Yep you're right about the last couple of games, but I'm with you all the way on the rest!

My Grt Grandad sailed on the champion, and the Baines, saved all his money, purchased his own Thames barge and moved south. So he was the typical Scouse Mick in London. He was killed by a protection racket operating out of Silvertown, and the family moved north again. My Grandad eventually settled in Gravesend when he took employment with the Port of London Authority, and the family moved south a second time. We keep the faith :)

It seems that there were two Black Ball Lines, (see message above) the Liverpool one was owned by Thomas Baines. I have checked up with the NHM library, and they have the plans of one BBL ship which had a below decks prison and above deck accommodation for paying passengers (warders and governors on tour of duty I presume). This one pre-dates the Champion, but I don't know by how far. The NHM are posting me photocopies. I am also in hot persuit of an out of print book which has illustrations and a short history of each BBL ship.

I am trying to get as much info on the Champion, and the Baines so that I have something to hand to my kids when they are old enough to tell me I'm an old fart, and they aren't interested ;)

Signs off waiving flag with emblem of liver bird with shamrock in its mouth.

Jon