His grandfather was obviously pointing out the place to him. "Wonderful building", I offered in passing. The grandpa turned around and said "I told him Old Pirates live there!"
This information comes from a great website which quotes William Whellan & Co., History of Northumberland, 1855:
The Master Mariners' Asylum, built in 1837-8 the Elizabethan style at a cost of £5,100. The Duke of Northumberland gave the site and large quantity of materials employed in building it. It will accommodate eighteen men and their wives, as also fourteen widows, and at present (1854) is fully occupied. A full length statue of the Duke of Northumberland, occupies a niche in the front of the building.
In the course of an outbreak investigation, about a decade ago, I had occasion to speak on the phone to a woman who lived there. When I expressed admiration for the place, she agreed
that it was nice. She said it was now divided into separate flats but still only available to those with maritime connections. Maybe I should send Bill out to sea?
2 comments:
Before sending Bill to sea you had better find out how long he has to be associated with the sea to qualify for the home. Then balance the pro's and con's and see if it is worth it. If you are currently seeing too much of him, maybe you need to get that part time job.
Joanne
Bless him, I don't think they'd have him at this point...
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