Unmaking Apprenticeship in Early Modern London: Goldsmiths’ Apprentices and the Lord Mayor’s Court, 1597–1720

Apprenticeship in London was the concern of both livery company and city institutions. In this article, we connect evidence about petitions submitted by apprentices to Lord Mayor’s Court for early discharge from their indentures with entries recording apprenticeship freedom surviving records Goldsmiths’ Company. Each contains a distinct set complementary information London. By positioning appeals against company’s youths’ trajectories through apprenticeship, can expand our understanding contractual framework training associated enforcement mechanisms modern As show, used negotiate masters, as well terminate contracts. Quitting an court did mildly ‘scar’ chances youths (not masters), but process appears have largely protected reputations. Finally, provide first estimate gaps registration apprentices, particularly female apprentices.