George Adams - Abiding memory.

Repro ID: H5788

Description: George's first day as a lighterman began at six in the morning on the tugs at Brunswick Pier, Blackwall. After a year he moved to barges to gain more experience. On completing his period of training, he was verbally examined at Watermen's Hall. Once granted a licence, George could work the river alone. Prior to this he had to be accompanied on the water by a qualified lighterman, or 'freeman', who had his own licence.

Creator: National Maritime Museum

Date: November 2003

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London