I've found this reference to the Shakespeare Inn Benefit Society and wondered if anyone has done any research into Friendly Societies in Coventry in the mid 19th century. It appears they were quite common but I can only find this reference to the Shakespeare Inn Benefit Society from 1858, although it states it was founded in 1819. I've looked up the National Archives online collection but can't find any reference and wondered if anyone on here could shed any more light?
What I do know or have found out is the following:
Thomas Carvell of (3) Bailey Lane was my 3rd great grandfather and Joseph Carvell of York Street was his brother. Both were tailors.
Thomas's father, William (1781-1866) and grandfather, Thomas (1753-1818) were also tailors operating in Spon Street. I have identified that William lived at 19 Spon Street (between around 1808 and 1852) next door to the Shakespeare at 18 Spon Street. Charles Waithman, the Treasurer, lived at 20 Spon Street and was the foreman at Howes Silk Dyers, which stood behind 20 and 21 Spon Street (his obituary [d 12 March 1872, aged 61] stated that he worked for the firm for over 50 years). Charles Rollins of (14) Stephen Street was also a silk dyer. I think I have identified Joseph Crump a labourer living at (6) Spencer Street - his father was John Crump of Swanswell (also a tailor) and Solomon Eagleton was the Market Toll Collector, living off Smithford Street. I have not been able to identify the W Sargeant (Gosford Street) or T Pearson (Earlsdon).