Women in English Life from Mediæval to Modern Times, Vol. I
CHAPTER IV.
WOMEN AND THE ANCIENT GILDS.
The industrial equality of former days--Women as members of Gilds--Restrictions on trade--Fitness of girls for industrial occupations--Women as watchmakers: Sir John Bennett’s opinion--The brewsters and ale-wives--Trade unions compared with the ancient Gilds--Influence of the Gilds--Equality of the sisteren and bretheren--Married women trading alone--Labour regulations applicable to men and women alike 39