Hi Tony, This is a handy site for old occupations: http://rmhh.co.uk/occup/b.html According to them they worked at either... Block Maker 1) Engraved or set up the blocks used in block printing 2) Made pulley blocks 3) Made hatmakers' blocks Regards, Sally --------------------------------------- > From: [email protected] > Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2012 08:03:02 +1000 > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [ENG-LIV] Elizabeth FOSTER/SUMPTON > > Thanks very much to Rosemary, Pat, Margaret and Robert for all your great assistance regarding Elizabeth FOSTER - or should I now say Elizabeth LOSH/ FOSTER/ SUMPTON/ JONES. You have all helped fill so many of my gaps. It has been a marvellous response. > > It is interesting that her father and first two husbands were all master mariners. Matthew FOSTER was originally a master mariner living at Bridgewater St., but I notice that in 1832 he was listed at that address as a block maker. Was that occupation related to boats? > > Thanks again to all concerned. Your responses have been wonderfully helpful. > > Tony.