BRICKLAYERS

[Norma Hudson]

Did Bricklayer`s do an appenticeship in early 1800`s?

[Peter Goodey]

Did Bricklayers do an apprenticeship in early 1800s?

Probably. Have a look at the 1881 census which is free and searchable on occupation. You'll find quite a few apprentice bricklayers. The apprenticeship might be a pretty informal arrangement though. If you're going to be looking for records you need to read this:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=295

[Norma Hudson]

Thanks Peter that has been very helpful.

Norma

[NickM]

I think bricklaying was a skill that was passed from father to son. Just about every male child in my father's side of the family was a bricklayer from the 1800's onwards (the earliest records I have), but that tradition ended with my father, because he fell out with his father and ran away to sea.

[Norma Hudson]

I think your right, as mine were all bricklayers from early 1800`s right up till 1900, but my grandad didn`t follow that trade.

[susan-y]

My husband's gggrandfather was a master mason ..... (very skilled bricklayer) I understand he apprenticed before coming to Canada in the 1820's.

Sue

[Marie C..]

Bricklayers were apprenticed usually and it was 7/8 years though sometimes for the payment of a fee it was shortened. Bricklaying was a skilled trade. The use of quicklime made it dangerous. The Canadian apprenticeships followed the line of the British and were at least seven years.M

[NickM]

It wasn't just the use of quicklime - most bricklayers made their own quicklime by heating local limestone and mixing it with water. It was quite a dangerous process. No "readymix" cement in those days.