The Smoult Family of Clockmakers (Lancaster & Newcastle)

In the years leading up to 1750 a number of good clockmakers settled in Newcastle, no doubt attracted by the thriving economy.  Amongst them was James Smoult, son of Thomas Smoult of Lancaster, a noted clockmaker himself.

James arrived around 1745 and set up in partnership with John Gilbertson until 1747.  This partnership was dissolved when James took his son, also James, as his partner.  James Snr died in 1749 upon the death of his father, James Jnr returned to Lancaster with his bride, Eleanor Dodds, but returned to Newcastle the following year 1750, when their son Thomas was baptised.

James Jnr died in 1758 and was succeeded by his widow who continued the business until 1759.  The remaining stock was sold in 1760 when Eleanor remarried Roger Hall.  Eleanor and James Jnr's son, Thomas, continued the family tradition and became a clockmaker.  He retired from business in 1791.