Notes for: WILLIAM GOULD
In the 18th century Nottingham became an important centre for the lace and hosiery industry. The town grew rapidly in the 1780s with the boom in cotton spinning and the increased demand for hosiery products. Local framework-knitters received high-wages and this led to an increase in the number of people moving to the town. By 1845 the population of Nottingham had reached 52,000. However, by this time there was a decline in the demand for framework-knitters and the town was experiencing considerable poverty.
William's father invested some of his income in a good education for William at Macclesfield Free School, (June 1784) which had gained a high reputation under the Rev. Henry Ingles (headmaster 1774-90) and his successor. Many of the gentry families of Cheshire and neighbouring counties sent their sons to board there. William's brother in law, the Macclesfield doctor Samuel Stone, had given the master an excellent character for good order and discipline, care and regulation, the school and playground are in a pleasant and heaalthy situation.
Wednesday 2nd March 1785 William writes to his brother in law that he has enclosed a draft value for £22.10.6d for son William's school wage.
Monday 6th March 1786 son William had been obliged to leave Macclesfield School on account of a fever among the scholars.
In August 1794 father William invested £2,000 into William's hosiery partnership.
[The above information from "Ducal Estate Management in Georgian Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire: the Diary of William Gould 1783-1788" edited by Michael Hanson]
The address given for William when he was buried was Camden Town and he was aged 54.
Post Office Annual Directory 1805/07/08/09/12/13
Gould W. Wholesale Hosier, 18 Milk Street.
Kents Directory 1807
Gould Wm, Wholesale Hosier 18 Milk St, Cheapside
William was a hosier and his London warehouse lay on the corner of Gutter Lane, and Maiden Lane which ran east-west at the north end of Gutter Lane. (Behind St Paul's Cathedral).
The Will of WILLIAM GOULD of Gloucester Place, Camden Town
I WILLIAM GOULD of Gloucester Place, Camden Town in the county of Middlesex, London do hereby make my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, (that is to say), I give and bequeath to my dear wife MARY GOULD all arrears which may be due at the time of my decease of the annuity to me by the will of my elder brother JOSEPH GOULD ------- or ----- and I also give and devise and bequeath to my said wife all other my estate and effects both real and personal whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind - to hold to her my said wife her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns according to the nature of the property too and for her and their own absolute use and benefit and I appoint my said wife sole executrix of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of February in the year of Our Lord 1826.
WM GOULD
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said WILLIAM GOULD the testator and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence, at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.
GEO JOHNSON -----?
ANN FALKNER No. 30 Southampton Place, Camden Town
ANN FISHER servant to MR TURNEY Esq, Gloucester Place
Proved at London 24th April 1826 before the worshipfull CHARLES COOK, Doctor of Laws and Surragate by the oath of MARY GOULD, widow the relict the sole executrix to whom admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer.
Hartington Derbyshire Grave [C77]
William GOULD of Pilsbury Grange died 18 Nov 1795 age 56.
Elizabeth his wife interred Nottingham. Joseph their son died 16 Mar 1825 age 60. William their son interred Burnhill Fields, London. Mary wife of William GOULD died 24 May 1862 age 84.