Questions about Hiring Fairs (1)

Reference code: FOL.QUES/9
Level of description: Series
Title: Questions about Hiring Fairs (1)
Scope and content: 1. At what centres were hiring fairs held?
2. Did people offering themselves for hire collect in any particular place?
3. On what days were hiring fairs held?
4. What sort of people offered themselves for hire, and did they come from anywhere in particular?
5. Who engaged labourers in this way? Did they come from any special areas?
6. How did men and women show that they were available for hire, and the kind of work they sought? Did they carry a special emblem or implement?
7. Did prospective employers examine the labourers in any way?
8. How was the bargain between labourer and employer struck, and were any conditions laid down by either party?
9. Did workers engage with the same employers year after year?
10. Can you give any details of the work and living conditions for hired workers on the farms of their employers?
11. Did employers ever come from Scotland or England to these hiring fairs in the north of Ireland?
12. Was the hiring fair also used as an opportunity to indulge in various social activities, such as match-making? Give details if possible.