There was the Muster Roll Fund to which all seamen had long been required by law to contribute 6d a month from their wages. This appears to be the same as the Merchant Seamen's Fund that was created in the reign of George II (1746-47). *"The Sunderland Aged Merchant Seamen's Homes and Distressed Mariners Fund*: (Registered in England & Wales as charity no. 230292) In the year 1747, an Act of Parliament was passed, entitled, “An Act for the relief and support of maimed and disabled seamen, and the widows, and children of such as shall be slain, or drowned in the Merchant Service.” http://trinityhousenewcastle.org.uk/charity.asp Were the widows paid anything from back wages etc. - would there be a record > of that anywhere. > > Judy > >