My ancestor Edwin G. Thomas was described as a sugar house labourer on the 1881 census. He was then living at 3 Elton Street, Bristol (RG 11/2487, f.47, p.30). Where might I find out more about the sugar industry, particularly in Bristol, at this time, and what Edwin's job might have involved?
Bristol was very much involved as a part of the Trade Triangle with sugar coming from the slave operated plantations in America. If you have a read of sweethistory.org/about/triangular-trade-bristol/ it will certainly give you some background to the sugar industry in Bristol.
Thank you, Daft Bat. The walking tour looks especially interesting. I thought I would have to have a smartphone to put it on (I don't) but then found the PDF version of the trail guide. I will print it out. (I don't think I will ever get the hang of the paperless office idea.)
While googling for more information, I came across this encyclopaedic website about sugar refiners and sugar bakers: http://www. mawer.clara.net/intro.html In the 'Locations of sugar houses' section you can browse by area. This led me to a wonderful article from the Illustrated London News of 1873 about the Counterslip sugar refinery in Bristol . . . with a detailed description of the manufacturing process. I don't know if that's where my Edwin Thomas worked, but it makes fascinating reading all the same.
