Travelling to work

I have become increasingingly fascinated by a particular aspect of the lives of Glemsford people, particularly in the later stages of the Nineteenth Century.

Perhaps it shouldn't surpise me, but I am always intrigued by the distances families moved away from the village, presumably in search of work.

People moving to London is almost expected many girls went to go into service, but recent researches and family hunts have shown Glemsford people turning up all over Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, but also in Lancashire - the Browns and Craskes in particular, in Yorkshire, and now in Dorset. Most times, it seems to be the working skills - weaving, for example - that have taken the family to their new homes.

My study of the school log books also shows a steady, if unspectacular, trickle of families out of the village.

Now here's a thought: such migration might make a fascinating study for someone.
I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who might follow up the idea.

Steve Clarke