Expert: Mark Smith - 11/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have read your information re: traveling to Devon by train around 1850.  I am
compiling information on an ancestor who was a milkman in Bridford Devon
around 1820.  By 1851, he was a milkman in London.  Could he have been
receiving milk sent by train from south Devon or would he have been sourcing it
in London?  Thank-you.

ANSWER: Hello Diana.
Back then goods were usually sourced from as close as possible. In London in 1851 milk would have come from as little as a few miles away, although the advent of the railways meant it could be sourced further afield, but I doubt if it would have come from as far away as Devon.
Also I suspect the term "milkman" in the early/mid 19th century meant a man who milked cows rather than someone who actually delivered it.
Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He was eventually a Master Milkman.  Was that likely a foreman of the milkmen
type of job?
Thank-you for your help.

Answer
This is getting into social history which is not my strong point. However I don't think there was such a thing as door to door milk deliveries back then. From the information you've given I would guess he was involved in milk production rather than delivery.
If you could re-send the question with his name, date of residence in London and his address or place or work I have a source that might come up with a few details.
Mark