There was one other possibility – they could get the John Fielden to a position opposite the Rohilla and launch from the shore. It was a formidable task. After being rowed across the harbour the 36 feet long, very heavy boat would have to be lifted bodily out of the water, and manhandled up and over the 8 feet high rough stone breakwater under the Spa Ladder Bridge, which joined the East Pier to East Cliff. Beyond that there was a mile long haul over the slippery, jagged surface of the Scar. Finally, there was the tricky and dangerous launch from the rocky shore without the help of a ramp or carriage.

The Spa Ladder

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Copyright © Ken Wilson 1981