ccupation Carter

[StewpotS]

I have found quite a lot of information confirming that some of my forebears worked as Carters, and that this involved basically driving a horses/s and cart. I am very curious though about who these horses and carts belonged to and what the drivers responsibilities are in relation to the animals, the equipment, delivery of goods anmd the lke. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Many thanks, Stewart

[AJ100]

My understanding of the term Carter is that it is equivalent to today's 'Man and Van.' i.e. a chap who had a horse and cart and moved goods for people. He was probably the owner of said horse and cart but if he employed a driver (if he had more than one horse and cart) then the driver might also describe himself as a Carter, though not, I feel, accurately.

AJ

[BumbleB]

A Dictionary of old trades, titles and occupations gives this interpretation:

Carter = Man in charge of a cart (sometimes a stable).

[Skoosh]

Usually belonged to large companies, the railway's had huge stables for example.

Skoosh.

[ThrelfallYorky]

Although sometimes, certainly, the carter owned his horse and cart - one of mine started from that and built up quite a business, employing others, apparently.

[stanmapstone]

The term carter,  as well as haulier, carman, carrier, can all refer to people in charge of horse drawn vehicles, a person engaged in the road transport of goods, either on his/her own account or for an employer.
See http://www.gander-name.info/misc/carmen.shtml
Stan

[AJ100]

They were also referred to as 'Waggoners.'

AJ

[stanmapstone]

There is also Drayman, Wherry Man, Van Man, Lurry or Lorry Man, Teamster, all who were people in charge of horse drawn vehicles, for the transport of goods.

Stan