The village of Pocklington lies in close proximity to Hull, a major port especially in Victorian times. I was not unusual for local young Yorkshire men to go embark on a life at sea. By no means an easy life and in in some ways harder than the agricultural alternative. In Edward Weddall’s case he grew up in an agricultural setting, however the sea must have called to him. At the age of “sixteen” he left the land behind and headed off to to sail the seven seas.

In 1859 young Edward Weddall may have taken the 90 minute train journey from Pocklington Station to Hull to begin his life at sea.

Pocklington Station. Photo courtesy ofpocklingtonhistory.com

Hull’s Maritime History

During the late 12th century when the monks of Meaux needed a port to export wool from their estates they chose a spot at the junction of the rivers Hull and Humber to build a quay and named it Wyke on Hull. In the late 13th century when Edward I looked for a port in the north east of England he acquired Hull which then became known as Kingston (King’s Town) on Hull. The king set about enlarging Hull and built an exchange where merchants could buy and sell goods. Read More:

Sources

http://pocklingtonhistory.com/

http://www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk/discover/hull_history_centre/our_collections/maritime_sources/ships_and_shipping.aspx

Special thanks;

Andy Sefton of Pocklington Historical Society