Bidford 1861
Bidford in 1861 was a thriving village with a bustling High Street. Here 950 residents could find everything they needed for everyday life including food, fabrics, sweets and toys.
Bidford Shops
Three grocers' shops,
- Three butchers' shops
- Three drapers' shops (selling fabrics and sewing materials)
- A plumber's shop
- A toyshop
- 2 confectioners (who would have sold sweets)
- A barber
- A provisions shop (selling food, necessary supplies)
The people who visited these shops were employed in and around Bidford. In 1861 few residents had to commute to work, unlike today.
Many of the male residents (who were not at school) worked on the land as agricultural labourers and farmers. Supporting these people were blacksmiths, farmers, bricklayers and ironmongers, who again would live in the village.
But what about the Bidford women? Some woman worked on the land but many remained at home as wives and mothers. Those that did work took employment as servants or worked from home as seamstresses and glove makers.
When not at work Bidford residents had the choice of 7 public houses and inns, including The Bulls Head and The Plough Inn which is still open in the village today.
