Grimsby: The Story of the World’s Greatest Fishing Port

Grimsby was a Victorian phenomenon. In the space of 100 years, from 1800 to 1900, its population soared from 1,000 to 63,000 and went on rising until the town became the premier fishing port in the world. This is its story.

The town was created by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company from nothing and it rose to become the world's premier fishing port. But, for reasons beyond its control, its importance has dramatically diminished over the last 50 years.

The fish that landed here fed the nation, and ancillary industries that sprang up in the town resulted in "Made in Grimsby" being a byword for quality. But times have changed, and the townspeople have had to deal with the declining local economy.

Peter Chapman's account of Grimsby's remarkable recent history looks at the rise and demise of this Lincolnshire town and the people who made it great and who have now departed the scene.

About the Author

Peter Chapman was born in Lincolnshire 64 years ago and his family has lived hereabouts uninterruptedly for 400 years. He is former assistant editor of the Aldershot News and editor of Lincolnshire Life.

In retirement, he continues to write a weekly column in the Grimsby Telegraph.