WAPP - Waltham Abbey Personnel Project

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Biography:

1. James Luck was employed as a general Labourer on the 3rd December 1838 at £39.0.0d per annum, which included an allowance to watch in turn. He was a 21-year-old bachelor (WO54/623 dated the 1st October 1839). 2. The 1841 Census recorded that James and his wife Eliza (aged 20) were living in Sewardstone Street, and that both were born in Essex. 3. On the 13th April 1843, some 40 barrels of gunpowder exploded in the Corning House, together with another 20 in the Press House. Seven men were killed and much damage was caused in the town. Among those killed was James Luck. In a note dated June 2nd, "Elizabeth Luck to receive a donation of £2 in her confinement, consequent of the explosion." (Winters, p.106). 4. A graphic description of the explosion and damage caused, etc., was given in the London Illustrated News dated Saturday, the 22nd April 1843 (WAAC). James, of course, left a widow and a child.