Register of Seamen's Tickets, BT113 (1845 - 1854)

[kit54]

Hi,

Please could anyone help me?

My ancestor was a merchant seaman, and lived in Liverpool between voyages.
I have found a record for him in the above Series, but am finding it hard to understand the significance of the figures.

There are 2 sets of entries (one for 1845 and one for 1846), with the number 49235 straddling both columns (so I know that these were Home trade voyages) in both years. Immediately above this, there is also the letter M.
So,
1. does the M stand for Mate or Master? and
2. Is this number ie 49235, the port of registry of the ship, or is it some sort of ship identification number?
I would be very grateful if anyone could shed some light on this, and tell me if any other information could be gleaned from these figures and letter, especially if the name of the ship can be identified.

Thanks very much,

Kit

[ColC]

Information from Register of Seaman’s Tickets. (1845 – 1854)

49235 is his Register Number. There should be a description of the person and comments on their service to date.

The voyages within British Coastal Waters; would include two numbers these are Port Numbers such as Deal, Kent (32) Baltimore, Cork, Ireland, (6), Cley, Norfolk (26), Scilly Isles (86).They would be record like this 117/56 that means from Irvine to Caernarfon, Wales, then to 12/46 Bideford, Devon, Gloucester, before heading back to Irvine.

There is more information on http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng#MerchantMarine

Colin

[kit54]

Hi Colin,

Thanks very much for your reply.
Unfortunately, I am still very confused!
According to my Ancestor's record (in the BT 113 Series), his Register Ticket Number is a completely different number and NOT 49235!
Also, if you go to www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/merchant-seamen-serving-up-to-1857 and then go to Section 5, and then 5.4, there is a photocopy of an example of one of these entries, which indicates that this number (ie 49235) is "the Port of registry of ship".  Also, in the example given is another figure, underneath, which is described as "Port rotation Number", (my ancestor does not seem to have this).
ALSO, if you look at this photocopy, I think it's very confusing and would really appreciate some help.

Thanks,

Kit

[seaweed]

Is it possible that you could give us your ancestors name and date and place of birth?

[kit54]

Hi Seaweed,

Thanks for your reply.

It's Luke Davies, 19/5/1784 and it's Llan Llechid

Kit

[seaweed]

In answer to your first original question.
1/ Yes. The letter M denotes Mate. Masters were denoted with the letter C (Captain)

2/ The numbers 49235 is interpreted as 492 the ships port rotation number. 35 the port number.

the port number 35 refers to Dublin. My guess he was employed on short sea routes Liverpool to Irish Sea ports.

The port rotation number is a little more involved. No "Key" exists  to match port rotation numbers with a vessels name. To find out the name of the vessel he served on in 1845/46 you need to trawl through crew agreements for these years. Ironically they are catalogued by ships name not her port rotation number.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_srt=3&_st=adv&_ep=Dublin&_cr1=bt98&_dss=range&_sd=1845&_ed=1846&_ro=any

You would need to visit Kew. If you do find a correct crew agreement the first one may tell you the name of his previous ship. In this way by looking back through previous years you may be able to find details of his seagoing career, but that's an ideal scenario.

I note he served in the Royal Navy. Maybe one of our RN experts can help you search for his RN records. Try a post on the Armed Forces board.

[kit54]

Thanks very much for that seaweed,

I've spent ages trying to match this number with the name of a ship, and have been going round in circles. After reading your post, I now understand why!

Although I am frustrated at not being able to find the name of the ship (can't go to Kew), I am very mindful of he invaluable expertise and help that you have so kindly given me.

You have been totally brilliant,

Thanks again,

Kit

[seaweed]

I  have sent you a PM.