Ann Firth

We understand the term apprentice to mean "learning a trade". In Ann Firth's case, she was being put into the care of Charles Firth. Ann was "bound" to Charles Firth and his family until the age of 21. Charles Firth agreed to educate Ann, and bring her up to be truthful and obeying the law. Ann agreed to do exactly as she was told. How do you think you would feel if you were put in the care of a stranger?

Women at work, Apprenticeship, Education

Apprenticeship indenture of Ann Firth, a poor child of Honley Township, to Charles Firth, blacksmith, Honley, with attached note that Charles Firth had paid a œ10 fine in lieu of having Ann Firth as an apprentice, 3 March 1821

View at WYAS: Kirklees, Huddersfield Central Library