Railway engine fitter

[alandpol]

I have a ggfather who became an engine fitter around 1870. Any ideas or theories of what this might mean, I've guessed he was on the railway but this is just a wild shot in the dark. regards Alan.

 

[Lloyd]

Not necessarily railway, Alan. Most factories at the time had at least one steam engine (or possibly a town gas engine) to power the machinery via shafts and belts. The man in charge of them was called a driver, even though the engine did not move. Similarly a fitter was an engineer, employed either by the factory owner or by an engineering firm who repaired and serviced several companies factory engines.

 

[paul stacey]

proberly in the mineing industry, as a winding engine fitter.

 

[alandpol]

Thanks folks for your interest, all suggestionsgratefully received.