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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Selkirkshire => Topic started by: silaswall on Friday 06 December 13 10:00 GMT (UK)

Title: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: silaswall on Friday 06 December 13 10:00 GMT (UK)

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. 

Title: Re: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: Gadget on Friday 06 December 13 10:08 GMT (UK)

Hi

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


Gadget

Title: Re: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: Gadget on Friday 06 December 13 10:12 GMT (UK)

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

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

Title: Re: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: silaswall on Friday 06 December 13 10:16 GMT (UK)

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

Title: Re: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: Gadget on Friday 06 December 13 10:18 GMT (UK)

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

Title: Re: 1841 Selkirk Census Abbreviation
Post by: silaswall on Friday 06 December 13 10:20 GMT (UK)

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.