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Archiver > KENT-ENG > 1999-12 > 0944171195


From: Malcolm Austen <>
Subject: Re: Occupations
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 21:46:35 +0000 (GMT)


On Thu, 2 Dec 1999, Kevin Larking wrote:

+ I have been searching the 1881 census for Kent and come across my
+ GGGrandfathers details. His occupation was described as an Oastler.
+ Does anyone know what an Oastler was or where I might get this
+ information from?

Kevin,

If it weren't in Kent I would suggest a careful check (of the original, I
take it you are quoting from the CDs or fiche) might reveal that the
actual term used was "Ostler", someone who looked after horses.

However, in Kent there are Oasts (essentially hop drying kilns) and Oast
Houses (buildings containing such a kiln) so it's possible that the person
concerned, or the enumerator, invented the term for someone who looked
after an Oast House. I don't believe it's an "official" term.

I would suggest checking the (film of the) original and look closely
across several pages at that enumerators handwriting. Look also for other
Ostlers or Oastlers in the area!

Happy Ancestor Hunting,
Malcolm
- born&bred in Thanet, Kent; now living in Oxfordshire
http://users.ox.ac.uk/~malcol

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