OCCUPATION
Most of our ancestors during the 18th and 19th century were Farm Labourers.
Several more were in charge of Inns.
Probably due to the restricted hours of opening and the lack of trade when a new road diverted traffic away from their location they were forced to try different work.
This was certainly the case with my ancestors who ran the Saracen’s Arms in Ettington.
They became builders and carpenters. As such when someone died they were asked to make a coffin.
We still have Funeral Directors today with the Heritage name, in Australia started by Frank Sperry Heritage, now called Heritage & Heritage
and run by his sons Robert and Keith and their families. Until recently there was also one in Buckinghamshire.
There were a number who served in the military, most notable being Francis Bede Heritage one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers.