Genealogy Chat

My great great grandfather was described in the censuses as a 'Turf Commission Agent'. I have now found another relative by marriage described as a 'General Commission Agent'. Anyone out there know what either of these mean? My Mum said G G Grandad was a bookie, but I thought that was illegal in 1901. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Sheila

you may find something here www.victorianlondon.org/publications/roundlondon2-11.htm

Only a thought perhaps they were allowed bookies on the race track, I believe it was illegal though they used to do it behind doors but I doubt he would have advertised the fact in a census etc. Maybe he worked on the track. Germaine

Hi Sheila My grandfather was a commision agent-I believe he collected money from people who bought goods from stores on credit and paid in weekly installments-the stores then paid him a commission for collecting the money from these people by calling at there homes. With regard to a betting commission agent (Bookies runner) I think he would have collected bets-usually in a back alley or some other discrete place-as it would be illegal to gamble other than on a race track at this time. He would then earn commission from the Bookmaker he took the bets for. Regards Ericx

Thanks Eric - that was very helpful. G G Grandad was described as a 'Turf Commission Agent' - sounds a bit posh for a bookie's runner...He always looks like a prosperous man so whatever he did, there was obviously money in it! Sheila

Thanks Eric - that was very helpful. G G Grandad was described as a 'Turf Commission Agent' - sounds a bit posh for a bookie's runner...He always looks like a prosperous man so whatever he did, there was obviously money in it! Sheila

Commission Agent - A Salesman who derives his income solely from commission on sales taken from http://www.rmhh*co.uk/occup/ - always worth a look for old occupations