1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation

[silaswall]

I have found my ancestor Catherine Romanes (nee Hope) on the 1841 Census transcription. She is a widow with five children. Catherine is listed as a Pauper. The eldest four children are aged from seven to thirteen years. Their occupation shows as P L W. What does this mean? The majority of my Selkirk ancestors work in the woollen mills. 

[Gadget]

Hi

I think it's Power Loom Weaver and H L W is hand loom weaver


Gadget

[Gadget]

Here we are, a link to 1841 Scottish Census abbreviations/instructions:

http://www.talkingscot.com/censuses/census-1841.htm

[silaswall]

Thank you both. So, it does look like a seven year old was working in the mill.

[Gadget]

Yes - it was fairly common for children that young to work in those days - some of mine were in coal mines 


PS - lots of info on child labour  and Industrial Revolution if you Google

[silaswall]

It is frightening to think of such young children doing those jobs. I have saved the link for when I trace the rest of the family.