Biography:
1. John Grapes (1) was working as a Punt Man earning 2/-d per day, according to Supply 5/224 dated the 30th January 1806, and at that date he had one year's service.
2. According to Supply 5/226 dated the 18th June 1807, John was working in the Corning House earning 2/2d per day. In addition, Corning House men were allowed to watch in turn, for which they received 1/-d.
3. An entry on Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, recorded that Mr. Grapes was still employed as a Corning House Man, who now earned 2/6d. per day, and, "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
4. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810, confirmed he was still a Corning House Man at 2/6d per day, and allowed to watch in turn for 1/6d night.
5. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House and the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning House and the Reel House, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town, with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72) Among those killed was John Grapes, who left a widow, Sarah, but no children (letter - Supply 5/229 dated the 3rd December 1811). Sarah received a pension of 17/6d per week with effect from the 17th May 1818, according to Winters (p.87), although he has quoted the date of inception incorrectly. A letter dated 3rd December 1811 (Supply 5/229) recorded that John Grapes "Died in a great explosion on 27 November 1811, working in the Corning house, paid 2/6 day, left a widow, has no children."
6. A document dated the 8th November 1818 (Supply 5/231) listed "persons to whom pensions or charitable allowances granted by the Hon. Board as widows, orphans or relations of those who have lost their lives in this manufactory, or who have been superannuated on accounts of trusts received, or for length of service in the departments." Among the recipients was Sarah Grapes, whose husband had worked in the Corning House, and who received a pension of 17/6d per week, commencing the 28th November 1811.
7. Sarah was still in receipt of her pension in 1821 (Supply 5/232 dated 17th November 1821).
8. A document dated the 6th December 1821 (Supply 5/232) gave the estimated pay of persons between the 1st January and 31st December 1822, along with their superannuated allowance, as well as "the allowance to widows and orphans of those who have lost their lives at this place." It was confirmed that Sarah's superannuation should continue at £45.10.0d per annum, and a similar document, Supply 5/232 dated the 28th December 1821, confirmsed that the same pension would be paid in 1822. Winters, (p.96) recorded that this would also be the case in 1823.
