What is the occupation of a cordwinder?
In the Southampton Apprenticeship Register 1609-1740 there is an
interesting reference: 'HOBBS Richard, son of Thomas H of
Southampton bricklayer, to Thomas Mitchell shoemaker for 7 years
from 4 December 1642 to be instructed in the art and sciences of
cordwinder. Apprentice to have 10d weekly in lieu apparel and 30s
"by delivering shooes within the said terme" and at end 62 8d. Enr
25 Mar 1646/7' This would seem to support the view that cordwinders
and cordwainers were shoemakers, the latter giving their name to a
guild. Was the cordwinder a specialist cordwainer or vice
versa?