Thousands of Thames records go online

Submitted by mattelton

Thu, 2011-09-08 10:33

A major collection of records detailing thousands of people who made a living on the river Thames in London can now be explored on the web for the first time

Thursday 2 February, 2012
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A major set of documents chronicling the lives of people who made a living on one of the UK’s largest waterways is now available to explore online for the first time.

Spanning the years between 1688 and 1949, the collection features more than 90,000 records of forebears who worked as watermen and lightermen carrying passengers and cargo actross the Thames. The diverse array of documents includes binding records, Corporation of Trinity House watermen licences, details of competitors in the Doggett Coat and Badge Hanover prize race and apprentice affadavit books. All of the records can be searched by first name, surname and date.

"We often get asked about researching Thames watermen ancestors, so it's very exciting that these records are now available for anyone to search online for the first time," says findmypast.co.uk's Amy Sell. "There's a rumour that one of my own ancestors won the Doggett Coat & Badge race, so I can't wait to take a look. And if you find one waterman or lighterman in your family tree, it's likely that you'll find more, as this tended to be an occupation that ran in families."

For more details about researching your Thames ancestors, don't miss our in-depth feature in the March issue of Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, on sale from 21 February.

TAKE IT FURTHER

► To find out more and explore the records, visit www.findmypast.co.uk

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