Ropemakers between 1750 and 1850

[Aceh]

I have Johnson ancestors who were hemp & flax dressers, twine spinners and ropemakers in various ropeyards from Portsmouth round to Great Yarmouth, including London docklands, the Thames and the Medway, during the century between 1750 to 1850. From Admiralty records, a small group appear to have been an itinerant family gang, probably brothers / cousins who are found at Portsmouth in 1806 and again at Chatham in 1808. Some appear later in the east end of London and elsewhere. After the end of the Napoleonic wars it seems they went there separate ways working in different places.
Trying to track these folk, especially all with the common name of Johnson, is proving difficult. Is anyone else out there researching the ropemaking trade? If so I should be glad of any advice. as far as I am aware there is no Ropemakers Index.

[ScouseBoy]

Have you also thought of. Looking at Royal Dockyard Devonport

[ScouseBoy]

What about Dundee?
Do I remember correctly that Dundee was a centre for rope manufacture?

[Bookbox]

What exactly are you trying to find out?

There are plentiful records for RN Dockyard workers, particularly before 1832. The yard books in ADM 42 can be helpful, e.g. for dates of employment. They are not online, so you would have to visit Kew, or engage a researcher.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1751

Have a look at the standard research guide, if you haven't already?
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/royal-naval-dockyard-staff/

[Aceh]

Thanks Bookbox,

I went through ADM 42 a couple of years ago - only 2 hits which are the ones I quoted.
My 3x gt grandfather baptised my 2 x gt grandfather at St Dunstan's Stepney in 1803 but that's all I have on him - I can neither birth him nor bury him and all I have regarding the mother of the child is her name Ann. He is not one of those in ADM 42.

Thanks also Scouseboy. I have not looked as far afield as Devonport or Dundee. There is a vague possibility that it was Yarmouth but the name is different.

[sugarbakers]

... as far as I am aware there is no Ropemakers Index.

So this is your opportunity to start one.
Seriously.