bitt maker

[Mallyjam]

Hi everyone,

Had a look through the various sites that people have provided links to here but can't find this occupation among them. Have seen a reference to a stirrup and bit maker somewhere else but not sure if that is the same occupation or if it might refer to someone who made metal 'bits' as in those tools that were used to drill holes by hand.

The term was used on an official document - the Australian Convict Index, 1788-1868 and spelt 'bitt' not 'bit'

Hoping someone might know - thanks!

[olliecat]

Have seen a reference to a stirrup and bit maker

Perhaps it refers to a stirrup and bridle bit maker. Stirrups and bridle bits are both parts of horse tack. An example of this sort of occupation can be found in old trade directories.

See here for an example of such a listing in a professions and trades directory, (Bridle, Bit and Stirrup Makers.)

[susan-y]

Hi..
I think it is the old spelling for bit... as in horse's bit. See this page I found... all in old script
http://books.google.ca/books?id=qusI...0maker&f=false

Sue

[Mallyjam]

Olliecat you have led me straight to the Bridle Bit and Stirrup Makers Wrightsons Directory of Birmingham 1818 of which I would have had no clue. My ancestor came from Birmingham. Yay - you are a gem. Now I wonder what I can find out from that.

[Mallyjam]

Susan, sorry I must have posted just after you. Very interesting read. My husband who has horses will be able to translate all that into terms I can understand so I'm much indebted for the link. Many thanks!

[Mallyjam]

Don't know how I came to be in this particular forum. Would someone be able to move the thread to the correct one. Not that it bothers me but might make it easier for someone else to find. Thanks.

[olliecat]

Don't know how I came to be in this particular forum. Would someone be able to move the thread to the correct one. Not that it bothers me but might make it easier for someone else to find. Thanks.

Your wish is my command! Where would you like to move it too, the 'Occupations - general forum' or elsewhere?
Once you tell me where, it will magically appear in the that forum.

[Mallyjam]

Occupations please Olliecat! I searched there before I posted that's all and I assume others would do also if they were looking for it.

[Peter Goodey]

The Oxford English Dictionary offers only one definition of the noun bitt

One of the strong posts firmly fastened in pairs in the deck or decks of a ship, for fastening cables, belaying ropes, etc.

This is only of limited help with Australian usage which would surely be best put in an appropriate Australian forum.

[Mallyjam]

That's interesting Peter, particularly as he ended up a marine. Would they have made that sort of thing in Birmingham which is away from the sea? I'm thinking of transport.

I'm wondering now about the register and where the original information came from - surely from Exeter and the prison record?

Something to think about and will bear it in mind. Thanks Peter.