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... where do i go to find out where an ancestors business was? My 4x great grandfather was a wax doll maker. I found one article in a mag on line which states" Thomas Hatch and wife Sarah,who out lived him, were London wax doll modellers from 1848 - 1881. But no address sadly. Any ideas??? regards Vicky

Yes thats where i got the two lined article from. I have tried all kinds of searches but nothing

I imagine they would work from home, or from nearby premises. Have you got an address from a census or certificate? nell

I don't suppose this is them from 1881 (maybe they'd retired from the business) 1881 British Census Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability Thomas HATCH Head M Male 63 St Pancras, Middlesex, England Carman Sarah HATCH Wife M Female 60 St Pancras, Middlesex, England Polly HATCH Daur U Female 36 St Pancras, Middlesex, England Gen Dom (Serv) Martha HATCH Daur U Female 18 St Pancras, Middlesex, England Box Maker (Fancy Paper) Source Information: Dwelling 42 Drummond Cres Census Place London, Middlesex, England Family History Library Film 1341044 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 0200 / 17 Page Number 28 You could try looking in Kelly's London Post Office directory - I know they have copies at the Family Records Centre. nell

He had two address, i thought one would be home and the other business. 185 Euston Road, London and 90 Long Lane, London. Someone from this site informed me that 90 Long Lane doesnt exist in 1881.. which ties in with the business closing. But i would like it confirmed and possible get a business name.

thanks Helen but i believed that was him for years until i finally found his death certificate. He died in 1876...6 yrs research down the drain.

Hi How old was he at death then in 1876? Wendy

Long Lane was around. It's possible no. 90 didn't exist then, or that the houses were renumbered - I am sure this is so as my husband had a relative born there and the numbers now don't fit in with what I thought. Maybe when Thomas died Sarah started working in different premises? You may well have to go to the London metropolitan archives and do some research there. nell

He was 63 and died at 185 Euston Road of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. So could be died at home or work. I just emailed a great idea... why i didnt think of it is beyond me... been doing this too long i think. Look for a will, it may mention the business.

Vicky Just had an idea - maybe the Bethnal Green Museum of childhood would be able to point you in the right direction - they must know about Victorian dolls of all kinds, I'm sure they have some wax ones. nell

I tried that museum. Its around the corner to me. Never spotted any Hatch doll and couldnt find a half sensible person who knew anything.

is this them in 1871???? mistranscribed of course LOL Annie Hutch 15 Pancras, Middlesex, England Daughter St Pancras London Jane Hutch 12 Pancras, Middlesex, England Daughter St Pancras London Mary Ann Hutch 27 Pancras, Middlesex, England Daughter St Pancras London Sarah Hutch 53 Pancras, Middlesex, England Wife St Pancras London Thomas Hutch 54 Pancras, Middlesex, England Head St Pancras London tho it lists him as a Carter !!!!!! daughter mary ann is listed as an imbecile. think they are living at lower Drummond street. none of which ties in sorry prob not lol

looking back it appears i have the same fmaily as Little Nell

Thanks Shelli But no that is not them. I have Sarah (doll makers wife) in 1871 at 89/90 Long Lane. Thomas is not with them... cant find him. But so far i have found that Thomas looks to be a bigamist so he could be anywhere. So if i do get hold of a will, it could be interesting reading if im right. I believe he has 4 women! Thanks again anyway to you and all others who have advised me on this matter. Vicky

Vicky I don't appear to have been much help, sorry. There must be a doll expert somewhere in this country surely! Perhaps you could try the V&A (as the Museum of Childhood is now under its aegis) or Madame Tussaud's. Good luck. nell

Thanks Jonathan i will take a look