Napoleonic-era Naval pension payments for Ratings, 1820s

[Mary S]

I am looking for help regarding naval records/Napoleonic-era Naval pensions when awarded to Ratings.

Can anyone tell me what kinds of documentation was required by the Navy from the widows of Ratings when collecting a final pension payment on the death of their husband – was a marriage certificate or some such required, or could anyone pretend to be someone’s widow and get away with it? The year in question is 1823.

Also: were pensions for rating typically warded for life only during this time (ie would not pass to a widow for her lifetime)?

Many thanks!

Mary

[Author]

Posts