The astonishing legacy of Edward Watkin Project Resources
What did the Project do?
The Astonishing Legacy of Edward Watkin
About the Project
Who was Edward Watkin?
In 1854, Watkin became the General Manager of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway. In this role, he invested large sums of money to support the development of Grimsby Docks supporting its transition into the world’s largest fishing port in the 1950s.
His impact in Cleethorpes was equally important, in 1863 he extended the railway line from Grimsby to Cleethorpes to encourage visitors to the seaside. From this point, the MSLR invested further into Cleethorpes by cutting out the sea wall and building a promenade and saving the area from erosion. The railway company also paid for Pier Gardens to be built, including Ross Castle (which is the approximate height the cliffs in Cleethorpes used to be) and the Pier.
What did the Project do?
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Create North East Lincolnshire and Historic England, the project has focused on sharing the legacy of Victorian ‘Railway King’ Edward Watkin with young people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
We have created a film, digital trail and educational resources for teachers to use at Key Stage 1, 2 and 3. Our short film focusses on Watkin’s impact in Grimsby and the digital trail highlights the impact of Watkin’s investment in Cleethorpes.
To create these resources, we have co-collaborated with five local schools in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, these are: St Peters CoE Primary, Laceby Acres, Waltham Tollbar Academy, Cleethorpes Academy and Ormiston Maritime Academy. Five students from each school became Digital Heritage Ambassadors and supported us in the project. Our film and trail were produced by Wide Sky and Cosmic Carrot who delivered workshops with the students and led a filming day at RES Digital in Scunthorpe. Our Digital Heritage Ambassadors feature in our film and trail!
The Watkin Society
Throughout the project, we have worked with the Watkin Society who have provided subject matter expertise and support. The society operates across the UK in areas where Watkin made significant impact and their goal is to engage with more people to share Watkin’s legacy. To find our more information about the Society and keep up to date with events and activities please head over to their website: The Watkin Society – Home
On this page, you can find the educational resources, digital media and volunteer research we created for the project.
Resources
Key Stage 1 Educational Resources Expand
Powerpoints & Worksheets
03. KS1 What was Grimsby and Cleethorpes like before Edward Watkin
04. How should Edward Watkin be remembered in Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Lesson Plans
03. KS1 What was Grimsby and Cleethorpes like before Watkin
04. KS1 What did Edward do for Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Key Stage 2 Educational Resources Expand
Powerpoints & worksheets
01. KS2 Who was Mr Grimsby and Mr Cleethorpes
02. KS2 Did Edward Watkin deserve the title ‘Mr Grimsby’
https://heritagelincolnshire.org/wp-content/uploads/02.-Edward-Watkins-plan-for-Grimsby-1.pdf
03. KS2 What was the impact of Edward Watkin in Cleethorpes
03. KS2 Why was Edward Watkin an important figure for Grimsby and Cleethorpes WORKSHEET
04. KS2 What was the impact of Edward Watkin’s work in the UK and abroad
04. KS2 What was the impact of Edward Watkin’s work in the UK and abroad WORKSHEET
05. KS2 Why and how should we celebrate the work of Edward Watkin
https://heritagelincolnshire.org/wp-content/uploads/Jacks-Story-PDF.pdf
Jack’s Story Reading Booklet 1
Lesson Plans
01. KS2 Who was Mr Grimsby and Mr Cleethorpes
02. KS2 Does Edward Watkin deserve the title ‘Mr Grimsby’
03. KS2 What was the impact of Edward Watkin in Cleethorpes
04. KS2 What was the impact of Edward Watkin’s work in the UK and abroad
05. Why and how should we celebrate the work of Edward Watkin
Key Stage 3 Educational Resources Expand
Powerpoints & worksheets
1. KS3 Edward Watkin in the Victorian Era
2. KS3 How did Edward Watkin contribute to the development of Grimsby
02. Jewish persecution in Russia
3. KS3 How was Cleethorpes impacted by Edward Watkin
04. Commemorative Box worksheet
04. Teacher Guide Commemorative Box
5. KS3 How should we recognise the work of Edward Watkin
https://heritagelincolnshire.org/wp-content/uploads/Careers-in-the-Heritage-Sector-1.pdf
https://heritagelincolnshire.org/wp-content/uploads/Heritage-Action-Plan-1.pdf
Lesson Plans
01. KS3 EW in the Victorian Era
02. KS3 How did Edward Watkin contribute to the development of Grimsby
03. KS3 How did Edward Watkin contribute to the development of Cleethorpes
05. KS3 How should we recognise the work of Edward Watkin
With thanks to our research volunteers for their hard work and contributions.
With grateful thanks to Caitlyn Webb for her research and writing of ‘Migration to Grimsby’ in support of the Edward Watkin Project.
Memorry in a Bottle Podcast – Sir Edward Watkin Heritage Channel – YouTube Video Launch the Trail Watch the Film 
