This is an apprenticeship indenture, a legal document binding a child to a master of a trade, for a set period of time. A sum of money, known as a premium, was usually paid to the master, and the master agreed to train the child in his profession, and supply them with appropriate lodging and food, for the duration of the apprenticeship.

This indenture was for Owen Aldridge, a 12 or 13 year old boy, who was signed over to be a blacksmith to Thomas Henry Harris for three years, in 1890. The contract occludes medicine, medical attendence and clothing from Harris's responsibilities to Owen, which were to remain the responsibility of his father.

After serving his apprenticeship, Owen Aldridge came to live and work in Wandsworth, London, where he set up his own blacksmith's forge, which became a very successful business, employing eight men. Owen's son also became a blacksmith, but instead of being indentured, he studied to become a blacksmith at Wandsworth Polytechnic college.