The Corporation of Trinity House had the right to license mariners to row on the Thames as watermen. These watermen were both older and fewer in number than the apprentices and freemen of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. Records of HM Coastguard are held at the Public Record Office. As these records are all bound volumes, Guildhall Library regrets that for conservation reasons it is not possible to supply photocopies of original documents. Guildhall Library also regrets that shortage of staff time prevents detailed searches of the Trinity House archive.
Enquirers are welcome to visit the Manuscripts Section in person or to hire a record agent.