Blacksmiths. 1850's and on.

[lanarkshire lassie]

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

[willow154]

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

[willow154]

This might be useful:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~blacksmiths/

[lanarkshire lassie]

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

[willow154]

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!

[greenrig]

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.

[lanarkshire lassie]

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

[dixons]

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

[46er]

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!