Rare insight into life under Nelson

Aug 20 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Maritime treasure that is lost to the region

HISTORIAN Dr Tony Barrow said that it was sad that the diary was now lost to the North East.

"If it was still in the region, it would be the jewel in the crown of North East maritime heritage," he said. "It is unfortunate that North East historians will probably not have access to the journal for research."

Dr Barrow’s own research revealed that, in addition to Newcastle-born Admiral Lord Collingwood, more than 500 North East seamen were at Trafalgar.

HMS Colossus had 50 North East men, and there were 30 or more in each of the crews of Victory, Prince and Revenge.

Dr Barrow unearthed the stories of two local survivors of Trafalgar, who ended their lives on poor relief.

William Sym – who like George Hodge was from Tynemouth – served on Orion, and Roger Liddle, from Sunderland, who was on Swiftsure, were both wounded in the battle and both depended on the workhouse in their final years.

Entries from George Hodge's diary include:

Dec 25, 1806,

Employ'd in watering ship and seting up the riger – fish for dinner.

July 15, 1807

On shore at Point [in Portsmouth] at 3pm returnd onboard from liberty brot a girl onboard MAK [initials of girl] at 5pm the girls orderd of the ship.

July 19, 1807

Light breeze at 5am picked up body of John Carter and buried him on the Isle of White.

July 20, 1807

I receved prize money from the brige Ben Sprance taking of the Isle of [obscured] 13..6

Dec 26, 1812

A fresh breeze a strange sail in sight. Empl painting quarterdeck. Fell from the for top mast Mathew Donelson and was drownded.

HMS Trincomalee

AN exhibition depicting the life and times of HMS Trincomalee – one of Britain’s most important historic ships – opened yesterday. (Tuesday).

Worlds of Trincomalee is a major addition to Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, where the warship is berthed afloat. Commodore Paul Sutermeister, acting chairman of the Trincomalee Trust, said: "It is a fascinating story of survival against all the odds. If we remember that the ship was built in 1817, here we are more than 190 years later as a major visitor attraction in the North East."

Bryn Hughes, trust general manager, said: "In putting this exhibition together, we have undertaken extensive research to portray the story of the ship and those who have influenced her use, including her time in Hartlepool as a drill ship from 1862 to 1877."