Receipt from the Caledonia Tavern, Grimsby signed by Clayton Croft 1818.

An original 1818 tavern receipt. Clayton Croft was baptised in Grimsby in 1777. He was the son of John and Mary Croft (née Clayton). In 1797, Clayton married Sarah Appleyard of Old Clee. They had a son, another Clayton Croft Jr., in 1812. In 1813, Clayton Croft Sr., captain of one of the packet boats from Grimsby to Hull, lost a hand whilst shooting sea fowl. His gun burst and tore his hand away from his wrist. Clayton Croft Sr. successfully ran the Steam-Packet Tavern from about 1812 until 1822. He obviously ran the Caledonia Tavern, at 23 South Grimsby at the same time. (South Grimsby?) In 1826, Clayton Croft Sr., who for many years was master of one of the sailing-packets between Grimsby and Hull, died. (Clayton Croft Jr. married in Sculcoates and died in the Hull area in 1863.) Joshua Plaskitt was the Harbour Master at Grimsby. The receipt was printed by T. Squire of Market Place, Grimsby. He was a printer, bookbinder, book seller and dealer in genuine patent medicines.