He was the son of Joseph Hill, a glassmaker. He was probably a potmaker (i.e. a crucible maker) and furnace builder for a glass works.
| 1768 | 23 Feb. He became a free potter as he was the son of Joseph Hill (F, G). |
| 1773 | 10 Mar. He was described as a bricklayer and potmaker of Back Lane, behind Old Market (Ao). |
| 1774 | Potter, St Philip and Jacob parish (P). |
| 1774 | 21 Feb. Bread Street, potter (PPR). |
| 1775 | Earthenware pot maker, 6 Guinea Street, St Mary Redcliffe parish (SD). |
| 1781 & 1784 | Potter, St Mary Redcliffe parish (P). |
| Apprentice: With wife Elizabeth: Richard Skidmore, 10 Mar 1773 (A, Ao)-2 Sep 1780 (F) |
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| Children: James Norman (aged 6 weeks), bapt 21 Feb 1774 (PPR), Joseph, bapt 31 Mar 1775 (RPR), Susanna, bapt 29 Aug 1778 (RPR) |