That old occupation from bygone times that your folk once had is so much more than a scribbled word in the jobs column on a census document. When you begin to look into the work that your ancestors once did, you’ll find yourself opening the door to their world and becoming immersed in their lives. Just think about it. Just think how much what each of us does all day influences our whole experience of life – and it was just the same for our ancestors.
Were they the first generation to pack up their things, close the door to their cottage behind them, and set out on foot for the nearest big smoke to work in the relentless clamour of the factories? Did they sweat deep underground mining coal to fuel Britain’s workshops of the world?