What's a Fur Puller?

[bluewhoopi]

Hi again - I've discovered one of my female forebears gave her occupation on the 1901 census as 'Fur Puller'. I must say this sounds quite revolting and very unhealthy - but can anyone please enlighten me as to what it actually entailed? Many thanks!
Also, while I have your attention, can someone please point me towards a website where I can find out about workhouses in the late Victorian period? The reason I ask is because the lady fur puller mentioned above was in the workhouse (with her 3 month old baby) at the time of the 1901 census.
Thank you for reading this.

[Dave Francis]

A link about the "fur puller" occupation:
http://www.occupationalinfo.org/58/589686022.html

And about workhouses:
http://www.workhouses.org.uk/

Hope this helps
Dave

[rbangorreg]

Hi Blue.
         If I remember correctly Girls and Woman earned there living by pulling the skins of rabbits, then pulling any loose down off the skin. The loose down was used  for pillows etc, the skins were used for lining coats etc.
         This takes me back to my school days can remember the teacher telling us about the way they were  treated.
         Reg.

[biglou]

Hi bluewhoopi,

I have several Fellmongers or Fur Pullers in my tree from around Nuneaton in the latter part part of the 19th century, must have been a really smelly job.

I also noticed that you list the surname Teather in your interests.  I have several hundred Tether/Teathers in my tree, originally from Notts but then Lincs, Yorkshire and the US.

Click on my web site link and see if we have any links.

Paul

[bluewhoopi]

Thanks for the info - and for the website about workhouses, that is most useful. Pat