Wondering About Whaling?
Hull and the Whaling Industry
At its height Hull could boast one of the largest and most successful whaling fleets in Britain. Discover how it all began, how the whalers' braved arctic conditions to catch their whales and how the introduction of steam powered vessels signalled a decline for the Hull whaler.
The Diana
At one time a great number of whaling ships and their crew set sail from Hull but that was all to change. In 1866 the Diana set sail on a whaling expedition but its perilous journey proved the dangerous nature of the occupation and the struggles faced by sailors. She became Hull's last whaling ship, read on to find out why.
Truelove: From War to Whaler
The 'Truelove' was a barque obtained by the British during the American War of Independence. She was converted into a whaling ship and so began an illustrious and colourful history that saw her become the oldest surviving vessel of her class. Read about her successes with whaling, how she transported natives from Greenland, and her final visit back home to Philadelphia some 100 years after her 'birth' there.
Whaling Weapons
The methods used to catch whales did not vary much throughout the years but the weaponry evolved as whalers developed more efficient ways to kill their catch. Discover the different types of weapons used to catch whales from the simple hand harpoon to the explosive bomb lance.
