1. The Liverpool Nautical Research Society
A presentation by
W.G.Williamson

2. LNRS origins
In 1937 the idea of a Research Society was formulated by a number of independent research workers most notably
Mr. Arthur C. Wardle and Mr. W. Stewart-Rees
Also local ship modellers were also thinking along similar lines
Their interest in nautical research developed from a wish to improve the accuracy of their models

3. This was on Wednesday, 23rd March, 1938
LNRS origins
Enter Mr. J.F. Smith, M.A., F.R.S.A., the Liverpool City Librarian who offered his support
At his invitation a private meeting was held at the Picton Reference Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool.
This was on Wednesday, 23rd March, 1938

4. Original aims of the society
To encourage a public interest in Liverpool’s maritime and ship history
To collect and collate all available material relating to Liverpool ships and seamen of the past
To undertake an historical survey of locally owned vessels, their masters and owners

5. Current aims of the society
To preserve and promote interest in the history of shipping and all nautical subjects through research using resources of the Merseyside Maritime Museum Archives and Library and other appropriate organisations
To undertake an historical survey of ships, their builders, owners, masters crews and other nautical technical matters particularly of local interest
To disseminate such information by publication in “The Bulletin” and Society lecture presentations
To assist, in a reasonable practical way, projects of the Merseyside Maritime Museum Archives and to offer advice and research to any organisations with nautical interests
To offer, in every suitable way, without charge, assistance with a range of appropriate enquiries that are received from the general public and outside bodies

6. Current venue
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Archive and Library

8. Searching for a book

9. Various reference material

11. The Bulletin Published four times a year Extensive range of topics
Has won plaudits from Lloyds List

12. LNRS Bulletins
Published every three months and contains a range of material that members have researched.

13. Commendation letter from Lloyds List
City of Maritime Culture 2008
There is more to it than museums even though Liverpool has some of the finest.
The same year marks the 70th anniversary of the Liverpool Nautical Research Society which publishes a hugely readable regular bulletin and has done so since 1938

14. LNRS assistance to library
A database of early steamships registered at Liverpool
A Fleet list of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board fleet
Indexing of the subsidiary Register Books of Non-Liverpool Registered Vessels 1788 – 1818
A database of Radio Officers exam records
Listing and classifying archive material from shipping companies such as Ocean Fleets and others

15. Radio Officer exam records
Harold Sidney Bride was the 2nd wireless operator on the Titanic

16. Radio Officer exam records
Harold Sidney Bride was the 2nd wireless operator on the Titanic. He lost his certificate when the vessel sank. A replacement certificate was issued and the fee was waived

17. Assisting the public LNRS members at history fair
Society members Jack Olin and David Eccles attend a History Fair in Birkenhead Town Hall 6th March 2010

18. LNRS Student Award Scheme
An annual award scheme was introduced in 2002 and is open to students in higher education with an interest in maritime activities
Local and national universities were given details of the prize and it has proved successful
The range of subject matter of these research projects has been impressive
The winner is presented with a cash prize of £200 by the chairman at one of our monthly meetings

19. LNRS Student Award Scheme
Winners
2002 Sidney David Wilson – Liverpool Hope University
The Development and Role of the organisations concerned with the Welfare of Seamen on the Mersey 1820 – 1970
2003 Sarah Kennedy – Liverpool John Moores University
Ro-Ro Tugmasters: An Economic Dissertation
2006 Denise M. Jones - Liverpool Hope University
The Liverpool Slavetrade in the late Eighteen Century

20. LNRS Research Prize winner 2010
Paul Robert Moore
Liverpool John Moores University
“The development of fuel saving techniques in merchant vessels”

21. Presentation 2010
Capt. Mike Jones, Paul Moore, Dr. Alan Wall and Bill Ogle

22. The Bulletin Special 70th anniversary edition
The society produced a special edition of the Bulletin to mark it’s 70th anniversary in 2008

23. The Bulletin Special 70th anniversary edition: contents
Portrait of a Liverpool Shipowner: Frederick J. Harrison
A Great Union: Cunard White Star merger
Stuart and Douglas: Palm oil trade
The Port of Ulverston
100 Years of Marine Insurance in Liverpool
The Wireless Colleges of Liverpool
Characters I have sailed with
Massey’s Patent Electric Log
The Introduction of Steam Engine Powered Ships
Western Prince: The loss of the vessel and its consequences

24. LNRS Publications
The society has produced publications to mark special events in it’s history

25. Nautical research members at work in the Maritime Museum Library
The Monday facility
Nautical research members at work in the Maritime Museum Library

29. Larrinaga Line by LNRS member David Eccles

30. The Monthly Meeting
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month usually between September and May
Guest speakers give a presentation of a wide area of maritime topics
Members gather at noon for tea and biscuits and the meeting begins at 1230 pm

33. The End