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Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)
Willie Spears (1812–1885)

© the artist. Photo credit: Andrew Mackie / Art UK

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William Spears (1812–1885), a successful fisherman, led a revolt against the tithes on fish levied by the Church of Scotland. The fight was a long 20 year battle with Spears spending time in jail before being bailed out from the local people. The fight resulted in the agreement of broker deal which allowed fishermen to buy out the tithe for £2,000. They were reluctant but Spears was worried that someone would end up being killed. Furthermore, the harbours were missing out on government funds for improvements. However, once the bank loan was paid off plans were drawn up for harbour improvements. Sadly, six weeks later the great fishing disaster of 1881 occurred, taking the lives of 189 Berwickshire fishermen. It is suspected that had these improvements been made sooner, the disaster would not have happened.

Title

Willie Spears (1812–1885)

Date

1998

Medium

bronze

Accession number

TD14_AM_S006

Acquisition method

commissioned by Eyemouth Community Council

Work type

Statue

Owner

Eyemouth Community Council

Custodian

Eyemouth Community Council

Work status

extant

Unveiling date

1998

Access

at all times

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Located at

Intersection of High Street and Chapel Street, Eyemouth

TD14 5HE