| Where | Great Broughton Village Hall | Type of Event | Talk |
| When | 17th June 2024 at 7.30 | Tutor | Geoff Taylor |
Pilotage from Mesopotamia to Tees Bay
Great Broughton Village Hall
17th June 2024
The lecture was delivered by Geoff Taylor. Owing to the unavailability of the scheduled speaker, Geoff, a founder member of the Local History Group, volunteered to step in at short notice. We had a good sized audience which was no surprise given his reputation as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker. Geoff’s presentation was clear and well organised. This was a well- researched and mastered subject.
This comprehensive and full account brought out the long history of pilotage. Commencing approximately 4000 years ago, with the Babylonian reference, Geoff moved onto the ancient Mediterranean Sea. In particular, the Rhodian sea laws, which were used in the development of modern mercantile and maritime law. From there the audience was led through the early part of the common era, to pre- and post-Domesday and onto the 13th century where the modern story seems to begin. From that time the focus of the talk was on the regulation of the role of pilots and the creation and regulatory nature of Trinity House. Many factors were drawn out including the central place of the family in the provision of pilots. The audience probably did not expect that.
With the passage of time, the River Tees, always an important port, became busier. More pilots were needed. The invention of the magnetic compass was a factor in stimulating trade. The Tees benefitted from its position on the east coast. The river was straightened and new docks were built. The River Tees is today a major deep-water port receiving the heaviest vessels.
The material was absorbing and the audience was attentive. The time passed easily and the audience was informed and entertained. There were plenty of questions. Always a good sign. An enjoyable evening.