Blue plaque unveiled for Grimsby pioneer at Fishing Heritage Centre

Sir Edward Watkin was a railway entrepreneur in the 1800s and pioneered large scale developments in rail as part of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. He has been described as “Mr Grimsby” and as “Mr Cleethorpes” for his role in the development of both towns.

Recently, the Watkin society have been working to celebrate these achievements in various ways around the borough. Mr Geoff Scargill, Chairman of the Watkin Society, said: “Our aim is to celebrate Watkin’s often amazing achievements at home and abroad.”

As well as enabling the construction of the new docks, Watkin did a lot for North East Lincolnshire. He added: “Watkin laid down an enormous railway network that meant the newly-landed fish was loaded straight into trains and boats at the dockside and was on its way to the great cities of Britain and the Continent. In addition he had set up a daily passenger service from the port to Denmark, Holland, Russia and Germany.”

Under Mr Scargill’s direction, a local Watkin Group has been formed, which expands the society from its Manchester area roots, and have organised two Blue Plaques in honour of Watkin in our borough; one at Cleethorpes Railway Station and the other now outside the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre. Blue Plaques can be found up and down the country and link significant events and people to specific locations.

The Grimsby Watkin plaque was unveiled by local Watkin Group member, Jane Hyldon-King and Jonathon Hyldon of Bridge McFarland LLP, who were sponsors of the plaque. It specifically celebrates Watkin’s work in helping build the Port of Grimsby, comprising of the Royal Dock and, later, the Union and Alexandra Docks. Watkin also oversaw the creation of the first Fish Dock at Grimsby, which allowed fishing craft here to land with a direct rail link to London from as early as 1856.

David Ornsby, Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre Operations Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have this plaque outside the centre. Edward Watkin helped to pioneer the industry our centre celebrates and we hope that his story will inspire our visitors for generations to come.”

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy, added: “This is welcomed news. We’re always pleased to celebrate the history and culture of North East Lincolnshire.

“This plaque, coupled with the one at Cleethorpes Train Station, shows just how important Watkin’s work was for our area.”