Focusing on Agricultural
MOST people researching their family history will be familiar with the term ‘Ag. Lab’ in the occupation column of the census returns.
In the 1860s Agricultural Labourer was the most common occupation in Britain. A quick look at the 1871 Census Return for Bovey Tracey shows a population of 2,133 in 421 homes. We can see the wide range of occupations typical of a small Victorian town: milliner, chemist, baker, miller, thatcher, saddler and miner as well as domestic servants, gardeners and shopkeepers. The Pottery was the largest employer with around 300 people finding work there, but a significant number of men found work as agricultural labourers. A typical agricultural labourer was someone, usually a man, receiving payment for working on the land or for tending animals. Wages were generally low but were often supplemented by ‘privileges’ which could include milk, cider and vegetables supplied by the farmer. Agricultural labourers were probably the worst paid of all male workers until well into the 20th century, with Devon seeing the lowest wages. In 1851 the average wage for a farm worker in Devon was eight shillings and sixpence. A male factory worker around that time would be earning around 15 shillings a week. The cost of living would have exceeded both of these wages. While it is tempting to believe the romantic Victorian image of rural life, the reality was often hardship and poverty for many. With more than 60 male workers aged between 11 and 69 listed as Agricultural Labourers in Bovey
Tracey in 1871, this year's exhibition at the Heritage Centre will focus on agricultural life. Tracking the history of farming in the area, including research on local farms and farming craft, the exhibition seeks to throw some light on the life and work of an agricultural labourer.
Have you
got an ‘
Ag.Lab’ in your family history? Don’t miss the new season’s exhibition at Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre.
Whether you are interested in family history, local pottery, the history of mining and quarrying in the area or railway models and memorabilia, there is something for everyone at the Heritage
Centre. With activities for children and a competition quiz, the centre is an ideal place to bring youngsters while older visitors will rekindle memories of past times.
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