Silk Mills, Stamford

Advert to Parish Officers

WANTED, about TWENTY GIRLS, of the age of nine to twelve, to work at the above business, which is light and healthy. Any parish officers having such children, and desirous of their being so employed, are requested to apply (if by letter, post paid) to Mr Gouger, of Stamford, who will explain the terms upon which they will be taken, and will also see that they are properly clothed, maintained, and instructed.

SOURCE

DRAKARD’S STAMFORD NEWS (FRIDAY) NOVEMBER 29^TH 1822 p1/c1

Notes Below. Mr Gouger was advertising for young female staff in both Drakard’s Stamford News and the Stamford Mercury through September 1822 to the end of the year. It was not until the passing of the Elementary Education Act in 1870 that education became compulsory for children under thirteen. In 1822 an advert for young girls aged between nine and twelve to work in an industrial environment would not have seen to be out of the ordinary. The Mill was behind No 32 Broad Street and when it closed in 1829 it was reportedly employing 400 women and children, some of which were probably out-workers.

A print version can be downloaded HERE