THE STRAKER FAMILY

 

 

 

 

William Straker was born in Holborn in 1744 (some sources give his date of birth as “about 1745”). Very little is known about his parents and early life. He was a cordwainer by trade and, very likely, a successful one. In 1811 he had premises at 1 Long Lane, West Smithfield. He was married twice – to Elizabeth Livermore and Mary Barker. His second marriage took place in York and he had to pay £200 for the licence.

 

Although the vast majority of Strakers that I have found originate from London, there are communities of Strakers in York and Northumberland. I haven’t been able to make the link between the Strakers from the North and those from the South other than William’s second marriage.

 

Those that lived in London were based mainly in Peckham or the City. There are some Strakers shown as living in Hackney.

 

During the 19^th century, the Strakers took up two distinct trades – printing and silversmithery.

 

S.Straker & Son was formed by William’s grandson Samuel and during the 19^th & 20^th centuries gained a respectable reputation as printers of government publications.

 

W.Straker & Son was formed by William Straker in 1863. I’m not sure of the relationship between this William and the William at the top of the page. This company became Straker Office supplies and is now part of the Oyez-Straker group. Jonathan Straker is still a director of the company. I believe that, although he was born in London, his roots are from the North of England.

 

Charles Straker was formed by Charles (Charlie) Straker and was a manufacturing stationer.

 

Leighton-Straker was a bookbinding company. As yet, I have not found out who formed the company

 

S.Straker, W.Straker & Leighton-Straker all had premises based in the City of London.

 

There are usually one or two items printed by the above available on eBay. A search on Google will also bring up a considerable number of references to them, as well.

 

The Strakers descended from William’s second marriage were originally in the printing trade but after Elizabeth Harper married John Kennimore Straker, the boys became apprenticed as silversmiths and silverchasers which was Elizabeth’s father’s profession.

 

At the start of the 20^th century, the majority of the Strakers from London were still employed within the printing and silver industries. Since then the family has moved around and taken to new professions. I will leave you to add your story on the discussion forum.