"Licensed stage porter" on 1901 census

[Gen List Lass]

I have found a man who said he was a licensed stage porter on the 1901 census. On the 1891 census he was a pensioner. 1911 he doesn't appear on the census but dies in 1922.

I was wondering who would give licenses to stage porters.

When I went on a behind the scenes tour of one of our oldest city theatres, they told us that sailors were often used as stage hands as they could manipulate the ropes and tie the knots.

So should I assume (!) that he was an ex sailor? Or should I try to find who issued the licenses?

Gen in NBL England

[avm228]

I wonder whether it might relate to a landing stage at the docks, rather than a theatrical stage?

Where was he in 1901 - and is there a clerical mark showing allocation to occupational category?

[stanmapstone]

Are you sure it is 'stage'? A licensed badge porter was usually a luggage porter supplied with a badge by a local authority or railway company, and authorised to carry passengers' luggage from the railway station or steamship wharf to a private address, or other station or wharf.
"A Dictionary of Occupational Terms"

Stan

[Gen List Lass]

I've blown it right up but the thick nib and the splodgy ink don't help.

However I'm sure it is "stage" not badge.

BUT over the top is written in heavy ink what looks like "Dock  L"

As it's in Birkenhead, it could well be something to do with docks rather than theatres.....possibly Liverpool Docks?

If he was a licensed dock porter where would he apply for a license...........? I would have thought it would be a job for day labourers or were they all ganged up by then?

Gen in NBL England

[stanmapstone]

Could he be a licensed landing stage porter?. Looking at occupations in the 1911 census there are a number of licensed porters, one is a "Licensed Ferry Luggage Porter" Birkenhead, so I assume they are the same as a licensed badge porter.
See  http://www.rootschat.com/links/0y33/
Stan

[Gen List Lass]

From the circumstances I am quite persuaded that he was working on the docks, not the theatre as first assumed.

That book about licensing is most interesting, thanks Stan.

Thank you to all who helped, I think this completes this query.

Gen in NBL England