Stone masons of Newent area; Linton Quarry; Gorsley (General)

by janfran , Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 06:20 (5878 days ago) @ slowhands

Happy New Year!
My Gt Grandfather William Badham was listed on census returns for Walford as a Mason.
I always imagined that this was doing nice things with stone!
Engraving and such like?
I often wondered how this would be as he was illiterate.
Now I wonder if he was a Quarryman.
Although I seem to remember one reference as Master Mason, but can't find my papers relating to that. (not a very efficient filing system!)
Did all quarrymen describe themselves as Masons?
On the 1901 census he is listed as retired.
Any thoughts would be appreciated
Janfran