John Kay & Company / John Robert Kay
A table knife manufacturer, John Kay’s name first appeared in the Assay Office register in 1795. He registered a silver mark as a plate worker, alongside Richard Woofindale and George Marshall. Presumably, this partnership did not last, as in 1797 John Kay & Co was listed in the local directory as a maker of silver-hafted table knives at 12 Meadow Street. In 1804, he registered another silver mark. John Kay worked at Meadow Street until ‘a short but severe illness’ ended his life....
