Thomas French of Norwich - Clockmaker

[Hood]

Hi: I have an ancestor, Thomas French, b. about 1725 in Norwich (I think) that I believe was a clockmaker.  His grandson-in-law, Thomas Gowen, mentions a clock make by Thomas French in his 1853 will.  I am interested in any information that would confirm if Thomas French was a clockmaker and anything else about him.

I'd be grateful for any leads on this item.

Thanks

[aghadowey]

Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, vol. 1, by G.H. Baillie:
French Thomas Norwich from 1751 c[locks]
(no further information in the book)

P.S. welcome to Rootschat.

[Hood]

Thanks a million aghadowey.  That confirmation is worth a lot.

[aghadowey]

Thomas French mentioned here:
www.clockswatches.com/showindex.php?em=F

[VLP]

I work in the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Zagreb as Head of the Clocks and Watches Collection. In our collection there is a watch made for the Turkish market signed George Clarke London on the dial and Rob. Bayles, Tho. French,  Norwich on the movement.
The watch was dated c. 1770.
Best,
VLP

[Hood]

Thanks for your information. The only sure information I managed find was a picture of a grandfather clock made by Thomas French, picture attached.
John Hood

[Johnial Thornton]

I have a pocketwatch marked Thomas French London that winds with a key. I am attaching pics. I have searched but have not been able to find any information on this maker other than your post. Any additional info you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Johnial

[trish1120]

All on FreeREG, Norwich, Norfolk

All under surname FRENCH

Bapts;

THOMAS 19 Jan 1723/4 to THOMAS/MARY

MARY 4 May 1746
THO (Thomas) 11 Jun 1749 poss buried 29 Jun 1750 no age given
PHYLLIS 10 Jun 1750
THOMAS 03 Dec 1752
JOHN 08 Sep 1754
ELIZABETH 31 Oct 1756
All above have Parents as THOMAS/PHILLIS

Thomas married Phillis SALMON 19 May 1745, both single

Burials;
PHILLIS 12 May 1773 no age given
THOMAS 8 May 1782 age 55 (1727)

Now to the Gowen reference;

CATHARINE French was bapt 12 Jan 1783 to JOHN/HANNAH
She married Thomas Love GOWEN 02 Nov 1821 (she was a spinster)

So Daug of JOHN 1754 who likely married Hannah BUCKLE 25 Mar 1782
(a Catherine Buckle was a witness so may be how Catherine French was named)

Trish

[Hood]

I have very little additional data on Thomas French.  This web site has some information: https://www.clockswatches.co.uk/search.php but you have to pay for access and I suspect all you will get is some dates.  This page shows a clock made by an apprentice of Thomas French: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/11800/lot/339/