In 1762, William Chapman was sent to recast "Great Dunstan", the hour bell, at Canterbury Cathedral, as it was easier to do the job on the spot instead of transporting the bell to London and back. Chapman noticed a man named William Mears who took an unusual interest in the proceedings. Chapman offered him a job at Whitechapel, and it is here where the Mears family entered into the business.
After William Mears learned the trade, he set up on his own account at Gould Square, Crutched Friars, Fenchurch Street (267 Whitechapel Road as it was then known as) in 1777, working under the title Wᴹ Mears & Co and Mears & Co.
2 years later, he removed the company, describing himself as Wᴹ Mears of London.
In early 1781, Thomas Pack passed away due to consumption, and William Mears was declared bankrupt in March of the same year.
He returned to William Chapman at the old foundry, and they cast bells together under the title of Chapman & Mears.
William Chapman passed away in 1784, leaving Mears in full control of the business. He worked alone until 1787 when his brother Thomas I Mears joined him.
After William Mears learned the trade, he set up on his own account at Gould Square, Crutched Friars, Fenchurch Street (267 Whitechapel Road as it was then known as) in 1777, working under the title Wᴹ Mears & Co and Mears & Co.
2 years later, he removed the company, describing himself as Wᴹ Mears of London.
In early 1781, Thomas Pack passed away due to consumption, and William Mears was declared bankrupt in March of the same year.
He returned to William Chapman at the old foundry, and they cast bells together under the title of Chapman & Mears.
William Chapman passed away in 1784, leaving Mears in full control of the business. He worked alone until 1787 when his brother Thomas I Mears joined him.
Inscriptions
- MEARS & CO LONDON FECIT 1777
- MEARS & CO LONDON FECIT 1777
- WM MEARS & CO LONDON FECIT 1777
- MEARS & CO LONDON FECIT 1779
- MEARS & CO LONDON FECIT 1779
- WM MEARS LONDON FECIT 1779
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1779
- MEARS LONDON FECIT 1779
- MEARS FECIT 1779
- WM MEARS LONDON FECIT 1780
- WM MEARS LONDON FECIT 1780
- MEARS FECIT 1781
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1784
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1785
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1785
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1785
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1785
- WM MEARS OF LONDON FECIT 1786
Sussex bells by Richard Phelps in Chronological order |
No bells by William Mears are on The Bells of Sussex yet. |
Sources:
- ELPHICK, George. P (1970): Sussex Bells & Belfries
- TYSSEN, Amhurst, D: History of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry
- The National Archives - PROB 11/1074/121
