1861 Census - Boat related

[jacobpalmer05]

My auntie is going through our family tree and has come across a 1861 "Form for vessels", she would very much like to know details about the boat, very little of which we can make out.

I was hoping someone with a little more boating knowledge or someone with experience of reading this difficult writing might be able to help.

Please see the link below for the picture:

http://sharing.ancestry.co.uk/4830961?h=30e3a5&amp...

Thanks.

[spitfire-ian]

The fact it says Maldon under the port and Barge in the description box you're probably looking at a Thames Barge.

Thames Barge 'Lady Daphne', Mistley Quay, Mistley, Essex by imulford, on Flickr

Can't make out the name of it unfortunately but they were extremely common all over the estuaries on the east coast around Essex, Suffolk, and of course London.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_sailing_barge

[Fishtigua]

I did my Yacht-Master Exam with 2 brothers who owned and ran one. Very special now.
Maybe contact them through the Association.


http://www.sailingbargeassociation.co.uk/

[Simpo Two]

The name is annoying indecipherable - closest fit I can see is 'Melpus' which doesn't make much sense.

What I do notice, though, is that on the left the Master's name is Alexander Fawcett, but in the centre the signature is not his.

Ship is described as 'Barge Coasting' so could be anything IMHO.

[951TSE]

You might find this website useful in your search:

http://www.sailingbargeresearch.org.uk/