Genealogy Forum UK

Hi,
Thanks to a lot of work already done by others, most of my Barnsley tree seems to have been traced, Thanks!!! However, my ancestor Joseph Barnsley (Born 1766 married Nancy Homer) is listed on the 1851 census as a former gun barrel welder. Now this must have been a highly skilled trade in the 17/1800's and would have required a formal aprenticeship. Does anyone know where any gunmakers guild records are to be found, I am looking for Josephs indentures. This may give me his parents names and where he worked.
Thanks, Kiwibrummie.

If there are any Apprentership Records they would be at one of the local Archives. On the other hand trades were passed down from Father to son, maybe Joseph's father was also a Gun Smith Linell.

Most professions that had formal qualifications had a Guild and nearly all of them had headquarters in London.

A central register of apprentices and qualified craftsmen was needed so that somebody could get employment outside of their native county.

A potential employer could contact the Guild to get proof of qualification.

The Guild also made sure that somebody did not remain an apprentice beyond the expected time as some young men were almost used as slave labour rather than a real apprentice.

Many thanks for your advice. Anyone have any idea which local archive I could try? I live in NZ so it's unfamilier territory!
Regards Kiwibrummie.

Depending where he is living
it could be
Birmingham
Sandwell (Smethwick)
Dudley

and that is if they have any in their holdings

Hi sorry to be so dumb but Who? Where? is it the Libraries or councils or private historical societies please.
Thanks for your patiebce! Cheers, Kiwibrummie

kiwibrummie wrote:Hi sorry to be so dumb but Who? Where? is it the Libraries or councils or private historical societies please.
Thanks for your patiebce! Cheers, Kiwibrummie

Sorry KB the Archives
sending you a pm too