Rag and bone man

[Emmeline]

Thanks ringwarrior - I had never heard before where the term 'shoddy' came from. One learns something every day - especially on Rootschat !

[Mobo]

 

Just came across this topic, and thought you might like to see a photo of a Rag & Bone Man in Wigan, Lancashire, circa. 1900.

 

[philipsearching]

I'm very envious of those of you who could understand what the totters were shouting.  The totter who went round Tooting (S. London) in the 1960s had a call which sounded like "Eee Erpp" - completely unintelligible.  I seem to remember he had balloons and clothespegs.

Philip

[wheeldon]

My Gran used to go bonkers at the rag and bone man - he used to give the kids liquorice or bouncy balls if we brought out some rag for him.  However, he used to shout "lick er arse" and "rub er balls" - odd bloke!  My gran, a tough Manchester woman, would come out screaming to get him away from us - funny now, but all I wanted was some liquorice- thank God for Grannies!

[Emmeline]

Thank you Mobo for the wonderful photo of the Rag & Bone man. I wonder whether there are other  similar photos around ?
Recently  learnt  I had a Gt.Gt.Grandpa born Wigan, Lancashire c1825 - added to the interest.

[Mobo]

 

Glad you liked it Emmeline.  What was the name of your Wigan ancestors ??

I love the lady in the glorious hat - who was she ?

 

[Emmeline]

Hi Mobo - The lady in the photo was my mother's mother - my Grandma whom I knew well when a small girl in London. Emma Louisa married a Hodgkinson and it was her husband's grandpa who was born in Wigan - Robert Hodgkinson. He was an engine driver and eventually ended up in Battersea.
Have not yet been able to find out about his early days.
Emma's 17 grandchildren are now spread around the world but glad to say the bonds are still strong !

[Mobo]

 

I only asked as I have Wigan ancestors - but sadly none of them married a Hodgkinson, as far as I know (see my website on the profile below)

 

[Emmeline]

Dear Mobo - I enjoyed looking at your web-site - particularly the photos. Thank you.
No doubt Robert  Hodgkinson and kin will keep my little grey cells going for a while yet. Fun though !
Kind regards..........