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Mariner apprenticeship records

Posted by Cathy Crandall on 27/5/2022, 9:43 pm

Richard Norman of Ilfracombe was a seaman in the coasting trade, beginning at age 11 as an apprentice aboard the sloop Hope in 1787. I have a candidate in Berrynarbor for the christening, but I would love to confirm Richard's place of birth. I'm hoping there might be some remaining apprenticeship records - unable to find anything online. Richard died in 1827, so he is not in the post 1850 Master Mariner records. Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: Mariner apprenticeship records

Posted by Judith on 29/5/2022, 10:59 am, in reply to "Mariner apprenticeship records"

Looking for a Richard Norman born Devon 1775/6 threw up 2, the Berrynabour one and one born Ilfracombe, both with a father John. The Berrynarbour one I think is more likely, his mother was Joanna nee Hole, whose father was a Richard, so the name could have come from him. the 1774 one for Ilfracombe would have been 13 in 1887when he was signed up. His parents married in 1774.
Might be worth checking out the surname Hole, in case there is a family connection to the sea there too.
Hope this helps.

Re: Mariner apprenticeship records

Posted by Cathy Crandall on 29/5/2022, 9:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Mariner apprenticeship records"

Thank you. I also think the Berrynarbor one is the most likely, but it is nice to have another opinion. John and Joanna had at least four other children, the three later ones christened in Ilfracombe, showing a connection to Ilfracombe by the time Richard went to sea. I'll definitely follow up with Joanna Hole's family, good idea.

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