Worsley

Master Waterman on Mersey

The story repeated by John and Barbara Worsley (his grand children) of his death is the Ramming Incident. When the large ships unloaded at Liverpool, they anchored in the roads, and barges ferried the freight from ship to inner basin, through a sea lock. Edward was in charge of such a barge. At the close of day when the tide had turned, it was the last locking that could be had for that tide. Edward was the last barge in the lock which was full. Another tried to enter the lock (it would otherwise have had to remain outside until the next tide), and rammed the stern of Edward's barge. This second barge was driven by a man with a known antagonism towards Edward. The rudder was pushed over forcing the tiller to swing violently. This took Edward into the lock. It is said that his body was found by the Isle of Man Steamship packet, and that his back had been broken. His funeral was stopped so that an inquest could be held. On the hearse, each corner was decorated with a black feather. As it passed the home of the man with attitude, the feathers fell - showing some divine indication of guilt. The second man is reported to have committed suicide because of the tragedy. In a rather macabre twist, it is said that his body would not fit into the coffin, and that his wife went to the funeral parlour, and after removing her hat and gloves, bent his limbs round and about to fit him in.

How we ever prove this colourful story is problematical. We have certainly found the date and cause of death, having traced the death certificate. Unfortunately, the inquest records were destroyed in the bombing of Liverpool during WWII. We’ll look in the local papers to see if they can fill any of the details.

However, the story related above gives his wife as Maltese. There is a mystery here, and we need to be much more rigorous in linking Mary Ann Worsley, widow with a son of the correct age with Edward our grandfather.

However, Jean, daughter of Cissie, daughter of Edward recalls hearing that the wife was French, and that "The only French thing about my mum was her temper" (Edward talking to Cissie)

December 2005 The basic details of his death have been verified by the death certificate, i.e. he was drowned following a collision with another Flat.

And there is more news. I looked at the census of 1861, when Edward would have been 18. I found him twice, which is not only unusual but also probably a bit naughty. He is listed at his mother's home, and as the mate of the Flat "Mary Jane".

The Liverpool Telegraph and Daily Shipping and Commercial Gazette. Monday, September 30th 1878.

Coroners' Court.

Saturday.

(Before Mr. Clarke Aspinall, Borough Coroner)

The fatal collision in the river. - An inquest was held on the body of Edward Worsley, 36 years of age, master of the flat Alpha, of Liverpool. On the 17th instant the deceased was knocked overboard through his flat colliding with the Lady Sale in the river. He was carried down the river by a strong ebb tide and drowned. His body was picked up in the river on Thursday afternoon by Richard Atkin, engineer of the steam tug Spenddrift. A verdict of accidentally drowned was returned. Atkin, it transpired, had received 25s for recovering the body, and had handed the amount to the widow of the deceased.

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Brian, my husband, a retired Dock Master, said the currents are treacherous approaching and in all locks and your poor relative would not have stood a chance.

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Thanks to Mrs Pat Simpson