Sailmaker! In Buckinghamshire!

[nightowl]

Hi Everyone

Would anyone know what a Sailmaker would be doing making Sails in Buckinghamshire, which is one of the furthest counties from the sea in the country? Were sails used in any other occupation?

Many thanks for your help

LizG

[Geoffers]

Finbar's reply seems most likely - but - where in Buckinghamshire?

[Browneyes]

Three boat builders from the 1900 Bourne End Directory:

Shaw & Sons
Lacey Wm.
Townsend L.M. & Sons

Bourne End relates to the River Wye which was "the provider of water power for many mills in the valley for hundreds of years, and Bourne End was no exception. There were four on the final stretch of the river; Princes Mill, Jacksons (or Gunpowder) Mill, Hedsor Mill and Lower Mill. These mills were the predominant employers of the area, along with the local farms and two wharfs on the Thames"

Any help?

[nightowl]

Many thanks for your help. The gentleman in question actually came from High Wycombe, or Chipping Wycombe, so it could be either boats or mills! . I have found you have to really change your way of thinking, and try and imagine things in the lives of your ancestors. I saw Sailmaker and immediately thought boats! I need to look at the bigger picture maybe!