1890-1927
Irish Street
The Seaman’s Institute could be found on Irish Street. The 3-storey plus attic building was open daily from 9am to 10pm and catered for sailors’ needs by providing such facilities as affordable accommodation, a Reading Room, Smoking Room, Billiard Room, and large hall in which a service was held every Sunday. During winter months concerts, magic lantern shows, and other meetings took place. The Institute closed in 1927 and is now a dentist with flats above.
The Missions to Seamen, was founded in 1856 to coordinate local Church Of England missionary efforts towards seafarers in ports across the UK. Today, it is known as the Mission to seafarers and operates across the world, providing aid to seafarers regardless of creed, culture or background.
Mr J Richardson, Lay Reader in charge of the Seaman’s Institute, Irish Street.
Before a ship left on her maiden voyage, the mission choir boarded her to sing ‘God be with you till we meet again.’
