1871 Census. Occupation of John James Abbott.

[Rowan Tree]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me with an occupation on the 1871 census.

I have a John James ABBOTT born in 1853 in Bedfordshire. Both of John's parents had died before the 1871 census.

I've found John living in Marylebone, London in 1871.

His living arrangements are not something I've encountered before. John is living in a household of 27 people at Omega Place. All but 4 of the 27 people are lodgers. The 23 lodgers are all young men and teenagers between the ages of 14 and 20.

All of the lodgers have the same occupation: Drapers Assistants in the Employ of Messrs. Spencer and then a word I can't read.

Can anyone help me with that last word and give any indication of what's the story with all these drapers assistants?

Many thanks in advance.

Rowan Tree 

[AlanBoyd]

Spencer, Turner & Co.?

[Rowan Tree]

Spencer, Turner & Co.?

I think you may have it there, Alan. Thanks 

I've just Googled Spencer, Turner & Co. and found there was a company called Spencer, Turner, and Boldero. They were retail and wholesale drapers.

Rowan Tree 

[AlanBoyd]

Was just about to post this. Maybe not enough room for Boldero?

Judging by the addresses, they were big enough to employ all of those lodgers.

28 August 1875: Marylebone Mercury

[Rowan Tree]

That's excellent!

Thank you