The Apprentice’s Indenture

Apprentice indenture, 1810. Museum no. Misc.21b-1923 (click image for larger version)

This document is called an indenture. It is a legal document that was signed by apprentices and their masters to agree the conditions of an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship dates back to the later Middle Ages (1300-1500). Master craftsmen, such as cobblers, blacksmiths, tailors and weavers, benefited from cheap labour by taking on an apprentice, usually a child in their early teens, offering board and lodging and training in return.

This indenture was signed in 1810 by weaver's apprentice Joseph Hilliard who was 13 years old at the time. By signing the indenture, Joseph committed himself to be an apprentice for 7 years until his 21st birthday. He also vowed to: 'not commit fornication, nor contract matrimony', 'not play at cards, dice, tables or any other unlawful games', 'not haunt taverns or play houses, nor absent himself from his master's service day or night'. In return for Josh's service, his master agreed to provide 'sufficient meat, drink, lodging and all other necessities'.

This indenture is on one piece of paper but indentures were originally drafted on a single piece of paper that was cut in half so that an apprentice's legitimacy could be proved by putting the two pieces back together.

The agreement between apprentice and master could only be broken by the Justices of the Peace and in serious circumstances, such as abuse or ill-treatment. Unfortunately, many apprentices did not become masters in their chosen trade at the end of the period, many failing to complete the training. With the introduction of mass manufacturing and factory work, apprenticeships became less popular in the 19th century and the system eventually died out.