Pub history

Ice Barque

Elegant Norwegian ships, or barques, are recalled in this pub’s name – which once brought ice across the North Sea to Grimsby. By the mid 13th century, fish was Grimsby’s most important trade. By 1500, the port was in serious decline. At the end of the 18th century, Grimsby was little more than a large village. It was rescued from its near-terminal decay by the building of what came to be known as ‘the Old Dock’. Coupled with the opening of the railway, the port duly flourished.