Lowcock Branch #2

I’m researching my 4 x great grandmother Ann Lowcock and her family.

On 17 May 1818 Ann married James Richard Brereton in her home town of Martock, Somerset. James was born on 19 November 1793 in Shoe Lane, Fleet Street, London, and baptised on 22 December 1793 in St Dunstan-in-the-West, London. How and why did he make his way to Martock?

James was the third of nine children born to Thomas Brereton and Sarah Wright. In 1807 he became an apprentice cutler, learning the skills required for metalworking. Apprentices usually served a seven-year term and, as with James, commenced their learning at the age of fourteen.

James’ father, Thomas, paid £30 – the equivalent of around £3,000 now – so that James could learn a trade. Thomas was a clerk in Fleet Street, and earning a decent living.

The apprentice became an extra worker in the master’s household. He or she was subject to the absolute authority of the master and by the terms of their ‘indenture’ could not gamble, go to the theatre or a public house, play cards or dice, marry or fornicate. Little wonder that some of the apprentices ran away from their masters.

In 1814 James qualified as a cutler. His skills allowed him to work with various metals, including gold. 

James travelled across southern England, plying his trade. In Martock, he met Ann Lowcock, and they married. Ann, from a secure family had, seemingly, secured her future. Now, she was expected to raise a family. More about that next time…

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