The two parts of early indentures were separated with a jagged ‘indented’ cut so they could be fitted together in the case of a dispute.

Although this was no longer the case in 1939, the language of the indenture is archaic, with the apprentice promising not to “play at cards, dice tables or any unlawful game” or to “haunt taverns nor ale-houses”

 His son has also given the Museum Mr Abbott’s two wooden tool chests with all his carpentry tools, his course certificates, identity card, copies of photographs and a press cutting relating to his service in World War II, so we have a very full picture of his life

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