Godwin Family Genealogy

James and Esther Godwin

This image is James Godwin, jeweller of High Holborn, circa 1810, and his wife Esther (Slorach) painted by miniature portrait artist Thomas Peat. The paintings sold at auction in 2008 at British auction house Burstow and Hewett. The originals were 2.25" by 2" and painted on porcelain. Peat is known to have lived and worked at 290 Holborn from at least 1789 onwards. John Godwin pocketbook maker and his family also lived and worked at the same address from 1789 until 1821.

Godwin Family Lineage

This branch of the Godwin family tree can be condensed to the following paternal lineage:

James Godwin (1754-1831) and John Godwin (1746-1804) (possibly brothers or half brothers) both jewellers and pocketbook makers. Also erstwhile stationers, toy sellers, cutlers, hardwaremen, surgical instrument makers, electro gilders, portable box makers, goldsmiths, silversmiths, watchmakers, clockmakers and umbrella repairmen. Based in both The Strand and High Holborn from at least 1770. Previously in Princes Street, Cavendish Square, London.

John married twice and had at least seven children. James married once and had at least four sons, James (II), George, Alfred and William Edward.

James II didn't marry, George married twice, once in England and again in India. Alfred Godwin married and lived in Cranley Common Surrey. William Edward is a mystery.

George's eldest son was George Alfred he continued the business in Holborn. Alfred had a large family in Cranley Common.

George Alfred had two sons, George James and James Beebe. George James would continue in Holborn while James Beebe moved to New Zealand where he had a large family.

George James had five sons. George Albert would take over the Holborn business, while most of his other sons moved to South Africa.

Descendants of this branch now live in England, New Zealand, Dubai, Australia, Canada, the USA, India and South Africa.

Historical London & Godwin Businesses