The Horncastle Connection

In 1782 Captain William Horncastle, an Elder Brethren of the Hull Trinity House,Yorkshire,England, represented the House in the purchase of a yacht.This was the first time the members had decided to have a yacht for their own use; previously they had used pilots and their cutters.

William Horncastle, with a Mr Hammond, visited London to inspect a yacht suggested by John Osbourne M.P.It was not recommended, and it was agreed to provide a budget £500.00, and instruct Mr Blaydes of Hull to build a vessel to Trinity House specifications and superintended by the House.The yacht was named‘The Humber’ and used for twenty-three years.In 1798, with the country at war with France it was armed and used for naval duties in the defence of the river.In 1806 it was stripped of its guns and warlike stores and sold by auction to a Rev I.Snaith for £600.00.

In 1823 a resolution by the House resolved to buy another yacht for members going down the Humber on company business, price was not to exceed£800 – later improved to £1,000.

The famous yacht ‘Zephyr’, was lying at Rochester, Charles Horncastle purchased it for the members.

In 1829 it had the honour of being the first vessel to sail into the newly constructed Princes Dock.

Captain William Horncastle, was admitted a Younger Brother of the Hull trinity House on 27^th February 1774.He was elected a Steward on 4^th September 1785 and was appointed to the Board, as an Assistant, on 27^th February 1794, elected an Elder Brother on the 2^nd March 1801, and was five times Warden – in 1801, 1808, 1813, 1820 and 1825.

Captain Charles Horncastle, was admitted a Younger Brother on the 7^th January 1814, elected Steward on 4^th September 1816, was elected an Assistant on the Board on 17^th August 1825, made an Elder Brother on 30^th August 1834 and, subsequently, seven times Warden, ‘A Record.’