was born on the 16th July 1770 in Scotland probably in the neighbourhood of Glasgow or Lanark for at his death it appears in the proceedings in Chancery which ensured that he was entitled to a small freehold estate in the Burgh of Lanark Scotland, which he bought for £80 (Johnson Bible - Masters Report 8/8/1826 in action of Rattray v. Prentice)
He was a Baker & Confectioner by trade and coming to (England) London whilst still a young man amassed a fortune which at his death amounted to at least £30,000. The first mention of him is found in Holden's Directory for 1799 where there is the entry:-
"Rattray James Baker 10 Hungerford Market". This entry appears again in the following year.
In the year 1805 however he appears to have already moved to the shop at the corner of Bond St. & Piccadilly where he lived until his death. This shop (or at least its immediate successor but most probably the original) was only pulled down & rebuilt in 1904-5. It was then and is still a Baker's & Confectioners and tea place and is at present owned by Stewart Callard & Wall Ltd. It is situated at the western corner of Old Bond Street at its junction with Piccadilly. The incident depicted in a well-known picture "His Majesty the Baby" takes place immediately in front of the old shop which is shown in the background.
James Rattray gave employment to his relatives and friends in his business. His own relations were his brother John Rattray described as of Stambrook Court, Piccadilly, Labourer, a sister married to John Dunn of Brownfield near Glasgow a Grocer and the latter's two children, Andrew Dunn and James Rattray Dunn. A certain Isabella Rattray mentioned seems to have been the wife of John Rattray.
An Ann Shirley is referred to and described herself as the cousin of Jas. Rattray's FIRST wife. There were certainly no children of this first marriage.
An Agnes Shirley is referred to as the widow of Jas. Rattray's brother-in-law, the maiden name of the 1st wife would apparently be "Shirley".
Jas. Rattray employed in his business two sisters Frances Barbara Wright and Jane Ormond Wright. Their eldest sister Ann was married to John Johnson of Howden Dock near Newcastle-on-Tyne, Block & Mast Maker.
In August 1817 Jane Ormond Wright went from London with her sister Frances to John Johnson's house where she remained six weeks and in the following October Jas. Rattray followed her and remained three days during which the marriage between them took place. (Affidavit of John Johnson 7/5/1826).
The marriage took place on 1st Oct. 1817 at St. Peter's Parish Church, Wallsend-on-Tyne the witnesses being John Johnson & Frances Wright.
In December 1822 Jas. Rattray advanced to John Johnson £1400 to enable him to build a STEAM-boat but the result of latter's efforts is not recorded altho' he does not appear to have been propserous.
Jas. Rattray died at his shop on 20th Novr. 1824 leaving his widow and their one child surviving. By his Will dated 11 Nov 1824 and which was not so attested as to pass real estate he gave & bequeathed all and singular his estate & effects whatsoever & wheresoever & of what nature kind or quality soever that he might be possessed of or interested in or otherwise entitled to at the time of his death and between his wife Jane Ormond Rattray and his daughter Jane in equal shares & proportions & appointed his wife & William Prentice Executors of his Will which was proved on the 24th November 1824.
James Rattray his 2nd wife and his nephew James Rattray Dunn are buried in Donhill Fields. By taking the path on the right of Bunyan's tomb and going as far as possible and then standing with one's back to the public road the tombstone will be found to be in the second row in front.
The inscription when seen 6th Sept. 1902 was still legible "In Memory of Mr James Rattray of 46 Old Bond Street who died November 20th 1824 in the 55th year of his sge also of James Dunn nephew of the above who died December 28th 1819 in the 19th year of his age also of Mrs Jane Ormond Rattray wife of the above Mr James Rattray who died March 29th 1825 in the 37th year of her age".
In the account of the Estate the following properties are referred to:-
He held 46 Old Bond St. for 36 years from Michaelmas 1816 at £120 p.a. which was leased by his Executors on 8 Feby 1825 to John Johnston (the purchaser of the business) for 27½ years less 5 days from L day 1825 at £200 p.a.
Also a house in Southampton Row held for 97 years less 21 days from L'day 1802 at £ p.a. and leased by Jas. Rattray on 1st Jany 1807 to Wm Hill for 21 years from Christmas 1806 at £130 p.a.
Also a house at Knightsbridge No 22 the corner of Mills Buildings held for 21 years from M'mas 1817 at £42 p.a. and occupied by Chas. Ainslie Wright. This Chas A Wright was a brother of Jane Ormond Rattray and looked after this branch business for Jas. Rattray. He died Oct 1823 leaving a widow Charlotte Wright and one child.
She married in April 1826 a Wm Gray who deserted her. There was some difficulty in obtaining possession of the premises as she alleged her husband was the owner.
Mr Chas Wright Henzell of Tynemouth has (1906) in his possession a mourning ring in memory of this Chas A Wright. He is a descendant of John Johnson. John Stanley Mitcalfe another descendant of John Johnson has (1906) a pair of old-fashioned silver spectacles given to John Johnson by Jas. Rattray. F.R.B.
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Copyright © Anthony Hickson
