THE KETTLE BOY

As Wheal Martyn  Clay Museum is not far from me, I popped back there today, to take a couple more photos, and to have a coffee in the cafe. I decided to put this one on here, as it is very interesting. The Kettle Boy, who could be as young as 13 years old used to be in the workers crib hut. Inside was a small stove used to warm the workers pasties. it was the job of this boy to heat water in a big black kettle for their tea. He had to keep the kettle boiling, and make sure that all the pasties were ready for the men, when they had finished their morning's work. Quite often, this Kettle Boy used to have to trudge the clay pits for a long way, carrying beer for the workers too. And heaven help him if he spilt any!!.
It is very easy to forget what hardships these young children went through in days gone by. I just can't imagine the children of today being able to do it!