In a message dated 29/02/2004 17:37:50 GMT Standard Time, Clannessie@aol.com writes: > My question is does anyone know what companies where in Sunderland that > used > dock fitters? Did Sir John Jackson have an office there? ( I know he had one > > in London). Also did sailing ships, maybe mail ships, leave Sunderland to > South Africa? I am still trying to find passenger lists for the family. > At the time you refer to the South Docks of the River Wear Commissioners were the most important docks on the North-East coast. There was also the North Dock owned by the North Eastern Railway Company. There is no mention of Sir John Jackson in the 1902 Directory. As a major shipbuilding town and exporter of coal, ships would leave Sunderland for South Africa, but it was not a passenger port. Regards Stan Mapstone