The Ridley Family
The estate was acquired by the Ridley family who enlarged the quays and started manufacturing salt on a large scale.
Almost 200 years ago Antarctica was discovered from a ship built in the small North East town of Blyth, Northumberland.
The Williams was built and owned by a Captain William Smith a man born and raised in Blyth. On the anniversary of this British achievement in 2019 it is The Williams Expedition aim to build a modern replica of the Williams in Blyth to recreate the original expedition with a local crew.
The expedition aims to showcase the North Easts talent, engineering and technology on a world stage and in conjunction with Newcastle University undertake meaningful marine science.
We are currently renovating our Williams II in preparation for leaving the UK in August 2019.
Senior crew selections have begun, and we are in the midst of fundraising the final funds to make the expedition to Antarctica a reality.
If you are interested in finding our more about our expedition whether as possible, sponsor or potential crew member please email Paul Cosgrove at info@williams-expedition.com.
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The estate was acquired by the Ridley family who enlarged the quays and started manufacturing salt on a large scale.
Customs books from 1723 record trade consisting of solely coal and salt.
Earliest record of a ship being built at Blyth. The vessel was the 44 ton sloop 'Constant Ann'.
The first breakwater was established which was a roughly built stone structure intended to break the force of the sea in an easterly gale. It was known as North Dyke.
The first staiths were built with an elevated loading point. High Lighthouse was also built which served untill 1984.
A poem is printed entitled 'A tribute to the Memory of Captain George Robinson'.
An increasing number of vessels were using the river. This led to the purchase of a steam vessel to tow sail vessels back to the sea.
Shipbuilding continues with three shipyards operating. The site became known as Wimbourne Quay.
Blyth's first lifeboat is established.
Blyth & Tyne Railway Company built the first rail linked staith on teh south side of the river resulting in coal shipments growing rapidly over the next few years to around 200,000 tons per annum.
The first chain ferry, known as Low Ferry, started operating. This ran for 23 years.
"As trade continued to develop, growth clearly had to be managed. In 1854 the Blyth Harbour and Dock company was formed, given powers to develop the port and to levy dues and charges."
The Harbour Act was passed allowing the dredging of the Harbour to really begin.
Further improvements to the harbour were carried out.
The first two iron ships, known as hoppers, were built for the Russian Government by Messrs Hodgson & Soulsby at Cowpen Square. Launch dates were 22nd & 27th April.
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Blyth Tall Ship and The Williams Expedition are immensely proud to be associated with our sponsors who support our cause and expedition.
Over the past 12 months (2015-2016) the project has attracted broad media interest, featuring in programming on both BBC and ITV channels (local and national). The project has featured in national press and has directly engaged with over 50,000 people in Blyth itself.
Major sponsors are still needed for The Williams Expedition to Antarctica where our tall ship Williams II will become a fantastic platform gaining media interest in all ports visited around the world together with the national media interest in the expedition in the UK. For more information please email info@williams-expedition.com.