John Hamerton, paper miller of Newnham, Hampshire, 1743

Hamerton was a paper miller at Hook Mill in Newnham.  He was a co-partner in the business with Robert Parker who was bankrupt at the time of Hamerton’s death and claimed half of the value of the tools of trade.  The inventory and accounts attached list detailed equipment used in the mill as well as high value items in the house such as gold and diamond rings, looking glasses and silver plate.  Hamerton’s widow submitted accounts following her husband’s decease disputing ownership of rags sent from London by Parker and listing debts received from customers living in Basingstoke, Newbury, Winchester and Reading.

The full transcription of his will, inventory and his widow's accounts are below together with a description of paper making and explanation of some of the goods listed in his inventory.