The History of Humber Crossings was one of the first topics I researched and prepared as a power point presentation. In doing so I came across references to Alun A. D’Orley’s book ‘The Humber Ferries’ but never had a copy. recently I acquired one and indeed it is on a number of used book sites. The book was published in 1968 by the Nidd Valley narrow gauge Railways Ltd. of Knaresborough; I do not know of a connection between the Humber Ferries and the North Yorkshire narrow gauge railway, perhaps Mr. D’Orley was the link.
The book of 74 pages (see scan of cover above) is a mine of information about particularly the steam paddle ferries that criss-crossed the Estuary between New Holland and the purpose-built staithe at Nelson St., Hull (although this originally not the docking-point). My notes and presentation had focused on a broad-span coverage from the Bronze Age crossings between the Ferribies (possibly) followed by the Roman crossing between Old Winteringham and Petuaria and followed in turn by the crossing between Hessle Haven and the mouth of Barton Haven which was finally made redundant in the 1850s by the New Holland to Hull service. This stated, D.’Orley does write about these earlier ferries before focusing on the steam powered paddle ferry boats. The ferry shown on the cover picture was named ‘Killingholme’ after the spring-line village settlement not too far from New Holland, it was this ferry boat that was commissioned to transport King George V and other dignetries round the newly created Immingham Dock on 22nd July, 1912, although, despite flying many flags, I don’t think the photo is of that occasion.
One thing I learned from reading this book was that in the first half of the 19th century there was a considerable tourist industry along the Estuary, some feeder rivers and to certain coastal resorts, the revellers being transported by the new iron-boats.
(to be continued)
