Search new Thames watermen and lightermen records
01 February 2012
We have just published 99,140 occupational records of Thames watermen and lightermen on findmypast.co.uk
This is a hugely useful collection of occupational records, which covers the period 1688-2010.
Further details of the records contained in this collection are as follows:
- The Company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames binding records 1692-1949 – 82,238 records
- The Company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames reassignments 1688-1908: a list of apprentices who were reassigned from one master to another – 12,410 records, including information about both masters and apprentices
- Thomas Doggett Coat & Badge, 'The Hanover Prize': a record of all known competitors who rowed in the annual race 1715-2010 – 4,402 records
- Corporation of Trinity House: a register of licences granted to ex-mariners to work as watermen on the River Thames 1829-1864 – 90 records
Our marketing executive, Amy Sell, has found her very own Thames waterman ancestor. Amy heard a family rumour that her great-great-great-grandfather, Thomas Edward Taylor, won the Doggett's Coat and Badge race in 1878.
Amy searched the Thames watermen records and found Thomas' record – view it by clicking the image on the right. The record confirms that Thomas was 'Winner Of Coat & Badge'.
Local specialist Rob Cottrell provided findmypast.co.uk with these fascinating records.