Swing boat proprietor

[Countryquine]

My great grandmother's father is listed on her marriage certificate as a swing boat proprietor.   Does anyone know a bit more of the background to this as an occupation?   I have been unable to go back any further than this as I know nothing else of her family, although my grandmother mentioned that her mother, or perhaps her grandmother was Irish.  Is it likely that this occupation would be followed for many years, or would it be something one would do in the short term?  Would it be carried out in the same area or town all the time, or would it be a case of travelling from one town to another?  (The gentleman in question was called John Robinson, and his daughter was married in Manchester, but at a young age and in what seems like a register office, in 1890-1, so perhaps there were factual inaccuracies in what she said if her marriage was not approved of - or possibly her parents were unaware of it?).

[keyboard86]

Hi could a "Swing Boat" be one of those on a fairground that operated like a pendulum or is it a specialised occupation?

Keyboard86

[BumbleB]

I'd agree with the fairground connection - can't think of any other possibility.   

[stanmapstone]

From the OED  swing-boat   n. a boat-shaped swing used for amusement at fairs, etc.

Stan

[dobfarm]

Just an outside possibility

To operate the ferry, it is angled into the current, causing the force of the current to swing the ferry (Boat) across the river on the cable


Similar to this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coswig_Ferry

[trish18]

There is a John Robinson listed on the link below (British showmen ancestors) on the 1891 census, boarding at 19 Quay Street, Manchester, aged 37.

http://members.shaw.ca/pauline777/1891.html

I wonder if this is your John Robinson?

Regards

Trish

[Countryquine]

Thanks all for your input, especially the link to site detailing travelling show people.   That could well be 'my' John Robinson, but as I have no other information on him, it is very hard to tell.   Maybe one day, though - the search continues.....

[keyboard86]

Thanks all for your input, especially the link to site detailing travelling show people.   That could well be 'my' John Robinson, but as I have no other information on him, it is very hard to tell.   Maybe one day, though - the search continues.....

Hi again, so what was the name of his daughter who married in Manchester, how old etc/spouse?

Keyboard86

PS In the 1891 this John Robinson was single occ Jockey/Groom RG12/3236/89/7

[stanmapstone]

I am very surprised at the number of fatalities caused by swing boats, published in the  newspapers at http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk

Stan