What was a "translator" in 1600's Gloucestershire?

[prairiegypsy]

I have several ancestors named Terrett who lived in Painswick, Gloucester in the 1600-1700s whose occupations were listed as "translator" in some marriage records and other documents. They do not appear to have been educated or people of means. Any ideas what a "translator" may have meant in their circumstances?

[GR2]

Looking in the dictionary, one meaning dated 1594 is one who changes or alters, specifically a cobbler who renovates old shoes, another meaning dated 1633 is one who transfers or transports.

[Rena]

I too found reference to cobblers:-  In the shoe trade - a person who translates or remakes old shoe parts into a new shoe. i.e. a cobbler.

As Samuel was a rug maker, I wonder if he upgraded old rugs.  I say that because my mother used to claim repairs to her carpets due to red hot cinders being spat from the fire and a lady would arrive with a bagful of different coloured carpet wool and reppair the holes with her latching hook.

https://painswicklocalhistorysociety.org.uk/images/PLHS/Research_Resources/Painswick_Inventories_Poole-Twinning.pdf

[prairiegypsy]

Thank you Rena and GR2 for the excellent information! Gina, your link to Painswick history is so helpful. It contained info on two of my "Terretts." 

[Rena]

Thank you Rena and GR2 for the excellent information! Gina, your link to Painswick history is so helpful. It contained info on two of my "Terretts." 

Glad you found the url useful.  I can't imagine why anyone would need five brass kettles!   Maybe somebody paid a debt with a kettle !