as a Corporal, but was made a Sergeant in 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was literate, and still the Office Keeper.
7. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still the Office Keeper, and a married man with 2 children.
8. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still employed as the Office Keeper "attending at the office." This was also the case in 1804 (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) when he was paid 2/3d per day, and received an allowance of 1/6d every third night for "rounding."
9. In March 1805, he was on a weekly wage of 16/-d per week (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March1805)
10 In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) he was described as an Office Keeper earning 2/3d per day. This document also stated that he had been employed with the Ordnance for 16 years.
11 He was promoted to Foreman of Stoves, drying gunpowder in January 1808. (Supply 5/198 dated the 4th January, 1808)
12 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Jones was still a Foreman of Stoves, then earning 4/-d per day. In addition, every third night he was "allowed 2/-d as Rounder (Supervisor) to superintend the Millmen and Watchmen on duty."
13. Winters (p.43) said that Jones had lived "...where Mr. C. Wiggs now resides."
14. Still Foreman of Stoves in 1810, his pay was unchanged and he received 2/-d for being a Rounder every third night (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
15 According to the above document dated 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) Hugh Jones was then employed as the Master Mixer of Composition with pay of 6/4d per day, and WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822, confirmed that he was appointed as the Master Mixer of Composition on the 28th February 1812.
16 Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed Hugh Jones was still Master Mixer, with the same pay as he had in 1812,
17 Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 confirm that Mr. Hugh Jones was still a Master Mixer of Composition, aged 57, who resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with one child. He earned 5/10d per day, with an allowance of £15.12.0d per annum in respect of an Apprentice. He also had a house; this may have been the Master Worker's house within the Manufactory (Building No. 21 on the 1801 map).
18 A Return of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Hugh Jones's name was recorded, with his pay unchanged. On the 6th November 1818, he moved into a rent-free house owned by the Board on the north side of High Bridge Street, previously occupied by Thomas Austin, who had moved to the Mill House in Romelands (Supply 5/232).
19 A very faint photostat copy of a letter dated 6th November 1818 (Supply 5/202) recorded that Jones had requested he be allowed to live rent free in a cottage he recently occupied. The Board were of the opinion that "as an indulgence to Hugh Jones" it should be let to him at a rent of £5 per annum. The hiouse, together with its large garden of 22 perches, is shown as being at the northern end of Plot No. 64 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
20 According to the List of Officers and Other Persons Employed and Pay dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Hugh Jones was still a Master Mixer of Composition, then aged 58, with all the other information given in Note 17 remaining the same. He was still allowed an Apprentice.
21 Return dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. This document recorded that he was allowed 7/-d per week to train an Apprentice. It also confirmed that he lived in a house owned by the Board.
22 A Statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821, (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Hugh Jones, Master Mixer, was living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 6th November 1818. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th February 1822, for the year 1821.
23 Return of Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Hugh Jones was still a Master Mixer of Composition, that he was then aged 60, was married and had one child, and resided in Waltham Abbey. His pay was still 5/10d per day, and he was allowed a house.
24 List of Employees in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the the 26th January, 1822) giving age, number of years in service and pay per day, confirmed that Hugh Jones was still a Master Composition Mixer, aged 60, with 32 years' service, and that he was still paid 5/10d per day.
25 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed and, probably more accurate Return, than that dated the 23rd January 1820. It recorded that Hugh Jones, Master Mixer of Composition, was appointed as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 10 May 1790, then appointed Master Mixer on the 28th February 1812. His total pay for the year, including an allowance to train an Apprentice, amounted to £113.2.9d, and he was provided with a house. He had nearly 32 years' service, was aged 60, was married man with one child and lived in Waltham Abbey.
26 List dated the 21st March 1822 of persons to form an Establishment to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included Mr. Hugh Jones, Master Mixer of Composition (Supply 5/232).
27 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, gave Jones' pay as £91.5.10d per annum. His family and service details were confirmed, but it would appear from this document that he no longer had an allowance for an Apprentice.
28 Return showing the Pay, Allowances and Length of Service of all Employees (WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824) included Mr. Hugh Jones, who was appointed Master Mixer and Master Refiner of Saltpetre on the 30th July 1823. His pay was given as £118.3.7d per annum, with an allowance for an Apprentice amounting to £23.18.0d , making a total of £142.1.7d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had nearly 35 years' service, was then aged 63, and was married with one child.
29 According to Winters (p.92) Hugh Jones was appointed Master Worker on the 23rd February 1825, and that around that time, he moved to Powder Mill Lane (recollections of Henry Wright, as recorded in Winters).
30 Supply 5/205 dated the 21st December 1825 confirmed that Jones was a Master Worker, with total pay from the1st January 1825 of £130 per annum.
31 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed pay, and repeated the previous information given, as did WO54/550 dated 1st October 1825. His service at that date was given as just over 35 years, and his age as 63.
32 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in the Return dated the 1st April 1826.
33 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
34 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date, Hugh Jones had just over 37 years' service and was 65 years of age.
35 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date he had served nearly 38 years and was aged 65.
36 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Jones was paid £140 per annum, having received an increase of £10 per annum on the 22nd February 1827. All of his other details remained unchanged. (Note: this Return does not reflect his increase in pay).
37 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details unchanged, but his pay in this document was shown correctly as £150 per annum.
38 WO54/566 dated 1st October 1829, stated that at that date Hugh Jones still earned the same as in Note 37. His length of service was given as just over 39 years, and he was aged 66.
39 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family details remaining the same. However, his pay had increased by £10 per annum from the 22nd February 1830, giving him £160 per annum..
40 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570) Hugh was still earning the same per annum as a Master Worker as as he was in Note 39. By then he had served just over 40 years, and he was 68 years of age.
41 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, Hugh Jones, Master Worker, earned a total of £170 per annum, and had served for nearly 41years. His age was given as 69.
42 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
43 WO545/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, also recording that he had been awarded another increase in his pay of £10 per annum, giving him an annual salary of £180 for the year. All other details remained unchanged.
44 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832 confirmed that Hugh Jones still earned the same as indicated in Note 43. All other details remained the same, except that at that date he was 71 years of age and had served just over 42 years.
45 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, indicated that Hugh Jones then earned a total of £190.0.0d per annum. His service was given as nearly 43 years, and his age as 71.
46 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 stated that Hugh Jones was 72 and had served just over 43 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £190.0.0d.
47 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, updated the October Return for service and age, but his pay had been increased by a further £10 per annum with effect from the 22nd February 1834, giving him a total annual salary of £200.
48 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unaltered.
49 Undated entry in Winters (p.103) for 1834, stated that Fred. Wright, an Apprentice to the Rex Offices, and Hugh Jones, Master Worker, paid, viz., Fred. Wright, 79 days at 3/-d - £11.17.0d; Hugh Jones for instructing Fred. Wright, 79 days, at 6d - £1.19.6d.
50. According to Winters, Jones retired in 1838 (p.104).
51 Henry Wright, relating his memories to William Winters, recalled that on one occasion, Jones, who resided in Powder Mill Lane, was superintending proving the powder, and the mortar was placed near the barge house and bridge, when "a great mistake was made by putting in a double charge of powder, sending the ball over the left lodge at the entrance crossing the lane and river, and some distance into the marsh"
Supply 5/215
485
William
Jones
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Jones started work at the Mills as a Labourer on the 1st June 1793, earning 1/6d per day. By January 1794, he was described as "setting & drawing stoves in the punts" (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and in December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
2. Jones also enlisted on the 7th May 1794, as a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219).
3. By July 1795, William Jones was described as a Millman, with pay of 2/-d per day and 3d per shift extra if on night duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
Supply 5/216
486
John
Jones
List of Artificers, etc. & Volunteer Corps members
1. John Jones started at the Mills as an Apprentice Millwright on the 3rd March 1796; he also served as a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was still an Apprentice Millwright and that he was unmarried. During this period he was paid 1/10d per day.
Supply 5/219
487
Lt.Col. John T, Royal Engineers
Jones
Return of Persons Employed
1. Lt.Col. John Jones signed the Return of Persons Employed in the Royal Engineers' Department for the 1st April 1823 ( WO54/542 dated April 1823)
WO54/542
488
John
Judd
List of Officers, Etc. Employed.
1. John Judd was employed as a Puntman earning 2/8d per day, and was also allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/230
489
John (1)
Keens
List of Foreman Artificers & Others employed
1. John Keens (1) had worked for a year in the Dusting House, earning 2/1d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. He was employed as a Millman in June 1807, with pay of 2/3d per day and 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Keens was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
Supply 5/224
490
John (2)
Keens
List of Officers and Other Persons in Employment
1. John Keens (2) was working as a Puntman earning 2/-d per day, and "allowed to watch in turn" (Supply 5/227 dated 23rd August 1808). This was also the case in September 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/227
491
Thomas
Keens
List of Employees
1. Thomas Keens was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 of the 13th February 1814 confirmed that Mr. Keens was still a Millman, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/229
492
James
Keens
List of Employees
1. James Keens was a Corning House Man who earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. He was still a Corning House man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230). In addition, he was paid the same amount as previously, and allowed to watch in turn at the same 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/229
493
Jacob
Kegbread
00/00/1769
Return of Employees
1. Jacob Kegbread was first employed by the Board on the 23rd September 1815 at 2/8d per day. He was a 48-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, according to WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816.
WO54/516
494
Samuel
Kennarley
00/00/1765
Return of those Employed
1. Samuel Kennarley was employed in the Engineers' Department as an occasional Labourer, earning 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816). He was first employed by the Board on the 16th October 1815, and was a 50-year-old married man with one married and six unmarried children, living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
495
Joseph
Kent
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers. Etc. employed in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Joseph Kent was employed as a Sieve Puncher and Proof House Man at 2/-d per day. In addition, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. By August 1812 he was employed as a Puntman, paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
3. He was employed as a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230), earning 3/3d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/228
496
William (1)
Kent
Return of Employees
1. William Kent (1) was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
497
William (2)
Kent
00/00/1806
Return of Employees
1. William Kent (2) was a single man aged 18, who had been employed as a Labourer for four months from June 1825 on a temporary basis, and was to be discharged at the end of October 1825. He was paid 2/2d per day, and was possibly the son of William Kent (1) (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
WO54/550
498
George
Kestfield
List of Artificers, etc., and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. George Kestfield was employed as a Cylinderman in Sussex on the the 1st October 1796. He also served in the Volunteer Company as a Private (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
499
John
Kimble
00/00/1768
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Kimble started work as a Labourer refining Saltpetre on the 10th May 1791, earning 1/6d per day. This was also the case in 1792 and February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793), as well as August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216) January 1794 (Supply 5/216) August 1794 (Supply 5/216), and December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
2. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and was a married man with one child. In this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. On the 23rd October 1801, Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Kimble was one of the men who agreed to go (Winters, p.60), and it appeared that he was one of the few who stayed at Faversham for some time.
4. In a letter (Supply 5/199 of the 28th April 1809) Kimble applied to the Storekeeper for relocation from Faversham to Waltham Abbey because it would be better for his health, and the transfer was confirmed.
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 stated that Kimble was a Saltpetre Refiner, who was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
6. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Kimble was still a Saltpetre Refiner who now earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions applied according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
7. Return dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that John Kimble was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and that he was a married man, aged 50, with 3 children, living in Waltham Abbey and earning 2/4d per day. In addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
8. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included John Kimble, Saltpetre Refiner.
Supply 5/216
500
Stephen
King
List of Foremen, etc. employed in the Manufactory
1. Stephen King was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had one year's service.
2. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. King was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn."
3. Letter dated the 28th April 1809 (Supply 5/199) recorded that he was relocated to Faversham to replace John Kimble in the Refining House there.
Supply 5/224
501
William
King
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.55
1. William King was listed as the Master of The Hunter in 1802, according to Winters (p.55).
502
Henry
Kingshott
00/00/1742
List of Artificers and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. Henry Kingshott started work as a Labourer on the 3rd July 1796, earning 1/6d per day. He served as a Private in the Volunteer Company, and at some stage was transferred to West Sussex as a Cylinder Man (Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798). A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer and was a married man with no children. In this document anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders have been out of repair, Kinshott had been employed in stacking timber in the yards, and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
3. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Kingshott was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d. per day, and at that date he had 10 years' service .
4. At the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) it was confirmed that Mr. Kingshott was still employed as a Cylinder Man and he was still earning 2/-d per day.
5. According to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Kingshott was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning the same 2/-d per day.
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was a Cyclinder man at 2/-d per day.
7. Still a Cylinder Man but then earning 2/8d per day, according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
8. List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) confirmed that Henry was still a Cylinder Man and still earning 2/8d per day.
9. Return dated the 2nd March 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Kingshott was still a Cylinder House Man; his length of service was given as 20 years. His age was 73, and it was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 2/8d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Kingshott "both from his age and from the effects of his employ, is no longer capable of exerting himself." However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816, (Supply 5/ 200), Mr. Kingshott was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing the 1st April 1816.
10 A supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was "Henry Kingshott, Cylinderman" who received a pension of 12/-d per week which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
Supply 5/219
503
John
Kipping
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p.28)
1. John Kipping was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 and paid 9/-d per week. He was possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28) but did not appear to have been retained.
504
William
Kirby
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. William Kirby started work as a Labourer on the 21st April 1794. In August 1794, he was working in the punts at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated 31st August 1794).
2. In December 1794, he was working in the Corning House (Supply 5/217) as was the case in July 1795 (Supply 5/217).
3. William was working as a Refining Labourer in September 1798 (Supply 5/219).
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate, and still working as a Refining Labourer.
5. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with one child. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/216
505
John
Knight
00/00/1746
Pay List
1. John Knight was a common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 of the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/512 dated September 1812 recorded that John was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week.
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806. He was a 59-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with two married children and one unmarried child, .
4. WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817 recorded that Knight's pay was now only 2/4d per day, with all other details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" and still paid 2/4d per day. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
Supply 5/228
506
Samuel, Snr.
Knowler
00/00/1764
Personnel Return of those working in the Storekeeper's Department.
1. Samuel Knowler, Snr. was engaged as a Labourer at Faversham on the 1st February 1787 (Supply 5/212) and transferred to Waltham Abbey as a Labourer at 1/6d per day on the 1st February 1789 (Supply5/113). He was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." according to Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 25 years of age, and was employed dusting and glazing powder.
2. In March 1790, he was working in the Corning House (Supply 5/214).
3. In August and September 1790, he was "dusting & glazing gunpowder."(Supply 5/215).
4. Knowler was in the Corning House in December 1790 to September 1793 (Supply 5/216), when he was transferred to the Refining House refining Saltpetre after Benjamin Wall was sacked. He was still there in January 1794 (Supply 5/216) to December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
5. By June 1795, he was "setting and drawing stoves etc." (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
6. An entry for July 1795 listed Samuel Knowler as a Millman with pay of 2/-d per day, plus an extra 3d when on night duty. It also recorded that Knowler had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
7. Supply 5/219 dated September 1798 described Samuel Knowler, Snr., as a Refining House Labourer.
8. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a Labourer in the Refining House.
9. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, was a married man, and had three children. In this document, anyone not an Artificer, was described as a Labourer.
Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged and Knowler was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 did not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were retained at Waltham Abbey
10 In 1804 he was working at the Mills as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House, with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). The Parish Poor rates for 1805 (Huggins) indicated that he was living in High Bridge Street, adjacent to the Cock Inn (Plot 2158 on the 1825 Town Map).
11 Knowler was still a Refiner in the Saltpetre House in 1806, being paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had 16 years' service, and "when not working allowed to watch in turn."
12 Samuel was promoted to Foreman Saltpetre Refiner in January 1808 (Supply5/198 dated the 4th January, 1808).
13 According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, he was still a Foreman of Saltpetre Refiners, and earned 4/-d per day as well as being entitled to take an Apprentice, who, in1808, was March Baker.
14 He was still a Foreman in 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810) with his pay unchanged,and at that time was receiving 2/-d for being a Rounder every third night.
15. According to a Return dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) Mr. Knowler was an Assistant Master of Refiners of Saltpetre, earning 6/4d per day, as he was in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
He was granted a Board House in Powder Mill Lane on the 1st September 1815, with a rent of £1 per annum ( Supply 5/232). The house was one of the larger houses in the lane, and was built in timber salvaged from the buildings forming the Horse Mills (Winters, p.82). There was a clause written into the tenancy that the tenants were not allowed to take in lodgers or cause unnecessary delapidations. His house was the second from the northern end of the terrace of houses and cottages running back from High Bridge Street in Powdermill Lane, forming part of plot No. 64 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
16 Supply 5/231 of the 28th August 1818confirmed that Mr. Knowler was an Assistant Master Refiner of Saltpetre, that he earned 5/10d per day, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with six children, Edward Samuel Knowler - baptised 9th July 1794 at Waltham Abbey - Samuel John Jones Knowler - baptised Waltham Abbey on the 17 May 1799 - Thomas William Knowler - baptised Waltham Abbey 9th March 1805 - Catherine Mary Knowler - baptised Waltham Abbey 7th September 1796, and Francis Knowler - baptised Waltham Abbey 5th December 1810.
17 A Return of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Knowler's name was on the list with his pay reduced to 5/4d per day.
18 Memo dated 14th December 1818 (Supply 5/202) stated that Samuel Knowler, Assistant Master Refiner of Saltpetre, was to continue to pay the same rent of £1 per annum for the cottage he occupied in Waltham Abbey.
19 Still Assistant Master Saltpetre Refiner in May 1819, Supply 5/231 confirmed that Samuel was a married man with 6 children, aged 52, who lived in Waltham Abbey, trained as a Baker, and was paid 5/4d per day.
20. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc., remaining unchanged.
21 A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Samuel Knowler had been living in a Board of Ordnance house, Tenement No. 21, from the 1st September 1815, at a rent of £1 per annum. This house with its garden has been identified as part of a terrace of houses located in Powder Mill Lane and shown as Property No. 714 on the Waltham Abbey Town Map of 1825. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822, for the year 1821.
22 Return dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Knowler was still the Assistant Master Refiner of Saltpetre, that he was then aged 52, was married with six children, and resided in Waltham Abbey. His pay was still 5/4d per day.
23 The Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey, Empson Middleton, wrote to the Board of Ordnance on the 15th September 1821 requesting that Samuel Knowler, Assistant Master Refiner of Saltpetre, be granted a pension. He went on to say that during Knowler's 32 years' service at the Gunpowder Mills, he had received severe concussion on the chest by the falling of a quantity of saltpetre bags, "which occassions, at times, severe indispositions if he takes cold." The Board agreed in their letter of the 16th November 1821 (Supply 5/203) that he should receive a superanuated sum of £20.17.4d per annum, and allowed him to continue to live in the cottage, paying the same rent of £1 per annum.
24 A document dated 6th December, 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place." It confirmed that Samuel Knowler was in receipt of £20.17.4d. superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, and according to Winters (p.95), this was still the case in 1826.
25 A list of Properties owned by the Board prepared by the Office of the Royal Engineers on the 20th December 1834, showed that Samuel's house was to be let to Mr. Simes, Millwright, with effect from the 7th November 1834.
26 Knowler was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237) and this document recorded that his pension started on the 16th November 1821.
27 The 1841 Census recorded that he was living with his son, Samuel John, in High Bridge Street.
Supply 5/212
507
Henry
Knowler
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Henry Knowler, the brother of Samuel Knowler, started work as a Labourer working on the punts and "Setting and drawing stoves" on the 5th April 1791, and was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791). In May, 1791, he was "Dusting and Glazing Powder", and between January 1792 and September 1793, he was in the Corning Houses (Supply 5/216). In September 1793, he was replaced by William Speller.
2. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the 29th July 1793, Henry Knowler (and others) was chequered (fined) one day's pay for "having gone across the Hoppit contrary to repeated orders." (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.39).
3. January 1794 saw Henry working as a Labourer in the Refining House and he still earned 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216). He was still there in August 1794 and December 1794 ((Supply 5/216 and Supply 5/217 respectively) as well as in July 1795 (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795) and September, 1798 (Supply 5/219). This document also recorded that he enlisted as a Private in the Voluntary Company on the 7th May 1794.
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and was still working as a Refining House Labourer.
5. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, was a married man and had one child. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
6. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and Knowler was one who agreed to go (Winters, op.cit. p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840, did not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services were terminated.
7. On the 13th February 1814, Henry Knowler was apparently re-engaged as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations", earning 2/8d per day; he was also allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/215
508
John
Knowler
List of Artificers, etc., and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. John Knowler started work as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 15th March 1798. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 of September 1798).
Supply 5/219
509
Samuel Jnr. (also 2)
Knowler
00/00/1799
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Samuel Knowler, Jnr., according to the Employee List of the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) was Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre, and earned 6/-d. per week. His Master was given 6/-d per week for this Apprentice, and this was was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230). WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that he started his Apprenticeship with the Master Refiner on the 3rd June 1811.
2. In a letter dated 12th June,1818 (Supply 5/202) it appeared that Samuel Knowler had completed his Apprenticeship and was entered as a Saltpetre Refiner from the 8th June 1818, earning 2/4d per day . The letter also stated that approval was given by the Board for the Master Refiner to take on John Simpson, Junior, as an Apprentice in place of Samuel Knowler.
3. Contrary to the information given in the previous note, a List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Samuel Knowler was still an Apprentice to the Master Saltpetre Refiner at that date, and that he was a single man, aged 19, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 7/-d per week..
4. A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Samuel Knowler (2) was included, with his pay shown as 2/-d per day.
5. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) indicated that Samuel Knowler (2) was employed as a Brimstone Refiner; he was still single, was aged 20, lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
6. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) states that Samuel Knowler (2) was now 21, still lived in Waltham Abbey and was single, still earned 2/4d per day as a Saltpetre Refiner, but now received 1/6d per night whilst on watch.
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Samuel was now 22 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 6.
8. List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gives the age of Samuel (2), Saltpetre Refiner, as 23, with 10 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
9. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) shows length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appears to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Samuel Knowler (2), Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed Apprentice to the Master Refiner at Waltham Abbey on the 3rd June, 1811, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had ten and a half years' service, was 23 and a single man who lived in Waltham Abbey.
10 List dated the 21st March 1822 of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that Samuel Knowler, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained (Supply 5/232).
11 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Samuel Knowler (2) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his annual pay was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. His service details were confirmed, but he was then a
26-year-old married man without children.
12 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed Samuel (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making an annual amount in total of £39.0.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details, and the details are repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, with the additional information that he then had one child, who was baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 25th September 1825.
13 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information, and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 3rd June 1811. His pay was £33.16.0d. per annum.
14 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
15 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, but recorded that at that date he had two children.
16 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826" except that Samuel then had 3 children. It would also appear that the length of service 'goal posts' had been changed and started from the end of his Apprenticeship.
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, confirmed the same information as in the notes above, except that apparently one child had died. At that date, Samuel Knowler had just over 9 years' service and was 28 years' old.
18 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirmed the information given in the notes above, with the exception that he had served for nearly 10 years, although his age on this Return was shown as 27.
19 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
20 On the 14th October 1828, Samuel Knowler was paid 16/-d for travelling from Waltham to Woolwich for the purpose of instruction as to the mode of proof, and practical use of the new gun Epreuvette. The amount covered 48 miles at 4d per mile (Winters, op.cit.p.99).
21 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with his family details and pay remaining unchanged.
22 Return of Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Samuel Knowler (2) earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 11 years, that he was 28 years of age, was married and had two children.
23 According to the Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Samuel Knowler (2) as in Note 22, except that his service was given as nearly 12 years, and that he was 29 years of age.
24 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 gave the same information as that provided at the 1st April 1830, except that Samuel had then served just over 12 years. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated the October Return, and confirmed that he was still employed as a Salt Petre Refininer.
25 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, and all other details remained unchanged.
28 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that at that date Samuel (2) still earned £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as nearly 15 years, and his age as 32.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that Samuel's details were the same as in the previous Return, except that he had then served just over 15 years and he was 33 years' old.
30 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Samuel was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d. He still had two children, and his age and his service details were updated.
31 WO54/593 dated 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; Samuel (2) was then 33 years' old and had served just over 16 years.
32 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that Samuel Knowler, Jnr., was promoted to Master Refiner of Salt Petre on the 5th September 1834. He was then entitled to a house, which is shown as Plot No. 39 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and his pay was £118.13.7d per annum. He was then 37 years' old with nearly 22 years' service.
33 The 1841 Census recorded that Samuel, Jnr., aged 40, and his wife Elizabeth, also aged 40, were living on the north side of High Bridge Street with their family of Mary, 15, and John, 11). His father, Samuel Snr., was living with them, and with the exception of Elizabeth, they were all born in the County.
Supply 5/229
510
Henry
Lagdon
00/00/1787
List of Employees and Their Pay
1. Henry Lagden was a Brimstone Refiner who earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230 of that date.
2. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Henry was still a Brimstone Refiner, aged 31, married with 3 children, living in Waltham Abbey, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
3. A Return dated the 28th August 1818 ( Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Lagdon's name was included, with his pay reduced to 2/-d per day, and he was then not allowed to watch.
4. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Lagdon was still employed as a Brimstone Refiner; he was aged 32, had 3 children, lived in Enfield, was paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
5. Return dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the entry above, and the basic details on pay, etc. remained unchanged, except he was now allowed 1/6d per night to watch.
6. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Henry was then 34; all other entries remained the same as in Note 5.
7. Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822 gave the age of Henry Lagdon, Brimstone Refiner, as 36, with nearly 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
8. Return showing the pay, allowances, and length of service, and every drescription of those employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. Henry Lagdon, Brimstone Refiner, was appointed as a Labourer with the Ordnance Board at Waltham Abbey on the 7th October 1805. His position on the Establishment as a Brimstone Refiner was confirmed by orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and 4th October 1819, and he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total pay for the year of £41.14.4d. He had just over 16 years' service, was aged 36, was a married man living in Enfield, and he had three children.
9. In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to lower the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822). The men were subquently dismissed on the 1st June, and several Petitions were submitted by them asking for financial assistance. Many were long service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employement after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic, and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. Henry Lagdon, signing with a cross, was one of the Petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/229
511
John
Lagdon (Lagden)
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. John Lagdon (Lagden) was a Labourer "drawing and Setting Stoves etc" earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806. At that date he had 6 months' service. In June 1807, he was a "Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory and setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc." (Supply 5/226 dated 18th June 1807).
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Lagden was still employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was a Brimstone Refiner who was paid 2/3d day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
512
John
Lake
List of Names in a Petition on Pay
1. John Lake was literate, and was working as a general Labourer. according to a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800).
2. A letter to the Board (Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801) recorded that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April 1801, with a tremendous explosion. Nine men in the building, including John Lake, were killed, together with four horses.
3. Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801 (Report of ages of children and circumstances of widows and children) recorded, "the nearest relation is a brother, has no family, but we do not think him entitled to claim."
Supply 5/220
513
George
Lamb
Record of personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. George Lamb was employed as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793).
2. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded in his Minute Book (Winters, p.40) that on the 12th August 1793, "G Lamb went away without leave. Chequered (fined) and ordered him off watch. N.B - He never came again to work till 19th, when agreed to discharge him."
3. There was a Corning Mill known as Lambs Mill which blew up on the 11th February 1793; Mills were often named after the Millman, so George Lamb may have had a relative who worked for Mr Walton.
Supply 5/216
514
James
Lamb
List of Foremen, etc. working in the Manufactory
1. James Lamb was a Refiner in the Salt Petre House with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) and at that date, he had a year's service. In June 1807, his details were identical except that "when not working extra allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/226 dated 18th June 1807).
2. According to an entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Lamb was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that James was still a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that James then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This information was also confirmed in Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
5. A letter from the Office of Ordnance dated the 18th March 1818 (Supply 5/202) stated "having laid before the Board your letter dated yesterday reporting upon the Petition of James Lamb, late a Saltpetre Refiner, soliciting some relief in consideration of his services and the injury he received in the Department under your superintendence, I am directed to desire the Storekeeper will pay James Lamb the sum of two guineas as a donation agreeably for your recommendation."
Supply 5/224
515
Anthony
Lambert
Return of Employees
1. Anthony Lambert was taken on as an Apprentice Cooper, but discharged himself according to Supply 5/204 dated the 27th December 1822.
Supply 5/204
516
Henry
Lambert
00/00/1801
Return of Employees
1. Henry Lambert was engaged in the summer of 1825 as a Cooper, and paid 4/6d per day. At the time, the Waltham Abbey Mills were making cement casks, presumably for gunpowder, for Harwich. The task had to be completed by the 1st October 1825, when it was assumed that Lambert would be discharged (Supply 5/205 dated the 5th September, 1825).
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, recorded that Henry was employed for three months as a Cooper making cement casks for Harwich, with pay of £54.12.0d per annum. This Return stated that he had been trained as a Cooper, and that he was a 24-year-old single man.
5/205
517
Robert
Lammon
Return of Employees
1. Robert Lammon was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
518
William
Larby
00/00/1789
List of Employees
1. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Larby was employed as a Millman who earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, stated that William was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department and that he was first employed by the Department in September 1814. He was a 25-year-old married man with one child, who lived in Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/229
519
John
Latch
00/00/1795
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. John Latch was first employed by the Board as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 16th January 1816, at 2/4d per day. He was a 40-year-old married man with three children, living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817).
WO54/520
520
Robert
Lawmon
List of employees
1. Robert Lawmon was employed as a Puntman and paid 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. He was employed as a Corning House Man at 3/3d per day on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/229
521
Thomas
Lawrence
List of Officers & Others Employed
1.Thomas Lawrence was an extra Bargeman employed on three barges transporting gunpowder to Picket's Field and Magazines. His pay was given as £2.11.6d per week (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
522
Donald M.
Lean
Winters, p.118
"Donald M Lean would be discharged for illtreating a young servant-maid to the clerk of the cheque in one of the watch houses" according to a note in the records dated the 22nd May 1789 (Winters, p.118).
Winters
523
Michael
Lee
00/00/1773
Return of Employees
1. Michael Lee was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. It also recorded that he was first employed by the Board on the 18th July 1812, and that he was a 42-year-old married man with three children, who lived in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/512
524
James
Lee
00/00/1780
Return of Employees
1. James Lee was first employed by the Board on the 9th September 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 35-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
525
Edward
Leopard
00/00/1771
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Edward Leopard was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, according to a Return of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had 10 years' service
2. According to a further Return (Supply 5/226 ) Mr. Leopard was still employed as a Cylinder Man and was still earning 2/-d per day. This was also the case in August 1808 (List of Officers and Artificers, etc. in Employment dated the 23rd August 1808 - Supply 5/227).
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that he was employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
4. Edward was still a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
5. List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) confirmed the information given in Note 4.
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Edward Leopard was still a Cylinder Man . He was a married man aged 46, with two children, who lived in Fisher Street in Sussex, and earned 2/4d per day.
7. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement.", i.e., a reduction in the Establishment due to a downturn in work. The list included Edward Leopard.
Supply 5/224
526
Joseph
Leserf
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. Joseph Leserf was taken on for one of seven vacancies available in August 1793 (Winters, p.40) and employed as a Labourer in the Corning House at 1/6d per day.
2. He was still in the Corning House in January to August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
3. In December1794, he was "separating gunpowder" (Supply 5/217, and was in the
Corning House in July 1795 (also Supply 5/217).
Supply 5/216
527
Richard
Lewis
00/00/1784
Return of Employees
1. Richard Lewis, a 42-year-old married man, was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department who had first worked for the Board on the 18th January 1816. He lived in Waltham Abbey, had 6 unmarried children and was paid 2/4d per day (WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817).
2. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" at 2/4d per day.
3. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, confirmed that he had 6 children.
4. Return dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) recorded that Richard was still employed as a Labourer. He was aged 45 at that date, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married, but then had seven children. He still earned 2/4d per day, and was employed "Occasionally as required."
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, showed that he was aged 46 years, and that his family and terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged.
WO54/520
528
Samuel
Lincoln
00/00/1746
Pay List
1. Samuel Lincoln was employed as a common Labourer, and was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/512 dated September 1812, confirmed he was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week.
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that Samuel was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806. He was a 62-year-old widower, with four married children and one unmarried child, who lived in Waltham Abbey and had been trained as a Butcher.
4. WO54/520 dated 28th February 1817, updated the previous entry and stated that he was then only paid 2/4d per day.
Supply 5/228
529
George
Lindsay
00/00/1768
Record of Pay
1. George Lindsay was taken on as a Labourer grinding Saltpetre and Charcoal at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789).
2. He was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
3. On the 22nd August 1789, he was "marking powder barrels" and this information is repeated in September (Supply 5/213) and again in Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790, as well as in December 1790 (Supply 5/215 dated the 11th December, 1790).
4. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 21 years of age, and confirmed that he was employed marking powder barrels.
5. In August and September 1790, he was "in the barges." (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790).
6. In April to June 1791, he was "weighing powder & marking barrels." (Supply 5/215).
7. Between January and March 1792, he was "in the punts and likewise drawing & setting stoves, loading and shipping gunpowder & stores etc." (Supply 5/215).
Supply 5/212
530
Thomas
Littler
19/02/1759
List of Appointments and Salaries
1. Thomas Littler served in the Royal Navy before joining His Majesty's Ordnance Board at Dover on the 8th June 1805 (Huggins, WAGP, p.124). He was appointed Extra Clerk (Assistant Clerk) at Waltham Abbey on the 8th June 1805 on the same day, with a salary of £70 per annum, and was still in the same position in June 1807 (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807). Supply 5/232 dated the 6th September 1822, recorded that he was transferred to Dover on the 1st August 1807, as First Clerk.
2. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons Employed dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229), Mr. Littler was appointed First Clerk at Waltham Abbey on the 26th February 1812. His salary was given as £90 per annum. with a £20.16.0d lodging allowance and £12.10.0d for coals and candles.
3. Return dated the 13th February 1814, (Supply 5/230) confirmed his salary was £90, and that he was allowed £20.16.0d per annum lodging allowance and £12.10.0d per annum for coal and candles.
4. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Mr. Littler was First Clerk, that he was aged 58, lived in Waltham Abbey, and was a widower with seven children. It also stated that on the 8th June 1805, Mr. Littler became a Junior Clerk at Waltham Abbey, and that his appointment of First Clerk dated from 26th February, 1812. His salary was £90 per annum, with a £12.10 coal and candle allowance and a £35 gratuity, in addition to which, he was given a house upon the Establishment. Between 1814 and 1818, he was not entitled to a lodging allowance and was, therefore, living in Ordnance Board accommodation rent free, viz. Corn Mill House in Romelands, which had previously been occupied by James Wright, Jnr., who possibly vacated it during September 1814.
5. According to a Return dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Littler was still First Clerk, then aged 59, with all the other information given previously remaining the same.
6. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry with Littler's basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged,. His given age was then 60.
7. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" recorded that Thomas Littler was living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from sometime in September 1814. His house was identified as being on the north-east corner of Romeland, Plot No. 715 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map or Plot No. 70 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th Feb 1822 for the year 1821.
8. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Littler was still First Clerk, that he was aged 60, was a widower with seven children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information as indicated in Note 7 remained the same, except for his gratuity, which had been increased to £50.
9. Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822 updated his salary, etc. Littler was then paid £90 per annum, with a gratuity based on service of £50 and a candle and coal allowance of £12.10.0d, giving him a total income of £152.10.0d. He was provided with a house in Waltham Abbey, had served with the Ordnance for over 16 years, was 60 years of age, and a widower with 7 children. These details were confirmed by WO54/536 of the same date.
10 List of employees WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed Litter's salary, entitlement to a house, allowance of £25 for coal and candles and £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance of labour. His family details and previous employment were also confirmed in this Return.
11 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, recorded that Mr. Littler's salary was £140.0.0d per annum, with allowances amounting to £12.10.0d, making a total of £152.10.0d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had just over 19 years' service, was then aged 62 and was married with 7 children. WO/550 dated the 1st April 1825 repeated the previous information given.
12 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (WO54/550) recorded that Thomas's basic salary was £90 per annum, and that at that date he received an increase of £50 per annum, with an allowance in lieu of coals and candles of £12.10.0d, making a total of £152.10.0d per annum in all. He had a house, and his period of service was given as just over 20 years. At that date he was 63, and a widower with 7 children.
13 Supply 5/205 dated the 21st December 1825 confirmed that he was First Clerk and recorded that his total salary at the 1st January 1825, was £176 per annum. Note: this was in the form of a memorandum, and adjustments in his salary do not appear to have been put into effect
14 WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826, recorded that he received a salary increase of £24.15.0d giving him a total income with allowances of £177.5.0d per annum, and showed that all other details were unchanged. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the Return dated 1st April 1826.
15 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
16 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Mr. Littler had just over 22 years' service and he was then 64.
17 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirmed the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had served nearly 23 years and was aged 65.
18 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Littler was paid £164.10.0d per annum, plus an allowance of £12.10.0d for coals and candles. Other details remained unchanged.
19 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unaltered.
20 Littler requested payment of two guineas for auctioning timber at the Mills on the 4th June 1827 (Winters, p.97).
21 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, stated that at that date Thomas still earned the same as in Note 18. His length of service was given as just over 24 years, and he was aged 66.
22. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
23. According to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570) Thomas, First Clerk, was still earning the same per annum as as he was in Note 18. By then he had served just over 25 years and was 67 years of age.
24 Return WO54/ 575 dated 1st April 1831 gave the same information as that in Note 21, except that he had then served nearly 26 years and he was aged 68.
25 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed Mr. Littler earned the same as stated in Note 21. At that date he had served over 27 years, and was aged 70.
27 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that Mr. Littler still earned £177.0.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 28 years, and his age as 71.
28 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, updated the October Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining the same.
29 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining unchanged.
30 Return of Staff dated 1st April 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed dates of appointments, etc. as before. Littler's salary, including allowances in lieu of coal and candles, was given as £177.0.0d. He had over 33 years' service, and was then aged 76 years.
30 Thomas died on the 17th July 1839, and is buried in Waltham Abbey Churchyard; he left 7 daughters, all of whom were mentioned in his Will.
Supply 5/226
531
James (1)
Livermore
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc, Rates of Pay & Service.
1. James Livermore (1) was employed as a Millman in 1805 at 2/3d per day, and at the 30th January 1806 had been employed with the Ordnance for a year (Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806). These details were confirmed in June 1807 when he was allowed 3d per night when on duty. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Livermore was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Mr. Livermore was still a Millman who was paid 2/3 day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/224
532
Charles
Livermore
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Charles Livermore was taken on as a Labourer in June 1807, drawing and setting Stoves, etc. at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). The full description of his work was given as "Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory and setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc."
Supply 5/224
533
James (2)
Livermore
List of Officers, Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. James Livermore (2) was employed in the autumn of 1805 as a Labourer drawing and setting stoves etc., and he was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227), Mr. Livermore was employed as one of two "Respective Office Labourers" - i.e. he worked as a Labourer for one of the senior staff - earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that James (2) was a Millman who was paid 2/3 day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/227
534
William
Livesey
00/00/1790
Return of Employees
1. Born in Lancashire in 1790, Livesey was a retired regular soldier (Supply 5/238 dated the 30th November 1840).
2. He had originally trained as a Weaver before joining the Royal Regiment of Artillery (Fourth Battalion) at Rochdale as a Gunner on the 18th June 1808, on his eighteenth birthday. During his military career he saw service in the Peninsular War for 3 years and 9 months, and a further 6 years and 3 months in Canada. William was promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 1st June 1813, to that of Serjeant on the 1st June 1825, and, finally, to Serjeant-Major on the 1st April 1830.
4. On the 11th September 1839, Livesey appeared before a Medical Board at Woolwich where he was diagnosed with chronic Rheumatism and judged to be unfit for military service with a recommendation that he should be discharged. His military service spanning 31 years ended on the 8th October 1839 (WO97/1243).
3. Livesey took the position of Warder at the Gunpowder Mills in 1840 when John Smith (1) retired.
4. According to the 1841 Census, Wlliam, his wife, Isobella, and their 5 children, were then living at the Gatehouse - John Smith's old house - being Plot No. 91 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
Supply 5/238
535
William
Lock
00/00/1772
Return of Employees
1. William Lock was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department on the 13th May 1815. He was a 43-year-old married man with four children, who lived in Enfield (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
536
John Snr.
Lockyer
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. John Lockyer, Senior, had been transferred from Faversham as Foreman of the Brimstone Refining House, possibly in 1805. He had then been with the Ordnance for some 14 years, having started work in September 1792. His pay was 4/-d per day. (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). See below for details and dates, and see also, "The Faversham Gunpowder Mills", p.57.
2. John petitioned the Board in January 1805, pointing out that he came to Waltham Abbey from Faversham, and that since he had taken over refining Brimstone following Mr Townsend's death, production costs using the methods employed at Faversham had fallen, and he now asked the Board for financial recognition. The Board agreed to increase his pay to 5/-d per day. He was still in same position and receiving the same pay on the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
3. Lockyer Snr. petitioned the Board again on the 5th May 1808 to be allowed an Apprentice, the same as the Master Brimstone Refiner at Faversham (Supply 5/198 dated 5th May 1808) which was agreed on the 23rd May 1808. The conditions and rates of pay for the Master and the Apprentice were clearly laid out in a letter dated 5th August 1808 (Supply 5/198).
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Lockyer then earned 5/-d. per day. He also received an allowance of 6/-d per week for training an Apprentice, who so happened to be his son, John Junior.
5. The details given in Note 4 are confirmed by Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.
6. According to a Return dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) Mr. Lockyer, Snr, now earned 6/4d per day as the Master Refiner of Brimstone. This was also the case in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
7. In a letter dated 6th September 1814 (Supply 5/230) Lockyer stated that his son and Apprentice, John Lockyer, junior, had served the legal time of his Apprenticeship, and humbly solicited The Honourable Board to grant him another Apprentice. Messrs. Matthews, Breeze and Wright confirmed in a letter that the facts were as stated, and requested the Board direct the Assistant to the Ordnance Solicitor to prepare the usual kind of Indentures for Apprenticing a Thomas Martin, Junior, son of Thomas Martin, senior, to be Mr. Lockyer's new Apprentice. Master Thomas Martin, junior was described therein as "a stout lad about thirteen years' old."
8. Returns dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. Lockyer was a Master Refiner of Brimstone aged 49, who resided in Waltham Abbey and was married, with one child. He earned 5/10d per day with no other allowances.
9. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Lockyer's name was included, with pay of 5/10d per day.
10 According to the Return dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Lockyer, Snr. was still a Master Refiner of Brimstone, then aged 50, with all the other information given in Note 8 remaining the same; he still trained an Apprentice.
11 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. He was allowed 7/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
12 Return dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Lockyer was still a Master Refiner of Brimstone recording that he was then aged 51, was married and had one child. He resided in Waltham Abbey, and his pay was confirmed atl 5/10d per day.
13 A statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820, showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that John Lockyer was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance - Tenement No 38 - with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. The property, together with its small garden, has been identified as being one of a terrace of tenements in Powder Mill Lane (part of Property 714 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map or Plot 1434 on the 1842 Tithe Map). Similar information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th Feb 1822 for the year 1821, except that then his tenement number was shown as 37. This may possibly be because John Archer had moved and his tenement was left empty.
14 List of Employees in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the the 26th January, 1822) gave John Lockyer's age as 52, and recorded that he had 29 years' service and that his pay per day as Master Refiner of Brimstone was 5/10d.
15 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed and, probably, more accurate Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that John Lockyer, Master Refiner of Brimstone, was appointed on the 5 May 1792 as a Labourer at Faversham, then appointed Master Brimstone Refiner at Waltham on the 4th September 1818. His total pay for the year, including an allowance of £21.13.5d for an Apprentice, amounted to £112.19.3d. His service was given as nearly 30 years, and he was aged 52, married, with one child. He lived in Waltham Abbey.
16 List dated the 21st March 1822 of persons to be retained to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Lockyer, Master Refiner of Brimstone (Supply 5/232)
17 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed Lockyer's pay as £91.5.10d per annum, and recorded that he no longer had an allowance for training an Apprentice. His family and service details were unchanged, and it also confirmed he was trained as a Brimstone Refiner.
18 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, included John Lockyer Senior and confirmed that he was appointed Master Refiner of Brimstone on the 4th September, 1818. His pay was given as £91.5.10d per annum, with no allowances. By then he had just over 32 years' service, was aged 55 and was married with one child. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed his pay and previous family and service details..
19 Return dated October 1st 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information, and recorded that Lockyer's service had been continuous since 1792. This information was also confirmed in Return WO54/550 of that date, giving his service as 33 years, and his age as 55.
20 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date, however, John Lockyer had just over 35 years' service and was then 57.
23 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as previously recorded, except that Mr. Lockyer, Sr. had now served nearly 36 years.
24 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
25 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) recorded that John Lockyer, the Master Refiner, had died and had been replaced by James O'Brien.
26 Winters (p.101) recorded that John Lockyer, Master Brimstone Refiner, had died on the 10th January 1829, aged 59.
Supply 5/224
537
John Jnr.
Lockyer
00/00/1797
List of Officers and Artificers etc.
1. John Lockyer, Junior, was Apprenticed on the 23rd May 1808 to his father, the Master Refiner of Brimstone. John Jnr., according to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, earned 6/-d per week, and his father was allowed the same amount per week in respect of his son and Apprentice.
2. Supply 5/277 dated 30th September 1808, confirmed that John Lockyer, Junior, was Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Brimstone at 6/- per week. This document also indicated that he was literate.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that John was Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Brimstone at 6/-d per week, and that his Master received 6/-d per week also.
4. According to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, John Junior was still Apprenticed to his father, the Master Refiner of Brimstone, but he now earned 6/2d per week, with his Master getting 6/6d each week for his Apprentice.
5. At the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) John Lockyer, Junior, Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Brimstone, had his earnings increased to 6/8d per week and his Master then received 8/-d in respect of his Apprentice.
6. A letter dated 6th September 1814 (Supply 5/230) stated that John Lockyer, Junior, had "served the legal time of his Apprenticeship."
7. Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 dated the 25th June 1818 record that John Lockyer (2) was employed as a Brimstone Refiner; he was 21, a single man living in Waltham Abbey earning 2/8d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
8. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Lockyer's name was included, with his pay reduced to 2/6d per day and he was not allowed to watch.
9. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231)) confirmed that Lockyer was still employed as a Brimstone Refiner, that he was still asingle man of 22 who lived in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 2/4d per day. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
Supply 5/227
538
Jacob
Lofts
00/00/1778
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. Jacob Lifts was employed as a Labourer, setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. Return dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Jacob was then employed as an Hoop Bender. He was a married man, aged 40, with 6 children, who lived in Cheshunt and earned 3/6d per day; he was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
3. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Jacob Lofts, Hoop Bender.
Supply 5/230
539
John
Lording
00/00/1799
Return of Employees
1. John Lording joined the Engineers' Department on the 13th July 1810 as an Apprentice Millwright. He earned 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an annual amount of £33.18.2d. His period of service at that date was 11 years, and he was a 33-year-old married man, with 4 children (WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833).
2. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that John still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served nearly 13 years and that his age was 33.
3. WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839 confirmed that Lording joined the Engineers' Department on the 13th July 1810 as an Apprentice Millwright. In 1839, he was was working as a Labourer and paid 2/2d per day, with estimated annual pay of £33.18.2d. At that date he was a 39-year-old married man with 5 children, living in Waltham Abbey who had 22 years' service. He left the Mills at Waltham Abbey for London where he commanded a higher wage.
4. A Return of Properties owned by the Board prepared by the Royal Engineer's Office on the 20th December 1834, recorded that William Bunce had died, and that it was proposed to let his cottage to John Lording, Labourer (Supply 5/237). The cottage was shown as Tenement No. 54 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. A similar Return for May 1840, showed that his cottage was then let to a J. Davy
WO54/587
540
George
Lovell
Return of Domestic Properties
1. George Lovell was employed at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, and according to a Return prepared by the Royal Engineers dated the 28th May 1840, regarding domestic properties owned by the Board, he lived in a house previously occupied by William Breeze, deceased. This house was set in over an acre of ground in High Bridge Street, Plot No. 705 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Parish Map (D/DHF B29). It recorded also that Lovell was about to move (WO44/133).
2. Breeze's position within the Manufactory was abolished on the 31st December 1821, and he died shortly after (Supply 5/232).
541
John
Luck
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. John Luck was employed as a Salpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. The same pay and conditions applied according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/229
542
James
Luck
00/00/1817
Return of Employees
1. James Luck was employed as a general Labourer on the 3rd December 1838 at £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 21-year-old bachelor (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
2. The 1841 Census recorded that James and his wife Eliza (aged 20) were living in Sewardstone Street, and that both were born in Essex.
3. On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House. Seven men were killed and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was James Luck. In a note dated June 2nd, "Elizabeth Luck to receive a donation of £2 in her confinement, consequent of the explosion." (Winters, p.106).
4. A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc., was given in the London Illustrated News dated Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). James, of course, left a widow and a child.
WO54/623
543
John
Lumath
Accounts for September 1790
1. John Lumath was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department, and earned 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
544
James
Madell
00/00/1791
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. James Madell was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 26th November 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
545
John
Madgwick/Magwich/Magwick
List of officers, foremen, artificers etc.
1 John Madgwick was first employed in the Dusting House in the summer of 1805, and was paid 2/1d per day (Supply 5/221 dated the 30th January 1806). In June 1807, it is recorded that he was then employed as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with pay of 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/226 dated 18th June 1807).
2. By August 1808, he was working as a Cylinderman at Fisher Street in West Sussex, with pay of 2/-d per day. (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Magwick was a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that Magwick was a Cylinder Man, earning the same 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/221
546
Jerimiah
Mahony
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. Jerimiah Mahony was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 18th May 1826 at 2/2d per day, which gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. He was a 32- year-old married man with one child (WO54/554 dated 1st October 1826).
2. WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 gave the same information as in Note 1. At that date Mr. Mahony had one year's service and was 32 years of age.
3. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 confirmed the information given in Notes 1 and 2, with the exception that he had then served for eighteen months, and he was then 33 years of age.
4. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information given in the previous notes.
WO54/554
547
Levi
March
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 28)
1. Levi March was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr. Walton by the Government (Winter's Centenary Memorial, p.28).
548
W
Marchant
Winters' Centenary Memorial
1. W. Marchant was a Surgeon at the Mills between 1787 and 1791 (Winters, p.122)
549
John
Marr
Pay List
1. John Marr was a common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Marr was now a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
3. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, stated that Mr. Marr was employed as a Dusting House Man earning 3/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/228
550
William
Marshall
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. William Marshall was employed as an extra Bargeman on three barges transporting Gunpowder to Picket's Field and Magazines, with pay of £2.2.0d. per week. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
551
Thomas Snr
Martin
00/00/1770
Accounts for Serptember 1790
1. Thomas Martin was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department and paid 1/6d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382). According to Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791, Thomas was then employed in the Corning Houses at 1/6d per day. This was also the case on the 31st Jauary 1792 (Supply 5/215) and on the 31st July 1792 (Supply 5/216).
2. On the 31st August 1793 he was "in the country felling wood" (Supply 5/216) but the following August he was back in the Corning Houses, still at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794).
3. Supply 5/217 dated the 31st December 1794, indicated that he was working in the Dusting House at 1/6d per day.
4. Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, recorded that Thomas was a Refiner with pay of 1/6d per day. This Return gives his appointment to the Ordnance as the 21st September 1790. He was also confirmed as a Refiner on the 3rd July 1795 by Supply 5/217.
5. Thomas joined the Volunteers as a Private (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798) and this document recorded that he started his employment with the Board on the 21st September 1790.
6. A "signed" document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, shows that he was illiterate and was still working as a General Labourer.
7. Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801 recorded that Thomas was a married man with two children.
8. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Thomas Martin was one who agreed to go. However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, and subsequent entries indicate that he was retained as a Labourer and then reinstated as a Refiner at Waltham Abbey.
9. Supply 5/227 dated the 8th May 1804, recorded that Martin was working as a Labourer at 2/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, on average every 5 days, for which he was allowed 1/-d.
10 Supply 5/224 dated the 31st January 1806, stated that Thomas Martin was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner and was paid 2/-d per day. At that date he had 16 years' service.
11 An entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Martin was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
12 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Martin was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d day, and allowed to watch in turn.
13 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Thomas was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions applied according to Supply 5/230 dated the13th February 1814.
14 A letter dated the 23rd May 1818 reads :- "Mr. Lovell presents his compliments to Mr. Middleton and begs to acquaint him that the bearer, Thomas Martin, is the person who is to receive extra pay for bags during the period he was employed providing articles for the Corn Mill at Waltham Abbey" (Supply 5/202).
15 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) states that Thomas Martin was still a Saltpetre Refiner; he was a married man, aged 48, with 8 children living in Waltham Abbey and earning 2/4d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
16 A Return of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Thomas Martin's name was included with his pay remaining unchanged, but he was not then allowed to watch.
17 List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Thomas Martin was employed as Brimstone Refiner, that he was a married man aged 49 with 8 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 2/4d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/d per night.
18 List of Officers in Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas Martin, Snr., was then 50, still lived in Waltham Abbey, still earned 2/4d per day, but as a Saltpetre Refiner, and that he was then in receipt of 1/6d per night whilst on watch.
19 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas then 51 with 8 children, and still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 9
20 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Thomas Snr., Saltpetre Refiner, as 53, with 32 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
21 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Thomas Martin Senior, a Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 11th January 1793; this would seem to be an incorrect statement and possibly a clerical error, since there are entries for T Martin from 1791 onwards, and at least two other documents recorded his starting date as the 21st September 1790. Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, confirmed that he was on the Establishment as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at 31st December 1821 he had 29 years' service, was 53 years old, was married with eight children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
22 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, retained Thomas Martin as a Saltpetre Refiner.
23 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Martin was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn of 2/-d per week. His family and service details remained the same, except that his children are listed as 7, so, possibly, one had died.
24 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Thomas Martin, Snr. had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
25 Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed that Thomas Snr., Saltpetre Refiner, still earned a total of £39 per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn amounting to 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as nearly 32 years, he was then aged 55, was married and had 7 children.
26 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 related that Thomas started at the Mills on the 4th January 1793 and had 32 years' service, so he was not transferred or discharged. This start date would appear to be a recurring error.
27 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93-95) confirmed previous information given, and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 11th January 1793. His pay was £33.16.0d. per annum.
28 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed he was still a Saltpetre Refiner and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total remuneration £39.0.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous family and service details. All of these details were repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
29 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
30 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
31 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date Thomas had nearly 35 years' service and he was then 57 years of age.
32 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recordedthe same information as in previous , except that he had now served just over 35 years.
33 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
34 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unaltered.
35 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) recorded that Thomas Martin, Snr. earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was nearly 37 years, that he was 58 years of age, was married and had 7 children.
36 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Thomas, Snr. as in Note 25, except that his service was given as nearly 38 years, and he was then aged 59.
37 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, gave the same information as that provided at the 1st April 1830.
38 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Thomas, Senior, was now 60 years of age and had served just over 38 years. He replaced Isaac Webb, deceased, as a Stoveman on the 24th December, 1830, with a basic wage of £39 per annum, and was allowed to watch in turn at an average of 2/-d per week, giving him a total of £44.4.0d annually.
WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
39 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
40 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
41 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that at that date Thomas Snr. was still earning the same £44.4.0d annually. His period of service was given as just over 40 years, and his age as 62.
42 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed that LL details were the same as in the previous Return, except that Thomas Snr. had then served nearly 41 years, and he was 63 years of age.
43 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although Thomas was still employed as a Labourer attending the stoves, etc., his basic pay had been cut to £32.12.6d per annum. However, he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £37.16.6d. His age and service details were updated.
44 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the basic information given in Note 37. However, Thomas was then 64 years of age, and had served just over 41 years.
WASC 1382
552
Henry
Martin
Report on Explosion in the New Corning House
1. Henry Martin, according to a letter to the Board, was working in the new Corning House when it blew up on the 18th April 1801, with a tremendous explosion. Nine men in the building including Henry Martin, were killed, along with four horses (Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801).
2. Supply 5/194, a Petition dated the 24th April, 1801, stated that Henry's mother, Mary, requested, along with the other widows and mothers, "relief in their distress."
3. Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801 - a report on ages of children and circumstances of widows and children - recorded that Mary Martin, the deceased's mother, was aged 54. Her husband had left her "several years ago" and she had been supported by her son, Henry, who lived with her.
Supply5/220
553
Thomas Jnr or (2)
Martin
00/00/1802
List of Employees
1. In a letter dated 6th September 1814 (Supply 5/230) John Lockyer, Snr., stated that his son and Apprentice, John Lockyer, Junior, had served the legal time of his Apprenticeship, and humbly solicited The Honourable Board to grant him another Apprentice. Messrs. Matthews, Breeze and Wright confirmed in the letter that the facts were as stated, and requested the Board direct the Assistant to the Ordnance Solicitor to prepare the usual kind of Indentures for Apprenticing a Thomas Martin, Junior, son of Thomas Martin, Senior, to be Mr. Lockyer's new Apprentice. Master Thomas Martin, Junior, was described therein as a "stout lad about thirteen years old".
2. Thomas Martin (2) was, therefore, Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Brimstone. He was a single man aged 15 who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 6/-d per week (Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818).
3. A List of Empoyees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. Thomas Martin's name was included, with his pay increased to 6/2d per week.
4. Return dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Thomas Martin was still Apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre, and recorded that he was then 17 years of age; He lived in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 6/2d per week.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Martin was still an Apprentice, but that his pay had increased to 6/4d per week.
6. Return dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas was now 19, apprenticed to the Master Refiner of Brimstone, and that his wage had increased to 6/8d per week.
7. Return (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave Thomas's age as 19 and confirmed that he was still an Apprentice who had served for over 6 years. He was then earning 7/-d per week.
8. Return (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every drescription of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821, confirmed that Thomas was appointed as an Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Brimstone on the 8th September 1815, and then as a Gunpowder Maker, with total pay for the year amounting to £17.13.0d. He was aged 18 years, a single man living in Waltham Abbey, with over 6 years' service.
9. Return dated the 1st October 1822 showing the alterations made since the Return dated the 1st February 1822 (WO54/536) recorded that Thomas Martin, Apprentice, had completed his Aprenticeship with the Master Refiner of Brimstone, and had been discharged by the Board's order dated the 22nd May 1822.
Supply 5/231
554
Michael
Martin
00/00/1745
List of Employees
1. Michael Martin was Office Keeper in the Engineers' Department, and was paid 2/8d per day. (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was employed as the Office Keeper in the Engineers' Office earning 2/8d per day, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 29th March 1806. He was a 60-year-old widower living in Waltham Abbey with four married children, and had had no other trade.
3. Updated by WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, Michael Martin's pay was then 2/4d per day. All other details remained the same.
4. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818, confirmed he was still employed as the Office Keeper in the Engineers' Department and still paid 2/4d per day. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
WO54/512
555
William
Martin
00/00/1796
List of Employees
1. William Martin was first employed as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 30th June 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 19-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
556
James
Mash
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. James Mash was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government . However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
557
John
Mason
Report on personnel in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. John Mason was "an occasional Labourer at Royal Laboratory in last war" (American War of Independence) according to Supply 5/217 dated the 20th June 1795. He came to the Mills on the 13th April 1789, and was paid 1/6d per day. Mason was at the Mills working as a Refiner in April 1789, according to Winters, p.33.
2. A Report on Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 27th March 1790 (Supply 5/214) confirmed that he was refining Salt Petre under Thomas Baker.
3. Mason was working in the Corning House from August to September 1790 (Supply 5/215).
4. He was "Setting & drawing stoves & in the punts" in April to June 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated 16th April 1791).
5. From July to September 1792, he was "Dusting & glazing powder" (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July1792).
6. In August 1793, he was promoted to Millman with pay of 2/-d per day. (Supply 5/ 216 dated the 31st August 1793), and he was still a Millman in January 1794 (Supply 5/216) to August 1794 (Supply 5/216).
7. On the 21st February 1795, Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, chequered (fined) Mason for being insolent to him, and for not going to the Corning House when ordered (Winters, p.45).
8. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
9. Robert Coleman recorded that a charge was made on the 4th September 1795 against John Ashwood, the Master Mixer. "Order to discharge Fullham and (John Mason), not having made good their charge against Ashwood." Mason left the Mills on the 18th September 1795 (Winters p.52).
Supply 5/213
558
Thomas
Mason
List of Officers and Other Personnel
1. Thomas Mason was working in the Corning House as a Labourer, with pay of 2/1d per day. All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
2. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, confirmed that he was still working in the Corning House, but his pay was then 2/2d per day. This Return also stated that at that time he had been employed with the Ordnance for 2 years.
3. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that he was still working in the Corning House with the same rate of pay.
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Mason, as a Corning House Man, earned 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed the details in Note 4. His allowance for watching in turn at that date had increased to 1/6d per night.
6. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr. Thomas Mason was a Reeling House Foreman who earned 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, earning 1/6d. per night for that duty.
7. All of the details in Note 6 remained the same according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
8. In 1816 the Board formed three tenements out of the dwellings in the Tanyard on the south side of High Bridge Street. Thomas, Foreman of the Reeling House, was allocated one (Plot No.54 or 55) shown on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and the rental was 3/-d per week (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.83).
Supply 5/222
559
Daniel
Mason
List of employees.
1. Daniel Mason was employed as a Puntman. He earned 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. The above was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
560
William
Mason
00/00/1753
Return of Employees
1. William Mason was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner and was 36 years of age according to Supply 5/214 dated September 1789.
Supply 5/214
561
Thomas (2)
Mason
00/00/1796
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Mason (2) was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 30th July 1814, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
562
James
Mathanns
00/00/1774
Return of Employees
1. James Mathanns was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 17th July 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 43-year-old widower with no children. He lived in Waltham Abbey and had been trained as a Baker (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
563
H. S.
Matthews
List of Salaries/Date of Present Employment
1. H. S. Matthews started with the Ordnance on 1st July 1785. He was appointed Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey on the 7th March 1805, earning £300 per annum, with £25 allowance for coal and candles, plus a £65 gratuity.
2. In 1807 his pay and allowances were the same as in Note 1, but in addition, he was provided with a house. Other information given was that he started with the Ordnance on the 1st July 1788 (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. On the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) his pay was £350 per annum, and he was provided with a house, a coal and candle allowance of £25 per annum, and an £80 gratuity. In 1810, the gratuity had risen to £95 (Supply 5/229 dated the 1st September 1810).
4. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in the Employ of the Ordnance document (Supply 5/229 dated 29th August 1812) Mr. Matthews' pay was still £350 per annum with the same allowances and gratuity, plus a house.
5.List of Officers and Other Persons Employed dated 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) confirmed his salary at £350 per annum. At that date he had a £110 gratuity, a house provided and £25 per annum coal and candle allowance.
6. Mr. Matthews was in possession of a house which Thomas Holden desired to occupy (Supply 5/231 dated 7th May, 1818). Matthews signified that he had obtained the Board's permission to deposit therein portions of furniture and other articles until he had an opportunity of removing same, and that it was quite impossible for him to give up possession of this house until he was enabled finally to remove. The house was in any case under orders to be divided into two tenements to be let to Labourers or others in the Department, but which division had to be delayed until Mr. Matthews could give up possession. In addition, it was stated that the property was much too large for a person in Holden's situation, even had the Board been desirous of granting a cottage to him for his residence, which they weren't.
Supply 5/226
564
W
Mayaer (?)
List of Artificers etc., and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. Mr. W. Mayaer (?) started as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 19th February 1798. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
565
Benjamin
Mayall
List of Officers, Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. Benjamin Mayall was employed as one of the "Respective Officer's Labourers," i.e., he worked as a Labourer for one of the senior staff on site and was earning 2/-d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
Supply 5/227
566
James
Maynard
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. James Maynard was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810). In this Return he is shown as John Maynard, but there is little doubt that it is one and the same man.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that James Maynard was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. The same pay and conditions applied according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
.
Supply 5/228
567
John
Maynard
00/00/1800
Return of Employees
1. John Maynard was employed as a General Labourer on the 26th October 1836. His pay in 1839 was £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 39-year-old married man with 3 children (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839 ).
2. The 1841 Census recorded that John (aged 40) and his wife Eleanor (aged 45) were living in Sewardstone Street with their children John (15) and Elizabeth (9). They were all born in Essex.
WO54/623
568
J
Maynerd
List of Artificers etc., and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. J. Maynerd started work on the 23rd June 1797 as a Labourer "setting & drawing stoves and clearing willow plantation." He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
569
Donald
McLean
Record of Salaries
1. Donald McLean started work at Faversham on 1st November 1787. He was an ex-soldier who was transferredas a Warder on the 1st February 1789 to Waltham Abbey, and in March 1789, he was grinding Salt Petre and Charcoal, etc., and paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789).
2. He was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood" according to Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789.
3. An entry in Winters on the 22nd June 1789, recorded that Mclean would be discharged "for ill-treating a young servant maid to the Clerk of the Cheque in one of the watch houses."
This was confirmed in a letter from the Storekeeper and the Clerk of the Cheque to the Board, and the letter clearly stated that McLean would not be replaced (WASC 475).
Supply 5/212
570
William
Mears
00/00/1760
Return of Employees
1. William Mears was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 16th July 1815, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 55-year-old married man with two unmarried children who lived in Enfield (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
571
James
Meridith
List of Artificers etc. Employed in the Engineers' Department
1. James Meridith was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established," earning 1/6d per day with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
572
John
Meridith
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers Employed.
1. John Meridith, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and at that date had been with the Ordnance for 2 years.
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 13th June 1807, recorded that John earned 2/3d per day, and that he was allowed 3d per night when on duty
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Meredith was still a Millman earning 2/3d. per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was then employed as a Dusting House Man at 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that John Meridith was still a Dusting House Man who then earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
573
William
Meridith
Return of Officers, etc. Employed
1. William Meridith was employed on the 13th February 1814 as a Dusting House Man earning 3/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
574
John
Merrit
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.92
1. John Merrit was appointed Foreman of Stoves and Magazines replacing John Braddock, according to an entry dated the 7th May 1825 in Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.92).
However, Winters may have been in error, because the records show that John Brown was appointed as the Foreman of Stoves and Magazines on the 25th May 1825 (WO54/554).
575
John
Messer
00/00/1763
List of Staff and Artificers, etc and their Salaries
1. John Messer was a Stoves' Foreman with pay of £1.2.0d per week (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March 1805).
2. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 confirmed he was employeed as the Foreman of Stoves at 4/-d per day, and that at that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for a year.
3. Messer was still in same position in June 1807 on the same pay (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) .
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Messer now earned 4/5d. per day, and was a "Coppersmith and Steam Stoveman."
5. He was confirmed as a Coppersmith with pay of 5/-d per day in Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.
6. According to a Return dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) Mr. Messer was still a Coppersmith, but he was then paid 6/4d per day.
7. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. Messer was still a Coppersmith on 6/4d per day.
8. Returns dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) stated that Mr. Messer was still a Coppersmith and that he had been brought up in that trade. He was aged 56, resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with 3 children. He then earned 5/4d per day.
9. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) gave the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Messer's name was included, with his pay remaining at 5/4d per day.
10 A letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Mr. John Messer, Coppersmith.
11 However, in the List of Employees dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/232) it would appear that Messer was still employed as a Coppersmith at 5/4d per day. At that date he was aged 57, had 4 children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
12 Return dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the entry in Note 11, with Messer's basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged, but he was recorded as having 5 children. WO54/532 of the same date confirmed that he was trained as a Coppersmith.
13 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Messer was 58, was married and had 5 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, was still a Coppersmith and was earning the same amount as in Note 11.
14 List of Employees in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the the 26th January, 1822) recorded that John Messer, Coppersmith, aged 59, had 17 years' service, and confirmed he was paid 5/4d per day.
15 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822.
John Messer, Coppersmith, was appointed 22nd July1805 at Waltham Abbey and was officially made a Coppersmith on the 1st January 1810, with total pay for the year amounting to £83.9.4d. At that date he had 17 years' service, was aged 59, was a married man with 3 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
16 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Messer, Coppersmith. His position as a Coppersmith on the Establishment was confirmed on the 22nd May 1822 (WO54/542).
17. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirms Messer's pay as £83.9.4d per annum. His family and service details were confirmed.
18 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, confirmed that Mr. Messer, was appointed Coppersmith on the 1st January1810 and 22nd May, 1822. His pay was given as £83.9.4d per annum, with no allowances. He had nearly 20 years' service, was then aged 62 and was married with 3 children.
19 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters', pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since 1804. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed his pay at £83.9.4d, and previous family and service details remained unchanged.
20 Actual Return of Pay and Allowances, etc., (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825) stated that at that date Messer had just over 21 years' service, that he was aged 62, was married and had 3 children.
21 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
22 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 recorded that John Messer had died.
Supply 5/223
576
Empson
Middleton
00/00/1766
List of Officers and other Persons Employed and Pay
1. Empson Middleton was employed as the Superintendent of Ordnance Tradesmen at Birmingham on the 31st December 1813, and appointed The Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey on the 20th January 1818; he was the 52, married, and had 3 children. His salary was £350 per annum, and he had an allowance of £25 for coals and candles, as well as a house upon the Establishment (Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818).
2. According to a Return of the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Middleton was still The Storekeeper, then aged 53, with all the other information given above remaining the same.
3. Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820 updated the above entry and the basic details on pay, etc. remained unchanged. WO54/535 of the same date confirmed that he had 3 children and that he lived in Waltham Abbey.
4. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Middleton was living in a Board of Ordnance house, rent free, from the 4th February 1818, and that he was renting some 6 acres of grass land from the Board at a cost of £11.7.0d per annum. His house and gardens were Plots Nos. 1973 and 1974 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map, on the south side of High bridge Street opposite Powder Mill Lane, or Plot No. 57 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
5. Return dated the 9th April 1821(Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Middleton was still the Storekeeper, that he was then aged 55, married with three children, and still lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information, as indicated in Note 1, remained the same.
6. A statement "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" dated 16th Feb 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Midlleton's rented grassland had been reduced to 7 acres, with a rental of £11.17s.0d. WO54/536 dated the 6th February 1822, confirmed that Middleton was appointed Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey on the 20th January 1818, having previously been appoimted the Superintendent of Ordnance Tradesmen at Birmingham on the 31st December 1813, and the Storekeeper at Gravesend on the 1st January 1817. In 1822, he was 56, a married with 3 children. His salary was £350 per annum, he was provided with a house with a coal and candle allowance of £25 per annum, was paid travelling bills of £30, and £13.16.0d in lieu of an attendant Labourer for six months. He also had grass and plantations to the value of £100.
7. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed Middleton's salary, entitlement to a house, allowance of £25 for coal and candles, and £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance of labour. His family details were unchanged.
8. Return showing the Pay, Allowances and Length of Service of all Employees (WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824), included Mr. Middleton, who was appointed Storekeeper on the 20th January, 1818. His salary was confirmed as £350 per annum with allowances and gratuities amounting to £104.10.0d, making a total of £454.10.0d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had nearly 11 years' service, was then aged 60, and married with 3 children. WO/550 dated the 1st April 1825 repeats the previous information given.
9. Empson Middleton died in June 1825 (Winters, p.93)
Supply 5/231
577
John
Miles
Report on Explosion in new Corning House
1. John Miles was a Labourer in the Corning House. In a letter to the Board (Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801) it was stated that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April, with a tremendous explosion. Nine men were in the building, including John Miles, and all were killed, along with four horses.
2. In a Report on the ages of children and circumstances of widows and children (Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801) it was stated that John Miles' father was Benjamin Miles, aged 60, who was infirm. John's father had five children, and the John who was killed, allowed Benjamin a weekly sum.
3. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances had been granted by the Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who lost their lives in the Manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was
Benjamin Miles, whose son worked in the Corning House, and he received a pension of 2/-d per week commencing 19th April 1801.
4. Benjamin was still in receipt of his pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November, 1821).
5. A document dated the 6th December, 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Benjamin's superannuation should continue at £5.4.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. The same pension was also paid in 1826, according to Winters, p.96.
Supply 5/220
578
J (2)
Miles
List of Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. J. Miles (2) was working as a Corning House Man earning 2/2d per day, and had been employed with the Ordnance on the 30th January 1806 for three months (Supply 5/224).
Supply 5/224
579
Benjamin
Miles
00/00/1785
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. employed.
1. Benjamin Miles was employed as a Millman with pay of 2/3d per day; he was also allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Miles was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed the details given in Note 2.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Benjamin Miles was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. Still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
5. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Benjamin Miles was a Saltpetre Refiner, a married man aged 32, with one child. He lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 2/4d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
Supply 5/226
580
George
Miller
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. George Miller was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 29th July 1816, earning 2/4d per day . He was a 51-year-old married man without issue who lived in Waltham Abbey, and was trained as a Collar Maker. (WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817).
2. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" and still paid 2/4d per day. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
3. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was then aged 55, with his family details and terms of employment remaining unchanged. Lists of Properties owned by the Board dated 1821 and the 1825 Valuation, both recorded that Miller was living in a small cottage in Powder Mill Lane near its junction with High Bridge Street, possibly cottage No. 36.
4. In WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821, Miller was described as "Repairer of Hose and Band" and paid 4/6d per day. At that date he had nearly 6 years' service, was a married man aged 55, with no children who lived in Waltham Abbey. This document stated he had previously trained as a Sadler. Other documents said that he had trained as a Collar and Harness Maker. George lived in a property owned by the Board, with a small garden of 2 perches, which was listed as No. 36 in a "statement of monies due on the 31st December 1821" (Supply 5/232 dated 14th February 1822). For this he paid an annual rental of £5.4.0d. An analysis of the properties owned by the Board found that the cottage and its small garden was at the junction of West Street (High Bridge Street) and Powder Mill Lane, being part of Plot No. 61 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and Miller and his wife continued to live there until the summer of 1833.
5. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that he was paid 4/6d per day as a repairer of "hose and band" for 313 days, giving him an income of £70.8.6d for the year. Family and service details confirmed.
6. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that George was still paid 4/6d per day for 313 days as a Repairer of Hose and Band, giving him an annual income of £70.8.6d. His service was nearly 9 years, and he was aged 58, married, but had no children.
7. WO54/550 dated 13th October 1825, was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825.
8. WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826, gave identical information as in Notes 6 and 7, except that he was then nearly 60 years' old with service of nearly 10 years.
9. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 repeated the information given in the previous Return.
10 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. However, at that date Mr. Miller had nearly 11 years' service and he was then 60.
11 WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827 had no basic alterations from the previous Return.
12 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the previous notes, except that Miller was then a widower.
13 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details remaining the same as in Note 12.
14 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that George at that date still earned the same as in Note 6. His length of service was given as nearly 13 years. and he was then over 62 years' old; all other information remained the same.
15 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
16 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Miller as in Note 6, except that his service was then over 13 years and he was aged 63.
17 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that George was still a "repairer of hose and band", with family details and pay unchanged, but length of service and age were updated.
18 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that George Miller was the repairer of millbands, hose etc. at Waltham Abbey and Enfield, for which he was paid 4/6d per day. He was to work repairing millbands, hose, reels and fire engines, etc. in the Manufactory (WO54/575).
19 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remainining unaltered.
20 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that George still earned 4/6d per day as in Note 18, giving him a total of £70.8.6d per annum. He had served 15 years and was aged 65.
21 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return with all other details remain unchanged.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that George still earned £70.8.6d per annum. He had by then served 16 years and was aged 66.
23 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in Note 22, except that George had then served for over 16 years.
24 George Miller's name does not appear in the Return for October 1833 (WO54/587) since he retired on the 21st August 1833 and was given a pension, which he was still in receipt of in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
WO54/520
581
James
Millington
List of Officers, etc. employed.
1. James Millington was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
582
Thomas
Mitchell
Personnel Record
1. Thomas Mitchell was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. He was kept on and worked as a Bargeman in 1788, and promised continuity of work because he had previously worked for Mr Walton (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788).
3. According to page 55 of Winters' Centenary Memorial, Thomas Mitchell's barge carried 10 tons of coal. He died suddenly in December 1788.
Supply 5/212
583
George
Mitchell
00/00/1749
Personnel Record
1. George Mitchell was in the Artillery from the 1st January 1771 to the 17th December 1784. He was a Labourer in the Corning House and Glazing Engine at Faversham from May 1788 to 1st November 1789 (Supply 5/212 dated the 24th January 1789). He started work at Waltham Abbey on the 1st January 1789, although whether he left his employment at Faversham and rejoined the Board at Waltham is uncertain (Supply 5/212). Supply 5/212 dated 21 March 1789, recorded that he was working as a Warder, stationed at the field gate and on the bank of the canal, and paid 1/6d per day. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 40 years' old and still employed as a Warder at the field gate and on the bank of the canal. He was still in this position in January 1792 to February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793), August 1793 to August 1794 (also Supply 5/216) as well as in September to December 1794 (Supply 5/217). Mitchell joined the Waltham Volunteers, an artillery unit, on the 7th May 1794, and later became a Corporal (Supply 5/219).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and was still working as a Warder.
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, was a married man and had one child. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
4. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as Warder "attending at the field gate, refining house and upper part of the works."
5. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 confirmed that he was still working as a Warder. His pay was then 2/-d per day, and all Warders received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
6. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that Mr. Mitchell was still a Warder earning 2/-d.per day, and, according to this Return, he had 17 years' service.
7. Return of the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) confirmed that George was still employed as a Warder earning 2/-d per day, and that in addition he was allowed to watch in turn.
8. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Mitchell was employed as a Warder at 2/-day, and allowed to round every third night for which he was paid 2/-
9. George was still employed as a Warder in August 1812 with pay of 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to round every third night ( Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/212
584
Joseph
Mitchell
Personnel Record
1. Joseph Mitchell was working as a Bargeman in January 1789. He was paid 1/6d per day, and was described as "working in the punts" (Supply 5/212). An Establishment list made a few days later stated that Joseph Mitchell was the Master Bargeman, and that only one Bargemaster was required (Supply 5/212). A Return dated the 18th April 1789, confirmed he was in the punts and barges at 1/6d per day (also Supply 5/213) and this was also the case in September 1789, according to Supply 5/214.
2. Supply 5/ 212 dated the 29th January 1789, confirmed that Mitchell was a Master Bargeman, and Winters (p.69) recorded that Joseph Mitchell was first employed on the 15th December 1788 at 1/6d per day, as well as being one of the first Bargemen employed at the Mills. Winters (p.55) listed old barges and their Masters for various years. The Resolution was the only barge listed for 1789, with Joseph Mitchell as its Master.
2. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821, "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" indicated that Joseph Mitchell had been living in, or renting, a Board of Ordnance property, Tenement No. 19, from the 23rd April 1819, for £27 per annum (Supply 5/232)
3. The 1840 Tithe Map recorded that a Joseph occupied Plot No. 1414 on the south side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane. The same information is repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821. This was a relatively large plot backing onto the old River Lee to the east of the Mills' Cooperage, and is Plot No. 50 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. Winters recorded on page 86 of his book, a Minute from the Mills' Letter Book dated the 22nd April 1819 stated that Mr. Mitchell was not to navigate the old Lee above the Cooperage Yard - in other words Mitchell did not "park" his barge at the bottom of his garden.
Supply 5/212
585
Edward
Mold
Personnel Record
1. Edward Mold was not employed at the Mills, but had a promise to be employed when the Mills were set to work. He was subsequently engaged as a Millman with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, confirmed that he was employed as a Millman.
3. A letter dated the 6th October 1789 (WASC 475) to the Duke of Richmond from James Wright and John Clowdesly stated, "we beg to report that Edwd. Mold, a Millman employed at this place, has been several times found to have drunk rather more than he should have done, for which we have admonished him and told him that he would certainly be discharged if he continued to be so indiscreet. Notwithstanding the repeated caution given to him he came to take his turn of duty to work two Mills (From 6 to 12 o'clock at night) so much in liquor that we were oblidged to send him home [and] we have suspended him until we receive your commands whether he is to be discharged from the Service."
4. There are no other entries for Mr. Mold.
Supply 5/212
586
William
Mold
00/00/1762
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Mold (also Mould) was a Labourer working in the Corning House with pay of 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789).
2. William's age was given as 27 in Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, and this Return confirmed he still worked in the Corning House.
3. Return dated the 27th March 1790, recorded that he was "grinding salt petre, charcoal etc." (Supply 5/ 214).
4. William was working in the Corning House in August and September 1790, as well as in December 1790 to March 1792 (Supply 5/215).
5. Mold was working as a Millman in July 1792 and paid 2/-d per day. (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
6. He was still a Millman in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793) August to September 1793 (Supply 5/216) January 1794 (Supply 5/216) and August to December 1794 (also Supply 5/216).
7. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded in his Minute Book on the 6th May 1793 that Mold, a Millman, was caught wearing nailed shoes on duty and chequered (fined) a day's pay (Winters, p.38).
8. William was chequered again by Coleman on the 23rd September 1793 for refusing to get up at 12 o'clock to attend to his Mill duty and, presumably, he was on watch (Winters, p.40).
9. Robert Coleman reported on the 15th January 1795 that "Dyer and Mold sent with two loaded wagons to Purfleet." There was a severe frost in January 1795 which prevented barge transport, and work stopped at the Mills. (Winters p.44).
10 Robert Coleman recorded on the 30th June 1795 "Mold was discharged for sleeping on duty, and abuse, etc., to E Jones, Rounder. Mold re-entered the Factory July 7th" (Winters, p.46
11 He joined the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
12 A Petition on Pay and Conditions at the Mills submitted to the Board on the 2nd February 1800, showed that Mold was still working as a Millman, and that he was illiterate (Supply 5/220).
13 Return on the Marital Status of the Employees dated the 8th May 1801 confirmed that Mold was still working as a Millman, that he was a married man and that he had 1 child (Supply 5/221)
Supply 5/213
587
Henry
Mold
List of Artificers, etc., their Marital Status and Number of Children.
1. Henry Mold was working as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department, according to a Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221). He was a married man with 4 children, and was paid 1/6d per day.
2. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, showed he was still working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801."
3. Henry was working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day, and at that time, he had 2 years' service, which is at variance with the previous information given.
Supply 5/221
588
Thomas
Mold
00/00/1799
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Mold was a 15-year-old Waltham Abbey lad who started as an Apprentice to the Master Millwright on the 5th January 1814 at 6/-d per week. In 1817 and 1818 (WO54/520 and WO54/524 respectively) his pay was given as 6/4d per week, and WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that his pay had been increased to 6/8d per week.
2. WO54/532 dated the 13th September 1820, stated that Thomas was Apprenticed to the Master Millwright. He was then 19, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and this Return stated that he was single, and gave his pay as 7/-d per week. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was aged 20 and that his Terms of Employment, etc. remained unchanged.
3. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 (Personnel Employed in the Engineers' Department) recorded that he earned 4/1d per day as a Carpenter for 313 days, giving him an income of £63.18.1d for the year. His appointment as a Carpenter on the Establishment dated from
the 8th March 1822, and in April 1823 he was still a single man. (Note: there are several examples in the records where a man trained as a Millwright was subsequently employed as a Carpenter).
4. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Thomas was still paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Carpenter. His service was given as 10 years, and he was then aged 25 and still unmarried.
5. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry.
6. WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 5 and 6, except that he was then 26, with service of 11 years; he had also married and had 1 child.
7. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, recorded that Thomas was a widower, having lost both wife and child.
8. WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 confirmed the information given previously. However, at that date, Mr. Mold had 12 years' service and was aged 27.
9. WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827, contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
10 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as given in the previous notes.
11 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
12 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Thomas, except that his service was then 15 years and he was aged 30.
13 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Thomas was still a Carpenter.
14 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Thomas Mold was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 4/1d per day, and required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory, which required great care, attention and sobriety, etc. (WIO54/575).
15 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged except that he had married for a second time.
16 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Thomas still earned 4/1d per day, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. He had then served for over 16 years and was aged just over 31.
17 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 stated that Thomas was then 33 years of age, and had served for 18 years. Although trained as a Millwright, he was then a Labourer earning 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an annual total of £33.18.2d. This Return also recorded that he still had one child.
18 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that Thomas's basic details remained unchanged, but his age and length of service were updated.
19 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, recorded that Thomas still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served 19 years and that his age was 34. According to this Return, he then had two children.
20 In 1839, he was a Labourer who was paid 2/2d per day, with an estimated annual income of £33.18.2d. He was a 39-year-old married man, then with 3 children, living in Waltham Abbey. At that date he had over 18 years' service (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
21 A transcript or the 1841 Census recorded that Thomas Mold, a Carpenter, and his wife, Hester (40) lived in Baker's Entry with their 9-year-old son, William. Mold's wife, Hester, was not born in Essex.
WO54/516
589
Joseph
Mole
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.28)
1. Joseph Mole was A Sawyer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. He was not retained once his work was complete (Winters, op.cit. p.28).
590
Thomas
Montague
00/00/1765
Personnel Return of the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Montague was employed as a Labourer, dusting and glazing gunpowder at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st March 1789).
2. In Supply 5/213 of the 18th April 1789, he was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
3. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, confirmed that he was employed in dusting and glazing the powder, and recorded that he was 24 years' old.
4. According to Supply 5/214 dated March 1790, Montague was grinding Saltpetre and Charcoal, etc., as was the case on the 14th August, 1790 (Supply 5/215). He remained in this position until June 1791 (also Supply 5/215).
5. Supply 5/215 of the 31st January 1792, recorded that he was mixing composition.
6. Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792, recorded that Montague was working in the Corning Houses, as he was in March 1793 (Supply 5/5/216).
Supply 5/212
591
John
Montague
Personnel Return of those employed in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Montague was working as a Labourer at Faversham. In a letter dated the 29th December 1789 from the Royal Powder Mills at Faversham to the Mills at Waltham Abbey, it was advised that John Montague and Alexandre Gordon, "labourers at this place" were to be transferred to Waltham Abbey the next day, and that they had been paid until the end of the month. Gordon had "frock and slippers" but Montague had been furnished with neither (WASC 475).
2. Montague was described as a Labourer "Grinding saltpetre" and paid 1/6d per day in Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792, and he was still in this position in March 1793 (Supply 5/216).
3. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on "the 13th to the 14th May 1793, John Montague had gone away from his watch without leave and was ordered off his watch." (Winters, op.cit.p.39)
WASC 475
592
George
Montague
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., their rates of pay and service.
1. George Montague was employed as a Millman in 1805, at 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 31st January 1806).
2 In June 1807, Mmontague was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, George was still employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that Montague was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that George was still a Saltpetre Refiner who now earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
593
Lt.Col. Thomas
Moody
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.100
1. Major Thomas Moody was appointed to command the Engineers' Deparment at Waltham Abbey and Faversham on the 7th November 1828, in the room of Captain Boteler who was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col., Royal Enginers (Winters, p.100).
2. On the 28th October 1831, he was promoted to Lt.Col. Moody, R.E., and appointed to have general superintendance of the Establishment at Waltham Abbey. The office of Storekeeper was abolished, and deputy Storekeeper, Mr Wright, was to have charge of the Store Department (Winters, p.102).
594
William
Morgan
Accounts for August 1790
1. William Morgan was employed as a Millwright in the Engineers' Department at 3/6d per day. In August 1790, he was working within the Manufactory, and his wages - amounting to £1.1.0d - were submitted by William Spry, Colonel Commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay "with a firm hand". (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
595
William
Morley
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. William Morley was employed as a Marker of Barrels at 3/3d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/230
596
Daniel
Morrier
00/00/1755
Return of Employees
1. Daniel Morrier was employed as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day . He was first employed by the Board in this capacity on the 8th September 1812, and was a 60-year-old widower with 4 married children, living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
597
William
Morris
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. William Morris was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/230
598
John
Morris
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. John Morris was employed as a Labourer, setting and drawing stoves and in the willow plantations, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
599
James
Morris
00/00/1794
Return of Employees
1. James Morris was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that James was an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, first employed by the Board on the 1st July 1812. This Return also stated that James was an 18-year-old bachelor, living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/512
600
William
Mould
List of Employees
1. In August 1812, William Mould was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation", paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). By the 13th February 1814, he was described as a Puntman, still earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
5/229
601
William
Murrel
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Murrel was employed as a Puntman at 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/228
602
Michael
Murrey
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers
1. Michael Murrey was employed as a Corning House Man with pay of 2/2d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806. This Return also recorded that at the time he had been employed with the Ordnance for 1 year.
2. In June 1807, Mr. Murrey was still working in the Corning House earning the same 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning Housemen were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Michael was still employed as a Corning House Man, then earning 2/6d. per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Murrey was still a Corning House Man earning 2/6d day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Murrey was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 confirmed all of the details given in Note 5.
Supply 5/224
603
Richard
Murton
00/00/1770
Return of Employees
1. Richard Murton was first employed as a casual Millwright in the Engineers' Department on the 2nd January 1817. He was a 46-year-old married man with 3 children, living in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 5/2d per day (WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817).
WO54/520
604
Joseph
Myres
List of Officers on Employment
1. Joseph Myres was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 2/6d per night when on duty" according to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808.
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed Myres was a Millman, but this Return indicated that he was paid 2/3 day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Myres was still a Millman who then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
4. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. It confirmed that Joseph Myres was appointed a Millman at Waltham Abbey on the 20th June, 1811, and that he became a Warder by the Board's Order dated the 4th September, 1818. By an Order of the Board dated the 30th June, 1820 he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week He received an annual amount of £41.14.4d, and had a house "as porters lodge". At that time he had served just over 10 years, was 37 years of age, lived in Waltham Abbey and was a married man who was childless. The location of the porter's lodge has not been located with any degree of certainty, but he may have taken over the cottage occupied by Henry Myres, because there appears to be confusion between the two.
Note:- There is a large discrepancy between Henry and Joseph in the records available, and it woul appear that Joseph left the Ordnance in or about 1814, since his name does not appear at Waltham after this date. The Return made in January 1822, named Henry, but not Joseph, while in February 1822, it is Joseph who was recorded as a Warder. It is suggested that this could a clerical error.
Supply 5/227
605
Henry
Myres
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Henry Myres was a Warder at the 13th February 1814, earning 2/8d per day and allowed to act as a Rounder at 2/6d every third night (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Henry was still a Warder; he was a married man, aged 34, with no children, who lived in Waltham Abbey, and this Return stated that he earned only 2/4d per day.
3. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Mr. Myres' name was included, and this Return recorded that he was the Warder at the Lower Island. His pay remained unchanged.
4. List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Myers was still employed as a Warder at Lower Island, that he was a married man of 35 with no children, living in Waltham Abbey and paid 2/4d per day.
5. Return dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Henry at that date was 36, and confirmed that he was married with no children, and still lived in Waltham Abbey. Allthough earning 2/4d per day as a Warder, he was now in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
6. List of Employees dated 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Henry was then 37, with all other details as given in Note 5. He lived in the Watch House which is marked as Plot No. 16 on the Town Map shown in Appendix 1.
7. Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822 gave the age of Henry, Warder, as 37, with nearly 12 years' service and and pay per day of only 2/-d.
8. In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be smaller. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the the 21st March, 1822) and they were subsequently dismissed on the 1st of June that year. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper was sympathetic, and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. Henry Myers was one of the Petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/230
606
John
Newland
00/00/1782
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers
1. John Newland was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and by the 30th January 1806, had been employed with the Ordnance for three months (Supply 5/224).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that Mr. Newland was still working in the Corning House earning the same. However, in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Newland was still employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that John was still a Corning house man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded Mr. Newland was a Reeling House Foreman, then earning 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, earning 1/6d per night for that duty.
6. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. Newland was still a Reeling House Foreman earning 3/10d per day, and that he earned the same 1/6d per night for watching in turn.
7. Supply 5/231 and WO54//524 dated June 1818, both indicated that John was working in the Corning House, that he was 36, resided in Waltham Abbey and that he was married with 5 children. He then earned 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
8. Supply 5/231 dated the 3rd September 1818, indicated the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. John Newland's name was included, with his pay unchanged, but he was not allowed to watch.
9. List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Newland was still employed in the Corning House, that he was a married man aged 37, and that he then had 6 children. He was paid 2/11d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
10 List of employees dated the13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged, except he was then allowed 1/6d per night to watch.
11 Supply 5/232 dated 9th April 1821, indicated that John was then 38; all other entries remained the same as in Note 10.
12. List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of John Newland, Corning House Man, as 39, with just over 16 years' service, and pay per day of 2/11d.
13 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed - and probably more accurate - Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822.
John Newland, Corning House Man, was appointed on the 12th September 1805. His position on the Establishment as a Corning House Man was confirmed by an order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him a total pay for the year of £50.6.11d. He had just over 16 years' service, was aged 39, was a married man, then with 7 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey.
14 In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and, therefore, the Establishment at Waltham, accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822), and John Newland was one of the men to be dismissed on the 1st June 1822. However a Return dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that he had been retained, and that he was required to carry out any type of work required within the Manufactory.
15 WO54/542 dated the the 1st April 1823, showed that Newland was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested.", and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. He then had 8 children, and his service details were confirmed.
16 According to a document dated the 1st the April, 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), John Newland had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
17 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he had been reinstated as a Corning House Man and that his annual pay was £48.2.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. This document also stated that when he started work at the Mills on the 12th September 1805, he had been employed as a Puntman. In 1823 he had 19 years' service, and was a 42-year-old married man with 8 children
18 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93-95) confirmed previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 12th November 1805. His pay was £42.8.0d per annum (The start-date given by Winters is incorrect, and the pay given was the basic amount).
19 WO54/550 dated the the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Newland was still a Corning House Man, and gave his basic pay as £42.8.0d per annum. In addition, he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, in total, an annual remuneration of £48.0.0d. His previous family and service details were confirmed, except that he was then shown as having 9 children. All of this information is repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
20 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above, except that at that date, John had 22 years' service and was then aged 40.
23 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as that given in the previous notes, with the exception that he had served just over 22 years.
24 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
25. Return dated the the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
26 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that time, John still earned the same as recorded in Note 19. His length of service was given as 24 years, and he was then aged 45.
27 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830, updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 stated that John was 46, and had served 25 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 19, and all other details remained the same.
29 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, John was 47 and had served over 25 years. He was still earning a total of £48.2.0d. This Return recorded that he then had 9 children.
30 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
32 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, and all other details remained unaltered.
33 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Newland still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 27 years, and his age as 49.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Mr. Newland was then 50 and had served 28 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £48.2.0d, and his family details remained the same.
35 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although John was still employed as a Corning House Man, his basic pay had been cut to £35.17.9d per annum, but he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £41.1.9d. However, this record stated he only had 8 children and his age and service details were updated.
36. Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623), confirmed that he was still employed as a Corning House Man with a salary of £48.2.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He is listed as having 8 children.
37 The 1841 Census recorded that John (aged 55) and his wife Mary (50) lived in Sewardstone Street with their children Charles, a butcher, aged 20, and Thomas, a Cordwainer, aged 15. All were born in Essex.
38 On the 13th April l 843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House together with another 20 in the Press House; 7 men were killed and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was John Newland (Winters, op.cit.p.106).
39 A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc., was given in the London Illustrated News dated Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). John left a widow and 8 children, most of whom were adults.
Supply 5/224
607
Samuel
Newland
List of Persons Employed and their Salaries
1. Samuel Newland was Clerk of the Cheque's Labourer at 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February1814).
Supply 5/230
608
James
Newton
Personnel Record
1. James Newton was employed on the 24th November 1788 as one of the first Bargemen (Winters, p.69) and confirmed as an Assistant Bargeman in Supply 5/212 dated the 24th January 1789.
Supply 5/212
609
William
Newton
00/00/1745
Personnel Record for the Corning House
1. William Newton came from Lincolnshire. According to Winters, p.121, he was appointed as Master Worker on the 2nd January 1788, and was finally installed on December 17th of the same year. This information would appear to be incorrect, however, because WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819 gave William's starting date at Waltham Abbey as the 26th December 1787.
2. It would seem that he was to reside at Faversham for a while "to see your method of manufacturing gunpowder, keeping accounts, and every branch of duty as far as he may require as Master Worker...until the powder makers to be transferred from Faversham are ordered up." (Faversham Gunpowder Register, p.61).
3. Although he was installed in office at Waltham Abbey on the 27th January 1788, according to the FGPR, p.61, it would seem that very few, if any, who were "ordered up" from Faversham to Waltham Abbey, ever left the Kent town, as their names did not appear in the Waltham Abbey Returns (see FGPR, p12 - notes on Thomas Bates).
4. The key to when William was employed was given in a letter dated the 12th September 1812 (Supply 5/229). He was questioned by the then Clerk at Waltham Abbey as to when he started with the Ordnance, and he replied that he had been summoned by the Comptroller of the Royal Laboratory at Charlton at the end of 1787, and arrived there on the 25th December, seeing the Comptroller the next day, when he was appointed to His Majesty's service. He was told that he would not receive any pay until he had returned from Lincolnshire, where he had affairs to settle. He also said that the Comptroller had given him one month's leave, and Newton maintained that his service, therefore, had started on the 26th December 1787; it would appear that his statement was accepted.
5. Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822, confirmed that he started work at Waltham Abbey on the 26th December 1787.
6. Employed as the Master Worker (Supply 5/212 dated the 29th January 1789), the Establishment set the Master Worker's pay at £90 per annum, and he was allowed to train an Apprentice, for which he received 7/-d per week (Supply 5/188 dated the 16th February 1789).
7. A Report in Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.30) dated April 5th 1788, stated that Mr Newton's family was to occupy part of the Master Worker's house when convenient. This report also said that W. Newton resided in Edmondsey near the pool, hence the name 'Newton's Pool'. This was the Turnpike House, and although he was there in 1801, it was only known as Newton's Pool after he had moved away. However, yet again, this appears to be an inaccurate statement because his first house was within the Manufactory, and was shown as Building No. 21 on the maps of the Mills dated 1783 and 1801 (WAGP, pp.107-110). He moved to Turnpike House circa 1804/1805.
8. William signed several of the early Personnel Returns submitted to the Board, such as those for January 1789 (Supply 5/212).
9. In 1795, his pay was £90 per annum with £5.5.0d per annum for coals and candles (Report on Pay & Allowances for Artificers & Labourers - Supply 5/217 - dated the 3rd July 1795).
10 In 1804 he received £100 per annum, with an annual coal and candle allowance of £12.10.0d. He was awarded a pay increase of £10 per annum, and a gratuity of £8 and was also supplied with a house on the premises according to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804.
11 According to a Return dated the 18th June 1807, Newton's salary was still £100 per annum, and in the Remarks Column of this document was confirmation that he was taken on the Establishment in December 1787. He was provided with a house and entitled to take on an Apprentice (Supply 5/226 ).
12 William's pay had increased to £120 per annum by August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808), and the same document showed that he was receiving 6/6d per week for his Apprentice, John Godwin.
13 Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, confirmed that Mr. Newton was allowed 6/6d per week in respect of his Apprentice, John Godwin, Jnr.
14 All the previous information given applied in September 1810 (Supply 5/228).
15 A letter dated the 3rd October 1811, approved the Apprenticeship of John Carr to Master Worker, William Newton (Supply 5/229).
16 According to the Return dated the 29th August 1812 Mr. Newton took up the appointment of Master Worker on the 26th December, 1787, and at the date of this particular document, his pay had increased to £130 per annum, with a £55 gratuity and a house. He was, of course, still allowed an Apprentice (Supply 5/229).
17 In 1814 his gratuity was increased to £65 per annum, but his conditions of employment remained the same (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
18 By the 14th June 1815, William had moved to a newly-built house, a refurbished stable on Horse Mill Island or Marsh Side (Supply 5/232) which was Building No. 96 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
19 Return of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 stated that Mr. Newton was a Master Worker aged 73, who resided in Waltham Abbey, and was a widower with 3 children. He was employed in his capacity of Master Worker on the 26th December 1787, and earned £130 per annum with a gratuity of £150, as well as £22.8.0d per annum in respect of an Apprentice. He also had a house upon the Establishment (Supply 5/231).
20 According to a Return dated 19th May 1819, Mr. Newton was still a Master Worker aged 74, with all the other information given previously remaining the same. However, there is no mention in this List of the allowance of £22.8.0d per annum in respect of an Apprentice, so it is assumed that this particular Apprenticeship was completed and that Mr. Newton had not taken on a replacement (Supply 5/231).
21 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. He was then 75 years of age (Supply 5/232).
22 A statement dated the 4th April 1821, "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" recorded that William Newton, Master Worker, was living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 14th June 1815. This particular house was on Horse Mill Island (Supply 5/232). The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
23 Supply 5/232 stated that Mr. Newton was still a Master Worker, that he was then aged 75, and was a widower with 3 children residing in Waltham Abbey. All other information as indicated in Note 19 remained the same, without the allowance for an Apprentice.
24 Supply 5/232 dated the 6th September 1822, updated Newton's salary, etc. He was then paid £130 per annum, with a gratuity based on service of £150, giving him a total annual income of £280.0.0d. He was provided with a house in Waltham Abbey, had served with the Ordnance for 34 years, was 76 years' old and was a widower with 3 children.
25 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed Newton's salary and entitlement to a house, and family details and date of employment were also confirmed therein. He had trained as a Gunpowder Maker.
26 Return showing the Pay, Allowances and Length of Service of all Employees included Mr. Newton, who was appointed Master Worker on the 26th December 1787. His annual pay on this Return was given as £130.0.0d with no allowances, but he was given an increase of £150 per annum - a gratuity for length of service - making a total of £280.0.0d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had nearly 37 years' service, was then aged 80, and was a widower with 3 children (WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824).
27 William died in February 1825, still in office. For a while, his son, Charles, remained in the house with his invalid sister, but a decision was taken in October 1828 to converted his house into two dwellings, and to let each dwelling at 2/-d per week to Jeremiah Betts and John Simpson. REFERENCE PLEASE - SBT. Later REFERENCE PLEASE - SBT - it was converted back to a single dwelling, and when the 1841 Census was taken, it had become home to Thomas Sadd, the Master Worker.
28. It is possible that James Newton, Assistant Bargeman, was William's third child. WHY? SBT
Supply 5/212
610
S
Nichol
Petition on Pay
1. S. Nichol was working as a general Labourer who was literate according to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800).
Supply 5/220
611
Zachariah
Nicholls
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. Zachariah Nicholls was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
612
Thomas
Nicholls (Nicholl)
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Thomas Nicholls was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner at 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. This was the also the case on the the 13th February 1814, although in this Return his name was included as Nicholl (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
613
John
Nigh
00/00/1766
Record of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Nigh was employed on the 13th August 1793 as a Labourer in the Corning House at 1/6d per day, in order to fill one of the 7 vacancies available at that time (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.40). This information was confirmed in Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August, 1793.
2. Nigh was still in the Corning House in January to December 1794 (Supply 5/216). He enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
3. Report dated 24th June 1795 (Supply 5/217) recorded that Nigh was a "charcoal Millman." However, his pay remained at 1/6d per day.
4. In September 1798, Nigh was still a Private in the Voluntary Company (Supply 5/219).
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that John was illiterate, and was then working as a Labourer in the Refining House .
6. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was still working as a Labourer. He was a married man with no children. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and Nigh was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 did not record his name, so it can only be assumed that Nigh's services were terminated and that he was subsequently re-engaged, because WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, gave his length of service as just over 33 years.
7. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 recorded that John was working as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
8. He was still a Refiner in the Salt Petre House with pay of 2/-d per day and 13 years' service, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 .
9. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that Mr. Nigh was at that time employed as a Bargeman, earning 2/-d per day; on the 23rd August 1808 he was still described as a Bargeman, but was then earning 3/-d per day.
10 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
11 Nigh was employed as a Master Bargeman with pay of 5/2d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
12 List of Employees and their Salaries (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814) stated that Mr. Nigh was still a Master Bargeman earning the same 5/2d per day.
13 Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818, confirmed that Mr. Nigh was still a Master Bargeman; he was a married man aged 52 with no children who lived in Waltham Abbey, and earned 4/2d per day.
14 Supply 5/231 dated the 3rd September 1818, listed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Nigh's name was on the list with his pay unchanged.
15 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that Nigh was still employed as a Master Bargeman (later his trade is described as Barge Master). He was then aged 53, and was paid 4/2d per day. It also confirmed that he still had no issue and still lived in Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/231).
16 Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820 confirmed that Nigh was still employed as a Master Bargeman, with his conditions of employment, etc. remaining unchanged.
17 WO54/536 of September 1820, indicated that John was now 54. All other details remained as in Note 15.
18 Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822 gave the age of John, Master Bargeman, as 55, with nearly 29 years' service and pay per day of 4/2d.
19 Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822, showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821, appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that John Nigh, Master Bargeman, was appointed on the 13th August 1793 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey. His total annual pay amounted to £65.4.2d, he had nearly 29 years' service, was aged 55 years, and he was a married man with no children living in Enfield
20 Supply 5/232 of the 21st March 1822 giving the names of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Nigh, Master Bargeman.
21 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Nigh was still a Master Bargeman, that his pay for the year was £65.4.2d, that his family and service details remained the same, and that he still lived in Waltham Abbey.
22 According to a Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) John still earned £65.4.2d per annum. This Return stated he was living in a cottage "his wife to look after the water." His period of service was given as just over 31 years, his age as 58, and it confirmed that there were no children of the marriage.
23 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93/95) confirmed previous information given. It also recorded that Nigh had been in continuous service with the Board since the 13th August 1793, and that his pay was £65.4.2d. per annum.
24 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that John was still a Master Bargeman with his basic pay remaining at £65.4.2d; t his Return also confirmed his previous family and service details as well as his entitlement to a cottage.
25 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 of the 1st April 1826, and he was described therein as employed with the barges transporting gunpowder and stores.
26 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
27 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the previous notes At that date, John Nigh had just over 34 years' service and he was then 59.
28. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as in the previous notes, with the exception that he had served for nearly 35 years.
29 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with his family details and pay unchanged. He still had a cottage to "look after the water".
30 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaing unchanged.
31 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that John Nigh still earned £65.4.2d per annum, that his service was just over 36 years, that he was then 60 years of age, and married with no children.
32 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Nigh as in Note 31, except that his service was then nearly 37 years and he was 61.
33 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 31, except that his service was then just over 37 years.
34 WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October 1830 Return, and confirmed that Nigh was still employed as a Master Bargeman and allowed a cottage "to look after the water".
35 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated John's age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
36 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, all other details remaining unchanged.
37 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that John Nigh still earned £65.4.2d in his capacity as Master Bargeman. His period of service was given as nearly 40 years, and he was 64 years of age.
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, updated the previous entry as far as age and service with other details remaining unchanged, and confirmed he was still provided with a cottage for "his family to look after the water".
39 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 recorded that John was still employed as Master Bargeman, earning an annual sum of £65.4.2d. His period of service was given as just over 40 years and his age, 67.
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given previously; he was then 68 years' old and had served just over 41 years.
41 A Return of Properties owned by the Board dated the 20th December 1834, recorded that John Nigh lived in a cottage on Lower Island which he leased for £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237). The cottage is marked as Plot No.16 on the Town Map shown in Appendix 1.
42 According to Supply 5/237 dated October 1837, John Nigh, Master Bargeman, died on the 20th August 1837. After John died, his cottage was occupied by William Nottage (WO44/133).
43. Sometime between December 1834 and 20th August 1837 when he died, John had moved to High Bridge Street to one of the properties forming Plot No. 60 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, where his widow still resided in May 1840 (WO44/133).
Supply 5/216
614
Thomas
Nigh
00/00/1772
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Nigh was first employed by the Board on the 5th December 1814 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/4d per day. He was a 45-year-old married man with no children, and lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
615
Isaac
Norris
00/00/1776
Return of Employees
1. Isaac Norris was first employed by the Board on the 20th June 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 40-year-old bachelor living in Cheshunt (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
616
John
Norton
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p. 28)
1. John Norton was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28). However, as there are no further entries for this man, it is assumed he was not retained.
617
William (1)
Nottage
List of Foreman, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Nottage worked as a Corning House Man earning 2/2d per day, and had been employed with the Ordnance for 1 year at the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that William was still working in the Corning House and earning the same amount as before, but in addition, stated that Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Nottage was still employed as a Corning House Man but then earned 2/6d per day, and in addition to their pay, they were allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive a shilling.
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that he was still a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn, then for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812, stated that Mr. Nottage was still a Corning House Man but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night (Supply 5/229).
6. Nottage was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay, and allowed to watch turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
618
William (2)
Nottage
????????????????????
1. In 1840 a William Nottage, employed by Lt.Col. Thomas Moody, lived on Lower Island (WO44/133) and his cottage was marked as Plot 16 on the Town Map shown in Appendix 1.
2. The 1841 Census recorded that William Nottage, Gardener, aged 50 years, his wife, Mary, and children, Sarah and William, lived on the south side of High Bridge Street.
??????????
619
James Edward
O'Brien
30/01/1801
Article in the Strand Magazine
1. James Edward O'Brien, according to an article in The Strand Magazine dated 1999, was the eldest son of James and Jane O'Brien of Faversham, where he was baptised on the 30th January 1801. His father was born in Ireland and worked as a Saltpetre Refiner at the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Ballincollig. Like his father, James Edward was trained as a Saltpetre Refiner at Faversham, but was made redundant in 1821. However, it would appear thar he was re-employed by 1825. He married his wife, Martha, in 1823 at Hadlow in Kent, and they had 3 children at Faversham, before he was transferred to Waltham Abbey as the Master Brimstone Refiner by an Order dated the 23rd January 1829, following the death of John Lockyer (see FGPP, p.62).
2. WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829, recorded that James O'Brien had been appointed as a Labourer at Faversham in February 1825 and, following the death of John Lockyer, was appointed as Master Brimstone refiner at Waltham Abbey on the 23rd January 1829. He was paid a basic remuneration of £54.12.0d per annum and was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him another 2/-d per week, increasing his annual pay to £59.16.0d. He was a 30-year-old married man when he, his wife Martha, and their 3 children went to Waltham Abbey. He had married Martha at Hadlow Down, Kent, in 1823 and is recorded as having 4 years' service. The Faversham records indicated that he was made redundant, but re-employed there in 1825.
3. WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date James still earned the same as in Note 2. His length of service was given as nearly 5 years and he was aged 30. A Return of Properties dated the 20th December 1834, prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office and listing the houses and cottages owned by the Board, recorded that James O'Brien had rented a cottage within the Refinery yard in Powder Mill Lane from the 11th February 1829 for £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237). This cottage was Plot No. 63 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. James moved to the Master Refiner's house, Plot No. 44 on the Town Map in Appendix 1 following the death of Samuel Britton sometime between 1835 and 1840 (WO44/133).
4. Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Mr. O'Brien was 31, and that he had served nearly 6 years. His pay was still the same, and all other information given previously remained the same.
6. According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, James still earned a total of £59.16.0d annually; he had served 6 years and was aged 32.
7. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, except that he then had 5 children.
8. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, except that he was recorded as having only 3 children, which may have been a clerical error.
9. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Mr. O'Brien earned a total of £59.16.0d per annum. All other details remained the same, except that at that date he was 34 years of age and had served for nearly 8 years.
10 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Mr. O'Brien still earned a total of £59.16.0d per annum. His service was given as 8 years, and his age as 34.
11 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Mr. O'Brien was 35 and had served just over 8 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £59.16.0d, and all other details remained the same.
12 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, updated the October 1833 Return for service and age, with conditions and pay remaining unaltered.
13 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay still remaining unchanged.
14 Return of Employees of the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623), recorded that O'Brien was appointed at Faversham on the 19th February 1825, that his pay in 1839 was £54.12.0d, and that at that time he was not entitled to a house. His service was given as 14 years, he was aged 40 and he had 7 children.
15 The 1841 Census recorded that James was aged 40 at that date, and that he and his wife, Martha, (35) lived on the north side of High Bridge Street with their children Ann (15) Elizabeth (14) Thomas (12) Adelaide (10) Susannah (8) Stephen (3) and Emily (1). Only Thomas and his younger siblings were born in Essex.
16 James died in 1866 at Sulphur Cottage, Eleanor Road, Chesunt, and Martha died some years later. Both are buried in the old cemetery in Waltham Abbey. Sulphur Cottage was in 1999 clearly distinguished by the engraved namestone in the gable end (article by descendant, Simon Malone, in Strand Magazine, 1999).
620
Robert
Oldwell (Also Odwell)
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Robert Oldwell (also Odwell) was employed as a Stoveman (drying gunpowder by means of a Gloom stove) with pay of 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. He was still a Stoveman in June 1807 with the same pay, and, in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/224
621
Simeon
Oldwell (Also Odwell)
List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. in Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Simeon Oldwell (also Odwell) was employed as a "Respective Officer's Labourer" in September 1810, paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. Simeon was described as a Clerk of Survey's Labourer, with pay of 2/8d per day in Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. By February 1814, Simeon was employed as a Puntman earning 2/8d per day, still allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/228
622
William
Osbourne
Accounts for August and September 1790
1. William Osbourne was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department and was paid 1/6d per day. He worked within the Manufactory for two days in August 1790, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
623
John
Oswell
Return of Employees
1. John Oswell was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
624
John (2)
Ovenden
Lisit of Officers and Foremen, etc.
1. John Ovenden (2) was appointed a Cooper in September 1810 at 2/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. Ovenden was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812, but by then, his pay had risen to 4/-d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). The same details applied on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228
625
John (1)
Ovenden
Pay List
1. John Ovenden (1) Millwright, was paid £1.5.6d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July1809).
Supply 5/228.
626
Edward
Ovenden
Pay List
1. Edward Ovenden, Carpenter 1st Class, was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
627
William
Oxley
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., their rates of pay and service.
1. William Oxley was employed as a Millman in 1804. In January 1806, he was paid 2/3d per day and had been employed with the Ordnance for 2 years (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed that Mr. Oxley was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. These details remained the same in February 1814, according to Supply 5/230 of that date.
Supply 5/224
628
John
Oxley
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. John Oxley was employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, John was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Oxley was employed as a Millman who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
4. Oxley was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, but his pay had increased to 3/11d per day, with an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
629
John
Page
Letter
1. John Page was employed by the Engineers' Department. In a letter dated 23rd June 1801, it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately (16th June 1801) destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all of their pay until they are recovered." The list included Mr. Page (Supply 5/195).
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Mr. Page was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation," and was paid 2/8d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/195
630
Peter
Page
Letter
1. Peter Page was employed as a Carpenter. A letter dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) stated,"we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." The list included Peter Page, Carpenter, and goes on to say "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great..." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration (?) is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
2. Winters in his book, "Centenary Memorial" (p.59) made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
3. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was recorded that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Page, whose claim amounted to £2.17.6d in all - for a hat (10/-d) waistcoat (6/-d.) handkerchiefs (3/6d) a shirt (6/-d) coat (12/-d) breeches (14/-d) and pillow cases (6/-d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Page, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
Supply 5/195
631
Daniel
Page
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p.28)
1. Daniel Page was a Sawyer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. It would appear that he was not retained once his work was completed (Winters, p.28).
632
George
Pain
00/00/1771
Personnel Record of the Storekeeper's Department
1. George Pain was a Labourer who started work on the 8th September 1793, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/232).
2. In January 1794, he was in the Corning House (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st January 1794).
and had enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 according to Supply 5/219.
3. In August 1794, he was "mixing composition" and still paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794). This was also the case in December 1794 (Supply 5/217), and in July 1795 (Supply 5/217) where he was described as Mixing House Man.
4. In September 1798, he was described as "setting & drawing stoves and clearing willow plantation." (Supply 5/219)
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was illiterate and was still working as a general Labourer.
6. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with no children. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer).
7. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer, and that he was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, as well as performing other sundry necessary work.
8. George was shown as a Refiner in Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
9. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Pain was "drawing and setting stoves," earning 2/-d per day, and this Return also recorded that he had 14 years' service with the Board. In June 1807, he was described as "working in any part of the Manufactory setting & drawing stoves and loading and unloading barges etc." (Supply 5/226)
10 Pain was a Stoveman in August 1808 with pay of 2/-d per day, possibly working on one of the new steam stoves for drying gunpowder (Supply 5/227 dated the 22nd August 1808).
11 He was still a Stoveman in 1812, but was now paid 2/8d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
12. According to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, Mr. Pain was still a Steam Stoveman, but he then earned 3/3d per day.
13 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated that George Pain was employed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and was a married man, aged 44, but without children. He lived in Waltham Abbey and was provided with an apartment by the Board. Where this apartment was is unknown; his name is linked with Benjamin Poulter, also a Stoveman, who is known to have occupied one of the two houses on Aqueduct Island at the northern end of the Manufactory. This is the only reference found stating that George lived in a cottage owned by the Board. He was then earning 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
14 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) gave the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and George's name was on the list with his pay unchanged.
15 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Pain was still employed as a Labourer drawing and setting the stoves, that he was a married man aged 45, with no children, that he was paid 2/4d per day and that he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night..
16 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that George was 46, married, but still without issue, and that still lived in Waltham Abbey. He earned 2/4d per day, but was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
17 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that George was 48, with all other details remaining as in Note 16.
18 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of George, Labourer drawing and setting stoves, as 49, with 29 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
19 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) gave length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. George Pain was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 8th September 1793, and confirmed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, etc., by the Board's Order dated 4th September 1818. He had an annual income of £36.10.4d, and according to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week, making a total of £41.14.4d earned annually. He had just over 28 years' service, was 49 years old, was married with no children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
20 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822) and George Pain was one of the men meant to go on the 1st June 1822. However, a Return dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that he had been retained, and was required to carry out any type of work required anywhere within the Manufactory.
21 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that Pain was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all patrs of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." - in other words a general Labourer, and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed.
22 According to a document dated 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), George Pain had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
23 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed that George earned £39.0.0d per annum, including an allowance for watching in turn of 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as 31 years, he was then aged 53, and was married but had no children.
24 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given, except that he then worked as a Labourer drawing stoves. It also recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since 8th September 1793, and that his pay was £33.16.0d. per annum.
25 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that George was still a general purpose Labourer and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum; he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, therefore, total pay of £39.0.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous family and service details. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed this information, together with his sevice and family details.
26 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 recorded that George Pain had died.
Supply 5/216
633
Thomas
Pallet
00/00/1766
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Pallet was a Labourer set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr. Walton by the Government (Winters, p.29). Pallet had started work on the 10th August 1789 as a Labourer in the Refining House, and was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August, 1789). Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 23 years' old and was employed as a Labourer refining Saltpetre. A furher Report on Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 27th March1790 (Supply 5/214) confirmed Thomas was refining Saltpetre under John Baker.
2. A footnote to Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790, recorded that he had been "bagging alder wood in the country," but that he had then returned to the Refining House.
3. He was refining Saltpetre in July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216) and was still in the Refining House in January 1792 and February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793) and August 1793 to January 1794 (Supply 5/216), as well as in August 1794 to December 1794 (Supply 5/216 and Supply 5/217).
4. Pallet enlisted as a Private in the Voluntary Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate and was still working as a Refining House Labourer.
6. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, was married and had 6 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer, was described as a Labourer.
7. On the 23rd October 1801, Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Thomas Pallet was one of these men, but the Storekeeper, J. Wright, intervened, and stated that as Pallet was very ill and had 5 young children, he should be allowed to stay at Waltham (Winters, p.60).
8. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Refining Labourer, but " having been employed in cleansing the river etc. but have taken cold and are now very unwell, when recovered may be employed as before."
9. Pallet was still working as a Refining Labourer with pay then at 2/-d per day, and, in line with all Refiners, received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
10 Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, confirmed he was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and that he was still paid 2/-d per day. At that date he had 16 years' service.
11 On the 22nd April 1806, the Board purchased 13 houses in West Street (High Bridge Street) and Powder Mill Lane and one of the sitting tenants was a Thomas Pallet (WO44/681a). As mentioned above, Thomas was a sick man, and this was the last entry found in the records relating to him. Possibly he had died, since by an Order dated the 13th June 1808, a William Pallet was admitted as a tenant to a cottage in Powder Mill Lane (Supply 5/232) and may have been his son who would have been 15 or 16 at the time. The same information was repeated in a similar Return made the following year. The cottage with its small garden has been identified as part of a terrace located in Powder Mill Lane, forming part of Plot No.?????????????????on the 1826 Crawter's Map of 1826.
Supply 5/213
634
William (1)
Pallet
Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Pallet started work at the Mills on the 16th July 1790 as a Labourer refining Saltpetre, and was paid 1/6d per day. This was also the case in January 1792 (Supply 5/215) and in July 1792 to February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) as well as in August 1793 to August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217)
2. Pallet enlisted as a Private in the Voluntary Company on the 7th May 1794. (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
3. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay showed that he was illiterate, and that he was still working as a Refining House Labourer (Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800).
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801, confirmed he was working as a Labourer and that he was unmarried (Supply 5/221). In that document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Refining Labourer although, " having been employed in cleansing the river etc. but have taken cold and are now very unwell, when recovered may be employed as before." This was the last reference found relating to William in the early 1800's.
Supply 5/215
635
William (2)
Pallet
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. William Pallet (2) was born circa 1793 and may well have been the son of Thomas Pallet. His name first appeared in a Return of Employees in August 1812 when he was working as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation". He was paid 2/8d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated August 1812). This was also the case in 1813 (Winters, op.cit.p.77).
2. In February 1814, William Pallet was employed as an extra Bargeman earing 3/10 per day (Supply 5/230). This Return stated that he was then a married man of 24 with 1 child, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey.
3. A list of names of the people the Storekeeper proposed to retain on the Establishment to meet the new production and cost requirements between the 4th September and the 31st December 1818, was sent to the Board on the 28th August and William's name was on the list (Supply 5/231). A few days later, a second letter to the Board stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those people whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement" and included the name of William Pallet (Supply 5/231).
4. Although William appeared to have been dismissed, nevertheless, a William Pallet was recorded in a Statement dated the 16th February 1822 "of monies to which the public are entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" recorded that William Pallet had been leasing a cottage owned by the Board, Tenement No. 20, at a rent of £5.4.0d per annum, and confirmed by an Order dated the 13th June 1808 (Supply 5/232). The same information was repeated in a similar Return made the following year. Allowing for a slight delay in preparing the legal papers, it can only be assumed that the cottage in question could, perhaps. be the tenement where Thomas Pallet had lived. The cottage and small garden has been identified as being in Powder Mill Lane, forming part of Plot No. 2 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. A William Pallet was still living in the same cottage in 1825 (1825 Valuation of Waltham Abbey - D/Dhf B29).
Supply 5/229
636
James
Pallett
00/00/1786
List of Officers, Artificers and Foremen, etc. Employed
1. James Pallett was born circa 1786, and commenced employment as a Labourer wih the Ordnance Board on the 20th February 1805 (Supply 5/232). In June 1897, he was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d per night (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Pallett was still employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed James was a Corning House Man with pay of 2/10d per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
4. Pallet was then employed as an Office Keeper at 3/3d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812), in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn.
6. Likewise, Supply 5/230 dated the13th February 1814, confirmed that James was still an Office Keeper, with the same pay of 3/3d per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn.
7. List of Employees the dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that James Pallett was still an Office Keeper. He was a married man aged 33 with one child, and lived in Waltham Abbey, but then earned a reduced amount of 2/11d per day.
8. A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) proposed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and James was to be retained as a Saltpetre Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day. However, the list was modified , date unknown, showing the people who were to be retained between the 10th September and the 31st December 1818, and James Pallett's name then appeared as a Bargeman with pay of 3/-d per day. Subsequent Lists confirm this change. He took the place of Joseph Brown, who, in earlier Lists, was shown as a Bargeman, but was then the Office Keeper.
9. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/223) confirmed that Pallett was still employed as a Bargeman at 3/-d per day, that he was a married, aged 33, and that he had 2 children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
10 Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820, revealed that James was then working in the Corning House with pay of 2/11d per day, and allowed 1/6d per night to watch, which gave him annual pay of £50.16.11d. His age was shown as 34 years and the Return confirmed that he had 2 children.
11 A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that James Pallett lived in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance, Tenement No. 39, with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. The property, together with its small garden, has been identified as being one of a terrace of tenements in Powder Mill Lane (part of Property No. 714 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map, or Plot 1434 on the 1842 Tithe Map) - at the northern end of the terrace adjacent to Samuel Knowler's place.
12 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 indicated that James was then 34; all other entries remained the same as in Note 10 (Supply 5/232).
13 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the23rd January 1822) gave the age of James Pallet, Corning House Man, as 35, with 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/11d.
14 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822.
James Pallett, Corning House man,was appointed on the 20th February 1805 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey, and his position on the Establishment as a Corning House man was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818; he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him total pay for the year of £50.16.11d. He had 17 years' service, was aged 35 years, was a married man with 2 children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
15 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included James Pallett, Labourer, drawing and setting stoves, who was to be retained. He then lived in a house purchased by the Board - Tenement No. 39 - at a rental of £5.4.0d. Per annum. James had occupied the property prior to its purchase by the Board, and this property together with its small garden was one of a terrace in Powder Mill Lane forming part of Plot No. 63 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
16 Supply 5/233 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that James then had 3 children.
17 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Pallett was still a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
18 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), James Pallett had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
19 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed that James still earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn - for which he received 2/-d per week. His period of service was nearly 20 years, he was then aged 38, was married and had 3 children.
20 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information, except that James then worked as a Millman and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 20th February 1805. His pay was given as £42.8.0d per annum.
21 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that Pallett was still a Labourer drawing and setting stoves, and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. It confirmed he was still allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total pay £39.0.0d per annum. It also confirmed his previous service details, but by then he had 4 children.
22 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, recorded that James Pallett had been working as a Corning House man since the 25th May 1825 in place of George Ridpath, and that his basic pay had been increased to £42.18.0d per annum, in addition to which, he was allowed to guard the works, for which he received on average 2/-d per week. This gave him an annual income of £48.2.0d.
23 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
24 WO54/558 dated 1st the April, 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826." (This record indicated that he had 5 children, but the figure was back to 4 by the next Return).
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as that given in the previous notes, and at that date he had 23 years' service. He was then 41 years of age.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in previous notes, with the exception that he had served nearly 24 years.
27 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
28. Return dated the the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
29 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, stated that at that date James still earned the same as recorded in Note 22. His length of service was given as 25 years, and he was then aged 42.
30. Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remainining unaltered.
31 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that James was 43 years of age and that he had served 26 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 22, and all other information given remained the same.
32 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, James Pallett was now 44 and had served nearly 27 years. His earnings remained the same as in Note 22 at a total of £48.2.0d per annum.
33. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
34 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
35 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return.
36 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that James still earned a total of £48.2.0d per annum. His service was given as 28 years, and his age as 46.
37 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that James Pallet had died since the last report.
38 At the time of his death, James Pallett lived in a tenement belonging to the Board in Powder Mill Lane. The cottage, with a small garden of 3 perches, was listed as No. 39 in a "statement of monies due on the 31st December 1821" (Supply 5/232 dated the 14th February 1822). He had paid an annual rental of £5.4.0d for his property.
39 A Return of Properties owned by the Board prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office dated the 20th December 1834 (Supply 5/237) recorded that the cottage was leased to widow Pallet on the 16th July 1833 by an Order of the Board, and a similar Return made in Ma 1840 confirmed this information (WO44/133).
40 James's widow continued to live in the premises until at least 1840 (Poor Rates 1840) and would be the Elizabeth Pallet (Laundress) who was living in Powder Mill Lane in the 1841 Census, together with James Pallet (13) and Ann Pallet (11), along with John Goats (65) as a lodger. John Goats had worked at the Mills as a Saltpetre Refiner and his wife had died by 1839.
Supply 5/226
637
J.
Palmer
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. J. Palmer was an extra Bargeman employed on three barges transporting Gunpowder to Picket's Field and Magazines, with pay of £2.2.0d. per week.
Supply 5/222
638
Samuel
Palmer
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. employed.
1. Samuel Palmer was employed as a Millman with pay of 2/3d per day, and was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
2. According to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Palmer was then employed as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case in September 1810, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September that year.
Supply 5/226
639
Joseph
Parish
List of Officers and Other Persons Employed with their Salaries
1. Joseph Parish was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn, according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814.
Supply 5/230
640
John
Parish
Return of Employees
1. John Parish (2) was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 recorded that John Parish was a Clerk of Survey's Labourer earning 2/8d per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn.
WO54/512
641
James
Parish
Return of Employees
1. James Parish was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
642
Benjamin
Parker
Accounts for September 1790
1. Benjamin Parker was employed as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department at 1/6d per day. In August 1790, he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay with a cross (WASC 1382).
2. Benjamin was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and had completed 1 year's service. (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
3. He was still working in the Corning House earning the same, but in addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated 23rd August 1808, Mr. Parker was still employed as a Corning House Man, but then earned 2/6d per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
5. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was a Corning house man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch for 1/6d night.
6 At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No.4 Press House. The ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Benjamin Parker, who left a widow, sons John (12), Benjamin (5) and Jacob (2), and daughters Leanora (7) and Sarah, (6) (Supply 5/229 - Letter dated 3rd December 1811). His widow received a pension of 17/6d per week with effect from the 14th December 1811 until the 17th May 1818, when she remarried.
7. In a letter dated 13th May 1818 (Supply 5/202), it was stated that Ann Parker, widow of Benjamin, had received an offer to marry again, and requested that the pension of 17/6d per week which had been granted to her for the Support of herself and her family, might now be divided amongst her 6 children in such proportions and for such terms as the Board might think proper. It was ordered by the Board, therefore, that the pension of 17/6d per week granted to Mrs. Parker, be divided with effect from the 17th May 1818 as follows:-
John Parker: 17 years old - 2.0d per week - his pension ceased on the 11th March 1819, his 18th birthday.
Laura Parker: 15 years old - 3.0d per week
Sarah Parker: 13 years old - 3.0d per week - Still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821).
Benjamin Parker: 10 years old - 3.0d per week - Still in receipt of his pension in 1821
(Supply 5/232 date 17th November 1821)
Job Parker: 8 years old - 3.0d per week - Still in receipt of his pension in 1821
(Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821)
Ann Parker: 6 years old - 3.6d per week - Still in receipt of her pension in 1821
(Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821)
In addition, it was stated that the allowances to the boys should be paid until they attained the age of 18 years, and to the girls, until they married.
7. A document dated the 8th November1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances were granted by the Hon. Board as widows, orphans, or relations of those who had lost their lives in the manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was the Parker family, and this document basically confirmed that Ann Parker's charitable allowance would be split as above, with effect from the 17th May 1818.
8. Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821, is a letter which mentioned that Ann Parker, widow of Benjamin, had remarried.
9. A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December, 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Sarah's, Benjamin's and Job Parker's superannuations should continue at £7.16.0d per annum, while Ann's pension continued at £9.2.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821, confirmed that the same pensions would be paid to the 4 children in 1822.
10 Winters (p.96) recorded an estimation of pensions for 1826 and included the fact that Sarah Parker married in 1825, and that Benjamin Parker was 18 years of age, so that both allowances had ceased. Ann Parker and Job Parker were to be paid £9.2.0d.
11 Ann Parker was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
WASC 1382
643
John
Parker
List of Employees
1. John Parker was employed as a Cooper with a rate of pay of 1/9d per day, and he was not allowed to watch.
2. John was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814, but his pay had increased to 2/4d per day. He was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
644
Thomas
Parker
00/00/1775
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Parker was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was first employed as an occasional Labourer by the Board on the 25th May 1811, earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 40-year-old married man with 5 children, living in Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 updated his record, with family and pay details remaing unchanged.
4. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" at 2/4d per day. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
5. WO54/532 dated the 13th September 1820, recorded that Thomas Parker was still employed as a Labourer. He was aged 44 at that date, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was a widower with 5 children. His pay was still 2/4d per day, and he still worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
6. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, indicated that he was then aged 45 years, was still a widower with 5 children, and that his Terms of Employment, etc. remained unchanged.
7. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821, was a repeat of Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded Thomas was aid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had nearly 12 years'service, starting on the 25th May 1811. He was aged 46, and this Return recorded that he was a married man living in Waltham Abbey who had 5children.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Thomas was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as nearly 14 years; he was aged 48, was married and had 5 children.
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the details given in the October 1825 Return, and gives his date of appointment as the 15th May 1811.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was as the previous Return.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as indicated previously. However, at that date, Thomas had nearly 16 years' service, and was now 50 years of age.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gives the same information as in previous notes.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as given in the notes above.
15 Parker's name was not listed again until April 1830, yet his service was unbroken, so it can only be assumed that he worked elsewhere for the Ordnance.
15 According to a Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570) Thomas was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served 19 years and was 53 years' old. This Return stated he had 6 children..
16 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Thomas was still working as a Labourer, with family details and pay unchanged, but length of service and age updated.
17. A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Thomas Parker was one of 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
18 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
19 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Thomas still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 8, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served just over 20 years and was aged 54.
20 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that Thomas was then 56 years of age, and that he had served 22 years. He was still in receipt of an annual amount totalling £33.18.2d.
21 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same basic details with his age and length of service updated. It recorded that he was a married man with 6 children.
22. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834, confirmed that Thomas still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served 23 years, and that his age was then 57.
WO54/512
645
James
Parker
00/00/1797
Return of Employees
1. James Parker was first employed by the Board on the 12th August 1815, as a Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
646
William
Parmenter
List of foremen, Artificers etc., their rates of pay & service.
1. William Parmenter was employed as a Millman in 1805 at 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). This was also the case on the 18th June 1807, when, in addition, he was allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226).
Supply 5/224
647
William
Passfield (also Paswell)
00/00/1777
Pay List
1. William Passfield (also Passwell) was employed as a common Labourer (Supply 5/228 - Pay Book - dated the 21st July 1809). He was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
2. In August 1812, a William Passwell was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation" and paid 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). WO54/536 dated 6th February 1822 recorded that William was employed as a Labourer in the Storekeeper's Department on the 29th January1811.
3. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1813, stated that William Passfield was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation", and confirmed that he was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
4. List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that William Passfield was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner. It also noted that he was a widower, aged 41, who lived in Waltham Abbey and had 6 children. He was paid 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
5. Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820, recorded that Mr. Passfield was 42, and confirmed that he still lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 2/4d per day, and that he was in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
6. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that William was 43 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 5.
7. Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822 gave Mr. Passfield's age as 42, with 11 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d, as well as confirming he was a Saltpetre Refiner.
8. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. William Passfield, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 29th January, 1811, and by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he had 11 years' service, was 42 years' old, and was a widower with 6 children.
9. In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced; accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed, which included William Passfield, and the men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June. (Supply 5/232 dated the the 21st March, 1822). Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. William Passfield was one of the Petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/228
648
William (2)
Paton
List of Artificers, etc. and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. William Paton was a general Labourer who started work in the Corning House on the 12th April 1798 at 1/6d per day. He was also a Private in Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September1798).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and was still working as a general Labourer.
3. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with one child. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/219
649
William (1)
Paton (Peyton)
Pay List
1. William Paten (1) was a Carpenter 1st Class, who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809. (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st December 1809).
2. At 11.15 on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House, and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). William was working at an adjacent Mill at the time and noticed a piece of burning rope landing on the platform in front of the powder magazine near a door which had been wrenched from its hinges. He ran to the spot, extinguished the rope and secured the door to prevent a huge explosion. Mr Mathews recommended to the Board that Peyton be rewarded for his prompt action (Supply 5/229 dated the 4th December 1811) and Winters (p.71) recorded that Peyton was given a £20 reward.
3. A letter from the Office of Ordnance dated the 27th February 1818 (Supply 5/202) stated therein, "Having laid before the Board your letter of the 30th ult. reporting upon the Petition from William Paton, Carpenter in the service of this Department at Waltham Abbey, I am in reply directed to desire you will retain Mr. Paton, in consequence of the courage and conduct he evinced at the late explosion of the Mills in 1811."
Supply 5/228
650
William
Peach
List of Artificers, etc. Employed in the Engineers' Department
1. William Peach worked as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Department Establishment" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
651
Thomas
Pearce
00/00/1795
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department.
1. Thomas Pearce was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 4th November 1815. He earned 2/8d per day and was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
652
John
Pegrum
Pay List
1. John Pegrum was a Millman who was paid 2/3d per day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/228
653
Joseph
Pegrum
Return of Employees
1. Joseph Pegrum was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, and, in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/229
654
Thomas
Pegrum
Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. Thomas Pegrum was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
655
William
Pegrum
00/00/1791
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. William Pegrum was first employed by the Board on the 16th May 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 24-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
656
Edward
Pellold
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department.
1. Edward Pellold is believed to have been a Millman because of his rate of pay of 2/-d per day. For an unknown period from the 13th April 1789, the Millmen and general Labourers were engaged in cutting a new canal at the new Corning House, as well as cutting willow trees and loading barges, etc. (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
Supply 5/213
657
Jesse
Penfold
Return of Employees and their Pay
1. Jesse Penfold was a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Jesse was still a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/229
658
Thomas
Penfold
Return of Employees and their Salaries
1. Thomas Penfold was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation." at 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
659
William
Periment
List of Employees
1. William Periment was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229 dated 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/229
660
Henry
Perkins
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. Henry Perkins was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government . However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
661
George
Perkins
00/00/1797
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. George Perkins was first employed by the Board on the 27th May 1815 as a casual Bricklayer's Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816).
WO54/516
662
Robert Snr.
Perkis
00/00/1759
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. Robert Perkis, Snr. started work at the Mills on the 1st June 1789 as a Labourer, earning 1/6d per day "sett & draw stoves etc" (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789). WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, gave his starting date as the 1st May 1789, and his length of service as just over 37 years.
2. Supply 5/214 dated September1789, recorded that he was 30 years of age and that he was "drawing and setting stoves and sundry in different parts of the manufactory."
3. Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790 recorded that he was dustng and glazing powder, for which he was paid 1/6d per day.
4. Supply 5/215 confirmed he was still dusting and glazing powder, and he did this until the 31st July 1792.
5. Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793 recorded that Robert was in the Corning Houses, but still earned 1/6d per day. Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, confirmed that he was still in the Corning Houses and that he started work at the Mills on the 1st June, 1789.
6. According to Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795, Robert was still in the Corning Houses on the same pay.
7. Supply 5/219 dated September 1798, indicated that he was now working in the Proof House and that he was a Private in the Waltham Volunteer Company.
8. Supply 5/220 dated 2nd February 1800 indicated that he was illiterate.
9. Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801, recorded that Robert was a married man with 4 children.
10 Supply 5/221dated the 3rd November 1801, recorded that Robert was employed, together with most of the labour force at the time, in cleaning and deepening the river, canals and ditches, and performing other sundry works.
11 Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, confirmed that Robert was still in the Proof House but that his pay had increased to 2/-d per day. At that date, he had 16 years' service. He was still in this position on the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
12 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that Mr. Perkis was then a Sieve Puncher and Proof House Man with the same pay of 2/-d per day, and, in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn.
13 According to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, Perkis was in the same employment but with pay then of 2/8d per day. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, although he was then not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
14 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Robert Perkis was still employed as a Proof House Man, that he was a married man of 57 with 5 children, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 2/4d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night..
15 A Return of Employees dated the 28th August 1818, listed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and Robert Perkis Senior's name was included with his pay unchanged.
16 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Perkis was still employed as a Proof House Man, that he was 58 and had 5 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
17 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 stated that Robert Perkis, Snr.,was 59, married, and had 5 children. He still earned 2/4d per day, but was in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch. This was allso the case in in April 1821, according to WO54/536 dated the 19th April 1821.
18 A statement dated the 4th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" recorded that Robert Perkis was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance, Tenement No. 33, with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. The property, together with its small garden, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of its junction with Powder Mill Lane forming part of Plot No. 60 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
19 Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822, gave the age of Robert Snr., Proof House Man, as 59, with nearly 33 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
20 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Robert Perkis, Snr. was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 1st June 1789 (WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gives 1st September 1788) and later became a Proof House Man. He had an annual remuneration of £36.10.4d, and, according to this Return, at 31st December 1821 he was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week, making annual pay of £41.14.4d. He had nearly 33 years' service, was 59 years old, was married with 5 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
21 List dated the 21st March 1822 of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder, as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that Robert Perkis, Proof House Man, was to be retained (Supply 5/232).
22 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Perkis was in the Proof House, that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, and that that amount included an allowance for watching in turn of 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
23 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) Robert Perkis, Snr. had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
24 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Proof House Man and that his annual pay was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn, for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week. He service and family details remained the same.
25 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated October 1st 1825 (Winters, pp. 93/95) confirmed the previous information given, and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 1st May, 1789. His pay was given as £33.16.0d. per annum.
26 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum, and confirmed that he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him total annual pay of £39.0.0d. It also confirmed his previous family and service details. This information was repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
27 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
28 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
29 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date Robert Perkis had just over 38 years' service, and was 64 years of age.
30 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that he had served nearly 39 years.
31 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
32 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, again with family details and pay unchanged.
33 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that Robert still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 40 years, that he was now 65, and confirmed that he was married with 5 children.
34 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Robert as in Note 27, except that his service was given as nearly 41 years and he was aged 66. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October Return.
35 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return.
36 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other family details remaining unchanged.
37 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return..
38 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that at that date Mr. Perkis was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 45 years, and his age as 69.
39 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Robert Perkis, Snr. was then 70 years of age. His wages and family details remained the same as before.
40 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Robert was still employed as the Proof House Man, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He had 5 children, and his age and service details were updated.
41 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; he was then 71, and had served just over 46 years.
42 A List of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office on the 20th December 1834, recorded that Robert Perkis had been superannuated, and that his cottage was "either to be let or removed" (Supply 5/237). A similar Return for 1840 recorded that the cottage was unoccupied, and a footnote records "refused to be occupied" (WO44/133).
Supply 5/213
663
W
Perkis
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. W. Perkis was a Bricklayer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the government. However, he did not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
664
Robert, Jnr.
Perkis
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Robert Perkis, Jnr. was Apprenticed to the Assistant Master Worker, John Ashwood, in August 1808, with pay of 6/-d. per week (Supply 5/227 of the 23rd August 1808). This document also showed that Mr. Ashwood was allowed 7/-d per week in respect of Robert, Jnr. A document dated 30th September 1808 (also Supply 5/227) showed that Robert was illiterate.
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Perkis, Jnr. was Apprenticed to the Master Worker and was paid 6/- week. It also recorded that 6/- per week was paid to the Master Worker for his Apprentice.
3. According to an Employee List of the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229), Robert Jnr. was still Apprenticed to the Assistant Master Worker, but he then earned 6/2d. per week, with his Master getting 6/6d per week for his Apprentice.
4. A Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) recorded that as an Apprentice to the Assistant Master Worker, Robert Jnr. then earned 6/8d per week, and his Master's allowance had increased to 8/-d per week.
5. Robert Perkis and William Alsup were two of the casualties of an apparent reduction in the workforce in 1818. In their Petition (Supply 5/231) they stated that they were articled apprentices who had paid three pounds when first articled and they served seven years, continuing two years after the term of Apprenticeship had expired, after which they were discharged upon the reduction. Having gone into the Works at an early age, they were now unable to earn a livelihood in any other employment. They further wished to state that they had made themselves proficient in their several Departments, and hoped that their Lordships would take into their benign consideration their disagreeable case and replace them again into their former situation in the Works, in which case, "your humble Petitioners will as in duty bound to you for ever pray."
6. In a letter dated 7th April 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated, "In obedience to the Honourable Board's commands contained in your letter of the 1st instant, desiring us to report upon the enclosed Petition of Robert Perkis and William Allsop, praying that they may be restored to their situations in the Royal Powder mills, having served their apprenticeship in the Department, from which they were discharged on account of the reduction. We beg leave respectfully to represent that Robert Perkis and William Allsup were taken as Apprentices, the one as Apprentice to the Assistant Master Worker, the other as Apprentice to the Master Mixer of Composition, and after serving their Apprenticeship they were employed as Labourers in the Manufactory. In forming an arrangement to comply with the Honourable Board's commands of the 22nd December last that a reduction should take place at the Royal Gunpowder Manufactory at Waltham Abbey, the beforementioned Robert Perkis and William Allsup were selected, amongst others, as the junior Labourers to be discharged, for if a preference had been given to them to be retained, other Labourers with families who had been longer in the service than themselves (after --- their whole period of time as apprentice and Labourer) must have been discharged in their room, who are single young men, we are therefore humbly of [the] opinion that they have not any cause for complaint."
Nevertheless, from a letter dated 10th April 1818 (Supply 5/202) it appeared that the Board ordered that these men be re-entered when any augmentation may be required.
Supply 5/227
665
James
Perry
List of Employes and their Pay
1. James Perry, possibly a cousin of Joseph Perry, was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. The information given also applied on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
666
Joseph
Perry
00/00/1791
List of Employees and their Salaries
1. Joseph Perry was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation", and was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Joseph was the youngest son of William and Sarah (nee Day) Perry of Holyfield, who were married at Waltham Abbey by banns on the 20th April 1777, and lived in one of three cottages at Holyfield, opposite North Lodge Farm, where Joseph's father was a Farm Labourer. He was baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 13th May 1791. His mother died the following year, and was buried at Waltham Abbey on the 12th December 1792. William does not appear to have remarried, so it could be assumed, perhaps, that his young family were raised by his parents who continued to live at Holyfield. William was buried at Waltham Abbey on the 21st January 1821 aged 65 years. Joseph married Sarah Ann, and made their home in Sewardstone Street where they raised a family of 5 children, all of whom were baptised at Waltham Abbey as follows:-
William on the 22nd May 1814, James, the second son, on the 8th August 1816, Henry, the third son, on the 28th May 1819, Mary Ann in 1823 and Joseph Junior in 1827.
Joseph died on the 4th January 1860, and Sarah - in one of the almshouses - on the 25th January 1878 . She is the Mrs Perry mentioned on page 145 of William Winters' book, "Centenary Memorial of the Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey" (DCA's family history).
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recirded that Joseph Perry was the Clerk of the Cheque's Labourer at 2/4d per day. He was a married man aged 33 with 2 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
3. Supply 5/231 recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818 and Perry's name was included, with his pay remaining unchanged.
4. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Perry was still employed as the Clerk of the Cheque's Labourer, that he was a married man aged 34 with 3 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day, and that in addition he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/0d per night.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Perry was still employed as the Clerk of the Cheque's Labourer, with his conditions, etc. remaining unchanged.
6. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Joseph was 36, and that all other details as in Note 4 were the same, except that the rate for watching had increased to 1/6d per night.
7. Joseph appeared to have left the Mills shortly afterwards, but was re-engaged on the 22nd July 1825, when a Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93/95) recorded that he then worked as a Labourer drawing and drawing stoves. It also recorded that his pay was £33.6.0d. per annum.
8. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed that Joseph was re-engaged on the 22nd July 1825 as a General Labourer, with basic pay of £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week, giving him a total annual income of £39.0.0d. The record showed that he was a 40-year-old married man with 4 children.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, recorded that Joseph Perry had been re-employed as a General Labourer working within the Manufactory in place of George Ridpath on the 22nd July 1825, at £33.16.0d per annum.. He was allowed to guard the works in turn, for which he received, on average, 2/-d per week.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
11 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date, Joseph Perry had just over 2 years' service and was then 42.
13 On the 21st October 1827, Joseph Perry, Labourer, was paid 16/d for travelling from Waltham to Purfleet and back to deliver a message, i.e. 68 miles at 4d per mile (Winters, p.98).
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that Joseph had then served nearly 3 years as a general Labourer.
15 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
16 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated Joseph's age and length of service with family details and pay unchanged.
17 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that Joseph still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 4 years, that he was 43 years of age and that he was married with 4 children.
18 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Joseph as in Note 17, except that his service was given as nearly 5 years and he was aged 44.
19. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 17, except that his service was just over 5 years.
20 WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October 1830 Return, with no basic changes.
21 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 In 1833, Joseph was employed as a Labourer in the Charcoal Cylinder House, according to Winters (p.102).
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date Joseph was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was nearly 8 years and he was 47 years if age.
26 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that Joseph had been appointed as a Cylinder House Man on the 3rd June 1833 at 2/2d per day, He had by then served 8 years and was 48.
27 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that Joseph was still employed as a Cylinder House Man. However, his basic annual pay by then had been reduced to £28.5.6d. He was allowed to watch in turn and this gave him a total annual sum of £33.9.6d, as opposed to his previous earnings of £39. His period of service was nearly 9 years and his age was 48.
28 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the previous note; he was then 49, and had served just over 9 years.
29 On the 22nd October 1837, Joseph replaced Benjamin Guinn, who had retired, as a Millman.
30 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed Joseph was still employed as a Millman with pay of £46.16.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn.
31The 1841 Census recorded that Joseph, aged 55, and his wife, Sarah, aged 45, were living in Sewardstone Street with their son James, aged 20. Sarah was not born in Essex while Joseph and James were.
Supply 5/230
667
William
Perry
00/00/1814
Return of Employees
1. William Perry was employed as a general Labourer on the 26th October 1836. In 1839 his pay was £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 25-year- old bachelor (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839).
2. William was the son of Joseph and Sarah Perry, and was baptised at Waltham Holy Cross on the 22nd May 1814. On the 16th May 1839, he married Mary Ann Winters of Walkern, a widow. Mary's son, William Winters, was the famous Waltham Abbey Historian and Writer.
3. A transcript of the 1841 Census recorded that William, a Labourer at the Powder Mills, and his wife Mary (25) together with their daughter Mary (aged 1) and William Winters, then aged 5, were living in a lane leading to Sewardstone.
WO54/623
668
Richard
Philpot
Return of Employees
1. Richard Philpot was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
669
Thomas
Pickett
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Thomas Pickett was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. According to a List of Employees dated the 13th February 1813, the same pay and conditions applied as in Note 1 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
670
Joseph
Pickett
00/00/1790
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department.
1. Joseph Pickett was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and first employed by the Board on the 11th June 1815. He was a 25- year-old married man without children, and lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/506
671
Robert
Pickthall
List of Officers etc., employed
1. Robert Pickthall was employed as the 3rd Clerk on the 23rd September 1812 with annual pay of £70. He was not on the Establishment.
Supply 5/230
672
William
Pierce (also Pearce)
00/00/1777
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Pierce (also Pearce) was Drawing and Setting Stoves, etc., earning 2/-d per day, and at the 30th January 1806 had 6 months' service (Supply 5/224).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Pierce was a "Foreman of Reeling Houses" earning 2/10d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling and six pence." This information still applied in 1810.
3. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Mr. Pierce was then a Glazing Mill Foreman earning 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Pierce was then a Foreman of the Corning House at 4/-d per day, and that he was a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
5. Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 dated the 25th June 1818 stated that Mr. Pierce was a Foreman of a Dusting House. He was aged 41, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 4 children. He earned 3/4d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 1/6d every fifth night.
6. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Pierce's name was included, with pay of 2/6d per day.
7. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Pierce was still employed as a Dusting House Foreman, that he was a married man of 42 with 4 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 3/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
8. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that William was then 43, still lived in Waltham Abbey, earned only 2/4d per day as a Saltpetre Refiner, but was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.. According to this List he then had 5 children.
9. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821, indicated that William was then 45 with 5 children, and confirmed he was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 8 (Supply 5/232).
Supply 5/224
673
John
Piercey
Winters, p.55
1. John Piercey was listed as the Master of The Peggy in 1802 (Winters, p.55).
2. The Peggy was a 28-ton vessel employed, but not owned, by the Ordnance at Faversham since the 10th December 1794, which was plying between Faversham and the Tower of London (Supply 5/72 of 1796). The Peggy was also described as a Faversham Powder Hoy,and was employed at Waltham Abbey in 1802.
3. Piercey and his wife, Ann had a son, John White, baptised at Faversham on the 6th June 1794.
674
George Snr
Pittendrigh
00/00/1749
Personnel Return of theStorekeeper's Department
1. George Pittendrigh, Snr. was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." for which he was paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 40 and employed as a Millman. He served in the Artillery from the 8th May 1776 to 21st April 1783, and on the 1st March 1788, he joined the labour force at Waltham Abbey, but was then secondedas a Labourer to the Mills at Faversham until January 1789 (Supply5/70). He returned to Waltham Abbey as a Labourer on the 1st February 1789 (Supply 5/217).
2. Working as a Millman in March 1790, he was being paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/214).
3. A letter dated the 22nd May 1790 from the Storekeeper and Clerk of the Cheque to the Board, described how, between the hours of 10 and 11 o'clock, the two Hoppit Mills blew up. The Millman, George Pittendrigh, had just laid a fresh composition on the beds and was drawing water, and the runners had "scarce made two revolutions when the Lower Mill went off which communicated to the other." The letter went on to say that the Mills were very old and decayed and the fire had "great hold on them and that much damage was done." (WASC 475).
4. George was still working as a Millman in 1791, as well as at the 31st Jauary 1792 (Supply 5/215). This was also the case in July 1792 to February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). During this period, he was still being paid 2/-d per day.
5. He was promoted to Labour Foreman on the 1st July 1793, "Superintending in different parts of the Manufactory, drawing & setting stoves and weighing powder, etc." (Note on Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1793).
6. Pittendrigh joined the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219), and was made a Sergeant by 1798 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
7. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and was still the Foreman of Labour.
8. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still the Labour Foreman and that he was a married man with 6 children.
9. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was superintending the Millmen and Labourers, cleansing and deepening the river, canal and ditches,and performing other necessary work.
10 In March 1805, he was described as the Foreman of Manufacturing at £1.6.0d per week (Supply 5/224).
11 In the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) he was described as a Foreman of Manufactuary earning 5/-d per day, and he had been employed with the Ordnance for 17 years. He was still in same position and receiving the same pay in June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
12 According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Pittendrigh was employed as a Master Mixer of Composition, still earning 5/-d. per day. He was also allowed 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice, who in August 1808, was William Alsup (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
13 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was allowed a house, was paid the same and retained the right to train an Apprentice
14 Return dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Mr. Pittendrigh earned 6/4d per day in his capacity of Assistant Master Worker, in addition to being allowed a house and the right to train an Apprentince (Supply 5/229). This was also the case in 1814 (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814)
15 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. Pittendrigh was an Assistant Master Worker, aged 68, who resided in Waltham Abbey and was married with 5 children. He then earned 5/10d per day with an allowance of £15.12.0d d per annum in respect of an Apprentice. He also had a house owned by the Board.
16 According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in the Employ and Pay dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) George Pittendrigh was still the Assistant Master Worker, aged 69, with all the other information given in previous notes remaining the same. This Return, however, made no mention of an annual allowance in respect of an Apprentice.
17 List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged; he was allowed 7/-d per week to train an apprentice.
18 A statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that George Pittendrigh, Assistant Master Worker, was living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 28th February 1812. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
19 List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that George was still the Assistant Master Worker, that he was then aged 71, was married and had 5 children, and that he resided in Waltham Abbey. His pay was still 5/10d per day and he was allowed a house. The house has been identified as part of Plot No. 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
20 Empson Middleton, the Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey, wrote to the Board of Ordnance on the 15th September 1821, requesting that George Pittendrigh, Assistant Master Worker, be granted a pension. He had served the Board for 32 years, and was in a very ill state of health with Consumption. The Board agreed in their letter of the 16th November 1821 that he should receive a superanuated sum of £31.19.0d per annum (Supply 5/203).
21 A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It confirmed that Mr. Pittendrigh was in receipt of £31.19.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, recorded that the same pension would be paid in 1822, and Winters confirmed that this was also the case in 1826 (p.95).
Supply 5/212
675
Robert
Pittendrigh
List of Officers and Other Employees
1. Robert Pittendrigh was working in the Corning House as a Labourer, and although his pay was 1/6d per day, it was stated in Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 that "one day extra allowed for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801." All Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
676
John
Pittendrigh
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., Rates of Pay and Service.
1. John Pittendrigh was a Labourer in the Corning House (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. In June 1807 (Supply 5/226) the description of his work was given as a Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory, and "setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc."
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Pittendrigh was employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that John was promoted to Foreman of the Glazing Mill at 2/6d per day, and in addition he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d .
Supply 5/224
677
George (2)
Pittendrigh
00/00/1797
List of Employees
1. George Pittendrigh (2) was employed as a Cooper at 1/9d per day, but not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. He was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814, but his pay then was 2/4d per day, and he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that George Pittendrigh was still a Cooper, a single man aged 20, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 4/-d per day.
4. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818 recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. George Pittendrigh (2) was included, with his pay given as 3/-d per day.
5. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Pittendrigh was still employed as a Cooper, and that he was a single man of 21; he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 3/6d per day.
6. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that George Pittendrigh was 22, single, and still lived in Waltham Abbey. He then earned only 3/-d per day. Although he had been trained as a Cooper, this Return did not state where.
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that George was 23, and confirmed that he was still single and living in Waltham Abbey.
8. List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of George (2), Cooper, as 23, with 10 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
9. Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) gave the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appearsedto be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. George Pittendrigh (2) was appointed Cooper at Waltham Abbey on the 1st January 1812 by Order of the Board dated 1st April 1812. He had an annual income of £54.13.6d, and according to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had 10 years' service, was 23 years old, was married but had no children, and he lived in Cheshunt.
10 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822) and the men were subquently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. George Pittendrigh was one of the Petitioners, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/229
678
James
Pittendrigh
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. James Pittendrigh was employed as a Cooper earning 1/9d per day, but was not allowed to watch. (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
679
Charles
Pitty
00/00/1795
Return of Employees
1. Charles Pitty was first employed by the Board on the 18th November 1815 as an occasional Labourer. He was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, and earned 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
680
Benjamin
Poulter
00/00/1775
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Benjamin Poulter was "drawing and setting stoves, etc." He earned 2/-d per day, and in January 1806, he had 1 year's service (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). In June 1807 (Supply 5/226) the description of his work was "Labourer in various parts of the manufactory and setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc."
2. According to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Poulter was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations etc.," earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn. The same details applied on the 1st September 1810 (Supply 5/228).
3. Mr. Poulter was still employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation" in August 1812. He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
4. According to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, Poulter was employed in the same capacity at the same rate of pay as he was in 1812.
5. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Benjamin Poulter was employed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and that he was a married man, aged 42, with 2 children. He had an apartment provided by the Board. His pay was 2/4d per day and he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
6. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818) gave the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Benjamin's name was on the list with his pay unchanged.
7. Supply 5/231 dated the 19th May 1819, confirmed that Poulter was still employed as a Labourer drawing and setting stoves and also working in the willow plantation. He was aged 43, had 2 children, and was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night..
8. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Benjamin Poulter was a 43-year-old married man with 2 children, and that at the time he lived in Cheshunt. He still earned 2/4d per day as a Labourer at the stoves, but was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
9. A statement dated the 4th April 1821, "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821 showing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that Benjamin Poulter, Labourer, was living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from December 1810. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th Feb 1822 for the year 1821. The cottage has not been located but was possibly one of the "homesteads" at the northern end of the Manufactory listed in the Book of Reference to the 1825 Parish Map of Waltham or, alternatively, may have been at Aqueduct Lock which was in Cheshunt - see notes on John Brown.
10 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Benjamin was 45, with all other details remaining the same as in Notes 8 and 9.
11 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Benjamin, working in the Willow Plantation, as 46, with nearly 17 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
12 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. Benjamin Poulter was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 19th July 1805, and confirmed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, etc. by the Board's Order dated the 4th September 1818. He had an annual income of £36.10.4d, had nearly 17 years' service, was 46 years old, was married with 3 children, and lived in Cheshunt. This Return also stated that Mr. Poulter had a "house to look after the rivers."
13 In the spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder and the establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822). The men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June, and several petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance. Many were long service employees in their middle age and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for their consideration. Benjamin Poulter was one of four men who signed a second Petition on the 12th July saying that he had been away unsuccessfully looking for work, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/224
681
Thomas
Pratt
List of Foremen, etc., Rates of Pay and Years Employed.
1. Thomas Pratt was employed as a Millman circa 1804. He was earning 2/3d per day and had been employed with the Ordnance for 2 years (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. A Thomas Pratt was employed as a Punt Man according to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th of June 1807.
3. Pratt was still a Puntman in September 1810; he was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
4. Thomas may have joined the Engineers' Department, since a Thomas Pratt is recorded in WO54/516 dated February 1816 as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day, and was first employed by that department on the 16th September 1815. He was a 46-year-old married man with 4 children, living in Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/224
682
William
Pratt
Pay List
1. William Pratt was a common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
683
Barnard
Presland
List of Officers and Artificers, etc.
1. Barnard Presland was employed as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
2. On the 8th April 1809, a fatal fight broke out in the Watch House between Salt Petre Millmen Barnard Presland and Noah Sayer, when the former struck the latter and killed him. Among those who witnessed the fight were John Horrod and James Rowley (who later became a Sausage-Maker in Highbridge Street). Sayer left a widow, Ann. Presland was discharged from the Mills, but it is not known what punishment he received for killing Sayer (Winters, pp.67/68)
Supply 5/227
684
James
Preston
Winters' Centenary Memorial (page 28)
1. James Preston was a Bed Stone Cutter by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. He was not retained once his work was completed (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
685
Wm.
Price
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed
1. William Price was working as a general Labourer, and a signed document relating to a Petition on Pay indicated that he was literate (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that Price was still working as a Labourer, that he was unmarried, and that he was earning 1/6d per day. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services were terminated.
Supply 5/220
686
Joseph
Prior
Pay List
1. Joseph Prior was a Bricklayer's Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
687
Thos.
Pritchard
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Thomas Pritchard was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner at 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. According to the List of Employees dated the 13th February (1814) Mr. Pritchard was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and his pay and other conditions all remained the same as in Note 1 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
688
Peter
Puddick
List of Artificers, etc. & Volunteer Corps Members
1. Peter Puddick was recorded in Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798, (List of Artificers, etc. and Volunteer Company Members) as a Cylinderman who was "new in Sussex" on the 1st June 1798, and obviously did not join the Waltham Volunteer Company.
2. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day, and was a married man with no children. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinder houses had been out of repair, Puddick had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
4. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806), Mr. Puddock was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d. per day, and at that date, had 10 years' service.
5. A further List (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) confirmed Mr. Puddick was still employed as a Cylinderman at 2/-d per day, and this was also the case at the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
Supply 5/219
689
Robert
Pugh
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Robert Pugh was drawing and setting Stoves, etc., earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date, he had served for 6 months.
Supply 5/224
690
William
Purkess (also Perkiss)
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. William Purkiss was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that he was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and had first been employed in that capacity by the Board on the 22nd July 1811. He was a 22-year-old-bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, stated he was then a 28-year-old married man with one child, who lived in Waltham Abbey, and was then paid only 2/4d per day.
WO54/512
691
George
Radpath (Ridpath/Redpath)
Return of Employees
1. George Radpath/Ridpath was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
692
Richard
Ragees
List of Officers, etc. Employed
1. Richard Ragees was employed as a Corning house Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230). He was paid 3/3d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/230
693
John
Ran
List of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. John Ran was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six- day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
694
John
Randall
Personnel Record
1. John Randall was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. In November 1788 he was employed as a Millman (Supply 5/212).
3. A Record dated the 24th January 1789 stated, "sick & does not appear that he will be able to attend duty," and a Personnel Return of people working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 21st March 1789, stated, "sick but receives his pay" (Supply 5/212).
Supply 5/212
695
Thomas
Randall
List of Artificers & Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. Thomas Randall joined the Ordnance Board as a Corning House Man on the 6th November 1797, and also enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was literate and was working as a general Labourer.
3. In a letter dated 23rd June, 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately destroyed (16th June, 1801) the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." The list included Thomas Randall.
4. In another letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they be reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Thomas Randall, whose claim amounted to £1.4.6d for a hat (16/-d) stockings (4/-d) and handkerchiefs (4/6d).
5. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 stated that Randall was working as a Refiner, with pay of 2/-d per day; all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night.
Supply 5/219
696
William
Randall
Pay List
1. William Randall was paid 17/-d for 7 days' work as a Bricklayer in the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809, inclusive. (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 recorded that Randall was now a Millman earning 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229)
3. He was still a Millman on the the 13th February 1813, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/228.
697
Edward
Randall
00/00/1792
Return of Employees
1. Edward Randall was first employed by the Board on the 1st September 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 23-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
698
William
Randle
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. employed in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Randle was employed as a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman; he was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 of the 1st September 1810).
Supply 5/228
699
John
Rapley
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. John Rapley was a Refiner in the Salt Petre House, earning 2/-d per day. At January 1806 he had 6 months' service, and "when not working allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). This was also the case in June 1807 (Supply 5/226).
Supply 5/224
700
Edward
Rapley
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Edward Rapley was employed as a Salt Petre Refiner at 2/-d per day, and "when not working allowed to watch in turn." Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Rapley was still employed as a Salt Petre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Edward was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Edward was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
5. The previous information given also applied on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
701
D
Ratty
Return of Employees
1. D. Ratty was working as a Labourer; he was a married man with one child and was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/221 dated the 8th May 1801). In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
Supply 5/221
702
John
Rayner
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p. 28)
1. John Rayner was a Sawyer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr Walton by the Government. He appears not to have been retained once his work was completed (Winters, p.28).
703
Richard
Reason
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Richard Reason was working in the Corning House in January 1792 at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792).
Supply 5/215
704
John
Reason
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. John Reason was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818, stated that John Reason was now the Labourer to the Clerk of the Survey. He was a single man of 25, who earned 2/4d per day and lived in Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/230).
3. Supply 5/231 dated September 1818, recorded the names of the people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Reason's name was included, with his pay remaining unchanged.
4. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Reason was still employed as the Clerk of the Survey's Labourer, and stated that he was a married man of 25 with no children who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
5. List of employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Reason was still employed as the Surveyor's Labourer and recorded that he was a widower. His pay and conditions, etc., remained unchanged.
6. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that John Reason was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance, Tenement No 37, with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. John had occupied the cottage prior to its purchase by the Board and it has been identified as part of Plot No. 61 on the 1825 Town Map in Appendix 1. Following the death of his wife, John vacated his cottage and it was then let to George Miller
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821, confirmed that John was still the Labourer to the Clerk of Survey. He was then 27 years of age, and still a widower living in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night (Supply 5/232).
Supply 5/230
705
John
Redman
00/00/1750
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Redman worked in the Storekeeper's Department as a Millman at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/212 dated the 21st of March 1789).
2. He was described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789.
3. He was "Working at his trade" in March 1790 at the same 2/-d per day (Supply 5/214) but Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790 recorded that he was working in the Corning House with a reduction in pay.
4. In December 1790, he was described as "At the Corning House." in Supply 5/215, and he was was still there in March 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated 16th April 1791). This was also the case in March 1792 when he was paid 1/6d per day (Supply 5/ 216 dated March 1792).
5. A letter to the Board from the Storekeeper, James Wright, dated the 18th April 1792 read, "We humbly beg to report that on unloading a waggon of charcoal Jno Redman a Labourer at this place was so much in liquor [when he came to work at 6 o'clock in the morning] that on going up the ladder with a sack of charcoal he fell down but received little injury." John Mason, another Labourer, said "Redman you have had a drop of Mr. Ways Spring Water too much this morning meaning Gin, on which Redman kicked Mason several times, which treatment he had prudence enough not to return." When all the coal was unloaded, Mason said to Mr. Goodfellow, the Master Mixer, "it’s a pity if you let Redman go up the ladder." Goodfellow answered "If I was to say anything to him I should get myself abused and you had better hold your tongue." The Storekeeper asked the Board if Redman should be dismissed for coming to work in liquor and for fighting in the Works (WASC 475). Since no other record appeared thereafter for Redman, it could be assumed that he was dismissed.
Supply 5/212
706
George
Reen
List of Officers on Employment
1. George Reen worked in the Corning House at 2/2d per day, and at January 1806, he had completed 6 months' service (Supply 5/226 dated the 30th January 1806). Corning House men were, in addition, allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Reen was employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Reen was a Cornng house man who was paid 2/6d day and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812, confirmed that Mr. Reen was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night (Supply 5/229).
5. George was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay as given in Note 4, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230) .
Supply 5/226
707
Thomas
Reeves
00/00/1785
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Reeves was first employed by the Board on the 10th July 1813 as a casual Millwright in the Engineers' Department. He was a 30-year-old married man with 3 children living in Waltham Abbey, and was paid 5/8d per day (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
708
Edward
Reyley
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Edward Reyley was an Apprentice in the Mixing House mixing Composition at 1/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792).
2. He was still an Apprentice in December 1794, but by then his wage had been increased to 1/4d per day (Supply 5/217) and by July 1795, his wage had gone up to 1/6d per day (also Supply 5/217).
Supply 5/216
709
Robert
Rich
00/00/1755
Return of Employees
1. Robert Rich was first employed by the Board on the 7th November 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/4d per day. He was a 60-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
710
Thomas
Rickett
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. Thomas Rickett was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
711
Richard
Ricketts
List of Artificers, etc., and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. Richard Ricketts started as a general Labourer in the Corning House on the 11th March 1797, and was paid 1/6d per day. He was a Private in the Volunteer Company in September 1798 and still working in the Corning House (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. A letter to the Board dated the 19 April 1801 stated that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April with a tremendous explosion, and that nine men in the building, including Richard Ricketts, were killed, together with four horses (Supply 5/220).
3. A Petition dated the 24th April 1801 (Supply 5/194) was signed by Sarah Ricketts along with the other widows, and in two cases, mothers of the deceased, requesting relief in their distress.
4. Sarah, Richard's widow, was aged 32, and was left with 3 children, a boy aged 10, a girl aged 5, and another girl aged 1. The five-year-old had been severely burnt when her clothes caught fire and her left arm was injured so badly, she would not be able to use it for the rest of her life (Supply 5/220 dated the 29th April 1801).
5. Supply 5/194 dated the 5th May1801, recorded that Richard's pay and allowance was to be continued to Sarah Ricketts, who was to receive the whole of her husband's back pay.
6. The Ordnance Board queried payments made to the widows killed in the explosion at the Corning House on the 16th June 1801. Rickett's basic pay was 10/6d per week, plus 1/6d on account of "the severity of the times." The Ordnance Board decreed that the widows' pensions should be based upon the husband's or son's basic pay, and was not to include the extra "due to the severity of the times." The Board agreed that the pension awarded to Mrs Sarah Ricketts should be 10/6d per week (Supply 5/194).
7. On the 4th September 1805, the Ordnance Board agreed to pay Sarah Ricketts an additional 3/6d per week to each of her two younger children until they were eighteen or married.
8. Supply 5/231 dated the 8th November 1818, recorded persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in this manufactory, or who have been superannuated on accounts of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients mentioned was Ann Ricketts, whose father had worked in the Corning house. She was one of the daughters mentioned in (7) above, and received a pension of 3/6d per week commencing the 1st September 1805. Ann reached her 18th birthday on the 20th December 1818, when her pension duly ceased.
Supply 5/219
712
George (1)
Ridpath
00/00/1770
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc., Rates of Pay and Service.
1. George Ridpath (1) was employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, he had then been with the Ordnance for 9 months.
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that George was still employed as a Millman with pay of 2/3d per day, and that he was also allowed 3d per night when on duty. He had first been appointed on the 1st November, 1804 (Supply 5/232).
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Ridpath was still employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that a George Ridpath was a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
5. According to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, Ridpath was a Storehouse Man who earned 3/10d per day, having been appointed to this position on the 30th June 1813 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822).
6. Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 of January 1818 confirmed that Mr. Ridpath was still a Storehouse Man. He was brought up in the trade of a "Taylor", was aged 47, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 3 children. He earned 3/6d per day, in addition to which, he was a allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
7. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, listed those employees who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Ridpath's name was included in the Return, but with his pay reduced to 3/-d per day.
8. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) cofnrimed that Ridpath was still employed as a Storehouse Man, that he was married with 3 children and that he was 48 years of age. He had trained as a Tailor, was paid 3/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d every third night. He lived in Waltham Abbey in a tenement which had previously been occupied by George Pittendrigh, and formed part of Plot No. 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
9. Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820 updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged.
10 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Mr. Ridpath was 49 and that he then had 4 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey and was still a Storehouse Man. He was trained as a "Taylor" and still earned 3/4d per day. In addition, he was now a Rounder (checking that the Watchmen were alert, etc.) every third night, for which he received an extra 2/-d.
11 Supply 5/232 dated the the 26th January, 1822 gave George's age as 52 and recorded that he had 17 years' service. It also confirmed that he was paid 3/4d per day.
12 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821, appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated 23rd January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822).
It stated that George Ridpath, Storehouseman, had been appointed on the 1st November 1804 as a Millman, and was subsequently appointed Storehouseman on the 30th June 1813. It recorded that his total pay for the year amounted to £52.3.4d, that he had just over 17 years' service, was aged 52, and that he was a married man with 4 children who lived in Enfield. It also confirmed that he had trained as a Tailor.
13 In the spring of 1822, the Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced accordingly. Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people who were to be dismissed on the 1st June 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) and George Ridpath's name was included. However, according to a List of Employees dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) he had been retained and was required to carry out any type of work required, anywhere within the Manufactory.
14 Return dated the 1st October 1822 showing the alterations made since the 1st April 1822, (no reference given) indicated that by the Board's order dated 22nd May 1822, George Ridpath, Storehouse Man, had been demoted to a Labourer with his pay reduced accordingly.
15 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Ridpath was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested." His pay for the year was quoted as £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were as before..
16 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), George Ridpath had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and 15th January 1823.
17 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed that George earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowanc eof 2/-d per week for watching in turn . His period of service was given as nearly 20 years, he was aged 54, was married and this Return confirmed that he had been brought up to the trade of 'Tailoring' and that he had 3 children.
18 WO/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed he was still a general purpose Labourer, and gave his basic pay as £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making is total annual pay £39.0.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details.
19 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, recorded that Ridpath had been promoted to Storehouse Man in place of Abraham Bell who had been promoted to Master Mixer, although this position was under review. Ridpath was then paid a basic amount of £52.3.4d per annum, and was allowed to guard the works, for which he received, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him a total income for the year of £57.7.4d. His family and service details remained the same as before.
20 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave similar information as in the previous notes, and at that date, George Ridpath had 23 years' service and was 56 years of age.
23 Supply 5/205 dated the 31st January 1828, recorded that The Director General of the Ordnance Medical Department had agreed that George Ridpath should be supplied with a truss to prevent him incurring further injury (see note 38).
24 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in Note 20 above, except that he had then served for nearly 24 years.
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1818 updated George's age and length of service, with his family details and amount of pay remaining unchanged.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, again with family details and rate of pay remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date George Ridpath still earned the same as in Note 17. His length of service was given as 25 years, and in October 1829 he was 57 years of age.
28 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
29 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that George was 58, and that he had served for 26 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 20, and all other information remained the same.
30 According to Return WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831, George Ridpath still earned a total of £57.7.4d annually; he had then served nearly 27 years and was aged 59.
31 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
32 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
33 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, all other details remaining unchanged.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that George still earned a total of £57.7.4d per annum. His service was given as nearly 29 years, and his age as 61.
35 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that George Ridpath was now 62 years of age and that he had served just over 29 years. His annual income was still £57.7.4d, and all other details remained the same.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although George was still a Storehouse Man, his basic pay had been reduced to £43.10.0d per annum, although he was still allowed to watch in turn, which gave him total annual pay of £48.14.0d.
37 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and pay unchanged.
38 A Petition to the Board from Mr. Ridpath's wife, Susannah, dated the 7th September 1837, recorded that a letter from the Ordnance Surgeon dated the 10th October 1827 reported that her late husband, George, had had an accident in the cooperage in the performance of his duty, and that he had suffered a hernia. She stated that her husband had served the Board for 33 years and that she was left a widow with 3 children. She, therefore, requested a charitable donation of £12 (Supply 5/237)
39 A Return of Properties prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office at Waltham on the 20th December 1834, recorded that George Ridpath had been living in a cottage owned by the Board in Powder Mill Lane. He had lived ther since the 15th January 1825, and the annual rent was £5.4.0d (Supply 5/237). Another List bearing the same date and attached to that document, noted that George's cottage was vacant, and that it was proposed to let it to Henry Coreham, Corning House Man. When entering Powder Mill Lane from High Bridge Street this cottage was the second house on the left.
40. Information received from Dr. D. L. Ridpath indicated that George Ridpath was probably the younger brother of James Ridpath, who resided at 41, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, which now houses the Epping Forest Distric Museum.
Supply 5/224
713
Thomas
Ridpath
00/00/1791
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Ridpath was employed as a "Respective Officer's Labourer" in September 1810 at 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Thomas was employed as the Storekeeper's Labourer with H. Matthews at 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. Thomas was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner on the 13th February 1814; his pay was still 2/8d per day and when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
4 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated that Thomas Ridpath was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was a married man, aged 27, with 2 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. This Return indicated that he earned 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
5. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Ridpath, Saltpetre Refiner.
6. From information received from Dr. D. L. Ridpath, it appears that Thomas was baptised at Waltham Abbey Church on the 7th September 1791, and married Elizabeth Jones there on the 13th November 1814. In his teens, he scratched his name in the plaster of his uncle George's residence at 41 Sun Street. The signature in question appears in the "History of a Tudor House" published by the Epping Forest District Museum in 1982 (p.16).
Supply 5/228
714
George (2)
Ridpath
List of Officers, etc. Employed
1. George Ridpath (2) was employed as a Puntman earning 2/8d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
2. Further information received from Dr. D. L. Ridpath indicated that George Ridpath (2) was probably the son of James Ridpath.
Supply 5/230
715
James (2)
Ridpath
Information received from Dr. D. L. Ridpath
1. According to Dr. D. L. Ridpath, James Ridpath (2) was possibly the eldest son of James Ridpath, and may have been born in West Ham. He married Susannah Jones at Waltham Abbey on Christmas Day 1788.
716
James (1)
Ridpath,
Record of Personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. James Ridpath (1)born in Scotland in 1725, replaced John Godwin in the Corning House circa September 1793.
2. On the 11th November 1793 he was "drawing & setting stoves and in the punts" earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216). Winters, writing in his Centenary Memorial of the Royal Gunpowder Factory, recorded on page 51 that Mr. Ridpath lived at "Newton's Pool" in Edmonsey in the old Turnpike House, previously a pub known as "The Chequers" or "The Turnpike Inn "which ceased to be a licensed premise in 1796 (Licensed Victuallers' Returns). As well as working in the Mills, he cultivated a certain class of winter kale, since called "Ridpath Greens" (Winters, op.cit., p.51).
3. He enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
4. James was described as a puntman in June and July 1795 at the same rate of pay (Supply 5/217).
5. He was still a Private in the Voluntary Company (Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798).
6. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on pay, showed that he was literate and working as a general Labourer.
7. A Report dated the 8th May 1801, confirmed he was working as a Labourer, that was a married man, and that he had 5 children (Supply 5/221). Note: in this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
8. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801, confirmed that James was still employed as a Labourer, and that he was cleaning and deepening the river and canals as well as performing sundry necessary work (Supply 5/221).
9. On the 16th June 1801, the Corning House caught fire while undergoing repair; several men were badly burnt and others lost clothing. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221) it was stated that the men had requested that they be reimbursed for the loss of clothing, and James Redpath's (Ridpath) claim amounted to 5/-d for a hat.
10 Ridpath was working as a Labourer in the Saltpetre Refinery and in other parts of the Manufactory as required, with pay of 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
11. James was buried on the 24th November 1804, and hiw widow, Mary, on the 31st May 1807, aged 70 (WAGP, p.10). The house they lived in was sold by the executors of Mr. Ellis Were to the Board in 1805 (WO44/681A).
Supply 5/216
717
W
Rigsby
Petition on Pay
1. W. Rigsby was a general Labourer according to a signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay. This document indicated that Mr. Rigsby was literate.
Supply 5/220
718
John
Roberts
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. John Roberts was working as a Punt Man at 2/-d per day, and at the 30th November 1806, had 3 months' service (Supply 5/224).
2. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed, recorded that Mr. Roberts was then working in the Dusting House, earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (Supply 5/226 of the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/224
719
John
Robertson (also Robinson)
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. John Robertson (also Robinson) was employed in the Mixing House at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date, he had 1 year's service
2. He was still in the Mixing house in June 1807 according to Supply 5/226, and a note said that "in addition to his pay, he is allowed to Watch in turn for which he receives 1/-."
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that Mr. Robinson was employed as a Dusting House Man at 2/3d per day, and confirmed that "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
Supply 5/224
720
Thomas
Robinson
List of Artificers, etc. employed in the Engineers' Department
1. Thomas Robinson was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated the 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that Thomas was employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day and that he was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. According to Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Robinson was now employed as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Thomas was now a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
5. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. Robinson was employed as a Millman. He then earned 3/-d per day with an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/222
721
James
Robinson
1841 Census
1. James Robinson, a Labourer at the Mills, and his wife, Mary, lived in High Bridge Street North, together with Thomas Baldock (1841 Census).
722
John (1)
Robinson
Return of Employees
1. John Robinson (1) was employed as a Millwright in the Engineers' Department, and paid 3/6d per day. On the 10th August 1790, he received £1.6.3d for seven and a half days' work in the Manufactory, and signed for his mony in a 'fair hand' (WASC 1382).
WASC 1382
723
Richard
Rogers
List of Employees
1. Richard Rogers was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. According to a List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814, Mr. Rogers was then a Corning House Man earning 3/3d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
724
James
Rogers
00/00/1795
Return of Employees
1. James Rogers was first employed by the Board on the 3rd July 1815as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 20-year-old bachelor, living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
725
William
Rogers
00/00/1792
Return of Employees
1. William Rogers was was first taken on by the Board on the 16th October 1812 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/4d per day. He was a 23-year-old bachelor, living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
2. WO54/524 dated the 11th April 1818 recorded that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" at 2/4d per day, and this was also the case in 1819, according to WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819.
WO54/516
726
Samuel
Rolf
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Rolf was an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day, having first been employed by the Board on the 9th April 1814. He was a 28-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, and had trained as a Collar Maker (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
727
Edward
Roof
List of Employees
1. Edward Roof was employed as a Millman and earned 3/-d per day. In addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Mr. Roof was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
728
William
Rook
List of Foreman, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Rook worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and had been employed with the Ordnance for three months at the time of the Return dated 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224).
2. HE was still working in the Corning House in 1807 earning 2/2d per day, and in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807)
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, William was still in the same position, but then received 2/6d per day, as well as receiving 1/-d to watch in turn.
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Rook was still a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn, then for 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
729
John
Rook
Pay List
1. John Rook was a Bricklayer's Labourer. He was paid 16/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228.
730
Clark
Rook (also spelt Rooke)
00/00/1751
Personnel Record
1. Clark Rook (Rooke), transferred from Faversham in October 1787 (Supply 5/212 dated the 27th November 1788). He had been working as a Labourer in the Corning House at Faversham, and on the 4th January 1788, he expressed a wish to be transferred from
Faversham to Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/113). He was still a Labourer in the Faversham Corning House when he transferred to Waltham Abbey on the 8th March 1788, and at Waltham his name was recorded as Rooke.
However, there seems to be some confusion as to where this man did actually come from, because on page 31of Winters' Centenary Memorial (published in 1887) it was recorded that on the 27th November 1788, Clark was a Millman lately employed by Mr Walton, from whom the Government purchased the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills.
2. A Return of Employees working in the Storekeeper's Department dated the 21st March 1789, recorded that Clark Rook was in the Corning House and was earning1/6d per day (Supply 5/212).
3. Rook(e) is described as "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood" in Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789.
4. In September 1789, Mr. Rook is described as "Corning gunpowder", and at that date he was 38 years of age (Supply 5/214). From March to September 1790, Rook was still working in the Corning House (Supply 5/215).
5. In December 1790, he, together with Sam Ellenthorpe, was recorded as "sick but receiving their pay." (Supply 5/215).
6. In April to June 1791, he was recorded as being "at the Corning Houses" (Supply 5/215).
7. On the 31st January 1792 (Supply 5/215) he was described as a "Millman" earning 2/-d per day, as was also the case in July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216 dated ther 31st July 1792), February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793), August to September 1793, January 1794 and August to December 1794 (all Supply 5/216).
8. A letter to the Board dated the 28th January 1795 (Supply 5/217) referred to the death of Clark Rooke and stated "we are sorry to inform your Honors that yesterday afternoon as the Millwright (Edward Jones) and several Labourers were endeavouring to disengage the water gates at the mill head from ice, a great quantity of water which came down was let off to prevent the several buildings from being overflowed; in these endeavours Clark Rooke one of our millmen fell into one of the Gully streams (which was very rapid) and carried him under the ice of the Tail Stream at the Refining House, when he was taken up and every endeavour used by the surgeons to restore him, but without effect."
9. In his Centenary Memorial (p.58), Winters recorded that on the 28th April 1796, the Board agreed to pay Rooke's widow 1/-d per day from his death.
Supply 5/212
731
James
Rowland
00/00/1764
List of Employees
1. James Rowland was employed in the Engineers' Department as a Carpenter, and was paid 4/1d per day for 313 days, which gave him an annual income of £63.18.1d. His service was nearly 20 years, and he was aged 61, a widower, with 5 children (WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825). Various Property Returns indicated that between 1821 and 1825, Rowland lived in a cottage belonging to the Board at the juncton of Powder Mill Lane and High Bridge Street. This cottage, without a garden, had been purchased by the Board by auction in 1808 from the executors of a Mr. Barwick, and was part of Lot No. 2 in the sale. It was described by the Board's agent as follows:- "…is on the corner of Powder Mill Lane and it is desirable to buy this to pull the corner down to make a better turning circle for the charcoal wagons which from the lightness of that article are loaded o high as often they touch the eaves of the houses in Powder Mill Lane." (WO44/681A). The cottage forms part of Plot No. 61 of the Town Map in Appendix 1.
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry, and also recorded that he had trained as a Carpenter, and was employed by a contractor working at the Mills on the 4th February 1805.
3. WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826 gave identical information as in Notes 1 and 2, with the exception that Rowland was then 62, and he had then served for just over 21 years.
4. The information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 is the same as that indicated in the previous Return.
5. WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 recorded that at that date, Mr. Rowland had nearly 22 years' service and was 63 years of age.
6. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
7. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the basic information given in the previous notes.
8. Return dated the 1st October 1828 updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged. It also confirmed that Rowland had been trained as a Carpenter (WO54/562).
9. WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829, recorded that James still earned the same as he did in Note 1. His length of service was given as nearly 24 years, and he was aged 65.
10 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (no reference) updated his age and length of service, and his family and pay details remained unchanged.
11 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Rowland as in Note 1, except that his service was given as nearly 25 years and he was aged 66.
12 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that James was still a Carpenter and that his family details and pay remained unchanged, but length of service and age were updated.
13 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that James Rowland was one of the 7 Carpenters to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 4/1d per day and was required to undertake general services as a Carpenter in the Manufactory, requiring great care, attention, and sobriety, etc.
14 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, except that he was recorded as having 4 children. This information was repeated in susequent Returns, so it is possible that one child may have died.
15 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that James still earned 4/1d per day as in Note 13, giving him a total of £63.18.1d per annum. He had served just over 26 years, and was aged 67.
16 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
17 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that James still earned £63.18.1d per annum. His service was given as just over 27 years and at that date, he was 68 years of age.
18 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given in Note 17, except that James was then aged 69 years and had served for nearly 28 years.
19 Under an Order of the Board dated the 15th March 1833, James Rowland, Carpenter, was to be discharged and granted a pension of £20 per annum, until an opportunity to employ him again should arise (Supply 5/208 dated the 26 July 1833). He was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
20 A Return of Properties owned by the Board and prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office on the 20th December 1834 (Supply 5/237) showed that James was still living in his cottage in West Street (High Bridge Street).
21 The 1841 Census recorded that James Rowland, an Ordnance Pensioner, aged 75, was living in Silver Street. He was not born in Essex. Emily Litller, a 12-year-old girl, was his servant.
WO54/550
732
Thomas
Rowles (also Roles & Rools)
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Rowles (also Roles and Rools) started work on the 11th July 1790 "in punts & sett & draw stoves etc." earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215, dated the 14th August, 1790).
2. On the 11th December 1790, he is recorded as being "At the Corning House" and still earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated December 1790).
3. In January 1792, Rowles was "At the stoves" (Supply 5/215) and this was also the case from September 1792 to July 1795 (all Supply 5/216), but in 1795, he was also paid an extra 6d per night when on duty. Thomas also enlisted in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, and was made a Corporal, having served 30 years in the Dragoons (Supply 5/219).
4. Supply 5/219 dated September 1798 confirmed he was a Stoveman
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was literate and still working as a Stoveman.
6 Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was then working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with one child. Note: in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
7. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that Thomas was employed as a Stoveman, but that he was also engaged in cleaning and deepening the river, canals and ditches, and any other work necessary to be performed.
8. Rowles was still working as a Stoveman with his pay then 2/-d per day in May 1804; all Stovemen received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
9. A List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224) recorded that Thomas Roles was working as a Warder, earning 2/-d per day. He had 15 years' service at that date, which agrees with the first entry above. This was also the case in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, wherein it was confirmed that he was also allowed to watch in turn.
10 Thomas was still employed as a Warder in August 1812 at 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to round every third night at 2/-d (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
11 According to the List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814, Thomas was still a Warder, but he then earned 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, as well as Rounding at 2/-d every third night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/215
733
William
Rowley
List of Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Rowley worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806. At that date, he had 6 months' service, having started at the Mills in the summer of 1805.
Supply 5/ 224
734
James
Rowley
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. James Rowley was employed in the Mixing House earning 2/-d per day. He had nine months' service at that date, having started at the Mills in the spring of 1805 (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Rowley was still employed as a Mixing House Man earning 2/3d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/288 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Rowley was a Mixing House Man who was paid 2/3d day and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that James was still a Mixing House Man, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
5. Rowley was still employed as a Mixing House Man on the 13th February 1814, with his pay and conditions remaining the same as in Note 4 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
735
Thomas
Rowley
List of Officers on Employment
1. Thomas Rowley was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty." (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed the details given in Note 1.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 stated that Mr. Thomas Rowley was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/229). This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/227
736
Thomas
Rudge
00/00/1772
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Rudge was first employed by the Board on the 17th June 1813 as an occasional Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 44-year-old married man with 7 children who lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
2. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817 recorded that he was then paid 2/4d per day, and that all other details remained unchanged.
3. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, confirmed he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" at 2/4d per day, and this was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Thomas Rudge was still employed as a Labourer at 2/4d per day. He was then 48, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was still married with 7 children.
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was aged 49 years with 7 children, and that his terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged.
6. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821, was repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
7. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that he then only earned 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had nearly 10 years' service starting on the 17th June 1813. He was aged 50, a married man living in Waltham Abbey with 7 children
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Thomas, as a Labourer, was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days, which gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as nearly 12 years, he was aged 52, was married and had 7 children, abd the number of children remained constant at 7 for all further entries.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave the same detail as in October 1825, and confirmed his date of appointment as the 17th June 1813.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave the same information as in the previous Return.
11 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, gave the same information as those given in the previous notes. However, at that date, Thomas had nearly 14 years' service and was 54 years of age.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, updated the previous information given.
13 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information.
14 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
15 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829, confirmed that at that date Thomas still earned the same as given in Note 8. His length of service was given as just over 15 years and he was aged 66, although on double checking, the Clerk was in error - his correct age at the time was 56.
16 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged, and his age entered correctly as just over 56.
17 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that Thomas was 60 and had served 20 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £33.18.2d.
18 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 gave the same basic details, with his age and length of service updated,
19 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that Thomas still earned £33.18.2d per annum, and stated that at that date, he had served 21 years, and that his age was 61.
20 Thomas retired on the 21st November 1834 with a pension, which he was still receiving in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
WO54/516
737
William
Rudge
Return of Employees
1. William Rudge was first employed by the Board on the 5th August 1815 as an occasional Labourer, earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
738
James
Rumble
Return of Employees
1. James Rumble was first employed by the Board on the 27th November 1813 as a casual Bricklayer's Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 48-year old-married man living in Waltham Abbey, with one married child (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
739
Thomas
Rumbold
00/00/1721
Personnel Record
1. Thomas Rumbold was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28). A Record dated the 24th January 1789 (Supply 5/212) stated that Rumbold was to "be tried as a Millman". In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, however, in common with the majority of the workforce, it was recorded that he was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
2. Nevertheless, he was appointed as a Millman in the Corning House sometime after January 1789. His pay as a Millman on the 21st March 1789 was given as 2/-d per day (Supply 5/212) and he was still working as a Millman in March 1790, according to Supply 5/214.
4. On page 33 of his Cenenary Memorial, Winters records, "Sept. 9th 1789. This morning at 11 o'clock the two new Iron Mills blew up. Thomas Rumbold, the Millman on duty, had just liquored the charge and happened to be outside; he received no hurt. The master worker says this mill has frequently blown up."
5. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that Rumbold was 67 years of age, and confirmed that he was still employed as a Millman.
6. Supply 5/215 dated 11th December 1790, confirmed that Thomas was still a Millman earning 2/-d per day.
7. Rumbold became a Warder around June 1791, and was still working as such in January 1792, as well as July to September of that year (Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792 and footnotes added to that Return).
8. In February 1793 he was "absent sick but receives his pay" and a footnote to this Return (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) stated that his name had been ommited.
Supply 5/212
740
William
Russel
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. William Russel was an Overseer in the "Engineers' Department Established" and was paid 5/-d per day by the Storekeeper (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
741
Thomas
Sadd
00/00/1795
List of Officers, Foremen & Artificers, etc Employed by Storekeeper
1. Thomas Sadd was employed as a Cooper at 2/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. Mr. Sadd was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812, but by then his pay had increased to 4/-d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). On the 13th February 1814, his pay was given as 4/6d per day, but he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Thomas Sadd was still a Cooper and a single man, aged 23, who lived in Waltham Abbey; at that date he earned 4/-d per day, but was not allowed to watch.
4. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, recorded the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Thomas Sadd's name was on the list, with his pay reduced to 3/-d per day.
5. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/523) confirmed Sadd was still employed as a Cooper, and that he was still a bachelor, then aged 24; he still lived in Waltham Abbey and was then paid 3/6d per day.
6. List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supplyly 5/232) recorded that Thomas was then 25, that he was still single and lived in Waltham Abbey. He then earned only 2/4d per day, but was in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
7. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas was now 26, still single and living in Waltham Abbey. He was a Cooper with his wage restored to
3/-d per day, but he was not allowed to watch
8. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave Sadd's age as 27, with 13 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
9. Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded the length of service and other full details of persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. Thomas Sadd was appointed a Cooper at Waltham Abbey on the 13th July, 1809, and confirmed as such by the Board's Order dated the 4th September 1812. He had an annual income of £54.13.6d, and had originally been trained as a Cooper. He had served nearly 12 years, lived at Waltham Abbey, and was then married but had no children.
10 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that Thomas Sadd, Cooper, was to be retained.
11 List of Employees dated the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that Thomas then had one child.
12 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 13th July 1809. His pay was £54.12.0d. per annum.
13 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that Sadd's pay for the year was £54.12.0d and that his family and service details remained unchanged.
14 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) Mr. Sadd still earned £54.12.0d per annum. His service was given as nearly 14 years, he was aged 29 and was married with 1 child.
15 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Sadd was still a Cooper and that his pay was £54.12.0d per annum. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details, and all of these details were repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, wherein it was also stated that Thomas was employed in Cooper's work repairing barrels.
On the 10th July 1825, he was admitted to a cottage and 6 perches of land owned by the Board on the south side of High Bridge Street previously occupied by John Braddock. The annual rent was £5.4.0d (Supply 5/237).
16 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed his start date as the13th July 1809.
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826" except that he then had 2 children.
18 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Sadd had nearly 17 years' service and he was then 31 years of age.
19 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that he had then served for over 17 years.
20 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) also updated his age and length of service with family details and pay unchanged.
22 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date Mr. Sadd earned £62.12.0d per annum. His length of service was given as nearly 19 years and his age as 32.
23 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, again with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that Thomas was then 33 and that he had served for nearly 20 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 22, and all other information remained the same.
25 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Thomas was 35 and he had served for over 20 years. He was still earned a total of £62.12.0d.
26 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return with all other details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, all other details remaining the same.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that at that date Thomas was still earning the same £62.12.0d annually. His period of service was given as nearly 24 years, and his age as 37.
30 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 confirmed that details previously given were the same, except that Thomas had served 24 years at that date and that he was 38.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although Thomas was still employed as a Cooper, his basic pay had been cut to £52.4.0d per annum. His age was updated, but this Return stated that he only had one child.
32 Sadd was appointed Master Mixer on the 5th September 1834, and Master Worker on the 22nd October 1838 (WO54/623).
33 WO54/593 dated 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the note above; however, he was then 39 and had served 25 years.
34 A List of Properties owned by the Board prepared by the Office of the Royal Engineers on the 20th December 1834, recorded that Samuel Knowler's house, which was in Powder Mill Lane, was to be let to Mr. Sadd, the Master Mixer, with effect from the 7th November 1834. The cottage Sadd had occupied in High Bridge Street South was then to be let as an office to Lt. Col. Moody at the same rent of 2/-d per week (Supply 5/237).
35 Return of Staff dated 1st April 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed dates of appointments, etc. as before. His pay in this Return was given as £120 per annum. He was provided with a house, had nearly 30 years'service, was 43 years old, a widower, and this Return confirmed he had 1 child.
36 On the 16th April 1836 "two Mills exploded when shut up and not at work". Thomas Sadd, Master Mixer was called before Lt.Col. Moody as a witness (Winters, p.103).
37 Hugh Jones, the Master Worker, retired on the 20th October 1838, and Thomas Sadd was appointed to replace him (Winters, p.104). Once he had become the Master Worker, two cottages were to be converted back into one house for his use, forming Plot No. 96 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
38 On the 1st July 1840, Sadd was examined by James Wright, the deputy Storekeeper,concerning the house once occupied by Mr. Newton, who had been the Master Worker at Waltham Abbey for many years. The house on Horse Mill Island where Newton lived had originally been a stable, but as Mr. Newton's house at Newton's pond was falling down, the stable was fitted up as a dwelling house. When Newton died in February 1825, his house was converted into two dwellings. Hugh Jones, the late Master Worker, preferred to live in a house more convenient for his duty and preferred the quarters he occupied as the Master Mixer. This arrangement was approved of and so these matters remained for 15 years. Since Thomas Sadd was the Master Worker, the two cottages were to be converted back into one house for his use.
39 The 1841 census shows that Thomas was aged 45 and living with his 15-year-old daughter, Mary, in the "marsh" next to David Wilkie; this immediately places him on Horse Mill Island, living in the house built for William Newton.
40. On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House together with another 20 in the Press House. Seven men were killed and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was Thomas Sadd, the Master Worker, aged 47 (Winters p.106).
41. A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc. was given in the London Illustrated News dated Saturday, the 22nd April, 1843 (WAAC). All the documents catologued under WAAC confrm that Thomas left a widow and one child which indicated that he had remarried.
Supply 5/228
742
B
Samson
List of Artificers, etc. and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. B. Samson's start date was the 11th October 1796. He was a Corning House Man and a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September, 1798).
Supply 5/219
743
Thomas
Sarson
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Sarson was employed by the Board as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 4th January 1817. He was a 31-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, who had two children, was paid 2/4d per day, and had previously trained as a Brass Founder (WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817).
WO54/520
744
James
Savage
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. James Savage was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
745
Thomas
Saxe
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Saxe was employed as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
746
Noah
Sayer
List of officers, Artificers, etc. Employed
1. On the 8th April 1809, a fight, witnessed by Barnard Horrod, broke out in the Watch House between Salt Petre Millmen Barnard Presland and Noah Sayer, when the former struck the latter and killed him. Sayer left a widow, Ann. Presland was discharged from the Mills, but it is not known what punishment he received for killing Sayer (Winters, pp.67/68)
Supply 5/227
747
William
Sayer
00/00/1773
Pay List
1. William Sayer was a Millwright who was paid £1.10.7d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/512 dated September 1812 stated that in 1812 William was employed as a casual Millwright earning 5/2d per day.
3. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that Sayer was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department and that he had first worked for the Board on the 29th March 1806. He was a 42-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey with 2 unmarried children, and at that time was paid 5/8d per day.
4. Still employed as a Millwright in February 1817, but with his pay reduced to 5/2d per day. His family details remined the same (WO54/520).
5. Sayer's name does not appear in the records for June 1818 (WO54/524) or in subsequent records, so it must be assumed that he had left the Ordnance.
6. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that a William Sayer was living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance, Tenement No. 32, with a rent of £5.4.0d per annum. However, this William Sayer was a Baker and it is not certain that he is the same person. He continued to live in the Board's property for a considerable number of years. The property, without a garden, formed part of Plot No. 60 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and according to Supply 5/237, was in West Street (High Bridge Street).
7. The 1841 Census recorded that a William Sayer, a Baker, together with Joyce Sayer, both aged 70, were living on the north side of High Bridge Street near its junction with Powder Mill Lane. Sayer's age, bearing in mind that the ages in the 1841 Census were rounded down, indicated that he and the Millwright above were one and the same person.
Supply 5/228
748
B
Sayers
List of Artificers, etc., their Marital Status and Number of Children
1. B. Sayers worked as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 1/6d per day. He was a married man with 3 children. (Supply 5/221dated the 8th May 1801).
Supply 5/221
749
Henry
Sayle
List of Artificers, etc. and Members of Volunteer Corps
1. Henry Sale worked as a Labourer in the Corning House from the 8th August 1798, according to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798. This document also indicated that Henry was a Private in the Volunteer Company
Supply 5/219
750
John
Scovell
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. John Scovell began work with the Board in 1805, and was a Refiner in the Salt Petre House in 1806 (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). He earned 2/-d per day, and when not working was allowed to watch in turn.
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Scovell was still a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
3. Scovell was employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
4. He was still a Cylinder Man, but, according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, his wage by then had increased to 2/8d. per day.
5. At the 13th February 1814, he was still a Cylinder Man who earned 2/8d per day (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
751
Petre
Scovell
List of Employees
1. Petre Scovell was a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
752
Wm.
Scrivener
List of Foreman, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Scrivener was employed in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had 3 months' service, having started work at the Mills in the autumn of 1805.
Supply 5/224
753
Roger
Seabrook
00/00/1764
Record of Salaries
1. Roger Seabrook, a Cooper, was sent from Waltham Abbey to the Tower of London by coach, bearing a letter dated the 27th February 1789 from James Clowdesly to a William Waverly, requesting three bundles of Frick Hoops for whole barrels.
2. Seabrook was working as a Cooper in March 1789 repairing powder barrels, etc., for which he was paid 2/6d per day (Supply 5/212 dated March 1789). This was also the case in April to August 1789 (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 1789).
3. A Return dated September 1789, recorded that he was then 25 years of age, and was still repairing barrels (Supply 5/214). This was also the case in March 1790 (Supply 5/214), as well as August 1790 to January 1792, at the same rate of pay according to various Returns, all Supply 5/215.
WASC 475
754
John
Seagar
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.29)
1. John Seagar was a Labourer by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters, op.cit. p.29).
755
Samuel
Sears
00/00/1785
List of Employees
1. Samuel Sears worked as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation" and was paid 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. On the 13th February 1814, he wass recorded as being a Stove Man who still earned 2/8d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
3. Employed by the Engineers' Department on the 5th July 1816 as a Labourer "occasionally as the service requires", he was paid 2/4d per day. He was then a 35-year-old married man with 2 children, living in Wailtham Abbey (WO54/520).
4. WO54/532 dated the 13th September 1820, indicated that Mr. Sears was employed as a Labourer. He was then aged 36, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 2 children, He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
5. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 showed that he was aged 37 with 2 children, and that his terms of employment, etc. remained unchanged from the previous Return.
6. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
7. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that Sears earned 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had nearly 7 years' service beginning on the 5th July 1816. He was then aged 38, was a married man living in Waltham Abbey and this Return confirmed that he had 2 children
8. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Samuel was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer, which gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as nearly 9 years; he was aged just over 40, was married, and had 2 children.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 gave information which was the same as the previous entry, as did WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, and both confirmed his date of appointment as the 5th July 1815.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 contained the same detail as in the previous Return.
11 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 confirmed the details given in the previous notes, with his age and service updated to nearly 43 and nearly 11 years respectively.
12 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that Mr. Sears had then served just over 11 years and confirmed he was 43 years of age.
13 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as given in the previous notes.
14 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
15 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 stated that at that date Samuel still earned the same as in Note 7. His length of service was given as nearly 13 years and he was aged 44.
16 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
17 According to a Return dated the 1st April 1830, Samuel was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer (WO54/570). By then he had served nearly 14 years and was 45.
18 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Samuel was still working as a Labourer, with family details and pay unchanged, but length of service and age had been updated.
19 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Samuel Sears was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
20 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updateed his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
21 WO54/575 dated October 1831, confirmed that Samuel still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 7, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had now served just over 15 years and was aged 46.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832, confirmed that Mr. Sears still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as just over 16 years, and at that date he was aged 47.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that Samuel was now 48 years of age and that he had served nearly 17 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £33.18.2d.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 was a straight update of the previous Return.
26 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that Samuel still earned £33.18.2d per annum, and recorded that he had served nearly 18 years. His age was given as 49.
Supply 5/229
756
George
Sebe
List of Foreman, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. George Sebe started work in the Corning House in 1805 at 2/2d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 - confirmed Sebe was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Sebe was still employed as a Corning House Man but his wage had increased to 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Sebe was still a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 stated that Mr. Sebe was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
6. George was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
757
James
Selby
Pay List
1. James Selby was a common Labourer and was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
758
Richard
Serle
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Richard Serle started work as a Labourer at the Mills on the 5th May 1790 earning 1/6d per day, and was grinding Saltpetre, etc. in April to June 1791 (Supply 5/215 dated the 16th April 1791).
2. In Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793, his job was "Marking barrels", which was also the case in February to September 1793 (Supply 5/216), January to August 1794 (also Supply 5/216) and in December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
3. Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, confirmed that he was marking barrels and also attending in the magazine.
Supply 5/215
759
William
Sewell
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. William Sewell started to work in the Corning House early in 1805, earning 2/2d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that he was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and stated that in addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Sewell was still employed as a Corning House Man, then at 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that he was a Corning House Man who was paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Sewell was still a Corning House Man, but stated that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
6. Sewell was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
760
John
Sharp
Return of Employees
1. John Sharp was first employed by the Board on the 7th April 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day. He was a 50-year-old married man with 4 children, living in Enfield (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
761
Thomas
Sharp
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Sharp was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer on the 14th November 1815, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 52-year-old married man with 4 children and lived in Enfield (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
762
Joseph
Sheaf
List of Artificers, etc. employed by the Engineers' Department
1. Joseph Sheaf worked as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
763
Joseph
Sheffield
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Joseph Sheffield was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. The above details also applied on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
764
William
Shelbourne
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.56)
1. William Shelbourne was listed as the Master of The Mary Ann in 1805 (Winters, p.56)
765
William
Shepherd
Return of Employees
1. William Shepherd was first employed by the Board on the 4th November 1815 as an occasional Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 30-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey. (WO54/516 dated February 1816)
WO54/516
766
Phillip
Sherrin
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Phillip Sherrin was the bearer of a letter from the Comptroller,William Congreve, to the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey, requesting that Evan Jones be sent to the Royal Laboratory and that they take Sherrin as a Labourer in Jones' place (WASC 475).
2. In August 1790 (Supply 5/215) Sherrin was dusting and glazing powder, and this was also the case until February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793).
Supply 5/215
767
John
Shields
Letter
1. John Shields was a Carpenter employed by the Board. In a letter dated 23rd June 1801 it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately (16th June 1801) destroyed the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." (Supply 5/195).
2. In that list dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated, "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair" and included John Shields, a Carpenter. It continued, "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great..." and, "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
Winters (op.cit., p. 59) recorded that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and made it clear that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
3. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221) it was recorded that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Shields, whose claim amounted to £1.9.6d in all - for a hat (4/-d) shirt (4/-d) neckcloth (1/6d) jacket (6/-d) and sheets (14/-d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Shields, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances were made.
4. In a letter dated 29th February 1806 containing a Petition from Mr. Shields' widow, Elizabeth, aged 63 (Supply 5/224) it is evident that John Shields died two months earlier, having been severely burnt in the Corning House fire of 1801. The surgeon was of the opinion that "his days were shortened therefrom". It also stated that Mrs. Shields was a "hard-working woman of an exceeding honest good character..." and "...has had a great many children, none of which are in circumstances to render her any assistance, and now through age and infirmities not able to work and, therefore, is greatly necessitated." She, therefore, asked for "some small weekly allowance to keep her from poverty and want."
Supply 5/195
768
David
Shore
List of Officers and other Persons Employed
1. David Shore had been a Superintendent of Ordnance Tradesmen at Birmingham up until the 31st December 1813. Additional information given in Supply 5/232 dated 6th September 1822, was that he had been appointed Storekeeper at Gravesend on the 1st January 1817 and Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey on the 20th January 1818, at a salary of £350.00 per annum. In addition, he received an allowance of £25 for coals and candles, as well as a house upon the Establishment. In 1818, Mr. Middleton was 52, was married and had 3 children.
2. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in Employment and their Pay dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Middleton was still a Storekeeper, then aged 53, with all the other information given in Note 1 remaining the same.
3. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entries, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged.
4. A statement dated the 4th April 1821, "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) indicated that Middleton was living rent free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 4th February 1818, and that he rented some 17 acres of grassland from the Board at a cost of £39.17.0d per annum. His house and gardens were on the south side of High bridge Street opposite Powder Mill Lane, Plots Nos. 1973 & 1974 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map,
5. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821(Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Middleton was still Storekeeper, and recorded that he was then aged 55, was married with 3 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey, all other information remaining the same as before..
6. A statement dated 16th Feb 1822 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and 31st December 1821 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper", recorded that Midlleton's grassland had been reduced to 7 acres, with a rental of £11.17.0d (Supply 5/232).
Supply 5/227
769
John
Shore
List of Officers & Other Persons Employed
1. John Shore was listed on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 as Extra Clerk at £70 per annum, having been appointed to that position on the 20th July 1807.
2. According to a List of Officers, etc. Employed (Supply 5/228 dated 1st September 1810) Mr. Shore was employed as Third Clerk, still at £70 per annum, but with no allowances, and he was "not upon the Establishment." It also recorded that the date Mr. Shore was appointed to that position was the 26th August 1807.
3. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that Mr. Shore was appointed Second Clerk on the 27th July 1812 at £80 per annum. In addition, he was given £12 for lodging and £8 for coals and candles. This same document confirmed that his first appointment in the Ordnance was the 20th July 1807.
Supply 5/227
770
W
Sibthorpe
List of Artificers, etc. and Volunteer Corps Members
1. W. Sibthorpe was Apprenticed as a Cooper on the 21st July 1796 (Supply 5/219).
Supply 5/219
771
Martin
Sillcock
00/00/1757
Report of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Martin Sillcock was employed as a Refiner (Labourer) on the 13th April 1789 in the Salt Petre Refiinng House, and earned 1/6d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was 32 years of age, and a Report dated the 27th March 1790 (also Supply 5/214) confirmed that he was refining Saltpetre under John Baker. He continued to work in the Refining House from that date to February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February, 1793) and Supply 5/216 of August 1794, confirmed that he was still in the Refining House. Supply 5/217 of December 1794, gave the same information as given previously, as does the Return of September, 1798 (Supply 5/219).
2. Winters, (p.33) recorded that Sillcock was at the Mills working as a Refiner in April 1789.
3. Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795, recorded that he had become an occasional Labourer at the Royal Laboratory in the "last war". (American ?)
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed he was working as a Labourer, and that he was a single man. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801, that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged. Sillcock was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services may have been terminated and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
6. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, recorded that he was working as a Refiner, with pay of 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
Supply 5/213
772
Robert
Simes
00/00/1781
Return of Employees
1. Robert Simes was first employed by the Board as a casual Millwright in the Engineers' Department on the 13th September 1816, having originally trained as a Smith. He was a 38-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey who was paid 5/2d per day (WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817).
2. WO54/524 dated 1818 recorded that he was married, and WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, indicated that he then had one child.
3. Return dated September 1820 (WO54/532) recorded that Simes was 41, and confirmed that he still lived in Waltham Abbey, was married and had one child. He was still a Millwright at 5/2d per day and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
4. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was now aged 42, with all other details remaining unchanged.
5. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821 repeated the information given in the Return dated the 2nd April 1821, except that he now had two children.
6. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Robert was paid 5/2d per day as a Millwright for 313 days, giving him an income of £80.17.2d for the year. His family and service details were confirmed.
7. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Robert was still paid 5/2d per day for 313 days as a Millwright, which gave him an annual income of £80.17.2d. His service was given as nearly 9 years. He was then aged 44, was married and had 2 children.
8. WO54/550 dated 13th October 1825, was a repeat of the record dated the 1st April 1825.
9. WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826 gave identical information as given in Note 8, except that he was then 45 and had served for nearly 10 years.
10 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave the same information as the previous Return.
11 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 provided identical information as that previously given, except at that date Mr. Simes had nearly 11 years' service and was 46.
12 WO54/558 dated 1st October 1827 contained no basic alterations from the previous Return, except that he was listed as having 3 children.
13 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the previous Return.
14 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
15 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 confirmed that Robert earned £80.17.2d annually. His length of service was given as 12 years and he was 48 years' old.
16 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated Simes' age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
17 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Robert as before, except that his service was given as 13 years and he was then aged 49.
18 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that Robert was still a Millwright, and that his family details and pay remained unchanged. His length of service and age were updated.
19 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that Robert Simes was one of the three 3 Millwrights to be employed at Waltham Abbey. He was to be paid 5/2d per day, and his duties were as general service as a Millwright within the Manufactories, which required great attention, skill and sobriety, etc.
20 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return. All other details remained unchanged, except that he was then shown as having 5 children.
21 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Robert still earned 5/2d per day, giving him a total of £80.17.2d per annum. He had served for nearly 15 years, and was aged 50.
22 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832, confirmed that Robert still earned £80.17.2d per annum and that he had served 16 years. He was then 51 years of age.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given previously, except that Robert was then 52.
25 WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833 confirmed the same basic details as before, with his age and length of service updated.
26 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that Robert still earned a total of £80.17.2d per annum, and recorded that he was 53 years of age, and that his service was 17 years.
27 WO54/623 dated the 1st October1839, recorded that Simes was appointed as a Millwright on the Establishment in June 1834. He was a 54-year-old married man with 9 children living in a house in Powder Mill Lane, for which he paid rent, and at that date he had nearly 23 years' service.
28 A Return of Domestic Properties dated 28th May 1840 (WO44/133) recorded that Simes was living in a cottage previously occupied by Samuel Knowler Senior who had retired, and then by Thomas Sadd. The cottage, with a small garden of 7 perches, was listed as No. 21 in a "statement of monies due on the 31st December, 1821" (Supply5/232 dated 14th February 1822) for which he paid an annual rental of £12.10.0d (Poor rates ERO D/P 75/11/16). An analysis of the properties owned by the Board showed that the cottage was one of three built in 1815 from materials salvaged from the Horse Mills blown up in 1811. Restrictions were placed on the tenants, who were not allowed to have lodgers, and "no unnecessary diliapidations may take place on the premises being of timber etc." (Winters, p.82).
29 The 1841 Census recorded that neither Robert or his wife, Sarah, were born in the county, and listed 8 of his children living in Powder Mill Lane, Robert (20) Sarah (20) Elizabeth (15) James (13) Amelia (11) Christine (8) Help (6) and Josiah (3).
WO54/520
773
John (1)
Simpson
00/00/1753
Record of Personnel working In the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Simpson (1) started at the Mills on the 10th February 1790 (Supply 5/217 dated the 27th March 1790). From August to December 1790, he was a Labourer "in the punts and set and draw stoves etc." earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/215 dated December 1790).
2. He was upgraded to a Millman in April 1791, and was still working as a Millman on the 31st Jauary 1792 (Supply 5/215). This was also the case in February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793) as well as in January 1794 (Supply 5/216) and December 1794 (Supply 5/217). Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded in his Minute Book on the 6th May 1793, that Simpson, a Millman, was caught wearing nailed shoes on duty and chequered (fined) a day's pay (Winters, p.41).
3. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty according to Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd March 1795.
4. Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that John was literate and still working as a Millman.
5. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that Simpson still worked as a Millman, and that he was a married man with 7 children.
6. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that, although still employed as a Millman, he was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and performing other necessary work.
7. Simpson, Snr. was still employed as a Millman in 1804, but by then, his wage had increased to 2/3d per day. In addition, he had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill", i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/6d. By 1806 he had been employed with the Ordnance for 18 years.
8. John was still employed as a Millman at the 18th June 1807 with pay of 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226).
9. A letter dated the 4th January 1808, recommended that Simpson, Snr. be appointed as Foreman Millman (Supply 5/198).
10 According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Simpson was still a "Foreman of Millmen, allowed an house", and his pay had increased to 3/-d per day. The Board had purchased some 19 dwellings by 1808 in High Bridge Street and Powder Mill Lane, including 7 from William Hanscombe and his under-tenants, who were not named because they were in other purchases made at the same time (WO44/681A).
11 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Simpson was still in the same job, but that he then earned 4/-d per day, and confirmed he was allowed a house. He also earned an extra 2/-d every third night as a Rounder.
12 List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Simpson was still in the same job earning 4/-d per day, and was still allowed a house.
13 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. Simpson was still a Foreman of Mill Men. He was brought up in the trade as a "Taylor", was aged 65, resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 10 children. He earned 3/6d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 1/6d every 5th night.
14 A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) included the names of people the Board proposed to retain between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, together with their revised pay. John Simpson's name was on the list with his pay reduced to 2/8d per day
15 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Simpson was still employed as the Millman Foreman, that he was a married man aged 66 with 10 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey, trained as a tailor, was paid 3/4d per day and was provided with a house, and that he was also a Rounder at 1/6d every third night.
16 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entries, with his basic details on pay, etc., remaining unchanged. However, his pay as a Rounder was increased to 2/-d per night.
17 A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 of "monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper", recorded that John Simpson Senior, Foreman Millman, had been living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 29th June 1808 (Supply 5/232), and an extract from Properties Owned by the Board, compiled from the Rateable Value for Waltham Abbey for 1825, located the property as at the southern end of Powder Mill Lane near its junction with High Bridge Street, being part of Plot No. 62 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
18 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Simpson, Senior, was aged 68, was married and had 10 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey, was still a Foreman of Millmen, had trained as a "Taylor" and was then earning 3/4d per day, in addition to which, he was also provided with a house. He was also paid 2/-d every third night as a Rounder.
19 Empson Middleton, the Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey, wrote to the Board of Ordnance on the 15th September 1821 requesting that John Simpson, Foreman Millman, be granted a pension. He had served the Board for 31years and was then in a very ill state of health with debility. In their letter of the 16th November 1821, the Board agreed that he should receive a superannuated sum of £14.6.11.0d per annum (Supply 5/232).
20 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Mr. Simpson, Senior, was in receipt of £14.6.11d superannuation per annum. A similar document, (Supply 5/232) dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822.
21 Supply 5/205 dated the 19th February 1827, recorded that John Simpson had died, and that the Board had agreed that his wife could stay in their cottage for a period of 12 months on the condition that she paid a weekly rent of 2/-d.
22. A List of Domestic Properties dated 1840 recorded that a John Simpson had lived in the Master Worker, William Newton's house, which had been converted into two dwellings with a rental of 2/-d per week when William, the Master Worker, died in 1825(WAGP, p.110). Newton had lived on Horse Mill Island (Marsh Side or Wall), but it would seem clear that it was only intended that John and his wife, believed to be Sarah, should move from Powder Mill Lane into Newton's former house soon after the conversion, because from other documents such as WO54/554, it appears evident that John died in the autimn of 1826. Another record dated the 19th February 1827, confirmed that John had died and that the Board had agreed his widow could stay in the cottage they had lived in for another 12 months, on the condition that she paid 2/-d a week rent (Supply 5/205). This, coupled with details relating to Thomas Freeman (1), indicates that neither John nor his widow moved to Horse Mill Island.
Supply 5/214
774
John Jnr (also 2) also 1st
Simpson
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Simpson (2) was recorded as an Apprentice in the Mixing House in February 1793 at 1/-d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). A Return dated the 24th June 1795 (Supply 5/217) recorded that he actually began his Apprenticeship on the 1st December 1792, and this date was confirmed by Winters, p. 94).
2. John was still an Apprentice in January 1794 on the same rate of pay (Supply 5/216) as well as in August 1794 (also Supply 5/216). However, by December 1794, his pay had increased to 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217).
3. John's name does not appear in the list of those who joined the Volunteer Company in September 1798 (Supply 5/219) nor did he sign a Petition on Pay in 1800 (Supply 5/220) so it would seem, therefore, that left the Ordnance employment before completing his Apprenticeship. He is recorded as John Simpson (2) in a Return dated the 30th January 1806, wherein it was stated he was employed as a Milllman earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224) and the same document recorded that he had been employed with the Ordnance for 8 years. A Return dated the 1st April 1827 (WO54/558) gave his starting date as the 8th May 1805, which indicates that he had left the Ordnance employment but had returned at a later date.
4. It was recorded that John, Jnr. was employed as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House at 2/-d per day in June 1807, with a note "when not working allowed to watch in turn." (Supply 5/226).
5. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Simpson was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn.
7. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812, recorded that John, Jnr. (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner but that he then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. On the 13th February 1814, this was still the case.
8. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that John Simpson (2) was still a Saltpetre Refiner; in addition, it was recorded that he was a married man aged 35 with 4 children, living in Enfield and earning 2/4d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
9. A proposed List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December, 1818. John Junior (2) was included on the list with his pay unchanged, but he was then not allowed to watch.
10 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 recorded that Simpson (2) was employed as a Brimstone Refiner, that he was a married man aged 36 with 4 children and that he lived in Enfield. He was paid 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night (Supply 5/231).
11. List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Simpson (2) was then 37, still lived in Enfield and still earned 2/4d per day, but that he was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch. At that date he had 5 children.
12 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that John was 38 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 11.
13 List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of John Jnr. (also 2), Saltpetre Refiner, as 40, with 24 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
14 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded the length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. John Simpson, Jnr. (also 2) Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed an Apprentice to the Master Mixer at Waltham Abbey on the 1st December 1792, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had 24 years' service, was 40 years old, was married with 5 children, and lived in Enfield. He was originally trained as a Cutler.
15 List of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, recorded that John Simpson, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822).
16 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Simpson was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his pay for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
17 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) John Simpson, Jnr. (also 2) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December, 1822 and 15th January 1823.
18 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) confirmed that John, Jnr., Saltpetre Refiner, still earned a total of £39 per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn of 2/-d per week. His period of service was given as 32 years, he was then aged 41, was married and had 5 children. This Return also stated he was brought up in the trade of Gunpowder Making.
19 Return showing Pay and Allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given, and recorded that Simpson had been in continuous service with the Board since the 1st December 1792. His pay was £33.16.0d. per annum, but Winters ws in error because Simpson's service was not continuous.
20 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Simpson was still a Saltpetre Refiner and that his basic pay was £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making his total annual pay £39.0.0d. This document also confirmed his previous family and service details, and is repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
21 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826. However, from the 1st October 1826, he is recorded as John Simpson (1) because his father had died.
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826", although his starting date was confirmed as the 8th May 1805.
23 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes although at that date he had nearly 23 years' service, and he was then 43 years of age.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) provided the same information as previously given.
25 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
27 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that John Simpson (1) earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was just over 24 years, that he was 44 years of age, was married and had 5 children.
28 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Simpson (1) as in Note 27, except that he was then aged 45.
29 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that John Simpson (1) was now 45 years of age, and that he had served just over 25 years. His occupation was given as a Millman, and his pay as £44.4.0d per annum. All other information remained the same.
30 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, John Simpson was still employed as a Millman; he was 45, and had served for just over 25 years. He was still earning a total of £44.4.0d.
31 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return. However, he was then employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, with his pay reduced to a total, including his watch allowance, of £39.0.0d per annum.
32 Supply 5/207 dated the 8th August, 1832, recorded that John Simpson and three others were cautioned for being absent from their work for a whole day without leave, and warned that a repeat would result in their dismissal.
33 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return. It also recorded that Simpson was then a General Labourer within the Manufactory.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that at that date John (1) was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 28 years, and his age as 46.
35 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that his details were the same as in the previous Return, except that he had now served just over 28 years and that he was 47.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that John was still employed as a Labourer, that his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum, and that he was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d. His age and service details were updated.
37 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in previous Return; he was then 48 and had served just over 29 years.
38 A Return of Domestic Properties for 1840 dated the 22nd May 1840, recorded that John Simpson had lived in one of the cottages on the north side of High Bridge Street known as Bank Cottages, forming part of Plot No.48 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, for which he paid 2/-d per week rent (Supply 5/237). However, by 1840 he had been dismissed from the Mills for drunkeness, and from the 1841 Census, it appeared that he was working as a Farm Labourer, was a widower and was then living with the Durridge family in Sewardstone Street.
Supply 5/216
775
John, Junior (also 3) - in 1826 no2
Simpson
Letter
1. John Simpson Junior (also 3) was bound Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre in place of Samuel Knowler, who at that date had completed his term of Apprenticeship (Letter dated the 12th June, 1818 - Supply 5/202) and WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that he had started his Apprenticeship on the 12th June 1818.
2. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and 31st December 1818. Simpsons's name was included, with his pay shown as 6/-d per week.
3. List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that John Simpson (3rd) was an Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre, that he was 14 years' old, lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 6/-d per week.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 confirmed that Simpson was still an Apprentice, but that his pay had increased to 6/4d per week and that he lived in Enfield.
5. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that John was 16, with all other details given previously remaining the same.
6. List of Employees (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave John's age as 17; he was still an Apprentice with 4 years' service.
7. Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 appeared to be a more detailed and possibly more accurate Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that John Simpson was appointed Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre on the 12th June, 1818 at Waltham, that his total pay for the year amounted to £15.16.10d, that he had nearly 4 years' services, was aged 17 years, and was a single man living in Enfield, "bringing up as a Gunpowder Maker." (Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822)
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Simpson was still an Apprentice to the Saltpetre Refiner and that his pay for the year was £16.7.8d. His family and service details were confirmed, and he still occupied a house belonging to the Board.
9. According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), John Simpson, Jnr. (3) had his pay increased by ten shillings and ten pence farthing per annum, in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 12th June 1818 and the 1st August 1821.
10 According to the Return dated the the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) John Junior (also known as John 3) earned £18.4.0d per annum as Apprentice to the Master Refiner of Saltpetre. His period of Apprenticeship was given as just over 6 years, he was then aged 19 and was single. However, it would appear that he was discharged at the end of his Apprenticeship, since his name does not appear in the List of Employees dated the 1st April 1825 (WO54/550).
11 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 recorded that he was employed since the 25th May 1825 as a Labourer, setting and drawing stoves in place of James Pallett, who was then working in the Corning House. His basic pay was £33.16s.0d per annum, and he was also allowed to guard the works, for which he received, on average 2/-d per week, giving him an annual income of £39.0.0d.
12 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information is given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, although he was then listed as John Simpson (2). John Simpson, Snr, - John (1) - had died by February 1827.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 records, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
14 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date he had nearly 2 years' service, was then 22 years of age and was still single.
15 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as given in previous notes, with the exception that he had then served just over two years.
16 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
17 Return dated the the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, again with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
18 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date John Junior (3) still earned the same as in Note 11. His length of service was given as just over 4 years, and he was aged 23, married with 1 child.
19 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unaltered.
20 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, stated that John (3) was aged 24 and that he had served just over 5 years. His pay was still the same as in note 11 (£39.0.0d per annum). However, in this document he was recorded as being single. Possibly his wife and child had died.
21 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, John Simpson (3) was 25 and had served for nearly 6 years. He was still earning a total of £39.0.0d and was still single.
22 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, wih all other details remaining unchanged. He was still recorded as being single with no children, and was a Stoveman.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same as given previously.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date John (3) was still earning the same £39.0.d annually. His period of service was given as nearly 8 years, and his age as 27.
26 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that his details were the same as given in the previous Return, except that he had served just over 8 years and he was 28 years' old. He had re-married but at that date had no children.
27 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although John was still employed as a Labourer attending the stoves, etc., his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d, and this Return showed that he had 1 child.
28 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the previous Note, and showed that he was then 30 years' old and had served for just over 9 years.
29. Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that John was employed as a Labourer attending the stoves, with pay of £44.4.0d which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 34-year-old married man with 2 children who had 14 years' service (He possibly commenced at the end of his Apprenticeship, or left and later returned to the Mills).
30 A Return of Domestic Properties owned by the Board in May 1840 (WO44/133) recorded that he was living in one of five cottages known as "Bank Cottages" in High Bridge Street. He had possibly returned to Waltham Abbey following his marriage in 1833.
31 The 1841 Census recorded that John and his wife, Mary, although still living in High Bridge Street, had moved to a small yard forming part of Plot No. 60 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and by then had a family of 4 children. John continued to work at the Mills, and by 1855, was the Foreman of Stoves (Winters, op.cit., p.112).
Supply 5/202
776
Frederick
Simpson
Return of Employees
1. Frederick Simpson was appointed a Salt Peter Refiner on the 12th May 1830, according to a Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570). His rate of pay per annum was given as £39.0.0d; he was a 22-year-old, was single and had been brought up to be a Smith (a Gunsmith). A footnote to this Return recorded that on the 12th May, Simpson was "appointed a Labourer in the room of Samuel Turnham" - i.e., he had replaced Samuel Turnham as a Labourer, and was then promoted to a Saltpetre Refiner.
2. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated the October Return and confirmed Frederick was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner.
3. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
4. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged. This document recorded that he had trained as a 'Gun Smith' - possibly at the Small Arms Factory at Enfield.
5. Supply 5/207 dated the 8th August 1832, recorded that Frederick Simpson and three others were cautioned for being absent from their work for a whole day without leave, and they were warned that a repeat would result in their dismissal.
6. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
7. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date Frederick was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 3 years, his age as 23, and he was still unmarried.
8. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, gave the same details as the previous Return, except that Frederick had then served just over 3 years, he was 24 years' old, and was now a married man.
9. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that although Frederick was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, his basic pay had been cut to £28.5.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £33.9.6d. At that time he had 1 child, and his age and service details had been updated,
10 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the previous note; he was then 26 and had served for just over 4 years.
11 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that Frederick came to Waltham as a Labourer on the 8th March 1830, and that he had been employed as a Saltpetre Refiner from the 5th September 1835. His pay in 1839 was £39, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was then a 30-year-old married man with 2 children.
12 The 1840 Return of Domestic Properties (WO44/133) recorded "Frederick Simpson, a Labourer, was occupying a cottage, No. 71 on the general plan." The cottage has been identified as being in Romeland.
13 Although his name does not appear in the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey, an Elizabeth Simpson, aged 36, together with her young family, were living in Romeland. It is not recorded where Frederick was at the time.
WO54/570
777
William
Skinner
List of Foremen, Artificers etc, their rates of pay and service.
1. William Skinner was employed as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed Skinner was still employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day, and he was allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, William was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, but was then "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Skinner was still a Millman, but that he now earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he earned 6d per night when on duty. On the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) it was confirmed that he was still a Millman with the same rate of pay, with an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/224
778
James
Slaker
List of Foremen etc. Employed in the Manufactory
1. James Slaker was a Refiner in the Saltpetre House at 2/-d per day, and at January 1806 he had 1 year's service. (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
Supply 5/224
779
John (1789)
Smith
00/00/1762
Return of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Smith, Labourer, was born circa 1762/1763, and worked at the Royal Powder Mills at Faversham "attending the New Horse Mill". He was to be transferred as a Labourer glazing gunpowder to the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills in March 1788 (Supply 5/113).
2. He first appeared in the Waltham Abbey records on the 21st March 1789, described as a Labourer, "dusting and glazing gunpowder" at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/212).
3. In Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789, he was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood."
4. In August and September 1789, he was grinding Saltpetre, Charcoal & Brimstone (Supply 5/213), and Supply 5/214 of that year gave his age as 26.
5. A letter from the Storekeeper, J. W. Wright, to the Comptroller of the Royal Laboratory, dated the 10th October 1789, recorded that John Smith, a Labourer, came to Waltham Abbey from Faversham, and had been on the sick list since the 28th August 1789. "His disorder has been chiefly ague, I have frequently observed him to walk about at improper times for a person having that disorder upon him. Yesterday there was a Horse race at Enfield meadows and tho' the waters were so much out that no person could walk without being half leg deep in water yet Smith went there and stayed several hours in the Wet and Dirt which was dangerous for anyone in full health. The Labourers speak much of his behaviour and I am afraid it will be a bad precedent for others to play loose when they may happen to be unwell, I have mentioned this matter to receive your directions in what manner this man is to be treated."
6. The above appeared to be the last entry for this particular John Smith. It is possible, however, that he may have returned to work at the Waltham Abbey Mills on the 2nd June 1794 and described as "John Smith Senior", indicating that one of the other John Smiths listed in the records was his son, or, alternatively, that he was the eldest of three other John Smiths working there at the same time.
Supply 5/212
780
Thomas
Smith
Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Thomas Smith started work as a Labourer "dusting & glazing powder" at 1/6d per day, in late 1792 or early 1793. He was still there in August and September 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated 31st August 1793).
Supply 5/216
781
John 2 (Millman)
Smith
Return of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Smith (2) - Millman - started work as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 11th November 1793, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216) and continued to do so in 1794 (Supply 5/217) and 1795 (Supply 5/217).
2. On the 7th May 1794, he enlisted in the Volunteer Company (Winters, p.42) and this is confirmed in Supply 5/219 dated September 1798, which lists him as a Private who was employed as a Millman.
3. In 1795 he was employed "Setting & Drawing Stoves, etc." (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June,1795).
4. On the 7th May 1796, Upper 15 Head Mill blew up (having also blown up the previous February), and John Smith, the Millman, "threw himself down, by which he escaped injury." (Winters, p.52). The same Mill blew up again on the 13th February 1798, but without causing injury.
5. On the 5th December 1798 Smith, together with Richard Wright, was involved in another Mill explosion which was caused by putting too much powder on the beds than was allowed.
6. He was still a Private in the Voluntary Company (Supply 5/219, dated September, 1798).
7. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that John Sith (2) was illiterate. It confirmed that he was working as a Millman, earning 2/-d per day.
8. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still a Millman, a married man with no children.
9. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that, although still employed as a Millman, he was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and performing sundry necessary work.
10 Smith had apparently left the Mills by 1802, since no further entries for him could be found.
NOTE:- This John Smith, presumably, cannot be the one badly burnt when the old Corning House burnt down in June 1801, since he was fit enough to be digging in the river, etc. in November that year.
Supply 5/216
782
John (3)
Smith
Recocord of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Smith (3) started work as a Labourer in the Corning House earning 1/6d per day on the 2nd June 1794 (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795). He was still in the Corning House in July and December 1794 at the same rate of pay (Supply 5/216 and Supply 5/217). This man may well have been the John Smith who ceased work cica 1789, but returned to the Mills on the 2nd June 1794 as a General Labourer, and was described at one stage as John Smith, Senior.
2. In June and July 1795 he was "setting and drawing stoves" (Supply 5/217).
3. A Return of the Volunteer Company dated Setember 1798 recorded that he was a Private, and that he had started work in the Corning Mills on the 2nd June 1794. This Return stated that he was a Millman
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, showed that he was illiterate, and was still working as a General Labourer.
5. Mr. Smith was burnt when the Corning House caught fire on 16th June 1801. In a list dated 23rd June 1801 it was stated that "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." (Supply 5/195) This document went on further to say "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great." and, "Our Surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
6. Winters, in his book "Centenary Memorial" (p.59) stated that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April, 1801, and made it clear that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
7. In a letter to the Board dated the 29th July 1801 (Supply 5/221) it was stated that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June, had requested that they were reimbursed for their loss of clothing. The list included John Smith, whose claim amounted to £2.13.0d in all - for a hat (9/6d) handkerchiefs (5/0d) stockings (3/6d) shirt (7/-d) and sheets (£1.10.0d). The same letter goes on to say that John Smith, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
8. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) stated that John Smith (3) and others had been so severely burnt in the Old Corning house, that it would be dangerous to expose him with the other men in repairing the river banks at that time, but that instead, he may perform trifling jobs as they occurred. This appears to be the last entry for John Smith (3).
Supply 5/216
783
William
Smith
List of Artificers, etc., and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. William Smith was described as a Labourer "setting & drawing stoves and clearing willow plantation" in September 1798, earning 1/6d per day. He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company
2. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, shows that he was illiterate and was still working as a general Labourer.
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer refining Saltpetre, earning 1/6d per day. He was a married man, and had four children. Note: in this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
4. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or face dismissal, and Smith was one who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 did not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
5. An occasional Labourer by the name of William Smith appeared in the Engineers' Department records in 1812, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
6. A Report dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that a William Smith was working as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230)
Supply 5/219
784
John 1 (Foreman & Warder)
Smith
00/00/1772
List of Artificers, etc., in Storekeeper's Department
1. John Smith (1) started work at the Mills as a Labourer in the Salt Petre House on the 14th April 1792, earning 1/6d per day.
2. In August 1794, he was working in the Dusting House "dusting & glazeing powder" (Supply 5/216) as he was in August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and June 1795 (Supply 5/217)).
3. In September 1798, he was in the Dusting House and was still described as Smith (1). He was also a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219). This document also confirmed he had started at the Mills on the 14th April 1792.
4. He did not sign the Petition on Pay and Conditions presented to the Board in February 1800 (Supply 5/220). A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, was married, and had 3 children. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, recorded that he was the Foreman in the Dusting House, and that he had an allowance every 5th night of 1/-d for "watching" - presumably for fire, etc.
6. He was the Foreman in charge of 33 Millmen, 26 Corning House Labourers, 11 Dusting House men and 17 Saltpetre Refiners, according to the List of Officers and Others on the Establishment (Supply 5/222 dated the 28th March, 1805). Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, indicated that he was still employed as the Dusting House Foreman earning 2/6d per day, and had been employed with the Ordnance for 14 years.
7. In June 1807 he was described as Working Foreman of Dusting House, still paid 2/6d per day, and allowed 1/6d every third night as Rounder to superintend the watchmen (Supply 5/226 dated 18/06/1807).
8. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Smith was still a Dusting House Foreman, then earning 2/10d per day, and every third night he was allowed 2/-d as Rounder to superintend the night workers and Watchmen on duty.
9. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Smith was still a Dusting House Foreman, but that he then earned 3/10d per day, in addition to which, he was still a Rounder earning 2/-d every third night, as was the case at 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
10 Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) recorded that John Smith was now the Foreman of the Glazing Mill, and that he was a 46-year-old married man with 7 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 3/4d per day. In addition, he was a Rounder every fifth night, for which he was paid 1/6d each time.
11 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that John Smith was the Foreman of the Glazing Mill, and that he was a 46-year-old married man with 7 children, living in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 3/4d per day and an extra 1/6d as a Rounder every fifth night.
12 By 1818, economies were to be made at the Mills by drastically reducing labour. Supply 5/231dated the 28th August 1818, recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. The list recorded that John was no longer required as the Glazing Mill Foreman, but that he was to be retained as a Warder at the entrance gate with his pay reduced to 2/-d per day. By jumping to a List of Employees dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) it is seen that John Smith, the Warder, was 47 years old and had 7 children, which ties up with the age and number of children given in the earlier entries.
13 List of Employees dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Smith was still employed as a Warder, that he was a married man aged 47 with 7 children who lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day.
14 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that John Smith (2), a Warder, was now 48, was married with 7 children and still lived in Waltham Abbey. He earned the same 2/4d per day, but was now in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
15 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that John was then 49. All other details as given in Note 16 remained the same. These details were also confirmed by WO54/536 of the same date.
16 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of John (2), Warder, as 52, with nearly 31 years' service, and pay per day of 2/-d.
17 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. John Smith (2) was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 14th April 1792, and confirmed as a Warder by the Board's Order dated 4th September, 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the Works, for which he received an average of 2/-d per week by order of the Board dated 30th June, 1820, giving him an annual income of £41.14.4d. He also had a house "as porters lodge". He had served nearly 30 years, was 52 years of age, lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 7 children. His Porter's House/Lodge (Watch House) has been located as at the main entrance to the Manufactory, by the Engineers' yard on the west side of Powder Mill Lane, being Plot No. 91 on the Town Map in Appendix 1, and was to remain the family home until the late 1820's (Supply 5/232).
18 List of Persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Smith, Warder (Supply 5/232 dated the the 21st March 1822).
19 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that Smith was still a Warder and that his pay for the year was £39.0s.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed and he still occupied a house belonging to the Board..
20 According to a document dated 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), John Smith (2), Warder, had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
21 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) John (2) - Warder - still earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. This Return stated he had a "Cottage as Porters Lodge". His period of service is given as nearly 33 years, he was aged 52, was married and had 7 children.
22 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 14th August 1788. This date was incorrect and should have been the 14th August, 1792. His pay was given as £42.18.0d. per annum, and again, Winters is incorrect.
23 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Smith was still a Warder, and gave his basic pay as £33.16s.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, giving him a total of £39.0.0d per annum. His previous family and service details were confirmed, and he still occupied the cottage as a Porter's Lodge. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed his service and family details and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated 1st April 1826.
24 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes and at that date John Smith had nearly 36 years' service and was then 54 years of age.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that that he had then served 36 years.
27 Return dated the the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
28 Return showing employees at the the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that John Smith (Warder) still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, and recorded that his service was nearly 38 years, that he was then 55 years of age, was married and had 7children.
29 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for John Smith, Warder, as in Note 27, except that his service was given as 38 years, and he was then aged 56. In addition, it would appear that he now only earned £33.16.0d per annum. He was no longer a Rounder according to this Return.
30 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed the information given in Note 29, except that his service was then nearly 39 years.
31 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
32 WO54/581 dated the 1st April. 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return.
33 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged. He was still the Warder at the entrance to the Mills.
34 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, stated that John Smith (1) still earned £33.16.0d in his capacity as a Warder. His period of service was given as nearly 41 years, and he was then aged 59 and retained his cottage as a Porter's Lodge. According to this Return he was a widower with only 6 children.
35 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that his basic details were unchanged, but his age and length of service were updated.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that John (1) was still employed as a Warder. His period of service was given as nearly 42 years and his age, 60.
37 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed that John Smith (1 - Foreman and Warder) still earned a basic wage of £33.16.0d per annum, that he was 61, had served 42 years, and had 6 children.
38 John Smith retired in 1840 and his pension started on the 20th March 1840. His position was filled by William Livesey, acting Sergeant Major to the Cadet Company, and a retired regular soldier. However, Smith was allowed to act as the Warder until the 31st March 1840 "due to difficulty in finding suitable accommodation." (Supply 5/238). He had been offered a cottage on the south side of High Bridge Street on the site of the old Tanyard, but due to its poor state of repair he had refused to occupy it (WO54/133).
Supply 5/216
785
Richard
Smith
List of officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Richard Smith was employed as a Barrel Marker with pay of 2/6d per day (Supply 5/199 dated the 15th January 1801).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that he was a Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory, setting and drawing stoves and loading and unloading barges, etc., for which he was paid 2/-d per day.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Richard Smith was still a Marker of Barrels, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
Supply 5/226
786
Alexander
Smith
List of Officers & Artificers, etc. in Employment
1. Alexander (Alex) Smith was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." He earned 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn according to a Return dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227),
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that Alexander was employed as a Dusting House Man who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Alexander Smith was a Dusting House Man whose pay had increased to 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d. per night.
4. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that he was then a Corning House Man earning 3/3d per day, in addition to being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply5/227
787
John (Apprentice Cooper 1810-1814)
Smith
Employee List.
1. John Smith served as an Apprentice to the Master Cooper, Richard Todd at 6/-per week, with the Master Cooper being paid 6/-d week to train him (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.)
2. According to Supply 5/229 of the 29th August 1812, John was still Apprenticed to the Master Cooper, but then earned 6/2d per week, with his Master getting 6/6d per week.
3. This John Smith was not employed at the Mills in 1814 according to Supply 5/230.
4. John would have been born circa 1796/1797; the usual age of someone starting an Apprenticeship at the Powder Mills was somewhere between 12 and 14, and it seems possible, therefore, that this John and the John Smith who started work as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department in 1823 and was of the same age, were one and the same person.
Supply 5/228
788
James
Smith
List of Employees
1. James Smith was employed as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six day week (WO54/512 dated September, 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that he was still employed as an occasional Labour earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 5th October 1811 as a Labourer. He was a 52-year-old married man with 3 unmarried children, who lived in Waltham Abbey.
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, updated the previous information given and stated that he was paid 2/4d per day; all other details remained unchanged.
WO54/512
789
John (5)
Smith
00/00/1784
List of Employees
1. John Smith (5) was was first employed by the Board on the 10th July 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated the 19th February 1816). He was a 31-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
2. He was not employed at the Mills in February 1817 (WO54/520)
WO54/516
790
John (Eng. Dept.)
Smith
00/00/1797
List of Employees
1. John Smith (6) of the Engineers' Department was paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given 18 months, and he was aged 28, married and had 1 child (WO54/550 dated 1st April 1825).
2. WO54/550 dated the 30th October 1825, recorded that John Smith, a 28-year-old married man without issue (it is possible the child had died) joined the Engineers' Department as a Labourer on the 4th October 1823. This Return confirmed that he was paid 2/2d per day, giving him an annual income of £33.18s.2d.
2. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, while confirming the previous information, also recorded that he had 1 child.
3. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date John (6) had just over 3 years' service and was then 30 years' old .
4. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in Notes 1 to 3, but noted that he had 4 years' service and was over 30 years' old.
5. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information given in the previous notes.
6. Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with his pay unchanged, but recorded that Smith then had 2 children.
7. Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO564/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
8. According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570) John (6) was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served just over 6 years; at that date he was 33, and had 4 children.
9. Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that John was still working as a Labourer with family details and pay remaining unchanged, but his length of service and age had been updated.
10 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that John Smith was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory; he was to be paid 2/2d per day and was to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831).
11 WO54/575 dated April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
12 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that John still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 1, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. At that date he had served 8 years and was aged just over 34.
13 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
14 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that John Smith of the Engineers' Department still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as 9 years, and at that date he was just over 35 years' old.
15 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that John Smith was 36 years of age and had served for nearly 10 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £33.18.2d.
16 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 was an update of the previous Return.
WO54/550
791
Henry
Smith
Letter Book
1. Henry Smith was employed as the Acting Surgeon and was paid £60.0.0d per annum.
Supply 5/238
792
John
Smithe (Also Smith)
List of Officers and Articifers, etc.
1. John Smithe (also Smith) was employed to mark gunpowder barrels at 2/-d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that a John Smith, Marker of Barrels, was paid 2/3d day and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
Supply 5/227
793
George
Sole
Return of Employees
1. George Sole was an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, having first been employed by the Board on the 16th May 1814. He was a 50-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
794
James
Somerville
Winters, (p.33)
1. James Sommerville/Somerville was at the Mills in April 1789 working as a Labourer in the Saltpetre Refinery (Winters, p.33).
795
William
Sorrell
List of Employees
1. William Sorrell was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation," paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. He was employed as a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) and paid 3/3d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/229
796
John (1)
Speller
00/00/1771
Personnel Return of those working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Speller (1) started work at the Mills as a Labourer on the 1st December 1791, earning 1/6d per day "mixing compositions" (Supply 5/215 dated the 30th January 1792). In July to September 1792, he was "Dusting & glazing powder" (Supply 5/216) and in March 1793, he returned to work grinding saltpetre and charcoal, replacing William Goodhew. He was still grinding Saltpetre in September 1793 to August 1794 (Supply 5/217) and in December 1794 (Supply 5/218). WO54/554 dated the the 1st October 1826 gave his start date as the 29th November 1791.
2. John enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794, and a Report dated the 24th June 1795 on established Artificers & Labourers employed at the Powder Mills, recorded that Speller was a "Salt Petre Millman" with his pay remaining at 1/6d per day. This was also the case in July 1795 (Supply 5/217).
3. John remained a Private in Voluntary Company, according to Supply 5/219 dated September 1798.
4. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was literate and still working as a Millman.
5. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman earning 2/-d per day. It also confirmed that he was a married man with 3 children.
6. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221), showed that, although still employed as a Millman, he was at that time, cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and performing other sundry necessary work.
7. John was still a Millman in 1804, but his wage had increased to 2/3d per day. He also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill", i.e., the night-shift rate was 2/ 6d (Supply 5/222). This was also the case in 1806 when he had been employed with the Ordnance for 14 years (Supply 5/224).
8. Speller was till employed as a Millman in June 1807 with the same pay of 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226).
9. According to an entry dated the 23rd August 1808 in Supply 5/227, Speller was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
10 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that he was still a Millman who was paid 2/3 day, but that he was then allowed 6d night when on duty.
11 List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed John Speller was still a Millman but that his wage had increased to 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that Speller was still a Millman with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
12 Supply 5/231 and WO54/524 confirmed that Mr. Speller (1) was still a Millman, aged 36, residing in Waltham Abbey, and that he was married with 4 children. He earned 2/8d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
13 Supply 5/231 recorded the names of the people who were to be retained between the 3rd September and 31st December 1818. John Speller's name was included, with his pay and allowances remaining unchanged.
14 List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/523) confirmed that Speller was still employed as a Millman, that he was a married man of 45 with 4 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. This Return recorded that he was paid 2/8d per day and that he was allowed an additional 6d when on night duties.
15 Return of Employees dated the the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged.
16 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Speller was 47 years of age. All of his other details remained the same as in Note 14.
17 Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822, recorded that John Speller, Millman, aged 50, had 30 years' service and was paid 2/8d per day.
18 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every drescription of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It confirmed that John Speller,
Millman, was appointed on the 29th November 1791 as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey, and that his position on the Establishment as a Millman was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him total pay for the year of £46.18.8d. He had 30 years' service, was aged 50, was a married man with 5 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
19 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Speller, Millman, who was to be retained.
20 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Speller was still a Millman and that his pay for the year was £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn at 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
21 According to document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) John Speller (1) had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823 recorded that he was still a Millman and that his annual wage was £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn which, on average, earned him 2/-d per week. His service and family details were confirmed.
21 Return showing pay and allowances, etc., dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp 93/95) confirmed the previous information given and that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 29th November 1791. His pay was £44.4.0d per annum.
22 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his basic pay as £39.0.0d per annum, and recorded that he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, i.e., a total annual income of £44.4.0d. It also confirmed his previous family and service details. These details were repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
23 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, and, in turn, WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
24 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded that there was no alteration since the Report dated the 1st October 1826."
25 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded the same information as in the notes above. At that date John Speller had nearly 36 years' service and he was then 56 years of age.
26 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirmed the same information as in the previous notes, with the exception that he had now served just over 36 years.
27 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
28 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining the same.
29 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 confirmed that at that date John (1) still earned the same as in Note 22. His length of service was given as nearly 38 years, and that at that date he was aged 57.
23 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that John Speller (1) was now 58 years of age and that he had served for nearly 39 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 22, and all other information remained the same.
25 According to the Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 John Speller (1) was now 59 and had served for just over 39years. He still earned a total of £44.4.0d per annum.
26 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, except that he was then allowed night duties at 6d per night and his annual pay had, therefore, increased to £46.16.0d.
28 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that Mr. Speller (1) still earned a total of £46.16.0d per annum. His service was given as just over 41 years, and his age as 61.
30 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 stated that John Speller (1) was 62 years of age and had served for 41 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £46.16.0d, and his family details remained the same.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that although John was still employed as a Millman, his basic pay had been cut to £32.12.6d per annum. He was still allowed to watch in turn and also received an extra 6d when working at night, which increased his annual pay to £39.3.0d. His age and service details were updated.
32 On the 16th April 1834, two Mills exploded, and, when not at work, John Speller, Millman, was called before Lt.Col. Moody as a witness (Winters, p.103).
33 WO54 dated the 1st October 1834 (no reference found), updated the April 1834 Return for service and age, with his conditions and pay remaining unchanged.
34 John Speller, Millman, died, and his wife, Sarah, was awarded a pension with effect from the 18th November 1836 (Supply 5/237).
Supply 5/215
797
William
Speller
Record of personnel working in Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Speller started work as a Labourer at the Corning Houses on the 11th November 1793, earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793). He was still in the Corning House in January 1794 (Supply 5/216) in August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and in December 1794 to July 1795 (Supply 5/217). He also enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794.
2. Speller was a Refiner and still a Private in Voluntary Company in September 1798 (Supply 5/219).
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800, relating to a Petition on Pay, indicated that he was lilliterate and was working as a Labourer in the Refining House.
4. Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer and that he was a married man with 1 child. Note, in this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and Speller was one of those who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated, and that he was subsequently re-engaged.
6. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, recorded that William was then working as a Refiner at 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn "to watch" - on average every 5th night.
7. Speller was still a Refiner in the Saltpetre House on the 30th January 1806, with pay of 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 12 years' service. This was the last entry for William Speller.
Supply 5/216
798
James
Speller
00/00/1782
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed
1. James Speller, according to Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800 which related to a Petition on Pay, was literate and was working as a general Labourer. Supply 5/232 dated the 6th September 1822, recorded that he started at the Mills on the 24th January 1800.
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was working as a Labourer, that he was unmarried and earning 1/6d per day. Note: In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and James Speller was one of those who agreed to go (Winters, p.60). However, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840 does not record his name, so it can only be assumed his services were not terminated, because, according to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, he was working in the Corning House as a Labourer. His pay was 2/1d per day, and all Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that James Speller was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and that he had been employed with the Ordnance for 8 years (this must be a clerical error and should read 6 years).
4. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807 showed James was then working in the Dusting House earning 2/1d per day. In addition, Dusting House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
5. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, James Speller was employed as a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that James was still a Millman who was paid 2/3 day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
7. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 recorded that Mr. James Speller was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He was still a Millman on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
8. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that he was employed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves. He was a married man aged 37 with 4 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. He then earned 2/-d per day, but was not allowed to watch..
9. A List of Employees dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of those employees who were to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. James Speller's name was on the list as a Saltpetre Refiner with his pay unchanged, and he was not allowed to watch.
10 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that James Speller was now employed as a Brimstone Refiner, that he was married man aged 38 with 5 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
11 List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) stated that Mr. James Speller was 39, that he still lived in Waltham Abbey and that he had 5 children. He still earned 2/4d per day, but was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
11 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that James was 40 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same as in Note 9.
12 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of James, Saltpetre Refiner, as 40, with 22 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
13 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821, and appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that James Speller, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 24th January 1800, and that by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, he was confirmed as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him a total annual income of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821 he had 22 years' service, was 40 years old, was married with 5 children , and lived in Waltham Abbey.
14 List dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included James Speller, Millman, who was to be retained. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 recorded that Speller was still a Millman, and that his pay for the year was £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were confirmed.
15 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), James Speller had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the the 27th December 1822 and the15th January 1823. WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1823, recorded that he was still a Millman and that his annual pay was £44.4.0d, which included an allowance for watching the works in turn for which, on average, he received 2/-d per week.. His family details were confirmed.
16 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp. 93/95), confirmed previous information given, and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 24th January 1800. His pay was given as £44.4.0d per annum.
17. The above information is repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
18 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 gave his basic pay as £39.0.0d per annum, and he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making a total annual income of £44.4.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous service details but recorded that he now had 6 children.
19 WO54/554 dated the 1st Apri,l 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, and WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded that there had been no alteration to the last report of the 1st October 1826.
21 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as before, but at that date, James Speller had nearly 28 years' service and was then 45 years of age.
22 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as given previously, with the exception that he had now served just over 28 years.
23 Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, family details and pay remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, confirmed that at that date James still earned the same as recorded in Note 18. His length of service was given as nearly 30 years, and he was then aged 46.
26 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, family and pay details remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that James Speller was now 47 and that he had served for nearly 31 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 18, and all other information remained unaltered.
28 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, James was then 48 and had served for just over 31 years. He was still earning a total of £44.4.0d.
29 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged except that he was then allowed night duties at 6d per night, and, therefore, his total pay had become £46.16.0d per annum.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
32 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that James still earned a total of £46.16.0d per annum. His service was given as nearly 34 years, and his age as 50.
33 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that James Speller had died since the last Report.
Supply 5/220
799
Edward (1)
Speller
00/00/1768
Pay List
1. Edward Speller (1) was a Bricklayer who was paid £1.9.9d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed that he was employed as a casual Bricklayer earning 4/7d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 23rd July 1806. He was a 38-year-old widower with 3 unmarried children, living in Waltham Abbey
3. WO54/520 dated the 28th February 1817, recorded that Edward Speller (1) was in receipt of 4/1d per day, with all other details remaining the same. This appears to be the last entry for Edward, the Bricklayer.
Supply 5/228.
800
John (2)
Speller
List of Officers Employed
1. John Speller (2) was employed as a Cooper on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) at 1/9d per day. He was not allowed to watch.
2. John (2) appears to have left the Mills by 1818, and would have been too young to have been the John Speller, Cooper, who was making cement casks for Harwich in 1825, i.e., John (3).
Supply 5/230
801
Edward (4)
Speller
00/00/1801
Return of Employees
1. Edward Speller (4) was a Cooper, a single man aged 17, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 3/6d per day, although he was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818).
Supply 5/231
802
John (3)
Speller
00/00/1803
Return of Employees
1. John Speller (3) was a 22- year-old single man who was employed for three months as a Cooper, making cement casks for Harwich. He earned £54.12.0d per annum, and had been trained as a Cooper (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
WO54/550
803
Francis
Speller
00/00/1812
Return of Employees
1. Francis Speller was engaged as a general Labourer on the 2nd October 1833, replacing James Speller who had died. Francis was a 21-year-old single man who earned basic pay of £28.5.6d per annum; he was also allowed to watch in turn, which increased his total annual pay to £33.9.6d.
2. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that Francis Speller was still employed as a general Labourer, with all his other details remaining the same as in Note 1. He was still 21 and single, but by then had served 6 months.
3. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834, confirmed the information given in the note above; at that date he was 22 years of age, and had served for 1 year.
WO54/593
804
Edward (3)
Speller
00/00/1798
List of Employees
1. Edward Speller (3) was a Cooper. He was a single man, aged 20, who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 3/6d per day, but he was not allowed to watch. (List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 - Supply 5/231)
2. The above information was updated by WO54/524 of the same date, which was an original document. This document confirmed his age was 20, but stated that he was paid 4/-d per day. All other details were the same.
Supply 5/231
805
Edward (2)
Speller
00/00/1773
List of Employees in the Engineers' Dept.
1. Edward Speller (2) first worked for the Board as a Labourer within the Engineers' Department on the 21st May 1804. He was aged 49, married with 5 children and lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821). WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 recorded that he was paid 4/1d per day as a Carpenter for 313 days, which gave him an income of £63.18.1d for the year. He appeared to have been taken on the Establishment with other Carpenters on the 8th March, 1822, and had 19 years' service starting on the 21st May1804. At that date he was 50 years of age, and he had trained as a Carpenter.
2. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Edward was still paid 4/1d per day for 313 days as a Carpenter. In 1825 his service was 21years, and at that date he was just over 52 years' old.
3. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry. It also recorded that he had been employed by a contractor working at the Mills on the 21st May 1804.
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information, except that Edward was then just over 53 years of age, and his service was given as 22 years.
5. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave the same information as the previous Return,
as did WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, although Mr. Speller then had 23 years' service and his age was given as just over 54 years.
6. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded no basic alterations from the previous Return.
7. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as given in the notes above.
8. Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO564/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
9. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Edward as previously, except that his service was given as 26 years and he was aged nearly 58.
WO54/536
806
George
Stacey
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers
1. George Stacey worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, and at the 30th January 1806, had 1 year's service (Supply 5/224).
2. He was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day, but in addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Stacey was still employed as a Corning House man then earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Stacey was a Corning House man who was paid 2/6d day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
807
James
Stachen
List of officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. James Stachen was employed as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House, earning 2/-d per day, and when not working, was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Stachen was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day and, "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn." His name does not appear in the 1810 or 1812 records.
.
Supply 5/226
808
George
Staker
List of Employees
1. George Staker was employed as a Cooper and was 13 when he started to work, according to a List of Employees dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230). He earned 1/9d per day, and was not allowed to watch.
2. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that George Staker was employed as a Cooper, that he was a single man aged 17 who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 3/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch.
3. In a letter dated September1818 it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Mr. George Staker (Supply 5/231).
Supply 5/231
809
James
Staker
Return of Employees
1. James Staker was working as a Saltpetre Refiner in February 1814. He earned 2/8d per day and was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/230
810
Joseph
Stanton
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. Joseph Stanton started work as a Refiner in the Salt Petre House at the Mills in September 1805, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. In June 1807 he was described as a Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory, setting and drawing stoves and loading and unloading barges, etc. (Supply 5/226).
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Stanton was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d. per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Joseph was a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Stanton was still a Saltpetre Refiner but that he then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn.
6. Stanton was employed as Marker of Barrels on the 13th February 1814 earning 3/3d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
811
Robert
Steel
Return of Employees
1. Robert Steel was first employed by the Board as a casual Millwright in the Engineers' Department on the 19th February 1812. He was a 35-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey with 3 unmarried children, and was paid 5/8d per day (WO54/516).
2. His details were updated in WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817, where his pay was recorded as only 5/2d per day.
WO54/516
812
Richard
Stevens
Personnel Record
1. Richard Stevens, Labourer, was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. Thereafter, he was employed as a Millman "...having lately worked for Mr Walton." (Winters, op.cit. p.31)
3. On the 24th January 1789, Richard was judged to be unfit for service, and a letter from J. Wright and J. Clowdesly to Major Congreve dated the 12th September 1789, stated that they had given notice to Richard Stevens, who was not to be employed after the 20th of that month (WASC 1392).
Supply 5/212
813
William
Stevens
Record of Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Stevens worked as a Labourer in the Corning House in January 1792, at a daily rate of 1/6d (Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792). By May 1804, his pay had increased to 2/1d per day, and all Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average, every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. William was promoted to being a working Foreman in the Corning Houses after 1803, and was then paid 2/6d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) . At January 1806, his service with the Ordnance was 3 years.
3. In June 1807, he was described as a working Foreman of Corning Houses with the same pay of 2/6d per day, and allowed 1/6d every 3rd night as a Rounder superintending the watchmen (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
4. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Stevens was still a Foreman of Corning Houses, but he then earned 3/-d per day; every 3rd night he was also allowed 2/-d as a Rounder to superintend the Watchmen on duty. This was also the case during 1810.
5. At 11.15 on the 27th November 1811 there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House, and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning and Reel Houses which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was William Stevens, who left a widow, Elizabeth, a daughter, Elizabeth, aged 11, and a son, John, aged 3 years (Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd December 1811). Elizabeth Stevens received a weekly pension of 21/-d per week with effect from the 14th December 1811 (Winters, p.87).
6. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (5/231) listed the persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Honourable Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in the Manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received or for length of service in the departments, were to be paid. Among the recipients was Elizabeth Stevens, who received a pension of 21/-d per week, commencing the 28th November 1811.
7. Elizabeth was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821).
8. A document dated 6th December, 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Elizabeth's superanuation should continue at £54.12.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, as well as in 1826 (Winters, p.96).
8. Elizabeth Stevens died in December 1832 (Supply 5/207 dated the 28th December 1832).
Supply 5/215
814
Joseph
Stevens
Return of Employees
1. Joseph Stevens was employed as a Cooper with pay of 1/9d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Joseph was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814, but at that date his pay was 2/4d per day, but he was still not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
815
C
Stewart
Winters, p.32
1. C. Stewart was a Mixer working at the Mills in November 1789 according to Winters, p.32, but no further details could be found for this man.
816
Michael
Stokes
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.55)
1. Michael Stokes, according to Winters (p.55), was the Master of the Amherst in 1792, and Master of the The Earl of Chatham in 1805.
817
Thomas
Story
List of Officers Emp;oyed
1. Thomas Story worked in the Corning House as a Labourer with pay of 2/1d per day; all Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
818
Benjamin
Stroud
1841 Census
1. Benjamin Stroud was a 20-year-old Labourer lodging with the Rapley family in High Bridge Street South (1841 Census).
819
John
Sulliven
Return of Employees
1. John Sulliven was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
820
Michael
Summers
00/00/1782
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Michael Summers was employed in 1805, and appointed as a Millman on the 30th January 1806 at 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806). At that date he had 3 months' service.
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, recorded that he was still employed in the same capacity and at the same rate of pay at that date, but was then allowed 3d per night when on duty.
3. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Michael was still a Millman earning 2/3d per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that he was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
5. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Summers was still a Millman, but that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. He remained a Millman according to Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, with the same rate of pay and additional 6d per night when on duty.
6. In a letter dated 10th December 1817 (Supply 5/201) it was stated that the dwelling house formerly occupied by James Alsup, "will be ready to let in two distinct tenements on the 31st instant" and that, "those tenements should be let at 3/-d per week each to John Braddock, Foreman of Magazines and Michael Summers, Millman." The property has been identified as one of 5 cottages on the south side of High Bridge Street, almost opposite Powder Mill Lane in the old Tanyard. However, no evidence has been seen which indicated that he ever lived there.
7. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. Michael Summers was still a Millman, that he was 45 years' old and resided in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 5 children. According to this Return, he only earned 2/8d per day, in addition to which he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
8. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Summers' name was included, with his pay and allowances unchanged
9. A letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Michael Summers.
10 List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Summers was still employed as a Mill Man, that he was a married man of 46 with 5 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. It confirmed he was paid 2/8d per day and allowed an additional 6d when on night duties.
11 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entries above with basic pay, etc. remaining unchanged. At that date he had 6 children.
12 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Summers was aged 39, that he was married and had 5 children. He still lived in Waltham Abbey and worked as a Millman. His pay at this date was the same as in Note 10, with the same allowance when on night duties.
13 List of Employees dated the the 26th January 1822 recorded that Michael Summers, Mill Man, was aged 39, was paid 2/8d per day and had 16 years' service (Supply 5/232).
14 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that Michael Summers,
Millman, was appointed on the 30th January 1806 at Waltham Abbey, and his position on the Establishment as a Millman was confirmed by an order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, and this gave him total pay for the year of £46.18.8d. He had 16 years' service, was aged 39, was married with 5 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
15 Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated October 1st 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed previous information given. His pay was £33.16.0d. per annum, but that, however, appears to be in error. The names in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 did not include Michael Summers, indicating that possibly he had left the Mills. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed this, and recorded that Summers was appointed as a Saltpetre Refiner on the 10th February 1826 and that he had 2 months' service. His basic pay was £33.16.0d per annum and he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 2/-d per week, giving him an annual income of £39.0.0d. He was a married man aged 42 with 7 children
16 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, and confirmed that he was re-appointed on the 10th February 1826.
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
18 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. It stated that at that date Michael Summers had nearly 2 years' service and was then 44 years' old.
19 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as in the previous notes, except that he had then served over 2 years.
20 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service with family details and pay remaining the same.
22 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that Michael Summers still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, but that his service was then just over 4 years, that he was 45 years of age, married and had 7 children.
23 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Summers as in Note 22, except that he was then aged 46.
24 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 22, except that his service was nearly 5 years. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October Return.
25 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remain unchanged.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return.
28 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that at that date Michael still earned £39.0.0d annually as a Saltpetre Refiner. His period of service was given as 7 years, and his age as 49.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that all details were the same as the previous Return, except that Michael had then served nearly 8 years, and that he was 50 years' old.
30 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 recorded that Michael was then employed as a Millman. His basic pay was given as £32.12.6d per annum, he was still allowed to watch in turn and also received an extra 6d when working at night, which increased his annual pay to £39.3.0d. His age and service details were updated.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining unchanged.
32 A Return of Properties made by the Royal Engineers' Office dated the 20th December 1834 listed the occupants of property owned by the Board, and recorded that Michael Summers had been leasing one of their cottages, Tenement No.55, since the 22nd July 1829, at a rental of £5.4.0d per annum (Supply 5/237).
33 The same document, compiled by the Royal Engineers' Office dated December 1834, stated that the cottage in question had been vacated by then and it was proposed to let it to Patrick Hayes, Cylinderman (Supply 5/237). This cottage has been identified as being on the south side of High Bridge Street whih was formed out of dwellings in the old Tanyard and is Plot No. 55 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
34 A similar List of Properties, again prepared by the Royal Engineers' Office, indicated that Summers had moved following the death of William Turner, to the opposite side of High Bridge Street, living in one of a row of tenements known as Bank Cottages(WO44/133) being part of Plot No. 48 of the Town Map in Appendxix 1. The move was confirmed in the 1840 Waltham Abbey Poor Rates (ERO D/P 75/11/16).
35 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that since the 5th September 1834, Michael had been employed as a Millman with pay of £46.16.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. This Return, however, recorded that he had had a break in service at the Mills and was re-engaged on the 10th February 1826. It also recorded that he was a 55-year-old married man, with 8 children.
36 By the time the 1841 Census was taken, he had left Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/224
821
James
Sumpter
List of Foremen, Artificers and Others Employed
1. James Sumpter was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807). According to the List of Artificers and Officers employed dated the 23rd August 1808, he was working at Fisher Street in West Sussex (Supply 5/227).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that he was employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day.
3. He was still a Cylinder Man on the 29th August 1812, but according to Supply 5/229 of that date, he then earned 2/8d per day.
4. At the 13th February 1814 Mr. Sumpter was still a Cylinder Man who still earned 2/8d per day (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/226
822
William
Sutton
00/00/1743
Winters' Centenary Memorial
1. William Sutton was born circa 1743, and appointed as a Master Millwright by the Board on the 24th April 1771. He worked as a Millwright earning 3/-d per day at the Faversham Gunpowder Mills until October 1787, when he was sent to the Waltham Abbey Mills (Supply 5/113).
2. At Waltham he was the acting Overseer working under Bartholomew Bennett. He was allowed to travel to Waltham "...inside the coach..." and while working away from home at Waltham, his pay was to be £2.2.0d per week (Winters, p.28). However, although he continued to work at the Waltham Mills, in November 1788, he had reverted to his Faversham rate of pay of 3/-d per day (Winters, p.32). He had returned to Faversham by 1789 according to Supply 5/114.
Supply 5/113
823
William
Sweetlove
Return of Employees
1. William Sweetlove was employed as a casual Millwright by the Engineers' Department, and had first worked for the Board on the 19th December 1812. He was a 60-year-old married man living in Waltham Abbey, with 2 unmarried children who was paid 5/8d per day (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
824
William
Sykes
Return of Employees
1. William Sykes, originally trained as a "Taylor" was appointed as a Millman on the 1st October 1812 ((Supply 5/232). His position as a Millman in June 1813 was confrmed in Winters.
2. He was still a Millman in February 1814 earning 3/11d per day, and, in addition, was paid 6d per night when working extra (Supply 5/230).
3. According to a List dated the 28th August 1818 of those employees to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, William Sykes was a Salpetre Refiner with his pay reduced to 2/-d per day (Supply 5/231).
4. Supply 5/231 dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that William Sykes was then employed as Brimstone Refiner, that he was a married man, aged 42, with no children who lived in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received
1/-d per night. He had previously been employed as a Tailor.
5. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. Sykes was 43, still lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 2/0d per day, but that he was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
6. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that William was still 43 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; but that he was then paid 2/4d per day; all other entries remained the same.
7. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of William, Saltpetre Refiner, as 45, with nearly 10 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
8. Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, and recorded that William Sykes, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Millman at Waltham Abbey on the 1st October 1812, and that by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner with annual pay of £36.10.4d, and he was not allowed to watch. According to this Return, at 31st December 1821 he had nearly 10 years' service, was 45 years old, was married with no children and lived in Waltham Abbey. It also confirmed that he was originally trained as a "Taylor".
9. In the Spring of 1822, the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822) which included William Sykes. The men were subsequently dismissed on the 1st June, and several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance. Many were long-service employees in their middle age and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered.
The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for its consideration. William Sykes does not appear to have signed a petition, but the Storekeeper wrote to the Board on the 21st July 1822, recommending that he received two weeks' pay to ease his financial hardships. The Board's response, however, is not recorded.
Supply 5/230
825
Thomas
Tamkin
00/00/1766
List of Artificers, etc. employed at the Mills.
1. Thomas Tamkin worked as a Bricklayer with a Contractor employed by the Ordnance Board at Faversham in 1789. He married Sarah Smith, the daughter of John Smith, at Faversham on the 31st July 1791. The couple had a daughter, Phoebe, who was baptised at Faversham on the 19th August 1792, and a son, John James, baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 16th March 1811 (Faversham Register, pp.78-79). According to Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, Thomas then worked as a Master Bricklayer in the Engineers' Department at 4/1d per day, in addition to which, he had an allowance of 6/-d per week to teach an Apprentice.
2. Thomas worked in the Manufactory for 7 days at 5/-d per day (Supply 5/228 July 1809)).
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809, confirmed that he was a Master Bricklayer who was paid £1.15.0d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
4. WO54/512 dated September 1812, recorded that Tamkin was first appointed to the Establishment at Waltham Abbey as a Foreman Bricklayer on the 16th May1803. In 1812, he was paid 6/4d per day for 6 days' work, and one and a half days' pay for working on a Sunday. It also confirmed that he was entitled to 6/-d per week to train an Apprentice. WO54/516 dated February 1816 stated that he was first appointed on the 10th October 1789 as a bricklayer, but this was presumably at Faversham.
5. Winters' extract from files dated the 29th August 1815 (p. 82) recorded "Three houses building in Powder Mills Lane out of materials forming the Horse Mills at this place. Tenants are not allowed to have lodgers, that no dilapidations may take place to the premises being of timber, etc." Horse Mill Island was redeveloped during 1814/1815, and Tamkin's house was identified as one of three built from reclaimed and surplus materials.
6. WO54/516 dated February 1816 confirmed that Tamkin was still the Master Bricklayer, and that he was a 47-year-old married man with 1 unmarried child, who trained as a Bricklayer. He was still paid 6/-d per day, but his allowance to train an Apprentice had increased to 7/-d per week.
7. WO.54/ 520 dated the 28th February 1817, confirmed that Thomas Tamkin was still the Master Bricklayer. At that date he was 48, and was married with 1 unmarried child. He was also provided with a house. His pay was then 5/10d per day, with his allowance for an Apprentice increased to 8/-d per week.
8. WO/524 dated 1818, recorded that there was no change from the previous information given except that he was then paid 9/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
9. In a memo dated the 14th December 1818 (Supply 5/202) it was stated that Thomas Tamkin, Master Bricklayer, was to continue to pay the same rent of £1 per annum for the cottage he occupied in Waltham Abbey.
10 WO54/528 dated 19th May 1819, gave the same information as before but with no allowances, i.e. at the time he was not training an Apprentice.
11 List of Employees dated the13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that Tamkin was still employed as the Master Bricklayer. At that date he was 52, lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with 1 child. He still earned 5/10d per day, and had no allowance for an Apprentice. He still had a house on the Establishment.
12 A statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1821, showing the amounts received by the Storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that Thomas Tamkin had been living in a Board of Ordnance house from the 1st September 1815, for which the rent was £1.0.0d per annum. Similar information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821, and was confirmed in WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821. The house with its large garden was identified as part of a terrace of houses located in Powder Mill Lane, shown as part of Plot No. 64 of the Town Map in Appendix 1 and was one of three built from reclaimed materials (see Note 5).
13 WO54/536 dated the 31st December 1821, was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April
1821.
14 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Tamkin was earning 5/10d per day for 313 days, giving him an income of £91.5.10d for the year as the Master Bricklayer. His family and service details were confirmed.
15 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed that Thomas was still paid 5/10d per day for 313 days as the Master Bricklayer, giving him an annual income of £91.5.10d, and he was still entitled to a house. His service was just over 20 years, and he was then aged 57.
16 WO54/550 dated the 13th October 1825 was a repeat of the record dated 1st April 1825. A note against former appointments in the department, recorded that Thomas had been in the employment of a Contractor working for the Royal Ordnance in 1789, and that he was employed directly by the Ordnance on the 14th May, 1803.
17 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 gave identical information as that given in Notes 10 and 11, with the exception that he was then 58, with service of over 21 years.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, gave the same information as the previous Return.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827, gave the same information as in the notes above. However, at that date Mr. Tamkin had just over 22 years' service and he was then 59 years of age.
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 showed no basic alterations from the previous Return.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information given in the previous notes.
22 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaing unchanged.
23 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) stated that Thomas at that date still earned the same as in Note 10. His length of service was given as just over 24 years and his age 61.
24 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
25 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Mr. Tamkin as in Note 10, except that his service was over 25 years and he was aged 62.
26 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that Thomas was still the Master Bricklayer, and that his family details and pay remained unchanged; his length of service and age were updated.
27 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January, 1831, recorded that Thomas Tamkin was one of the three Master Artificers to be employed at Waltham Abbey and Enfield; he was the Master Bricklayer and was to be paid 5/10d per day. His duties were to work with Artificers and Labourers in the Gunpowder Manufactory, which consequently required great attention; sobriety, and steadiness of conduct (WO54?570).
28 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
29 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Thomas still earned 5/10d per day as the Master Bricklayer, giving him a total of £91.5.10d per annum. He had served 27 years and was 63 at that date.
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, all other details remaining unchanged.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that he still earned £91.5.10d per annum. He had by then served 28 years and was aged 64.
32 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed the information given previously, except that Thomas was then 65.
33 Under an Order of the Board dated the 15th March 1833, Thomas Tamkin, Master Bricklayer, was to be discharged and granted a pension of £31.10.9d per annum, until an opportunity to employ him again should arise. (Supply 5/208 dated the 26th July 1833). He was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
34 According to the Faversham Register, Thomas died on the 3rd October 1840, and his widow, Sarah, died in 1863, aged 91.
30 The 1841 Census recorded that Sarah, Thomas's widow, was living with their son, John James, and his family, in Malting Yard, off High Bridge Street until she died.
Supply 5/222
826
John James
Tamkin
00/00/1811
List of Employees
1. John Tamkin, the son of Thomas and Sarah Tamkin, was baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 16th March 1811. WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, recorded that John James Tamkin's date of appointment as a Labourer was the 1st January 1833. He was brought up in the trade of a Bricklayer, and was a married man with one child. He was then aged 22 and had served as a Labourer for three months at that date. His earnings amounted to 2/2d per day for 313 days, giving him an annual wage of £33.18.2d.
2. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, was a straight update of the previous Return.
3. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 stated that John still earned £33.18.2d per annum, and that his age was 23.
4. The 1841 Census recorded that John and his wife, Rebecca, lived in Malting Yard, off High Bridge Street, together with their children John (9), Sarah (6), Rebecca (4) and Mary Ann (1). John's mother, Sarah, lived with them, together with William Clayden, who was a 25-year-old School Teacher. John's trade was given as that of a Bricklayer.
5. John was working as a Bricklayer in the Engineers' Department in 1855, according to Winters (p.113).
WO54/587
827
William
Tarry
List of Employees
1. William Tarry was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation". He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. William Tarry was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation", and was paid 2/8d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/229
828
William
Taylor
List of Employees
1. William Taylor was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation" who was paid 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Taylor, together with Charles Carter, was apprehended by the Thames police for being in possession of Government stores from the Mills at Waltham Abbey, but the outcome is unknown (Supply 5/208 dated the 3rd April 1833).
Supply 5/229
829
Thomas
Taylor
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Taylor was employed by the Board on the 8th April 1815 as an occasional Labourer, earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 45-year-old married man from Cheshunt, with 1 child (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
830
George
Teeman
List of Artificers, etc. and Volunteer Corps Members
1. George Teeman started work as a Cylinderman in West Sussex on the 1st November 1796, earning 1/6d per day. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed he was working as a Labourer and was unmarried. Note that in this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
2. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Teeman had been employed in stacking timber in the yards, and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
3. According to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, Mr. Teeman was employed as a Cylinder Man, earning 2/-d. per day and he had 10 years' service.
4. According to a further List, (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) Mr. Teeman was still employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d. per day. However, George Teeman was not included in the records of 1808, merely a John and a James Teeman.
Supply 5/219
831
John
Teeman
List of Men Employed
1. John Teeman was employed as a Cylinder Man at Fisher Street in West Sussex, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. At the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) he was still a Cylinder Man at the same level of pay.
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded he was still employed as a Cylinder Man at 2/-d per day, and this information was confirmed in Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1811.
4. Teeman was still a Cylinderman in February 1812, but by then, his pay had increased to 2/8d per day (WO54/512).
5. According to a Return dated the 13th February 1814, Mr. John Teeman was still a Cylinder Man, who earned 2/8d per day (Supply 5/230).
6. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that John Teeman was a 48-year-old married man with 5 children, who was provided with an apartment at Fernhurst, Sussex. This Return recorded that he earned 2/4d per day.
7. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231), it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included John Teeman, Cylinder Man.
Supply 5/226
832
William
Teeman
Staff List
1. William Teeman was employed as a Cyclinder Man at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. This information was confirmed in Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812
3. According to the List of those employed as at the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) William was still a Cylinder Man, but at that date he earned 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/228
833
James
Teeman
Return of Employees
1. James Teeman was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
834
John
Terry
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. John Terry was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). This was still the case on the the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/229
835
William
Teversham
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. William Teversham was employed as a Puntman in September 1810, and was paid 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn.
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Teversham was then a Corning House Man earning 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
3. Teversham was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) with the same rate of pay as given in Note 2, and allowed to watch in turn, at the same 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/228.
836
John
Thornton
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. John Thornton was a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day according to the List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed dated the 30th January 1806 (Supply 5/224). At that date, he had worked at the Mills for 1 year.
Supply 5/224
837
John
Thorogood
Return of Employees
1. John Thorogood was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 2nd October 1815. He was a 44-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey who earned 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
838
S
Thorp
Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. S. Thorp was employed as a Labourer in the Corning House earning 1/6d per day (Supply 5/214).
Supply 5/214
839
David
Thorpe
Letter from Office of Ordnance
1. David Thorpe was appointed Junior Clerk in place of Henry Dugleby, who had been promoted to Clerk of the Cheque (Supply 5/195 dated the 19th August 1801).
Supply 5/195
840
James
Tims
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. James Tims was employed as a Cylinder Man at Fisher Street in West Sussex at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. This was also the case in August 1808, according to a further List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed the above information.
4. Tims was still a Cylinder Man according to the List of Employees, Supply 5/229, dated the 29th August 1812, but his pay had increased by then to 2/8d per day.
Supply 5/226
841
Martin
Tims
List of Employees and their Pay
1. Martin Tims was a Cylinder Man earning 2/8d per day according to the List of Employees and their Pay (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/229
842
Richard
Todd
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Richard Todd worked as an "Extra Cooper" at Purfleet from the 1st July 1779 to the 16 July 1783 (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792) and came to the Powder Mills as a Cooper on the 20th July 1792, on pay of 2/6d per day (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
2. Todd joined the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
3. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800) indicated that Richard was literate and confirmed that he was still working as a Cooper.
4. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that Todd was then employed as the Master Cooper, repairing store barrels and tubs, etc.
5. He was still a Cooper in 1804 with pay of 3/1d per day (Supply 5/222).
Supply 5/216
843
John
Todd
List of Officers & Other Employees
1. John Todd worked as a Refiner at 2/-d per day. All Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. Todd was working as a Cooper in March 1805, on a weekly wage of £1.2.0d (Supply 5/223).
3. In Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, he was described as a Foreman of Coopers earning 4/-d per day, and at that date, had been employed with the Ordnance for 4 years.
4. In June 1807, he was described as a Working Foreman of Coopers with pay of 4/-d per day. He was also entitled to take an Apprentice, and this was Richard Todd, Jnr. (son of Richard Todd). He was paid 9/-d per week for his Apprentice (Supply 5/226).
5. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, John was still a Foreman of Coopers and still earned 4/-d per day.
6. In a letter (Supply 5/199 dated the 6th January 1809) the Board recommended a pay increase to 5/- /day, "...in the zeal he has manifested in his duty".
7. According to a List of Officers and Others Employed dated the 29th August 1812, Mr. Todd was now the Master Cooper, earning 6/4d per day and entitled to an Apprentice (Supply 5/229).
8. On the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) it was confirmed that Mr. Todd was still the Master Cooper earning 6/4d per day, but that he was then allowed £18.5.0d per annum in lieu of an Apprentice.
9. Lists of Officers & Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that Mr. John Todd was a Master Cooper, aged 33, who resided in Cheshunt and was married with 1 child. He was brought up in the Cooper trade, and earned 5/10d per day, with the same allowance of £18.5.0d per annum as before in lieu of an Apprentice.
10 Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, listed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and Todd's name was included with his pay unchanged.
11 According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in the Employ and Pay dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Todd was still a Master Cooper, then aged 34, with all the other information given in Note 9 remaining the same, except that it would appear that his child had died.
12 List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the above entry with the basic details on pay, etc., remaining unchanged. He was then allowed 7/-d per week to train an Apprentice.
13 List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Todd was still the Master Cooper, that he was then aged 35 and had been trained as a Cooper, was married with no children, and resided in Cheshunt. His pay was still 5/10d per day.
14 List of Employees in January 1822 (Supply 5/232 dated the the 26th January, 1822) recorded that he was 37 years of age, that he had 19 years' service and that he was paid 5/10d per day.
15 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed and probably more accurate Return, than that dated 23rd January 1822. It recorded that John Todd, Master Cooper, was appointed on the 22nd July 1802 as an Assistant Cooper at Waltham Abbey, and as the Master Cooper on the 6th January 1809 (WO54/536 dated 6th February 1822). His total pay for the year was £91.5.10d, he had just over 19 years' service, was aged 37 years, was a married man with no children and lived in Cheshunt.
16 Return dated the 21st March 1822 (Supply 5/232) of Persons to Form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, included John Todd, Master Cooper.
17 Return dated 1st October 1822, showing the alterations made since the Return of the 1st April 1822 (WO54/542) recorded that John Todd, Master Cooper, had been discharged by the Board's order dated 9th August 1822. His rate of pay at the time was £91.15.10d per annum.
Supply 5/222
844
Richard Jnr.
Todd
List of Officers and Other Employees
1. Richard Todd, Jnr. was appointed Apprentice Cooper on the 22nd July 1802 (Supply 5/227 dated the 5th August 1808). Although his pay was 1/4d per day, it was recorded in Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804, "one day extra allowed for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801."
2. It is assumed that Richard Jnr. was the son of the Master Cooper, Richard Todd, and he was still an Apprentice Cooper in January 1806, but then earned 1/7d per day (Supply 5/224). In January 1806, he had 4 years' service.
3. According to a further Return dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226 ) Richard Jnr. was still an Apprentice Cooper, but his pay had increased to 1/8d per day.
4. Richard, Jnr. was still an Apprentice to the Master Cooper in August 1808, when he was paid 6/8d per week.
5. In the List of Officers and Other Employees dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) it was confirmed that Mr. Todd was still Apprenticed to a Master Cooper, earning 1/4d per day plus "one day extra for week agreeable to the Board's Order - 12th March, 1801"; it also stated that 8/-d per week was allowed to the Master Cooper in respect of this Apprentice.
6. He was still an Apprentice to the Master Cooper at 7/-d per week on the 30th September 1808 (Supply 5/227). The same document showed that when he collected two months' pay, he signed with a well-formed hand.
8. Supply 5/199 dated the 26th July 1809, was a letter cofirming the completion of Richard's Apprenticeship with the Foreman of Coopers, and stated that he was to be employed as a Cooper at 2/6d per day.
9. He was still a Cooper in September 1810, but was not not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228).
10 A Richard Todd appeared in August 1812 employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation". He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/222
845
Phillip
Tongue
List of Employees
1. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Mr Tongue was employed as a Corning House Man at 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
2. Tongue was still a Corning house man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay as above, and allowed to watch in turn at the same 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/229
846
Alexander
Toppin (Topin)
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Alexander Toppin (Topin) was Drawing and Setting Stoves in January 1806 earning 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 6 months' service.
2. In June 1807, Alexander was employed as a Sieve Puncher and Proof House Man and still paid 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) and this was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808).
3. Toppin was employed as a Puntman by September 1810; he was paid the same 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228).
4. By 1812 he had returned to the Proof House as a Proof House Man and Sieve Puncher, but was then paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814, but, according to the Return of that date he was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/224
847
William
Toynbee
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Toynbee was "grinding salt petre, charcoal etc." according to Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790.
2. On the 14th August 1790, he was "marking barrels" (Supply 5/215) and on the 11th December 1790, was "at the stores." (Supply 5/215).
Supply 5/214
848
John
Tribe
List of Artificers, etc. and Volunteer Corps Members
1. John Tribe was employed as a Cylinderman in West Sussex on the 1st June 1797 (Supply 5/219).
2. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer and that he was a married man with 1 child. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
3. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer at the Cylinder Houses in Sussex. The same document said that since the cylinders had been out of repair, Tribe had been employed in stacking timber in the yards and levelling and preparing the ground where the cylinders were to be resited.
4. According to the List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806) Mr. Tribe was employed as a Cylinder Man earning 2/-d per day, and at that date he had 10 years' service.
5. In a later Return dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) it was confirmed that Mr. Tribe was still employed as a Cylinder Man, earning the same 2/-d per day.
6. According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, John Tribe was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
7. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Tribe was a Saltpetre Refiner and that he was still paid 2/-d day. He was also allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/219
849
William
Tufnell
List of Officers etc. Employed.
1. William Tufnell was employed as a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with a rate of pay of 3/-d per day and an additional 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/230
850
James
Tufnell
Return of those Employed
1. James Tufnell was a single man of 21 who was employed for four months by the Engineers' Department in June 1825, on a temporary basis at 2/2d per day, and was to be discharged thereafter (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
WO54/550
851
A. J.
Tulloh, Capt.
Winters Centenary Memorial, p.105
1. Captain A. J. Tulloh (Royal Artillery) was appointed Assistant Superintendent at Waltham Abbey on the 29th November 1839 (Winters, op.cit., p.105).
2. He remained in that position until 1845, when he was promoted to Superintendent (A Short History of the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey: Officers in Charge of the R.G.P.F. by W. H. Simmons, M.B.E., F.R.I.C., 1963).
852
John
Turley
00/00/1767
Record of personnel working in the Storekeepers Dept.
1. John Turley was described as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day, "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." (Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789).
2. On the 22nd August 1789 (Supply 5/214) he was described as "mixing composition". At that date was 22 years of age, and was paid 1/6d per day
Supply5/213
853
Isaac
Turner
Personnel Return of the Storekeeper's Department
1. Isaac Turner was a Labourer at Faversham in November 1787 (Supply 5/219), and was to be transferred to the Royal Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey as a Labourer glazing gunpowder (Supply 5/113 dated the 4th January 1788). He was "entered for transfer" and finally started work at the Abbey on the 1st February 1788, earning 1/6d per day cutting Alderwood (Supply 5/213 dated 8th March 1788)
2. He was "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of canal at the new Corning House, removing earth to the Store, unloading barge of coals & charring wood." according to Supply 5/213 dated the 18th April 1789.
3. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789 recorded that he was then 35 years old and was employed as a Collier
4. March 1790 to September 1790 saw him working in the country cutting Alder wood (Supply 5/214).
5. In December 1790 to January 1791, he was 'charring' (making charcoal or cutting the wood for charcoal) and also drawing and setting stoves according to Supply 5/215, as he was until June 1791 (also Supply 5/215). In January to March 1792, he was working in the punts and loading and unloading stores, gunpowder and the like (Supply 5/216) and during the summer months of July to September 1792, he was again back in the country charring wood (Supply 5/216). The same Winter/Summer routine was followed in 1793 to 1795 (Supply 5/216) and for the whole of this period he was paid 1/6d per day.
6. By June 1795, he was "setting and drawing stoves etc." and still receiving 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
7. Supply 5/219 dated September 1798 confirmed the above record.
8. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay (Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800) recorded that Isaac was literate and still working as a Labourer. This was the last entry found which related to him..
Supply 5/212
854
Samuel
Turner
List of those Employed, together with their Salaries
1. Samuel Turner was employed as a Corning House Man at 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
Supply 5/229
855
William
Turnham
00/10/1766
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Turnham was the third son of James and Ann (nee Robinson) Turnham and his father had been a Warder at the Mills (WAGP, p.117). He started work at the Mills as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day on the 18th February 1790 (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790). In August and September of 1790, he was "In the punts & sett & draw stoves" (Supply 5/215 dated the 14th August 1790).
2. In December 1790 William was "grinding salt petre etc." (Supply 5/215 dated 11th December 1790).
3. In April 1791 to January 1792 he was described as a Millman, with his pay increased to 2/-d per day (Supply 5/216), as was the case in July to September 1792 and February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793). He continued to work as a Millman from March to December 1794 (also Supply 5/216).
4. According to Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795, Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty
5. Turnham joined the Volunteer Company as a Private on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
6. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800, showed that he was illiterate and recorded that he was still working as a Millman.
7. Return dated the the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still working as a Millman, and that he was a married man with 7 children.
8. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) indicated that, although still employed as a Millman, he was cleaning and deepening the river, canals and performing other sundry necessary work.
9. Turnham was still employed as a Millman in May 1804, but by then his wage had reached 2/3d per day, and he also had an allowance of 3d per night when on duty "working at the mill" i.e. the night-shift rate was 2/6d (Supply 5/222).
10 Turner was then employed as a Refiner in the Saltpetre House with 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 8th May, 1805), and this was also the case in January 1806 (Supply 5/224) with just over 15 years' service. This was confirmed on the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226) with a note saying "when not working allowed to watch in turn."
11.According to the entry in Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Turnham was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/-d per day, and "when not working extra, they are allowed to watch in turn."
12 Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 listed William as a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case in 1812, but by then he was earning 2/8d per day as well as being allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
13 On the 13th February 1814, it was confirmed that William was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner earning 2/8d per day, and when not working extra was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230).
14 List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that William Turnham was still a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was a married man aged 51 with 7 children, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey. At that date he only earned 2/4d per day but was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
15 Supply 5/231dated the 28th August 1818, indicated the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. William Turnham's name was included, with his pay unchanged but he was then not allowed to watch.
16 List of Employees dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that William Turnham was now employed as a Brimstone Refiner, that was a married man aged 52 with 7 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 2/4 per day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
17 Return of the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that William Turnham earned 2/4d per day, that he was 53 and had 7 children, and that he still lived in Waltham Abbey. However, he was then in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
18 A statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1821, shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that William Turnham had been living in a house purchased by the Board of Ordnance on the 4th May, 1821, and that he continued to live there with a rent of £8.9.0d per annum. The house, Tenement No 30, has been identified as being on the north side of High Bridge Street to the west of Powder Mill Lane at the eastern end of a group of tenements known as Bank Cottages (Plot No. 48 on the Town Map in Appendix 1). The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated the 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
19 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded that William was 54 and employed as a Saltpetre Refiner, with all other entries remaining the same as in Note 17.
20 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave the age of William, Saltpetre Refiner, as 55, with 32 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
21 Return dated the 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This appeared to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. William Turnham, Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 18th February 1790, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him a total annual income of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had 32 years' service, he was 55, was a married with 7 children and lived in Waltham Abbey. He was originally trained as a Wool Comber.
22 Supply 5/232 of the 21st March 1822 was a list of persons to form an Establishment at Waltham Abbey to regenerate 2000 barrels of gunpowder as well as to make 100 or 200 barrels of gunpowder annually, and indicated that William Turnham, Saltpetre Refiner, was to be retained.
23 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that Turnham was still a Saltpetre Refiner, and that his pay for the year was £39, which included an allowance for watching in turn for which he received 2/-d per week. His family and service details were also confirmed.
24 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) William Turnham had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and the 15th January 1823.
25 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, recorded that William, Saltpetre Refiner, still earned a total of £39 per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn amounting to 2/-d per week. His period of service was then nearly 35 years, he was aged 57, was married and had 7 children.
26. Return showing pay and allowances, etc. dated October 1st 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given and recorded that he had been in continuous service with the Board since the 8th February 1790. His pay was given as £33.16.0d. per annum.
27 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, recorded that Turnham was still a Saltpetre Refiner and gave his basic pay as £33.16s.0d per annum; he was allowed to watch in turn, which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, making total annual pay of £39.0.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details. The previous information was also repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825.
28 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, confirmed the information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
29 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
30 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date William Turnham had nearly 38 years' service and he was then 59 years of age.
31 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) confirmed the same information as in the notes above, exception that he had then served 38 years.
32 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay reamining unchanged.
33 Return dated the the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
34 Return showing employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) indicated that William Turnham still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching, that his service was nearly 40 years and that he was 60 years of age.
35 According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 all details remained the same for William as in Note 34, except that his service is given as 40 years and he was aged 61.
36 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed the information given in Note 34, except that his service was just over 40 years. WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated the October Return, and confirmed that he was still employed as a Saltpetre Refiner.
37 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
38 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return. However, it was recorded therein that he had 2 children and not 7. Subsequent records vary with one giving 6 children, and may have been clerical errors.
39 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged (6 children).
40 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unaltered.
41 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date William was still earning £39.0.0d annually. His period of service was given as 43 years, and his age as 64.
42 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, confirmed that the details given were the same as in the previous Return, except that William had served just over 43 years and that he was 65 years old.
43 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 recorded that William Turnham had died.
Supply 5/214
856
John
Turnham
00/10/1761
Record of personnel in Storekeeper's Department
1. John Turnham was the eldest son of James and Ann (nee Robinson) whose father had worked as a Warder at the Mills (W.A.G.P., p.117). He started work at the Mills as a Bargeman on the12th April 1791, earning 1/6d per day. From April to June 1791, he was "Setting and drawing stoves and in the punts" and this was also the case again in January to March 1792 according to Supply 5/215 dated the 31st January 1792, having replaced Edward Heddy. Other entries recorded that he worked "in the punts and likewise drawing & setting stoves, landing and shipping gunpowder & stores etc." during July to September 1792 (Supply 5/216) and continued to do so up to August 1794 (Supply 5/216). By February 1793, John was working as a Bargeman. Together with John Cook and William Fuller, he was taking materials to London by barge and was apparently afraid of being "seized by the Press Gangs." for the Rex Officers at Waltham Abbey wrote to the Duke of Richmond stating that Cook, Fuller and Turnham were Gunpowder makers and Bargemen and were apprehensive of the Impress Office on the River Thames. They requested that "you will be pleased to grant them protection" (WASC 475).
2. He was still listed as a Bargeman in January 1794 (Supply 5/216). This was also the case in August 1794 (Supply 5/216) and in December 1794 (Supply 5/217), as well as in July 1795 when his was pay was given as 9/-d per week (Supply 5/217). John was listed as a Bargemaster in 1797 (Winters, p.55) and as a Bargeman in September 1798 (Supply 5/219).
3. A signed document relating to a Petition on Pay showed that he was literate and was still working as a Bargeman (Supply 5/220 dated the 2nd February 1800).
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was working as a Labourer, that he was a married man and that he had 6 children. In this document, anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer.
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that he was still employed as a Bargeman, but that when not in the barges he, together with the other men, were employed in cleaning and deepening the river, canals, ditches and carrying out other work necessary to be performed.
6. While transporting gunpowder to Picket Field, Bargemen were allowed double pay (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
7. Supply 5/222 dated the 28th March 1805 recorded that he was then a Master Bargeman, with pay of 3/-d per day.
8. Together with John Cook, he was in charge of 19 men employed in shipping gunpowder, landing and drawing stores, transporting gunpowder and in the willow plantation (Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March 1805).
9. He was described as a Master Bargeman in January 1806 (Supply 5/224) with 15 years' service.
10 A further Return (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) recorded that Mr. Turnham was still employed as a Master Bargeman, earning 2/-d per day, which would appear to be a clerical error. In August 1808, he was earning 4/-d per day (Supply 5/227).
11 He was still employed as a Master Bargeman at 4/-d per day according to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.
12 List of Employees (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812) recorded that he was still Master Bargeman, then earning 5/2d per day.
13 Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed that Mr. Turnham was still a Master Bargeman at that date, earning the same 5/2d per day.
14 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March, 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Turnham was still a Master Bargeman, aged 57, with a length of service of 26 years. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 3/-d, and in the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Turnham and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory". It was also stated therein that Mr. Turnham had been "much injured by falls and bruises in the performance of his duty, the nature of which, and a constant exposure to wet, damp and nightwork, has confirmed the Rheumatism and other complaints so firmly upon him, as to render him totally unable to continue the performance of his duty." However, in a letter dated 6th March, 1816 (Supply 5/200) Mr. Turnham was finally awarded superannuation of 3/6d per day for 6 days in the week, commencing on the 1st April 1816.
15 A Supplement to a document dated the the 8th November 1818, (Supply5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments, and among the recipients was John Turnham, Master Bargeman, who received a pension of £1.1.0d per week, which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
16 List of Persons receiving superannuation (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November, 1821) confirmed entry No. 14 above.
17 A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that John Turnham, lately a Master Bargeman, was in receipt of £54.12.0d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. On p.96 of his book, Winters recorded that this was also the case in 1826.
18 Turnham was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237).
19 The 1841 Census recorded that John and his wife, Sarah, were living in Blackboy Alley, together with the Shaddock family.
20 John was buried at Waltham Abbey on the 13th September 1842. Sarah, his wife, was buried at Waltham on the 31st March 1844, aged 84.
Supply 5/215
857
Charles
Turnham
00/00/1787
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Charles Turnham was the only son of William and Ann Turnham, and was baptised at Waltham Abbey on the 31st August 1787 (W.A.G.P., p.117). He was employed as a Labourer in the Autumn of 1805, drawing and setting stoves, etc., and earned 2/-d per day (Supply 5/224).
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227), Charles was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and he was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case in September 1810, according to Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810.
3. By August 1812 he was employed as a Puntman, paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
4. Charles was a Corning House man on the 13th February 1814 according to Supply 5/230 of that date, and paid 3/3d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
5. Following the end of the Napoleonic war when the need for gunpowder was severely reduced, Charles was not retained.
Supply 5/224
858
James Junior
Turnham
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 29)
1. James Turnham, jnr. was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters, p.27). He had previously worked at the Mills for Mr Walton.
859
James Snr
Turnham
00/00/1713
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 29)
1. James Turnham, snr. was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton. James would have worked in Walton's Powder Mill (Winters, p.27).
2. His son, James Junior, also worked at the Mills, and the records do not diferentiate between the two, but it would appear that by the 21st March 1789 (Supply 5/212) James the Elder was a Warder earning 1/6d per day. This was confirmed in a Return dated September 1789, which stated that he was "warding at the Refining House" and that he was 76 years of age (Supply 5/215). The Refining House referred to was probably the Sulphur Refining House in High Bridge Street.
3. Various Returns indicated that James continued as a Warder until at least the 3rd July 1795. He died in 1797 aged about 83 years' old, and Winters on p.152 of his book, confirmed that James Turnham, senior, was appointed Warder at the Refining house in 1789,and that he died in 1797.
860
John (2)
Turnham
list of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. employed by the Storekeeper
1. John Turnham (2) was employed as a Cooper by the 1st September 1810, and was paid 2/6d per day, but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228).
2. He was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812, with his pay then increased to 4/6d per day and not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
3. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814 according to Supply 5/230 of that date.
Supply 5/228
861
Edward
Turnham
00/00/1802
List of Employees
1. Edward Turnham was Apprenticed to Hugh Jones, the Master Mixer of Composition. He was a young man of 16 who lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 6/-d per week (Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818).
2. A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818, and Turnham's name was on the Return with his pay increased to 6/2d per week.
3. Supply 5/231 dated the 19th May 1819, confirmed that Turnham was still an Apprentice to the Master Mixer of Composition, that he was 17 years of age, and that he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 6/2d per week.
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Turnham was still an Apprentice but that his pay had increased to 6/4d per week.
5. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Edward was then 19, Apprenticed to the Master Worker and that his pay had increased to 6/8d per week.
6. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated the 23rd January 1822) gave Edward's age as 19, and confirmed he was still an Apprentice with nearly 7 years' service, but then earned 7/-d per week.
7. Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every description of the persons in the pay and employ of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) appeared to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that Edward Turnham was appointed as an Apprentice to the Master Mixer on the 14th August, 1815 at Waltham, and then as a Gunpowder Maker. His total pay for the year amounted to £17.14.3d, he had nearly 7 years' service, he was aged 19 years and was a single man living in Waltham Abbey.
8. Return dated the 1st October 1822, giving the alterations made since the Return of the 1st April 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that Edward Turnham, Apprentice, having completed his Apprenticeship with the Master Mixer, had been discharged by the Board's order dated the 22nd May 1822.
9. Anthony Lambert was taken on as an Apprentice Cooper but discharged himself, possibly in September 1822. Edward Turnham was prepared to accept the same rates of pay granted to Lambert if he could fill this position (1/9d per day in the first year, 2/-d per day in the second year and when he could complete 6 powder-barrels a day, his pay would increase to 3/6d per day). The Board agreed to this and confirmed his appointment from the 1st October 1822 (Supply 5/204 dated the 27th December, 1822).
10 WO54/542 dated the the 1st April 1823, confirmed that Turnham was still a Cooper and that his pay for the year was £27.6.0d. His family and service details were also confirmed.
11 According to a document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B), Edward Turnham had his pay increased to £27.6.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Order dated the 27th December, 1822.
12 A Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) recorded that Edward Turnham then earned £31.4.0d per annum as a Cooper. His period of service was given as nearly 9 years; he was aged 22 and was still single. He had originally trained as a Gunpowder Maker.
13. Return showing pay and allowances etc. dated the 1st October 1825 (Winters, pp.93-95) confirmed the previous information given and recorded that Edward had been appointed as a Cooper on the 27th December 1822. His pay at that date was £54.12.0d per annum.
14 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed Turnham was still a Cooper and gave his pay as £54.12.0d per annum. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details, which were repeated in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 when he was employed in Cooper's work repairing barrels.
15 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 as did WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826.
16 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. At that date Edward Turnham had nearly 5 years' service and he was then 24 years of age, married with no children.
18 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave similar information as in the notes above, with the exception that he had 1 child and had now served just over 5 years.
19 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
20 Return dated the the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service with family details and pay unaltered.
21 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829, stated that at that date Edward still earned £54.12.0d as recorded in Note 13. His length of service was given as just over 6 years, and he was then aged 25.
22 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with his family and pay details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Edward was then 26 years of age and stated that he had served just over 7 years. His pay was still the same as given in Note 21, and all other information remained the same.
24 According to Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831, Edward was then 27 years of age and had served just over 8 years. He was still earning a total of £54.12.0d as indicated in the Return dated the 1st October 1825 (Note 13) some 6 years earlier. By this date he had two children.
25 WO54/545 dated the the 1st October 1831, updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
26 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
27 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, confirmed that at that date Edward was still earning £54.12.0d annually. His period of service was given as 11 years, and his age as 29.
29 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833, recorded that all details were the same as for the previous Return, except that Edward had served over 11 years and that he was 30 years of age.
30 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, stated that although Edward was still employed as a Cooper, his basic pay had been cut to £45.12.6d per annum, . He still had 2 children, and his age and service details were updated.
31 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the Note above; he was now 32 years of age and had served nearly 12 years.
32 Return of Employees dated the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that Turnham was still employed as a Cooper with pay of £54.12.0d per annum. He was a 36-year-old married man with 3 children, with 17 years' service from the 27th December 1822.
33 Edward and his family moved into a cottage owned by the Board which had previously been occupied by John Simpson Junior, around 1839 or 1840. This cottage was one of a row known as "Bank Cottages".
34 The 1841 Census recorded that Edward, together with his wife, Charlotte, and their young family - a daughter, Mary, and two sons, Edward and John - lived on the north side of High Bridge Street. All the occupants were born in the County.
Supply 5/231
862
Samuel
Turnham
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Turnham started as a general Labourer at the Mills on the 24th February 1827, with a basic income of £33.16.0d per annum. He was allowed to watch in turn, which increased his annual pay to £39.0.0d. At that date Samuel Turnham was a 30-year-old single man (WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827)
2. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Samuel, then married, had 1 child and that he had served for 1 year.
3. Return dated the 1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
4. Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
5. Return of Employees at the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed that Samuel Turnham still earned in total £39.0.0d per annum, that his service was over 2 years, and that he was 31 years of age.
6. According to Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830, all details remained the same for Samuel as in Note 5, except that his service was given as 3 years and he was then aged 32.
7. A footnote to the Return dated the 1st October 1830, recorded that Frederick Simpson had been appointed Labourer "in the room of Samuel Turnham on the 12th May 1830" - in other words, that Samuel's services were terminated on that date (WO54/570). His name no longer appeared in the records thereafter.
WO54/558
863
Samuel (2)
Turnham
Return of Employees
1. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, recorded that Mr. Samuel Turnham was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation", and that he was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn.
2. Samuel does not appear to have been retained after the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815.
Supply 5/230
864
Wm.
Twinham
List of Employees and their Pay
1. William Twinham was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day; in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229)
Supply 5/229
865
William
Tyler
Winters' Centenary Memorial (page 28)
1. William Tyler was a Master Mason by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. It would appear he was not retained once his work was completed (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
866
John
Tyler
Return of Employees
1. John Tyler joined the Storekeeper's Department as a Labourer on the 25th January 1810, at 2/-d per day (WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826).
2. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 recorded that he was a Corning House Man earning 3/3d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812.
3. Supply 5/230 dated 13th February 1814, confirmed Tyler was still a Corning House Man with the same rate of pay as in Note 2, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night. He may have left the Mills round this period - logic for this is his length of service - see Note 9.
4. Tyler joined the Engineers' Department as a Labourer on the 14th May 1818 , "occasionally as the service required."
5. WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819, recorded that he was a 32-year-old married man without children, living in Waltham Abbey. He was paid 2/4d per day.
6. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that John was still employed as a Labourer. He was aged 33, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and was married with no children. He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
7. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821, recorded that he was 34 years' old; no other changes were recorded.
8. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
9. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listed personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, and included John Tyler. He was paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. This Return recorded that at that date he had 5 years' service starting on the 14th May 1818. He was then aged 35, a married man living in Waltham Abbey, with no children
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that John was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer and this gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as 7 years; he was aged 37, was married but had no children.
11 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, was as the previous entry, but he now had 1 child. It recorded that he had started work at the Mills as a Labourer on the 25th January 1810 and in the Engineers' Department on the 14th May 1818.
12 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the details given in the October 1825 Return.
13 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 recorded the same information as in the previous Return.
14 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 confirmed the same information as in the Notes above. However, at that date, John had 9 years' service and he was then 39 years of age. In addition, this Return states that he had no children; the child listed in 1825 must have either been a clerical error or it may have died.
15 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, recorded the same information as in the previous notes, except that Tyler had served over 9 years, and he was nearly 40 years of age.
16 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
17 WO54/566 dated 1st April 1829 confirmed that at that date John still earned the same 2/2d per day. His length of service was given as 11 years and he was then aged 41.
18 Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining the same as before.
19 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570), John was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served 12 years and was 42 years of age, married with no children.
20 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that John was still working as a Labourer, and his family details and pay remained unchanged, but his length of service and age were updated.
21 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that John Tyler was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
22 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated John's age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that Joseph still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 9, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. At that date he had served just over 13 years, and was aged just over 43.
24 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832, updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
25 WO54/581 dated 1st October 1832 confirmed that John still earned £33.18.2d per annum. His service was given as just over 14 years, and at that date he was just over 44 years' old.
26 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that John was 45 years of age and that he had served 15 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £33.18.2d.
27 WO54/587 dated 1st October 1833, was a straight update; he was still a Labourer, married, with no children
28 WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 confirmed that John still earned £33.18.2d per annum, that he had served 18 years, and recorded his age as 46.
29. In 1839 he was still a Labourer paid 2/2d per day with an estimated annual salary of £33.18.2d. He was a fifty-one and a half year old married man with no children living in Waltham Abbey. He had twenty- one and a half years service. WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839.
Supply 5/229
867
William
Tyser
Winter's Centenary Memorial (page 38)
1. William Tyser was a Carpenter by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase from Mr. Walton by the Government (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
868
Robert
Upton
00/00/1793
Return of Employees
1. Robert Upton was Apprenticed to the Master Carpenter on the 8th November 1806 at 6/8d per week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. He was later employed as a Millwright "occasionally as the service requires" at 5/2d per day, and was a married man aged 26, living in Waltham Abbey, with three children. (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
3. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 ( WO54/532) confirmed that Robert was employed as a Millwright. At that date he was 27, lived in Waltham Abbey, and had 4 children. He still earned 5/2d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
4. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was aged 28 and had 4 children; his Terms of Employment, etc. remained unchanged.
5. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing those employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that he was then paid 4/1d per day as a Carpenter for 313 days, giving him an income of £63.18.1d for the year. He appeared to have been taken on the Establishment with other Carpenters on the 8th March 1822. He had over 16 years' service, starting as an Apprentice with the Master Carpenter on the 8th November 1806. He was aged 30, living in Waltham Abbey and then had 5 children.
WO54/512
869
Richard
Wackett
00/00/1761
Pay List
1. Richard Wackett was employed as a common Labourer, and was paid 11/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816 recorded that Wackett was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/4d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was first employed by the Board on the 16th May 1807 as a Labourer. He was a 55-year-old married man from Cheshunt, with 2 married and 4 unmarried children.
3. WO54/520 dated 20th February 1817, recorded that he was paid 2/4d per day. All other details remained unchanged.
4. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818 confirmed that he was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" and was still paid 2/4d per day, but recorded that he then lived in Waltham Abbey. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that Richard was still employed as a Labourer. He was then aged 59, was living back in Cheshunt, and had 6 children. He still earned 2/4d per day, and worked "Occasionally as the Service required."
6. WO54/536 dated the 2nd April 1821 recorded that he was 60 years' old, had 6 children and again living in Waltham Abbey. Wackett's pay, etc., remained unchanged.
7. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821, was a repeat of the Return dated the 2nd April 1821, except he was shown as having only 5 children.
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, recorded that he was paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had nearly 16 years' service starting on the 16th May 1807. He was aged 61, a married man living in Waltham Abbey and had 5 children
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825, confirmed that Richard was paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as just over 17 years; he was aged 63, married and had 5 children.
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry and recorded that he was first employed by the Board on the 16th May 1807. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the details given in the October 1825 Return.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was identical to the previous Return.
12 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 gave the same information as indicated previously, except that at that date Richard had nearly 20 years' service and was then aged 65.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded the same information as given previously, except that he had now served just over 20 years.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same basic information given previously.
Supply 5/228
870
Steven
Wackett
Return of Employees
1. Steven Wackett was a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
871
John
Wackett
00/00/1790
Return of Employees
1. John Wackett was first employed by the Board on the 12th September 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department. He was a 25-year-old bachelor living in Cheshunt, earning 2/8d per day (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
872
William (1)
Wackett
00/00/1787
Return of Employees
1. William Wackett (1) was first employed by the Board on the 9th August 1814 as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 29-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
873
William (2)
Wackett
00/00/1788
Return of Employees
1. William Wackett (2) was first employed by the Board on the 29th April 1815 as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department. He was a 26-year-old married man with 1 child who lived in Enfield. (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
874
William.
Wackford
List of Employees
1. William Wackford was employed as a Millman. He earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty. (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
Supply 5/229
875
Henry
Wakeland
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc. with their rates of pay and service.
1. Henry Wakeland was employed as a Millman in 1805 with pay of 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 31st January 1806) and at the date of that Return, had been employed with the Ordnance for 6 months.
2. Henry was still employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Wakeland was employed as a Labourer "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn.
4. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House, and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Henry, who left a widow, Ann, in advanced pregnancy, and a daughter, Harriet, aged 18 months (Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd December, 1811). Ann received a pension of 17/6d per week with effect from the 17th May 1818 (Winters, p.87), but the date given by him appears to be incorrect.
5. A document dated the 8th November 1818, (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Hon. Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in the Manufactory, or who have been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments were paid. Included was
Ann Wakeland, whose husband worked in the Corning House, and she received a weekly pension of 17/6d which commenced on the 28th November 1811.
6. Anne was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821).
7. A document dated 6th December 1821 (also Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Ann's superannuation should continue at £45.10.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, recorded that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was confirmed in 1826 (Winters, p.96).
Supply 5/224
876
Robert
Wakeland
List of Foremen, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Robert Wakeland was employed as a Labourer drawing and Setting Stoves etc. at 2/-per day, and at the 30th January 1806, he had 3 months' service (Supply 5/224 dated January 1806).
2. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Robert Wakeland was then employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Robert was a Corning House Man and that he was paid 2/6d day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d per night.
4. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 confirmed that Robert was still a Corning House Man, but that he then earned 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d per night.
5. Robert was still a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay as in Note 4, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/224
877
Samuel
Wakeland
List of officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Samuel Wakeland was employed as a Stoveman at 2/-d per day. At the end of January 1806 he had 9 months' service, and, therefore, started at the Mills in the Spring of 1805 (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, confirmed that Wakeland was still employed as a Stoveman (drying gunpowder by means of a Gloom stove) with pay of 2/-d per day, and a note was included saying "in addition to his pay he was allowed to Watch in turn for which he received 1/-d."
Supply 5/224
878
Benjamin, Senior
Wall
00/00/1748
Personnel Record for Storekeeper's Department
1. Benjamin Wall (Snr.) started work as a general Labourer on the 1st April 1789, earning 1/6d per day. He worked in the Dusting House and was also "cutting and planting willow trees, cutting of the new canal at the Corning House, removing earth to the store, unloading barge of coals and charring wood" (Supply 5/213 dated 18th April 1789).
2. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, recorded that he was 41 years' old and was dusting and glazing the powder.
3. Benjamin was working in the Corning House in March 1790 (Supply 5/214 dated the 1st March 1790), April to December 1790 (Supply 5/215), April to June 1791 (Supply 5/215) and throughout 1792, 1793 and 1794 (Supply 5/215 of the 31st January 1792, Supply 5/216 dated the 31st July 1792, Supply 5/216 dated the 28th February 1793, Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793, Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1794 and Supply 5/217 dated the 31st December 1794).
4. In Supply 5/219 dated September 1798, it was stated that Wall was a Private in the Volunteer Company, having joined on the 7th May 1794. He was then shown as "foreman o/c Corning House & rounder."
5. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to a Petition on Pay, recorded that he was illiterate, still working as a Foreman in the Corning House and was a Rounder. He was still being paid 1/6d per day.
6. In a letter dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) it was stated that the writer had "the Board's commands to transmit to you on the other side hereof a list of the men who have been burnt and otherwise hurt by the fire which lately destroyed (16th June 1801) the Corning House at Waltham Abbey; and I am to desire the storekeeper will pay the men all their pay until they are recovered." Benjamin's name was included therein.
7. The list dated also stated, "we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." It further recorded that Mr. Wall and two others were "Burnt so as to prevent them working, but they may soon be well." and, "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
8. Winters in his book "Centenary Memorial" made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
9. Benjamin appeared to have recovered from his burns, since a Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that he was employed as a Labourer and was cleaning and deepening the river and canals, and performing sundry other necessary work.
10 Benjamin was Foreman at the Corning House in 1804, and was then paid 2/4d per day (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). He was also receiving an allowance of 1/6d every third night for "rounding." Supply 5/223 dated the 28th March 1805 recorded his pay as being 16/8d per week.
11 In March 1805, he was still Foreman at the Corning House, and in addition to his weekly pay of 16/8d, he was given an allowance of 6/-d per month, with a further payment of 1/6d every third night for Rounding.
12 Wall was still a Foreman in January 1806 (Supply 5/224) with 16 years' service, which differentiates him from his son.
13 In June 1807, he was described as Working Foreman of Corning Houses with pay of 2/6d per day, and was allowed 1/6d every third night as a Rounder to superintend the Millmen who were on duty, as well as the Watchmen (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807). This was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
14 Benjamin was still one of the Corning House Foremen, then with pay of 3/-d. per day, and he was allowed 2/-d every third night as a Rounder (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
15 List of Employees dated 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Wall was still a Foreman of Corning Houses, but that he then earned 4/-d per day, in addition to which, he was a Rounder earning 2/-d every third night.
16 Supply 5/230 dated 13th February 1814, confirmed the same details as given in Note 10.
17 List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March, 1816 (Supply 5/230) confirmed that Mr. Wall (Senior) was still Foreman of the Corning House, with 28 years' service, and recommended that he received a daily superannuation of 4/-d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Wall and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous Manufactory". It was also stated therein that Mr. Wall was " a very trustworthy servant" and that he had been "much burnt in a Corning House [fire/explosion] in the year 1801", and that he had been "with the Merchants before [the] Government purchased the Powder Mills". However, in a letter dated 6th March 1816, (Supply 5/200) Mr. Wall was finally awarded superannuation of only 3/-d per day for six days in the week, commencing on the 1st April, 1816.
18 A Supplement to a document dated the 8th November 1818, (Supply 5/231) listed persons who had been superannuated on account of their length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was Benjamin Wall, Foreman of the Corning House, who received a pension of 18/-d per week which commenced on the 1st April 1816.
19 Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821, confirmed the previous entry.
20 A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Benjamin Wall, lately Foreman of the Corning House, was in receipt of £46.16.d superannuation per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822 as well as in 1826 (Winters, p.96).
Supply 5/213
879
Benjamin, Junior
Wall
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Benjamin Wall (Jnr) was employed as a Labourer in the Corning House on the 11th April 1789 at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/214 dated the 27th March 1790).
2. Robert Coleman reported on the 4th November 1793 that Ben Wall Jnr., together with Clark Davie and William Dunn, Labourers, was discharged, having been suspected of stealing iron from a farmer's gate (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.40) and Wall was replaced in the Saltpetre House by Samuel Knowler.
3. It is possible that he may have returned to work with the Engineers' Department in 1815, since WO54/516 dated February 1816, recorded that a Benjamin Wall was employed as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day, and that he was first employed as a Labourer by that department on the 16th September 1815. He was a 47-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/214
880
John
Wall
List of Artificers, etc., and Volunteer Corps Members
1 John Wall started an Apprenticeship with the Master Worker on the 11th April 1797, and was a Private in the Volunteer Company However, it appears that he did not complete his Apprenticeship.
2. Wall was working in the Corning House as a Labourer with pay of 2/1d per day, and all Labourers received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
3. Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806 confirmed that John was still working in the Corning House, but stated his pay had risen to 2/2d per day. This document also recorded that he had 5 years' service at the Mills, which indicated that he either finished or quit his Apprenticeship in 1801.
4. List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807) recorded that Wall was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
5. John was working as Saltpetre Refiner on the 23 August 1808 (Supply 5/227) and was paid 2/-d per day and also "allowed to watch in turn."
6. It would appear from Winters' book (p.75) that John Wall died in June 1813, and that "his distressed widow was awarded a donation of £0.2.2d."
Supply 5/219
881
William
Wallace
00/00/1776
List of Artificers, etc. and Members of the Volunteer Corps
1. William Wallace was working in the Mixing House in September 1798, and was a Private in the Volunteer Company. He was appointed on 13th October 1795, but it would appear that he left, because his name had been struck through on the Volunteers' List (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, recorded that a William Wallace was a Millman who was paid 2/3d day and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Wallace was still a Millman, but recorded that he then earned 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
4. Wallace was employed as a Corning House Man on the 13th February 1814 at 3/3d per day, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
5. Lists of Officers and Others Employed dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231 and WO54/524) confirmed that William was still working in the Corning House, that he was 42, was a resident of Waltham Abbey, and that he was married with 2 children. He earned 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
6. In a letter dated August 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated, "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." Included was a William 'Wallis', Corning House Man, but this is thought to be a clerical error because there wasn't a 'Wallis' on the books at that date.
7. A List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Wallace was still employed in the Corning House, that he was a married man aged 43 with 2 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey, was paid 2/11d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
8. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry. His basic details on pay, etc. remained unchanged except that he was then allowed 1/6d per night to watch. This document records that he had 3 children
9. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Mr. Wallace was 44 and that he was married with 3 children.
10 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Mr. Wallace, Corning House Man, as 45, with pay per day of 2/11d.
11 Return showing the pay, allowances and length of service and every drescription of the persons in the employment of the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822) would appear to be a more detailed, and probably more accurate, Return than that dated the 23rd January 1822. It recorded that William Wallace, Corning House Man, was appointed on the 26th April 1810 as a Millman at Waltham Abbey, and his position on the Establishment as a Corning House Man was confirmed by an Order of the Board dated the 4th September 1818. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, which gave him a total income for the year of £50.16.11d. He had just over 11 years' service, was aged 45, was a married man with 5 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
12 In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, with the Establishment at Waltham to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March 1822) and the men were subquently dismissed on the 1st June. Several Petitions were submitted by the men asking for financial assistance; many were long-service employees in their middle age, and they pointed out that they had little hope of finding employment after the hay and corn harvest had been gathered. The Storekeeper at Waltham was sympathetic and forwarded their Petitions to the Board for consideration. William Wallace was one of four men who signed (with a cross) a second Petition on the 12th July, saying that he had been away unsuccessfully looking for work, and he was awarded two weeks' pay to ease his financial burden.
Supply 5/219
882
John
Wallen
List of those Employed and their Salaries
1. John Wallen was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the Willow Plantation" at 2/8d per day, as well as being allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
883
William
Wallis
Return of Employees
1. William Wallis was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 8th October 1815. He earned 2/8d per day, and was an 18-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
884
William
Wandstall
Pay List
1. William Wandstall was a Carpenter's Assistant, and was paid £1.1.3d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
885
Richard (1)
Want
List of Employees
1. Richard Want (1) was employed as a Millman; he earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
Supply 5/229
886
Thomas
Want
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1 Thomas Want was employed as a Millman on the 13th February 1814, with a rate of pay of 3/-d per day and an additional 6d per night when on duty (Supply 5/230).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816 recorded that Thomas was first employed by the Engineers' Department on the 15th April 1815 as a Labourer earning 2/8d per day, and that he was a 21-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/230
887
Richard (2)
Want
Return of Employees
1. Richard Want (2) was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
888
William
Want
00/00/1751
Return of Employees
1. William Want was first employed by the Board as an Occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 30th July 1811at 2/8d per day He was a 60-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
889
John
Want
00/00/1798
Return of Employees in the Engineers' Department
1. John Want was a single man, aged 27, who had been employed as a Labourer on a temporary basis for four months, and was to be discharged at the end of October 1825. He had been paid 2/2d per day (WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
WO54/550
890
James (1)
Warby
00/00/1772
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. James Warby (1) started work as a Labourer in the Storekeepers' Department on the 16th May 1805 (WO54/554 dated 1st Oct 1826). He then worked as a Refiner in the Salt Petre House in September 1805, and was paid 2/-d per day. He was still a Refiner in January 1806 (Supply 5/224 dated 30th January 1806) and remained so throughout 1807, 1808, 1809 and 1810 (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810). When not working, he was also allowed to watch in turn
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Warby was still a Saltpetre Refiner who then earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 with the same pay and conditions as before (Supply 5/230).
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that a James Warby was employed as a Labourer setting and drawing stoves, and that he was a married man aged 45, with 6 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey and at the time was earning 2/4d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
4. Supply 5/231 dated the 28th August 1818, showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818; Warby's name was listed, with his pay remaining unchanged, but he would then not receive watch money.
5. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included James Warby, Labourer.
6. However, the List of Employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that James Warby was then employed as a Brimstone Refiner, and that he was a married man of 46, with 6 children. He lived in Waltham Abbey, was then paid 2/4d per day, and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night. It also recorded that he had trained as a Brickmaker.
7. List of Officers on Employment dated 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) recorded that Mr. James Warby was 46 with 6 children, that he still lived in Waltham Abbey and that he still earned 2/4d per day, but then as a Saltpetre Refiner. At that date he was in receipt of 1/6d per night when allowed to watch.
8. List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that James was 48 and confirmed he was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner; all other entries remained the same.
9. List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of James Warby (1), Saltpetre Refiner, as 48, with just over 16 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
10 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) showed length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This would appear to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822, and recorded that James Warby (1), Saltpetre Refiner, started in the Saltpetre Refinery on the 14th November 1805. It recorded that by Orders of the Board dated the 4th September 1818 and 4th October 1819, he was confirmed as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at the 31st December 1821, he had just over 16 years' service, was 48 years of age, was married with 6 children and lived in Waltham Abbey, and was originally trained as a Brick Maker. He may have left the Mills around this time, but soon after re-joined as a Labourer in the Engineers' Department. The logic for this is that his previous service was not carried forward.
11 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that Warby was paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. According to this Return, he had 1 year's service, starting on the 18th July 1822. He was then aged 52, a married man with 6 children, living in Waltham Abbey
12 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 listing Personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, confirmed that James (2) was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer. This gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as 3 years in this job; he was aged 54, was married and had 6 children.
13 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825, confirmed the previous entry and recorded that he started as a Labourer in the Storekeepers' Department on the 16th November 1805. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the details given in October 1825.
14 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the information given in the previous Return.
15 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, recorded that at that date James (1) had 5 years' service as a Labourer and that was 54 years of age.
16 Supply 5/205 dated the 20th April 1827 stated that Warby was paid 12 days' sick pay from the 12th to the 24th March 1827.
17 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 confirmed the information given previously, except that he had served over 5 years as a Labourer, and was aged just over 54.
18 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the previous information.
19 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) confirmed Warby's age and length of service, with his family and pay details remaining unchanged.
20 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570) James (1) was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served 8 years as a Labourer and was 57 years of age.
21 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830, confirmed that James was still working as a Labourer and that his family details and pay remained unchanged. His length of service and age were updated.
22 A Return of persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1830, recorded that James Warby was one of the 15 Labourers who were to be employed at the Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and had to undertake different services as a Labourer in the Manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particularly required.
23 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated Warby's age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
24 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that James (1) still earned 2/2d per day, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. He had then served for over 9 years and was aged 58.
Supply 5/224
891
Joseph
Warby
List of Employees
1. Joseph Warby was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation." He was paid 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812)
Supply 5/229
892
James (2)
Warby
List of Officers etc. Employed.
1. James Warby (2) was employed as a Corning House Man (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814). He was paid 3/3d per day and was allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/230
893
Thomas
Ward
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Ward was working as a Labourer receiving 1/6d per day; he was married and had one child (Report dated the 8th May 1801 - Supply 5/221). Anyone not an Artificer was described as a Labourer in this document.
2. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 23rd October 1801 that 24 men were required to work at Faversham or be discharged, and Ward was one of those who agreed to go (Winters' book, p.60). Nevertheless, the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573- 1840 did not record his name, so it can only be assumed that his services were terminated.
Supply 5/221
894
Joseph
Ward
List of Foreman Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Joseph Ward worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. At the 30th January 1806, he had 6 months' service (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
Supply 5/224
895
William
Warner
List of Artificers, etc. Employed in Engineers' Department
1. William Warner worked as a Labourer earning 1/6d per day in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
Supply 5/222
896
John
Warwick
Pay List
1. John Warwick was listed as a Common Labourer who was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
897
John
Watson
Record of personnel working in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. John Watson's start date was the 15th July 1793 when he was a Labourer in the Corning House, and in August 1793, he earned 1/6d per day (Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793). In January 1794, he was grinding "salt petre, charcoal & brimstone" according to Supply 5/216. He enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
2. In August 1794, John was working "on the barges and in the punts" (Supply 5/216) as he was in December 1794 (Supply 5/217).
3. In June 1795 he was described as a "Bargeman" (Supply 5/217 dated the 24th June 1795).
4. According to the List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) it appears that John was then a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. This was also the case on the 13th February 1814 with the same pay and conditions as before (Supply 5/230).
Supply 5/216
898
William (1)
Watson
Return of Employees
1. William Watson (1) was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
899
William (2)
Watson
00/00/1801
Return of Employees
1. William Watson (2) was engaged as a Labourer within the Engineers' Department on the 1st June 1826. He was a 25-year-old married man without issue, and was paid 2/2d per day, giving him an annual income of £33.18.2d (WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826). He had no previous appointments with the Board, which differentiates him from William Watson (1).
WO54/554
900
Benjamin
Watts
00/00/1775
Return of Employees
1. Benjamin Watts was first employed by the Board as an Occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day He was a 40-year-old married man without children, who lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
2. The previous details were updated by WO54/520 of the 20th February 1817. He was then only paid 2/4d per day, but all other details remained unchanged.
W054/516
901
John
Wayman
Record of Personnel Working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Wayman started work as a Labourer in the Refining House on the 10th October 1794, and in December 1794, was earning 1/6d per day.
2. He was still working as a Refiner in September 1798, and was a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 of September, 1798).
3. A signed document, Supply 5/220 of the 2nd February 1800 relating to pay, indicated that he was literate and was still working as a Refining House Labourer.
4. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 recorded that he was then working as a Labourer, and that he was a married man with 1 child. In this document, anyone who was not an Artificer was described as a Labourer (Supply 5/221).
5. A Return of Artificers and Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) confirmed that John was still employed as a Refiner, but as there was "a considerable depot of Salt Petre, etc." he was directed by the Comptroller to take care of the Refining and Salt Petre storehouses.
6. Wayman's pay increased to 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804). Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, recorded that he was still a Saltpetre Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day, and that at date he had just over 11 years' service.
7. John was still a Refiner in the Salt Petre House at 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/224 of August 1808). Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed Wayman's previous details as regards pay and watch allowance.
8. Wayman was employed as a Warder in August 1812 at the same 2/-d per day. (List of Employees - Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
9. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 confirmed that Mr. Wayman was still a Warder at that date, but that he was then earning 2/8d per day, and that in addition, he was a Rounder at 2/-d every third night.
10 According to letters to the Board dated 29th November and 3rd December 1814 (Supply 5/200) Mr. Wayman apparently died of a rupture brought about by "various hurts he had received over the 20 years he had worked for the Mills", and his wife, Mary, aged 61, had petitioned the Board because she had been left destitute. In her Petition of the 29th November 1814, she stated that she was "very infirm" and "therefore humbly prays that your honours in your wisdom will be pleased in consideration of the deceased being twenty years in your
service, think of her and admit her a partaker of that bounty which has so often been extended to dry the tears of distress." In a letter from the Office of Ordinance dated 9th December 1814 it said that, "Mrs. Wayman, in consequence of the services of her late husband and her advanced age rendering her incapable of earning her livelihood" was "to be placed upon the Charity List at 3/6d per week" from the date of her husband's death.
11 A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed "persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Honourable Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who have lost their lives in this Manufactory, or who have been superannuated on accounts of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments". Among the recipients was Mary, whose husband had been a Warder, and who was in receipt of a
pension of 3/6d per week which had started on the 5th November, 1814.
12 Mary Wayman was still in receipt of her pension of £9.2.0d per annum in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821) and a similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December, 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This was also confirmed in 1826 (Winters, p.96).
Supply 5/217
902
Isaac (1)
Webb
00/00/1757
List of Artificers etc., their Marital Status and amount of Children
1. A Return on the Marital Status of the Employees dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that Isaac Webb (1), a Labourer, was a married man with 2 children. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 records that he was engaged at the Mills on the 27th March 1800. n.
2. A Return of Artificers & Labourers dated the 3rd November 1801 (Supply 5/221) showed that he was still employed as a Labourer and was cleaning and deepening the river and canals and performing sundry necessary work, he was paid 1/6d per day.
3. Isaac was described as a Refiner with pay of 2/-d per day, and all Refiners received an additional allowance of 1/-d per night when it was their turn to watch - on average every 5th night. (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
4 Supply 5/224 dated the 31st January1806, recorded that Webb had been promoted to Millman by then and earned 2/3d per day. It also stated that at that date he had been employed with the Ordnance for 8 years (this is an error).
5. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 confirmed Mr. Webb was still employed as a Corning House Man. He was earning 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
6. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that Webb was still a Corning house Man, that he was paid 2/6d day and that he was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
7. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) confirmed that Mr. Webb was still a Corning House Man, but that his earnings had increased to 3/3d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
8. Isaac was still a Corning house man on the 13th February 1814 with the same rate of pay as in Note 8, and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night (Supply 5/230).
9. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Issac was a Saltpetre Refiner, that he was a married man aged 60 with 2 children, that he lived in Waltham Abbey and earned 2/4d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/-d per night.
10 A Return dated the 28th August 1818 (Supply 5/231) showed the names of people to be retained between the 3rd September and the 31st December 1818. Isaac's name was on the list with his pay unchanged, but he was then not allowed to watch.
11 List of employees dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231) recorded that Webb was then a Brimstone Refiner, and was a married man of 61 with 2 children; he lived in Waltham Abbey and was paid 2/4d per day as well as being allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/-d per night.
12 List of Officers on Employment dated the 13th September 1820 recorded that Isaac Webb was then 62, had 2 children, still lived in Waltham Abbey and still earned 2/4d per day, but he was then described as a Saltpetre Refiner. His allowance for watching had increased to 1/6d per night (Supply 5/232).
13 List of Employees dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) indicated that Isaac was 64 and confirmed he was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner.
14 List of Employees at the Royal Powder Mills (Supply 5/232 dated 23rd January 1822) gave the age of Isaac (1), Saltpetre Refiner, as 64, with nearly 25 years' service and pay per day of 2/4d.
15 Return dated 6th February 1822 (Supply 5/232) recorded length of service and other full details of those persons employed by the Ordnance at Waltham Abbey as at the 31st December 1821. This would appear to be a more detailed and accurate Return than that of the 23rd January 1822. It stated that Isaac Webb (1), Saltpetre Refiner, was appointed as a Labourer at Waltham Abbey on the 27th March 1800, and by Orders of the Board dated 4th September 1818 and the 4th October 1819, as a Saltpetre Refiner. He was allowed to watch in turn to guard the works, for which he received an additional 2/-d per night, giving him total annual pay of £41.14.4d. According to this Return, at 31st December 1821, he had over 21 years' service, was 64 years old, was married with 2 children and lived in Waltham Abbey.
16 In the spring of 1822 the Ordnance Board decided to reduce the production and regeneration of gunpowder, and the Establishment at Waltham was to be reduced. Accordingly, Empson Middleton and James Wright drew up a list of people to be dismissed (Supply 5/232 dated the 21st March, 1822). Issac Webb was one of the men to be dismissed on the 1st June 1822. However, a further Return dated the 10th October 1822 (Supply 5/233) recorded that he was to be retained, and was required to carry out any type of work needed anywhere within the Manufactory.
17 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823, showed that Webb was classed as a "a Labourer for general purposes to be sent to all parts of the Manufactory wherever their services may be requested.", in other words, he was a general Labourer. His income for the year was £39.0.0d, which included an allowance for watching in turn. His family and service details were confirmed.
18 A document dated the 1st April 1823 (WO54/542 - Alteration in Return B) recorded that Isaac Webb (1) had had his pay reduced by £2.12.0d per annum in accordance with the Board's Orders dated the 27th December 1822 and 15th January 1823.
19 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1824 (WO54/546) Isaac (1) earned £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance for watching in turn, for which he received
2/-d per week. His period of service was given as over 24 years, he was aged 66, was married and had 2 children.
20 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 recorded that Webb was still a general purpose Labourer, with basic pay of £33.16.0d per annum; he was allowed to watch in turn which gave him, on average, 2/-d per week, increasing his income to £39.0.0d. This Return also confirmed his previous family and service details. WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 also confirmed his service and family details.
21 WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the basic information given in WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 was a repeat of information given in WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826.
22 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
23 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 recorded that on the 24th February 1827, Isaac had been promoted to a Labourer attending and drawing the stoves, which increased his basic income to £39.0.0d per annum. He was still allowed to watch, which gave him a total annual income of £44.4.0d, and at that date Isaac had nearly 28 years' service and was then 68 years of age.
24 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) gave the same information as given previously, except that he had served for 28 years.
25 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaing unchanged.
26 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 recorded that at that date Isaac (1) still earned the same as in Note 24. His length of service was given as over 29 years, and he was then 69.
27 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
28 WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 recorded that Isaac (1) was 70 years of age, and that he had served for just over 30 years. His pay was still the same as in Note 23, and all other information remained the same.
Supply 5/221
903
William
Webb
List of Officers and Others Employed
1. William Webb, who had worked for Mr Walton as a Cooper, applied for work at the Mills on the 30th November 1787 (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. Supply 5/222 recorded that he was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established" earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801."
3. According to the List of Officers, Foremen, Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) William Webb was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day. He was also allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/222
904
Isaac (2)
Webb
List of Foreman, Artificers and Labourers Employed
1. Isaac Webb (2) worked in the Corning House as a Labourer at 2/2d per day, and in January 1806, had been employed with the Ordnance for 9 months (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. He was employed as a Stoveman (drying gunpowder by means of a Gloom stove) in 1807 at 2/-d per day, and a note in Supply 5/226 dated 18/06/1807 said, "in addition to his pay he is allowed to watch in turn, for which he receives 1/-." This was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 5th August 1808) and on the 1st September 1810 ( Supply 5/228).
3. Isaac was still employed as a Stoveman at 2/8d per day according to Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812.
4. On the 13th February 1814, he is recorded as a stove man who was still earning 2/8d per day but was not allowed to watch (Supply 5/230)
Supply 5/224
905
Samuel
Webb
List of Officers, Artificers and Foremen, etc. Employed
1. Samuel Webb worked in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed - Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/226
906
James
Webb
Pay List
1. James Webb was a Common Labourer. He was paid 17/-d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 dated the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
907
John (1)
Webb
List of Employees
1. John Webb (1) was employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/229
908
Henry
Webb
List of Employees
1. Henry Webb was employed as a Puntman at 2/8d per day, and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814 recorded a John Webb as a puntman, but this is thought to be a clerical error and should, perhaps, read Henry Webb.
Supply 5/229
909
John (2)
Webb
Return of Employees
1. John Webb (2) was employed as a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
910
James
Welch
Return of Employees
1. James Welch was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated the 1st September, 1812).
WO54/512
911
William
Welch
Return of Employees
1. William Welch was an Occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816 confirmed Welch was an Occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and that he was a 19-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/512
912
Thomas
Wells
List of Persons Employed and their Salaries
1. Thomas Wells was an additional Bargeman earning 3/10d per day (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/230
913
Samuel
Wells
Return of Employees
1. Samuel Wells was a Casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department earning 2/8d per day for a six-day-week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
914
Thomas
West
List of Artificers, etc. and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. Thomas West's start date as a Labourer was the 5th March 1797, and he was also a
Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
915
William
West
Report on Explosion in new Corning House
1. William West, who was single and the son of Thomas West, a Day Labourer, worked in the New Corning House earning 1/6d per day. A letter to the Board stated that the new Corning House blew up on the 18th April 1801, with a tremendous explosion. Nine men were in the building, including William, and all, together with four horses, were killed (Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801).
2. Supply 5/220 dated the 19th April 1801 was also a Report on the ages of children and circumstances of widows and children, and stated that Mary West was William's mother and that she was aged 46. Her husband was a Day Labourer. She had 4 children and received part of her subsistence for the labours of her son. She was awarded a pension of 2/-d per week.
3. There was considerable confusion over William's mother's name, but it was clarified in a letter to the Board (Supply 5/221 dated the 5th January 1802) which stated that she had been married to one West several years ago, but was then known as Mary Edwards and had been incorrectly reported by the Mills as West. She lived at Cheshunt.
4. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Honourable Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who have lost their lives in this Manufactory, or who have been superannuated on accounts of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was Mary Edwards (West) who received a charitable allowance of 2/-d per week commencing the 19th May 1801.
5. A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) recorded the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place." It was confirmed that Mary's superannuation should continue at £5.4.0d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822, as well as in 1826 according to Winters (p.96).
6. Mary was still paid a pension of 2/-d weekly in 1837 (Supply 5/237), and this document confirmed that her pension had commenced on the 19th May 1801.
Supply 5/220
916
John
Wheatley
List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. John Wheatley was employed as a Refiner in the Salt Petre House in June 1807, earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated 18th June 1807). This Return also stated "when not working allowed to watch in turn." This was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808.
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Wheatley was still a Saltpetre Refiner who was paid 2/-d per day, and allowed to watch in turn.
Supply 5/226
917
George
Wheatley
Return of Employees
1. George Wheatley was first employed by the Board on the 7th December 1812 as an occasional Labourer earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department. He was a 60-year-old married man with 2 married and 2 unmarried children, living in Waltham Abbey. (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
918
Edwin
Wheble
Winters, Centenary Memorial, p.122
1. Edwin Wheble was appointed as Surgeon at the Mills in 1839, replacing Robert Hilton (Winters, op.cit. p.122).
2. The 1841 Census recorded that Edwin was a Surgeon-Apothecary living in Romelands with his family.
919
James
White
Accounts for September 1790
1. James White was employed as the Foreman of Labourers in the Engineers' Department earning 2/-d per day. Between August and September 1790 he worked within the Manufactory, with his wages submitted by William Spry, Colonel commanding the Royal Engineers, and paid by the Storekeeper, James Wright. He signed for his pay "with a firm hand." (WASC 1382).
2. His name appeared in an unsigned Report to "His Majesties Hon Board of Ordnance" which recorded "men whose work was very dangerous were frequently found in public houses neglecting his Majesties duty and whose names ought to be reported." A note dated the 7th February 1792 stated that the matter should be referred to Major Congreve, and that he was to "cause an enquiry to be made and report the result to the Board." (Supply 5/190 dated January 1791). The third and last name in the Report was Mr White's, who was described as, "very troublesome & scorns to use those well which are placed under him a general murmer reigns throughout the yard." Winters, in his Centenary Memorial (pp.34/35) also refers to these incidents, and recorded that the complaints were without foundation and White was described as "Foreman of the Labouring Hands".
3. A Report dated the 8th May 1801 (Supply 5/221) recorded that James was working as one of the Labour Foremen earning 2/-d per day, that he was a married man, and that he had no children.
4. List of Officers and others Employed (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) confirmed that he was still a Foreman Labourer in the "Engineers Department Established", earning 2/6d per day.
5. In a letter dated 16th July 1806 (Supply 5/197) it was stated "Mr. White, Foreman of Labourers, should retire from that situation upon 6/-d per week, which would be borne upon the Charity List in consideration of his service." The letter went on to say "the vacancy in the appointment of Foreman of Labourers ... is not to be filled up for the present."
WASC 1382
920
Daniel
Wicks
Pay List
1. Daniel Wicks was a Carpenter 2nd class, and was paid £1.8.4d for work carried out by the Engineers' Department in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809 (Supply 5/228 the 21st July 1809).
Supply 5/228
921
Charles
Wiggs
00/00/1793
List of 0fficers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc.
1. Charles Wiggs was described as "a Labourer in various parts of the Manufactory, setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc." earning 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
2. According to the List of Officers, Foremen and Artificers, etc. Employed dated the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227) Mr. Wiggs was employed as a Labourer, "setting and drawing stoves, and in Willow Plantations, etc." earning 2/-d per day, and recorded that he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. A letter dated the 26th July 1809 recorded an increase in Wiggs' pay from 2/-d to 2/6d per day as a Cooper (Supply 5/199).
4. Wiggs was still a Cooper in 1810 at 2/6d per day, but was then not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
5. Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812 confirmed he was still employed as a Cooper but that his pay had increased to 4/6d per day, and he was still not allowed to watch. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814 according to Supply 5/230.
6. Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818 confirmed that Wiggs was still a Cooper, then paid 4/-d per day, but not allowed to watch. It also recorded that he was a single man aged 24, who lived in Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/226
922
Thomas
Wiggs
Return of Employees
1. Thomas Wiggs was Apprenticed to the Master Millwright at 6/8d per week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
WO54/512
923
John
Wilday
00/00/1762
List of Employees
1. John Wilday was appointed as a Labourer "at the Stoves at Night time" and had been in service for 8 months (Supply 5/114 dated August 1789 and extract from the Faversham Register).
2. Wilday continued to work at Faversham as a Labourer at the Stoves until 1796, when he was described as a Labourer in the Dusting and Reel Houses in Supply 5/72. In 1825 he was stopped 1/-d for medical attention. He was a Stoveman in 1826 at 2/4d per day (Supply 5/116 dated January 1826) and was still working at the Stoves in 1828 (Supply 5/116 dated 1st April 1828 ).
3. Some time after 1828 John became a Charcoal Burner, and was to be transferred to the Mills at Waltham Abbey (Supply 5/207 dated the 19th November 1832.)
4. John was a Labourer in the Charcoal Cylinder House with effect from the 19th November 1832 and was paid 2/2d per day (Winters, p.102). This information was confirmed in Return WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833, when Wilday earned £33.16.0d per annum as well as £5.4.0d per annum for watching in turn, which brought his total earnings for the year to £39. He had been employed as a Labourer at Faversham since the 26th January 1789 until his present appointment, and his service was given as 44 years. He was a married man with 5 children, aged 67, and had originally been brought up in the Bakery Trade.
5. A Return of Domestic Properties (WO44/133 dated the 28th May, 1840) showed that John Wilday was living in a cottage in Powder Mill Lane, for which he paid 2/-d rent. It also recorded that his small cottage had been occupied by George Miller, who either retired in the summer of 1833 and moved away, or had died, and has been identified as part of Plot No. 61 on the Town Map in Appendix 1).
6. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 updated his previous entry in terms of age and service etc., with all other details remaining unchanged.
7. WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834, recorded that John was still employed as a Cylinder House Man. However, his basic annual pay by then had been reduced to £28.5.6d. He was allowed to watch in turn and this gave him a total annual sum of £33.9.6d, as opposed to his previous earnings of £39. His period of service was given as 45 years and his age, 68. This Return also recorded that, as opposed to that stated in Note 4 (WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833), Mr. Wilday only had 4 children.
8. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the previous note; this Return also stated he was 67 and had served just over 45 years, but reverted to the fact that he had 5 children.
9. A Return of Property owned by the Board dated the 20th December 1834, showed that John had been living in one of three tenements numbered 61 in the List since the 11th Aprill 1834, paying 2/-d a week rent (Supply 5/237). Another Return of the same date recorded that he had been superanuated, and that his cottage was to be let to J. Wraight, Cylinder man. The cottage has been identified as being at the junction of Powder Mill Lane and High Bridge Street.
10 In a Return of Domestic Properties dated 1840, John Wilday was shown as "retired - pensioned."
11 John Wilday's name does not appear in the 1841 Census for Waltham Abbey.
Supply 5/114
924
David
Wilkie
00/00/1788
List of Salaries Paid
1. David Wilkie was appointed as a clerk at Keyham Point on the 7th March 1806 before being appointed Second Clerk at Waltham Abbey on the 28th July 1806, with a salary of £80 per annum, lodging allowance of £12 and £8 for coal and candles (Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822).
2. Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814, confirmed his salary was still £80 with the same allowances as given in Note 1. He had joined the Royal Artillery as a Lieutenant on the 25th July 1812, and served until the 19th May 1813, when he rejoined the Mills at Waltham Abbey as the Second Clerk.
3. According to the List of Officers and Others Employed the dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) Mr. Wilkie was appointed Second Clerk on the 19th May, 1813. He was 30 years' old, lived in Waltham Abbey and was single. His salary was £80 per annum and he was allowed £8 for coal and candles with a gratuity of £35 as well as a house upon the Establishment. This Return confirmed his appointment on the 7th March, 1806, as the First Clerk at Keyham Point.
4. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons in the Employment and Pay of the Mills dated 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231), Mr. Wilkie was still Second Clerk, then aged 31, and all the other information given previously remained the same.
5. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (Supply 5/232) updated the previous entry, with the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. Wilkie's age was then given as 33.
6. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December, 1820, showing the amounts received by the Storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that David Wilkie, Second Clerk, had been living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 14th April, 1815, and that the house was within the Manufactory on Horse Mill Island. The house in question is Plot No. 97 on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The same information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th February 1822 for the year 1821.
7. List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Wilkie was still Second Clerk, that he was then aged 33, was still single and lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information remained the same.
8. Supply 5/232 dated the 6th February 1822 recorded that his salary was still £80 per annum, with a gratuity based on service of £50, candle and coal allowance of £8.0.0d in lieu of coal and candles, giving him a total income of £138.0.0d. He rented land from the Board in Lamas, was provided with a house in Waltham Abbey, had served with the Ordnance for 15 years and was a single man of 34.
9. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed that his salary, entitlement to house and allowances, etc. were all as before.
10 Return showing the Pay, Allowances and Length of Service of all Employees (WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824) included Mr. Wilkie. His salary was given as £130 per annum with allowances amounting to £8.0.0d, making a total of £138.0.0d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had just over 17 years' service, was then aged 36 and was unmarried.
11 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 repeated the previous information given, as did the Return dated 1st October 1825 (WO54/550). At that date, however, he had nearly 19 years' service, and was 37 years of age. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 recorded the same basic information.
12 Wilkie was still Second Clerk, with a total salary at the 1st January 1825 of £138 per annum (Supply 5/205 dated the 21st December, 1825). This information was in the form of a memo, and adjustments in salary do not appear to have been put into effect. However, WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, recorded that he had been awarded a £7 increase in salary which then gave him £145 per annum.
13 WO54/558 dated the the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
14 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827, gave the same information as in the previous notes. However, at that date Mr. Wilkes had nearly 21 years' service, and was then 39 years of age.
15 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as in the previous notes, with the exception that Mr. Wilkie had served just over 21 years, and that he was aged 39.
16 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Wilkie was paid £137 per annum, plus an allowance of £8 for coals and candles. Other details remained unchanged.
17 WO54/566 dated the 1st April 1829, updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay unchanged.
18 WO54/566 dated the1st October 1829 stated that at that date Mr. Wilkie still earned the same as in Note 13. His length of service was given as just over 23 years and that he was then aged 40.
19 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
20 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570), Mr. Wilkie, as Second Clerk, was still earning the same per annum as he was in Note 13 . By then he had served just over 24 years, was 41 and was still unmarried.
21 WO54/ 575 dated the 1st April 1831 recorded the same information as given in Note 13, except that he had now served nearly 25years.
22 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
23 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832, confirmed that Mr. Wilkie still earned the same as indicated in Note 12. All other details remained the same, except that at that date he was 43 and had served just over 26 years.
24 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 recorded that Mr. Wilkie still earned a total of £145.0.0d per annum. His service was given as nearly 27 years, and his age as 43.. He was still a single man.
25 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 recorded that Mr. Wilkie was 44 years of age and had served 27 years. He was still in receipt of an annual wage of £145.0.0d.
26 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 updated the October Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining unchanged.
27 Return dated 1st October 1834 (no reference given) updated the previous Return for service and age with conditions and salary remaining unchanged.
28 Return of Staff dated the 1st April 1839 (WO54/623) confirmed that Wilkie's salary, including an increase and allowances in lieu of coal and candles was £145.0.0d per annum. He had 33 years' service at that date, was aged 49 years and was still a bachelor.
29 Following the death of Thomas Littler, Wilkie was promoted to 1st Clerk on the 19th August 1839, but his salary remained at £145.0.0d per annum (WO56/623).
30 The 1841 Census recorded that David Wilkie was living in Wall Marsh (Horse Mill Island) with John and Elizabeth Tyler as his servants. It also recorded that Wilkie was born in Ireland.
Supply 5/226
925
William
Wilkinson
Return of Employees
1. William Wilkinson was appointed as a Plantation Labourer on the 30th November 1840 at 2/6d daily.
2. The 1841 Census recorded that he and his wife, Eleanor, together with their 2 children, were living on the Lower Island.
Supply 5/238
926
Charles
Wilks
Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.102
1. Charles Wilks "superintendent at Ballincolling, [was] appointed storekeeper at Waltham Abbey - Middleton deceased. June 1825" (Winters, p.93).
2. Return dated 1st October 1825 (WO54/550) recorded that Charles Wilkes' basic salary was £400 per annum. At that date he received an increase of £200 per annum with an allowance in lieu of coals and candles of £25, and another of £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance for 'Labour', making a total of £652.7.6d per annum in all. He was appointed to the post of Storekeeper on the 15th January 1825. His period of service was given as 45 years, he was 65 years of age, he had a house, was married and had 1 child.
3. Supply 5/205 dated the 21st December 1825 confirmed that he was the Storekeeper, and that his total salary in 1825 was £625 per annum. Supply 5/205 was in the form of a memo, and the adjustments in salary do not appear to have been put into effect
4. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 recorded that Charles Wilks was appointed as the Overseer of Works at Chatham on the 1st October 1780, as the Clerk of the Works there on the 25th August 1783, as the Clerk of the Works at Faversham on the 1st December 1794 and transferred to Waltham Abbey as the Clerk of the Works on the 26th February 1800. In September 1804, he was the Clerk of the Works for "the Powder Mills in general" before being appointed on the 9th March 1805 as the Superintendant at Ballincollig, Ireland. His successor was J. W. Bordwin. Wilkes was appointed as the Storekeeper at Waltham Abbey on the 15th June 1825. His annual salary, including the usual allowances , was £652.7.6d per annum He was provided with a house and was a 65-year-old married man with 1 child.
5. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the Return dated the 1st April 1826.
6. WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded, "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
7. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 confirmed the same information as that given previously. At that date Mr. Wilkes had 47 years' service and he was then 67 years of age..
8. "22nd October 1827. Chase hire from Waltham to London and back for Charles Wilks for imprest, £2. One day's extra expenses £2." (Winters, p.98).
9. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as previously given, with the exception that he had served over 47 years, and that he was 67.
10 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Wilks was paid £600 per annum, plus an allowance of £25 for coals and candles and £27.7.6d in lieu of "attendance in labour". All other details remained the same.
11 Return dated the 1st April 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaing unchanged.
12 WO54/566 dated 1st October 1829 confirmed that at that date Charles still earned the same as recorded in Note 10. His length of service was given as 49 years, and he was now aged 69.
13 Return WO 54/570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining the same.
14 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570), Charles was still earning £652.7.6d per annum made up as in Note 10. By then he had served 50 years and was just over 70 years of age.
15 Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 confirmed that Mr. Wilks was still earning a total of £652.7.6d, that he had then served just over 50 years and that he was nearly 71.
16 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
17 The Board's Order No. 609 dated the 28th October 1831 recorded that Charles Wilks was made redundant on the 28th October 1831. It also stated that the post of Storekeeper was abolished, thereby saving £652.7.6d per annum (WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832).
18 Nevertheless, according to Winters, (op.cit. p.102), by 1832, Wilks was made the Storekeeper at Purfleet following the death of the incumbent there, Mr. Godfrey, one of the four most important government-appointed posts in the Board of Ordnance.
19 It is thought that Wilkes married his wife, Elizabeth, in Ireland. She dies on the 11th May 1831 at the age of 73 and is buried in the Church of the Holy Cross, Waltham Abbey. Charles Wilkes died on 17th November 1847, and was buried in Swanscombe Churchyard.
20 More information on Charles Wilks can be found in WASC 2221.
927
G
Williams
List of Artificers, etc. , and Members of the Volunteer Company
1. G. Williams was employed in the Dusting House as a Labourer on the 8th July 1796 , and served as a Private in the Volunteer Company (Supply 5/219 dated September 1798).
Supply 5/219
928
Thomas
Williams
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc, their Rates of Pay and Service.
1. Thomas Williams was employed as a Millman in 1805, earning 2/6d per day.
2. A Thomas Williams was employed as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day in June 1807 (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
Supply 5/224
929
Samuel
Williams
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. Samuel Williams was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn ( List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. The same pay and conditions as above applied on the the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/229
930
William (2)
Williams
List of those Employed and their Pay
1. William Williams was employed as a Saltpetre Refiner at 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn (List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 - Supply 5/229).
2. The same pay and conditions given in Note 1 applied on the the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/229
931
William (1)
Williams
00/00/1755
List of Employees
1. William Williams (1) was employed in 1812 as a casual Bricklayers Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day for a six-day week (WO54/512 dated September 1812).
2. WO54/516 dated February 1816, confirmed he was first employed by the Board as a Labourer on the 14th December 1811 earning 2/8d per day in the Engineers' Department, and stated that he was a 60-year-old married man with 5 married children, living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/512
932
Joseph
Williams
00/00/1791
Return of Employees
1. Joseph Williams was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 7th March 1815, earning 2/8d per day . He was a 23-year-old married man with 2 children who lived in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
933
William
Willson
List of Officers, Foremen, and Artificers, etc. in the Storekeeper's Dept.
1. Wiliam Willson was employed by September 1810 in setting and drawing stoves, and in the willow plantations, etc. He was paid 2/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
2. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Willson was now employed as a Millman earning 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/228
934
John
Wilson
List of Employees
1. John Wilson was employed as a Labourer "drawing and setting stoves and in the willow plantation" at 2/8d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812).
Supply 5/229
935
Thomas (also Wiltshaw & Willsher)
Wiltshire
List of Foreman Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. Thomas Wiltshire worked as a Corning House Man earning 2/2d per day, and had been employed with the Ordnance for 1 year (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, Wiltshire was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, however, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808 recorded that Mr. Wiltshire was still employed as a Corning House Man, then earning 2/6d per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed Thomas was still a Corning house man at 2/6d day, and that he was allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House on Lower Island, and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Thomas Wiltshire, who was by then the Foreman of the Reel House, was the only survivor, but was severely injured, and it was agreed by the Board that his wife, Elizabeth, should continue to receive his pay of 2/10d per day, and that the surgeon, Robert Hilton, should be allowed to receive payment for "extra to effect Wiltshire's recovery" (Supply 5/199). However, Wiltshire died on the 13th December, leaving a widow, Elizabeth, who was pregnant, and 7 children, William (16) and James (13) - who were both in service together - and Mary (11), Thomas (9), John (7), Sarah (5) and Ann (3). The Board agreed to pay the funeral expenses (Supply 5/229 dated 13th December 1811) and Elizabeth was awarded a pension of 19/10d per week with effect from the 14th December 1811 (Winters, p.87)
6. A document dated the 8th November1818 (Supply 5/231) listed persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Hon. Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who had lost their lives in this manufactory, or who had been superannuated on account of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments. Among the recipients was Elizabeth Wiltshire, whose husband was the Reeling House Foreman, who received a pension of 19/10d per week commencing the 14th December 1811.
7. Elizabeth was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated the 17th November 1821).
8. A document dated 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822 along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place". It was confirmed that Elizabeth's superannuation should continue at £51.11.4d per annum. A similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. This information was also the case in 1826, according to Winters (p.96).
9. Elizabeth was still in receipt of a pension in 1837 (Supply 5/237) quoted in most documents as £51.11.4d per annum, with her surname usually spelt Wiltshaw.
10 The 1825 Rateable Valuation for Waltham Abbey (D/DHfB29) recorded that Widow Wilsher was living in High Bank cottages on the north side of High Bridge Street, being part of Plot No. 48 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
10 The 1841 Census recorded that at tjat date she was then living in Meeting House Row, Waltham Abbey, with her son, John.
Supply 5/224
936
William
Wiltshire
List of Employees
1. William Wiltshire was employed as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department, earning 2/8d per day .
2. He was first employed by the Board on the 11th November 1815, and was a 20-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey (WO54/516 dated February 1816), and was, presumably, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Wilstshire.
WO54/516
937
William
Wines
00/00/1777
Personnel Record for the Storekeeper's Department
1. William Wines started as an Apprentice in the general manufacture of gunpowder at the Mills on the 16th February 1789 at the age of 12 at 1/-d per day (Supply 5/213 dated the 22nd August 17890. Supply 5/214 dated September 1789, confirmed that he was 12 years' old and was still employed as an Apprentice.
2. He completed his Apprenticeship at the end of January 1793, and started work grinding Salt Petre and Charcoal on the 1st February 1793 (Supply 5/216 dated the 28th January 1793).
3. He was still grinding Salt Petre and Charcoal in August and September 1793 (Supply 5/216) until August 1794 (Supply 5/216) as well as in December 1794 (Supply 5/217) and his
rate of pay during the whole of this period was 1/6d per day.
4. Robert Coleman, Clerk of the Cheque, recorded that on the 13th/14th May 1793, William had gone away from his watch without leave and was therefore ordered off his watch. (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.39). Winters also stated that Wines lived in the Market Place where Mr. H. I. James lived in 1888.
5. William enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219)
6. Robert Coleman recorded in his Minute Book on the 9th March 1795 that the Rounder had found W. Wines, watchman, asleep on duty and that he was chequered (fined) - Winters, op.cit. p.45.
7. Report dated 24th June 1795 on established Artificers and Labourers employed at the Powder Mills, stated that Wines was a "Brimstone Millman". His pay remained at 1/6d per day (Supply 5/217).
8. He was still a Private in the Volunteer Company in 1798 (Supply 5/219).
Supply 5/213
938
George
Winter
Winter's Centenary Memorial (p. 29)
1. George Winter was a Labourer by trade, set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/- per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton. However, he does not appear to have been retained (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.29).
939
George
Wiseman
List of Foremen, etc. in the Manufactory.
1. George Wiseman was a Refiner in the Salt Petre House in January 1806 earning 2/-d per day, and at that date, he had 3 month' service. These details were the same in June 1807 (Supply 5/226) with a note "when not working, allowed to watch in turn." This was also the case in August 1808 (Supply 5/227).
2. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed that Wiseman was a Saltpetre Refiner at 2/-d per day and that he was allowed to watch in turn.
3. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) recorded that Mr. Wiseman was still a Saltpetre Refiner who now earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, when not working extra, he was allowed to watch in turn. The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814, according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/224
940
David
Witaker
Return of Employees
1. David Witaker was first employed in the Engineers' Department on the 31st July 1814 as an occasional Labourer. He earned 2/8d per day and was a 31-year-old married man with 3 children, who lived in Cheshunt (WO54/516 dated February 1816).
WO54/516
941
Elias
Wolstenholme
00/00/1800
Return of Employees
1. Elias Wolstenholme, a single man aged 25, had been employed on a temporary basis as a Labourer for four months since the 11th June 1825, and was to be discharged at the end of the month. He was paid 2/2d per day ( WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825).
2. WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826, however, recorded that he was still employed as a Labourer.
3. WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827, recorded that at that date Elias had nearly 2 years' service as a Labourer, and that he was then nearly 28 years of age. He was still unmarried, and his annual rate of pay remained the same, i.e., £33.18.2d or 2/2d per day. He had not been brought up to any trade.
4. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 confirmed the information given in the previous notes, with the exception that he had served over 2 years and was then aged 28.
5. Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information as in the previous notes.
WO54/550
942
William
Wolstenholme
00/00/1768
Return of Employees
1. William Wolstenholme started as a Carpenter at Waltham Abbey on the 14th April 1826. His rate of pay was given as 4/1d per day, i.e., £63.18.1d annually. He was not entitled to a house or quarters, and was aged 57. He was a widower with 7 children, and had been brought up in the Carpentry trade (WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827).
2. WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 contained no basic alterations from the previous Return.
WO54/558
943
James
Wood
00/00/1765
Return of Employees
1. James Wood was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 7th September 1812, earning 2/4d per day. He was a 47-year-old widower with no children, and lived in Waltham Abbey.
2. The above details were confirmed by WO54/520 dated the 20th February 1817.
3. WO54/524 dated 11th April 1818, recorded that Wood was still employed as a Labourer "Occasionally as required" and was still paid 2/4d per day. This was also the case in 1819 (WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1819).
4. List of Employees dated the 13th September 1820 (WO54/532) confirmed that James was still employed as a Labourer at the same rate of pay. He was then aged 51, still lived in Waltham Abbey, and it was confirmed that he was a widower without children.
5. WO54/536 dated 2nd April 1821 recorded his age as 55 years with all other entries remaining unchanged.
6. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1821 was a repeat of the previous Return dated the 2nd April 1821.
7. WO54/536 dated 31st December 1822 was a repeat of the previous Return, but his age was then given as 56.
8. WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 listing personnel employed in the Engineers' Department, recorded that he was then only paid 2/2d per day as a Labourer for 313 days, giving him an income of £33.18.2d for the year. He had by then served for just over 10 years, starting on the 7th May 1812, and at that date, he was 57 years of age.
9. WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 stated that James was still paid 2/2d per day for 313 days as a Labourer, and confirmed that this gave him an annual income of £33.18.2d. His service was given as just over 12 years, and he was then aged 59, still a widower with no children.
10 WO54/550 dated the 1st October 1825 confirmed the previous entry. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826, confirmed the previous details and gave his date of appointment as the 7th September 1812.
11 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 gave the same information as in the previous Return.
12 WO54/558 dated 1st April 1827 confirmed the information given in Note 11, and that at that date, James had just over 14 years' service. He was then 61 years of age.
13 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the previous entries, with the exception that he had now served 15 years, and was aged just over 61.
14 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) updated the same basic information given in the previous notes.
15. Return dated 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
16 According to the Return dated the 1st April 1830 (WO54/570), James was still earning £33.18.2d per annum as a Labourer. By then he had served 18 years and was 64 years' old.
17 Return WO54/570 dated the 1st October 1830 confirmed that James was still working as a Labourer with family details and pay remaining the same, but his length of service and age were updated.
18 A Return of Persons belonging to the Civil Establishment of the Ordnance at the Gunpowder and Small Arms Manufactories at Waltham Abbey, Faversham and Enfield, showing in detail the several points of information called for by the Master General and Board's Order dated the 31st January 1831, recorded that James Wood was one of the 15 Labourers to be employed at Waltham Abbey Powder Mills and the Enfield Small Arms Factory. He was to be paid 2/2d per day and employed to undertake different services as a Labourer in the manufactories, where steadiness and sobriety were particuliary required (WO54/575).
19 WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 updated his age and period of service in the October 1830 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
20 WO54/575 dated October 1831 confirmed that James still earned 2/2d per day as indicated in Note 8, giving him a total of £33.18.2d per annum. At that date he had served 19 years, and was just over 65 years of age.
WO54/516
944
William
Woodbridge
Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.38)
1. William Woodbridge was a Carpenter by trade who was set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr. Walton
945
George
Woodbridge
Lisit of Officers and Foremen, etc.
1. George Woodbridge was a Carpenter 2nd class in the Engineers' Department, who was paid £1.8s.4d for work carried out by them in the Manufactory between the 15th and 21st July 1809.
2. He was appointed as a Cooper by September 1810 with pay of 2/6d per day, but not allowed to watch (Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810).
3. Woodbridge was still employed as a Cooper in August 1812, but by then his pay had risen to 4/6d per day (Supply 5/229 dated the 29th August 1812). The same pay and conditions applied on the 13th February 1814 according to Supply 5/230.
Supply 5/228
946
Thomas
Woodbridge
00/00/1798
List of Employees
1. Thomas Woodbridge was employed as a Cooper with pay of 2/4d per day, but he was not not allowed to watch (Supply 5/229).
2. Thomas was still a Cooper on the 13th February 1814 at 2/4d per day.(Supply 5/230).
3. List of Employees dated the 25th June 1818 (Supply 5/231) confirmed that Thomas Woodbridge was a Cooper, and that he was a single man, aged 20, who lived in Waltham Abbey. At that date he was earning 3/6d per day.
4. In a letter dated September 1818 (Supply 5/231) it was stated "We respectfully beg leave to add the names and stations of those persons whom it will be necessary to discharge in consequence of this arrangement." The list included Mr. Thomas Woodbridge, Cooper.
Supply 5/229
947
Thomas
Woodhouse
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. Thomas Woodhouse was employed as a Millman in 1805 earning 2/3d per day (Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806).
2. This was also the case in June 1807, when he was also allowed 3d per night when on duty. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807).
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, Mr. Woodhouse was still a Millman earning 2/3d. per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 confirmed that Thomas was still a Millman who was paid 2/3d day, and allowed 6d per night when on duty.
Supply 5/224
948
James
Woodhouse
List of Foremen and Artificers, etc.
1. James Woodhouse was employed as a Millman in 1805 at 2/3d per day..
2. He was still employed as a Millman at 2/3d per day, and allowed 3d per night when on duty. (Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807.
3. According to the entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, James was still a Millman earning 2/3d. per day, and "allowed 6d per night when on duty."
4. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that
James was still a Charcoal Millman who now earned 3/-d per day, and in addition, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he earned 1/6d. per night.
5. James was employed as a Dusting House Man still earning 3/-d per day and allowed to watch in turn, for which he received 1/6d per night. (Supply 5/230 dated the 13th February 1814).
Supply 5/224
949
John
Wreight/Wraight
00/00/1801
Return of Employees
1. John Wreight/Wraight was appointed as a Charcoal Burner at Faversham on the 26th April 1824. He was paid 2/4d per day, and was a 22-year-old single man. During May 1826, he was sick and was stopped 1/-d for medical attendance.
2. Employed as a Charcoal Burner at Faversham, John was transferred to Waltham Abbey in November 1832 (Supply 5/207 dated 19th November 1832).
3. Wreight was employed as a Labourer in the Charcoal House at Waltham Abbey in 1832 and paid 2/2d per day. (Winters, p.102).
4. According to the Return dated the 1st April 1833 (WO54/587), Mr.Wraight had been trained as a Saltpetre Refiner; at that date he earned £33.16.0d per annum, and was also allowed to Watch in turn, which brought his total annual earnings to £39.0.0d. His service was given as nearly 12 years, and he was then aged 31, a married man with 3 children.
5. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 recorded that John was employed as a Cylinder House Man but that his basic annual pay had then been reduced to £28.5.6d He was allowed to watch in turn, and this gave him a total annual sum of £33.9.6d, as opposed to his previous earnings of £39. His period of service was given as just over 12 years and his age as 32. On the 16th April 1834, two Mills exploded when he was not at work, and John Wreight, watchman, was called before Lt.Col. Moody as a witness (Winters, p.103).
6. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the previous note. However, John was then 33 years' old and had served for 13 years. Sometime in the mid or late 1830's, he moved into a small cottage owned by the Board in Powder Mill Lane, which property had previously been occupied by John Wilday, who had retired. HE PAID 2/-D RENT (Supply 5/237), and the tenement has been identified as part of Plot No. 61 on the Town Map in Appendix 1.
7. Return of Employees on the 1st October 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that John was still employed as a Cylinder House Man with pay of £39.0.0d, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He had been engaged at Faversham on the 1st July 1821, and became a Saltpetre Refiner. In 1839 he was a 35-year-old married man, with 4 children.
8. The 1841 Census stated he was living in High Bridge Street with his wife,Lucy, and children, Sarah (aged 10) George (8) Helen (6) Winford (4) Mary (2) and Eliza (4 months).
See also Faversham Book
Supply 5/116
950
Thomas
Wright
Personnel Record
1. Thomas Wright was a Labourer by trade set to work by Daniel Cornish in October 1787 at 9/-d per week, possibly renovating the Mills following their purchase by the Government from Mr Walton (Winters' Centenary Memorial, p.28).
2. A Report in Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.31) recorded that he was "a Millman lately employed by Mr Walton".
3. On the 24th January 1789, Thomas was judged to be unfit for service (Supply 5/212).
4. A letter dated the 12th September 1789 from J. Wright and J. Clowdesly to Major Congreve, stated that they had given notice to Thomas Wright, who was not to be employed after the 20th September (WASC 1392).
Supply 5/212
951
James (Senior)
Wright
00/00/1776
C.V of Clerks at Waltham Abbey
1. James Wright, Snr. was appointed at Woolwich on the 1st July 1758 by Lt .General His Grace the Duke of Malborough. He was appointed Extra Clerk at Woolwich on the 13th May 1760, and Clerk of Stores in Portugal on the 30th April 1762. He became the Clerk of Cheque at Priddy's Hard, a major Navy armaments department at Gosport, Hants., on the 28th February 1777, and was appointed Storekeeper at the newly acquired Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey on the 1st November 1787, with an annual salary of £150 (Supply 5/216 dated the 23rd August 1792).
2. His salary was still £150 per annum plus £25 per annum for house rent, and he became a Captain in the Voluteer Company formed at the Mills in 1794 (Report on Pay and Allowances for Artificers and Labourers - Supply 5/217 - dated the 3rd July 1795).
3. Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804 recorded that his salary had risen £300 per annum, plus £25 per annum for house rent, and a further allowance of £25 for coal and candles.
4. While at Waltham, Wright carried out a series of experiments on the manufacture of charcoal for Major Congreve, the Comptroller of the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich, using the cylinder method which the mills operated at Farnhurst and Fisher Street in Sussex.
5. A Report made on the 15th December 1804 in Winters' Centenary Memorial (p.62) recorded, "the Storekeeper's accounts are shamefully behind and renders the office liable to all censure which the Board intimate." Wright in his defence replied, "I am employed every day (Sundays included) from 9 o'clock in the morning until 6 or 7 at night (one and a half hours excepted for dinner-time) in the duty of my office, and ever was my wish to discharge my business with care and faithfulness".
6. In spite of the remonstrance of Mr Wright on the 15th January 1805, he retained the same salary and allowances on the 28th March 1805, but by the 6th May 1805, he was refered to as "James Wright, late storekeeper who was paid £11.14.4d as travelling expenses for travelling 178 miles (chase hire and turnpike fees) to the cylinder works in Sussex and back." (Winters' Centenary Memorial, pp.62/63).
More information on the Wright family can be found in the Faversham Gunpowder Personnel Register 1573-1840, p.90.
Supply 5/216
952
Richard
Wright
Record of Personnel working in the Storekeeper's Department
1. Richard Wright replaced William Dun as a Labourer in the Dusting House, earning 1/6d per day(Supply 5/216 dated the 31st August 1793).
2. In January 1794, he was working in the Corning House (Supply 5/216 dated January 1794)
and enlisted as a Private in the Volunteer Company on the 7th May 1794 (Supply 5/219).
3. Wright was promoted to a Millman earning 2/-d per day by the 31st August 1794, and was still there in December 1794 (Supply 5/216).
4. Millmen were paid an extra 3d per night when on duty (Supply 5/217 dated the 3rd July 1795).
5. On the 5th December 1798, Wright, together with John Smith, was involved in a Mill explosion which was caused by putting too much powder on the beds than was allowed (Winters, op.cit. p.54).
Supply 5/216
953
James (Junior)
Wright
00/00/1778
List of Artificers, etc., and their rates of pay
1. James Wright, Jr. was appointed Junior Clerk at Faversham on the 17th April 1801 and transferred as a Junior Clerk to Waltham Abbey on the 1st September 1801, with a salary £70 per annum., lodging allowance of £20.16.0d per annum and coal/candle allowance of £12.10.0d per annum (Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822). He was awarded a pay increase of £10 per annum and a gratuity of £8 (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804) and WO54/528 dated the 19th May 1919, recorded that he became the Clerk of the Cheque on the 26th February 1812.
2. Winters, in Our Parish Registers, recorded that Lucy, the daughter of James Wright, was baptized on March 3rd 1805, and that Wright was promoted to 1st Clerk on the 20th March 1805, with his salary increased to £80 per annum, but his lodging and candle allowance remaining the same.
3. List of Salaries dated the 18th June 1807 (Supply 5/226 ) stated that his appointment to First Clerk on the 20th March 1805, brought a salary of £90 per annum, with an allowance of £20.16.0d for lodging and £12.10 for coal and candle, these amounts remaining the same on the 23rd August 1808 (Supply 5/227). However, in September 1810 he was entitled to a house, and was in receipt of the same heating and lighting allowances (Supply 5/228).
4. According to the List of Officers and Other Persons employed dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) James, Jnr. was appointed Clerk of Cheque on the 26th February 1812, at a salary of £150 per annum with £12.10 for coals and candles, a £20 gratuity and a house. It was also stated that he was "upon the Establishment".
5. Return dated the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230) confirmed his salary was £150 per annum with a £20 gratuity, a house provided, and £12.10.0d per annum coal and candle allowance.
6. Supply 5/231 dated the 25th June 1818 recorded that Mr. Wright was Clerk of Cheque, that he was aged 42, resided in Waltham Abbey, was married, and had 9 children. On the 17th April 1801, he was employed as a Clerk at Faversham. His present employment commenced 26th February 1812, when his salary was £150 per annum, and he was allowed £12.10 for coal and candles, with an £80 gratuity. He also had a house upon the Establishment.
7. According to the Return dated the 19th May 1819 (Supply 5/231), Mr. Wright was still Clerk of Cheque, then aged 43, and all the other information given previously remained the same.
8. Supply 5/232 dated the 13th September 1820 updated the previous entry, the basic details on pay, etc. remaining unchanged. He was then aged 45.
9. A Statement dated the 4th April 1821 "of monies to which the public were entitled to receive credit between the 1st January and the 31st December 1820 shewing the amounts received by the storekeeper" (Supply 5/232) recorded that Wright had been living rent-free in a Board of Ordnance house from the 12th September 1814. He was also renting 14 acres of Lammas - or half-year land - from the Board at a cost of £14.14.0d per annum, and this information was repeated in Supply 5/232 dated 16th Feb 1822. The Board purchased the Cornmill House in Romelands in 1809 (Plot No.715 on the 1825 Waltham Abbey Town Map) and the house was appointed as the residence of the 1st Clerk. Wright was appointed to this position on the 20th March 1805, and received a housing allowance until sometime between 1808 and 1810 when he no longer had an allowance for lodgings. He was promoted to Clerk of the Cheque on the 26th February 1812, and it can only be assumed that he was living at the Corn Mill House from 1809, rather than Thomas Littler. According to a Return of Properties owned by the Board and prepared by the Royal Engineer's Office in December 1834, Wright had occupied a house and garden on the west side of the River Lee since the 8th September 1814 (Supply 5/237). A similar Return prepared by the same office in 1840 noted that Wright was the first occupant, i.e., it was newly built, and comprised of Plots Nos. 93 and 94 on the Town Map on the Town Map in Appendix 1. The house was "The Lodge" and the building still stands. By the 1st May 1820, he was renting 14 acres of Lammas or half-year land at £1 per acre from the Board.
10 List of Officers and other Persons Employed dated the 9th April 1821 (Supply 5/232) confirmed that Mr. Wright was still Clerk of the Cheque, that he was then aged 45, was married with 9 children, and lived in Waltham Abbey. All other information as indicated in Note 7 remained the same, with the exception that he was now given a £150 gratuity.
11 Supply 5/232 dated 6th February 1822 updated his salary, etc. Wright was paid £150 per annum with a gratuity based on service of £150, a candle and coal allowance of £12.10.0d in lieu of coal and candles, and a further £13.16.0d in lieu of a Labourer from 1st July to 31st December 1821, giving him a total income of £326.6.0d per annum. He rented 7 acres of grass land from the Board in Lamas to the value of £15, was provided with a house in Waltham Abbey, had served with the Ordnance for nearly 21 years, was 46, and was married with 9 children.
12 Return dated the the 1st October 1822 showing the alterations made since the 1st April 1822 (no reference given) recorded that his position as Storekeeper no longer existed, and he was then called Deputy Storekeeper, without alteration to pay, conditions and allowances. From then on, the overall charge of the Manufactory was in the hands of the newly-created position of Superintendant.
13 WO54/542 dated the 1st April 1823 confirmed Wright's salary, entitlement to a house, allowance of £25 for coal and candles and £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance of labour. His family details and previous employment were also confirmed.
14 WO54/546 dated the 1st October 1824, included Mr. Wright, who was appointed Deputy Storekeeper on the 20th March 1822. His salary was given as £300 per annum with allowances amounting to £39.17.6d, making a total of £339.17.6d per annum. He was entitled to a house, had just over 23 years' service, was then aged 49 and was married with 9 children.
15 WO54/550 dated the 1st April 1825 confirmed the previous entries, but Wright was then allowed £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance of labour, which gave him a total income of £339.17.6d per annum.
16 Supply 5/205 dated the 21st December 1825 confirmed that Wright was Deputy Storekeeper with a total salary at the 1st January 1825 of £317 per annum (This was in the form of a memorandum, and adjustments in salary do not appear to have been put into effect).
17 Return dated the 1st October 1825 (WO54/550) stated that James Wright, Jr. earned a basic salary of £150 per annum. At that date he received an increase of £150 per annum with an allowance in lieu of Coals and Candles of £12.10.0d and another of £27.7.6d in lieu of attendance for 'Labour', making a total of £339.17.6d per annum in all. He was appointed to the post of Deputy Storekeeper on the 22nd March, 1822. He had a house, and his period of service was given as just over 24 years. At that date he was 50 years' old, was married and had 9 children. WO54/554 dated the 1st April 1826 confirmed the same information.
18 WO54/554 dated the 1st October 1826 confirmed the Return dated the 1st April 1826, with the exception of his salary, which had increased by £4.10.0d per annum.
19 WO54/558 dated the 1st April 1827 recorded "no alteration since the last report dated the 1st October 1826."
20 WO54/558 dated the 1st October 1827 gave the same information as in the notes above. At that date Mr. Wright had 27 years' service and he was then 52 years of age, with an income amounting to £344.7.6d.
21 Return dated the 1st April 1828 (WO54/562) recorded the same information as in the notes above, with the exception that James had now served 28 years, and was aged 52.
22 Return dated the1st October 1828 (WO54/562) recorded that Wright was paid £304.10.0d per annum, plus an allowance of £12.10.0d for coals and candles and £27.7.6d in lieu of "attendance in labour". All other details remained the same.
23 WO54/566 dated the 1st October 1829 stated that at that date James still earned the same as in Note 23. His service was given as just over 28 years, and he was now aged 54.
24 Return dated the 1st October 1829 (WO54/566) updated his age and length of service, with family and pay details remaining unchanged.
25 Return WO54/ 570 dated the 1st April 1830 updated his age and length of service, with family details and pay remaining unchanged.
26 According to the Return dated the 1st October 1830 (WO54/570), James was still earning the same per annum as Deputy Storekeeper as he was in Note 23. By then he had served nearly 30 years and he was 55 years of age.
27 Return WO54/575 dated the 1st April 1831 confirmed that James Wright was still earning a total of £344.7.6d made up as in Note 21, that he had served 30 years and that he was 55 years of age.
28 WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
29 On the 28th October 1831 Lt.Col. Moody, R.E. was appointed to have general superintendance of the Establishment at Waltham Abbey. The office of Storekeeper was abolished and the Deputy Storekeeper, Mr Wright, was to have charge of the Store Department (Winters, p.102).
30 WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 confirmed Winters' entry and the Board's Order No. 609 of the 28th October 1832 stating, "the office of storekeeper was abolished, and a saving thereby effected of £652.7.6d per annum.", this being Charles Wilks' (the previous Storekeeper's) salary. The Return for April 1832 was signed by Wright as the Deputy Storekeeper. He still received an annual salary of £344.7.6d, which included an allowance for coals, candles and attendance, and he was still provided with a house. The Return updated his age and service record.
31 WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 recorded that James Wright, Jnr. earned the same as indicated in Note 31. All other details remained the same, except that he was then 57 years of age, and had served for over 31 years.
32 WO54/587 dated the 1st April 1833 confirmed that James still earned £344.7.6d per annum. His service was given as 32 years, and his age as 57.
33 WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 stated that Mr. Wright was 58 years of age and had served over 32 years. He was still in receipt of an annual salary of £344.7.6d, and was still provided with a house.
34 James Wright was severely reprimanded by the Board for allowing two employees to remove Government stores from the Mills at Waltham Abbey. The two were apprehended by the Thames Police (Supply 5/208 dated the 3rd April 1833).
35 WO54/593 dated the 1st April 1834 updated the October Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining unchanged.
36 WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 updated the previous Return for service and age, with conditions and salary remaining the same.
37 Return of Staff dated 1st April 1839 (WO54/623) recorded that his dates of appointments, etc. remained as before. His salary, including an increase, allowances in lieu of coal, candles and the attendance of a servant, was £344.7.6d. His years of service were given as 38 and his age as 63.
38 Winters, in Our Parish Registers (page unknown), stated "tomb in churchyard, raised slab (near north wall) - Sacred memory of Mrs Lucy Wright, wife of James Wright, died 19th September 1845 aged 62".
Supply 5/222
954
John (1)
Wright
List of Artificers, etc.
1. John Wright (1) was working as a Labourer in the "Engineers' Dept. Established", earning 1/6d per day, with "one day extra allowed per week agreeable to the Board's Order dated 12th March, 1801." (Supply 5/222 dated the 8th May 1804).
2. John possibly returned to the Mills by the 13th February 1814, since a John Wright is recorded as being a Puntman earning 2/8d per day and allowed to watch in turn (Supply 5/230). (He may well have been in the Engineers' Department for a longer period).
Supply 5/222
955
Frederick
Wright
00/00/1815
Return of Employees
1. Frederick Wright was born circa 1815, and was the son of James Wright Junior, the deputy storekeeper at Waltham Abbey. Return dated the 1st April 1831 (WO54/575) recorded "Frederick Wright, a single lad, aged sixteen and a half, was appointed as Apprentice to the respective officers on the 15th November 1830." He was paid £46.19.0d - a considerably higher wage than would have been expected.
2. WO54/545 dated the 1st October 1831 updated his age and period of service in the April 1831 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged.
3. WO54/581 dated the 1st April 1832 updated his age and period of service in the October 1831 Return, with all other details remaining the same.
4. WO54/581 dated the 1st October 1832 updated his age and period of service in the April 1832 Return, with all other details remaining unchanged, i.e., he was still an Apprentice to the respective officers.
5. According to the Return dated the 1st April 1833 (WO54/587), Frederick Wright was single, aged 18, and had nearly 3 years' service. He still earned £46.19.0d per annum, and remained Apprenticed "to the Respective Officer."
6. WO54/587 dated the 1st October 1833 contained the same basic details as before, but his age and length of service were updated.
7. WO54/593 dated 1st April 1834 recorded that Frederick was still an "Apprentice to the Respective Officer." His period of service was given as just over 3 years and his age, 19. His annual income remained the same as stated in Note 5.
8. WO54/593 dated the 1st October 1834 confirmed the information given in the note above, except that he was then 20 years of age and had served nearly 4 years.
9. An entry in Winters for 1834 (p.103) stated "Fred. Wright, an apprentice to the Rex Offices, and Hugh Jones, master worker paid, viz., Fred. Wright, 79 days at 3s, £11.17.0d; Hugh Jones for instructing Fred. Wright, 79 days at 6d, £1.19.6d." On the 4th July 1837, Mr. Frederick Wright made an application to be appointed as Assistant Master Worker with an increase of 1/-d per day as the Foreman of the Mills. On the 9th November 1837, he was sent to Faversham "for improvement in manufacturing gunpowder." (Winters, p.104).
10 Wright returned from Faversham in October 1838, and was appointed to serve Mr Jones, the Master Worker. A note dated the 22nd October 1838, stated that Wright's salary was to be £100 per annum and Jones was to be paid £120 per annum (Winters, p.102). Winters goes on to record that soon afterwards, Jones retired with an allowance of £180.
11 WO54/626 dated the 1st April 1839, recorded that Thomas Sadd had been appointed as the Master Worker on the 22nd October 1838. It would appear that there had been a major upheaval when Wright returned from Faversham, with Jones retiring and taking his pension, and Wright resigning (W0/632) and going to the USA, where he became a School Teacher.
12 Chip Bragg, an American researching the manufacture of gunpowder during the American Civil War, discovered that Frederick Wright was the only man in the South who had seen gunpowder by the incorporation process, so Wright was recruited and employed as the Chief Powdermaker, initially in the fall of 1861, at the Manchester, Tennessee, Powder Mill, and then moving to the Augusta Mills in March 1862. He subsequently worked in nitre mines until captured by Federal forces on the 28th December 1863. He remained in the munitions industry after the war, and died in the 1870's. His brother, James, also lived in Tennessee.
WO54/575
956
Henry
Wright
00/00/1812
Winters' Centenary Memorial, pp.141/151
1. Henry Wright was the son of James Wright, Junior, the Deputy Storekeeper. He was born circa 1812 at Romelands in Waltham Abbey, and left Waltham Abbey in August 1828 to live with his uncle, Joseph, in London. Joseph had been the Clerk of the Works at the Faversham Powder Mills until 1823, when he was appointed the principal Clerk of the Works at the Tower of London. Henry was appointed as a "superior apprentice" under his uncle and received pay of 3/6d per day. His "drillings were that I was to become a Clerk of the Works." He was time- served in 1834, and appointed a tempory Foreman of the Works stationed at Ipswich, before returning to Waltham Abbey as a Clerk of the Works, sucessor to William Drayson, who was his godfather. Although he was entitled to a house, he lived with his father in Powder Mill Lane. His sojourn at Waltham was brief and he was soon posted to the Dover District at Hythe, before sailing to Canada with his small family on the 25th August 1839. He returned to England in 1846, and continued to supervise public works throughout the country until he retired, circa 1868, to Finchley, where he died on the 26th December 1885, aged 73. (Winters, op.cit. pp.141/151.
2. WO54/593 dated the 1st October,1834, recorded that Henry Wright was now Clerk of Works, 4th Class, and gave his date of appointment as the 11th July 1834. It also recorded that he was appointed as an Apprentice in the London District on the 28th January 1828, and made a Foreman of Works in the Eastern District on the 11th December 1833. His salary was given as £109.10.0d per annum, and he was entitled to a house. He was a 27-year-old single man with nearly six years' service.
957
Joseph
Wright
Return of Employees
1. Joseph Wright was first employed by the Board as an occasional Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 11th June 1814 at 2/8d per day. He was a 23-year-old bachelor, living in Waltham Abbey.
WO54/516
958
Henry (2)
Wright
Return of Employees
1. Henry Wright (2) was first employed by the Board as a casual Labourer in the Engineers' Department on the 7th May 1814. He was a 22-year-old bachelor living in Waltham Abbey, who was paid 2/4d per day and had previously trained as a Butcher (W054/520 dated the 20th February 1817).
WO54/520
959
John (2)
Wright
Return of Employees
1. John Wright (2) had been appointed as a Saltpetre Refiner at Faversham on the 1st July 1821, and as a Cylinderman on the 19th November 1832. His appointment as a Cylinder House Man at Waltham Abbey, dated from the 2nd June 1833. He was paid £33.16.0d per annum, and allowed to watch in turn, giving him a total income of £39 per annum. He was a 32-year old-married man with 3 children who had just over 12 years' service, and had been trained as a Saltpetre Refiner.
WO54/587
960
John
Wrighter
Personnel in the Storekeeper's Department
1. John Wrighter was employed as a general Labourer in the Corning House, earning 1/6d per day.
Supply 5/216
961
Henry
Wybrow
List of Officers, etc. Employed.
1. Henry Wybrow was employed as a Mixing House Man at 3/-d per day, in addition to which, he was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d per night.
Supply 5/230
962
Wm.
Yaxley
List of Foremen, Artificers & Labourers Employed
1. William Yaxley worked as a Corning House Man earning 2/2d per day. He had been employed with the Ordnance for 1 year, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806.
2. On the 18th June 1807, he was still working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day and, in addition, Corning House Men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d. (Supply 5/226).
