master shoemakers

[bootsman]

I am trying to trace master shoemakers in Snape, Suffolk. Is there a register or guild does anyone know? 

[t mo]

hi bootsman
why not try e -mailing suffolk records office at -ipswich.ro@libher.suffolkcc.gov.uk
they may well be able to help

[behindthefrogs]

As you have not given any idea of where in the country you live it is difficult to decide how useful this rply might be.

It is always worth checking the records of the appropriate livery company in Guildhall Library London.  They do hold the details of masters and apprentices for the Cordwainers' Company.  These include shoemakers countrywide.

The alternative is records held locally.  For a town these will originally have been held at the local guildhall but are more probably now at the record office or central library.

It is also worth looking at parish records, particularly for people working outside the town  including those of the workhouse and the overseer of the poor records.  After 1834 you should look at the records of the poor law union.

The museum in Guildhall Road Northampton has an index of shoemakers.  If you contact them it is worth providing full details of the person for whom you are searching as this will be added to their index and may lead to someone else contacting you later.

David

[bootsman]

Thank you for your replies. I will try the contacts suggested.  My ancester was a Master Shoemaker in Snape, Suffolk.  I am suprised that although he had a large family none of them appeared to have taken up the trade.  Thanks again for your help. 

[slightlyfoxed]

shoemakers were cordwainers and there is a Worshipful Company in London

http://www.cordwainers.org/

good luck
 Foxy