Discussion Papers In Economics
And Business

Mariners in Bristol in the seventeenth and eighteen centuries-An analysis based on probate inventories-

Yoshihiko Okabe
Discussion Paper 12-15

Graduate School of Economics andOsaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP)
Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, JAPANMariners in Bristol in the seventeenth and eighteen centuries-An analysis based on probate inventories-

Yoshihiko Okabe
Discussion Paper 12-15
August 2012

Graduate School of Economics andOsaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP)
Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, JAPANMariners in Bristol in the seventeenth and eighteen centuries-An analysis based on probate inventoriesYoshihiko Okabe †August 20, 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this research note is to study the mariner occupation in Bristol byanalyzing probate inventories from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A large
percentage of people were engaged in the occupation of a mariner, and this was a
primary occupation for many in Bristol. In this research note, the general distribution
and value of mariners‟ inventories are determined. It is difficult to define the occupationof a mariner by referring to only one image. Almost all mariners belonged to the
middle-income group, but some inventories recorded very high values. High-value
inventories were particularly recorded in the seventeenth century. Hence, the mariner
occupation belonged to the upper-middle-income group in the seventeenth century; later,
this occupation gave way to that of low-wage worker in the eighteenth century. The
word “mariner” has a board meaning, and it cannot be restricted to only one occupation.
JEL Classification: N3, N13
Key-words: English economic history, probate inventories, mariners, Bristol† Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, Kobe Gakuin University.
E-mail: okabe@eb.kobegakuin.ac.jp

1

Probate inventories in Bristol
The purpose of this research note is to study the mariner occupation in Bristol byanalyzing probate inventories from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
A probate inventory is a historical source for studies on British economic history
between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. It comprised a list of movable objects,
and one can access immense information regarding not only goods and chattels but also
credits. Hence, if these inventories are analyzed, it is possible to show not only patterns
in lifestyle and consumer behavior, but also the financial life cycle. In addition, we
could gather information on occupations and values and possibly clarify social
economic structures from thesis by Gregory King or roll of middling sort. As seen in the
research of L. Wetherill and of M. Overton, frequencies of ownership were often
analyzed.1 However, some people opine that probate inventories are an unsuitablehistorical material owing to content inaccuracy. For example, M. Spufford examines
whether probate inventories are acceptable or not as historical material by omission of
goods, unconfirmed numbers, and so on.2 Nonetheless, from the perspective of theprobate process, it is possible to expect a high level of accuracy because someappraisers belonged to the same profession as that of the deceased and a rigid probate
process was followed.3
Some recent research adopts take new approaches. For example, P. Bowen
investigated the stock of a “shop” in probate inventories around Cardiff. Bowensuggests that merchant inventories included the category of “shop”. Perhaps, the stockin shops were appraised correctly because of the nature of the commodities.4 N. Coxand Wolverhampton University also collaborated on a research project titled the„Dictionary of traded goods and commodities 1550-1800‟.5 In this project, Cox insiststhat the most important historical sources are the probate inventories collected in the1

Weatherill, L. (1996) Consumer Behaviour & Material Culture in Britain 1660-1760,
Routledge., Overton, M., Whittle, J., Dean, D., Hann, A. (2004) Production and Consumption
in English Households, 1600-1750, Routledge.
2
Spufford, M. (1990) „The limitations of the probate inventory‟, in J. Chartres ed., English
Rural Society, 1500-1800: Essays in Honour of Joan Thirsk, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, pp.139-174.
3
Okabe, Y., „Legal background and appraisal method of probate inventories in England‟, Osaka
Economic Papers (December 2009), Osaka University.
4
Bowen, P. (2004) Shopkeepers and Tradesmen in Cardiff and the Vale 1633-1857, Bowen.
5Cox, N. (2000) The Complete Tradesman: A Study of Retailing, 1550-1820, Ashgate.
2

West Midlands, North Midlands, London, and Sussex.
The publication of probate inventories were issued by societies in each county. In
recent years, many researchers have begun to refer to such publications. J. Moore statesthat an effective use of probate inventories in research can result in continuity.6 The
probate inventories stored at the Bristol Record Office are an example of records
maintained in a good condition.
With regard to the inventories in Bristol, there are two useful publications. The firstis a set of three volumes edited by E. and S. George.7 This research investigated allprobate inventories within the city and deanery of Bristol from 1542 to 1804; in all,
330 inventories were selected as a representative sample. The second is a guide toprobate inventories in Bristol also edited by E. and S. George; this book is similar to theindex of other record offices. This guide includes 7,169 inventories from the deanery of
the Bristol diocese,8 and each inventory is listed alphabetically and includes some
information, for example, the year, reference, name, parish and area, occupation or
status, and value. This note utilizes this index to analyze patterns in the content ofprobate inventories in Bristol.
This note also investigates the tendency of one primary occupation in Bristol: thatof a mariner. A large percentage of people were engaged in the occupation of a mariner,
and this was a primary occupation for many in Bristol because the city was well known
and large port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This note tries to determine
the type of mariner profession prevalent in Bristol during this period.

Mariners in Bristol between seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
The number of existing probate records are estimated to be two million wills, one
million probate inventories, and 30,000 probate accounts,9 but these numbers are not
6

Moore, J. S. (1985) „Probate Inventories: Problems and Prospects‟, in P. Riden ed., Probate
Records and the Local Community, Gloucester: Alan Sutton, p.12.
7
George, E. and S. (2008) Bristol Probate Inventories Part III: 1690-1804, Bristol Record
Society‟s Publication Vol.60. George, E. and S. with the assistance of P. Fleming (2005)
Bristol Probate Inventories: 1657-1689, Bristol Record Society‟s Publication Vol.57. George,
E. and S. with the assistance of P. Fleming (2002) Bristol Probate Inventories Part I:
1542-1650, Bristol Record Society‟s Publication Vol.54.
8George, E. and S. (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery of the
Diocese of Bristol (1542-1804), Bristol Record Society.
9
Takahashi, M. (1999) Mura No Sōden : Shinzoku Kōzō Sōzokukankō Sedaikeishō.
3

confirmed. Probate inventories in Bristol range from the middle of the sixteenth to thelatter half of the eighteenth centuries, as shown in Figure I. The oldest inventory inBristol dates back to 1542. From the 1600s, the number of inventories increased
peaking in the 1630s; however in 1638, the number dropped to zero. Inventory recoding
picked up again in 1639, which listed 103 inventories, and these numbers continued to
rapidly increase. The number dropped to zero yet again in 1645 because the outbreak of
Puritan Revolution compelled mariners to probate their inventories only in thePrerogative Court of Canterbury. Later numbers rose again, and the use of probate
inventories reached its peak between the 1730s and 1750s. The last inventory wasrecorded in 1804.
Table I shows the different type of occupations mentioned in probate inventories; inall, 251 occupations have been included, and the table illustrates the division of labor in
Bristol. For example, the occupation of saddler (No. 169) was similar to that of asaddle-tree maker (No. 170) but recognized as separate occupation with different name.
Soap-boiler (No. 201) and soap-maker (No. 202) are other similar examples.
Table I also present the occupational structure in Bristol. The number of mariners(No. 122) listed in the inventories is 1,675-23.4% of all the occupations and is thelargest group. The distribution of mariners‟ inventories is quite different from the total
distribution shown in Figure I. As seen in Figure II, the probate inventories of mariners
in Bristol primarily existed from 1610 - 1780, with the first inventor being recorded in
1608. By the 1700s, there were a small number of inventories. However, almost all
inventories were written between 1707 and 1766, perhaps because of the impact ofvarious wars at sea.10
These inventories have not recorded the type of personal possessions but only
recorded wages or apparel. E. and S. George selected eight mariners‟ inventories from1690-1804 in their publication.11 Of these, only three inventories contain a list of
personal goods, and the rest record other information, such as wages or apparel. Many
probate inventories of the Royal Navy provide only the name, date, and rank of theKindaieikoku (in Japanese), Tosui Shobo, p.84.
George, E. and S, (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, p.270.
11
George, E. and S. (2008) Bristol Probate Inventories Part III, pp.1-242.
104

mariner and name of the ship.12 The mariners‟ inventories in Bristol demonstrate asimilar tendency to that of navy records. Take the inventory of Richard Phillips (C. B.,
1710, £12) for instance.13 In his inventory, there are records of “two month‟s wages,”and of the fact that he boarded “Her Majestyes Ship Hampshire,” and his work was“ Man of Warr.” When we analyze the details of mariners‟ inventories, we need to createa distinction between high-value lists of personal possessions and low-value lists.
It appears that the term “mariner” to denote an occupation gained popularity after
the eighteenth century; this occupational group was a minority in Bristol in theseventeenth century, even though Bristol was already one of the largest ports flourishingon the slave trade in England. Further, the work of a seventeenth-century mariner andthat of an eighteenth-century mariner would also have differed.
As shown in Figure III, the largest value recorded in the probate inventories is from£10- £19, which is seen in 657 inventories. The second-largest value is from £5- £9,observed in 441 inventories. Therefore, 88.6% of inventories are recorded value of
under £19. Thus, the occupation of a mariner appears to belong to middle-income group.
On the other hand, some inventories recorded very large values that amounted to over
£50. Within the mariner-occupation group, there seems to be large income gap. Hencethe mariner could have led different lives according to their income levels.
Some differences have been observed in the mariners‟ probate inventories between
the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Table II lists the probate inventories valued to beover £50 in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, which numbered 7,169 inventories
in Bristol. By the seventeenth century, some mariners had recorded a large number of
inventories. For example, between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the highest
amount recorded in an inventory is that of John Sharp in 1635, which amounted to£1,995. However, after the eighteenth century, these values reduced, and the number ofmariners‟ inventories over £50 also slightly decreased. The highest value recorded inthis period is that of Timothy Payne‟s inventory in 1707, which amounted to £975, -only
48.8% of Sharp‟s inventory value. In the seventeenth century, 24 mariner inventories
were valued over £100, with the average amount being about £314. In mariners‟
12

Grannum. K., Taylor, N. (2009) Wills & Probate Records: A Guide for Family Historians
Second Edition, The National Archives, pp.124-126.
13 George, E. and S. (2008) Bristol Probate Inventories Part III, p. 70.
5inventories from the eighteenth century, only nine inventories were valued at over £100,
the average amount being about £192, which is only 61% of the average value in theseventeenth century. This implies that the majority of the mariners were engaged in
low-wage work post 1700. On the other hand, by 1700, the category of mariners
included captains and master classes.
From among the inventories valued at over £50, which numbered five in theseventeenth century, 13.8% of the mariners lived in the rural parishes of Abbots Leigh,Clifton, Henbury, Mangotsfield, and Westbury-on-Trym. After the eighteenth century,
only two mariners (i.e., 8%) continued to live there. Some mariners in the higher value
group lived in rural areas in the seventeenth century but moved to city parishes in theeighteenth century. This suggests that not only their mode of life had changed, but also
their working style.
There are some exceptions in the eighteenth century. For example, George Walker‟sinventory, appraised on May 29, 1772 in the city of Bristol, recorded many goods andcredits amounting to around £767.14 In his long list, there is information about his
house that comprised five rooms, a kitchen, and cellar. Typically, goods would beappraised according to rooms, but in this list, the china, plates, and linen were appraised
separately. His ship arrived after his death; therefore, many goods and chattels, products,
and the balance of the deceased mariner‟s share were recorded in the account. As
indicated in this long inventory, his status was “Master” of a ship named “Jane”.15

Summary
The probate inventories in Bristol have been maintained in a very good condition andare useful for research on British economic and social history. The reason is not only
their continuity but also their well-listed contents that are readily accessible for study.
There exists an index as well as three publications of representative samples. This
research note attempts to determine patterns in the contents of probate inventories inBristol in order to prepare for future research.
In this research note, the general distribution and value of mariners‟ inventories are
14

George, E. and S. (2002) Bristol Probate Inventories Part III, pp.195-200. George, E. and S.
(1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, p. 239.
15
George, E. and S. (2002) Bristol Probate Inventories Part III, p.198.
6

determined. In addition, the residences of rich mariners in each century suggest thatsome lived in rural areas surrounding Bristol in the seventeenth century but moved tothe city centre in the eighteenth century. A change definitely occurred in the mariners‟
status and lives.
It is difficult to define the occupation of a mariner by referring to only one image.
Almost all mariners belonged to the middle-income group, but some inventories
recorded very high values. High-value inventories were particularly recorded in theseventeenth

century.

Hence,

themariner

occupation

belongedtotheupper-middle-income group in the seventeenth century; later, this occupation gave way
to that of low-wage worker in the eighteenth century. In some rural English areas, amariner implied a river trader16; hence, the range of work of a mariner was quite broad.
Further, not only occupation, but income and status as well were quite different throughthe centuries. In Bristol, there is the possibility that many mariners in the seventeenth
century were captains or in the master classes. Although not recorded, in the eighteenth
century, some mariners belonged to the captain class, as seen in the designation ofGeorge Walker.
Nevertheless, the occupation of a mariner could denote one more profession: aserviceman in the navy.17 These inventories were primarily registered by ship andrecorded under the Admiralty of the Royal Navy. The word “mariner” has a board
meaning, and it cannot be restricted to only one occupation. To derive more information,
it is necessary to research other sources, for example, admiralty records and probate
inventories in different areas. This will be the topics of my future research.

16

Cox, N. (2000) Miners & Mariners of the Severn Gorge; Probate Inventories for Benthall,
Broseley, Little Wenlock, and Madeley, 1660-1764, Philmore, p.24.
17 Grannum, K., Taylor, N. (2009) Wills & Probate Records: pp.124-126.
7

FIGURE Ⅰ

Distribution of Probate Inventories in Bristol
140
120

100
80
60
40
20
0

Source: George, E. and S.(1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, pp.2-264.

FIGURE II

Distribution of Mariners' Probate Inventories
70

60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Source: George, E. and S. (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, pp.2-264.

8

FIGURE III

Values of Mariners‟ Probate Inventories
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
£1-£4

£5-£9

£10-£19£20-£49£50-

N/A

Source: George, E. and S. (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, pp.2-264.

9

TABLE Ⅰ

Occupational Groups in Bristol
Occupational Group
1. ale-draper/ale seller
2. anchor-smith
3. apothecary
4. architector
5. arms painter6. artist(included in “painter”)
7. baker
8. barber
9. barber-surgeon
10. basket-maker
11. bay-maker
12. bell founder
13. black smith
14. block maker
15. boat man
16. boatswain
17. bodice-maker
18. bone-lace weaver
19. book binder
20. book seller
21. brass-founder
22. brazier
23. brass worker
24. brewer/jorney-man
25. brickmaker
26. bridle-cutter
27. broadweaver
28. broker
29. brush-maker
30. buckle-maker
31. butcher
32. butter merchant
33. button-maker
34. button-mould maker
35. cabinet-maker
36. card maker
37. carpenter
38. carrier
39. carver
40. castor-maker
41. chandler
42. chapman
43. charcoal maker
44. chaser
45. cheesemonger
46. cider merchant
47. clerk
48. clockmaker
49. clothier
50. cloth-worker
51. coach-harness maker
52. coach-painter53. coal-driver
54. coal-miner
55. coffee seller
56. collar-maker
57. collier
58.colour-merchant/man
59. cook
60. cooper
61. cordwainer
62. cork-cutter
63. corn-chandler
64. corn-factor
65. cow keeper
66. curate
67. currier
68. cutler
69. distiller
70. doctor

Number
2
3
7
1
1
/
47
5
16
5
1
1
49
9
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
7
2
33
3
1
1
2
2
1
78
1
6
1
1
1
45
1
1
1
3
8
1
1
1
1
17
1
18
28
1
1
7
18
1
1
1
1
9
141
84
3
2
1
2
1
4
9
6
2

Occupational Group
71. doctor of laws
72. draper
73. dyer
74. embroiderer
75. exciseman
76. factor
77. fanmaker
78. farrier
79. felt-maker
80. fine-drawer
81. fisherman
82. fishman
83. fishmonger
84. fletcher
85. freemason
86. gallipot maker
87. gardener
88. glass-bottle maker
89. glass-maker/glassman
90. glazier
91. glover
92. goldsmith
93. grocer
94. gunner
95. gunsmith
96. haberdasher
97. hair-weaver
98. hatter
99. haulier
100. hooper
101. horner102. horce-driver103. hosier
104. hot-presser
105. house-carpenter
106. husbandman
107. inn-holder/keeper
108. instrument maker109. ironmonger
110. jeweller
111. joiner
112.keeper of the gaol of newgate
113. labourer
114. lacemaker115. latten-plate worker
116. lay clerk
117. lighterman
118. lime-burner
119. linen-draper120. locksmith121. malster/maltman
122. mariner
123. mason
124. meal man
125. mercer
126. merchant127. merchant tailor
128. miller
129. milliner
130. millwright131. minister/ of the gospel
132. mould-maker
133. musician
134. nailer
135. needle maker
136. notary public137. oatmeal-maker138. organist
139. organ maker140. painter/artist

Number
1
3
9
1
1
1
1
13
20
1
1
1
2
1
3
2
21
1
5
16
10
9
17
1
8
16
2
7
28
31
3
6
5
1
24
214
56
1
2
1
39
1
15
1
1
1
9
6
5
2
14
1675
25
2
6
49
8
13
6
4
4
1
4
6
1
1
2
2
2
7

Occupational Group
141. parchment maker142. parish clerk
143. parson
144. patten-maker145. pavier
146. peruke maker147. pewterer
148.physician/practitioner of physic
149. pilot
150. pinker
151. pin-maker/pinner152. pipemaker153. planter
154. plasterer
155. plate-maker156. plumber
157. point-maker158. porter
159. potter
160. presser and packer
161. pump-maker162. quarrier
163. ranger
164. rector
165. rigger of ships
166. ropemaker
167. rough-mason
168. rough-pavier
169. saddler/maker
170. saddle-tree maker
171. sail maker
172. sailor/seaman/seafarer
173. salt-boiler
174. salter
175. salt-maker
176. saltpeter-man
177. sawyer
178. sayer
179. scavenger
180. schoolmaster
181. scrivener
182. serge-maker/weaver
183. servant
184. set-cooper
185. sexton
186. shag-weaver
187. sheargrinder
188. shearman
189. shepherd
190. ship-carpenter
191. shipwright
192. shomaker
193. shop-keeper
194. sieve-maker
195. silk weaver
196. silversmith197. skinner198. slaughterman
199. smith200. snuff-grinder
201. soap-boiler
202. soap-maker203. staymaker204. stocking-maker205. ston-carver
206. stonemason
207. strong-water distiller
208. stuff-maker
209. sugar-baker210. surgeon

Number
1
4
1
1
1
3
17
5
8
1
10
4
1
1
1
3
2
9
3
1
4
4
1
3
1
8
11
1
9
1
11
47
1
1
3
2
3
1
2
9
3
6
7
2
1
1
1
24
1
12
82
23
1
2
4
1
7
1
12
1
13
23
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
56

Occupational Group
211. tailor
212. tanner213. tallow-chandler
214. tapster
215. tea man
216. thatcher
217. tidesman/waiter218. tiler
219. tiller
220.tin-maker/man/plateman/worker
221. tobacco cutter
222. tobacco dealer
223. tobacconist
224. tobacco-pipe maker
225. tobacco-roller
226. translator
227. trunk-maker
228. tucker
229. turner230. upholsterer
231. vicar
232. victualler
233. vintner
234. virginal maker235. watch maker236. water-bailiff
237.water-man
238. wax-chandler
239.weaver
240. wheelwright241. whitawer
242. white-smith243. whip-maker244. wine-cooper
245. wine-marchant
246. wire-drawer
247. wool-carder248. wool-comber
249, woolen-draper
250. writing master251. yeoman

Source: George, E. and S. (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, pp.275-286.

10

Number
86
19
1
1
1
1
4
19
2
5
7
18
9
8
8
2
2
2
8
4
5
90
11
2
1
1
2
1
39
3
14
1
1
7
1
7
1
3
6
1
519

TABLE Ⅱ

Mariners Valued at Over £50 in Probate Inventories
~1699

1
2

1700~

Name

Parish or area

Year

Value

Sharp, John

St. Stephen

1635

£1995

James, Benjamin

Name
1

Parish or area

Year

Value

Payne, Timothy

C.B.

1707

£975

1772

£767

C. B.

1680

£ 932

2

Walker, George

St. Mary
Redcliffe

3Lane, John

St. Stephen

1667

£798

3

Pinny, Alexander

C.B.

1707

£524

4

Phelpes, Willian

St. Mary Redcliffe

1666

£820

4

King, Samuel

C.B.

1713

£421

5

Cook, John

St. Stephen

1649

£774

5

Owen, James

C.B.

1763

£281

6

Nicholls, John

St. Ewen

1661

£677

6

Weaver, John

C.B.

1725

£209

7

Garland Thomas

Clifton

1680

£579

7

White, John

C.B.

1717

£207

8

Smether, James

Westbury on Trym

1670

£401

8

Edwards, Joshua

C.B.

1717

£171

9

Mercer, Alexander

S S Philip &
Jacob

1714

£143

Seaborne,
Nicholas

C.B.

1725

£125

9

Taylor, Morgan

10

Inkoldon, William

St. Leonard

1675

£309

C. B.

1669

£274

10

11

Rockwell, Thomas

St. James

1623

£254

11

Shawe, George

C.B.

1711

£117

12

Paine, Richard

St. Stephen

1642

£239

12

Paine, Timothy

C.B.

1710

£92

13

Pearce, Thomas

C. B.

1663

£215

13

Taylor, Thomas

C.B.

1711

£79

14

Masters, Thomas

C. B.

1689

£200

14

Rogers, Stephen

St. Stephen

1764

£74

15

Symons, Willian

C. B.

1665

£199

15

Campbell, Patrick

C.B.

1751

£71

16

Peard, Christopher

St. Stephen

1667

£196

16

Tregoe, James

C.B.

1703

£69

17

Weaver, Henry

St. Mary Redcliffe

1637

£176

17

Lewis, George

C.B.

1704

£64

18

Green, John

St. Nicholas

1618

£118

18

Collins, John

C.B.

1783

£66

Westbury on
Trym
Westbury on
Trym

1710

£66

1729

£63

19

Homead, Richard

Temple

1663

£112

19

Saunders,
Abraham20

Nicholls, John

St. Ewen

1664

£110

20

Cross, William

21

Grindon, Philip

St. Stephen

1679

£109

21

Roberts, Issac

C.B.

1714

£59

22

Spencer, William

St. Michael

1663

£109

22

Smith, Thomas

St. Augustine

1773

£57

23

Parsons, Richard

Abbots Leigh

1641

£109

23

Finlay, John

C.B.

1764

£53

24

Childe, William

Christchurch

1643

£101

24

Hearne, George

C.B.

1702

£52

25

Fines, William

St. James

1661

£95

25

Tombes, Daniel

C.B.

1742

£50

26

Gibbs, Edward

C. B.

1670

£85

27

Smith, Edward

Henbury

1634

£75

28

Hooper, William

St. Stephen

1691

£73

29

Davis James

St. Stephen

1631

£72

30

Lan, Anthony

St. Mary Redcliffe

1685

£66

31

Dyke, Robert

C. B.

1682

£63

32

Morgan, Richard

St. Stephen

1639

£62

33

Munday, Thomas

Temple

1660

£61

34

Wills, Simon

St. Stephen

1674

£61

35

Rockwel, Thomas

St. James

1620

£59

36

Watts, Michael

St. Nicholas

1682

£59

Source: George, E. and S. (1988) Guide to the Probate Inventories of the Bristol Deanery, pp.275-286.
Note: C.B. denotes „City of Bristol‟.

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