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Pub sign standing outside NZ1565 : The Keelman & Big Lamp Brewery, Newburn

The word Keel comes from the Anglo Saxon ‘Ceol’ and is a small undecked vessel propelled by oars and at one time common in the north of England. The Keel was especially built to carry coal and was very long and broad, approximately 40 feet long by 19 to 20 feet wide, but it was built shallow without depth. Coal was carried in the open without hatch covers, and side boards were used to hold the heaped coal on deck. The Keel carried eight Newcastle Chaldrons (coal tubs) which amounted to 21 tons 4cwts., two oars were used to assist propulsion and the Keel was steered by the ‘swape’ oar over the stern of the boat. Poles called ‘puys’ were also used in shallow water and later a single sail was added, but the main force of propulsion was by using the tidal water. The ebbtide to carry coal to the collier and returning empty with the tide. In later years Keels were built with one side slightly flattened to allow easier docking with the collier and to aid easier unloading.

The Keelmen for a long time formed the largest class of the Newcastle population. They were described as a rough and hardy race of men, exceedingly clannish and very jealous in support of their privileges. They were reputed to be the best paid workers of their time.
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