Unusual household in 1841

[Penmaiden]

The 1841 census is always a bit difficult to decipher. Joseph Hall (b. 1820 Ireland) was living on Thomas Street, Westminster. The household seems to consist of 22 young men between the ages of 15 and 30 who are all linen drapers, 3 porters, 1 housekeeper, 7 young female milliners and three female servants. I was trying to figure out what this place could be.

[Old Bristolian]

A boarding house perhaps?

[mckha489]

Whitechapel?

Staff for a largish drapers?  Plus servants to feed & ‘do’ for them

[Penmaiden]

Whitechapel?

Staff for a largish drapers?  Plus servants to feed & ‘do’ for them

Sorry you are right I mistyped

[hanes teulu]

Thanks for confirming -
!"Thomas Street, St Mary Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets"

[Galium]

It isn't too unusual to find young men living in drapers' dormitories in large cities during the 19th century.  This page gives a brief description:

https://bernarddeacon.com/2023/02/04/st-stephens-by-launceston-draper-and-caterer/

(The paragraph beginning In 1871....)

The author HG Wells was a draper's apprentice at one time (he wasn't happy), and used his experience in The History of Mr Polly, and also Kipps. If you have ever seen the film Half a Sixpence, based on Kipps, there are scenes set in the dormitory where Artie Kipps lives.

[Penmaiden]

It isn't too unusual to find young men living in drapers' dormitories in large cities during the 19th century.  This page gives a brief description:

https://bernarddeacon.com/2023/02/04/st-stephens-by-launceston-draper-and-caterer/

(The paragraph beginning In 1871....)

The author HG Wells was a draper's apprentice at one time (he wasn't happy), and used his experience in The History of Mr Polly, and also Kipps. If you have ever seen the film Half a Sixpence, based on Kipps, there are scenes set in the dormitory where Artie Kipps lives.

Thank you, that's very interesting.

[hanes teulu]

The first named linen draper on the '41 census is Matthew Worms - a name probably associated with Lewis and Matthew Worms, linen drapers (amongst other ventures) with extensive premises in Whitechapel Road and Thomas Street.
Morning Post 1 Jan 1849