What type of "SMITH" was he?

[Colin Rowledge]

On several various census records as well as on marriage certificates, I am coming across an occupation that is defined as a 'Smith'.

Some lived in rural areas while others were in industrial areas, however I cannot determine what kind of smith they were.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Colin

[MarkJ]

I think that a general "smith" will be a blacksmith. The silversmiths etc tend to state their full title - but that is purely my thoughts on it, rather than a gospel fact

Mark

[pennydog]

I accept the term as meaning a metal worker, as Mark says gold and silver smiths usually give the full title as it is a skilled trade, as do tinsmiths.

I have blacksmiths in my line, but I do not think of them in the tradtional village setting (especially as they were in the east end of London!), more as workers with black (iron etc) metal as opposed to whitesmiths who worked with lighter metals.