Jet workshops existed in the early 1800s, but there was a huge expansion in the 1850s after its appearence at the Great Exhibition and in the 1860s due to its strong association with Queen Victoria in mourning for Prince Albert.
This faded sign for Thomas Bryan Jet Merchant can still be seen above modern signs at the end of Baxtergate. The 1871 Census lists Thomas Bryan living here at 76 Baxtergate where an 1890s trade directory shows him based at 4 5 and 6 Princess Place with a Mrs. Margaret Bryan at 76 Baxtergate. So perhaps between those two dates.
Thomas Bryan Jet Merchant, Whitby
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Seems there are as many Jet workshops and jewellers as there were in the Victorian days when you visit Whitby now.
Thomas Bryan was my great great grandfather and most of the Bryan family were involved in Jet . Brother Charles and Sister Margaret in particular. Up until the 90’s the sign above shoe shop read Margaret Bryan Wholesale Jet Merchant and we have pictures at home of the same stone wall that rain and weather revealed Thomas name underneath !!
Wow he was either my great great grandfather or great great great grandfather as well
In the 1841 census of Baxtergate there is a George Bryan aged 20 who is a stone mason, on the same page is Nathanial Mason, a Hairdresser aged 49, he was my husbands Gt Gt Gt Grandfather. In the 1851 census Charles Bryan aged 20 is a Jet Turner, the previous page lists Nathanial Mason aged 58, a barber, he died in 1857 so doesn’t appear on the next census. Thomas Bryan is listed as a stonemason aged 45 in the 1861 census, he is single and boarding with the Linskill family in Baxtergate. Thomas Bryan aged 29, a jet worker is listed with his wife Margaret aged 33, at Princess Place, Ruswarp in the 1861 census. Thomas aged 39, and Margaret aged 44, are listed at 76 Baxtergate in the 1871 census, he is a Jet Ornament Manufacturer. In the 1881 census Thomas and Margaret are at 6 Spring Hill Terrace, Ruswarp and he is a Jet Ornament Manufacturer.
Hi , I am tracing my great grandfather who was a jet mount dealer in the 1871 census, he lived at 16 Baxtergate and I am trying to find other jet workers he may worked with or indeed for, any information I would be very much grateful.
Perhaps get in touch with the Whitby Museum in Pannett Park, or the Whitby Archives may be able to help.