Robinsons Shipbuilders, Sunderland 1839-1870s

[Mrs Kathleen Gill]

Hi
Although not related I have been researching the Robinson family of John, son of James. John's son Alfred was Chief Engineer on the SS Ottercaps when it was lost with all hands in 1903. We have just had an exhibition in Sunderland on the Ottercaps and have contacts with many of the descendants of Alfred, many of whom live in Australia. If you do not know about the Ottercaps I am happy to share information and would also like to take contact details if possible from descendants of James Robinson born Skelton in 1785. I believe that James also had sons William and George, William was also a shipbuilder. By the way Gibson Terrace, which was part of Chester Road, and where several of the family lived, was built by John Robinson. He used his workforce in building when the shipyards did not have much work.

[Milliemoe]

I didn't know about the Ottercaps incident nor that John built homes either, but I am a descendant of James Robinson of Skelton who had married Mary Brocket. They did have a number of children George, William, Anne (who died in her first year) John and James. John with his wife Martha Shepherd had eight children (including Alfred whom you mention) and James had 12, including another James from whom I am descended. Actually that third James died young of heart problems and was the only one not connected to the sea. My father and his father were both master mariners. Its some time since I did my research but I would be very interested to read any more up to date information.

[Newfloridian]

I came across The Sunderland Site when researching the Victorian mariners in my own family history. Although based in Canada Peter Searle has amassed a remarkable record of ships and ship builders which includes John and James Robinson amongst many others

Alan