John Tilsley Starts an Industry

Pin making became the major industry of Gloucester in the 17^th century. The beginning of its rise is usually attributed to John Tilsley, who was apprenticed in 1600 to a Gloucester wiredrawer, eventually becoming a pinmaker in Bristol. In 1626 he returned to Gloucester and entered into a special agreement with the Mayor and Burgesses of the City.

The Corporation provided Tilsley with a house, lent him £200 and supplied him with at least thirty boys. In return Tilsley agreed to "..give unto every of the said boyes 12d. by the weeke duringe the firste yeare, and 15d. by the weeke duringe the second yeare and 18d. by the weeke duringe the third yeare, according as he giveth unto the like in Bristoll...and to pay them every satterdaie night...".