Fustian Cutter

The following family all gave their occupation as a fustian cutter. They are all from my side of the family and lived in Congleton. From 1860 to 1950, fustian cutting was Congleton's dominant industry and often took place in reused silk mills.

Hannah Meakin (1877-????), 2nd great aunt

Albert Gaunt (1873-1919), married to Hannah (Meakin) Gaunt

Albert Gaunt (1895-????), son of Albert Gaunt and Hannah (Meakin) Gaunt

John White (1869-????), married to Sarah Meakin (2nd great aunt)

1911 Census - Albert Gaunt

The above shows the Gaunt family with their occupation listed as fustian cutter.

Fustian refers to several types of heavy cotton cloth such as corduroy, velveteen and moleskin, which were once used mainly to make work clothes. It had ridges running along its length formed by loops of thread woven into the weft. For corduroy and velveteen these loops had to be cut to give the cloth a soft, thick surface.

For a more detailed description, see the following Wikipedia entry: Fustian

The above photograph shows the cloth laid out ready for cutting and is taken from Mow Cop, which gives the history of fustian cutting in this area.