MANUSCRIPT. DERBYSHIRE. A Nineteenth Century Ledger, recording the transactions, jobs, parts and labour of a Derbyshire plumber, glazier and gas-fitter. Folio. 1861-75
450pp lined tradesman's ledger, completed in black ink in a neat sloping hand; one or two leaves have been excised. Contemp. green glazed boards; a little stained, corners rubbed, spine neatly repaired.
¶A comprehensive tradesman's ledger, 422 numbered pages arranged into columns showing date, client, task, and cost, preceded by an unnumbered 26pp thumb index. The unnamed tradesman appears to be based in Bakewell, indicated by a large number of transactions listed in that town. Other jobs are in Derbyshire; among the named clients are several high-profile landowners, including His Grace the Duke of Rutland (Haddon Hall), His Grace the Duke of Devonshire (Chatsworth), Lord Frederick Cavendish M.P., Francis Gisborne (Hulme Hall). Other customers are publicans, clergymen, school teachers, shop keepers, farmers, and lay citizens. Although predominately a plumber, the entries show that our tradesman was a bit of an all-rounder, with payments taken for such varied tasks as glazing, lead work, soldering, replacing sash weights, fitting gas lamps, joinery, coffin making, and a broad range of maintenance tasks. The ledger shows that the compiler charged 2s 3d for half a day's work, although this increased if guttering was involved. He often worked with an apprentice, which raised labour costs by around 4d per half day. A fascinating account book of a busy artisan and tradesman, operating in mid-Victorian Derbyshire.