searching Blacksmith Apprenticeship 1881-1896

[Eviand]

I'm interested in persuing a Blacksmith Apprenticeship of an Ancestor, Matthew Richards born on 9 Nov 1868 in Scotter, Lincolnshire. In the 1881 Census, he is a Scholar of 12 years of age living with his parents Henry and Ellen Richards in Scotter (RG11/3293, Folio 8, Page 9). He marries Sarah Jane Paulger, Spinster of Corringham, Lincolnshire on 12 Dec 1896 at the Registry Office in Gainsborough. The residence at the time of marriage of Matthew Richards is 4 Caskgate Street, Gainsborough and his occupation is Blacksmith.

From an Army Reserve Attestation of Matthew Richards signed on 25 Sept 1914 reveals from "questions put to the recruit before enlistment", that he was a time served Shoeing Smith with George Hiles in Corringham. At the time of the 1891 Census, Matthew is not shown in the household of George Hiles 33, Blacksmith in Corringham (RG12/2636, Folio 59, Page 4). I am unable to trace Matthew Richards on any 1891 Census. He later enlists in the Army on 10 Apr 1899.

Would there be any record of Matthew Richards' Blacksmith Apprenticeship (and if such records should exist where would I be able to find them)?

[Jan1954]

I don't know whether or not the dates that you are looking for are covered, but you could start with the National Archives here: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=295&j=1

PS It was lovely to meet you at the weekend!

[Eviand]

Likewise. It's always nice to put a face to a name. We ended up leaving early afternoon because Evie became very restless and wanted to crawl everywhere. Not really her thing yet.

Thanks for the advice.

[Geoffers]

I'm interested in persuing a Blacksmith Apprenticeship of an Ancestor, Matthew Richards born on 9 Nov 1868 in Scotter, Lincolnshire......From an Army Reserve Attestation of Matthew Richards signed on 25 Sept 1914 reveals from "questions put to the recruit before enlistment", that he was a time served Shoeing Smith with George Hiles in Corringham......Would there be any record of Matthew Richards' Blacksmith Apprenticeship (and if such records should exist where would I be able to find them)?

The indenture would be a private contract and as such only likely to survive if:

1. The family of Matthew Richards are still in business and have maintained historical records

2. It has been deposited in some record office

3. The copy of the intenture given to your ol'bor is still in your family's hands.

You might see if there has been a history written of Corringham and/or the area in which mention is made of the chap. Record offices usually have collections of old photographs and smithies were quite often photographed. You might try the Francis Frith Collection if the local record office has nothing.

[Geoffers]

PS - further to my last.........

I am unable to trace Matthew Richards on any 1891 Census.

see RG12/2633 f38 p9 sch 56
Main Street, West Stockwith
Matthew RICHARDS, boarder, unm, 21, blacksmith, bn Scotter, Lincs
(boarding with the BAYES family)