In the Dorset History Centre there are some bills from 1787 for Milton Abbas estate. These scraps of paper give an insight into the work that was going on, as well as the names of the labourers, and the amount earned.

This is from May 1787

it gives the dates of the work, the number of days worked and the amounts paid per day.

We now know how much a hedge layer, ploughboy, cowboy.

There are about 40 such documents. It would enhance our understanding if one of our readers would transcribe them.

Please contact us here, if you would like to help.