Redhead - River Pilots in Newcastle

[jillybilly]

I have two ancestors with the surname of Redhead, Robert is down as River Pilot and his son Thomas is Master of a Tug Steamboat both around the mid 1800s, as they were from Newcastle I am presuming that they were on the Tyne. Does anyone know where I might find out more information on them?

[Framesmiths1816]

I found the following information in which you might find something useful. It depends on how close to 1800 your family member was a Master.

www.history.ac.uk/gh/capreg.htm

It lists a lot of the sources and type of information available on the Merchant Service.

Framesmiths1816

[Framesmiths1816]

I'm not sure who Harbour pilots worked for. If it was the Port Authority then this link might also give you some information

www.portoftyne.co.uk/sitepage.aspx?id=59#eighteenfifty

Framesmiths1816

[jillybilly]

Thank you very much for your suggestions, having looked at the links it might take me a while to digest it all. I have read that the occupation tended to run in families so would be interested to learn if there were generations of river pilots before.

[celia]

Jilly
Most pilots records,if they worked for the Docks and Harbor board. Will be in the M.M Where most of the merchant seamens records are kept for that aria.

Celia

[jillybilly]

Thank you very much Celia, will certainly check that out.

[Margaretg1]

Hi

Just seen your post.  I have Robert Redhead born 1792 wallsend as a river pilot.  I've been told Trinity House might have records but have as yet not had time to chase this. My Robert married Mary Hedley and 1 of their daughters Sarah married James Iley. that's the line that leads to me.

Margaret

[jillybilly]

Hi Margaret,

I was really glad to get your message. It is definately the same Robert Redhead as mine is also married to a Mary Hedley, unfortunately there appears, according to the IGI to be two Mary Hedleys  born around the same time from Northumberland and I cannot work out which one is the right one. Where did you get the information that lead you to Sarah? I have only been able to locate two sons, Thomas and John from the 1841 Census.

I read recently in the Times that the Redhead genes are from the Vikings, you may have someone in the family with the DNA to prove it! My DNA came down the female line so it wouldn't work with me.

Trinity House does sound like a good source. I don't get up to Newcastle very often these days and apparently you have to book an appointment. If you get the time to do it, do let me know and vice versa.

Regards
Jill

[jillybilly]

Hello again Margaret,

DUH! Just realised that you are from the female line as well. Never mind, at least we can sort of claim we came from the Vikings!

Jill