Runswick Bay (On the Look Out)

Three Runswick fishermen, scan the sea in this posed Phoenix Series view post marked 10th January 1906. Wearing their best “Ganseys”, the Runswick Bay Pattern is evident; each fishing village on the Yorkshire coast had it’s own pattern. The owners initials were picked out on the gansey this with the pattern so identifying the body of a drowned fisherman to his village. An occupational hazard on this coast. Interestingly the photographer must have been well aware of his surroundings; as this area of Runswick Bay is still known as ‘The Lookout’.

Image courtesy of Olive Bennett.