13th September 1761

Dined at Mr Samuel Pettys gave maid 12d

I don't record every time Thomas dines out (he always tips the staff though), but this one is special because I have been able to find out something about Samuel Petty.

Kent's Directory of 1740 tells us that Samuel and William Petty were silk throwsters, conducting their business from premises in Redlyon-street, Goodman's fields.

A Throwster is someone who twists threads into a yarn and the trade continues to this day, though it is mostly highly mechanised now.

I think that Samuel Petty traded from Red Lion Alley off Minories and close to Goodman's fields. Its position is shown here. (scroll down to see the small map excerpt)