Thank you Alan and all who responded to my question about coach trimmers. It is very interesting, and Alan's is funny. I wonder if lots of folks had coaches in the 1800's or just the well off. I wonder if there is some way to find out if my ancestors trimmed any royal coaches. At any rate, I'll be researching that when I get to London in August. Happy Diamond Jubilee everyone. Dinah

Although the original thread referred to coach trimmers, it may be worth pointing out, to avoid possible future confusion, that there were also coal trimmers which was a very different occupation. Greenwell's "A Glossary of Terms used in the Coal Trade of Northumberland and Durham", published in 1888, gives the following definition: "When coals from the waggons are dropped or spouted into the hold of a vessel they produce a conical heap which, unless provided against, would soon block up the hatchway. To prevent this, sheets of iron are laid upon the cone as it rises which cause the coals to slide off in all directions; these are placed by a set of men, called trimmers, who with shovels and rakes still further distribute the coal, or trim the cargo." When searching the censuses for this part of the world - north east England - it is much more common to find coal trimmers than coach trimmers! Regards, Phil Thirkell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dinah" <[email protected]> Subject: [SOG-UK] coach trimmers > > Thank you Alan and all who responded to my question about coach trimmers. > It is very interesting, and Alan's is funny. I wonder if lots of folks > had coaches in the 1800's or just the well off. I wonder if there is some > way to find out if my ancestors trimmed any royal coaches. At any rate, > I'll be researching that when I get to London in August. >

Phil, I believe the reverse process is also true for coal trimmers. When at sea, jn a heavy sea, the load can move and make the ship liable to capsize. Alsoo the process of using the coal from the bunkers may make the ship unstable. So coal trrimmers are an essential part of the engine-room crew of a steam ship. cheers Chris Watts ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Thirkell" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 6:17 AM Subject: Re: [SOG-UK] coach trimmers > Although the original thread referred to coach trimmers, it may be worth > pointing out, to avoid possible future confusion, that there were also > coal > trimmers which was a very different occupation. > > Greenwell's "A Glossary of Terms used in the Coal Trade of Northumberland > and Durham", published in 1888, gives the following definition: > > "When coals from the waggons are dropped or spouted into the hold of a > vessel they produce a conical heap which, unless provided against, would > soon block up the hatchway. To prevent this, sheets of iron are laid upon > the cone as it rises which cause the coals to slide off in all directions; > these are placed by a set of men, called trimmers, who with shovels and > rakes still further distribute the coal, or trim the cargo." > > When searching the censuses for this part of the world - north east > England - it is much more common to find coal trimmers than coach > trimmers! > > Regards, > > Phil Thirkell > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dinah" <[email protected]> > Subject: [SOG-UK] coach trimmers > > >> >> Thank you Alan and all who responded to my question about coach trimmers. >> It is very interesting, and Alan's is funny. I wonder if lots of folks >> had coaches in the 1800's or just the well off. I wonder if there is >> some >> way to find out if my ancestors trimmed any royal coaches. At any rate, >> I'll be researching that when I get to London in August. >> > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message