3 Generations

Still involved in searching family history!
It really gets hold of you when you start.

This photo is of my father, grandfather, and great grandfather ( seated), along with the Indenture document, dated 1845, which my great great grandfather signed. ( Or rather put a cross as he couldn't write.)
It was for my great grandfather to become apprentice in the Art of cabinet - maker and upholsterer, in Peterborough.
He was 15 years old.
The apprenticeship was for 5 years and 6 months.

" ...the said Apprentice his Master faithfully shall serve his secrets keep his lawful commands every where gladly do. He shall do no damage to his said Master nor see to be done of others but to his power shall tell of forthwith give warning to his said Master of the same. He shall not waste the Goods of his said Master nor lend them unlawfully to any. He shall not commit fornication nor contract Matrimony within the said Term shall not play Cards or Dice Tables or any other unlawful Games whereby his said Master may have any loss with his own goods or others during the said Term without Licence of his said Master.
He shall neither buy nor sell. He shall not haunt Taverns or Playhouses nor absent himself from his said Master 's service day or night unlawfully But in all things as a faithfull Apprentice. He shall behave himself towards his said Master and all his during the said Term.

He was paid 1 shilling a week in the first year which increased by 1 shilling each year afterwards.

I think the Governmant are now encouraging firms to take on apprentices again, but I doubt if they have to sign a form like this!

When he finished his apprenticeship he moved to Bradford, and started his own cabinet and upholstery business employing 11 men. Then he became a timber merchant.
This business was passed on to his son (my grandfather) and he retired to Morecambe, as did a lot of other Bradfordians ,at the beginning of the 1900's.
The business closed in the 1930's. ( Not quite sure what happened. )

More to find out. Especially the Morecambe connection. We are going over later this year to delve into their old newspapers.