About

‘A Fisherman of Greenwich’ tells the tale of William Bracegirdle (1782-1863), a nineteenth century English fisherman, boat builder and businessman, who lived and worked from Greenwich, on the Thames estuary, at a time when it had a flourishing deep sea fishing industry. Indications are that it was a profitable business for him, and he lived to see its virtual end caused by development of fast rail transport from coastal ports to the market of London. Research reveals William as an enterprising man and also shows his involvement in other enterprises, as well as his last attempts to provide for his future and that of his family.

In this account, written from the Antipodes, Julie Tadman, one of his many descendants, provides an intriguing and carefully documented account of his life, with particular attention to a court case which crucially impinged upon his business and his prosperity. Persistent research and the generous assistance of the author’s friends in London have uncovered much about his past and the times he lived in. William’s character and enterprise come shining through, even though the main events this history explores take place in his later years. This account also reveals a small part of the long record of Greenwich which has hitherto been unexplored and forgotten. Amply illustrated with maps, prints and etchings from the period, as well as photos from the more recent past, ‘A Fisherman of Greenwich’ is not only a useful resource for ‘social history’, it is an intriguing tale well told.

Proudly published by Post Pressed

top

Reviews

Read a review of A Fisherman of Greenwich, by Julie Tadman, at the Compulsive Reader site. (link opens in new window)

top

Contents

1. Setting the Stage
2. William
3. Greenwich
4. Morden College
5. William Bracegirdle and Morden College
6. William and Ballast Quay
7. William and Thames Cottage
8. Meanwhile, back at Ballast Quay…
9. A visit to BQ
10. Preparing the case against the Parish
11. William and The Maidstone Assizes
12. After the Case
13. The aftermath
14. After Ballast Quay

Appendix: Master Fishermen and their apprentices, St. Alfege Church, Greenwich, 1703-1816

With References and Index

top