Introduction

YWHS is keen to offer its viewers access to reports containing detailed information likely to help with their local and family history research. This report does just that. Donated by its author in 2024 we are delighted to be able to publish its contents for your enjoyment. 

This Report

In 2001, local historian Ron Gosney of Knottingley undertook a significant transcription exercise as part of his research into the mariners of Knottingley. Examining microfilm copies of shipping records held by the Public Records Office, Ron consolidated under each ship the information he found regarding crew members, submitted by Ship’s masters in half-yearly returns for 1850. He concentrated on crews but noted that some of the returns included voyages, wage agreements and provision agreements.

Ron writes that some of the records were virtually impossible to read and others contained conflicting information. He warns of variations in spelling of names. Places of birth and ages were sometimes not accurate, and where differences occur both are shown. When he had not been able to identify a name he tried to show the ticket number, so reference to this source could identify an individual.

The report is organised by crewman surname in ascending sequence. See also the report Crew on Goole Registered Ships, 1850 which holds similar, but earlier, data and is organised in ascending ship name sequence.

Moving around the report

We recommend that you view the report in full screen mode which you switch on by clicking the little button with four arrows. It states Toggle Fullscreen when you hover your cursor over it.

Navigate through the pages of the report by pressing the white arrows to the left and right of the screen. To leave full screen mode press Esc on your keyboard. Enlarge or reduce the report size by clicking on the + or – buttons.

You can search for a particular name of a person or vessel using the search facility, indicated by the little magnifying glass.

Finally, our website has to do a lot of work to bring you these documents, so please be patient as it focuses the display for your enjoyment.