RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: ainslie on Tuesday 04 December 18 15:46 GMT (UK)
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In the 1861 census of Hale, then in Lancashire adjoining Speke, a couple of men are given the occupation 'Waterman'. As the Mersey ran along the edge of the district, would these have been employed on the river?
There were also entries for a 'Master of Flat' and 'Captain of Flat': Mersey Flats were of shallow draft and traded up and down the river.
A
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I think it very likely, I associate watermen with river navigation, rather than canals or seagoing craft.
Mike
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A Dictionary of Old Trades, Titles and Occupations -
Water Boatman - Operator of a small river boat used for carrying cargo.
Flatman - same as Flatter(man) - Operator of a flat bottom boat used for cargo.
I have ancestors who were "Boatmen" and based in Selby Mirfield, Yorkshire. (My father always used to say that his family "used to live at the castle" to which my other retorted "you mean when they lived on their barge". When I'd done the research, my mother was absolutely right ;D ;D - shame I only found out after both had died.)
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Thank you both for adding weight to my thoughts.
A
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Thank you both for adding weight to my thoughts.
A
As a general rule the below postings are correct but it is best to double check as i have family members who i know 100% where Canal Boatmen but in baptism records ect the vicar's often lump the river & canal Boatmen all the same & records them all as Watermen