seaman ???

[genewizard]

Hi between 1861 and 1870 I have a relative who is listed on census and birth and marriage certificates as a "seaman" does this mean he was in the merchant navy or the regular navy or something else, I believe he probably started as an apprentice seamen are there any online records I can search for this period
thank you
genewizard

[Jan1954]

Hi there,

Well, without knowing which type of seaman he was, it might be a bit difficult.

To start with, My Ancestor Was a Merchant Seaman may help you. Also, if you establish that he was a member of the Royal Navy, then the various TNA research guides could also help.

[Jane Gee]

Hi
What is his name and approximate date of birth.
Try a search at the National Archives to see if his name pops up for the merchant navy etc.

Jane

[genewizard]

Hi Jane is name is James Gosling he was born c1842 and from around 1860 he was lining in Hebburn county Durham though I don't know where he was born

[Nicolina]

if he lived in Hebburn whilst he was a seaman then I would expect him being in the Merchant Navy

[genewizard]

thanks Nicolina does that mean the Tyne and Wear archives should have him listed somewhere in their collections

[Nicolina]

I don't know what T & W actually have in the way of Records. Have just checked their webpage and they do have "Board of Trade Crew Lists and Agreements 1863 - 1913" also " Records of Merchant Shipping and Seamen" which might help. There are also some collections from various Missions to Seamen but they may not be of much help.