Shakespeare, John, Alderman and Sheriff 1768, translated to the Ironmongers’ from the Broderers’ 1767, Master 1769. A large ropemaker at Shadwell. Buried at Stepney, 1775. Gave silver candlesticks to the Company. He was supposed to be descended from a branch of the dramatist’s family.
Slade, Felix, son of Robert, of Doctors’ Commons, and Walcot Place, Lambeth; Master 1803. The son was a collector of choice articles and a great benefactor to the British Museum and the nation. He died March 29, 1868. He founded the Slade Professorship.
Thompson, William, Alderman, M.P. Lord Mayor 1828 A wealthy ironfounder. Master 1829 and 1841; died 1854 His only daughter married the Earl of Bective, now Marquis of Headfort. Among his gifts were two large silver candlesticks.
Thorold.—Several members have been on the Company and served offices of Master, &c.; also benefactors to the poor. The family were of Harmeston Hall, county Lincoln, which was sold in 1884 for 115,000l.
Walker, Henry, made free in 1634, having served apprentice to Robert Holland, was so extraordinary an individual that John Taylor wrote and printed his “Life and Progress of Henry Walker the Ironmonger,” 1642, and it is now a very rare tract. Captain William Walker, Master 1684, gave in 1694 a large set of knives and forks, with silver handles, for the Company’s future use.
Walton, Izaak, “the gentle angler,” apprentice to Thomas Grinsell, was, on November 18, 1618, “admitted and sworne a free brother of this companie and payd for his admittance xiijd. and for default of presentment and enrollment xs.”. His portrait hangs in the Hall. He was warden of the Yeomanry 1627, died December 15, 1683, and buried at Winchester. A full account of him and his family will be found in the “Memorials of Temple Bar and Fleet Street,” 1869, p. 82, and Pink’s and Wood’s “Clerkenwell,” p. 107. The writer possesses a large amount of curious and original matter relating to “good Izaak,” which he intends one day to publish.
Westwood.—Several have been members. While Robert was Master, 1828, among the eighty-five liverymen were Lord Exmouth, Sir David Milne, two baronets, and two aldermen. Robert, Master in 1861, gave a silver-gilt cup and cover. William Henry, in 1878 and 1882, proved himself very kindly disposed to the Company’s poor.
Woodward, Mistress Katherine, in the seventeenth century, left 200l. for poor scholars, prisoners, hospitals, and poor maids’ marriages.
Young, Richard, 1675, gave a silver salt, a caudle cup and cover, and was excused serving office of Master. John, in 1695, gave the Company six pictures.