Master Blacksmith Information

[Weeford HoldcroftS]

I have three members of my family who were shown as Master Blacksmiths in the Census records. My questions are what did they have to do to gain the title Master Blacksmith and what records exist if any to back this up?

[KGarrad]

A Master tradesman is one who trains apprentices.

A blacksmith had to go through an apprenticeship, of 7 years (I believe?).
Then they became a Journeyman, doing work for other people (like a contractor).
Finally, when they were ready to settle down, they had their own premises and trained apprentices.

[Weeford HoldcroftS]

Thank you, I wondered if they had to take a formal examination in which they gained a qualification.

[youngtug]

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/apprentices-and-masters/