What did a "Rod Man" do?

[stanmapstone]

A Rod Worker was a braider, plaiter, or a weaver using willow rods or osiers. "A Dictionary of Occupational Terms" They made baskets and other articles.

Stan

[LenVin]

Hi
In the 1891 census for Heath End Tadley Hampshire a distant relatives families seem to be involved in this occupation;
Peter Taylor - Rod Dealer
Robert Williams - Rod Cutter
Alfred Taylor - Rod Labourer
Mary Taylor - Rod Sorter

In later census the families have moved to Cholsey and have taken up farming.

The area of Tadley was also well known for Besom Making.
Regards
Len

[stanmapstone]

From the OED; Rod = a straight, slender shoot or branch, growing on or cut from a tree or bush.
1885   C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 4th Ser. 276/1   ‘Osiers’,..under the technical name of ‘rods’ and willows, are a merchantable commodity.

Stan

[dee-jay]

'Spare the rod, spoil the child.'   ..... !