In a message dated 02/02/2008 13:53:42 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: I have tried for some time to find information on costs of travel for poor people before the Railway Act of 1844. The reason for this stems from one of my ancestors. He was born and raised in the Hull area but in 1834 he married a woman from the Manchester area, in fact they married in Manchester Cathedral. My question is how did he travel back and forth between Hull and Manchester, some 100 miles? It would appear that he had 2 choices: stagecoach and barge. From the little data I have been able to gather stagecoach fares were quite expensive, certainly for a poor person. This leaves barges. However they were towed by horses and only managed some 3 m.p.h. Thus this method would take several days, depending on the number of locks. Since most barges were self-owned, I gather that fares were negotiated. Is this true? Hi During my researches of the period I have found that people travelled quite large distances either on foot or by a cart, hitch-hiking from place to place. My own relatives travelled quiet a lot and this was the method employed by them. They often walked great distances. Certainly if they could find another means of transport then it would be taken. Obviously a boat owner could use his discretion about carrying passenger and a fee would be negotiable. Canal boats were a good option if they went to the place you were going to but they weren't always a direct route. My husband's gt.gt.grandfather was a Carter like his father, carrying goods all over and if he saw a lone walker I am sure he would offer a lift if he had room. There was no direct means of transport and one travelled from town to town until the destination was reached. You cannot assume that anyone travelled a certain way and really need direct proof of this. Even the Railway Act of 1844 meant that those with the means could pay for this type of travel but a low wage was a pittance and hardly afforded Rail Travel. regards JUDY ELKINGTON [W.R.Yorkshire, England] www.elkingtonfamily.com [email protected] www.one-name.org/profiles/elkington.html

I can confirm what Judy says, my Grandparents moved from Eckington to North of Doncster with their belonging to move from Renishaw Park Coliery to Brodsworth Main Colliery via hand cart. They had 4 young children too. Regards Kay-UK -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 02 February 2008 23:39 To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [SHEFF] Travel before railways. In a message dated 02/02/2008 13:53:42 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: I have tried for some time to find information on costs of travel for poor people before the Railway Act of 1844. The reason for this stems from one of my ancestors. He was born and raised in the Hull area but in 1834 he married a woman from the Manchester area, in fact they married in Manchester Cathedral. My question is how did he travel back and forth between Hull and Manchester, some 100 miles? It would appear that he had 2 choices: stagecoach and barge. From the little data I have been able to gather stagecoach fares were quite expensive, certainly for a poor person. This leaves barges. However they were towed by horses and only managed some 3 m.p.h. Thus this method would take several days, depending on the number of locks. Since most barges were self-owned, I gather that fares were negotiated. Is this true? Hi During my researches of the period I have found that people travelled quite large distances either on foot or by a cart, hitch-hiking from place to place. My own relatives travelled quiet a lot and this was the method employed by them. They often walked great distances. Certainly if they could find another means of transport then it would be taken. Obviously a boat owner could use his discretion about carrying passenger and a fee would be negotiable. Canal boats were a good option if they went to the place you were going to but they weren't always a direct route. My husband's gt.gt.grandfather was a Carter like his father, carrying goods all over and if he saw a lone walker I am sure he would offer a lift if he had room. There was no direct means of transport and one travelled from town to town until the destination was reached. You cannot assume that anyone travelled a certain way and really need direct proof of this. Even the Railway Act of 1844 meant that those with the means could pay for this type of travel but a low wage was a pittance and hardly afforded Rail Travel. regards JUDY ELKINGTON [W.R.Yorkshire, England] www.elkingtonfamily.com [email protected] www.one-name.org/profiles/elkington.html No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.19/1256 - Release Date: 02/02/2008 13:50