1851 occupations

[riccardking]

On an 1851 census return for Mitcham i have two female occupations which seem to be Hat Simpler and Holland Binder. Does anyone know what these two actually did? Would appreciate your help. Richard

[dot.haukes]

They probably worked for a illiner and trimmed bonnets, Holland Binder means she worked with Holland lace for sure:
http://www.friesmuseum.nl/index.php?id=2594

[dot.haukes]

sorry Milliner! lol

[riccardking]

many thanks dot.haukes. That would fit, There were 7 milliners plus 3 hat trimmers and 1 felt hat trimmer in Mitcham in 1851. many thanks.

[dot.haukes]

a likely scenario is that these girls worked from home and sold their pieces to the milliners, they would have been sewing by candle light for much of their working life and probably had sore fingers, likely as not suffering some form of arthritis early in life as well as eye strain.