Seafarers Records

[Tinpot]

I would like some help if anyone has any knowledge about records started in the 1830’s, by the Board of Trade, of merchant seamen who could be called into the navy if needed. The record gives the name, age and place of birth. My query is how to interpret the numbers relating to voyages in the 2 years completed.

 

[MWS]

Does the transcript given any clues? 6 - 45, 12 - 45 etc could possibly be dates.

There are a list of abbreviations for ports, 64 is London but there's no 1277. There is a 12 Bideford and 77 Penzance, so maybe started at Bideford, stopped at Penzance and the continued on to London.

That is total speculation.

 

[Tinpot]

Does the transcript given any clues? 6 - 45, 12 - 45 etc could possibly be dates.

There are a list of abbreviations for ports, 64 is London but there's no 1277. There is a 12 Bideford and 77 Penzance, so maybe started at Bideford, stopped at Penzance and the continued on to London.

That is total speculation.

Thanks MWS. Your suggestion of port number codes has led me to the Crew List Information Project with a website at - crewlist.org.uk There is a lot of information they are working on with a search option online. Plenty of links also. 1277 might be what they call a port rotation number. Tinpot

 

[Tinpot]

Does the transcript given any clues? 6 - 45, 12 - 45 etc could possibly be dates.

There are a list of abbreviations for ports, 64 is London but there's no 1277. There is a 12 Bideford and 77 Penzance, so maybe started at Bideford, stopped at Penzance and the continued on to London.

That is total speculation.

I have found a ship registration number 1277 in what is called the Appropriation Book. The name is Eclat registered in Swansea. 21 ton sailing ship. That would fit in with small coastal journeys.

 

[Pedrocut]

Nelson Dock, Eclat 21, Brooks Swansea 1855

Sailed July 21 Eclat, Ellery at Swansea from Bilbao 1870.

Eclat Arrived from Seville to Liverpool 1880.