The photograph below shows a ‘Group of Teetotal Seamen, Fishermen & Boatmen of Brighton & its Vicinity, Members of the Philanthropic Society’.
The inscription reads: ‘Presenting to Mr Nathaniel King, (Missionary engaged by the Society for Promoting Missions to Seamen at home & abroad) A Gold Pen and Pencil Case, Engraved on it as having been much benefited through his ministry during the last five years – 1864’.
The names are printed on the photo in order but, to make it easier to find a particular person, I list the names here in surname alphabetical order:
Edward Akehurst, Jacob Akehurst, Samuel Akehurst, John Allen,
Thomas Bassett, Henry Bray, Francis Bushby,
George Campbell, William Campbell, Robert Carden, Edward Collyer,
George Gillam, Richard Gillam, John Grinyer, Cornelius Gunn, George Gunn, John Gunn, Nathaniel Gunn, Thomas Gunn,
Parker Harman, William Humphrey,
Nathaniel King,
John Laycock, Thomas Laycock, Joseph Leach,
Davis Marchant, William Markwick, Richard Measor, Henry Miles, William Moor,
Charles Patching, William Pentecost, George Priest,
James Rolf, Joseph Rolf,
George Shrivell, Thomas Shrivell,
James Taylor, John Taylor, William Taylor,
Joseph Webb, Henry Wells, Robert Whiley.
Comments about this page
Josie, Is there any chance you could e-mail me a copy of this picture as William Pentecost is my great-great-grandad. I have added his fishing boat on to this site but would appreciate it if you could let me have a copy of your picture.
Nicky, would love to email a copy to you but haven’t your email address.
Josie, really sorry e-mail address is nicolapn@googlemail.com.
My great grandfather was James Benjamin Rolfe. The Rolfe family were fishermen for over 200 years and worked alongside the Gunns. It is lovely to see a photo of James and his brother Joseph although I can not really see James as he is looking away from the camera. Still nice to know the photo exists
Josie, would it be possible to email me a copy of this photo also? George Gillam is my great-great-grandfather. My father is a Gillam, the son of Harry George Gillam who was killed in 1940 with the RNPS. His mother remarried Arthur Solomon Watts and they changed his name prior to his immigration to the States in 1950. If you or anyone else has any information on Harry George Gillam I am searching for a picture.
Thanks, John Watts, Attorney at Law, Savannah, Georgia USA JonWatsSav@aol.com
Watts@WattsandWatts.com
I just came across your photo of fishermen in Brighton while researching my family history. Richard Measor is my great great grandfather and I have never seen a photo of him before. Would it be possible to email me a copy of this photo? Many thanks.
Dear Josie, a great photo. I’m also in the pursuit of my family history. I live in Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. My grandfather was John Frederick Laycock from Brighton. He emigrated to Perth (Western Australia) and then Kalgoorlie in the early 1900s. If you have a chance, I would be grateful for a copy of the picture as an attachment. I can only seem to print the left half from what I can save. Regards, Lee
Jon & Lee, I need your email address to send you the photo. Josie
Hi Josie, I just stumbled across your photo and am particularly interested in the Akehursts. I notice that they are highlighted and wondered if there was any significance to that. Also, Samuel appears to be making the presentation. Would you have any info on the Akehursts in the photo? Many thanks.
I have a William Pentecost who was a fisherman in Brighton – I wonder if it’s the same one as Nicky? Perhaps she would like to get in touch and we can compare info?
Hello Josie, Fantastic picture of the fisherman, I too would love to know how to get a copy of this picture as I am related to the Gunns. Look forward to hearing from you – my email address is guessagainuk@yahoo.co.uk.
Sorry Raine I don’t have any info on the Akehursts, I’m doing the Campbells. I think the only reason some of the folk have their names printed on the photo is to make it easier to count along to the person you want, if I remember rightly the copy they have in the fishing museum is the same.
Thanks for that Josie. Most of my family came from Brighton so if I come across any Campbells I’ll come back to you. Thanks again.
Hi Josie, like many anothers (sorry), please could I ask you to forward a copy of the 1864 Fishing Seamen picture? My children are related to the Gunns and Rolfs and I have just started to do their family tree. This would be such a perfect present to give to my husband. Many thanks(wendy.slaughter@btinternet.com)
Hi Josie. What a fantastic photo of the fishermen – including my great great grandfather – Francis Bushby. I would be grateful for a copy as I don’t have a photo of Francis. My email address is: dollybeck@aol.com Thanks.
Hi Josie, Thomas Shrivell in your photo was a fish salesman, and is related to my family. I would very much like to have a copy of the photo to see what he looked like. Best regards and thanks. trev.family@conster.plus.com
Marion Mansfield – is your James Rolf the same who had a daughter named Elizabeth and lived at 3 Dorset St, Brighton in 1899 ?
My great great grandmother, Sarah Shrivell, was a fisherwoman. What did their jobs entail?
My father was George Allen a fisherman from Brighton who died in 1978. His father was Benjamin Allen also a fisherman who died around November 1955 I think. I think his father was also fisherman Benjamin Allen. I used to go to the Brighton fish market with my father when it was situated on the lower promenade. I can remember the boats being winched up the beach on railway sleepers. My grandfather Ben (Benjamin) had a fishing station named after him called ‘Ben’s Lights’ on the beach near the bottom of Bedford Street, Brighton. I am related to the Gillams and Leaches. Peter Leach my cousin now has a thriving fishing business. I think Ben Allen sent two fishing boats to Dunkirk for the evacuation, I think one was called ‘Our Boys’. My fishing connections have now gone.
Hi, I am related to the Gillams. If you could send me a photo and anymore if you have them, I would be very grateful. I am researching my family history. Thank you.
Lisa Morrison, please contact me at JonWatsSav@aol.com or Watts@WattsandWatts.com. I would be interested to discuss any success that you are having researching the Gillam family.
Thanks, John Watts, Attorney at Law, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Hi Jean Allen, my father’s family are Leach from Brighton and have a long line of brothers and uncles – do you have more names we could put together?
My great-great grandfather was James TAYLOR, a fisherman born around 1842. He was married to Mary Ann HULL and they had 2 children James and Lydia. An 1861 Census shows a James TAYLOR (aged 19) with his 2 brothers John and William (aged 13 and 12 respectively) living in Pimms Gardens, Brighton. I am trying to confirm that this is my ancestor and am also interested in whether these brothers are those TAYLORs in the photograph.
Does anyony know about my family in Brighton? The name of their boat was Our Lassie SM 564. Please contact peterrobert123@aol.com – thank you.
This is a message for Anita with regards to William Pentecost: please email me on nicolapn@googlemail.com so we can see if it is the same person. Thanks.
I am researching details of my great grandfather Richard (Scotty) Gunn who was a fisherman, member of the Brighton Lifeboat crew and was a renown Sussex prizefighter. He was born in 1862 & died c1930. He was a well known Brighton character. He had two brothers George & Thomas, and a sister Catherine.
I am researching the Rolf(e) family for a friend who is related to them. Please can you email me a copy of this picture?
Message for Jean Ann Allen. Hi Jean, you may remember me from when your father used to take you to the beach. I wonder if you have any photos of your father, or uncle (Tracy) in the boats or their fishing gear. I have some information on the history and boats your grandfather and great grandfather owned etc.
Message for Richard K Gunn. I believe your great grandfather worked for Fred Collins in the Brighton pleasure tripping boats -“Skylarks”. There are one or two photographs of him about.
Hi Josie, is it possible if I could have a copy of the picture please? I am researching my family history and believe the Rolfe family are my great-great-great grandparents. I think James and Joseph Rolfe are their children. Is it possible if anyone has any information on the Brighton Rolfe family to contact me please?
Many thanks.
My great-grandfather was George Gunn, fisherman and so I would very much like to have a copy of the picture too please. Thanks.
I was very intersted in your website which I stumbled on when trying to find some information about the Brighton Skylark. My Great Grandfather – George Martin [born 1862] was my grandmother’s father and was a fisherman. According to my Grandfather [who died in 1968] the Martin family was involved with the Skylark . Am having problems finding any information about the Martin’s before George, can anyone help?
See my previous message – I meant to add that George Martin married a Susannah Jane Taylor, was she a daughter of the “Taylors” fishermen mentioned in the above picture? It may help with extending the Martin family tree,
I think I am related to the Akehursts in your photo, can you email me a copy please?
Hi Josie, I would love to have a copy of the photograph of the fishermen. I have many Marchants, and a few Gunns and Gillams in my family tree. I am hoping to find a definite connection between the fishermen and my ancestors.
My email address is emmerton@ntlworld.com
Thomas Gunn is my 4th great grandfather. Would love a copy of this photo if at all possible.
Can I join the long list of people requesting a copy of this great photo. Joseph Rolf is my great-great-grandfather and it would be lovely to have an image of him. If you are able, please e-mail me a copy to barnettrolfs@aol.com
I would also like a copy of the above picture as William Humphrey may be part of my family tree. Also can anyone shed any light on a vessel “Dule of York” which sailed from Brighton to Plymouth St John in 1881 with Noble Humphrey along with 5 other members of her crew.
e-mail address: P.Best@bton.ac.uk
Where are the Hazelgroves? No photo of Brighton fishermen and seamen would be complete without a few of us, and Rolfes with an e. Maybe they weren’t teetotal or philanthropic!
Hi Josie, I am also researching my family tree – Laycock from Brighton, I would love a copy of this photo. I am also intrigued by comments from Lee Laycock in Australia, think we could have the same great great grandfather! If you see this I would love to hear from you almitch@btinternet.com
Miracles. Several in the Fishing and Fisherman picture are in my 96-year-old father’s ancestry. How can I acquire a larger copy of this fabulous photograph? I will pay for mailing or whatever. My email address is Freeman85222@aol.com
Hi Josie, I too would really appreciate a copy of this photo as I have Humphrey, Laycock and Gunns in my tree. What an extraordinary survival! Best wishes. (Kvilhaugveien@aol.com)
Hi Josie. Is there any chance that I can have a copy of this photo. I am related to the Gillams from Brighton. Many thanks.
Hi Josie, Could I also request a copy of the photograph? I am descended from John Taylor, a fisherman b.1814 son of George Taylor and Babara Jeffery – also fishing families. My email address is rmbrowne@logosnet.cy.net
I haven’t looked on this page for ages and don’t know how far I got with sending copies to those who requested them. So if I have missed you please request again. Anyone wanting a copy needs to include their email address
Please could you send me a copy of this photo, as so many of the surnames mentioned above are in my family tree, my email address is dianakay@hotmail.co.uk.
Hi, I would like a copy of the photo please if you can still send one. I am descended from the Humphreys and the Laycocks. Thank you Evelyn
I would love a copy of the photo as I am researching my mother’s family (Bushby) who came from the south of England. Many thanks my email address is: linda.citrone@smithers-jones.co.uk
Hi Josie I am originally from Brighton & now in Perth Western Australia. At the end of a long list of requests – I hope that you will be able to also send me a copy of the photograph. William Gillam 1796-1880 & Eleanor Goddard 1797-1865 were my gg-grandfather & mother. I have no photographs of the Gillam family & would really appreciate having this one. Please email me to discuss postage costs. oohaypg@yahoo.com
Hi Josie…fantastic photo – could I please also have a copy? I am related to the Taylors and Gillhams.. my father is nearly 90 and is loving the info I am discovering about his family…many thanks
I am researching my husband’s family - he was born in Brighton in 1938, his name is John Tree and he spent his childhood in Queen’s Park Road and Windmill St. Attended St Lukes school and Brighton County Technical college for building and engineering. He worked for a short time at Allen and West before joining the Fleet Air Arm. We would love to receive a copy of the fishermen of Brighton as we have just discovered that Richard Gillam is his 4 x great grandfather, whose daughter Abigail married John Howell Tree in 1846. Many thanks, look forward to having the photograph. Would love to make contact with any other people reseaching the TREE FAMILY
Hi Josie you have such a lot of Brighton families in this pic. It looks fascinating, can you please oblige with a large copy?
I’ve sent up to here to those with email addresses!
[Editor: Thanks Josie. Everyone loves this photo!]
Hello Josie, I’ve already left I message but I forgot to leave you my e-mail address! I would be very grateful if you could send me a copy too, pearl.tree@hotmail.co.uk
Kind Regards Pearl Tree
Hi Josie I would love to have a copy of your photo. My maternal family connection is to the Gillams (and Collins-Gillam) as well as the Gunn family. My email address is joanbooysen@absamail.co.za. Thanks so much, greatly appreciated. Kind regards Joan.
Hello, can I please request a copy of this photograph? I believe I am related to a couple if not all the Gunns in the photograph. Thank you a thousand times over Josie and Sarah. I have also emailed Wendy in case we are connected sarah@theslaughterhouse.fslife.co.uk
Like many people, I’m a Gunny through and through. My dad’s name is John James Gunn born in 1949 – he is just one of nine. He has a sister called Lil but I don’t know all of their names as I’m only 32 myself and have not met them all. But I know my dad lost two brothers in a accident on Brighton beach involving a boat and I know he lost a brother last year and he lived in Moulscoomb. If anyone has any info please email me at gunncjg@hotmail.com and please please please can I have a copy of the photo as I think my dad’s dad is in it.
Hi Josie, is there any chance you could e-mail a copy of this picture as Robert Whiley is my gt.gt.gt.grandfather, whose daughter Louisa married George Gunn in 1849? My e-mail address is lizbusby@live.co.uk. Many thanks.
Hi Josie. I would also love a copy of this picture as I am researching my family tree, and John Gunn married to Annie Gunn (nee Kennett) was my great great grandfather.
Sorry. E Mail is stevemcg@fsmail.net
This is just a reminder to me that I have sent the photo up to this date!
Hi Josie, I am doing some research for a friend whose 3xgrandfather was Richard Liffen Campbell. I would love to give him a copy of the photo of the fishermen. Do you think you could e.mail me a copy sanpete@frankle.freeserve.co.uk also do you have any further info on the Campbells? I have up to James Campbell and Elizabeth Valentine. Do you go further back I wonder? Thanks
Hi Josie, my maiden name is Markwick and I believe William Markwick is possibly my G/Grandfather. My uncle Tommy Markwick was a fisherman and his boat boards are hanging in the fishermans museum. I always used to visit the arch as a child when Tommy and Ivy (his wife) ran it as a social club. Could you e-mail me a copy please to glendabooth@btinternet.com?
I hope that maybe you would send this picture asap as it is my father’s 80th birthday at the end of November 2010 and I think one of the Gunns in this picture is his Grandfather. Others are his Uncles. My Grandfather owned the fishmongers ‘Fred Gunn’ in St James Street Brighton – who married into the Rolf family – Dan and Ceril Rolf were in the shop with him. They were my Grandmother’s brothers. Many thanks.
Hi Deborah. Re Gunn’s fish shop. I used to help Ceril with his boat when he belonged to ‘Sir Robert Peel’ angling club around 1960 and delivered the fish to the shop from the fish market. I collect photos and the history of the Brighton fishing, and wonder if you have any photos that I could copy of the shop in its hey day, or the boats Daniel Rolf owned etc. Regards Alan Hayes. e-mail alanphayes@hotmail.com
Reminding me I have sent photos up to here for those with email addresses.
A message for Deborah Bray. I have only just checked on this page. I haven’t been able to send you a copy of the photo as you didn’t leave your email address. Hopefully you will read this before Christmas then you can give it to your father at Christmas.
Hi Josie As you can see, I am a Gillam – one of Ted Gillam’s sons. Is there any chance that you could email a copy of the photograph to me. I’m sure that my mum would love to see a printed copy of it. Many thanks.
Hi Josie, I assumed that you would get my email address from the website. In case you can’t: gillam@btinternet.com. Regards
[Email addresses are requested when a contributor makes a posting, but they are not accessible to the public. Comments Ed]
Hi Josie I asked for a copy of the fishermen photo last year but am another one who failed to leave email address. I am a descendant of the Gunns, Humphreys and Laycocks. If I can still get one I would love a copy. evelyn44@bigpond.com.au
Hi Josie, I also would love a copy of your photograph. My connection is with the families of Humphrey/Gunn/Marchant – thank you so much. Email address is: dschristie@tiscali.co.uk Regards
Reminding myself I have done up to here.
Hi, Josie. Love the photo of the Brighton fishermen. William Humphrey is my great grandfather. He was also a member of the Brighton lifeboat crew. Could you please send a copy? Anyone can contact me at this e-mail. [Richard, for reasons of confidentiality, your e-mail details are not available to the public. If you are willing for them to be so, you will need to add them to a posting. Thank you, Comments Editor]
How marvellous to see all these names apear in one place. I too have the names of Allen, Gunn in my family tree and have a colleague related to the Rolfs (without the e). Are the Rolfes part of the same family? Please be so kind as to send a copy of the excellent photo to fearmohale@hotmail.com
Message for Richard Humphrey. My wife’s grandfather was also William Humphrey who lived in Bread St, Carlton Hill area, and Camelford St. and owned many fishing boats troughout his life,with names such as Smiling Morn, Paragon, Helping Hand and Estella. He died around 1960. I wonder if you have any photos or info of boats/fishermen etc in your family. Regards Alan Hayes.(alanphayes@hotmail.com)
Hello Alan. You kindly sent me photos of SM4 “Pals” and the “Rustler” when she was washed up in 1951, some 3/4 years ago. I’ve used these photos in a personal account of my boyhood in Brighton. I wondered if you could remember any personal details of Mr. Wilson, the skipper of the SM4? I know that he had an accident at the end of the 50s, was a part-time constable and lived at Canon Place. Could you possibly write some comments about your own recollections of him – I remember that you told me that you used to sail with him? My parents used to be quite friendly with Mr. Wilson and would chat with him between trips out.
Hi Stuart I have sent you some info to your email.
Hi Josie, I must be one of the only one’s left that hasn’t requested a copy, so if you could please send one to me I would be very grateful. I am still out there searching for fishing related photos and stories etc., so if anyone can help my email is eric@ericpentecost.co.uk. Many thanks.
Hi Josie. Joining the long list of people wanting a copy of the fishermen photo. My email is jobett@skymesh.com.au Many thanks.
Hi Josie, just trying to put together the family tree. I have George, John, Thomas, Nathaniel Gunn in my tree. Please may l have a copy of this photo. Thank you
Hi Josie, my family tree is on the Markwick’s side – my granparents were Tom and Ivy Markwick – I spent many happy childhood times in their socal club and on the beach with the fishermen – would love a copy of this photo. Also welcome contact from any long lost relatives. Many thanks. suelawton1@hotmail.com
Hello Josie. I have seen the photo of the Brighton Fishermen hanging on the wall many times at their club under the arches. My mother was a Gillam, and our family history goes several centuries before that photo was taken. Could you please send me a copy of the photo. Many thanks!
Hi Josie, I am descended from the William Humphrey in the photograph. Could you please email to me a copy. Rhumphrey16@aol.com. Thanks Richard Humphrey.
I wonder if I am related? I just found this page. I was born in Brighton in the 1950s.
Hi Josie, This photograph appears to be so popular. I sent a message to you in 2010 and thank you for your return email with photo attachment. I went to the Fisherman’s Museum on the seafront in Brighton where there is an original photograph but there was nobody in attendance for me to enquire as to where and how I can obtain an original. I am only too happy to pay for the costs associated with obtaining an original and will be in Brighton in September 2012. Please advise.
Sorry for the delay, have not visited this site for ages. Reminding myself have sent up to here to all who have included their email.
Hi Josie, hope you don’t mind me asking would it be possible to email me this picture as I am researching my family tree and found that I am related to the Gunns named in this picture and it would be great to see what they looked like. My email is breslin.shirley@googlemail.com
Hi Josie, Not only is this photo so popular, you are too! I’m sure you know what is coming next! …… As with so many others, I have descended from, and have connections to, several of these fishermen. My elderly mother and I also visited the Fishing Museum in Brighton only to find it unattended (as did Peter above). If it is not too much trouble, the next time you are making copies, please can you add me to your list? My e-mail is suesollyuk@yahoo.co.uk I am also more than happy to pay costs. With thanks, Sue
Hi Josie, I have no Brighton ancestors, but I am very interested in the history of fishermen’s ganseys, and I would love to have a copy of this photo, which seems to show quite a number. Gansey knitting traditions are most celebrated on the east coast of England, Cornwall and Scotland, but I would really like to see what was going on along the south coast. If anyone else has a picture of an ancestor wearing a gansey I would be delighted and grateful to see it. Many thanks, Malcolm Smith. malcolm.smith@durham.ac.uk
Hi Josie. I am related to James and Joseph Rolf. Could you please email me this photo? Would also be happy to hear from any other Rolfs or possible relations as I’m currently putting a family tree together. Any input or connections would be great. Thank you. Kannrolf@yahoo.co.uk
Hi Josie, my husband is Raymond Leach, his father was Joseph Leach and his Grandfather was John Leach who lived in Baker Street Brighton. The early Leachs were known as a fishing family so it may be possible that the person in the photo could well be related to us. If it is at all possible could you please send a copy of the photo to my email address .Thanking you. lindajleach@talktalk.net
Hi Josie, Parker Harman was my great great grandfather who is in the photograph of teetotal fishermen. Like everyone else who has emailed, I would love a copy if you could possibly email it to me. Will be happy to send a donation for the museum as payment. I did see the photo a few years ago when I visited the museum but the website was not up and running then. Thankyou. Anne Stephney (norman.stephney@btinternet.com)
This photo has proved to be very popular. A number of years ago a fellow family history researcher sent me the photo, and they agreed I could put it on this website. Sadly I lost their email address not long after so haven’t been able to let them know about the great response. But if you are the person who sent it to me, ever come on this page then a very big THANK YOU from me.
Hi Josie. Back in 2006 when you first put this photo on this website, you could click on it to enlarge, it was easy at that time to get your own copy of it, which I did. It seems the enlargement tool has been taken away for sometime now.
Editor’s note: We can’t allow people to download the large version from the website because we don’t have the copyright holder’s permission.
Hi Josie, I have been doing my partners family tree and he is related to the Gunn’s in the picture too. My great -nephew is also related to the Gunn family too. Would be grateful if you send me a copy of the picture. Thanks. e.mail is spicer.paul@sky.com
Hi, I am married to David Howell, his father and grandfather were from a Brighton fishing family. Jimmy Howell junior was a fisherman then became Chief Fishery Officer. I wondered if anybody had any old photographs of the boats Jimmy had or any of him on the patrol boat.
Hi Josie. Please mail me a copy of that photo. I am a descendant from the Gillams and Alllens, and would like to do more research on the subject. My email address is michaelmills453@gmail.com. Many thanks!
Hi Josie, I would really appreciate a copy of this photo, have been researching my family tree and are related to the Gillams and Shrivells from Brighton. Many thanks, my email address is sharon_smales@hotmail.com.
I’m glad to see this site is here- my first time here looking at the past. I was married to Alan Hayes. Daddy Rolfe had a wet fish shop in Market Street where I lived at a young age. Victor Gunn was an antique dealer. Peter Leach is still going at the fishmarket by the Lagoon where I get my smoked haddock and kippers. Sometimes I see Johnny Gillam but rarely. I would love to hear from anyone that knows me or not.
Hi Josie, I would love a copy of the photo. Over the last few years, I have been doing some research on the Rolf family, living in Brighton. lrolf9@me.com Kind Regards
Be great to get a copy Rosie, my 4th gg is Thomas Gunn. Rambo157@hotmail.com.
My Grandfather Harry Russell married Alice Mary Andrew in 1915. The Andrew family were also a long established Brighton fishing family. Their son,also named Harry, (my father) worked for Major Hill on the Montgomery and Alexander in the late 1940’s, pleasure tripping through the summer and night fishing in the winter. These two boats were the biggest operating pleasure trips from the beach and were moored at Shoreham Harbour. My father, a skilled mechanic by trade, was also from time to time over the years called upon to repair/service the engines on many of the other boats at Brighton.
There was a Gunn’s fresh fish shop opposite Woolworths in St James Street, around the late 30s and 40s, and I went to a school (Montpelier College in Montpelier Crescent) because a son of the owner of the shop, either was going there or had been there. Does anyone know who this son was?
I wonder if anyone has a photo of Harry George Gillam who was killed in the last war in 1941? He was in the mine sweepers escort based in Lowestoft qqrd3.
Hi Josie, What a great photo, could we have a copy please? I have been researching my ancestors lately, my Grandmother was a Gunn and always told us we were descended from the Brighton Gunns, although our line decamped to London. My cousin, who is a Gunn, is just celebrating his 80th birthday and a copy of your photo would be really exciting for him. It seems that we are directly descended from Gunns in Brighton down 2 lines (fishermen, dippers and bathers included!).
Hi Josie, I think William Humphrey may have been my great grandfather. I am currently working on my family tree and the date, name and occupation fit. Could you please let me have a better quality scan as I can’t determine which he is to see if it ties up with other photos I have of him. Thanks wblann@gmail.com
Hello, I wonder if you could help me please. I’m trying to find out about my great great grandfather William Richard Allen. All I know is that he was born in Brighton in about 1847 and married a Jane Streeter. He was a fisherman and his daughter Elizabeth married Charles Allum in Brighton in 1900. Thank you
Hi Josie. My name is Shirley and I am William Gunn’s granddaughter. My great grandfather, Nathaniel Gunn, is in this picture. Please could I have a picture of the fishermen. I am currently doing a family tree on the Gunns and would really appreciate it. Thank you. shirleywaller@live.co.uk
My great great grandmother was Ada Elizabeth Gillam, she married a Dennis Pentecost. Does anyone have any information about these people? Thanks
Hi anyone. I’m from the Thwaites fishing family and would love a copy of the photo. I have the Gunn family in my list of ancestors which my sister has researched, although seven generations away in the mid-to late 18th C, so only related as distant cousins to the Gunns in the photo. It would be very interesting though. Our Dad Tom Thwaites passed away aged 99 on 27th April. The funeral is 10th May at St Margaret’s, Rottingdean. If anyone wants the Gunn bit of our family tree please get in touch clare@davisonfamily.org.uk
Does anyone know where my father’s boat is? The name and number is Our Lassie sm 564. It used to stand on Paston Place beach next to Jimmy Howell’s boat. Please contact humphreypeter@sky.com Thank you.
Hi Josie, I am hoping that you would be kind enough to email me a copy of the photo to nathansmith64@hotmail.com. I have been researching my family tree and have found that I am a descendent of the Rolf family. Many thanks. Nathan.
My Nan and Grandad owned Rolf’s Fish an Chip shop in New England Road Brighton. Nan (Lil) sadly passed away in 2011 but she would tell stories of old about most of the surnames mentioned. If you go down to the fishing museum under the arches in Brighton you will see all the names.
Have sent photos for those who have left email addresses up to here.
Samuel Akehurst was my great great grandad.
Hi Josie. Left a message earlier requesting a copy of your fab photo and forgot to leave email address. hazelhandford2@msn.com Many thanks, Hazel.
I just came across this website seeing if I could find more information about my family. I could definitely help quite a few of you. My great-grandad is a Gilliam and was on the fishing boats all his life – working alongside his father and he continued on until he passed away in the early 80s. We are very connected to our roots / family history and have quite a few photos of the Gillam family including on the boats etc. I hope I can help?
Hi Vanessa. I am new to researching my family tree and believe I am closely connected to the Gillam family. I would love to e-mail you to find out more. My e-mail is hazelhandford2@msn.com I hope you will get in touch. Regards Hazel.
Josie I am the G, G, G grand daughter of Nathaniel Gunn/ William Humphery families and would love a copy of the fisherman photo. I live in NZ and am doing the trees of both sides of my family all fishermen in the Brighton, Shoreham, Newhaven, areas. My email is jenrog@hotmail.com. Thank you. Jenny Rogers.
Hi my late husband’s Mum was Minnie Rolf who were a fishing family so would love to be sent a copy of this pic please for my kiddies. amandayeates_5@hotmail.co.uk.
Many thanks.
Hi Vanessa I have just read your email to this site. Am I right in thinking your great grandad’s name was “Alf”? I would be really be interested in some of the things you have on him as I collect photos and the history of Brighton fishing. I also worked with him “pleasure tripping”around 1965-7 and have a few photos and things relating to him you may be interested in. My e-mail is cdmhayes@hotmail.com regards Alan Hayes.
Hi Alan, Thank you for connecting with me! I have this feeling I may have heard your name before? It’s great that you connected me straight away with my Great Grandad’s name.. Yes, his name is Alf and I am also close to Alf’s nephews – great photos we have! 🙂 That is fantastic to hear you met him / worked with him. Would love to hear all the stories and if you have photos of during that time period. I will email you directly and looking forward to it. Thank you!
Josie, would you kindly send me a copy of the photograph of the Philanthropic Society Fishermen. My great grandfather William Poplett had three sisters whose husbands are all in this photograph, Jacob Akehurst, Edward Akehurst and William Markwick. Thank you Kensmith757@gmail.com
Hi Josie I see you said you have sent the pic but I did not get mine. Any chance you can re-send it to me please? amandayeates_5@hotmail.co.uk
Hi Josie, would you mind emailing me a copy of your photo as my great, great Grandfather is James Rolfe and I am a Markwick. Many thanks (lmarkwick@ntlworld.com)
Hi Josie, if you are still emailing copies of the photo – could you send me a copy please? It would be great to have a close up look at the mens faces. I have connections with the Gunns And Markwicks. KHughes2005@aol.com Thank you!
Hello Josie, is there any chance to get a copy of the photo? “Big” Bill (William) Taylor was my great-grandfather. My mum told me about an article in the Brighton Evening Argus about Big Bill rowing to France, do you have any information about this? Many thanks Peter (pewi1960@gmail.com)
Hi Josie. I contacted you a few years ago when my name was Allkins, I have since remarried. My great grandmother was Sophia Campbell. Would you like a photo of Sophia?
Hi Josie, could you please email me a copy of this photo. My wife is a Grinyer. Thanks! Alan (thillaj@yahoo.com)
My mother’s maiden name was Harman ; her father was John Harman known as Shimmer, and his wife was Elizabeth. He had several boats; Elisabeth Perseverance and the Lorain. The Lorain when to Dunkirk but broke down on the way.
I am related by marriage to the Laycocks and Humphreys. Could you please email a picture of the 1864 Fishermen. Thank you. My email address is anitalaycock@gmail.com
Hi Josie, I have just stumbled upon this sight. I saw this picture in the Fishermen’s museum, and my great great grandfather is in the picture: Thomas Basset. Would you be kind enough to send me a copy please. It is such a good one! Thank you. garybythesea@hotmail.com
Hi all, I have just found this page whilst looking for some history of my Marchant family from Brighton. I have been researching my family tree on and off for a few years now. I am of the understanding that we originated in France although I still have not got a connection to my French ancestry yet. I know that we were a big fishermen family. I also have connections to many of the surnames that I am seeing in these comments. I definitely have connections to Gunn, Gillam, Grinyer, Humphrey, Thwaites and possibly others. If you are interested in swapping info, please get in touch. My email is: brightonscaffolding@msn.com Please write Marchant Family Tree as subject. Thanks
I am descended from the Gunns, Humphreys, Laycocks, Washingtons and Taylors amongst others. Josie I would love a copy of this picture and I would love to hear from anyone connected to my ancestors. Please email katelinscott@yahoo.co.uk
Hi Josie, please could you email me a copy of this picture? Many thanks dulcieyeaman@moulsecoomb.brighton-hove.sch.uk
Hi, really interested in the fishing in Brighton. We visited the fishing museum yesterday as my husband believes he had a grandfather who was a fisherman and so was hoping to find anything that could’ve brought his name up.
Hi Josie. My family originate from Brighton and I am probably related to the Akehursts shown in your photo. I will be most grateful for a copy. Thank you (rakehurst@btinternet.com)
It was interesting that the message from Jarrod Marchant had ‘scaffolding’ in the e-mail address. One of our long-standing contributors Roy Grant did some work on this years ago, many local fishermen doubled up working for scaffold firms as their expertise with ropes, knots and spars made them especially useful in that trade. In North America construction industries have employed Native Americans who seemingly have an innate ability and agility to work on sky-scraper construction.
Hi Geoffrey,
While researching my family’s history, I was lucky enough to have been introduced to a lovely old man who came from a very long line of fishermen; his family had been fishing in Brighton for over 300 years and before that, in Hastings. He was a real character and from our original meeting, we met up several times when I listened to wonderful stories of Brighton’s fishing folk. After the War (serving in the Royal Navy) he was employed at The Theatre Royal working on stage sets, scenery and back drops which, he explained, involved “loads and loads of ropes” thus putting his expertise of knots etc. to very good use. Several of his work mates also had fishing backgrounds. He worked there for 47 and a half years, he proudly informed me. During his time at the theatre, as a side-line, fish was sold to order to many a well known actor appearing on stage there. Sadly he is no longer with us. I was privileged to have known him.
Hi Josie. Guess what! Please could you email me a copy of this photo as I am related to Gunns, Harmans, Gillams, Humphreys and others. My email is haighsj@outlook.com (This request goes to any of you lucky ones to have received a copy already). We’re probably all related anyway. Thanks.
Hi, would it be possible to have a copy of this photo please? (daniel.mateer@gmail.com) Like the others I have been researching my family tree. I am related the Laycocks which I know were fisherman. The John Leycock I’m related to was a mariner, I believe and his father Thomas was a fisherman in Brighton. Would be great to know if these are my relations.
Susie: I read your comment about the fisherman you met in Brighton, please can you remember his name? My father was a fisherman in Brighton and worked at the Theatre Royal. Please contact me at humphreypeter@sky.com. Thank you.
Is it possible to get a copy of this photo please? I am a direct descendant of the Akehursts of Brighton.
Many thanks
Chris (Australia)
Hi, I still haven’t been sent a copy of the photo. Please can you get in touch. I am listed further up in 2015.
Hi, is it possible to have a copy of this photo please? I am a descendant of the Gillams and I am researching family history. Thanks gavingillam@hotmail.com
TO ALL REQUESTING A COPY OF THE ABOVE PHOTO. THE PHOTO IS OWNED BY JOSIE CAMPBELL, NOT THE WEBSITE. JOSIE HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH OVER THE YEARS TO SEND ON COPIES BY EMAIL (IF AN EMAIL ADDRESS IS GIVEN). LOOKING BACK OVER THE ENTRIES, SHE LAST SENT A BATCH IN AUGUST 2013. UNLESS AND UNTIL JOSIE TAKES A LOOK AT THIS PAGE, REQUESTS CAN’T BE ACTIONED. HOPE THAT HELPS THOSE REQUESTING A COPY TO UNDERSTAND THE SET UP. THANKS, EDITING TEAM
Such an important photograph judging the interest shown by the number of requests above.
I appreciate this is your personal property, but have you considered donating a copy to the ESRO (at The Keep) and/or the SFHG (Sussex Family History Group) or similar?
I am researching my family name in Southwick/Portslade/Hove and Brighton. My GG Grandfather was Charles PATCHING (b. Southwick 1809). He married a Brighton lass, Elizabeth HUMPHREY, in Brighton in 1834 and was possibly living in the area around the time the photo was taken.
I’m not sure Charles was a fisherman per se, but may have tried his hand at some point. Interestingly, Elizabeth’s father and several brothers definitely were Brighton fishermen, including her older brother William HUMPHREY.
Both a Charles Patching and William Humphrey are named in the picture. Could these be my ancestors? If so, this is a very important picture for me.
Can I add my name to the list for a copy please. Thank you.
My email address is: christopher.patching@blueyonder.co.uk
I am related to the Leaches; my grandfather was Frank Leach and I now own the sleeper earrings that were in his ears. I spent many a happy hour down on the old fisherman’s hard watching the fish being brought in and sold. Also I worked for my uncle Cecil Leach as a 14 year old, he owned the cafe by the red mine on the beach. I also spent a lot of time with George Gilman. My cousin is Peter Leach, his dad was Rachell and has sisters Mary and Marie. Would love to contact Peter re the ear rings. My email address is australianval@hotmail.com
Dear Josie, please could you e-mail me a copy of the photograph of the Brighton fishermen that you own. My connection to the photograph is through William (Big Bill) Taylor. My dad was the son of Thomas Alfred Jarvis and Louisa Maud Taylor (daughter of William Taylor). I am tracing the Taylor family tree and would love a copy. My email address is ( theresa.whittle@virginmedia.com).
Further to my earlier request for a copy of the photograph, I recently visited the Brighton Fishermen’s Museum – a very interesting collection – who have a copy mounted on the wall. I took some photographs of it (not sure if I was allowed to, but there was nobody around to ask). Maybe a visit to the museum or a written request to the curator for copies would be fruitful to requestees still waiting for a reply from Josie.
This is a message for Josie Campbell. My Grandfather was Thomas Laycock and my father was Thomas Laycock who recalled working with him on Brighton beach as a boy. I would really love to have a copy of the photo if you could. Interestingly the post above about John Laycock who migrated to Perth Australia is where I have live since 1987 so I may have cousins here I didn’t know existed.
Thank you for forwarding this message to Josie.
nevillelaycock@bigpond.com
Paul Laycock’s email address above.
Dear Josie, may I add my name to the list of people asking for a copy of this picture. I am researching Joseph Leach for my cousin, who is a direct descendent. Many thanks in advance. mummyvidler@aol.com
Dear Josie, do you have the photo of Sophia Campbell I promised you, we lost touch.
I am researching my ancestors the Mitchell‘s who were fishermen of Brighton. My Grandfather was Arthur Pentecost born 1903 also a fisherman. I have Harman, Gunn and Akehurst’s on my tree. I live in a cottage that was built by the Gillams. Are the Gillams the same ones as mentioned in the Hastings museum history? Any information on any of the above would be helpful. Trish
I’m trying to research the Laycock name my grandad who I never met was a Laycock. I have absolutely no information on him I wonder if there is a connection with the Laycock here?
My great great grandfather was the Samuel Akehurst in the picture
I am related to The Campbells who had the fishing boat “Minnie Clay”. I would be very interested in any photographs or history as I believe some of the photos and information that was previously held by the Brighton fishing museum had been lost. Any information would be fantastic, please contact myself at kazaknight@hotmail.com
Thank you
Hi Josie, hope you are still sending out copies of this amazing photo as I would love a copy, being a descendant of the Gunn family. Thank you so much. Regards, Linda. [Hello Linda, Josie hasn’t posted a message on this page since 2013. It maybe somewhile before she gets back to you with a copy of the picture you have requested. Thanks, Editing Team]
Hi
Likewise I would really appreciate a copy of this amazing photograph, I am related to the Priest, Rolfes and Pierce families.
Many thanks.
My grandmother was an only child, Jessie Rolf of Bosses Gardens, early 1900s.I am unaware of her parents Christian names.Her close family, uncles etc were fishermen.I have several photos of them. During ww1, correspondence home, I have noticed the ‘e’ at the end of Rolfe was dropped .Nan married James (Jim) Avery and moved to Norwich Drive Bevendean. Trying to marry the info I overheard as a child and history, I believe some of her cousins ended their days in Haywards Mental Health Hospital, probably from ‘shell shock’ from ww1.THAT IS ONLY SPECULATION. I am only too aware of these family names, I went to school with Gunns, Taylors and my first marriage with a Greenier brought a Hayes family as inlaws, no doubt history repeating it’s self. Not tot good with technology but happy to chat, Troy Avery 07754591474.
Hi Josie
This is an amazing photograph. I am married to one of Ted Gillam’s sons, Andrew. Please could we have a copy of this photograph? My email address is fionagillam42@gmail.com
Many thanks,
Fiona.
Hi Fiona, l am related to the Gunns and Gillams. If possible l would love a copy of this picture. My email is kdenisewood@hotmail.com
Many thanks.
Hi Josie
I am related to the Gunns, and most of the other fishing families and would love a copy of this great photograph. My email is haighsj3@gmail.com
Thanks,
Sue Haigh.
Hi Josie,
I’m related to the Gunns family, could I have a copy of this photo please.
Thanks.
Joyce.
joycecpadmore@gmail.com
Hi Josie, what a fantastic photo. I am related to William Markwick, would it be possible please to let me have a copy? My email address is gamblespost@gmail.com
My family lived in George Street from 1928 on. I remember the names Rolf and Gunn clearly and I think one of them at least lived in a house a few yards from Edward Street. I may well have played in the street with a boy Rolf and others. I also remember the terraced houses in Dorset Street but only as a child, and don’t remember if they were occupied. They were being demolished during the 1940s and my friends and I went looking in the rubble for any signs of shrapnel from nearby bombings . My father was owner manager of the family‘s sawmills at the bottom end of Dorset St. until 1970 .
Hi Josie, I would love a copy of this photo as my ancestors were Jane Dallaway (nee Campbell), William Campbell, Richard Campbell and the Gunns seen in this photo.
Thanks,
Steve.
Hi Josie, what a marvelous picture. Would you be be so kind as to email me a copy. With thanks – John.
johnknight242@btinternet.com
Is there any chance that I could receive a copy of this photograph. It seems that no recent responses have been actioned so hope that you could kindly send a photo of my great grandfather. Thank you.
Paul.
Hello. My grandfather was George Rolf. He lived to be 100 and died c.20 years ago, so would have been born c.1900. He was Brighton born and bred. The name Joseph Rolf (in the picture) rings a bell. Can anyone provide the link? Thanks all.
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