Meaning of an Occupation in the 1851 Census

[Skinniedipper]

I have an occupation in the 1851 census that I'd like some help in deciphering. It appears to be "Founden" or "Founder". The reference is HO107/2398 Folio 370 Page 12 Schedule 50 and the person is William Hatch.

Thanks, Doug

[Kay99]

This may help -It does look like Founden. He was only a 12 year old child ??

Kay

[Creasegirl]

A founder would work in iron works.  I think children did work from age 12 especially in these dates

[Ruskie]

It does look like Founder.

It can sometimes help to clarify if you look at a page or two either side of your family. You often find people with the same occupations living in the same area. You will probably find other 12 year olds also working.

[BumbleB]

"Founder is a caster of brass and pewter objects.  Also an iron worker."  -  A Dictionary of old trades, titles and occupations.

[Maiden Stone]

A founder would work in iron works.  I think children did work from age 12 especially in these dates

 A foundry was a factory where metal objects were manufactured.
Children under 12 could work in 1851. Minimum age for employment was raised to 11 in 1891. History of child labour laws in Britain is complex. Some Acts regulating ages or hours of work applied only to specific industries such as mining, textiles or chimney-sweeping.
9-year-old younger brother of an ancestor of mine was an unemployed cotton-worker (part-time) on one census.

[Skinniedipper]

Thanks everyone. Founder fits nicely.

Cheers, Doug