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ABOUT THE VILLAGE / PARISH

C. EMPLOYMENT THROUGH THE AGES

chchinglFrom the thirteenth century onwards, agricultural activity; animal husbandry, cereal cultivation and woodland management, provided the mainstay of local employment.

 

 

 

 


wartcragBy the nineteenth century, changing circumstances, resulting from the Enclosures Act of 1805, prompted a movement towards quarrying and saw the exploitation of local resources; carboniferous limestone and millstone grit, which outcrop to the south-west and north-east of the village respectively. Increasing demand for lime to improve the land and whitewash cottages necessitated the establishment of small quarries and lime kilns in the locality, some remains of which survive to the present day.

quarry1In the Middle Ages there was a millstone quarry at nearby Intack Farm, which was owned by the monks of Furness Abbey, who used millstones for grinding cereals near an underground stream which ran beneath the village green. Quarrying has now become a major local industry and material continues to be extracted at an alarming rate. There are now, however, noticeably fewer employees from the village than in earlier times.

vhbside2Local industries in the early 1900's included clog, shoe, dress and basket making. The only available transport to Lancaster was provided by carrier's cart, which must have been in great demand. There was also a hairdresser, a butcher and, in more recent times, a taxidermist living and working in the village. Over Kellet also boasted a joiner/wheelwright/undertaker who was, in part, responsible for the construction of the Village Hall in 1928/1929. He employed two apprentices, one of whom succeeded as village joiner and who has recently retired. Currently there is a self employed builder and an electrician working within the village and it's environs.

crofthoBetween 1920 and the 1940s there was a thriving Market Garden and Nursery at Croft House, owned by Taylors, whose produce was sold to Morecambe boarding houses. Cut flowers, particularly sweet peas, young plants and seeds were sold nationally. This family concern employed one lady who later found work in the village shop.