Catalogue description Papers of Ronald Carr-Webb

The papers relating to the Struggler consist of a manuscript record of the experiences of, presumably, Robert William Carr Senior, between 9 May 1857 and November 1859 and three versions, in verse, recounting the loss of the Struggler, brig of Aberdeen which foundered off the coast of Lapland shortly after leaving Archangel in October 1856 bound for Grimsby.

The remainder of the papers are receipts for payments made by Ronald Carr-Webb's father, William Webb of 7, Wellington Road, Bow and 145, Kingston Road, Ilford.

Further details concerning the papers and the Carr family, by Ronald Carr-Webb are held on file.

Carr, Robert William, fl 1857-1859, sailmaker of Stepney

These papers were presented by Mr. Ronald Carr-Webb. Those relating to the loss of the Struggler and the photograph of Emma Jane Carr (TH/8598), were presented via The British Records Association in 1993; the receipts of W. Webb (TH/8764) were presented in 1997.

The papers relating to the Struggler came into Mr Carr-Webb's possession following the death of his grandmother, Emma Jane Carr in 1943. It would appear that the Robert William Carr, sailmaker, the supposed author of the verses on the loss of the Struggler, was Emma Jane Carr's father-in-law. Arthur William Carr whose name appears in P/CWB/1/3 was probably the brother of Robert William Carr. The marriage registers of St Matthew's, Bethnal Green, show that on 8 July 1852 Robert William Carr, described as a sailor of 3 Eastfield Street married Sarah Woodhouse of 7 North Street. Robert William Carr's father is shown as Robert Carr, sail maker, and Sarah's as James Woodhouse, coal whipper. They had a son (Emma Jane Carr's husband) who was also called Robert William Carr, on 25 June 1854.