My favourite occupation (1861 Census)

[Sloe Gin]

Clearly they didn't write it on their form.  But that sort of detail wasn't required in 1851.

[Pennines]

Not an occupation -- but 'maybe' it was!!

On the 1861 census there is a Mary A Stanley - aged 30 - living in Chidham, Surrey - born Weston, Hampshire -- who's relationship to the Head of the House was recorded as Concubine.

(Out of interest I searched the 1861 census just using the Keyword of Concubine - I think there were 8 in the England Census.)

[Ashtone]

Clearly they didn't write it on their form.  But that sort of detail wasn't required in 1851.

I know. It's a shame because I could've really used that "extra" detail regarding my relative's work situation.
I don't think employee records exist for the project either. However, my relative's address from 1845-1856 puts him a stone's throw from the work in question. My family are adamant he worked on the project, so I will continue to keep an eye out for any newly released records. Hopefully employee-related. 

[Ashtone]

Not an occupation -- but 'maybe' it was!!

On the 1861 census there is a Mary A Stanley - aged 30 - who's relationship to the Head of the House was recorded as Concubine.

Ooh 'eck!  A kept woman!!  Love it! So was Mary A Stanley the man's unmarried partner? Or was she the 'chippy on the side' (living under the same roof)?   
I can hear the conversation as we speak: "Get yer scarf on tonight, luv. We're off down pub".

[Ashtone]

On a side note: I glimpsed this Victorian newspaper byline "Another Man Dressed As a Woman".
Blimey, just how many (frequent) instances of drag did this town have?     Pity there wasn't a photo.
Were these blokes throwing on frocks in order to get into the weekly bingo? Or was it for "hen night" at the local village hall?

[Pennines]

Hillhurst -- re the 'concubine' -- both the Head of the House AND the concubine were shown as married on the case I mentioned.

(I wonder if it was a joke by the Head of House and the Enumerator had to just copy it!)

[Ashtone]

(I wonder if it was a joke by the Head of House and the Enumerator had to just copy it!)

Oh well, at least the Head of Household had a sense of humour. I wonder how well-known the term "concubine" was at the time? To me, it's always conjured up relationships of an exotic nature. Like Valentino in "The Sheik".

[Pennines]

Not often I can say this, Hillhurst - but Valentino in the Sheikh was actually before my time. AND because I can only rarely say it, I'm making the most of it!

[Rosinish]

On the 1861 census there is a Mary A Stanley - aged 30 - living in Chidham, Surrey - born Weston, Hampshire -- who's relationship to the Head of the House was recorded as Concubine.

(Out of interest I searched the 1861 census just using the Keyword of Concubine - I think there were 8 in the England Census.)

"Concubine" seems to have been an ancient term which has almost disappeared.

An example from 1830 describing Alice Perrers, lover/mistress of Edward 111...

"Alice Perrers , concubine to Edwarde the Third"

I'd never heard of the word prior to reading it on another thread here on RC a few yrs ago!

Edit...I found the thread...

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=796227.msg6530369#msg6530369


Annie