Dent , family , watchmakers

Under the terms of the will of Edward John Dent (1790-1853), the business of E. Dent and Company Limited, watchmakers (founded in 1840) was divided between his stepsons with Richard Edward Dent, formerly Rippon, inheriting the business in Cockspur Street. On his death in 1856 the business passed to his wife Marianna Frederica Dent and became independent, trading as M.F. Dent until 1920, when it was acquired by E. Dent and Company Limited. Between 1856 and 1920 the business was run by various members of the Dent family.