HSW?

[cwr1404]

Hi all.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me what HSW stands for as an occupation on a census return?  This particular one is on a 1841 Scottish census.   I've not come across that abbrevation before and the only thing I've found on the net are occupations such as linen or cotton HSW but no explanation about the abbreviation.

Any help much appreciated.

[suzard]

are you certain it is HSW ??
and not HLW?

HLW=Hand Loom Weaver

?

Suz

[cwr1404]

Ah, good thinking, Suz!  I'm going from the Ancestry 1841 transcriptions. They unfortunately can't get permission to host the original records so I can't take a look.  I'd be inclined to go with your thinking, though, given that the old 'S' and 'L's can easily get mistranscribed.  Thanks a lot! 

[Elwyn Soutter]

There's quite a lot transcription errors on the site you have used. HLW as a very common occupation then. If you want to see the original it should be on the Scotlandspeople site.(pay to view).

[AskAnExpert]

You could check the transcription at FreeCen. If it’s there it’s likely to be much more accurate than the Ancestry one. Much of Scotland has been transcribed for 1841 & 1851. http://freecen.rootsweb.com/

Askan