Seaman

[Ann12]

Hi,

If seaman is Merchant Navy is mariner Royal Navy?  Or could mariner be classed as both. 

According to an ancesters marriage registration (in 1800) he was a mariner.

Thanks

Anna

[casalguidi]

Hi Anna

From my experience, seaman & mariner are both usually Merchant Navy whilst sailor is generally Royal Navy.

However, back in 1800 people only signed on for single voyages so often alternated between the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy ie. they signed on for a trip and their employment was finished when they arrived back home.

Casalguidi

[Ann12]

Hi Casalguidi,

Would you have an idea how I can try and trace an ancester who was in either Navy?  He married a local lass in Seaford, Sussex but I can find no trace of him before that in Sussex (in fact apart from his subsequent children there are only a couple of Herbert's that I can find).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Anna

[casalguidi]

Hi Anna

Are there no clues as to his occupation in the baptism records for any of his children ie. post 1812?  His burial?  Will?  Wills of any other HERBERTs in the area?  Was he alive in 1841+ ie. census records?  Settlement certificates/examinations for Seaford?

Do the militia lists for Sussex c1803 include seafarers?  There were various lists drawn up in preparation for a Napoleonic invasion which often detail ages/occupations and positions they were to adopt in the event of an invasion.

Try and find out as much as you can as to what records survive for Seaford c1800

Best wishes

Casalguidi

[Ann12]

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have been able to find out alot about his children and that In London he was a Newspaper Editor.  On his marriage registration it said he was over 21 and from Lewes.  However, I don't think that is where he was born.

Anyway the militia list suggestion looks interesting - that will be my next project.

Thanks again

Anna

[casalguidi]

Hi Anna

If he was a newspaper editor, have you looked for his obituary in the newspaper that he edited (or even in "The Times" perhaps) if you can find out which one?

Casalguidi