Thomas Goulding

(1742 - 1776)
 
After John Wood's death his business was handed on to a former apprentice, Thomas Goulding.  He had first been apprenticed to John Wood in 1757 and was 'freed' in 1764.  So how was it possible for Thomas to take over the business in such a short time?  The answer may lie in family connections.  Only six weeks after John's death in March 1765, Thomas married his former employer's daughter Ann at St. Antholin Church in Watling Street a few yards from the premises in Queen Street.  Thomas was then aged 23 and Ann 21.
 
Their first child Somerset Goulding was born in 1766, and their second Mary in 1767, but she died the same year.
 
Thomas Goulding ran the business until he died young in 1776 at the age of only 34.   
 
 

 
Thomas Goulding