HELP needed with Merchant Seamen records 1800's

[whoamI2008]

An index to entries in the Lloyds Captains Register 1869-1911. Series MS 18567 appears at the Guildhall Library website.

http://www.history.ac.uk/gh/capintro.htm

However it seems that an index for Captains whose names begin with "F" has not been done yet.
There is some useful information if you follow the link to the The Guildhall Library information leaflet "Lloyd’s "Captains Registers" at Guildhall Library and related sources elsewhere".

There is alot of information here:
 
http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=89&c=166

if your ancestor sailed overseas.

regards
graham

[GAYNOR WILKINSON]

Thanks Graham,
I will check it out.

 
Gaynor

[Erincyprus]

My Great Grandfather was John Frimstone, he was a mariner and in the 1871 census, he is listed as a Master mariner. Could anyone advise whether records are available online or otherwise. I am planning a visit to Greenwich but need his registration number.

Thanks
Gaynor

Try here,

 http://www.irishmariners.ie/links.php


Erin

[Erincyprus]

PS if you find him here they will have all details and a possible photograph.  28 quid and I got all details including photographs A4 size for four Family Members.  Contact them great bunch and limited cost for information.



Erin

[GAYNOR WILKINSON]

Thanks Errin,

What a wonderful site however, my Gt Grandfather isn't there.

Thanks anyway,
GW

[seaweed]

There were no central records of British merchant seamen (apart from Masters, Mates and some Engineers) kept between 1857 and effectively 1919. Records for WW1 were kept but for some reason these have been destroyed. Researching mariners from this period is always difficult.

Just a couple of explanations to some of the posts.

Seamans Pouches ( they are stored in paper pouch's at Kew, they were not a worn or carried) The documents contained within, except if the individual had service from the Fourth Register of Merchant Seamen, are, by and large post 1941. For details see.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,519246.15.html

Lloyd's Captains Registers are indexed for the letter "F" but John Frimstone is not listed. This could be for a number of reasons most common of which, he was engaged in and certificated for the Home Trade or he was not a Master.

Memorial University of Newfoundland records of Crew Lists or more correctly Crew Agreements are indexed by ships official number and cannot be searched by an individuals name. Note that some Crew Agreements are stored in County Record offices, Kew, and NMM

I think the first place you should look is in BT154/7 at Kew and as already stated this would mean a visit. Be aware that seafaring by its very nature is an occupation not easily regulated or documented so be prepared for a long haul.

I have found a John Frimstone born 1860 in Flint North Wales on board the vessel  NORA CAINE o/n 62972. Too young for your man but maybe a relative?

 

[GAYNOR WILKINSON]

Thank you Seaweed for the information.
John Frimstone 1860 was one of my Gt Grandfather sons, he had three sons, all were seamen.

Regards
GW