In studying the wills of five shoemakers of Ewyas Harold who died between 1685 and 1810, I was rather surprised to see how well off they seemed to be. The inventories listed platters, plates, porringers and pewter tankards, tablecloths and table napkins, numerous cooking vessels, cupboards, and feather beds, as well as tools of trade, and for some a few farm animals. I was wondering if these shoemakers had wills because they were unusually well off, or whether shoemakers in those times enjoyed a relatively high status in a village. Has anyone else looked at shoemakers in 18th century? Maureen Robinson.