James Douglas of Egham 1806-1879                                                                                               

James Douglas Barometer still in the family

His Business James had a shop in Egham, which was at High Street, Egham in 1841. There is a simple wall clock he made in Egham Museum, housed in the former Literary Institute, in Egham High Street. A barometer of his remains in the family.

Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the world Vol 2. gives his working dates as 1839-1878.

However as his first child was born in 1835 in Egham, and he married Martha Ann Boyce of Egham in 1833, it is likely he started in business there between 1933 and 1835

He foiled an attempted burglary on 31st March 1837- see this page

Clock in Egham Museum is the only one I have seen by him Just visible are the words DOUGLAS Egham

His Life He was born on the 9th Feb 1806 at Egham Surrey, and christened on the 5th Mar 1806 at Chertsey, Surrey. His parents were James Douglass and Mary Varnden

James married Martha Ann Boyce, youngest daughter of George Boyce, a baker of Middle Hill, Egham, on Christmas Day 1833

(James’s brother Albert later married Martha’s older sister Sarah Pierce Boyce in 1859.) 

James was also Registrar of Births and Deaths from at least 1855-1878. He was Clerk of the Course at Egham Races in 1851

He died on the 6th Apr 1879.

James Douglas’s family

Other Item seen for sale

Another barometer was auctioned in 2003

J. Douglas Egham; a mid 19th century rosewood wheel barometer, with hygrometer, thermometer, circular convex mirror, main register and spirit level, the latter inscribed with the maker’s name, 98cm high, made over £500

Location of the business

The shop was in Egham High Street, according to the late Frederick Douglas, two doors from the Baker’s Shop later at 77 High Street. However recent research has indicated that from 1851 until his dath it was at 73 or just possibly 72 High Street Egham. I also believe that before that it was on the opposite side of the High Street.

72 (left) and 73 (right) High Street Egham.  73 seems to be the location of James business.

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