No records have been found to establish the relationship between John (Grimwade p.304, 340), William and Ann Laithwait (Grimwade p.333) all of whom entered marks at Goldsmiths’ Hall from 104 Gray’s Inn Lane in 1778, 8th April 1788 and 30th June 1790 respectively. John had died on 3rd April 1788. Also probably related to Robert (not in Grimwade’s book), a watch case maker late of 50 Gray’s Inn Lane, buried at St Andrew’s, Holborn in 1781.
As William Laithwaite from that address he paid for trade directory entries in 1790 as a watch and clock maker.
The burial of William Laithwaite, late of Gray’s Inn Lane, was registered at St Andrew, Holborn on 12th June 1790.
LAITHWAIT, William (Grimwade p.328)
Moderators: MCB, buckler, silverly
Re: LAITHWAIT, William (Grimwade p.328)
23 June 1790 William Laithwait will proved at London. Reference: TNA PROB 11/1193/178. There are no locations given in this will and no mention of a trade or guild. However, William's spouse was named Ann, and the date the will was proved leaves room for her to have registered a mark by 30 June 1790. Coincidently, one of the witnesses to this will was William Higgs of No 99 Grays Inn Lane.