Robert James Pike was a watch-case-manufacturer born in Clerkenwell, London, in 1842, to a well-to-do London family. In 1871 he was living with his family in Cromwell Street, next door to David Ward the weaver. By 1881 he had moved with his family to ‘Cromwell House’ on Earlsdon Terrace, next door to watch manufacturer Robert Waddington.
Pike remained at Cromwell House until his death in 1898. He operated as a manufacturer and produced a trade advertisement illustrating his business. His house has since been demolished and replaced by a care home for the elderly.
Robert J Pike’s grave is in London Road Cemetery.