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1881 Census Return for the Severn trow Wherry

Ships can be found well away from where they should be and so sometimes an idea of their usual voyages or movements can help.   This image shows the 1881 census for Arlingham District 2 and has an entry for the ‘Wherry’, a half-decked Severn trow with a crew of three - William Bodman (50), Henry Haywood (43) and John Willivoize (25).  On census night, this vessel was probably anchored on the riverbank at Arlingham, waiting for the tide in order for her to proceed downriver.  However, it is interesting to note that John lived at Arlingham, and his family is shown directly above the entry for the trow, so you can’t help but wonder whether they moored to the bank by his house in order to get some home-cooked food!