I've come across this information about boat people on the London Canal Museum website - some of my husband's ancestors were boatmen. I haven't got in touch with this gentleman yet but looks like it would be a good idea if the index could be made to be available online by someone who has the time.
"John Roberts’ Waterway Index contains the names of more than 9500 men connected to the waterways (such as boatman, waterman, flatman, boatbuilder, lock-keeper, toll-collector, canal or river company clerk, canal agent, boat owner, navigator (navvies), wharf inger, etc.), and indicates who filed the information. It has been compiled by Mr John Roberts, 52 St. Andrews Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B75 6UH. This is a self-financed ‘hobby’. Mr Roberts says the index should be ‘regarded very much as an aid i.e. as a pointer to the original records’. If you wish for information from the records, a 9" x 4" SAE is necessary, and although no fee is required, donations are very welcome. Also, Mr Roberts always appreciates any further information for the index."
