Genealogy Chat

Hi, Is anyone clued up on procedures with ref. to any of the Censuses and Vessels, H.M.S or other. I have one relative who on the 1861 census is shown as on board a H.M.S. Vessel. Question is - were censusus taken only if the Ship was docked in a British Port or on a British Ship anywhere? (the one I have only mentions China as a port). Also is there a Knack to finding a Vessel Census? Hoping someone can sea what I mean! Lynn

They can be abroad and not just at a British port. Click on 1861 and scroll down to county lists and there you'll find misc ships at sea ports and abroad (or similar wording) you should be able to find the ship from there....as long as you know the name of it. Sheila

Thanx Sheila, brilliant

Thanks Sheila, that's a help, is that so for later Censusus too? as I have him in 1861 but lose him after. Lynn

Yes it's the same.

Be prepared to find your ancestor entered twice on the same census. This happened to my great-grandfather for one census - his ship was in port, and all the men were entered on the census. He was also entered on the census at home (Portsea) I was rather puzzled until I viewed the ship's entry again, and, although submitted, it had a note to the effect that the crew were not on board that night.

Thanks for that Elizabeth, pity I can't find him once in 1871 let alone twice! perhaps he jumped ship! was on leave in Foreign parts or had been buried at sea (how would you find that out?), Or for drama perhaps he became a Pirate and had to walk the plank lol. Lynn.

What are his details? If you give us his name, dob and vessel if known we could look for you. A fresh pair of eyes often help!