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An unusual occupation?

Discussion in 'General Genealogical Queries' started by Pauline, Jan 2, 2020.

  1. Pauline

    Pauline LostCousins Megastar

    I was looking at a distant relative in the 1939 Register and was somewhat amused by the Ancestry transcription of his occupation: "Retired Civil Scroat".

    Sounds to me like a contradiction in terms!

    (The actual register has 'Retired civil servant'.)
     
  2. Lankylady

    Lankylady LostCousins Member

    Pauline, in my experience and in certain areas, 'scroat' is a derogatory term for someone who's a bit rough and ready!
     
  3. Bob Spiers

    Bob Spiers LostCousins Superstar

    I came across an extract from a London Trade Directrory for 1845 trying to find an ancestor James Crouch in London, offering a most unusual trade service
    [​IMG]

    I know my James Crouch (1821-1889) shows an occupation of 'Painter' and at another time 'Grainer'
    (simulating wood grain I believe) upload_2020-3-6_10-37-27.png


    He lived throughout in Bethnal Green so maybe an entirely different James Crouch. But that aside, in what form do you suppose one would offer warm and cold baths as a Trade rather than (say) as Public baths? That does intrigue me.
     

    Attached Files:

  4. peter

    peter Administrator Staff Member

    You will no doubt recall from my newsletter that public baths only came into being after legislation was passed in 1844, and only proliferated after a second act in 1850.

    My guess is that a warm bath incorporated a heater, whereas a cold bath didn't. This article (found via Google) doesn't answer your specific question, but it provides a lot of background information that may help to narrow down the answer.
     
    • Thanks! Thanks! x 1

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