petition

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!
     


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