Latest Smallford News

In 1881 one occupation was suddenly absent: one of the last turnpikes to be closed was the Reading and Hatfield Trust at the end of 1880, responsibility for maintenance now being vested in the Highways Board.  So, the Simpkins family were out of toll collecting work....

By 1871 there was an increase in the number of (Brazilian) hat makers, possibly indicating a more mature market for these products. As with straw plaiting, whereas previously only the wives were identified with the activity, now the daughters were active participants,...

In 1861 only two or three plaiters and hat makers are mentioned.  Although this does not mean that others were not carrying out this work, but there may have been a reason to keep the information to themselves.  Several women left the occupation column blank.  A...

In 1851, the census was more specific about some occupations and we can obtain a clearer idea of the nature of work in the parish. The general term Labourer was replaced by a more specific agricultural labourer.  That still covered all who were casually, seasonally or...

The National Census has recorded everyone’s address and occupation almost every ten years (except in 1941) since 1841.  By collecting the census records from Smallford during this period, a good overview of the changing patterns of life and range of work available can...