Many thanks to everyone who responded to my query about hon'ds and alling.
The consensus seemed to be that hon'ds is hundreds, which is the unit in
which nails used to be measured (although a hundred nails is actually 120,
as in a baker's dozen being 13). Alling is a bit more problematic -
suggestions ranged from awling (using a bradawl to make holes), to hauling
or walling, to doing all things (general labour)and heling (covering roof
with slates or tiles). Our volunteer was very impressed with the number,
speed and range of the replies!
Rosemary Boyns
Bath Record Office
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