Personal Papers – inventories

This source is an inventory of the contents of the Baker family home, Elemore Hall in Pittington, Co. Durham from c1750. As well as describing the contents of the rooms of the house, it also lists the clothes belonging to the head of the family, George Baker, and possibly to other male members of the family.

What can we learn about the Baker Baker family from this source? Answer the following questions to find out. Enlarged versions and a transcript are available.

1. List four different types of clothes worn by the Baker family?

2. How many rooms do you think there are in the house?

3. What evidence is there to suggest that the Baker’s had children?

4. What evidence is there to suggest that the Baker family were either middle or upper class?

Now write a paragraph about what you have learned about the Baker family from the inventory.

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