Another thought is that lacemakers began learning their trade at about 4
or 5 years of age - they did as their parents (or workhouse master) told
them to. By the time they were of an age to go into service, usually
around 10, they would already possibly be contributing to the family
income by selling their lace - so why change from a job you already had,
and knew what you were doing, to one where you had to start learning
again - and if female, run the risk of losing your job if you ended up
pregnant thanks to the attentions of the master or one of the stable
lads! Going into service depended very much on whether there was a job
to be had at the local big house - not always the case.
I very much doubt the youth of that era had a choice of career given to
them as we have now - they did as they were told.
Once married, the norm was that women didn't work outside the home -
certainly not in service - so perhaps lacemaking was seen as a 'job for
life' whereas going into service was a job until marriage? This view on
women working carried on well into the 20th century.
In message <1344960759.87716.yahoomail...@web87302.mail.ird.yahoo.com>,
Diana Smith <diana.trevo...@btinternet.com> writes
OK there were very few job opportunities for girls in the 18/19th centuries.
If I had to choose between lace making which was clean, light, work at
home with hours to suit. Against working long hours away from home
scrubbing, cleaning, cooking, washing for someone else for little
return or thanks - I know which I would choose!! Living conditions were
probably not always the best but you can't have everything ;o)
--
Jane Partridge
-
To unsubscribe send email to majord...@arachne.com containing the line:
unsubscribe lace y...@address.here. For help, write to
arachne.modera...@gmail.com. Photo site:
http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003/albums/most-recent
