Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
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Tyne Dock

Posted by peter cook on 12/12/2025, 6:50 am

An old photo i have dated 1891 showing Tyne Dock. Look at all those masts.

Re: Tyne Dock- skills of the 19c sea

Posted by Mac C on 12/12/2025, 10:57 am, in reply to "Tyne Dock"

Imagine the seamanship that brought those vessels as close as possible into port totally at the whim of the wind and the skill of the crew and then the work of the rowers in Pulling boats to get them into final position. Don't even get me started on Kedging or warping which I only half understand.

And waiting for favorable winds to get out again!

Re: Tyne Dock- skills of the 19c sea

Posted by Malcolm on 12/12/2025, 1:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Tyne Dock- skills of the 19c sea"

Couldn't agree more, Mac. That level of seamanship is long gone.

As you say, at the whim of the winds.

With that number of boats, you wonder how many ships would anchor off the river mouth, or "tack" awaiting the winds to become favourable (say between NE & SW-erly) before heading into the Tyne, I imagine onto a "company" berth...

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