NRS-798 | Indentures of apprenticeship [Male Orphan School]

Full description

These are formal agreements between the legal guardians of the apprentice and his or her prospective master or mistress. The indentures bind the apprentice for a stipulated term to dwell and "well and faithfully serve" his master.

The prospective master promises that he "shall find and allow unto the said Apprentice sufficient Meat, Drink, Apparel, Washing, Lodging and all other Things needful or meet for an Apprentice, during the Time aforesaid".

There is a provision for the termination of the indenture on the death of the master, or at the pleasure of the Orphan School Trustees in certain circumstances.

All of the indentures concern children in the care of the Male or Female Orphan Schools.

(4/390, microfilm copy SR Reel 1484; ML uncat. mss. Set 508 Item 1). 2 vols.

Note:
This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.