22 August 2024
|
https://www.family-tree.co.uk/store/back-issues/family-tree-magazine
The British Isles have a rich maritime history, and many families have ties to the sea. Perhaps your family was one of them? Follow the guide below to learn about the key research steps, records and resources to help you uncover more about their lives and work at sea.
Tracing the history of mariner ancestors in the British Isles from the 1700s to the 1900s is exciting and fascinating. Whether your ancestors were naval officers, merchant seamen, fishermen, or shipbuilders, there are numerous resources available to help you uncover their stories.
Follow the guide below to learn about the key research steps, records and resources to help you uncover more about their lives and work at sea.
Understanding the maritime history of the time
Background reading is always extremely useful when it comes to family history research, and never more so that when understanding the broader maritime context in which your ancestors lived.
The 1700s to the 1900s were periods of significant maritime activity in the British Isles. The Royal Navy was expanding, the merchant fleet was growing, as was the fishing industry.
The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and the World Wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945) also played a significant role in shaping maritime history during these centuries.
Key archive records for maritime ancestors
Several archives hold invaluable records for tracing mariner ancestors in the British Isles. These records can provide information on everything from employment and service history to personnel details and family details.
1. How to use The National Archives research guides to learn about mariner ancestors
The National Archives in Kew, London, is one of the most important repositories for maritime records in the British Isles. Key records include those for the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy. Explore The National Archives’ research guides to find information about details of service, crew lists, logbooks.
To home in on guides of most interest to you, head over to the guides, and search on phrases of interest, such as ‘Merchant Navy’.
How to find out which maritime records have been digitised
Several notable collections have been digitised – and The National Archives’ guides often include web links to the whereabouts of these digitised records.
Be sure, too, to explore the subscription websites to find gems of interest, such as the UK apprentices indentured in the Merchant Navy, found on Ancestry, and vast collections such as the UK Navy Lists, and ships’ musters at Findmypast.
2. How to find digitised copies of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping online
Lloyd’s Register is a very useful resource for those researching merchant mariners. The register, dates back to 1764 and includes details about ships, their owners, captains, and ports of registry. Even though you are very unlikely to find your ancestor named in person, you can use the registers to learn more about the vessels on which your ancestor worked. The register is available online and can help you trace the vessels your ancestors served on.
Click this link to track down digitised copies of the register over the years.
3. Learn how The Crew List Index Project (CLIP) can help you trace Merchant Navy ancestors
The Crew List Index Project (CLIP) is a specialised resource for those researching Merchant Navy ancestors. The project aims to make the records of merchant seamen more accessible by indexing crew lists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The CLIP website allows you to search for individuals by name or ship.
Search the CLIP database free (there are very useful FAQs, and information on how to search the records).
4. Discover how reading old newspapers can help you trace maritime ancestors
Newspapers often reported on shipwrecks, maritime accidents, and other sea-related news. Historic newspapers can provide context and personal stories that might not be found in official records. For vast numbers of digitised newspaper collections see https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ and www.findmypast.co.uk
5. Useful books for maritime genealogy
As mentioned at the start, background reading will be both useful – and fascinating – as you go about researching the lives of your mariner ancestors.
Here are some useful books to help you:
Tracing your Merchant Navy Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians by Simon Wills
Tracing your Naval Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians by Simon Fowler
How to Survive in the Georgian Navy by Bruno Pappalardo
My ancestor worked at sea. How do I find out more?
For further information and advice to help you trace your mariner ancestors, check out the October 2024 issue of Family Tree for the detailed article by professional genealogist Nicholas Dixon. Order your copy here.
