If you Google

National Archives Apprentice Records —.

…..

Apprentices and Masters - The National Archives …

You may find him, however, it does state that there were informal indentures with fathers often teaching sons and nephews with common trades such as weaving etc. and Edward was a weaver of carpets.

Look at the names he gave his children, his father’s name would more often than not used.

Look for other Whittington weavers and of course DNA.

My x Grandad in around 1871 just after my Grandad was born, left his Wife and family in Bristol, got on a boat to Chile and never returned. Through DNA and documents, we’ve discovered he had children with a local woman in Santiago, then married another lady. He did name a Son after one of his brothers and a daughter after his Wife he deserted! So Christian names were and are still relevant.