Wheelwrights & Carpenters

[jean.ellison]

Hi, My gg grandfather was down as a Carpenter in each of the census, but on his son's marriage certificate it had him down as a Wheelwright, he travelled a lot and his three sons were all born in different counties. Could anybody tell me the difference between these occupations? Best wishes, Jean

[janan]

Hi Jean,
I have a family of wheelwrights in my tree who are sometimes listed as carpenters. I think they often took on extra woodwork beyond their trade of making wheels and carts. I know it was very difficult for wheelwrights towards  the end of 19th century competing with cheap imported wheels - many including my family went out of business. Hope this is of some help.
Jan

Here is a link which gives some information

http://www.wheelwrights.org/default.asp

[jean.ellison]

Hi Jan, thanks for that, I think I just wanted some reassurance that he was one and the same, I have worked a long time on this side, he started of as Bayliffe and ended up as Bailey and it didn't help that he travelled a lot, I don't know where to start with his marriage or the baptisms of his children. Best wishes, Jean