Trade Directories

[wheeldon]

Hi, I'd be grateful if someone could let this novice know about trade directories.  One of may ancestors is listed as being a street hawker from 1861 - 1891.  Would he need a licence or be listed in a trade directory? 

Many thanks

Fiona

[suttontrust]

I don't think licensing for street traders came in until well into the 20th century.  Hawking was something of a last resort for most people and you won't find hawkers in trade directories.  It would be interesting to find out what he actually sold.

[casalguidi]

Hi Fiona

There have been a number of different acts of parliament requiring hawkers and pedlars to be licensed.  Perhaps the most significant are the pedlars (on foot) act of 1871 and the hawkers (with transport of some description) act of 1888.

http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/HAN_HEG/HAWKERS.html

Unfortunately, these hawkers licenses & pedlars certificates don't appear to have survived in great numbers but it will be worthwhile enquiring at the local county record office/main local archives for your area of interest.

Best wishes

Casalguidi

[wheeldon]

Thanks very much for the advice Suttontrust and Casalguidi.  I will have a look at the web site and contact the local record office - you never know!  I think he sold fish, as on one of the certificates I ordered his profession is a fishmonger, but all the census material says hawker or market trader.

Many thanks again for your time

Fiona

[ds0706]

It could well be that your hawker sold fish.  I have been researching a friend's tree in Colchester where the family seems to have had a thriving group of fishmongers & oyster-packers. I earlier times I found various members described as fishmonger- hawkers or itinerant fishsellers.... itinerant as in travelling round the streets with a basket or barrow (as opposed to being homeless). Many products were sold this way...milk still is, isn't it? It made sense really with a perishable product, if you give the potential customers a choice, they might go else where 

Doreen