Customs officer hull

[kallie50]

Hello, I'm searching for information on my ancestor Thomas Williams who was born in Weymouth Dorset about 1791.  All of his children were born in Dorset except the youngest William Henry, who was born in Hull. 1841 & 1851 shows Thomas living in Hull and occupation as customs officer.  His occupation on birth register of all his children show mariner, seaman or customs officer. Any help with hints or adv on where to go for information would be most appreciated.  Kind regards Lynne

[KGarrad]

Try here:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/customs-officers/

[kallie50]

Thank you,  I am in Australia so I would need to look at the online records. Is an Athens user something I need to subscribe to.?  I have full membership of Ancestry.com.  Do you know if this would give me access to online records?. Thank you for your help, most appreciative

[KGarrad]

As the article points out, the records are held at The National Archives.
They are NOT available on Ancestry!

The article also says that some records are available online - follow the guidance given.

There is a link to Discovery, the search engine for TNA, where you may find some records.

Otherwise you will have to request copies of papers (there will be a cost) or pay a researcher at TNA to find things.

What is an "Athens user"?

[ShaunJ]

Per the 1851 census he was a "1st Class Weigher in HM Customs".

His marriage announcement (to Mrs Elizabeth Dickinson, Hull Advertiser and Exchange Gazette, 14 April 1848) also describes him as a weigher in the Customs.

[kallie50]

Thank you for your help