STORM AND COMPANY
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS re HARBOURS OF REFUGE
? P246, HMSO 1859
APPENDIX NO 36
To the ROYAL COMMISSIONERS surveying the coasts
of Great Britain and Ireland for the ERECTION of HARBOURS of
REFUGE
The Petition of the Shipowners, Mariners, Fishermen, and
Inhabitants of the Town of Robin Hood's bay, in the North Riding
in the County of York,
States:-
That the town of Robin Hood's Bay, together with the adjoining
hamlets, contain upwards of two thousand inhabitants chiefly
engaged n the shipping and fishing business, possessing one
hundred and twenty sailing vessels engaged in the coasting and
foreign trade, besides fishing craft.
That the said bay is formed by bold north and south checks,
extending far into the sea.
That the said north and south checks are chiefly and mainly
composed of materials suitable for the erection and creation of
piers or breakwaters, to wit, -freestone of large dimensions, and
hard and imperishable scar stones adjoining the sea beach, which
materials would require no inland carriage.
Amongst other materials suitable for erecting hydraulic works on
the cliffs of Robin Hood's Bay, there are inexhaustible supplies
of -
"Cement Stone,"
"Lias limestone,"
"Doggers and Ironstone,"
That the rocks or scarrs at the said north and south checks are
dry at low water to a considerable distance, and afford a great
depth of water, and good anchorage between the same; and that at
the most eligible parts or places for building of breakwaters
there is at least nine fathoms of water at low water.
And that, within the said breakwaters, there will be from eight
to five fathoms of water, and good anchorage for two miles in
length at the said depths; and, lastly, that the said bay is easy
of ingress and egress.
That Robin Hood's bay is unprotected from the north and east
winds, and is surrounded by the most dangerous rocky cliffs and
beaches existing on the east coast, and that the loss of life and
property in this locality have been immense.
That the town of Robin Hood's bay was, within a few years, one of
the largest fishing towns on the east coast; the fishing
business, however, from the want of breakwaters or piers has of
late decreased.
The inhabitants of Robin Hood's Bay do not presume to offer and
further details or plans for the consideration of the Royal
Commissioners, but beg most respectfully to draw the attention of
the said Royal Commissioners to the advantages of this locality.
It was proposed at a meeting of shipowners of Robin Hood's bay
Town, by Mr John Storm, shipowner, and seconded by Mr James
Skerry, shipowner, that G.J.W. Farsyde Esq., of Fylingdales, be
requested to present this petition to the said Royal
Commissioners.
(31 signatures)
Robin Hood's Bay c1822 | ||
This is a photograph taken of a print of a painting believed to have been executed a few years before the date of the above petition. Perhaps it might help bring the text to life! | ||