Originally Posted By: salopian
We have to remember that history shows us that the Birmingham craftsmen lived with their families in tenements, lofts and attics above the the workshops.I can remember playing kick the can in the tenement yard whilst handcarts scurried by....

Who pushed the carts?

I know it sounds like a strange question, but I am curious. Were these adults or children? In Liege, at the turn of the century they would have been children. A journeyman was often hired based on the number of sons he had. The sons were expected to run errands, deliver parts, etc. I am wondering how close the English trade was to this. So much of what you describe sounds very close to the trade in Liege and the US.

Pete