Mariners

[timothypickles]

Hi

I am interested in finding out about mariners of the 18th century. My ancestor was a mariner at Wapping London, but I believe he was originally from Whitby in Yorkshire.

Are there any records or registers available that could help me confirm this?

His descendants lived in Whitby and they're surname 'Harland' is common in the area.

Thanks in anticipation

[seaweed]

Searching for individual merchant seaman before the introduction of the 1835 Merchant Shipping Act is always difficult.
The records after 1835 can be searched via FindMyPast. This from TNA Kew explains.
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C3153

For Muster Roles (Crew Agreements/Lists) of Whitby ships from 1747-1795. Try Whitby Museum

https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/library-and-archive/muster-rolls/

[timothypickles]

Thanks