Convoys, Flamborough Head and the Grimsby Roads by Prof Roger Knight

During 1803 and 1815 Britain was at war with 10 countries. Fundamental to its survival during this time was its protection of the world-wide protection of its trade. Sugar, coffee and tea had to be imported and manufactured good exported so that financial and industrial confidence was maintained. The raw materials had to reach Britain continuously. Thousands of soldiers and cavalry had to be transported to and from Europe, India and the West Indies.

Flamborough Head was an important navigational mark for convoys returning to Britain from the Baltic, laden with timber, hemp and wheat. For convoys going the other way, Grimsby Roads were an important rendezvous, taking valuable cargoes of coffee, sugar and textiles to Heligoland, for a continent starved of these luxuries by Napoleon's Continental Blockade. These goods came across Britain by canal to Hull, where the ships were loaded.'

Roger Knight had a long career as an archivist and museum curator at the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich and at the Greenwich Maritime Institute and has written several books about the Napoleonic period in British history.

Ticket price includes a glass of wine or beer and a yorkshire cheese board.