Indenture of Thomas Oliver the younger to William Bouch, 1847

Indenture of Thomas Oliver the younger to William Bouch, engine builder, of Shildon Works, 29 April 1847. Oliver was apprenticed as a boiler smith from 1 August 1846 to 8 June 1853, when he was released from this indenture.

Indentures were contracts made between two parties. They were usually used in agreements concerning some kind of labour. This indenture was for an apprenticeship. This agreement between Oliver and Bouch was for the term of seven years, the usual length of time to complete an apprenticeship.

The terms of the apprenticeship cover a number of things that may be surprising to a modern reader. Among other things, it is stipulated that Oliver will not be allowed to: play dice or cards, go to taverns, or get engaged/married.

Despite the harshness of these kinds of contracts they were common during this period and in the centuries before. Apprenticeships also provided young people with skills that could set them up to be successful in later life. While under the indenture, they apprentice would also usually be fed and clothed by their master. They may also be given a lump sum of money when the contract ended- a provision for this can be seen in this contract.