employment records

[Gordyw]

Hi,and happy new year to all ,does anyone know how I can find out about employment records for millworkers in Alloa,many of my ancestors were employed there in the 1800s but there are so many mills in that area I dont know where to start,any help appreciated. Gordon

[Russell]

Hi Gordy
I wouldn't say its an impossible task but could prove tedious. I would start with Pigot's directory and compile a list of all mills in the area; then hope that there are old maps of the various districts so you can match up addresses from the statutory records. Some mills built houses for their workers (but not all ) and they were usually built pretty near the mill. Within sound of the wake-up hooter or the rouser up man.
Good luck with the search

Russell

[Gordyw]

Thanks Russell,I'll make that my starting point,I know the area was rich in mills. Gordon

[Russell]

Hi Gordon

you can download an 1837 Directory in PDF through the wonderful auspices of Google Books. I find that I can access it more easily that way. Unfortunately my g-ggrandfather's tailoring business didn't make an entry in the Edinburgh section. He was a parsimonious Caithness man after all

Russell