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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: prairiegypsy on Sunday 29 November 20 20:19 GMT (UK)

Title: What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?
Post by: prairiegypsy on Sunday 29 November 20 20:19 GMT (UK)
I have several ancestors named Terrett who lived in Painswick, Gloucester in the 1600-1700s whose occupations were listed as "translator" in some marriage records and other documents. They do not appear to have been educated or people of means. Any ideas what a "translator" may have meant in their circumstances?
Title: Re: What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?
Post by: GR2 on Sunday 29 November 20 20:37 GMT (UK)
Looking in the dictionary, one meaning dated 1594 is one who changes or alters, specifically a cobbler who renovates old shoes, another meaning dated 1633 is one who transfers or transports.
Title: Re: What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?
Post by: Rena on Sunday 29 November 20 23:52 GMT (UK)
I too found reference to cobblers:-  In the shoe trade - a person who translates or remakes old shoe parts into a new shoe. i.e. a cobbler.

As Samuel was a rug maker, I wonder if he upgraded old rugs.  I say that because my mother used to claim repairs to her carpets due to red hot cinders being spat from the fire and a lady would arrive with a bagful of different coloured carpet wool and reppair the holes with her latching hook.

https://painswicklocalhistorysociety.org.uk/images/PLHS/Research_Resources/Painswick_Inventories_Poole-Twinning.pdf

Title: Re: What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?
Post by: prairiegypsy on Monday 30 November 20 00:05 GMT (UK)
Thank you Rena and GR2 for the excellent information! Gina, your link to Painswick history is so helpful. It contained info on two of my "Terretts."  :)
Title: Re: What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?
Post by: Rena on Monday 30 November 20 02:04 GMT (UK)
Thank you Rena and GR2 for the excellent information! Gina, your link to Painswick history is so helpful. It contained info on two of my "Terretts."  :)

Glad you found the url useful.  I can't imagine why anyone would need five brass kettles!   Maybe somebody paid a debt with a kettle !