Hi Pseu

In the last few days 'manual' and now 'merely manual' were terms introduced by you. Complex concept (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_labour ) but I don't think it helps here.

I have watched someone work an ox plough (for real) and adjust the plough and harness. I wonder how much handed-on knowledge that has served for thousands of year will vanish with the last of them. I don't know about that ploughman but his community included people who could improvise songs, shanty style, and also sing songs borrowed from neighbouring cultures.

We think it 'must have happened' but if someone didn't believe it what is the evidence from England before the 20th century?