Person:John Howard (279)

"J Howard (John Howard's father) was born in 1682, about ten years after his parents married. He became an Independent for whom religion under-pinned everyday life, and he too was an upholder [upholsterer]. He ran a highly successful upholstery business at a time when it was fashionable for people to fill their homes with tasteful furnishings, and his speciality was appraising and dealing in tapestries and carpets. He gained the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Upholders on August 3rd 1710 either by patrimony or purchase, and he operated from The Talbot, Long Lane, West Smithfield, well within sight, sound and smell of the raucous Smithfield animal markets and the turbulent crowds they attracted. From 1724-1730 he as in partnership with another upholsterer named Mr Hambledon" [aka Hamilton].

1. ↑ West, Tessa. The Curious Mr Howard: Legendary Prison Reformer. (Waterside Press).