I have recently found a reference to Thomas SHOUT at the baptism of his children in the 1790's (at Spring Garden Lane Chapel) he is noted as Land Surveyor at the Customs House in Sunderland. Can anyone suggest whether this means that he was employed by HMC for the purpose of levying tax on property perhaps? rgds Alan researching SHOUT anywhere/anywhen GRAINGER & HOWELL Robin Hoods Bay & DUR SANDERSON - Norham NBL 19th Century WALKER - Blyth 1880-1920 HODGSON/HUDSON - NRY 1850 - 1900/ South Shields 1900-1930 GIBBISON - South Shields AIR - NBL AUGUST - South Shields 1850 - 1930 __________________________________________________________ Sent from Yahoo! Mail - a smarter inbox http://uk.mail.yahoo.com