Introduction

On the northeast coast of England stands the historic seaport of Sunderland, through the midst of which flows the River Wear into the North Sea. It was this river upon which the growth and prosperity of the town for so long depended, the first authentic evidence of Sunderland as a place of maritime commerce being contained in a Charter granted by Bishop Pudsey to 'Weremouth' in 1154. The earliest reference to shipbuilding on the Wear dates from 1346 and in 1396 the exportation of coal from the river was first recorded. From being a comparatively small haven, the port subsequently developed, under the patronage of the River Wear Commissioners, into an important sea terminal chiefly exporting coal, but also handling an extensive volume and variety of other cargoes. In addition, the growth of shipbuilding and ancillary industries would earn Sunderland the proud distinction of being the largest shipbuilding town in the world.

Today, the Port of Sunderland presents but a shadow of its former self, with coal exports having ceased in 1986 and the death of the shipyards two years later. Now the river is filled with silent echoes of ghosts of the past, its fate beyond the control and comprehension of those whose lives evolved around it.

In spite of the gloom, strenuous efforts have been maintained by port managers to assure its survival as a commercial enterprise, with shipping and industrial activity still to be seen on the river and in the docks, although by no means on the same scale as once was common. Whilst having little relevance to the continuance of mercantile activity within the port, redevelopment of the riverside has taken place at various locations and increased waterborne leisure activities add a touch of colour and action to the harbour scene.

However, it was against a backdrop of the Wear's distinguished past that the River Wear Watch performed its duties. For over 121 years, through eras of sail, steam and diesel, during the transition from wooden to steel ships and throughout two world wars, its members carried out the role of policeman, fireman and salvor. Alas, as with so many other institutions in the port, the Watch is now consigned to history.

There is little doubt that the force held an unique position in the chronicles of British policing. Whilst many other docks and harbour forces have existed and still do, none have conformed exactly to the manner in which the Watch was organised and carried out its duties. Having been born by reason of the vested interests of local shipowners, the force soon became recognised as a valued public service.

That the Watch survived for so long is remarkable in itself. Even as its establishment was being proposed by local shipowners in 1839, vehement opposition was encountered from Sunderland Corporation which demanded the sole right of control. In spite of compromise being reached, the Commissioners who were subsequently vested with the management of the force frequently had to fend off further moves to usurp their powers.

Yet by the turn of the 20th Century, attitudes had changed, with the Commissioners having decided that their functions could best be performed either by the River Wear Commissioners or Sunderland Corporation.

Accordingly, for over sixty years, frequent attempts were made to secure the transfer of the Watch to either body, all without success. In the end, with the Watch Commissioners unable to carry on any longer, the Corporation's intransigence forced the issue and the Watch was finally laid to rest in 1961.

"Sentinels of the Wear" seeks to chronicle the history of the Watch from establishment to dissolution and places emphasis upon many of the more notable occurrences to which its members were required to attend. Running parallel to this theme, are accounts of how the force was organised, managed and financed. Detailed descriptions of firefloats, launches and other craft used to perform its duties are included and many insights into the personalities associated with the Watch are provided. Also reflected are the close and sometimes difficult relationships with the Borough Police and Fire Services, the River Wear Commissioners and other agencies.

While the narrative primarily concerns the River Wear Watch, this is not quite the full story. Chapter 1 is devoted to the original River Watch which, under the auspices of Sunderland Improvement Commissioners, patrolled the river from 1810 until 1837.

Since the demise of the River Wear Watch in 1961, the manner in which police and firefighting services have been undertaken in the port has changed dramatically. The term 'river police' has been superseded by 'marine police', and whilst still having a prime responsibility for the protection of life and property, the modern day descendant of the old-time river policeman has a far wider range of duties to contend with, many of which would seem strange to his predecessor. The final chapter, therefore, briefly records the progression of policing and firefighting in the port since the Watch's dissolution.

Despite the change in fortunes for the Port of Sunderland, the requirement for an effective marine policing and firefighting capability is still of great importance and will remain so for as long as the Wear continues to flow into the sea.

SENTINELS of the WEAR

THE RIVER WEAR WATCH

A History of Sunderland's River Police and Fireboats

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