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Armband badge of the Watermans' Company, with inscription " Free Waterman, at command of our superiors, 5634", c1820

Watery business : Licensed watermen worked on London’s ‘silent highway’, the Thames. They were issued with badges called ‘brassards’ by the Watermen’s Company, which had to be worn sewn onto a coat sleeve. Watermen had a reputation as hustlers, and unwary passengers could be taken for a ride in more ways than one.

The river was the fastest way to navigate central London in the early 1800s, but it could be a risky journey.

Dimensions: Width: 110mm, Height: 122mm

Reference number: 1991/55

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