A Waiter in 1840

[edalmun]

Hello,

I'm trying to research a relative called John Robinson who lived in Preston, who according to his son's baptism was a 'waiter'. He is alter referred to as a waiter again, as well as a servant and domestic servant. He had a wife and family so he can't have lived in a household, so I'm a bit confused as to what sort of job he must have had - there weren't restaurants in those days!

Any help would be gratefully appreciated,

Elissa

[Springbok]

Hi Aldous,

There were many places where meals were served in the 1800s. They would have waiters even if they were only a pub .

Then Theatres often had eating rooms for the patrons to eat after the show. Clubs etc

Coffee houses , but more often than not it would be in an ale house in medieval times. Travellers would want a bed and food if they arrived by horse or Coach.

Spring

[edalmun]

Hi,

I wasn't aware of that, thanks for telling me. Do you think someone who worked in these sort of places may also be called a domestic servant? You see I have different records saying different things, but the change in jobs isn't chronological, so I thought maybe it's just a different term for the same job?

Thank you!

Elissa

[Springbok]

Hi ,

I suppose he could have done other work .such as in the kitchens . for the same business.

Have you found him on a Census or just from Certificates.

If you have a Census return, it might be worth having a look at the Enumerators route to see if there are any Pubs locally .Then you could see how the people described their jobs
Some people did seem to change jobs but stayed in the same type of work.
 
Spring

[stanmapstone]

There is in Preston, in the 1854 Directory, the Railway Hotel, Cafe and Restaurant.
Stan

[edalmun]

Thanks Stan, that would fit the bill!


Spring,

I haven't been able to locate him on census yet as there seem to be a few living in Preston at the time, and I don't know his age. I know he had a wife called Isabella and a son called Edwin born abt 1840 but I just can't find them. Thanks for the idea though.

Elissa

[Woodland Lady]

Hello,

I'm trying to research a relative called John Robinson who lived in Preston, who according to his son's baptism was a 'waiter'. He is alter referred to as a waiter again, as well as a servant and domestic servant. He had a wife and family so he can't have lived in a household, so I'm a bit confused as to what sort of job he must have had - there weren't restaurants in those days!

Any help would be gratefully appreciated,
Elissa

I realize this enquiry is a few years old, but I do have some input:  A 'Waiter' in the mid-1800's did not necessarily mean someone who served in a restaurant, pub, or eating place outside the home.   The term 'waiter' would also refer to a person who would serve or wait table in a home - a domestic servant.   I have census records where women and girls, working in private homes, are listed as 'waiter' under occupation.     

Just a thought.   

[edalmun]

Hello,

Thank you for your message, I have since come across the man in question working in a boarding house so a domestic servant would definitely make sense. Thank you!