Shipping out for a new life abroad

The claim varies around 6th or 7th, but whichever, it is quite surprising that we could be so near to the top of the scale.

The simple answer is that much of the material imported through our little port comprised goods on which there was a very high import tax.

This revenue must have been quite a surprise to many and maybe even earned us respect in high places. Silks, satins, fine leather, wines, spirits and even gold and silver bullion. Well, it was the most direct route from London to Paris and back.

Someone said to me only recently how the dresses had hardly left the catwalks of Paris, than they were on the train to Dieppe, over on the night boat and on display in the city by dawn.

The boat trains were non-stop; there were also the Grande Vitesses with urgent goods and even the Petite Vitesses, but so far no one has managed to explain this one to me.

For locomotive fans, the much favoured were the Atlantic 4-4-2s. These could be swung on Newhaven's turntable. Anything larger, like the King Arthur class, would have to run light to Brighton, turn there and come all the way back to be able to head the express on its return journey to London. That would be an expensive option.

It has been said that our turntable, which no doubt replaced an earlier one, was of chosen size to accept the excellent K class of 2-6-0 which were so involved with the endless runs of supply and ammunition trains to Newhaven when we were involved with the movement of this to the Western Front during the Great War.

Before leaving the subject of railways, in the 1930s at times I had to travel to Uckfield via Lewes during the rush hour but even at Newhaven Town there was a WH Smith bookstall on the up platform. Only a small affair I agree, but one of my ex-classmates, Ted Evans from Eastside, used to open it up for a short period in the morning.

What is more, there were toilet facilities and coal fires in the waiting/ticket office room.

Even with electrification, goods engines were still very much around and they were steam driven, so coal was never very far away!

Mind you, with some of the winters we used to get in those times, perhaps the easy access to coal was just as well.

Maybe the reason for all this useless information should be explained '“ transport of goods through our port. My picture features Harry Chant with his Railway Quay steam crane, probably in the 1880s.

Stand at Bickerstaff's fish shop on the west bank and look across the harbour at the opposite quay and that is where this antique crane would have been. It is a fixture, but notice how it is conveniently positioned between the railway wagon and the ship moored alongside.

People moved home in those days just as now. Pantechnicons like this were a common sight on the railways then, as are removal lorries now on the roads. 'Furniture removed and warehoused, Bishop and Sons, Hugh Street, Pimlico, London SW.'

Fourteen men are gathered on the vessel as to feature in a photo was quite something!

PETER BAILEY

Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Winter opening hours are 2-5pm Saturdays and Sundays or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk