Why would a man move from London to Kingston upon Hull to manage a draper's business in the late 1800s?

Question

Am I correct in assuming that the merchandising would likely have been done in London, while the weaving was done in Kingston Upon Hull? Or would there have been some other connection between the two cities 125 years ago?

Answer 1

He might have just fancied a change, with the beginning of the industrial revolution people became very mobile in the 1800s. London was always a magnet which drew people in, but by the end of the 1800s it was bursting at the seams.

He may have worked for someone in London who had connections to Kingston-Upon-Hull, or worked with someone, or was even romantically linked with someone from there. Perhaps he originated from that area and was simply returning to his home town. The possible reasons are infinite.

Answer 2

It was quite likely that someone would move about to better themselves in those days.

I have one person who brought his entire family from Scotland to Windsor, and I have someone in my tree who was an agent for a tobacco company who moved from London up to Yorkshire. Don't forget too that the late 1800's was part of the great age of steam, and people were using the railways a great deal then.

Answer 3

There's nothing wrong with Hull, my relations all come from Hull.  My grt grt grandfather came from Reading to Hull, another one was a shipright in London and came to Hull, maybe it was something to do with the sea.

Answer 4

A draper is just someone who sells cloth. Weaving can be carried out anywhere, depending on what type of cloth it is.

It was more likely an individual choice.

Answer 5

Lots of weaving mills were in Yorkshire,plus there is a large port that finished produts could and would

be exported.from Hull is also a very large city.Makes good buisness sence as every thing needed was close at hand.