Billyboys were a class of sailing vessel used in the “coasting trade” by Yorkshire’s mariners from about 1820 until World War One, after which time few survived. Steve Gardham, the UK’s leading expert on this class of vessel, has identified over 600 billyboys though he believes that around 1,000 likely existed. Steve shares his research explaining why they have proved so difficult to identify and the approach he has used to find them among the surviving records.

Speaker: Steve Gardham

After retiring from teaching, Steve volunteered for 16 years at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole helping to restore and operate the Tom Pudding tug Wheldale. He crewed trips around the docks and joined the Wheldale crew on its 2012 voyage to London for the Queen’s Jubilee Parade. It was during his time at the museum that he developed a strong interest in the billyboy coasting vessels of Goole. Steve is also editor of eight books and author of numerous articles on folksong history.

Our sponsor:

Many thanks to our sponsor Spicers Auctioneers & Valuers of Goole who have kindly subsidised this event.

Tickets:

You can book your seats for £2 per talk in person at the Junction box-office or click here to book online.