Port of Wisbech

Port of Wisbech is an inland port on the River Nene in Wisbech, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. It is mainly used for cargo and industrial purposes, with the southern part of the port housing a number of berths for yachts. Fenland District Council is the harbour authority for most of the River Nene; as well as operating the port and harbour, it provides a Port Health service to commercial ships, leisure craft and fishing vessels.[1] There are regular shipments to and from continental Europe, mostly timber and forest goods from Baltic states.[2]

Yachtclub with cargo depot in the background.

History

Wisbech served as a port in medieval times. After the estuary of the River Ouse became silted up, it was diverted into the sea at King's Lynn. This led to the construction of the present course of the River Nene from Peterborough to the Wash. The drained marshes provided rich productive farmland, bringing prosperity to the port of Wisbech from the regular shipments of corn and oil seed rape to the coast and continent, and imports which included coal from the North, slate from Wales and timber from the Baltic. Woad (Isatis tinctoria) was shipped out from the port.[3][4]

Inevitably some trade was carried out illicitly.

They write from Wells, Norfolk, that on Thursday last Mr. Joseph Southgate, Commander of the Sloop in the Service of the Customs, having met with a smuggling boat near Fosdyke Wash, which was loaded with tea and other prohibited goods, whereof John Ransford of Wisbech was Master, upon the said Southgate's attempting to board her, he was opposed by the said Ransford and his Crew, who stood with their Blunderbusses and Fire Arms, and presented them in the officers faces; but the officers nevertheless seized the vessel, with fourteen Hundred weight of tea, besides brandy and other and the said Master and his men being carried before two Justices of the Peace, were committed to Norwich Castle. Stamford Mercury

[5]

'By the General Pilot Act of the fifty second of George III, masters of vessels piloted or conducted by any other than a Licensed Pilot, are liable to forfeit double the amount of the Pilotage, and also a penalty Five Pounds for every fifty tons burthen and persons taking charge vessels or acting Pilots without being duly licensed, or without having registered their licences with the proper Officer of the Customs, are liable to a penally of £50'. NOTICE IS HEREBY ALSO GIVEN That the following persons, viz. Kirby Wilson (Headsman,) Stephen Belton. Henry Hayes Jnr Joseph Smith, William Smith, Thomas Cameron, Robert Bouch, and Jeremiah Bouch, all residing at Sutton Washway, within the Port of Wisbech, are appointed and duly licensed act Pilots for the Port and Harbour of Wisbech aforesaid, and the adjoining Coasts thereof, and that no other persons are duly licensed or can lawfully act as Pilots for the said Port and Harbour, and that all licences heretofore granted to other persons are determined and void. By Order of the Sub-Commissioners of Pilotage, Bellamy. Girdlestone, & Bellamy. Wisbech 28 August 1813.[6]

Alderman Richard Young (MP) JP DL, MP was the owner of over 40 ships in the 19th century.[7] In the latter part of the 19th century American vessels visited the port.

In 1827 the bill for the improvement of the River Nene Outfall was at committee stage in the House of Commons.[8]

On 12 October 1832 the Cambridge Chronicle reported 'The river that runs through this town, in consequence of the great outfall, was so low last week, that the stones on its bed, under the bridge, were visible and dry at low water'. Mr Cook, a sailmaker (died 1834) was just one of the many craftsmen supporting ship building in the town, there were also at least two ropewalks.[9] By 1838 the river level was sufficient to allow the port to receive the largest vessel ever to enter the River Nene; a vessel from Prussia over 300 tons burthen, with a full load of timber.[10] In May 1839 the steam towing company were advertising to purchase one or two steam tugs.[11] In 1841 the boatbuilder James Mill was declared bankrupt and his yard and contents auctioned March 17 & 18[12] In 1844 the harbour master was Mr. J.S.Buckley, he was also the Lloyd's agent.[13] In 1845 the port was advertising for tenders from contractors able to construct a wharf, warehouse and crane.[14] In the past the unloading of smaller vesssels able to pass under the town bridge took place further upstream than it does currently. In 1848 it was reported that 'the wharf on the South Brink road had sunk considerably further during the past week and the probability is that the communication by this road will be entirely cut off before long. The road is at present fenced off, allowing only the passage of one vehicle at a time'.[15] In 1850 the Wisbech steam-tug company was dissolved and their three vessels the Middlesboro, Samson and the Don sold. In the latter part of the 19th century American vessels visited the port.[16]

'PORT OF WISBECH. — NOTICE is hereby given, that the TONNAGE DUTY Sixpence per ton, granted by the New Outfall Act on goods shipped to and from the port of Wisbech, has CEASED by payment of the debt charged thereon by the Corporation of Wisbech under the powers of the said act, and that the only tonnage duty now payable to the said Corporation, is Three Pence per Ton, under the provisions of the original Port and Harbour Act. WM. STEVENS, Mayor. Wisbech. 25 May 1847.' Appeared in the press in 1847.[17]

In 1850 local shipbuilders Couisens went bankrupt.[18]

A Scheme to improve the River Nene from Northampton to Wisbech by new cuts, widening, construction of weirs or overfalls, and new bridges at Nene Quay, Wisbech, and the Dog-in-a-Doublet public house, Whittlesey was included in the Nene Valley Drainage and Navigation Improvement Act 1852.[19]

PORT OF WISBECH SAILORS' SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY. This anniversary meeting, which took place on Thursday 26 April 1855. Mr. Robert Clarke in appropriate address, alluded to the losses the Society had sustained during the past year, having lost its President (Capt. Schultz, R.N.) & the Rev. W. Holmes, Secretarv. However he was happily gratified to be able to announce to the meeting that Edward J. Fraser, Esq., had kindly consented to take the office of President, the duties of which he doubted not he would discharge with assiduity and zeal. But, as it was to assist in putting matters in the port of Wisbech with regard to sailors in better state, these required his particular attention. Mr Fieldwick, from what he had learned since his arrival in Wisbech, it appeared there are 210 vessels belonging to the port, besides 80 foreign vessels that trade. The society had regularly visited 160 sailors' families residing in Wisbech, besides having paid 200 visits to vessels in the river during the year, and holding services in the Bethel, which were generally well attended and often crowded.[20]

Ship-owners in 1864, held a meeting at the Exchange-hall, Wisbech, on 6 November, for the purpose of establishing a society to be called the Wisbech Union Marine Association, for insuring ships belonging to the port of Wisbech, the policies not to exceed four hundred pounds on large vessels, or more than two thirds of the value of small vessels. The chair was taken by George Prest, Esq., and resolutions were unanimously carried for immediately establishing the society.[21]

The Wisbech & Isle of Ely Gazette report in 1865 reflected the upturn in the port. "WISBECH. —The Port.—We are rather pleased to learn that the foreign trade of the port is rapidly growing in extent, the past year being considerably in advance of any previous year-no less than 158 ships—with cargoes from abroad, having been entered inwards at the Customhouse during the year. The year 1863 showed a large increase, whilst in the year just closed there were not less than 31 ships more than in 1863. The tonnage account for the past year must have been great, as some of the ships were of large burthen, several of them ranging from 500 to 900 tons. Since the new year dawned, several ships have arrived from the Baltic ports, laden with deals, sleepers &c , and which ships were in the Eye several days before the expiration of the year just closed. The trade with Hull is also satisfactorily becoming developed, as, within the last ten days, three steamers have arrived, laden with general merchandize, and next week another screw steamer, named the Fruiterei, the same being a new vessel, will run regularly between this place and Hull. The river is in a capital state, in fact never better, and all old prejudices against the port are now banished. Although the trade of the port shows such a satisfactory result for the past year, we feel confident that there will be much greater increase during the present year, for it must not be forgotten that at the commencement of the past season the Danish War (Second Schleswig War) had such an effect upon the shipping, that merchants experienced the greatest difficulty in procuring ships to bring over cargoes from the Baltic, and, to our own knowledge, there are several cargoes of wood now at Wyburg and other ports, belonging to merchants of this place, and which could not be brought here, owing to the war and the scarcity of ships. We have no doubt the above facts will be read with pleasure by those who take an interest in the port of Wisbech."[22]

In 1868 the port was advertising for a new Harbour Master at a salary of £50 pa.[23] In December 1877 a scheme commenced to construct a dock at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire commenced. This came under the jurisdiction of Wisbech Port authority.[24] In May 1881 the Sutton Bridge Dock was nearing completion and the Garland arrived to unload a shipment of timber.[25] The Dock at Sutton Bridge suffered further subsidence in June 1881.[26]

The Port Authority were responsible for the maintenance of navigation aids. The Admiralty Court on the 8th May, 1895 held that the Corporation of Wisbech were liable for damages sustained by the Newcastle steamship Burlington by bumping upon an uneven bottom in the harbour of Wisbech. The Burlington, as she rose and fell with the tide, bumped upon stones, and her plates were punctured. The Court held that the Corporation as the harbour authority, were responsible for the damage caused by the vessel being placed in an unfit berth, and gave judgment for the ship's owners for £375 with costs. [27] In 1897 the Borough council placed a notice in Lloyd's list that recent gales had destroyed a beacon and that a temporary replacement had been installed.[28]

Wisbech is described as "a thriving seaport, importing Baltic timber, cereals, iron, and coal, and a seat of important factories, breweries, steam saw and flour mills, printing works, and roperies" in 1899. [29]

In 1935 the Hansa en route with 1600 tonnes of timber ran into severe storms, the waterlogged timber had to be jettisoned to avoid the ship keeling over. It ran aground moving up the River Nene and more cargo was disposed off. Unfortunately the port was closed for a week due to the loose timber floating in the river.[30]

During the Spanish Civil War, Wisbech Port was used to send a food ship to run the blockade and bring humanitarian aid to those in the Republican areas. SS Stangate was the first Eastern Counties Foodship and carried over £1000 of food.

It was announced in 1947 that 'Lighting the way to the inland port of Wisbech, four new beacons have been built at the River Nene's mouth.' [31]

In 1969 the port claimed to be able to accommodate vessels of up to 16 ft draft on Spring tides with length of 240 ft using 5 mobile cranes.[32]

In 2004 the port was taken over by Fenland District Council.

Ships

The St. Anthony, Capt. Traver, bound from Wisbech to Lisbon, was lost on the Coast of Portugal in January 1736.[33]

In April 1737 Mr. Joseph Southgate, Commander of the Sloop in the Service of the Customs, having met with a smuggling boat near Fosdyke, Wash, which were loaded with Tea and other prohibited Goods, whereof John Ransford of Wisbech Master...seized ...and Master and men committed to Norwich Castle.[34]

In July 1740 a coasting vessel, laden with 1,400 quarters of barley, bound for Calais from Wisbech, was seized and brought into the Port of London, sufficient proof having been made that the said barley was designed for sale in foreign parts.[35]

On 1 November 1740 the Four Sisters, bound from Wisbech to London, was lost in the storm near Wells, Norfolk, the Master of whom, Robert Smith, and his Mate drown'd.[36]

Escape of local prisoners of war held in the city of Lugo in Galicia, captured on the Ellen master Peter Raoul, of London taken on 17 March 1741. Robert Johnson and Robert Harrison of Wisbech, Samuel Sanders of Lynn and other sailors made their escape on 6 June 1741. [37]

In December 1744 the Friendship, Mason carrying coal and salt was reported lost with all hands in the Humber.[38]

11 October 1747 the Middleham, Capt. Peter Harper, of 120 Tons and but two Carriage Guns; en route with coals from Sunderland was attacked about two leagues off Scarborough by a French Privateer. Considerable damage from cannon and boarders was sustained.[39]

In October 1807 it was reported 'On Friday morning last, the sloop Wisbech Packet, of Wisbech, laden with barley from Yarmouth to Stirling, was, by the strong northerly wind and heavy sea, driven upon Emanuel Point in Holy Island. The crew being much exhausted, were all saved by the great exertions of the fishermen and inhabitants of the island. The greatest part of the cargo will be saved, but the vessel is much damaged, and it is feared will be lost'.[40]

In 1824 the Peterboro' and Wisbech Nene Packet was advertised as running leaving the city on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the town Wednesdays and Sundays.[41]

In 1826 as a result of the bankruptcy of James Hill (banker) the elder and James Hill the younger, their shares in vessels were put up for sale: The sloops Liberty, Eagle, Rambler, Thuristone and Exchange.

In 1834 it was reported that the Nene was the fourth Wisbech vessel lost since the August gale.[42]

The sloop James Moorhouse en route to Wisbech with a cargo of lime took fire and sank near to the Bar Buoy in July 1837. It is thought that water got amongst the lime.[43]

A schooner of about 100 tons register, belonging to Captain Turner of this port was launched from the dock-yard of Mr. Henson. She was christened the Seven H's on 22 November 1838.[44]

The 64 ton schooner Wansford was launched from the yard of Messrs. Bannisters and Henson, Wisbech on 27 June 1839.[45]

In 1840 the sloop Rover was put for sale as a result of the bankruptcy of James Hill (banker) and Thomas Hill. Shipbuilding took place on the banks of the river below the town bridge.

In 1841 a fine sloop, the property of Captain Bagnall and bearing his name, was launched from the yard of Mr. Bannister. The lifeboat from Skegness rescued the crew of the Jane of Wisbech from their sinking ship off Friskney[46] In the same year the schooner ‘’Huzza’’ property of Richard Young (MP), was wrecked off Hartlepool in a heavy gale, all hands were saved, rescued by the 'rocket' apparatus, this may have been the first time the device was used to save sailors.[47]

The Henry Davies owned by Young sank in January 1842[48] In July 1842 Richard Young was seeking tenders to salvage the Henry Davies sunk near Wisbech.[49]

In 1844 the launch of a sloop named the Bounty of Providence took place from Bannister's shipyard. In August 1844 the Agenaria was launched from Mr. Bannister's dockyard.[50]

The Zephyr belonging to Mr. Hewitt was wrecked off Boulogne in a gale in 1843[51]

September 1845 - The sloop Mary Jean of Wisbech built in Perth in 1838 for sale [52]

The ship Venice, Mr. Matthew Moore, master, of Wisbech was reported lost with no survivors in 1846.

In July 1848 the schooner Bagnall master Mr. Yorke, was reported lost off Blakeney en route to London, all were saved except the master, Mr Yorke and his wife.[53]

In January 1849 the schooner Britannia captain Horsfield, on a passage to Sunderland laden with iron and carrots was wrecked.[54] The same year the Queen Victoria captain John Smith was lost, all saved bar the captain.[55]

The loss of the Fishburn of this port, occurred on the 20th March 1849 on the coast of Sweden. She was on her passage from home to Memel, when it appears she struck on a sunken reef of rocks on the Swedish coast and went to pieces, all hands perished, including the master Charles Carter, an excellent seaman.[56]

On 17 November the Richard Young a vessel of 500 tons burden was launched from Cousens' yard.[57] In January 1850 the Richard Young was unloading a cargo at Sutton Bridge along with another new Wisbech vessel, the Reliance belonging to W.Stephens. [58]

In January 1850 Richard Young's Wisbech built vessel the Tycho Wingran aground in a storm off Falmouth and was wrecked. The captain and three of the crew of the newly built vessel being drowned.[59]

In March 1850 Mr E. Cross's Wisbech schooner Violet was reported wrecked off Hartlepool.[60] Correspondence in the Mecantile and Shipping Gazette indicates that the Violet was got off the beach successfully.[61][62] June 1850 saw the Harriet Emma, master Mr. Lundie collide with another vessel in fog off the Yorkshire coast, both vessels sinking and only two of the crew of the Wisbech craft survived to be picked up later by the Prince Albert of Jersey.[63]

On 1st August 1851 the barque Richard Young arrived back from America. 'The crew to testify their joy, fired off one of the swivels, but on attempting it the third time, without having taken the necessary precautions, it burst while they were loading it, by which three of the crew were seriously hurt'[64]

Three Wisbech vessels were believed lost with all hands in the gale of 25 September 1851, the sloop Brothers, George Waddingham, master; Charles and William, William Good, master; Rose in June, Joseph Plant, master.[65]

CREW OF THE VIOLET SEIZED BY PIRATES. The list of the persons on board this unfortunate ship seized by the Riffian pirates last October: Mr E.B.Cross, of Leverington, near Wisbech, owner; Mr. Thomas Leyton, of Newport, Monmouthshire, captain; four seamen, viz., Edward Hall of Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire; Emanuel Francis, of Woolwich; Henry Taylor, of West Walton, near Wisbech and James Glen, of Clambus Kennet Abbey, Logie, N.B ; also, Edward Scrivener, of Wisbech, apprentice. Of these seven, one was killed, and one wounded (since dead), when the ship was destroyed, and two have died in captivity. Bell's Weekly Messenger [66]

The whereabouts of the three survivors is uncertain. It is said that they have been bought on speculation at $30 each, and the purchaser demands $4000 each for their ransom.[67] Edward Bailey Cross died of cholera in captivity, Thomas Layton died from his wounds and Emanuel Francis was confirmed shot dead.[68]

On the 23rd November, 1852 the sloop Elizabeth, of this port, (Israel Jackson master and owner), from Glasgow for London, with a cargo of iron castings, valued £2000, struck on the wreck of the Apollo at the Sand, and immediately sunk. The master and crew were saved by the yawl Jane and Mary, of Waldon. [69]

In January 1853 It was reported that in the recent gale a fortnight ago the Wheathill of Wisbech, Mr J.Reeve, master was en route from Grangemouth to Hartlepool with a cargo of iron. She was taken in tow by the Deben of this port however the captain of the latter was obliged to abandon her. The captain and crew of the Wheathill were taken to Aberdeen by the Deben. The lost vessel was insured in the Wisbech club. The Lady Alice Lambton a new iron screw steamship, the largest of that description was launched from the yard of Messrs. Marshall and co, North Shields on Monday 10th inst. the joint property of Richard Young, merchant, of North Level Sluice and George Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham. 700 tons burthen she is intended to carry coal from Sunderland to Wisbech.[70]

22 July 1853 the large barque Richard Young property of R.Young of Wisbech arrived last week with 2500 quarters of barley. Such a large vessel coming up river on a neap tide conclusively shows the river channel must have deepened considerably in recent years.[71]

On 8 October 1854 the brig Magnet of Wisbech, Mr. W Lowe, master, laden with wheat to Antwerp, was driven onto the Werthender, 12 miles East of Dunkerk, the ship was lost, all the crew survived.[72]

A new fishing smack the Arrow belonging to Mr Lemon of Lynn, was launched from the yard of Mr.King on Friday 16 November 1855.[73]

The Brig Friends one of the oldest vessels belonging to this port, left Harburg on 18 November and has not been heard of since. It is feared the ship and crew are lost.[74]

In December, 1854 Young's vessels the Lady Alice Lambton and Great Northern were leased for use in the Crimean War and the newly built Sir Colin Campbell sold to the Turkish government and bought back at the end of the war.[75] Mr JM. Cordell MRCS surgeon served on board the screw steamer Great Northern during the Crimean War. In 1861 he was appointed surgeon to the Salisbury Infirmary.[76]

In 1855 Richard Young's barque the Nene Valley captain Mr. Robert Baldwin left London on 19 October was run ashore in Northumberland Bay, Australia with all sails set on 19 October. The captain, passengers and crew except four were saved.[77] His vessel Wisbech was lost on her first voyage. In Arthur Oldham's book A History of Wisbech River he writes "the three surviving sons of Richard Young who state definitely that she was lost whilst running the North American blockade of the Southern Ports - probably near Charleston". Another of his ships the Great Northern was chartered for the Crimean War.[78]

In November 1855 Richard Young's vessel, the Hebe captain James Burton, bringing coals from Sunderland sprang a leak and was beached without loss of life near Filey.[79] At Filey By JAMES RICHARDSON. At FOORD'S HOTEL, On Wednesday, 7 November 1855, at One o'clock, The Brig HEBE, of Wisbech, 220 tons burthen, seven years old, as she now lies on the Beach in Bay, with all her stores. The ship appears to have sustained but little damage, and is an excellent coaster.[80]

On 3 September 1856 the schooner Redstart was launched from Hinson's yard and towed to Boston for rigging, and a week later, the schooner Imperial Prince of Messrs. Hayley and Buckley was launched from the yard of Mr.T. Meadows. Young's Rechid Pasha arrived in the port for the first time. Originally built as the Sir Colin Campbell as a sister ship to the Florence Nightingale she was purchased by the Turkish government and later bought back. [81]

The brig Stevens, of this port, the property of W Stevens, from London to Wyborg, in ballast, was totally wrecked on the island of Herman, near Lysekill, on 27 September 1856, without loss of life.[74]

In a gale in early March, 1858 two of Young's vessels had stormy passages. The Planet was badly damaged off Flamborough Head Light, the captain and crew members injured before they could get the vessel into Scarborough. The Hebe bound from Sunderland to her home port suffered damage and loss of sails before also gaining a safe haven at Scarborough.[82]

The Florence Nightingale which had been reported lost, made port at Tonning at the end of July, much the worse for wear from the heavy gale, captain Lee had been washed overboard but still clinging to a rope was washed back on board.[83]

In August 1858 the Osborn House was launched in West Hartlepool by John Pile and company and named by Miss Young daughter of Richard Young, and named after his Wisbech mansion. The vessel is intended for the East India trade. [84]

In October 1858 Richard Young's on board his vessel SS Great Northern fired one its guns as a salute as it passed his residence, Osborne House, injuring Joseph Higgins a crew member and smashing house windows on both sides of the river. The same week Young's son Frederick fell on a scythe badly injuring his thigh.[85]

On 21 October 1859 at night off Beachy Head, the brig Agatha of Lynn struck William Stevens's barque Briton of Wisbech, captain Byford, holing her below the waterline, the crews efforts kept the vessel afloat until it was towed into Sheerness.[86]

In December 1859 Richard Young's brig Sutton Bridge, Charles Fox, master, laden with timber from Memel to Wisbech, grounded at Bornholm, the master, mate and second mate drowning and five hands saved.[87] The same month Richard Young himself was nearly killed in a cab crash in London, reported in the same paper.[88]

Ridlington's Boston schooner Blue Jacket was launched from Mr. John Henson's yard in May 1860, unusually followed by another of the same name belonging to Mr G. Haley of Wisbech, from Mr. Meadow's yard in June.[89]

30 June 1860 the sloop Union(the property of Mr Noah Pinder, harbourmaster) from Stockton for Brussels with clay, foundered off Caister, but three hands, master's wife and child were all saved by the lugger, Refuge, Varley.[90]

1861 Richard Young's screw steamer Florence Nightingale was entering Sunderland Harbour when one of the crew fell into the hold and was killed. The same year the first vessel from the U.S.A. to enter Wisbech port, a barque Gallego laden with 2,600 quarters of barley arrived from Sulina.[91] The Wisbech Chronicle reported on the death on 2 January 1862 of Captain Daniel Rowe, of Richard Young's brig Robert James Haynes he died at Lynn of natural causes.

In September, 1862 the Lady Alice Lambton, was run down a few miles below the Nore in the fog of Sunday morning week. She was coming from Sunderland heavily laden with coal, and had arrived far on her voyage when she was run into by the Henry Morton, steamer, going down in ballast. Little was known of the accident for some time, and great fears were entertained for the safety of her crew; but a telegram was received intimating that the Lady Alice Lambton had sunk, but that her crew had been taken off by the Henry Morton, which had afterwards arrived safely.[92]

On Saturday 11th January, 1862 the new screw-steamer Wisbech, belonging to Richard Young, Esq., of Wisbech, was taken by the Admiralty for the conveyance of stores to Halifax.[93] In 1863 It appears from the Shipping lie that the screw-steam ship Florence Nightingale (Captain Lee), the property of R. Young, Esq., Mayor of Wisbech, encountered a severe gale off Trevose Head on Wednesday morning 26th ult., on her passage from Cardiff to Woolwich, and losing her foremast and head lights, was obliged to put into Plymouth Sound for repairs.[94]

October 1863 John Little, mate of the vessel in which captain Waugh was lost, was awarded the sum of £3 6s by the Shipwrecked Mariners Society in consequence of having lost all his clothing. [95]

In November, 1864 the Julia of this port, owner Mr. Prest, en route from Shields to Wisbech with coal for the gas works sprang a leak in a gale. The crew kept her afloat until taken in tow by a Leith screw Steamer Morna into Hartlepool. Another of Prest's vessels the Zuma bound from Antwerp to Santander was reported with a broken bowsprit.[96]

The barque Richard Young foundered without loss of life en route with coals from Shields to Kronstadt in 1864.[97]

In 1865 the Wisbech barque City of Peterborough was lost with all hands in a gale off the Cape of Good Hope.Attempts at rescue with by means of Manby's apparatus were made without success.[98] Young purchased second hand the auxiliary steam ship Robert Lowe' in 1865. It had been used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimea, another new vessel being built at Sunderland was nearing completion.[99]


Young's three years old Screw Steamer Newton Colvile commanded by captain Thomas Lee was lost with all 18 hands off Copenhagen during a gale in January 1867 en route from Danzig to London. [100]

In April 1867 the sloop Planet, Captain Ridgeway, of Wisbech (ballast) was run into at half-past eleven, near Flamborough Head, by the schooner Rifleman, of Teignmouth, and was abandoned in a sinking state without loss of life.[101]

The Julia was wrecked in the Firth of Forth without loss of life in 1869.[102]

About 1872 the Lynn brig Arab sank in the river opposite Mills Brewery, the ship was a former slave trader.[78]

The brig Robert James Haynes, of Wisbech, foundered in the North Sea on the 16th. It appears that she left the port of Sunderland on the 12th inst., coal laden, bound for Copenhagen, and after being a few hours at sea fell in with heavy gales from the NNW, which caused her to spring a severe leak, the consequence of which was that, although all hands laboured day and night at the pumps, the water so gained upon her that she was found to be rapidly settling down on the 16th, her bulwarks, binnacle, and skylights having been swept away. At this critical moment, when there appeared to be no hope for the unfortunate crew, the screw steamer May hove in sight, and after signalling her, the brig's crew took to the boat, and were all safely taken on board.[103]

In December 1877 the Ocean, of Wisbech, Curson, from Shields, for Brest, was reported as having been assisted into Ramsgate, leaky and with sails and bulwarks gone.[104]

In December 1878 the steamer Ethel was icebound in Wisbech port and three other inbound vessels with linseed for the Wisbech oil mills lying at Sutton Bridge waiting for clear passage, the Economy of Wisbech, from Poole to Middlesboro' with a cargo of iron, was assisted into Great Yarmouth derelict and dismantled. The conditions enabled skating matches to take place. A skating match on the Saturday was won by 'Turkey' Smart.[105]

Wisbech. — On Monday 1887, the Talley Abbey, a fine steamer, with wood from Zomea for Messrs. English Bros., arrived at Wisbech in command of Capt. Arkley. The vessel is largest that has yet come to Wisbech, both as to tonnage and length. Her registered tonnage is 608, which is 81 tons more than the Regent, and her capacity is estimated at 1000 tons of cargo. She measures in length 214 1/2 ft or 19 1/2 ft longer than the Regent, and has a beam of 31 ft. 2in. She was brought up on second lift of the tide, with the assistance of the tug Pendennis, without the slightest difficulty. Her cargo is 400 standards of wood.[106]

In May 1889 the Will o' the Wisp crewed by Messrs Cordell, Dann and Morris and coming up the Nene was run down by the schooner Christian, capsizing the boat, the three men survived by clinging to the rigging.[107]

In November 1893 the Wisbech steam-tug Pendennis rescued survivors of the crew from the schooner Tankerton Tower of Faversham. The vessel being wrecked in the gale, four of the crew had lashed themselves to the rigging, three were got off alive.[108]

HMS Sprat, the Royal Navy's Stickleback class midget submarine sailed through the port en route to and from Peterborough.[109]

The Wisbech dockers ended their strike over pay rates for handling sugar sacks.[110]

The 52 foot cruiser Halekulani was launched on 23 September 1961, its first voyage was to go to Paris.[111]

Tonnage

Records for import and export of various trades were compiled by Arthur Oldham from port records and newspapers for his book. In 1805 duties were received on 29,242 tonnes this had risen to 152,262 tonnes by 1849. His manuscript is held at Wisbech & Fenland Museum

The Port Today

Approx annual tonnage: 800,000.[112] Connections to major transport links - A17, A47 east coast to A1/M1 carriageway. The port runs a fortnightly service from Riga, Latvia importing from the Baltic.[113]

Further reading
  • Roger Powell (1995). Richard Young of Wisbech. Wisbech Society.
  • Arthur A.Oldham (1933). A History of Wisbech River. Arthur Artis Oldham

References
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