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What was a Capstan Man?

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Trish

Trish Report 14 Nov 2004 11:04

Many thanks to you all for your help. As all the other members of the family worked on the railway the definition from Jonathon seems to fit. Thanks once again. Trish

Geoff

Geoff Report 14 Nov 2004 08:40

I've seen a capstan (electrically powered) used on a dockside for pulling railway wagons along using a rope.

maggiewinchester

maggiewinchester Report 14 Nov 2004 00:13

A Capstan is like a bollard, where boat's ropes are wound round to stop the boat floating off! They have them in shipyards, the docks and on canals - basically anywhere where boats 'tie up'. It takes quite a bit of skill to 'tie up' a big ship safely - without falling in and getting crushed, or losing a limb! maggie

Researching:
Henry Floyd (g x 4 grandad) Allegedly the heaviest man in England in 1842

Mary

Mary Report 14 Nov 2004 00:10

Hi there, There is also a capstan lathe which is used in the engineering trade. Mary

Judith

Judith Report 13 Nov 2004 23:41

A capstan is a sort of winch - a machine with a cylinder round which a cable is wound. I know of them as being used on board ships but I suppose they might be used wherever something heavy needs to be moved.

Trish

Trish Report 13 Nov 2004 23:36

Taken from the 1901 census for the Mitchell family who lived in Islington. The occupations of the males were: Carman - driver of a horse drawn vehicle, often employed by railway companies. Van guard - employed by the railway I presume. Capstan Man - ???? Is this a railway occupation does anyone know? the only capstan I have heard of was a cigarette! I have looked at the websites that people posted on a previous thread on this board but did not find the answer there. Trish