GILBERT, William (1755-1813) — London
Mathematical instrument maker; optician; chart publisher. Publisher of the ‘A new directory for the East-Indies’ 1791, etc. Webster reports a globe of 1806 produced in partnership with James Gilkerson (see BME 2011).
A son of the mathematical instrument maker John Gilbert 2 (d.1791) — presumably the William Gilbert baptised 13 Apr 1755 at St. Mary Le Bow, London, the son of John & Ann Gilbert. Apprenticed (Grocers) to his father 4 Jul 1769, but turned over to Peter Dollond (see BME 2011) 18 Jul 1769 (Spectaclemakers) for a consideration of £50. Free (Grocers) 1 Aug 1776. Gilbert testified at the Old Bailey 16th Sep 1778 concerning the theft of the “brass work of a reflecting telescope” from his premises. He married Anna Couchman (1754?-1817) at All Saints West Ham 23 Sep 1780. Worked in partnership with Henry Gregory 2 (see BME 2011) and Gabriel Wright until the partnership was formally dissolved 6 Jun 1789, Gilbert continuing with Wright until 1805, with Benjamin Hooke an additional partner 1793-1801. Gilbert was living “near the White Horse at Mile End Green” in 1793. Became a member of the Spectaclemakers’ Company by redemption 31 Dec 1801 and served as Master 1807-1809. In partnership with James Gilkerson (see BME 2011). as ‘Gilbert & Gilkerson’ 1805-1806. Died 12 Jun 1813 and was buried at Chingford 18 Jun. He was succeeded by his sons and former apprentices, William Dormer Gilbert (1781-1844) and Thomas Gilbert (1786-1873), who went bankrupt in 1828. A number of insurance policies, etc., in NA.
8 Postern Row, Tower Hill — 1776-1778
148 (Navigation Warehouse) Leadenhall Street — 1789-1813
— and 8 Postern Row, Tower Hill (with James Gilkerson) — 1805
Apprentices: William Dormer Gilbert 1795; Henry Robert Gilbert 1798; Thomas Gilbert 1801; Charles Gilbert 1803 — all his sons.
Brown (Grocers). Clifton. LG. NA. OB. Webster.