Apprentices
The Statute of Apprentices in 1563 made it illegal for anyone to enter a trade if they had not first served an apprenticeship. This statute was modified by subsequent Acts of Parliament and by legal judgments and it remained on the statute book until 1814. An apprenticeship indenture was a legal document whereby a master, in exchange for a sum of money (the 'premium'), agreed to instruct the apprentice in his trade for a set term of years. The premium would vary, possibly according to the demand to be trained in a particular trade and the master's standing in his trade or community. The starting age of an apprentices could be as low as ten but more commonly thirteen or fourteen. Click here to see research guidance from the National Archives regarding apprentices and their masters.
Desertion
Apprenticeship indentures were enforceable in the courts. Occasionally apprentices would abscond from their place of work. Thomas Walker Sedman was charged with absconding from the service of Mr. J. Skelton, tailor, of Malton to whom he was bound apprentice for five years. He was ordered to return to his master's service, the master to deduct £1 from his wages for loss of time; and to pay 4s costs [1]. Henry Allen, apprenticed to Ralph Yates, foundry man and millwright, was charged with 'running away from his apprenticeship in January last, and absconding to Leeds.' He was ordered by the North Riding bench to play £1 9s costs and go back to his service, or go to prison [2]. Masters would place advertisements in the press, describing absconding apprentices, sometimes offering a reward for information, and threatening prosecution of anybody who subsequently engaged them.
- [1] Yorkshire Gazette, 15 September 1866
- [2] Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 2 March 1874
The Poor
The Guardians of the Poor Law Union had an interest in reducing the number of poor requiring support. One way of doing this was to help find apprenticeships for youths. One such youth was Geo. Hodgeson, and in 1839 'the board directed … that Geo. Hodgeson, belonging to New Malton, should be bound an apprentice to Mr. Thos. Lucas, of New Malton, pipe manufacturer, until twenty years old.' [1]
[1] Yorkshire Gazette, 26 January 1839
Alfred Wood
An indenture describes Alfred Wood's apprenticeship for 3 years to Thomas Taylor, a Malton grocer in July 1881.
There are many instances in the local newspapers of advertisements seeking apprentices. Examples can be seen elsewhere on this page.
MALTON, is in want of a Respectable and well Educated YOUTH about Fifteen Years of Age, as an Apprentice. A premium will be required. Letters, Post Paid.
Yorkshire Gazette 28 February 1835
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JAMES JENNINGS
Grocer, &c Malton
Wants an APPRENTICE
York Herald 2 April 1803
VETERINARY SURGEON, MALTON
Is in immediate WANT of a respectable
and well educated YOUTH as an APPRENTICE.
York Herald 15 July 1843
GROCER, MALTON,
IS IN IMMEDIATE WANT OF AN
APPRENTICE.
Letters (post paid) will be attended to.
York Herald 18 July 1808
GROCER AND CHANDLER, MALTON,
Is in Immediate want of an APPRENTICE,
A Steady Active Youth, willing to take care of a Horse, will be taken with a premium.
York Herald 31 August 1839
MR. REVIS, CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST,
MALTON, has a vacancy for a respectable and well educated YOUTH as an APPRENTICE
Application to be Post Paid.
Yorkshire Gazette 30 December 1837
ROBERT WOODROFFE, AND CO.,
FURNISHING AND GENERAL IRONMONGER, MALTON,
are in immediate need of a respectable Youth as an APPRENTICE.
Yorkshire Gazette 29 October 1842
JOHN FLOWER, Jun. Grocer and Tallow Chandler, Malton, is in immediate Want of an APPRENTICE
Yorkshire Gazette 5 March 1831
J. SPENCE
Family Chemist and Druggist, Yorkersgate, Malton,
Has a Vacancy for a respectable, well educated Youth as an APPRENTICE. Should it be preferred, he will have an opportunity of serving the Last Year of his Apprenticeship in one of the most fashionable Shops in the West End of London.
None but of steady habits need apply. Letters to be post-paid.
Yorkshire Gazette 5 November 1836
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