Gunsmiths, clockmakers, photographers
Martin Norgate of Hampshire museums service has compiled lists of gunsmiths, clockmakers and photographers working in Hampshire in the 18th to 20th centuries. The lists have been compiled from a selection of local directories.
Apprenticeship Records
Apprenticeship was the principal means of training for most trades and professions from the 13th century onwards. Young men were bound by agreement to serve a master for a fixed term in return for instruction, and originally, board and lodgings. Also, from the 16th century until 1843, many pauper children were apprenticed out to local employers. Apprentice records usually give the apprentice's parentage and parish of origin, and they may also include details of the master. They can, therefore be useful for both genealogists and for research on local businesses or craftsmen.
The city archives hold the following records of apprenticeship:
• Books of Instruments, 1576-86, 1597-1689, include some early apprenticeship agreements.
• Register of Apprentices, 1609-1740
• Apprenticeship Indentures, 1762-1788
• Municipal Charities Records: contain some apprenticeship records including
• Thorner's apprenticing charity indentures, 1912-1938.
• Register of Apprentices, 1772-1845.
• Apprenticeship Book, 1937-1878.
• Books recording placing of apprentices, 1875-1876
Thorner's Charity was primarily an apprenticeship charity.
The records include:
• Apprenticeship indentures and lists, 1693-1758, 1770-95, 1890 -1900 (Dorchester)
• Apprenticeship indentures and lists, 1741-1800, 1881-1901 (Southampton).
• Apprenticeship indentures and lists, 1741-1800 (Litton)
Record of trade unions and professional associations
The city archives hold some records of local trades unions and business/professional organisations and include:
• Amalgamated Engineering Union, Woolston 3 Branch, 1918-1997
• Southampton Chamber of Commerce, 1851-1992
• Institute of Production Engineers, Southampton, 1934-1991
• South Coast Engineering and Shipbuilding Employers Association 1902-1978
Merchant Seamen
City archives hold two main sources that can help trace merchant seamen:
• Crew Lists 1863 – 1914
• The Central Index register of Seamen, 1913-1941
Public sector workers
Records of educational workers, hospital staff, council workers and the police are held in the city archives. These include:
• Grammar School for Girls: staff registers 1907-1955
• Taunton's School: staff registers 1878-1927
• Southampton Infirmary/General Hospital: matron's register of female staff 1903-1946; nursing staff registers 1947-1954, 19571964.
• Police Registers of Service 1861-1966
• Health Department: staff registers and files 1936-1972
Licensed Workers
• Register of Alehouse Keepers 1661-1667
• Lists of Licensed Victuallers 1829-1935
• Public Houses and Clubs: registers 1900, 1903-1923, 1941-1957; on-licenses 1941-1955; off licenses 1941-1955
• Hackney Carriages: driver registers 1926-1952
• Chimney Sweepers: register of certificates 1876-1919
• Peddlers: registers of certificates 1889-1929
Older Records
Names of merchants, artisans, craftsmen and labourers can sometimes be found in the early town records:
• Steward Books, 1428-1706. Give names of those with whom the town did business or hired as labourers
• Mayor's Account Books, 1488-1709. Contain similar information to Steward Books
• Burgesses and Freemen's Admissions, 1496-1835 (with name index)
• Stall and Art Rolls, 1549-1791. This contains names and sometimes occupations of non-burgess merchants and artisans operating in town's market
• Nomination Rolls, 1604-1835
• Port Petty Customs give details of importers and exporters
• Brokerage Books. Sometimes name merchants and carters
• Weigh House books name both buyers and seller of wool up to 1530.
Southampton City Council
