Ilton is now a quiet, largely agricultural ,dispersed settlement of some 55-60 folk but this has not always been the case. Over the past two centuries the population has fallen from just under 300 to its present day level. With this fall in population has come the corresponding fall in industry , all of which had supplied local needs. The business of farming, which until recently provided more employment than any other occupation, is described elsewhere on this website but the related industry of corn milling has taken place in Ilton from from the early 14th century (if not earlier). There have been many farming related industries in Ilton over the years including lime production, tanning, ploughmaking, blacksmithing and wheel making whilst further skilled occupations served the general needs of the population in the tailors, dressmakers, shoemakers, leather workers, milliner, stonemasons, brick and tile makers, butcher, quarry workers ,coachsmith and more!

Most of our detailed information comes from the censuses and directories of the 19th century but our group is investigating further into the past ,where possible ,to try and find out what went on in earlier times.

After all, there have been people in Ilton since prehistoric times!