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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Lanarkshire => Topic started by: lanarkshire lassie on Tuesday 17 February 09 18:24 GMT (UK)
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I have 4x generations of Coventrys, being blacksmiths, from 1850's through till 1920's.
Was this the norm?, following a profession?
They originated from Ireland, 1840's.
Gail
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Hi Gail,
Yes, he would have served an apprenticeship to learn his trade. Some apprenticeship were sent away to serve their apprenticeship elsewhere, but some would have been trained in their trade by their fathers, and the trade passed down through the family.
Her is a site which tells you about the Blacksmith's Guild.
http://www.blacksmithscompany.org.uk/Pages/History/History_Home.htm
I would imagine that their records are kept a the Guildhall Library in London, but some local archive offices have apprenticeship records which are very helpful in helping you trace your family history.
Hope this helps.
Paulene :)
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This might be useful:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~blacksmiths/
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Thanks Willow.
My grandfather, Joseph Coventry, was a blacksmith. It wasn't till I traced the tree, that I found that this goes back about 4 generations.
I hadn't realised, that it was more commonplace, for sons to follow their father's professions.!
Gail
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Pleaure to help :)
Just in case you need these:
Details of the Guildhall Library for you:
http://www.history.ac.uk/gh/livintro.htm
http://www.history.ac.uk/gh/black.htm
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Libraries/City_of_London_libraries/guildhall_lib.htm
The Guildhall Libray is lovely - well worth a visit:
http://www.guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk/location.htm
Enjoy the photos!
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I also have generations of blacksmiths in my NEILSON line.
They were in Erskine in Renfrewshire for, at least, four generations, all blacksmiths. After about 1850 they moved into Glasgow and tended to become engineers and mechanics in the cotton and weaving trades.
From a 1796 MI in Erskine Churchyard have this verse inscription which says something about the status of the blacksmith in 1700-1800s:
"Of all Mechanics we have Renown,
above the Hammer we wear the Crown".
-This with a relief sculpture of an arm and hand holding a hammer, with a crown above.
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Thanks ,greenrig.
I have just read you post, and realised that the surname Neilson, is linked, through marriage.
My dad's brother, William Coventry, married an Olive Neilson. Believe that they married c 1952.
Strange that we have a surname in common, although, I do not know Mr Neilson's occupation.
Gail
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Every coal mine had its own group of blacksmiths. Apart from their many other tasks they repaired/sharpened miners working tools.
A photo of one such group can be seen on www.blantyrepast.com
dixons
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I am researching Isabel Neilson who was married to John McArthur. She was born about 1793 in Renfrewshire, and her and John & family lived in Erskine in 1841. I am trying to find her parents & siblings to see if she is connected to a Jean/Jane Neilson. Any help will be appreciated!
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Welcome to Roots Chat, 46er.
May I suggest, that you re post your request, under the surname and year. More people will be able to see, and offer you some help.
Gail
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John McArthur and John Neilson of Erskine were blacksmiths.
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My maden name was Neilson and they said my grandad was a blacksmith I do have a family tree, I know we were related to the film star Janet Munroe her dad was Alex Neilson The family tree starts of with George Neilson who married Janet Macintyre other early names are Horsburgh, Spiers. I have been with the fairground all my life I was told my grandad came and repaired things on the fairground as a wheelright and that's were he met my granny
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Thank you Dallis, for replying to my post. And Welcome to RootsChat!
I would suggest that it be better for you to make a post for your family, on the county site that is closest to where you know that your family may have lived.
Gail
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Any update on John McArthur and Isabel Neilson of Erskine? I'm related to them genetically.