In 1998, the Fleetwood built fishing smack, Harriet, was rescued from Millom and brought back to Fleetwood. The vessel was built at the Singleton Bros. Yard in Fleetwood in 1893. As one of the few surviving fishing smacks left in the UK, Harriet is of national significance, recognised by her being part of the National Historic Fleet. Harriet is on display in the Boat Hall, to the rear of the Museum.
The vessel has recently undergone a scanning process called photogrammetry – the science of making measurements from photographs. With the results we can look at Harriet in 3D and look in closer detail at the deck and interior of the vessel. The stunning animation below has also been made using this technology!
The animation was made by Stuart Norton, thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Copyright held by Fleetwood Museum Trust
Judy (originally named Welshgirl and then Millie), is a type of prawner vessel known as a ‘Nobby’. Judy was built in Fleetwood at Liver & Wildings in 1904, most likely by the famous boat designer William Stoba. Judy is on the National Register of Historic Vessels. She is not currently on display. But this stunning animation brings her to life and makes her accessible inside and out to all for the first time.
The animation was made by Stuart Norton, thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Copyright held by Fleetwood Museum Trust
Download and print one of our worksheets – for children and families or anyone that wants to have a go!
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View of the Promenade – Fleetwood, 1969, by Keith Sutton
Local artist Keith Sutton created this large landscape painting in 1969. The painting depicts a busy scene with people enjoying the seaside, and trawlers heading out to sea on the horizon. The central trawler is the Samuel Hewett LO117, the last steam trawler to operate from Fleetwood. Keith Sutton learnt to paint whilst sailing out to fishing grounds on trawlers.
Poster advertising Fleetwood resort c. early 1900s
This poster dates from the early 1900s claiming Fleetwood is “recommended by the medical profession”. Current advice is to stay indoors, but if you are lucky enough to be local and within walking distance then you can still enjoy the promenade views on your daily walk.
Second World War gas mask
A gas mask with a flexible filter pipe, used during the Second World War. Can you imagine having to wear one of these? We are incredibly grateful to all the NHS workers wearing masks and other protective equipment for many hours to protect themselves from Covid19.
Painted tobacco tin
There are six painted tobacco tins in the collections here at Fleetwood Museum. These were painted by the donor’s father during the rare free time he had at sea. Have you ever painted anything on an everyday object like this?
Skipper Roskell, 1978, by Tom Roskell
This oil painting depicts the artist’s father on the deck of a Fleetwood trawler. He first went to sea at the age of 12, and spent the majority of his life as a skipper in Fleetwood. The painting gives us a sense of the harsh conditions that can be encountered at sea by trawler crews.
First Aid Kit
This first aid kit is from the Fleetwood trawler Jacinta, FD 159. Trawling could be a very dangerous job, with serious accidents or illnesses occurring at sea. Often the ship’s skipper would be responsible for administering first aid to the crew.
Cardboard Cutout
This cardboard cut out dates from the 1940s. It used to be an advertisement outside the Victoria Cinema on Poulton Road. The jacket on the cutout was worn by the usherettes. The cinema opened in 1929 and closed in 1967 when it became a bingo hall.
Trawler Cookery Book
A trawler cookery book including recipes for plenty of hearty meals! The role of a cook on board any vessel at sea is very important. The crew would be working hard so a nutritional meal was vital. This cookbook dates from 1969.
Radio telephone
This piece of equipment is a Marine Very High Frequency Radio Telephone. It was used on board the Fleetwood trawler Jacinta to communicate with other vessels and docks or used for correspondence in distress situations. It was kept in the Radio Operators room next to the wheelhouse.
Fisherman’s Service Books
Every trawlerman had to be in possession of a Fisherman’s Service Book in order to sign on to a vessel at the Pool Office. The books give an insight into the trawlerman’s career – each vessel he worked on is listed, the duration of the service, his role on board, and his performance.
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