Differing Responses to an Industrialising Economy - eTheses ...

Wealth, status and mobility
The scope of this study did not allow detailed analysis of these three topics, but
some comments are appropriate here. Although occupational descriptors can be misleading,
different occupations may be associated with different levels of wealth. For example, a
humble labourer would be expected to be less well off than a gentleman, but what of other
trades? Table 8.19 shows the ranking of average (mean) inventory totals for different
occupations. This is a very crude indicator as certain possessions and landholdings are not
included in inventories and there may be many people in each occupation (particularly
among the labourers, journeymen and petty tradesmen) who were not included in probate at
all. Nevertheless, the rankings at least warrant some discussion. 25
For the most part the
rankings speak for themselves, but a few comments may be needed. Masons are included
in the building sector although many were also involved in quarrying. Those in the
extractive sector are brickmakers, lime-burners and stone-cutters. The domestic servant
sector is perhaps misleading as most in that category were probably not adult males like the
four included in probate here. The transport section is comprised of one wagoner. 26
25 For a more detailed analysis of inventories of those with rural occupations see L. Shaw-Taylor, ‘The nature
and scale of the cottage economy’ on the Cambridge Group’s website: www.hpss.geog.cam.ac.uk
26 Salters are included under the section entitled other food, retail, service and dealing.
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