vitals sources
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One of the watches made by the Stoddart Watch Company
A clock made by Robert Stoddart's shop on Red Lion Street, London
Between at least 1804 and 1810 there was a Stoddart, first name not given, who was in partnership with John Melvill at 61 Red Lion Street. This could have been Robert or his father, since Melvill married Robert's sister Janet. James Stoddart was making watches on Red Lion Street as early as 1785. Jane (Bradford) Gooch says that Robert apprenticed with James Melvill, who apparently was at 61 Red Lion Street before the Stoddarts, but this hasn't been confirmed. By 1811 Robert probably was sole owner of 61 Red Lion. In that year he insured the property and is listed as a wholesale watchmaker there in the London Directory of Professions and Trades. He and another watchmaker, William Webb, had a co-interest in insuring a property at 19 Wilderness Row, St. John Street in 1811. These men were involved with the "Watch and Clock Makers' Benevolent Institution," headquartered in Clerkenwell. Robert was a trustee, William was a secretary, according to an 1815 publication. There is no other indication of a Stoddart/Webb partnership.
Robert made his will on 1 January 1829. He left his business concerns to his eldest sons Robert and James, who were also watchmakers. To his son John and six daughters, who aren't named, he gave 600 pounds each. The assets were to come from his watchmaking company, and if not paid two months after his death, were to have interest added. If there is a probate file with further papers, it may indicate how and when the bequests were paid.
The Stoddart house at 61 Red Lion (now Britton) Street, Clerkenwell, London.
The entry of 59 Britton Street, formerly Red Lion Street, which was built to the same design as #61
Robert Stoddart's and Sarah Jackson's signatures from the parish records of St. James Church, Clerkenwell
children of Robert and Sarah (Jackson) Stoddart:
Ann Amelia Stoddart
vital records sources: Robert's birth date is approximated in family notes by Stanton M. Smith. His death date is also noted, but it wasn't found in The Times of London if that date is correct. No note of his marriage date has been found, but the SMS notes and other oral history (Jane Bradford Gooch), Sarah Jackson is named as his wife.
all text and photographs © 1998-2005 by Doug Sinclair unless where otherwise noted