User Guide 6 - Maritime Trade and Navigation
Revised August 2004

This User Guide lists the more important records relating to shipping, tugs and ferries, pilotage, navigation, river control, the coal trade, trade regulations and dues and insurance. It is seen to best effect when used in conjunction with User Guide 5.

Please note, it is not normally possible to produce unlisted collections for consultation in the Search Room.

1. Shipping
2. Tugs and Ferries
3. Pilotage, Navigation and River Control
4. Coal Trade
5. Trade Regulations and Dues
6. Ships Brokers
7. Insurance
8. Other

1. Shipping

Account:

of gratuities, discounts, fittage and tonnage of ships, 1849 Ref DF.HUG/169

Argosy Steamship Co Ltd, Sunderland:

Journal 1882-1922 Ref DX74

Bamburgh Shipping Co Ltd: see Souter, Hamlet and Co

Cambay and Carlton Steamship Companies:

Ledgers 1892-1909; day book 1892-1924; voyage books 1893-1913; log books 1905-1917 Ref 1475

S S Caspian:

Registration certificate, muster rolls, photograph etc, 1828-41 Ref DX669

Chapman and Willan (also Chapman and Miller, R Chapman and Son, and Chapman and Son), Newcastle:

Letter books 1905-1906; ledgers 1889-1929; voyage ledgers 1889-1956; ships' logs 1830-1930; capacity and general arrangement plans of ships 1892-1968 etc Refs 245, 1217 (unlisted), 1475, 1956

Common Bros, Newcastle:

Fleet cost books 1922-1948; paint record books 1931-1938; balance sheets 1924-1929; launch particulars 1953-1975; bill book 1906-1964; steamer specifications, notes, plans etc 1913-1930 Ref 1765

R S Dalgleish Ltd (Dalgleish Steam Ship Co), Newcastle:

Minutes, shareholders registers, accounts 1917-1980 Ref 2388 (unlisted)

E R Newbigin Ltd, Newcastle:

Financial records, 1939-1975; Annual Statements of Accounts 1953-1974 Ref DX418

Free Trade Wharf Company Ltd, London:

Partnership papers 1900; correspondence and plans 1866-1901; agreements in use of wharves 1876-1886 etc Ref 882

Granta Steamship Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1927-1950; cash books 1926-1955; journals 1926-1958 etc Ref 915

Hall Bros, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1883-1947; cash books 1914-1938; charter books 1936-1971 etc Ref 1202

S S Hare:

Deeds 1831-1834 Ref DT/SC/232

Hebburn Steam Shipping Co Ltd: see Souter, Hamlet & Co

John George Hill Steamship Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1892-1954; cash books 1903-1953; journals 1866-1953; letter book 1904-1909 Refs 915, 1658

P H Matthiessen & Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Scrapbooks 1938-1984; photographs c1930-1978 Ref DX1064

L F McLachlan:

Records of service at sea, 1948-1956 Ref DX1025

Moor Line:

Book of Remembrance 1939-1945 Ref DX1054

Newbigin Steam Shipping Co, Newcastle:

Share ledger 1907-1970 Ref DX420

J Nicholson, Newcastle:

Log book, agreements, crew accounts of ship Joseph Nicholson 1868-1881 Ref 986

Ormston, Dobson & Co, wharfinger:

Partnership agreement 1855 Ref DT/SC/195

Prince Line (1895) Ltd, Newcastle and South Shields:

Ledger 1896-1897; correspondence 1898-1899; River Plate Agency, charter books, passenger lists, voyage accounts, crew lists 1895-1899; Ships Ledger 1896-1897; log of coded messages between Newcastle and Buenos Aires 1896-1898; copy accounts 1898-1899; cash book 1896-1899; letter books 1896-1898 Ref DT/PR

Walter Runciman & Co, Newcastle:

Book of Remembrance 1939-1945 Ref DX1054

Scholefield Steam Shipping Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Annual reports 1911-1912; balance sheets 1912-1913 etc Ref 936

Sharp Steamship Co, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1912-1947; cash books 1918-1949 etc Ref 166

Sheaf Steam Shipping Co Ltd: see Souter, Hamlet & Co

Shipping Federation:

Local committee minutes (Wear and Seaham) Ref 2812 (unlisted)

S S Snowdon Range of Sunderland and Captain E J Dickenson papers:

Photographs 1913-1925; press cuttings 1913-1914 etc Ref DX284

Souter, Hamlet and Co, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1920-1946; journals 1940-1968; Chief Engineers' and Officers' log books 1959-1973 etc Refs 889, 1452

Stag Line Ltd, North Shields:

Ledgers 1920-1967; cash books 1936-1970; journals 1933-1970; balance sheets 1944-1949; profit and loss accounts 1885-1922; bills of sale 1895-1898; voyage ledgers 1929-1959; charter books 1935-1966 etc Refs 628, 1351

Stephenson Clarke Shipping Ltd, Newcastle:

Ship launch photographs 1943-1958; disbursements 1904-5; details of vessels 1876-1975; plans n.d. Refs 991 (unlisted), 1008, MF712

Stott Mann and Co, Newcastle:

Minutes 1941-1961; ledgers 1921-1976 etc Ref 1460

Sunderland Shipowners Society:

Minutes 1926-1973 Ref 2812 (unlisted)

Sunniside Steamship Co, Newcastle:

Registers of members and share ledgers 1895-1907 etc Ref DX73

Tanner and Beckwith, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1819-1825 Ref 1811/287

Thomas and Dorothy of Sunderland:

Bill of sale 1714 Ref DF.HUG/168

Thyatira (brig):

Papers 1851-1859 Ref DT/SC/294-297

Turret Steam Shipping Co, Sunderland:

List of shareholders 1901; balance sheets 1892-1903; register of turret-deck type vessels 1892-c1904; photographs c1892-1908; freeboard papers 1892-1898; correspondence 1897-1904 Ref 1811/182-195

Tyne and Blyth Steamship Owning Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Annual reports 1912-1913; balance sheets 1914-1915 etc Ref 936

Tyne Tees Steam Shipping Co, Newcastle:

(formerly Tyne Steam Shipping Company Ltd) Shareholders General Meetings minutes 1865-1919; Directors' Board Meetings minutes 1902-1922; Newcastle Committee minutes 1903-1918; salaries books 1867-1900, 1936-1944; purchase agreements 1924-1952; steamers insurance papers 1882-1917; reports 1877-1902; secretarial papers 1919-1943; scrapbooks 1864-1955 etc Ref DT/TT

J Westoll and J Westoll Ltd, Sunderland:

Ledgers 1880-1940; cash books 1879-1940; crew lists 1890-1937 etc Ref 1016

Westwick Steamship Co, Sunderland:

Cash books 1916-950; journals 1916-1951; voyage accounts 1929-1941 etc Ref 1016

Andrew and John White, Sunderland:

Notebooks 1813-1850 etc Ref 730

Witherington and Everett, Newcastle:

Letter books 1898-1962; ledgers 1899-1968; cash books 1898-1942; journals 1899-1952; invoice books 1899-1963; voyage ledgers 1898-1958; photographs 1903-1958; Ships Voyage file 1924-1940; Ships insurance renewals 1929-1932 etc Refs 915, 1658

North of England Shipowners' Association:

Minutes 1871-1965; annual reports 1893-1962; newspaper cuttings 1860-1944 etc Ref 1070

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2. Tugs and Ferries

Joseph Crosthwaite (Tugs) Ltd, North Shields:

Agreements 1933-1934; notices of assessments 1928-1933 etc Ref 1126

France Fenwick Tyne and Wear Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Minutes 1901-1971; accounts 1974-1979; towage journals 1956-1957 etc Refs 1126, 1563, 3354 (unlisted - 30 year embargo)

Irwing Steam Tug Co Ltd, Sunderland:

Agreements 1926-1934; Bills of Sale 1926-1927 etc Ref 1126

Tyne Steam Tug Towing Association, North Shields:

Minutes 1875-1904 etc Ref 1506

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3. Pilotage, Navigation and River Control

The Tyne

Papers of Ralph Gardner concerning the trade of the River Tyne:

Proceedings and orders of the Council of Trade 1651-1653; examinations, informations, depositions and answers concerning trade grievances 1650-1651 etc Ref 563

Newcastle Admiralty Court:

Court books 1664-1748; case papers 1664-1756; commissions to take bail 1791-1792 etc Ref 545

Records relating to Newcastle Corporation shipping dues and dumping ballast:

Ledgers arranged by owners 1762-1828; ledgers arranged by port 1715-1730; ledgers arranged by ship 1811-1859; dues books 1801-1834; ballast and tonnage books 1771-1829 etc Refs 541, 593

Newcastle Quaymaster and Traffic Manager:

Trade and Commerce Committee minutes 1909-1959; passenger toll ledgers 1928-1968; quaymasters' journals 1938-1967; collection of dues 1953-1968; register of vessels passing through Swing Bridge 1876-1894; declarations of cargo 1936-1968; registers of arrrivals and sailings 1911-1968 etc Ref 585

Newcastle River Committee:

Minutes 1836-1843; subcommittee minutes 1838-1841 etc Ref MD/NC/238-9

Newcastle River Court:

Court books 1645-1834; order book 1670-1736 etc Ref 545

Papers submitted to the Treasury opposing the establishment of a branch customs house at North Shields:

Correspondence, reports and memorials 1815-1816 Ref 374

Records of the Master, Pilots and Seamen of the Trinity House of Newcastle upon Tyne. The jurisdiction of Trinity House was not restricted to that port but extended to Sunderland, Stockton and Hartlepool:

Order books 1580-1884; guild book 1826-1909; deeds 1524-1947; cash day books 1866-1878; cash account books 1832-1969; journals 1722-1762; primage account books 1721-1843; pilotage account books 1636-1860; lightage and buoyage account books 1717-1781 etc Ref GU/TH

Port of Tyne Authority (Tyne Improvement Commission):

Minutes, proceedings and reports 1875-1968; general letter books 1906-1939; out-letter books 1850-1905; Tyne Consolidated Fund ledgers 1872-1956; cash books 1872-1954 and journals 1872-1954; Tyne Improvement Fund ledgers 1851-1952; cash books 1851-1890 and journals 1850-1890; North and South Shields Steam Ferries ledgers 1863-1900; journals 1863-1900 and traffic returns 1882-1932; Harbour Lights, Buoys and Beacons Fund ledgers 1883-1899; cash books 1883-1899 and journals 1883-1899; River Moorings Fund ledgers 1852-1952; cash books 1852-1890 and journals 1852-1890; Tyne Piers account ledgers 1852-1952; cash books 1852-1890 and journals 1852-1890; Northumberland Dock Fund ledgers 1877-1952; cash books 1882-1890 and journals 1882-1954; Dock Masters' log books 1924-1962; Bridge Masters' returns 1883-1927; plans of North and South Piers 1870s-1930s; records of the Harbourmaster, logbooks 1940-1964; occurence book 1931-1967; Newcastle arrivals book 1936-1966; mooring plans 1901; plans of the navigable Tyne from Newburn to Shields etc Refs 148, 886, 894, 207, 430, 563, 689 (unlisted), 1074, 1213, 1353, 1356, 1442, 1456, 1659 (unlisted), 2006, 2043 (unlisted), 2084, 3138 (unlisted), 3380 (unlisted), 3392 (unlisted), 3465 (unlisted), T114

Papers concerning the Tyne Foreshore:

Legal dispute 1463-1916 etc Refs 591 (unlisted), 604, 612

Railways:

On Rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees, map c 1840s Ref DF.HUG/170/2

Tyne Pilotage Commission and Tyne Pilotage Authority:

Minutes 1865-1956; War Relief Fund minutes 1918-1926; life boat services register 1861-1910; pilots' report books 1895-1949; pilots' day books 1885-1950; pilotage cash books 1866-1949 etc Ref 1060

Tyne Port Health Authority:

Minutes 1879-1989; annual reports 1893-1988; Abstracts of Accounts 1890-1918, 1943-1952, 1960-1961, 1974/5-1975/6; correspondence 1882-1937; MoH reports 1881-1885, 1901-1906, 1909-1988; infected and suspected ports 1925-1964; Plans for floating hospital 1902-1920 etc Ref HA/TP

Tyne Port Sanitary Authority:

Annual reports 1883-1896, 1907-1917; order constituting Authority 1897 etc Refs 543, 604

See also Newcastle Chamberlains' account books - section 5

The Wear

Sunderland Pilotage Authority (inc Pilotage Commission and Wear Pilotage Board):

Minute book 1871-1877; correspondence 1818-1970; register of pilots 1872-1947; cash books 1914-1970 etc Ref 237

Sunderland Port Authority (River Wear Commissioners):

Minutes 1866-1963; annual reports 1947-1956, 1968-1970; order books 1747-1866; accounts 1763-1770; mortgage registers 1857-1974; personal papers of Wm M S Tripp, engineer to the RWC 1913-1949; tenders for clothing 1924; statement of accounts 1914; receipts/payments for burial fund 1914; accounts 1832-1972; Sunderland Pilotage Commission minutes 1865-1933 and accounts 1865-1899; subcommittee minutes 1956-1973; register of ships built in the port 1877-1989; Corporation Quay, register of vessels 1940-1973; North Dock arrivals and sailings 1922-1971; Corporation of Sunderland quay rates on vessels 1934-1973; dues on vessels at corporation quay 1934-1973; plans of dock machinery 1930-1980 etc Refs 202, 943, 1540, 267 (unlisted), 797, 811, 1046, 1338, 1368, 2245 (unlisted), 3089 (unlisted)

Papers of Thomas Milton, engineer to the RWC:

Correspondence 1812-1830; reports 1820-1825 etc Ref 1046

Railways:

On Rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees, map c 1840s Ref DF.HUG/170/2

River Wear Watch:

Minutes 1907-1966; letter books 1924-1946; occurrence books 1846-1961; pay books 1949-1961 etc Ref 746

Sunderland Dock Co:

Letter books 1845-1861; cash books 1849-1859; journals 1845-1860; register of shareholders 1853-1859 etc Ref 740

Sunderland Port Health Authority:

Correspondence 1933-1945; Inspectors' report books 1936-1962; annual reports 1927-1957, 1968-1970 etc Ref 631

Wear Dock and Railway:

Map showing connection with railways in County Durham 1845 Ref DF.HUG/170/1

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4. Coal Trade

Pyman Bell and Co, Newcastle:

Correspondence 1892-1929; partnership agreements 1873-1890; private ledgers 1901-1919; private journals 1877-1945 etc Ref 145

Shipping and Coal Co Ltd, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1902-1910 (MF) 1915-1965; cashbooks 1909-1963; cash journals 1915-1962; invoice books 1923-1960; contract books 1932-1942; shipment books 1914-1968; charter books 1949-1953 (MF), 1953-1969 etc Ref 1011, part MF

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5. Trade Regulations and Dues

Newcastle Chamberlains' Account books:

Receipts of shipping dues and fees 1508-1511, 1561-1860 Ref 543

Company of Hostmen of Newcastle upon Tyne:

Minute books 1600-1975; admissions 1969-1911; apprenticeship indentures 1709-1822 etc Refs GU/HO, 298

Keelmen of Newcastle:

Minute books 1739-1842; cash book 1733-1797; petitions, indictments and correspondence 1659-1866; material relating to the seamen's strikes 1792-1815 etc Ref 394 (part MF)

Company of Master Mariners of Newcastle upon Tyne:

Apprenticeship indentures 1694-1847 etc Refs GU/TH, 298

Company of Merchant Adventurers of Newcastle upon Tyne (incorporating Boothmen, Drapers and Mercers):

Order book 1480-1627, 1639-1690; charter 1554; account books 1668-1845; apprenticeship indentures 1692-1823 etc Refs GU/MA, 298

National Dock Labour Board, Tyne & Wear Local Board:

Minutes 1947-1989 Ref G/DLB

National Dock Labour Corporation Ltd:

Tyne, Wear, Blyth and Seaham Harbour Area Board minutes 1946-1947 Ref G/DLC

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6. Ships Brokers

Antonaropulo Bros, Newcastle:

Ledgers 1954-1963 Ref 1460

Bertram & Parkinson, ship and insurance brokers:

Partnership agreement 1841 Ref DT/SC/25

James A Brown and Co, Newcastle:

Minutes 1929-1966; journal 1921-1963; ledger 1938-1959 etc Ref DX63

Johnson, Brown and Co, Sunderland:

Letter books 1896-1922 Ref 716

C Lochen and Co, Newcastle:

Minutes 1932-1961; annual statements 1949-1958; register of members and share ledger 1932-1957 Ref 1460

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7. Insurance

James A Brown, Newcastle: See section 6

Johnson, Brown and Co, Sunderland: See section 6

Lloyds Register of Shipping:

Freeboard periodical surveys of ships 1945-1946 Ref DX1011/1

Marine Shipping Mutual Insurance Co Ltd:

Cash book 1972-1983 etc Ref 1841

Neptune Steamship Protecting and Indemnity Association, Sunderland:

Minutes 1896-1984; accounts 1891-1983; insurance records 1952-1967; rules 1966-1967 etc Ref 1841

Newcastle Protection and Indemnity Association:

Minutes 1885-1972; accounts 1887-1981; insurance records 1907-1961; rules 1871-1981 etc Ref 1622

Newcastle Steam Ship Small Damages Indemnity Association, Newcastle:

Statement of claim by owner of S S Salisbury 1889

North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association:

Minutes 1886-1969; accounts 1951-1984; insurance records 1879-1983; rules 1884-1985; annual reports 1876-1979 etc Ref 1841

North of England Steam Ship Insurance Association:

Minutes 1856-1868 Ref 1841

Steam Ship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association:

Minutes 1886-1892 Ref 1841

Sunderland Steamship P & I Association:

Records 1892-1966 Ref 2812 (unlisted)

Tyne Steam Tug (and Trawler) Insurance Association, North Shields:

Minutes and receipts 1876-1933 Ref 1506

United Kingdom Steam Tug and Trawler Insurance and Indemnity Association:

Memorandum and Articles of Association 1912 Ref 1923

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8. Other

British Maritime League:

Minutes and files 1984-1988 etc (Access requires depositors' consent) Ref S/BM1

Coxon, Thomas, shipowner of Tynemouth:

Will 1865 Ref DT/SC/67

Crew lists, North Shields:

1863-1913 Ref 2599

Crew lists, other ports:

1864-1905 Refs 159, 502, 1005, 1496

Mortgages of ships:

1848-1856 Ref DT/SC/189

Ships photographs:

Collected by Trinity Maritime Centre Ref 4031 (unlisted)

South Shields Marine School & Technical College:

Minutes 1891-1951; admission registers 1861-1954; photographs 1869, 1954 etc Ref E/SS3

Please note: Names of vessels docked in the rivers Tyne and Wear during the censuses of 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 are available on microfilm in the Search Room.

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