PILGRIM - Past
PILGRIM is a red-sailed sailing trawler built in Brixham in 1895 at one of Brixham’s most famous yards, J W & A Upham. She represents hundreds of similar sailing trawlers that formed a huge fishing fleet in the 1800’s when Brixham; famous also as “Mother of Deep Sea Fisheries” was the largest fishing port in Britain. These trawlers were developed long before the use of steam or the combustion engine, when the only sources of propulsion available to fishermen were wind and the tide.
Brixham sailing trawlers are famous around the world for their strength and speed. They were built right on the waterfront with timber from nearby woodlands. But because they were wooden they have all but disappeared..They only had an expected lifespan of about 20 years or so. (Timber and labour were cheap in those days). The work was hard and dangerous with just three men and a boy (often an orphan) manning these trawlers. Many were lost at sea whilst trying to make a living.
PILGRIM - Present
PILGRIM is the oldest surviving Brixham built and rigged sailing trawler of just a handful still in existence today. She is listed by The National Maritime Museum, recognising her as a very important part of Britain’s maritime history.
PILGRIM was returned to Brixham in 1999, by a group of like minded enthusiasts led by retired fisherman Bill Wakeham. PILGRIM is currently undergoing restoration at Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth.
PILGRIM - Future:
The aim, once restored, is to use PILGRIM and maintain her as part of Brixham’s significant maritime heritage for as wide a range of people as possible. They will be able to touch, smell, taste and experience some of what life was like over a hundred years ago. Scaled down trawling equipment will also be fitted for practical demonstrations.
PILGRIM will also travel regularly to other South Devon ports to share her unique history for the education and enjoyment of many more people of the future. By bringing her back to the sea, she will also keep alive the memory of those who lost their lives in the past.
PILGRIM is a link, a real living link from the 19th century - through the 20th to a regenerated Brixham of the 21st century, for past and future generations to come.
Pilgrim Preservation Project Limited Reg No 3816054
Pilgrim BM45 Trust Limited Reg No 6024877 - Charity registration number 1118004
PILGRIM is a red-sailed sailing trawler built in Brixham in 1895 at one of Brixham’s most famous yards, J W & A Upham. She represents hundreds of similar sailing trawlers that formed a huge fishing fleet in the 1800’s when Brixham; famous also as “Mother of Deep Sea Fisheries” was the largest fishing port in Britain. These trawlers were developed long before the use of steam or the combustion engine, when the only sources of propulsion available to fishermen were wind and the tide.
Brixham sailing trawlers are famous around the world for their strength and speed. They were built right on the waterfront with timber from nearby woodlands. But because they were wooden they have all but disappeared..They only had an expected lifespan of about 20 years or so. (Timber and labour were cheap in those days). The work was hard and dangerous with just three men and a boy (often an orphan) manning these trawlers. Many were lost at sea whilst trying to make a living.
PILGRIM - Present
PILGRIM is the oldest surviving Brixham built and rigged sailing trawler of just a handful still in existence today. She is listed by The National Maritime Museum, recognising her as a very important part of Britain’s maritime history.
PILGRIM was returned to Brixham in 1999, by a group of like minded enthusiasts led by retired fisherman Bill Wakeham. PILGRIM is currently undergoing restoration at Old Mill Creek, Dartmouth.
PILGRIM - Future:
The aim, once restored, is to use PILGRIM and maintain her as part of Brixham’s significant maritime heritage for as wide a range of people as possible. They will be able to touch, smell, taste and experience some of what life was like over a hundred years ago. Scaled down trawling equipment will also be fitted for practical demonstrations.
PILGRIM will also travel regularly to other South Devon ports to share her unique history for the education and enjoyment of many more people of the future. By bringing her back to the sea, she will also keep alive the memory of those who lost their lives in the past.
PILGRIM is a link, a real living link from the 19th century - through the 20th to a regenerated Brixham of the 21st century, for past and future generations to come.
Pilgrim Preservation Project Limited Reg No 3816054
Pilgrim BM45 Trust Limited Reg No 6024877 - Charity registration number 1118004
“Pilgrim” - History