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Working on and along the river   Theme Sections Introduction Fishing Eel catching Shrimping Boat building Barges 1943 Watermen Lightermen Ferrymen Locks and keepers Wharves and docks Corporation of London The Maria Wood Thames Conservancy Port of London Environment Agency       More Themes Thames Riverside Pubs Special Collections From source to sea Working on and along the river The river environment Enjoying the river The changing riverside landscape The river in art Timeline Gallery

Themes Homepage > Watermen   Working on and along the river Watermen previous sectionnext section Royal Watermen Watermen Watermen have transported passengers across and along the river Thames for hundreds of years.   They were the taxi drivers of the medieval period. In 1555, during the reign of Mary I, watermen were so numerous, and crime was so common, that the trade was licensed from Gravesend to Windsor, and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established. Book of 'Laws and Constitutions for Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames'   Watermen's table of rates Fixed rates were charged between the landing stages of the river, and published on notice boards. Look at this page from the charges in 1828, and see how much it would cost to travel from Southwark to Blackfriar bridge. Some archives and libraries still hold examples of the beautiful certificates of apprenticeship, followed 5 to 7 years later with proof that the individuals have become freemen.   Apprentice This indenture witnesseth that Henry Andrew George Heather doth put himself apprentice to George Henry Heather, a freeman of the Company of Watermen and lightermen of the River Thames to learn his Art, and with him to dwell and serve upon the River of Thames from the day of this date hereof until the full end and term of seven years Indenture   Registration Freeman Know ye that at a court for the admission of Freemen of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, this day holden at the hall of the said Company Joseph Heather was duly admitted, allowed and registered a Freeman of the said Company.   Doggett's Coat and Badge Race Thomas Doggett, an Irish actor, along with his friends may have encouraged watermen to race each other for a wager as they travelled the Thames. This became a formal race in 1715, for watermen who had completed their apprenticeships, with a gruelling course of over 4 miles from London Bridge to Chelsea. Doggett Coat and Badge   Watermen's School cash book, 1806 Waterman's School, Putney The Watermen's school, Putney, was founded in 1684 by Thomas Martyn, after he had been rescued from the river. 20 sons of local Putney watermen were admitted when the school opened in June 1718. Documents have survived including the cash book from 1806, showing the purchase of coats, waistcoats, breeches, caps and shoes.   Many items of interest to family and local historians are available to view in the local studies room of libraries. This waterman's school report from 1883 list the names of the pupils and their aptitude for reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic. Watermen's School report, 1883   previous sectionnext section     Themes Homepage > Watermen

   

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