ROCK PATTERNS

Spittal beach in Northumberland has some wonderfully patterned rock formations which lend themselves nicely to a bit of abstract art

Very sadly many years ago my Great grandfather was washed up on these shores, after losing his life in the Eyemouth fishing disaster on October 14th 1881

It was known as Black Friday, the UK's worst ever fishing disaster.

189 men lost their lives, including my Great grandfather, his son, his brother and two of his wife's brothers. Eyemouth alone lost 129 menfolk and many of their families had watched on in vain, as the boats had tried desperately to return to harbour

They had put to sea that day as money was short and they needed to pay the tithe demanded by the Church of Scotland. Twenty six boats in total were engulfed by the storm that arose that day. A storm of extraordinary violence

There was an occasional miraculous story, when days later a boat limped into harbour, having beaten the storm but left those onboard traumatised

The Eyemouth museum has a tapestry, depicting the scene, with details of all those lost.

 

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