Kev
06-17-2007, 06:58 PM
First ferry crossing re-enacted
The original ferry crossing of the River Mersey, first made by Benedictine monks in the 12th century, has been recreated 800 years later.
The re-enactment of what became one of the world's most famous ferry services, took place near the original site of Birkenhead Priory.
Six teams of sea cadets and the Mersey Rowing Club, some dresses as monks took to the river in 15ft replica boats.
The event was part of the programme to mark the city's 800th birthday.
Several Tall Ships are also moored at Wellington Dock as part of the maritime heritage weekend.
Ian Marr, Captain of the Mersey Rowing Club, which was established in 1854, said the crossing was the first by his club in more than 100 years.
He added: "We're all really excited, its not every day you get to be a part of history. This is like going back to our roots but it's been hard to train for.
"It was a real voyage of discovery but it was exhilarating."
The first known ferry began in the 1150s when the monks of Birkenhead priory started a small passenger service.
At the time, the Mersey was considerably wider and the only suitable landing point was in the Pool, near the site of the present Merseyside Police HQ.
The monks operated the service up until the priory's destruction by Henry VIII's troops. The ferry rights then passed to private hands and resorted to fully rigged sailing ships.
source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6761751.stm)
The original ferry crossing of the River Mersey, first made by Benedictine monks in the 12th century, has been recreated 800 years later.
The re-enactment of what became one of the world's most famous ferry services, took place near the original site of Birkenhead Priory.
Six teams of sea cadets and the Mersey Rowing Club, some dresses as monks took to the river in 15ft replica boats.
The event was part of the programme to mark the city's 800th birthday.
Several Tall Ships are also moored at Wellington Dock as part of the maritime heritage weekend.
Ian Marr, Captain of the Mersey Rowing Club, which was established in 1854, said the crossing was the first by his club in more than 100 years.
He added: "We're all really excited, its not every day you get to be a part of history. This is like going back to our roots but it's been hard to train for.
"It was a real voyage of discovery but it was exhilarating."
The first known ferry began in the 1150s when the monks of Birkenhead priory started a small passenger service.
At the time, the Mersey was considerably wider and the only suitable landing point was in the Pool, near the site of the present Merseyside Police HQ.
The monks operated the service up until the priory's destruction by Henry VIII's troops. The ferry rights then passed to private hands and resorted to fully rigged sailing ships.
source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6761751.stm)