Thanks for replying.
Would a millwright have been needed for a canal?
My current person of interest Stephen 1763-1840 was supposedly born in Emley but was married in Coventry in 1787.
He was later named in the father column on a marriage cert as a Millwright.
But at some point the family 'got into' ribbon weaving in a fairly propserous way.
I've been thinking about the Industrial Revolution but they could have gone anywhere in Yorkshire or Lancashire to take up factory jobs, why travel to Warwickshire?
I was chatting to the History Centre this morning and Coventry is known currently as being a phoenix, but it has always risen to the challenges, ribbon weaving, then watchmaking and later bicycles and cars.
Hi Dawn
I have a transcribed copy of the Coventry Apprentice Register 1781 to 1806 (by the Dugdale Society), saw it at a Sale and thought that might come in useful one day, for somebody, I don't know who, but I ought to buy it.
No.
1938 Hammerton, John, nephew of Stephen Hammerton of Coventry, millwright: to his uncle: 14 Feb 1803: 207v.No.
1939 HAMMERTON, John, s. of Stephen of Coventry, millwright: to his father: 5 Jan 1802: 197r.No.
1940 HAMMERTON, Stephen, s. of Stephen of Coventry, millwright: to Thomas Cope of Coventry, silkman: 31 May 1805: 242v.Looks like one of them became apprenticed to Thomas Cope of Coventry, Silkman, 1805.
Coventry and Stockingford (part of Eatun / Eaton / Etan / Eton) renamed Galley Common Stockingford (renamed circa 16th Century) were known historically for Silk Weaving.
The farms of Lord Paget (one of the Lords of the Manor at Stockingford) in 1746, off what is now known as Plough Hill Road, Galley Common (formerly Medieval Stockingford where Iron Age finds have been found) and the Moated Farmhouse "Blackhams Hall" and renamed Poplar Tree Farm (19th Cent) demolished, had "Hemp Yards" and rope making was also carried out too.
Sounds like the Hammertons were Millwrights (perhaps family already at Coventry?), who diversified into Silk weaving.
Document mentioning Thomas Cope of Coventry, Silkman.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/76656852-a568-4b21-97bd-7513b5751404Of course Cash's of Coventry (Independents and Quakers- John Cash 1822-1880 and Joseph Cash 1826-1880) were Weavers and Embroiderers too.
There should be an Embroiderers Guild, somewhere, too?
Mark
ADDED: Regarding Coventry Archives, I was told their opening days and times were drastically cut, so check before going. Also, if you know the documents, ALL documents required advance ordering.