The Rudhall Family II

Abraham Rudhall's son was also called Abraham (c.1680-1735). Abraham II obtained the freedom of Gloucester in 1704, which enabled him to work as a fully qualified bell founder. By 1722 he was casting bells on his own account. As far as is known Abraham I's foundry was on the corner of Archdeacon Street and Westgate Street. Abraham II had his foundry near where the post office now stands in King's Square. Abraham II's son, Abel, carried on the foundry until his death in 1760. Abel Rudhall was succeeded by his younger sons Thomas (1744-1783) and Charles (1747-1815). Charles lived in Brighton and left his half brother John (1759-1835) to run the foundry.

The Folk Museum has a bell inscribed "I. RUDHALL" from the farmhouse at The Downs, Chalford and a druggists mortar, inscribed "JOHN LOVETT DRUGGIST GLOUCESTER J.R.FEC'T (made by JR). John published lists of bells in 1804 and 1830 but the great days of the foundry were over. Lack of demand for bells during the early part of the nineteenth century, together with clients who delayed paying for their bills, forced the foundry into financial difficulties.

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