Boarders, as the word suggests, paid for food as well as lodging while lodgers paid only for their rooms. Malcolm Borrowdale (Swinton, Lancs.) ----- Original Message ----- From: <CDKnow@aol.com> To: <ENG-CUL-CARLISLE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 11:29 PM Subject: [CUL-CAR] In Laws > Hi, > > Still trying to figure out an entry I came across in the 1881 census ; came > across this one today - > > In Whitehaven a 53 year old widowed woman keeps a lodge. Next in the > "household" is a 33 old married male "boarder". The next 2 appear to be > husband and wife, John Carlton age 23 married "lodger" & Mary J. Carlton age > 24 married "lodger". > > Next after Mary is Agnes Wilkinson "Mother in law", widowed and age 50. > > Then 2 more lodgers. > > Questions - > 1. You don't suppose a 50 year old is mother in law to a 53 year old? I've > always read relationship was to head of house ; but have seen enough returns > to know quirks and eccentricities (of the enumerator) can creep in. > > 2. Is it just "change of pace" or is there a difference between "boarder" and > "lodger". > > And please don't tell me I'm grasping at straws - I already know that. :>) > > David >