Apprenticeship Migration to London from the North-East of England in the Seventeenth Century

Migration was crucial to the growth of early modern London and the economic and demographic system of England. This article examines one of the most important migrant groups, apprentices, from the North-East of England, one of the few regions that could match the dynamism of London. The social and family background of these apprentices will be explored, illuminating the impact of birth order on the decision to migrate. The impact of local change in the North-East on migration to London will be shown. This article will also consider how initial master-apprenticeship links may have been forged, and what factors were most important in an apprentice successfully completing their term of service and becoming a freeman in London.