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Greenwich Pensioner?

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Jo

Jo Report 14 Jan 2007 14:18

Investigating a possible ancestor on 1851 census and he is listed under occupation as 'Greenwich Pensioner'. Does this mean anything to anyone please? ta Jo

KeithInFujairah

KeithInFujairah Report 14 Jan 2007 14:27

Hi Jo, Just as Chelsea Hospital was instituted for soldiers who had been injured or grown old in the service of the crown, Greenwich Hospital was built for seamen in 1695. Seamen contributed sixpence a month from their pay towards the upkeep of the hospital. Pensioners were admitted from 1705 and originally wore a uniform of dark gray with a blue lining and brass buttons. The colour of the uniforms changed to brown and then blue. Families of pensioners were not allowed to live with them in the Hospital so many lived in the Greenwich area. By the 19th century it was found preferable to pay out pensions and in 1869 the Hospital closed. Records of Greenwich Pensioners are held at The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey. If you google Greenwich Pensioner it brings up lots of sites.

Jo

Jo Report 14 Jan 2007 14:31

Thank you Keith, how interesting... that means that if this is the right man he must have been a seafarer. I shall look forward to working further on this line. thanks again Jo

Jane

Jane Report 14 Jan 2007 14:51

Jo, Yes, it's interesting, isn't it!? I have one who was listed as a Greenwich Pensioner - but clearly not an 'inmate' - he was at home with his family in Norfolk ... so, an 'out-pensioner'. Have tried to find out more, but his record doesn't seem to be at Kew. Good luck with yours! Annie

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 14 Jan 2007 15:34

Have a look at this site:- http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ConNarrative.148/chapterId/3063/The-Royal-Hospital-for-Seamen-Greenwich-A-Refuge-for-All.html Kath. x

Sandra

Sandra Report 14 Jan 2007 16:36

have had same problem Anne, my Frances Tivey was a greenwich Pensioner and I couldnt find him on the National Archives set but must admit havent actually been there yet to recheck..............he was a marine back in 1830's..............mind you cant find his birth either supposed to be 1811 Derbyshire and would you believe even though there is even a book about tiveys no luck there was hoping if I could find his records I could trace back further but thats my problem sorry doesnt help you!!! good luck sandie

Jo

Jo Report 14 Jan 2007 17:10

Thanks everyone for your help and the website. Mine was living in Wiltshire with his wife, so an 'outside' pensioner. I will have to investigate the archives at Kew by the sound of it. The family legend is that we're related to John Nutt the Pirate so this could be the first step to proving it. Thanks again and good luck with your own searches. Jo

Keith

Keith Report 14 Jan 2007 22:36

If he was a Greenwich pensioner he is not just a seafarer but a retired Royal Navy man. Regards Keith

Researching:
Fletcher May Allison Ashcroft Moore