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Shipping in the Bristol Channel
Tutor: Allan Cook
This
course is designed to introduce the maritime past to those interested in the
industrial history of South Wales and the West of England. We will look at
the growth of ports from muddy rivers to floating harbours, the ships and
their trading routes, and the commodities which they carried.
10 weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 7.00 to 9.00 pm starting 2 February
2005 in the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff.
10 Credits
Fee £55.00, (Reduced Fee £44.00)
C04G009DWK
Course Description
This course aims to provide the student with a knowledge of the origins and development of shipping and sea-born trade in the Bristol Channel from the Middle Ages to twentieth century. Through the employment of historical and archaeological evidence it will explore the maritime history of the region, analysing economic, social and technological developments. Themes include:
- The Newport ship and medieval trade.
- Evidence from Port Books.
- Shipping and the Industrial Revolution.
- Canals and Canal Mania.
- Piracy, wrecking and lighthouses.
- Bristol ‘Metropolis of the West’.
- The traders of the Bristol Channel.
- Ownership and Insurance.
- The growth of the South Wales coal ports.
- Other cargoes – food, wine leather etc.
- Bristol and the slave trade.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who is interested in maritime history and archaeology or who has an interest in the historical development of the region’s trading networks.
Learning and Teaching
There will be lectures incorporating visual presentation and the analysis of maritime sources. Informal classroom debate and discussion will be encouraged.
Coursework and Assessment
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
You will not have a formal examination but you will be asked to write an assignment of around 1500 words. This may take the form of a case study, course journal, source criticism or essay. Our assessments are flexible to suit the course and the student.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
Reading suggestions
There is not one book that tells you the history of shipping in the Bristol Channel. There are many books which tell you part of the story, from books listing the customs records, to the individual histories of ports or of types of ship. Your tutor will provide you with a comprehensive list of books and articles which should start you off and lead you to other sources for any particular study. These include:- ATKINSON, M. and BABER, C., The Growth and Decline of the South
Wales Iron Industry 1760-1880. (Cardiff, 1987). - BIRD, J. The Letter-Book of John Bird. Customs Collector in South-East
Wales 1648-80. (South Wales Record Society. Cardiff, 1999). - BOORMAN, D. ‘The Port and its Worldwide Trade’ in Swansea
an
Illustrated History, WILLIAMS, G. et al. (eds), (Swansea 1990). - BRISTOL RECORD SOCIETY Trade of Bristol in the 18th Century, (Bristol,
1985). - MINCHINTON, W.E. Politics and the Port of Bristol in the 18th Century.
(Bristol Record Society, 1963). - SMITH, G. Smuggling in the Bristol Channel 1700-1850 (Newbury, 1989).
Library and Computing Facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University library and computing facilities. You can find out more about these facilities here, or by ringing the Centre on (029) 2087 0000.
Accessibility of Courses
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and Dyslexia screening. Please contact the Centre on (029) 2087 0000 for an information leaflet.