Genealogy Chat

Found a site parishregistry.com that has info on watermen and their apprenticeship bindings- the records are kept at Guildhall library in London- however- they have been transcribed- and ive ordered a CD of them for only £2.50 including post and packing- bargain! And cheaper than a trip to london!
Thanks for all your advice folks,
Im happy to do look-ups when it arrives- posted info on the records office threads to that effect.

Nic x

Is that from the Portcities site - its a good site isnt it.

Im only familiar with London pilots - but you should be able to get more information about these from Liverpool - have a google to see where the records are kept.

Sounds as though it was a very responsible job-

Local fishermen with their detailed knowledge of the Mersey estuary tides and places for anchorage were the first unofficial pilots on the river. In the 18th century, the number and size of ships entering the Mersey increased rapidly, with the need for better navigation highlighted in 1764 when 75 people died in a series of accidents on the river. This led to the establishment of the Liverpool Pilotage Authority at Princes Dock in 1766, after which time vessels on the Mersey were required to use pilots. A committee met every month to grant licences to pilots and decide what charges were made for their services. Anyone acting as a pilot without a licence was fined £10 (that’s over £800 at today’s prices).

Becoming a pilot involved an initial interview by the pilot authority’s selection committee, a 5-year apprenticeship, time as a boathand on a pilot cutter when a place became available, and annual examinations. Successful completion of this rigorous process – which tested practical competence as well as theoretical knowledge - led to the trainee being issued with a Board of Trade Certificate.

The pilots had to meet incoming ships outside the Mersey Bar and climb on board to take the ships through the sandbank channels and docks. They did the same thing for ships leaving Liverpool.


I always feel better knowing what they did for a living!

Have a look at PortCities website. Yes they would have had to serve an apprenticeship, usually 7 years to be a waterman/lighterman and then progress from there.

You may be able to find their apprenticeship bindings - check out where they are kept for Liverpool.

In 1851 Liverpool was exporting more goods than London. It would've been a massive port with many pilots needed to get the ships in from/out to sea. I'm sure they would've had training there, though it might've been by apprenticeship to a master pilot.

Ozi.

Thanks guys n gals!!
I tried the trick of screwing my eyes up to make it clearer- didnt work though- think i need glasses!!
At least i have some idea of their financial status then!
Anyone know anything about pilots in the year 1851? Was Liverpool some sort of training area for them?

Hi,

I'm not sure it is a profession. I think it says 'at home'.

Someone further up the page says the same and the child is 2.

Best Wishes

Jane

It says "at home" - namely she isnt a worker - I should think with her dad and bro Pilots they were fairly comfortable - in fact it shows the gran being "supported by her son" on there. So Mary was just housekeeping for the family I should think.

Please could you good people take a look at this census and give me a clue as to what Mary sarchwells occupation was?

Source Citation: Class: HO107; Piece: 2179; Folio: 245; Page: 38; GSU roll: 87177-87178.

Name: Mary Sarchwell
Age: 15
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1836
Relation: Daughter
Mother's Name: Isabella
Gender: Female
Where born: Liverpool, Lancashire, England

Civil Parish: Liverpool
Ecclesiastical parish: St Bartholomew
Town: Liverpool
County/Island: Lancashire
Country: England

Street address:

Occupation:

Condition as to marriage:

Disability: View Image

Registration district: Liverpool
Sub-registration district: Dale Street
ED, institution, or vessel: 1g
Neighbors: View others on page
Household schedule number: 157
Household Members: Name Age
Isabella Sarchwell 54 ( supported by sons)
John Sarchwell 23 ( Pilot)
Mary Sarchwell 15 ( ?)
Robert Sarchwell 25 ( Pilot)

Thankyou,

Nicola x