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Sorry guys, had a word with 90 year old ex docker dad. Repeated it carefully a dozen times, even spelt it to him. Nope, he said, never heard of it, are you sure they werent saying he was a ................... And he is 90, you can see where I get it from!!

Thanks Heather for trying anyway. I must be reading it wrong, I just can't see what else it could read. It's not the only one listed on that page and I can't make head nor tail of it. It certainly is challenging!!

Selina, worth a chance - there is a terrific archivist at Tower Hamlets Family History Library. He is the one who finally found my GGFx2 in Stepney in 1851. I think it would be worth sending an email to them asking what the occupation may be. I am sure they must be up on all the occupations in that area. [email protected]

Heather you're a joy, what a good idea, I'll do it now.

Hi, Ive emailed you the addy, as GR wouldnt allow it on here!!! His name is Malcom Barr-Hamilton (bit posh for Stepney, eh?)

A bit of a long shot as I haven't seen the image, but could the start of the word be an H, if the left side of the H incorporates loops and what you took for the L is the right-hand downstroke. That would make it "Hanker". Hanking is the process of coiling a rope up neatly for storage, which would be connected with the waterway, although I don't know if it was ever an occupation in itself.

Thanks Heather, have emailed you

Oh Brian! it could be but on the same page I've got a seamstress and the start letters do look the same, but a good possibility for sure! maybe there was a lot of rope to coil in those days!!!

just a thought - could the s be an f?

Been a while since I've been here and still stumped with this one, thought I'd give it another go incase there are any new people with any suggestions?!!