An Apprentice in Galway.

 An Apprentice in Galway

One of the first tradesmen who obtained a charter to practise his trade in Galway city was a goldsmith in the year 1500. At this time Galway city was considered to be an established commercial centre and enjoyed the privilege of having attractive architecture.

Many guilds were already in place and included such trades as Blacksmiths, Butchers, Tanners, Tallow Chandlers, Wheelwrights, Coachmakers, Sadlers and Harness Makers to mention but a few.

A master tradesmen at this time in Galway city was expected to maintain high levels of hygiene and obliged to " shave his top lip" once per week!! Moreover, he was expected to speak good English; a skill not too familiar with the indigenous population at this juncture.

A young man wishing to elevate his position in life would take on an apprenticeship.... at this time a seven-year venture. In signing his indentures , he would be obliged to comply with all of his masters wishes viz; to not fraternise with the female sex, play dice or partake in any form of gambling and to never frequent taverns.

In honouring all the aforementioned dictates the apprentice would enjoy complete sanctuary and full employment for the said period.

Gun making as a trade in Galway city would possibly have been evident, in a small way, in the early to mid 17th century. However, the first city trades directory to list a gunmaker plying his trade was in 1820, this being Michael Fallon. Other gunmakers were noted in the mid 18th century namely Patrick and William Fahy and these were listed under death registers.

A feature of social life at this time before workers unions became the norm was the closed shop, whereby the tradesmen of the area would only employ men who had done their time as apprentices within the confines of the city. This also countered the influx of Cromwell's tradesmen!!

My thanks to:

Galway County Library and Jack Mulveen who wrote; " Old Galway's Occupational Fraternity" from which we have drawn.

David Stroud. ramrodantiques.co.uk