The Project

Unlocking The Archive

The display unit, ready for action

In 2010, the East Riding Archives received the historic collection of Cook, Welton & Gemmell Shipbuilders archives.   With 259 ships’ plans for various vessel types built in Beverley, East Yorkshire between 1905 and 1962; these archives are incredibly unique and of significant historical value, including industrial, technological, naval and social history.  They are also of great importance for replica model-making, and the study of wreck-sites by marine archaeologists.

Now, thanks to National Lottery players and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re working with an inter-generational partnership of volunteers to digitise and catalogue the technical drawings of historic vessels built by the company, so that this vital part of our region’s maritime heritage can be preserved and used for learning, and the enhancement of the community’s sense of identity.

By achieving this with our volunteers, we hope that this will also give them and the community a greater sense of ownership in their heritage and that continuing partnerships will be established as part of an ongoing legacy of the project.

We’re also delighted to be teaming up with the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre ; SS Great Britain in Bristol; and That’s TV Humber to help us bring the story of Cook, Welton and Gemmell to a mainstream audience.

Why not Get Involved yourself or keep checking What’s On for developments in our outreach programme.