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An indenture is a legal agreement between two parties, in this case between an apprentice, my great great grandfather Robert Derry, and an employer, a wheelwright called William Harvey. In return for teaching his trade William provided Robert with food and lodging for the duration of the apprenticeship although his mother Mary still provided his work clothes. The indenture indicates that Mr Harvey was paid the sum of ten pounds, a large amount in those days. Although 17 years old the indenture had to be agreed by Robert's mother. It lists the ways in which Robert is expected to live his life during this period; no fornication or marriage, no gaming or visits to taverns and playhouses, no absenting himself from his Master at day or night. Robert completed his apprenticeship and was a wheelwright for most of his life. He also married William's daughter Elizabeth. It's a snapshot of a young man getting employment via an apprenticeship and the rigid expectations of him. The contract was written in duplicate on the same sheet of paper, the copies separated along a 'toothed' cut (hence indent-ure). The two parts could be fitted together later to confirm authenticity.