Geoffs Genealogy Update 11 March 2007
Sunday March 11th, 2007 | Geoff
If there is anybody out there who can help me with an aspect of my research that has puzzled me for twenty years I would be so pleased to hear from you.
On my website you can read about John Bankes, Citizen and Haberdasher of London, who died in 1719 and in his Will left various bequests for the benefit of members of his family and their descendants. One of his half sisters – Mary (Rand) Mitchell – was my direct ancestor.
I know a great deal about Bankes and his business affairs. I have details of properties that he owned, I have seen his portrait and have samples of his handwriting. However, the thing I am struggling with is his parentage. I have drawn a complete blank on this.
The record of his Freedom (gained by Redemption in 1672) says, in effect, that he moved to London to work on the reconstruction of the city after the fire of 1666, having previously served an apprenticeship as a Carpenter. I know it’s a bit of a long shot, but if you are looking at a set of apprenticeship records any time – inside or outside London – I would be obliged if you would look out for a John Bankes, born circa 1650, apprenticed as a carpenter.
I can’t offer a prize to the first person to find such an entry and let me know, but I can promise my heartfelt thanks!
Have a good week.
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