A similar culture around keelboats existed in the United States in the 19th century, built around the men who transported goods up and down the Mississippi River.
I guess David that such groups emerged wherever there was a need to navigate shallow rivers in order to move goods. Parallels around the world. I wonder if any of the keelmen travelled over to the USA in search of work. I know of several seamen from northeast England who joined the US Navy and fought in the Civil War. One won the Medal of Honour before returning to civilian life back here.
Thank you for shedding light on the lives of the keelmen in such a well-researched and thoughtful piece. Your vivid descriptions, from their rugged work on the Tyne to the community they built in Sandgate, truly captured the essence of their era. Another high level piece.
Thanks Maureen - and indeed. One thing I forgot to mention in my piece is that the well-known (at least in London) pub, The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is named after a Tyne collier that brought coal down from Newcastle to London and would berth next to the pub. Can't believe I missed that out given I've enjoyed a pint or three in that very pub over the years.
Yep, with you on that - I imagine it more like the Gallowgate end of St James’ Park belting out a song - lots of enthusiasm but little rhythm.... been there, done that ... 😉
A similar culture around keelboats existed in the United States in the 19th century, built around the men who transported goods up and down the Mississippi River.
I guess David that such groups emerged wherever there was a need to navigate shallow rivers in order to move goods. Parallels around the world. I wonder if any of the keelmen travelled over to the USA in search of work. I know of several seamen from northeast England who joined the US Navy and fought in the Civil War. One won the Medal of Honour before returning to civilian life back here.
The most famous of the American keelboat men was Mike Fink, "The King Of The River", who became a folk hero a la Davy Crockett.
Thank you for shedding light on the lives of the keelmen in such a well-researched and thoughtful piece. Your vivid descriptions, from their rugged work on the Tyne to the community they built in Sandgate, truly captured the essence of their era. Another high level piece.
Thanks Jon
A great piece, Harry. The lives and times of the Keelmen certainly needs to be wider known.
Thanks Maureen - and indeed. One thing I forgot to mention in my piece is that the well-known (at least in London) pub, The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is named after a Tyne collier that brought coal down from Newcastle to London and would berth next to the pub. Can't believe I missed that out given I've enjoyed a pint or three in that very pub over the years.
That’s fascinating, Harry.
Fascinating meander, Harry. I enjoyed listening to The Keel Song, but I doubt the keelmen would have sung it so harmoniously back in the day!
Yep, with you on that - I imagine it more like the Gallowgate end of St James’ Park belting out a song - lots of enthusiasm but little rhythm.... been there, done that ... 😉
You seem to be either a student of the time or you were THERE in a previous incarnation. Hmmm..... I couldn't recall such detail.
I’m certainly a student of my northeast England heritage, Daniel
But of course.....