My name is Trevor Lace and I collect old pocket watches and research the makers as the history of some of them is fantastic. One of the best watches I have was made in Sunderland by a watch maker called Gowland,details to follow. The watch was made 1807 and is still in perfect working order aprox 197 years old all hand made, this is a watch maker to be proud off. Details I have. George Gowland Born 1759 was working Hylton Ferry Sunderland 1779 to 1790 George Gowland of Sunderland. This Gowland was the son of clockmaker Clement Gowland 1757 - 1824, he was born 1782. he was recorded as a Clockmaker, Watchmaker, Jeweler and Silversmith, working in the High Street. he died in 1829 left a widow called Ann. George Hay Gowland. This maker was the Son of Clement 1791 - 1860 and was born in 1829 he also was a watchmaker, jeweler and silversmith he worked at 178 High Street at least the 1860 1884 period. he took over the shop on his father's death and was in partnership with his brother Clement from 1860 to 1873. I can find a trading reference to them as Gowland G.H. & C of Sunderland in 1854. In 1881 census, George H was living at 3 Ashbrook Terrace, Bishopwearmouth, Durham and his occupation as silversmith & jeweler, he was living there with his wife Mary age 55 and his children Mary Elizabeth 26. Jane C 22. Clement 21, a jewelers assistant. George H 18 a jewelers assistant and Charles J 17. a jewelers assistant. He also had a cook and a housemaid. The British Horological Institute have several papers written by Gowland in their museum. If anyone could help with any other details on the Family Gowland it would be very much appreciated. I am not from the Sunderland area and therefore lack local knowledge. Trevor Lace