can you read this dockyard occupation??

[Little Nell]

Could it be Ind(ustrial) Dockyard?

I feel that suggestion is over-complicating things.  The Royal Dockyard was the lifeblood of Portsea.  Its existence was firmly rooted in the naval presence. By 1800 it had become one of the biggest industrial complexes in the world and its purpose was to support the dockyard.  Smiths, hammermen, caulkers, shipwrights, carpenters, ropemakers, mast-makers were all in great demand, followed later by steam engineers and all the artisans needed to keep a warship afloat.

I really do think that the initial entry was Ind(ependent) with the source of his independent income added afterwards.

Nell

[hallmark]

I really do think that the initial entry was Ind(ependent) with the source of his independent income added afterwards.

Nell

I think so too....

added to this

[Rosinish]

Apologies for my post of another possibility as it wasn't meant as anything other than that.

I was only adding what I interpreted could be something else rather than Independent.

I'm sure most of us like to see different opinions whether right/wrong/indifferent which can also be of use to others?

Annie

[Little Nell]

No need to apologise, Annie - it is a valid opinion and opinions were invited.

And after all, the OP can evaluate and then decide which opinion might have the greatest weight - or ignore us all entirely!  .  I think this is probably quite a good way of proceeding on occasions.

Nell

[Melbell]

For what it's worth, I think the enumerator wrote 'Ind.' meaning independent and then amplified it by squeezing the extra information in where he could.  I don't believe all the rather convoluted other suggested explanations about India etc.  Take it at face value - he lived in Portsmouth and worked at the Dockyard.

Others' opinions always valuable and valued, of course!

Melbell