William Lewis, Tallow chandler

Engraved trade card and handwritten invoice issued by William Lewis, tallow-chandler and nightman located at the Sun in Oxford Road, near Soho Square. Although named as a 'tallow chandler' the detailed printed information gives information about the 'nightman' side of the business. This included the collection of 'night soil' and the contents of 'bogg-houses' by nightmen employed by Lewis that could be found daily with their carriages, at The Golden Anchor, in Clare Street, The Golden Horse in Theobold's Row and The Cock and Harp, Jermyn Street. Dated October 1750 the handwritten invoice refers to the collection of a 'load of night soil'.