What was a Black Starcher? Castle Cary Area

[kathb]

Please can anyone help?  This is the occupation of one of the family on their daughters marriage certificate.  It looks like black starcher on the certificate.  What did a black starcher do?
Thanks
Kathb

[Christopher]

Hiya kathb,

Starcher is mentioned in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles but there's no mention of a Blackstarcher.

SIZER (textile) alternate titles: starcher
Dumps prepared sizing solution into size box. Immerses yarn skeins in solution for specified period to
strengthen threads. Lifts yarn from box onto extractor.
Could you post the certificate onto the thread so that members may have a look, please

Christopher

[etiolation]

Hello. =)

Sorry to open up a topic that hasn't been replied to in a long time, but I was wondering if any more information had been found about this? =)

I have also found an ancestor whose profession is listed as "Black Starcher"; he was from Castle Cary, too, so it does seem to be a term specific to the area?

When I googled it for more information this was the first result, so I thought it was worth registering to see if you've since learnt anything more about it. =)

Thanks in advance for any replies. <3

[goldie61]

Hi
This might be of interest
http://www.victoriacountyhistory.ac.uk/explore/items/horsehair-industry-castle-cary

It talks about the horsehair industry there - looks like a large industry - and further down spotted this -
and dyed before being woven on a black linen warp - ErrorSPAM REPORT THIS POST AS SPAM (Use 'Report to Moderator'). DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THIS POST. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS PERSON.] maybe something to do with that.
Good luck![/color]

[etiolation]

Ooh, that is incredibly helpful, thank you! =)

It even mentions black starchers specifically, as well as the town where my ancestor lived - it looks like you have solved the mystery!

[goldie61]

Glad it was of interest 
It still doesn't tell you what they did !
I hadn't seem that site before, but it looks really interesting - I shall have to investigate it further.
It occured to me that if you still couldn't find out what a black starcher did, you might be able to contact somebody at the Institute of Historical Research. No phone number given, but this is the address from the VCA site.

Victoria County History
Institute of Historical Research
University of London
Senate House
Malet Street
London

HAppy hunting!
WC1E 7HU

[known_unknowns]

@ KathB. You could also try putting a query regarding black starchers to the textiles department of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

[a-l]

Could it just be that each starcher worked with one specific colour?

[Skoosh]

Must be dyslexic, thought it said "back scratcher". 

Skoosh.