Sir James Wright bart.

Sir James Wright founded an artificial slate business on his estate in Woodford: ir James Wright's artificial slate manufactory.

'Near Woodford-bridge is the patent manufactory of artificial slate, belonging to Sir James Wright, Bart. This slate is used for covering roofs and fronts of houses; for making pendant frames for hay-ricks and stacks of corn; and safeguards to preserve them from vermin. It is used also for water-pipes and gutters. A considerable quantity has been exported to the West Indies. A pamphlet was published a few years ago, explaining the manner of using the slate; its comparative advantages, with prices and estimates. The proprietor has published also (at the beginning of the present year) some observations on the importance of preserving grain from vermin; with an explanation of the manner in which the artificial slate is to answer that purpose (fn. 49). The buildings, where the manufactory is carried on, are of this slate, and were erected about twenty years ago.'

The Environs of London: Volume 4, Counties of Herts, Essex and Kent. Originally published by T Cadell and W Davies, London, 1796, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-environs/vol4/pp273-287