London Cordwainers

[Dramagal27]

Great-grandfather learned the Shoemakers trade in the Navy.
When he got out, he settled in East-end London.
He and the family left London in 1870. They were sponsored by Mrs. Hobart (East London Emigration Fund).

Need a look-up for Richard Smith, b. 1834 (married to an Annie Elizabeth). Would he have paid into a union or guild? Was it common to learn this trade in the navy?

Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

Marianne