Question regarding occupation on census

[Zeb]

From the 1881 British Census...

Rel: Wife
Occ: Wife of Preventative Man

What's this all about, then?

[GRACELAND]

  you have lost me on this one 

[madbadrob]

Knowing the LDS a transcription error.  I would also guess that the husband isn't at home to cross reference his occupation.  Get the original and see what that says

rob

[Zeb]

Thanks

[Boongie Pam]

I moved this into the common rom as it may get more notice?  Isn't there a "Preventative Guardsman" to do with the navy?  That could also explain his absence?  Hmmm...?

Pam
 

[Berlin-Bob]

Good Thinking, Pam !

I entered "preventative guardsman" in google (work gets boring sometimes !) and found:

http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/Mariners/2002-04/1018651731

"... while serving as a Water Preventive Guardsman at St Agnes."

then I found :

http://morrab.tripod.com/known_coastguards.htm

"In 1809 the Board of Customs formed the Preventive Water Guard to fight smuggling. This water borne force used small boats to patrol every bay and cove. In 1822 the Water Guard became the Coastguard and  were placed under the Treasury and strengthened with 151 stations organised in 31 districts. At each station the chief officer, chief boatman and boatman were experienced naval seamen or fishermen. Supplied with ammunition and stores, they were at sea whenever possible in their four or six oared galley, and in bad weather formed a shore patrol. "

Zeb,
Was that just curiosity, or are you searching for someone ? If the latter, there is also a database of names on the above site ....
 

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi

Think you will find a Preventative man is a 'Coastguard' in the Blockade to prevent smuggling

In other words a Customs Officer

Lots of references to them in the Hastings Census

Chris in 106Land

[Little Nell]

I think you will find it is an officer either in the Coast Guard service or the Customs & Excise - preventing smugglers or moonshiners from carrying on their nefarious deeds.

Nell

[Boongie Pam]

Yeh, a preventative officer was a guy who patrolled coastlines to stop smuggling.

Here's some examples on line...

http://www.sevensisters.org.uk/education/history.html (Ctrl F to find "preventative")

http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/main.asp?svid=141&svaid=362&svapid=1458

1838 29th November. Marie Louise - French Brig, wrecked near Bowleaze Cove. Two small boys rescued by John Mantle, preventative man. Crew saved. (Presentation Watch and Lloyd's Medal given to John Mantle on display at Weymouth Public Library).

http://www.canveyislandhistory.com/history.htm?lang=_e

The activity of smugglers was notorious throughout the country at this time, and Canvey was believed to have no less a share of this action than anywhere else. Preventative men were employed by the government, and it must be assumed that theirs was a thankless task, often being sent on fool's errands while the deed took place in areas they usually frequented. At Hole Haven, however, the strength of the coastguard station resulted in the employment of a Chief Officer, a chief boatman, two commissioned boatmen and four other boatmen. A watchtower was built close to the inn, overlooking the sea wall. Not surprisingly corruption occurred from time to time, and it was rumoured that coins changed hands for the lookout to turn a blind eye at the appointed time. He was persuaded to develop an incredible thirst and subsequently to vacate his post when the contraband came ashore.

So employed by the Govt. - how exciting I want one in my tree!

Pam