Lighterman Apprentices

[Julesrose68]

My Great Grandfather William James Randall born in 1842 in marylebone London, was a Lighterman on the Thames, he did take an apprenticeship, and wondered if anyone could find any information as to when and what age etc, and any documentation. Thank you

[PaulineJ]

Welcome,
See if your local library has access to Findmypast or takeout a trial

https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-records/thames-watermen-and-lightermen-1688-2010

Pauline

[Julesrose68]

Thank you Pauline for your help. I wish I’d realised, I’ve just finished a subscription on Find My Past, and my Library is closed, now I have the information of where to look, I’ll have to look later thank you.

[jomcd967]

William James Randall, bound 10 Feb 1859 to George Doo of Lambeth, freed 12 Jun 1866.

Jo 

[Julesrose68]

  :)Hi Jo that’s very kind of you, thank you. I’m surprised it was for such a short time as I suppose the word “Freed” means he moved on to something else. Thank you 😃

[tonepad]

The Lighterman Apprenticeship lasted seven years in his time (1859 to 1866). During the apprenticeship he would be bound to a certain Master (e.g. of a sailing barge) and then freed after completing the apprenticeship and become a Journeyman Freeman of The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. The Master was often an older relative.

https://watermenscompany.com/the-company/history/


Tony

[Julesrose68]

  Tony thank you. I understand now. I’m pleased as well that it was his sole occupation.
Thank you your time and for messaging me it’s so interesting.
Regards