Watchet - A Story of Revival By Alan Humphries
10th January 2025
In: News, Members' Articles
WATCHET
by Alan DW Humphries
Readers may recall my NewsLetter article ” A Leica for a Fiver”, What follows is based on the original, with the emphasis on the Port of Watchet.
While not being apparent today the Port Of Watchet has a long history being the setting for a remarkable skirmish between the Royalist and Parliamentarians during the Civil War.
Early trade through the harbour included the export of a superior lime produced from the numerous lime kilns along the coast. Its quality ensured a big demand particularly for maritime construction, in fact it was used in the building of Plymouth’s original Eddystone lighthouse. In addition seaweed was harvested burned and exported for use in the glass industry. Fish, agricultural products, wool, hides and locally-produced cloth also contributed to the export trade. On the other side of the coin imports from the Continent included salt, coal, wines and brandy. One import not encouraged was smuggling!
The trade of the port continued in various forms through to 1999, principally the import of paper-making materials from Scandinavia and N. Africa for the local Wansborough paper and maritime pine from Portugal principally for pallet making.
What followed was a hiatus for two years, then in 2001 the port was repurposed. The inner harbour was turned into a marina with a capacity of 250 vessel, a sill allows a minimum of three metres depth even at low water. The marina, including visiting yachts from across the Bristol Channel and a few local fishing boats, provides an interesting backdrop for the many visitors to the town
After a period of being used for boat storage East Quay has been redeveloped under the auspices of the “Onion Project” turning the whole area into a venue for cultural and social activities. There is an eclectic mix of fourteen businesses, which include artist studios, galleries, cafe, restaurant, accommodation pods. It even retains its connection with the paper industry with Two Rivers Paper having a centre of operations there. The company produce rag papers for artists, and designers world-wide. East Quay been transform from a slightly derelict Quay to a destination not only for day trippers and holiday makers but schools and others involved in education.
In addition to being an attractive little town with its harbour and East Quay, Watchet is also a stop on the West Somerset Heritage Railway.
©Alan DW Humphries 2025.
Watchet Revival
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet Revival
by Alan DW Humphries
Readers may recall my NewsLetter article ” A Leica for a Fiver”, What follows is based on the original, with the emphasis on the Port of Watchet.
While not being apparent today the Port Of Watchet has a long history being the setting for a remarkable skirmish between the Royalist and Parliamentarians during the Civil War.
Early trade through the harbour included the export of a superior lime produced from the numerous lime kilns along the coast. Its quality ensured a big demand particularly for maritime construction, in fact it was used in the building of Plymouth’s original Eddystone lighthouse. In addition seaweed was harvested burned and exported for use in the glass industry. Fish, agricultural products, wool, hides and locally-produced cloth also contributed to the export trade. On the other side of the coin imports from the Continent included salt, coal, wines and brandy. One import not encouraged was smuggling!
The trade of the port continued in various forms through to 1999, principally the import of paper-making materials from Scandinavia and N. Africa for the local Wansborough paper and maritime pine from Portugal principally for pallet making.
What followed was a hiatus for two years, then in 2001 the port was repurposed. The inner harbour was turned into a marina with a capacity of 250 vessel, a sill allows a minimum of three metres depth even at low water. The marina, including visiting yachts from across the Bristol Channel and a few local fishing boats, provides an interesting backdrop for the many visitors to the town
After a period of being used for boat storage East Quay has been redeveloped under the auspices of the “Onion Project” turning the whole area into a venue for cultural and social activities. There is an eclectic mix of fourteen businesses, which include artist studios, galleries, cafe, restaurant, accommodation pods. It even retains its connection with the paper industry with Two Rivers Paper having a centre of operations there. The company produce rag papers for artists, and designers world-wide. East Quay been transform from a slightly derelict Quay to a destination not only for day trippers and holiday makers but schools and others involved in education.
In addition to being an attractive little town with its harbour and East Quay, Watchet is also a stop on the West Somerset Heritage Railway.
©Alan DW Humphries 2025.
Watchet Revival
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet
Watchet Revival
Comments
By Tony Tarlton: Having visited Watchett, I really enjoyed your article, Alan. One particularly interesting boat picture! Something to discuss in Sketchley? By Keith Walker: Having broken a ride on the West Somerset at Watchet a couple of years ago, it was clear there was more to the little place than is obvious at first sight. Your article nicely provides the detail. Appreciated!