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Maritime records

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Lesley

Lesley Report 9 Apr 2008 16:53

Does anyone know how i can find out about an ancester of mine who, it is said, was a capitain of a trding ship on the Thames. His name was either Robert or Joe , Burnes or Barnes. I guess this would be in the late 1800's but could heve been 1900's. I have looked on ancestry but can't find him at all.Has anyone got any ideas please.

♥Athena

♥Athena Report 9 Apr 2008 17:21

Have you tried the National Archives website? They have naval records but you have to pay £3.50 to download them.

I've used this a few times and the info has always been well worth the money.

It might be an idea to find out first exactly what his name was as that will make it easier and prevent the scenario of ending up with the wrong person's records.

Athena

Lesley

Lesley Report 9 Apr 2008 19:26

Looking in my records , I find that he married Fanny ( Frances ) Keith , b 1865 in Plumstead London.I have searched and can't find the marriage. I am going back to try the census again.I will have a look at that site too. Thanks.

Lesley

Lesley Report 9 Apr 2008 19:29

I don't think he will be in naval records as he was capitain of a trading ship, probably not navy. He was made a Freeman of the City of London. I have been in touch with them but they can't help.

Devon Dweller

Devon Dweller Report 9 Apr 2008 22:02

I think the only way to find merchant sailors (trading) is to looks for a seamans ticket which are generally held at Kew in London.
Theres lots of information on the NA if you type in seamans ticket in the search box.

I have one for my GG Grandfather dated 1845 and it gives some interesting bits of info

Lesley

Lesley Report 10 Apr 2008 20:07

Thanks to another genes member I have found out his name is Robert Burn, he was a lighterman on a Thames Barge in 1891 and 1901.I looked on the NA but it seems that if I want to find out anything I will have to go to Kew.As I don't have time for that due to work etc I suppose I will have to put this line on hold for a while. Many thanks for all your help and ideas.