The Sunderland pub and restaurant which had links to Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar
There’s a piece of Sunderland history which dates back to a huge piece of history which happened 225 years ago.
The Battle of Trafalgar, which happened in 1805, saw Lord Nelson’s British fleet defeat the forces of Spain and France.
Links to the Battle of Trafalgar
But you might not know this - that the rope which was supplied to Nelson’s ship HMS Victory - was made on Wearside.
And in another intriguing link, that same building which made the rope would later become a well known Sunderland dining venue.
We are talking about Websters which is based in Ropery Road and which was the oldest ropery in Britain. It was built in 1793 and is now an award-winning wedding venue.
A big launch in 1986
But 39 years ago this week, it was about to reopen as Sunderland’s latest pub and restaurant in a grand occasion.
Lawrie McMenemy of Sunderland Football Club was there to toast the success and Ed Kirton, the general manager of Websters, showed the Sunderland Echo around the building which is Grade II listed.
Frank Nicholson of Vaux Brewery was also in the picture and we want to know if you have great memories of the venue over the years.
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