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, the southern part of the port houses 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 provide a Port Health service to commercial ships, leisure craft and fishing vessels. Regular shipments to and from and continental Europe, mostly timber and forest goods from Baltic states.
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 was shipped out from the port.'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 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.
Alderman Richard Young JP DL, MP was the owner of over 40 ships in the 19th century.
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.
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 was just one of the many craftsmen supporting ship building in the town, there were also at least two ropewalks.
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.
In May 1839 the steam towing company were advertising to purchase one or two steam tugs.
In 1841 the boatbuilder James Mill was declared bankrupt and his yard and contents auctioned March 17th & 18th
In 1844 the harbour master was Mr. J.S.Buckley, he was also the Lloyd's agent.
In 1845 the port was advertising for tenders from contractors able to construct a wharf, warehouse and crane.
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'.
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.
'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.
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.
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 & 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.
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.
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 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."
In 1868 the port was advertising for a new Harbour Master at a salary of £50 pa.
In December 1877 a scheme commenced to construct a dock at Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire commenced. This came under the jurisdiction of Wisbech Port authority.
In May 1881 the Sutton Bridge Dock was nearing completion and the Garland arrived to unload a shipment of timber.
The Dock at Sutton Bridge suffered further subsidence in June 1881.
The Port Authority were responsible for the maintenance of navigation aids. In 1897 this was the Borough council and they placed a notice in Lloyd's list that recent gales had destroyed a beacon and that a temporary replacement had been installed.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1826 as a result of the bankruptcy of James Hill 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.
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.
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.
The 64 ton schooner Wansford was launched from the yard of Messrs. Bannisters and Henson, Wisbech on 27 June 1839.
In 1840 the sloop Rover was put for sale as a result of the bankruptcy of James Hill 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
In the same year the schooner ‘’Huzza’’ property of Richard Young, 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.
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.
The "Zephyr" belonging to Mr.Hewitt was wrecked off Boulogne in a gale in 1843
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 captain and his wife.
In January 1849 the schooner Britannia captain Horsfield, on a passage to Sunderland laden with iron and carrots was wrecked. The same year the Queen Victoria captain John Smith was lost, all saved bar the captain.
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.
In March 1850 the schooner Violet was wrecked off Hartlepool.
June 1850 saw the Harriet Emma, master Mr.Landis collide with another vessel in fog off the Yorkshire coast, both vessels sinking and only two of the crew of the Wisbech craft surviving to be picked up later.
Three Wisbech vessels were 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.
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.
The Brig Friends one of the oldest vessels belonging to this port, left Harburg on 18 November 1855 and has not been heard of since. It is feared the ship and crew are lost.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
On 4 September the iron steamship The Raschid owner Richard Young, arrived with a cargo of seven hundred tonnes of coal.
Discharged into lighters, she sailed the next day.
In September 1856 the schooner Redstart was launched from Hinson's yard and a week later, the schooner Imperial Prince of Messrs. Hayley and Buckley was launched from the yard of Mr.T.Meadows.
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.
In October 1858 Richard Young's vessel SS Great Northern fired its guns before leaving port and smashed house windows on both sides of the river.
In 1859 Richard Young's brig Sutton Bridge, Charles Fox, master, laden with timber from Memel to Wisbech, grounded at Bornholm, the master, mate and one hand drowning and five hands saved.
Richard Young himself was nearly killed in a cab crash in London, reported in the same paper.
Ridlington's schooner Blue Jacket was launched from Mr. John Henson's yard in May 1860.
July 1860 the sloop Union foundered but all were saved.
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 U.S.A. to enter Wisbech port, a barque Gallego laden with 2,600 quarters of barley arrived from Sulina.
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 1863 It appears from the Shipping lie that the screw-steam ship Florence Nightingale, 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.
In 1865 the Wisbech barque City of Peterborough was lost with all hands in a gale off the Cape of Good Hope.
The barque Richard Young foundered without loss of life in 1864.
Young's Screw Steamer Newton Colvile commanded by captain Thomas Lee was lost with all hands off Copenhagen during a gale in January 1867.
In April 1867 the sloop Planet, Captain Ridgeway, of Wisbech 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.
The Julia was wrecked in the Firth of Forth without loss of life in 1869.
About 1872 the Lynn brig Arab sank in the river opposite Mills Brewery, the ship was a former slave trader.
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.
In December 1878 the steamer Ethel was icebound in Wisbech port and three other inbound vessels with linseed for the Wisch 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 derelect and dismantled. The conditions enabled skating matches to take place. A skating match on the Saturday was won by 'Turkey' Smart.
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, whicb 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 31ft. 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.
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