Person:John Collett (2)

John Collett was declared a new freeman of the Draper Company in the City of London 4 Sep 1611 by servitude, under his Master, Thomas Cliffe. A note beside his name says "oilman - Gratious gate at the Barrel and oyster." [Records of London's Livery Companies Online: Apprentices and Freemen 1400-1900]

John's servitude would have been through an apprenticeship, which usually lasted seven years, during which time he would not have been allowed to marry. In his wife's will of 1547, under the name of Anne Carter, she speaks of a lease on her house in Gratious Street that was "comonly called or knowne by the signe of the Barrell and Oyster." In her marriage license allegation to marry Walter Carter in 1631 it is stated that Anne Collett was the late wife of John Collett, a Draper.

When Robert, a son of John and Anne, was baptized on 5 May 1623 at All Hallows Lombard Street, the register has "oysterman" clearly written beside the name of John. This has been confusing for many researchers over the years. There seem to be several explanations for this. One is that by the time the parish clerk recorded the baptism, the word, "oilman" had become "oysterman." Another explanation is that there is a transcription error in the records of the Drapers Company, although this is less likely. Another explanation is that although John trained as a Draper, he chose instead to sell oysters (highly popular at the time) and oil for lamps. A third explanation is that John worked in all three areas.

1. ↑ Register, All Hallows Church Lombard Street, London.