Records of Chatham Dockyard confirm that William’s father Chatham Cuffay was employed there from July 1778 until August 1798.  He was probably a cook and worked on one of the 4th rank sheer hulks moored in the Medway. From October 1780 he served on board the yacht HMS Chatham. This is probably where he got his first name Chatham from.

Archives view of Chatham Dockyard

Drawn by Warren, engraved by E. Finden and published by George Virtue. MAC Local Studies Collection