In message <[email protected]>, Donald Tomkinson <[email protected]> writes >Is it possible to give a probable age for the commencement of an >apprenticeship in 1636, for the trades of a tanner and and also a >cordwainer? Normally speaking, 14 was the age for apprenticeship to a normal craft trade. The standard length of apprenticeship was 7 years, after which there would be a period as journeyman, worked for a master and paid by the day, then, if his father could finance the move, he might become a master himself. > >Also, Martin Tomkinson, son of Thomas Tomkinson, cordwainer, was >apprenticed to Richard Hayward, freemason, in 1636. Was "freemason" a >stone mason at that time? Yes - it is complicated by the later meanings, but it appears that a free mason was an independent master, but not a static one located in one ton always; he tended to be one who moved from one contract job to another. (Windsor Castle today, Hampton Court three years later, Longleat four years after that). It is worth trying State Papers Domestic, since if he ever worked on one of the royal palaces or similar public building, his contract fee and even extra perks may be mentioned. -- Eve McLaughlin Author of the McLaughlin Guides for family historians Secretary Bucks Genealogical Society