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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Caithness => Topic started by: Poppy62 on Sunday 07 April 19 09:43 BST (UK)

Title: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Poppy62 on Sunday 07 April 19 09:43 BST (UK)

Hi All

Looking for some of Roots Chat wisdom.

My Ancestors according to the 1851 census lived in Castletown and the head is listed as a labourer in stone works.

I have a 1841 census of what I think /hope is the same family , however head is listed as a farmer.

Bearing in mind that I may not have the same family after all  :'(,  However if it is  ;D.  Was it usual for  the head to have a complete change of occupation.


regards Poppy  :)

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Skoosh on Sunday 07 April 19 09:54 BST (UK)

No Poppy, not unusual depending on the season. Castletown was the centre of Caithness Flag production, flagstones were widely exported. Used for paving kitchens, streets, etc, made into hearth-stones, water-tanks & in Caithness, apart from building stone, it was used in place of roof-slates & up-ended for flag-fences round the fields.  Providing permanent work for some &  seasonal work for others.

https://www.norsestone.co.uk/home

Get yourself a cheese-board!  ;D

Skoosh.

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Poppy62 on Sunday 07 April 19 10:19 BST (UK)

Thank you Skoosh for the info.


Looks like this occupation was permanent as all other census states he worked at the flag works as a labourer and lived in feuar houses, and after a little bit of research theses houses may have been in the village of Castletown near the schoolhouse and hotel.

Thanks again Poppy  ;D

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: RJ_Paton on Sunday 07 April 19 17:45 BST (UK)

Although described as a "farmer" in the earlier census this may have been only a small subsistence style holding often barely providing enough for the family. As Skoosh says many sought alternative seasonal work to provide support.
In addition many farmers were tenants rather than land owners and could easily be moved on at the end of their lease if the land owner got a better offer or the incumbent tenant couldn't afford the increased rents.

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Indiana.59 on Wednesday 02 June 21 16:57 BST (UK)

Hi Poppy

Could your rellies have been involved in the Scottish clearences in the mid 1800's where farmers had to then seek another trade to live, all would depend if your rellies moved within this period I suppose . . .

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Skoosh on Thursday 03 June 21 08:04 BST (UK)

Many of the folk "Cleared" in Sutherland moved to Caithness to seek work.

Skoosh.

Title: Re: farmer to labourer in stone works
Post by: Poppy62 on Saturday 05 June 21 08:13 BST (UK)

Hi
Thank you for your replies

The clearances are somthing I haven't explored yet . However definately worth looking at.

Thanks again

POPPY :)