Charles wrote<<<I have several generations of family who were 'flat men' i.e. worked flat bottomed boats, presumeably on the Mersey. I would greatly appreciate any information about this trade, including any written references. Charles Hunt>>>> Hi Charles There is a book about the subject Mersey Flats and Flatmen by Michael Stammers Published by Terence Dalton Ltd and National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside ISBN 0-86138-099-1 You should be able to order it from any good booksellers if you give them the ISBN reference number What surnames are you researching? I know that there are several on the list also researching flatmen ancestors Best wishes Caryl List admin