18th Century silk weaver - Spitalfields

[Emmeline]

Does anyone know what a black silk weaver did differently to any other silk weaver ? I have had a look on the internet but would like a simple explanation.

Many thanks.

[known_unknowns]

I'm guessing that the weaving of black silk is NO different from that of the white variety. I notice, however (from reading on the web), that black silk squares, were at that time, part of Naval uniform. Perhaps that was the distinction drawn: the individual had a specialisation in weaving black silk.

[Emmeline]

Thank you for your reply jrchd.  Yes, as you say it was more than likely that there was a

specialisation in black silk. Interesting to hear of the Navy link - I shall  pursue those black

squares to see if I can find out more.

By the way, a warm welcome to Rootschat.

[known_unknowns]

Emmeline - thank you. I hope that the reply WAS helpful. I don't know if the use of the silk by the Navy was later on...

[youngtug]

This does not answer your question I am afraid but it is interesting and you may be able to pose the question here has well;  http://venetianred.net/2010/01/05/james-leman-and-the-18th-century-silk-weavers-of-spitalfields/

[Emmeline]

Yes jrchd that information was useful  - when searching out family history stories every little snippet helps.

Hello Youngtug - what a beautiful web-site. Thank you. I am dealing with forebears with names Duthoit & DeLasaux - families of weavers.

I found the following on the internet : -  Wood Street. No 3 was occupied in 1750 and 1759 by Peter Duthoit, a black silk weaver who was a captain in the Trained Bands 1746-1762.

Do either of you have any knowledge of the Trained Bands  One thing always leads to another 

Thank you both for your help.

[youngtug]

Here is more reading and a mention of the trained bands; http://www.alphabetthreat.co.uk/pasttense/bold%20defiance.html

[Emmeline]

Thanks again youngtug. I have had a good long read and found the part about the Trained Bands.

All most interesting.

I see you are in Wiltshire. I spent many happy holidays there as a child in a little place called Box.

Kind regards.....

[richarde1979]

Hello again Emmeline

There is a good 16 page article in Volume 15 of the Huguenot Society proceedings (1934) 'Huguenots in the Trained Bands of London and the Honourable Artillery Company' by Major G. Goold Walker. This gives a background to what they were and a list of Huguenots who were members.

There are two Duthoit(e)'s listed:

Peter Duthoite, Weaver in Spitalfields, Admitted to the Artillery Company 6 February 1741 to 1763. Lieutenant Red Trained Bands 1741-46, Captain Tower Hamlets Trained Band 1746-62.

James Duthoite, Baker, Wentworth Street, Admitted to the Artillery Company 13 June 1749 to 1763. Lieutenant Red Trained Bands 1749-55, Lieutenant 1755-62.

also a couple of Fleuriettes:

Peter Fleuriett, Fleurett, or Flearitt, Weaver, Pelham Street (Spitalfields), Admitted to the Artillery Company 6 April 1725, Sergeant Orange Trained Bands 1725. Re-entered in 1755  Sergeant Orange Trained Bands 1755-71.

John Fleurriette, Weaver, Old Nicol Street (Bethnal Green), Admitted to the Artillery Company 10 June 1755, Sergeant White Trained Bands 1755-59, Sergeant Orange Trained Bands 1763-71.