Abstract: This paper looks in detail at the organisation of contracting in England in the 17th century. Many original manuscript building accounts survive and they shed light on the contracting methods and length of working hours in building sites in this period. The paper shows the day rates paid for workmen on site do not represent the amount these individuals took home, but the amount paid to the overseers to each workmen who would then deduct a portion from each, making wage rates deceptive.
