Meaning
A person who drove livestock on foot over long distances to market.
Description
Drovers walked cattle, sheep and pigs along ancient drove roads from the farms and uplands of Wales, Scotland and northern England to the great livestock markets and urban centres of the south and midlands. The journeys could cover hundreds of miles and take several weeks. Drovers were trusted with valuable animals and sometimes acted as informal bankers, carrying money and bills of exchange on behalf of farmers and merchants. The trade declined sharply with the coming of the railways which provided faster and less stressful transport for livestock.
Also Known As
Cattle Drover, Sheep Drover, Livestock Dealer
Commonly Found In
- Census Returns
- Parish Registers
- Drovers Records
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