Hone’s Everyday book records a curious lost trade custom which was recorded in Berkshire and Hampshire only it appears. As the two counties are adjoining it is quite possible that it was established here but a note by the author suggests that it other places it took place in Easter. The author writes:
“The first Monday in March being the time when shoemakers in the country cease from working by candle-light, it used to be customary for them to meet together in the evening for the purpose of wetting the block.”
The custom appears to be one done by the master of the trade to recognise the workers:
“On these occasions the master either provided a supper for his men, or made them a present of money or drink; the rest of the expense was defrayed by subscriptions among themselves, and sometimes by donations from customers.”
The custom then would have a ceremonial end which is the wetting part which consisted of the following:
“After the supper was ended, the block candlestick was placed in the midst, the shop candle was lighted, and all the glasses being filled.”
Then at the end:
“the oldest hand in the shop poured the contents of his glass over the candle to extinguish it; the rest then drank the contents of theirs standing, and gave three cheers. The meeting was usually kept to a late hour.”
As shoemaking became industrialised one imagine this custom died out!
In search of traditional customs and ceremonies 