Lightermen

[Ellie7]

As far as I know they only worked on the Thames ,and served about a 5 years apprenticeship.

www.bargemen.co.uk/pdf/wills_lm.PDF

ellie

 

[p.risboy]

I don't think that's right, Lightermen didn't only work on the Thames. But Windsor is on the River Thames.

Lighterman - Works on lighters - flat bottomed barges.

http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/l.html

Steve.

 

[Ellie7]

They unloaded the Ships.

edit-watermenscompany.com/

 

[p.risboy]

They unloaded the Ships.

edit-watermenscompany.com/

Yes, that's The Watermens Guild of London.

There are, or were, Lightermen in Liverpool, Bristol, and anywhere they were required. Not just London.

 

[Ellie7]

Believe they were called Wherries.



Ellie

 

[p.risboy]

Wherry's were for passengers or cargo. The construction is different than a Lightermans barge.
More like a rowing boat really.

Steve.