I have just received a copy of a settlement examination in which it is stated that a boy aged 6 1/2 years old (in 1783) was placed in an apprenticeship by the Overseers of the Poor. Quite apart from any child welfare considerations, I find it hard to imagine that at that age he would have been able to provide his "master", a farmer, with much productive service. More of a liability, I should think. In later apprenticeship documents I have seen, a minimum age of 9 is implied. Can anyone enlighten me regarding the statutory minimum age?
In this case the child was "indentured". In other cases I have come across it has been specifically stated that the individual was not indentured. I would welcome an explanation of the difference.
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Thread: Minimum age for apprenticeship
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25-10-2010, 8:04 AM #1
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Minimum age for apprenticeship
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25-10-2010, 11:10 AM #2ThomasinGuest
Only the other day I was amazed to see the large number of 7 year olds being apprenticed. I would be interested in the answers to your questions, too.
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25-10-2010, 5:08 PM #3Jan1954Guest
From notes that I made years ago, the minimum age of 9 was from 1847, and that was for "Poor Law" apprentices - those sent by their Parish to learn a trade. Prior to that the minimum age appears to have been 7, but again this was for pauper children.
I hope this helps.
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26-10-2010, 1:35 PM #4BeeE586Guest
I had a case in Lincolnshire - pre 1800 but I can't just find the exact date. Two orphan sisters aged 7 and 9 were apprenticed 'to learn the art of housewifery' until 21 or married. I was pleased that at least they were together.
Eileen
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26-10-2010, 9:45 PM #5
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25-11-2010, 2:27 PM #6ChattieKathyGuest
What kind of information can be found in the apprentice papers? Is it worth getting the papers?
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25-11-2010, 2:42 PM #7GeoffersGuestOriginally Posted by ChattieKathy
They are useful sources of information but survival rate is variable - you may well find them indexed in a County Record Office catalogue, or posibly by a search of Access to Archives.
The Board of Stamps, Apprenticeship Books can be helpful too - see here
The Society of Genealogists in London has a collection of records.
TNA has a research guide on the subject - click here
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25-11-2010, 8:02 PM #8DorothySandraGuest
Children this young were employed in factories in the 19th C. It seems horrid to us, but small children could keep a workshop clean and tidy, operate bellows, do simple tasks. They might have dreadful lives, but they would be a lot better off, if they were apprenticed to a decent man, than in the workhouse.
We probably under-estimate the capabilities of children now: a seven year old could do most of the tasks involved in running a house these days: operating vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc. I don't mean that they should, just that they are physically capable of it. Perhaps not all the cooking. I remember doing serious cooking (Spanish Omelettes and Jam Tarts) at eight. Scrubbed hands, no messing about, and clearing up afterwards. And helping feed the twin babies: mixing the feed, sterilising bottles etc. I was proud to be of use.
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25-11-2010, 9:02 PM #9AllanahGuest
Interesting post.
I have lots of foks in my family who were apprentices but I have never thought to look for any information on this, this post has given me more food for thought and even more avenues to look into.
Thanks-Allanah
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