Thread: History of rug by in Newcastle & the Hunter

Newcastle was a pretty rough town in those days. Sailing ships coming and going and even men being press ganged by ships captains because crews would disappear when a ship came into the harbour. Being a local here, it's not hard to believe.

Here's some pictures of Newcastle port taken by well know local photographer of the late 19th century, Ralph Snowball. Even though these photo's are taken slightly after the era you mention they give some idea of the busy harbour.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/se...7622628357892/

Originally Posted by Ausfree

Here's some pictures of Newcastle port taken by well know local photographer of the late 19th century, Ralph Snowball. Even though these photo's are taken slightly after the era you mention they give some idea of the busy harbour.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/se...7622628357892/

Great photos. Newcastle was one of our major export ports. Not sure about now. Visited there a few times, always enjoyed the visit

Originally Posted by bob10

Great photos. Newcastle was one of our major export ports. Not sure about now. Visited there a few times, always enjoyed the visit

I believe Newcastle is the worlds largest exporting port for coal. I have watched ships coming into the harbour to load coal, they are huge, some up to 80,000 tonnes. I don't know how the tugboats manage to turn them around in the confines of the harbour.

Originally Posted by Ausfree

I believe Newcastle is the worlds largest exporting port for coal. I have watched ships coming into the harbour to load coal, they are huge, some up to 80,000 tonnes. I don't know how the tugboats manage to turn them around in the confines of the harbour.

Interesting point. How often do they dredge the harbour?