Long-forgotten boatbuilder is honoured with blue plaque in his Shropshire hometown
Famed boatbuilder William Oakes along with railway artist John Austin are immortalised in a blue plaque on their former home
The town’s mayor, local councillors and the historical society gathered in Bridgnorth on Sunday along with a host of special guests as a blue plaque was unveiled remembering an almost long-forgotten boatbuilder.
For several years, Bridgnorth historian Clive Gwilt has been investigating the history of a distinctive house at 46 Underhill Street, identified by the carved inscription "WO 1741" above its doorway.
The initials belong to William Oakes, Bridgnorth's last traditional boatbuilder and one of the town's most important industrial figures. His family lived in the house for over 120 years.
Boatbuilding became one of the town's defining industries, with William Oakes and his family playing a leading role in its success. Built in 1741, the Underhill property served as both the Oakes family home and the centre of a thriving boatbuilding business on the banks of the River Severn.
Following a campaign to see the boatbuilder honoured in the town, Clive finally won approval from the local historical society to have a blue plaque installed on William Oakes’ former home.
On Sunday (August 23) Clive was joined by Mayor of Bridgnorth, Chris Aked, as well as town councillors, representatives of the Bridgnorth Historical Society, local author Emma Woodhouse and John Austin, a local artist who lived in the house and is also honoured with a mention on the plaque.
They were hosted by Yvonne Ryan, the current homeowner of the property.
In a speech at the unveiling on Sunday, Clive said: “Ten months ago, I was approached about the possibility of installing a national-style blue plaque at 46 Underhill Street to commemorate William Oakes and his importance to the history of our town.
“Although the initial application was unsuccessful and was declined by the civic society, the evidence was later presented to the Bridgnorth Historical Society. It clearly demonstrated William Oakes's significance to Bridgnorth's industrial past.
“The historic society agreed that the criteria had been more than met, recognising his outstanding contribution through the construction of numerous vessels, including large sea-going ships of more than 300 tons.
“His achievements helped establish Bridgnorth as an important centre of shipbuilding, and it is only fitting that his legacy is recognised today.
“This plaque also celebrates another remarkable figure connected with this house - Bridgnorth's distinguished artist, John Austin, who lived here between 1987 and 2014.
“During his time at 46 Underhill Street, he transformed the sitting room into his studio, where he created many of the paintings for which he became so well known and admired.
“Today, we honour two men whose talents, though separated by centuries, have each left a lasting mark on Bridgnorth - one through craftsmanship and industry, the other through art and creativity.
“It is entirely fitting that this house should now bear a plaque commemorating both of their remarkable contributions to our town's history.”
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