Immingham

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 53.6139
longitude= -0.2183
map_type= Lincolnshire
official_name= Immingham
population = 12,200
unitary_england= North East Lincolnshire
lieutenancy_england=Lincolnshire
region= Yorkshire and the Humber
constituency_westminster= Cleethorpes
post_town= IMMINGHAM
postcode_district = DN40
postcode_area= DN
dial_code= 01469
os_grid_reference= TA178145

Immingham (sometimes known locally as Ming Ming [ [http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/living_and_working/diaries/rrs_ernest_shackleton/antarctic2003_2004/04/index.php British Antarctic Survey] - 26 October 2002 - Arrival in Immingham] ) is a town in North East Lincolnshire, located on the south bank of the Humber Estuary. It is six miles (10 km) north west of Grimsby.

Geography

Immingham is sandwiched between the A180 to the [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/295856 south] and the A1173 ("Manby Road" and " [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/218391 Kings Road] ") to the north. From the west, it has no direct link to the A180; access is via the A1173 towards Grimsby, or more conveniently via "Brocklesby [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/56992 Interchange] " and the A160 and through the petrochemical works at South Killingholme (in North Lincolnshire). The A1173 has a spur for the [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/218378 east gate] of the docks - " [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/218590 Queens Road] ".

The medieval village of Immingham is on the outskirts of the town to the north west near St Andrews [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/85781 church] .

The European route E22 apparently passes "through" Immingham (this actually refers to the nearby route of the A180 and the A160 via Immingham Dock) and thence on to Amsterdam which implies there is a ferry to Amsterdam. No car ferry of that nature exists but freight transport (lorries) can go with the DFDS Tor line via Immingham Dock to Gothenburg on the [http://www.dfdstorline.com/DfdsTorLine/EN/Presentation/Bridges/ AngloBridge] line, to Esjberg on the [http://www.dfdstorline.com/DfdsTorLine/EN/Presentation/Bridges/BritanniaBridge.htm BritanniaBridge] Line, to Cuxhaven on the [http://www.dfdstorline.com/DfdsTorLine/EN/Presentation/Bridges/ElbeBridge.htm ElbeBridge] line, and to Rotterdam (for Route E22) on the [http://www.dfdstorline.com/DfdsTorLine/EN/Presentation/Bridges/ShortBridge.htm ShortBridge] line. Sailings go from the DFDS [http://www.dfdstorline.com/DfdsTorLine/EN/Presentation/Terminal/Immingham.htm Nordic Terminal] which has six Ro-Ro berths; DFDS has been operating from the port [http://www.abports.co.uk/news20065227.htm since] 1992. Immingham is the busiest [http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/DFDS-TOR/TOR_Magnolia03-CdeB.jpgferry] port on the east coast of England.

Etymology

Anglo Saxons

"Although the origin of the name of the town is uncertain it is believed to derive from the "Immingas", a tribe who followed an Anglo-Saxon leader by the name of "Imminga"." This is what the local authority tells us, however I am not convinced that "Imm" (not "Imminga") was a tribal leader as the derivation of "ham" suggests only a small homestead. ["Key to English Place-Names" a database maintained at the Institute for Name-Studies, School of English, The University of Nottingham. http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/english/ins/kepn/] Imm, or Emm, is certainly well known in folk tale and the owners of the local coach firm, "Emerson Coaches", may well be related to this folk-hero; i.e. "sons of Emma". Research into families with the surnames associated with "imma" or "emma" show that many seem to have begun their migration across England (mainly northward) from this part of Lincolnshire. The town, Immingham, has a completely English name which is unusual around here where the Vikings settled. It is made up of three early English (Anglo Saxon) words:“Imm” - a family name;“inga” - of the family;“ham” - homestead.Thus Immingham means “homestead of the family of Imm“.The language suggests that the name of the town goes back to the 7th century.

Imm

We know a little about Imm (or Imma / Immer) from one of our early historians, Bede, who wrote in 731 AD. Bede tells us that in 679 Imm was a Thane (a type of King’s bodyguard) in the service of the 18 year old brother of the King of Northumbria, Elfwin. As a Thane it was his job to die at the side of his master. In 679 he was involved in a battle not far from here on the River Trent. Elfwin was killed and Imm was left for dead. He later revived and was taken into captivity (being careful to keep his name and title secret). The Mercians who had captured him treated his wounds and when he got better chained him up each night to prevent his escape.Meanwhile his brother, Tunna, a priest and Abbot of a monastery, assuming his brother dead ,had regular prayers and masses said for him.

Mercians

The Mercians had great trouble keeping Imm under captivity and guessed he was more than just a peasant. The Mercian Chief had him closely questioned. Imm agreed to speak if the Chief promised not to kill him. On learning that Imm was a King’s Thane he was furious but could not go back on his word. The Mercians believed Imm was using black magic to escape. But Imm pointed out that his brother was Christian and was probably praying for him and that was the reason for his success.

Because he was such a problem the Mercians sold Imm in London as a slave to a Frisian. The Frisian Islands lie to the north of Holland. This Frisian also found it difficult to keep Imm captive so he allowed him to arrange for his ransom. The King of Kent eventually paid the ransom because he had connections with Imm’s family or associates. Imm went through a number of other adventures before he got back to his own country. On reuniting with his brother, the Abbot confirmed that he had indeed been praying for his brother. [Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Book IV, Chapter XXII, by Venerable Bede. http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=i&p=c&a=p&ID=28051&c=776]

History

Pilgrim Fathers

The town contains a [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/74866 memorial] marking the site of the 1608 departure of the Pilgrim Fathers to Holland. The vessel anchored off Killingholme Creek but suffered very bad weather. Due to this the wives asked to be put ashore for the night. The vessel was sailed up Killingholme Creek to just below St. Mary's Parish Church in Immingham - a small depression probably marking this site can still be distinguished at the end of "Washdyke Lane". The inhabitants of Immingham agreed to the wives and children sleeping in their Parish Church over night. Unfortunately news of this group reached the authorities who proceeded to come to Immingham and arrest the dessenters. On hearing this, the Captain of the vessel insisted on sailing away before the wives and children could embark. Hence the wives and children were arrested and jailed. Word of this spread throughout the country and very soon a popular protest against this inhumane treatment arose. Due to this popular feeling the wives and children were released and allowed to join their husbands and Fathers in Holland. [Chris Sharp, August/September 2001 issue of British Heritage. Also, "The Pilgrims’ Faith" by Peter Toon, Gospel Communication, 1970, http://www.anglicanbooksrevitalized.us/Peter_Toons_Books_Online/History/pilgrimsfaith.htm] The vessels sailed to Boston (Lincolnshire) and on to Holland, then to Southampton and finally Plymouth, from where history records the sailings of the Mayflower. From 12th July 2008 until the 19th July 2008, the town held a number of celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the pilgrim fathers arrival and departure.

World Wars

During the First World War, Immingham was a submarine base for early submarines.

During the Second World War, Immingham became the shore base (for a time) of Lord Mountbatten and the docks hosted his famous vessel, HMS Kelly. He roomed at the County Hotel.Fact|date=March 2007

Squadron Leader John Dowland and Leonard Harrison received the George Cross for defusing a bomb that had fallen onto the grain ship SS Kildare in February 1940 in Immingham Dock.

The [http://niehorster.orbat.com/017_britain/39_navy/humber-force.html Humber Force] , part of the Home Fleet which had two cruisers and a destroyer flotilla (including HMS Afridi) was based at Immingham during the war, as well as submarines (including HMS Seal).

Maritime industry

Up until the turn of the 20th century Immingham was a rural village, dependent on agriculture. The advent of the railways encouraged speculators to utilise its location on the coast to build a deep-sea dock to rival that in nearby Kingston upon Hull.

This caused the area to grow as workers moved in; much of the growth in living accommodation was centred around in a narrow strip (now known as "Pelham Road") between two public houses at opposite ends of the town, the "Bluestone" and the "County Hotel". The advent of the First World War caused the area to suffer some decline: This was not reversed until the 1950s.

Petrochemical industry

In that decade the docks began to grow as the country recovered from the austerity of the Second World War and the post war years. The expansion of chemical and petroleum industries along the Humber Bank over the next twenty years also fuelled the economic growth and level of population of the town, evident in the architectural style of many houses. This new residential growth expanded on both sides of " [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/251356 Pelham Road] " and in the 1960s a comprehensive school and shopping centre/office complex ("Kennedy Way") were opened to facilitate this increase.

Retail centres

In the beginning the "Kennedy Way" [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/106579 centre] was host to a supermarket, many independent traders and several banks; In 1979 it was extended to house a further supermarket and other shop units. However in recent years the centre has been in decline with several outlets remaining empty for many years. Both supermarkets have moved out along with some banks, although a further supermarket development (Somerfield) on "Washdyke Lane" is still operational, known as Washdyke Retail Park.

port and leisure

Immingham has a [http://www.slm-leisure.co.uk/centres/immingham sports centre] and [http://www.slm-leisure.co.uk/centres/imminghamsp swimming pool] .

Public houses include the "County Hotel" and the " [http://www.pub-explorer.com/lincs/pub/dekymerhotelimmingham.htm De Kyme Hotel] ", as well as smaller establishments such as the " [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/599633 Mayflower] " and "Bluestone Inn".

The Town also has an amateur dramatics group, the Immingham south bank players, which is always looking for new members.

Transport

Immingham is served by the number 45 bus to Grimsby. During the day, there is a bus every 20 minutes. In the evening and on Sundays, the number 46 runs every hour with the service extended to Cleethorpes.

The nearest railway station is at Habrough, approximately three miles away on the Cleethorpes to Manchester line.

Humberside Airport is close to the south-west, at the junction of the A15 and M180 via the B1210 through Habrough..

Local industry

Close to Immingham, oil is refined at the Lindsey (at North Killingholme) Oil Refinery by TOTAL and at the Humber Refinery (at South Killingholme) by ConocoPhillips. They both own the Associated Petroleum Terminals. Oil began to be imported in 1970. The Killingholme Refineries opened in 1969, owned by Total and PetroFina. The refined fuel was transported to the rest of the UK by rail. 70% of the refined oil from the Humber Refinery goes to the UK, the rest is for Europe. It is the only coking refinery in Britain, produced by catalytic cracking.

In the second half of 2007, an £80m bioethanol fuel plant will be constructed close to the town. The plant will use locally-grown wheat from which to synthesise fuel. [ [http://www.farminguk.com/bsp/10130/ews.asp?DBID=103-281-013-026&iPage=1&id=5658 Farming UK] - Centaur welcomes £80m biofuels boost for local farmers]

[http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/218664 Along] the [http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/218786 A1173] is the [http://www.knaufdrywall.co.uk/about_us/page_76.html Knauf UK GmbH] plant that makes plasterboard.

Power stations

Immingham Power Station powers both petrochemical works to the north, being owned by ConocoPhillips. To the north of the petrochemical works is Killingholme Power Station owned by E.ON UK and Centrica and three miles to the east on the Humber bank is the South Humber Bank Power Station, owned by Centrica.

Docks

The first sod of Immingham Dock was cut in 1906, and was opened by King George V on 22 July, 1913. In part funded by the Great Central Railway, the dock property was convert|2.5|mi|km|1 by convert|1|mi|km|0|sing=on; covering convert|1000|acre|km2|0, with 45 acres of water. [ [http://www.leytransport.i12.com/immingha.htm immingham ] ]

The docks were connected to the town and mainline by the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway, with locomotive servicing at Immingham TMD.

Now owned by Associated British Ports, Immingham is home to the largest deep-sea docks in the country.Fact|date=February 2007 A large port and industrial complex, coal is imported through the port by [http://www.ssmcoal.com/kontent/c_ow_uk.html SSM Coal Ltd] . The port partnership of Grimsby & Immingham is the largest port in the UK in terms of tonnage, with a total traffic of 57 million tonnes, 10% of the total, in 2006.

Much overseas coal for the Aire Valley and Trent Valley power stations arrives in this country at Immingham and is transferred via FirstGBRf.

The large Immingham Railfreight Terminal to service the docks, also acts as a storage point for excess locomotives and wagons, as well as a scrapping location.Fact|date=May 2007

chools

[http://www.oasisacademyimmingham.org Oasis Academy] , Immingham, formerly known as The Immingham School, was opened in the 2007/08 academic year, to be run by the Oasis Trust. A new building for the Academy is currently being constructed adjacent to the current site, and should be ready for use in 2009. Immingham School had been put under special measures in 2005. There is also the [http://www.allertonprimary.co.uk Allerton] , [http://www.cph.tlfe.org Canon Peter Hall] (former St Andrews and Pelham Infants) CE and [http://www.coombbriggsprimary.co.uk Coomb Briggs] primary schools.as well as the [http://www.eastfieldimmingham.co.uk/index.asp Eastfield] Infants schools.

Notable people

* Graham Cardwell - faked his own death at the port.
* Sean Storey - snooker player

References

External links

* [http://www.abports.co.uk/custinfo/ports/imm.htm Port of Immingham]
* [http://www.immingham.org.uk Immingham.org.uk]
* [http://www.channel7tv.co.uk Channel Seven Television]
* [http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/leisure/heritage/St_Andrew_s_Church_Immingham.htm The church]
* [http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/council/parishcouncils/parish?ID=14 Immingham Town Council]
* [http://www.shipais.com/showship.php?
]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/5171774.stm New terminal opens in 2006]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/humber/3732611.stm Busiest ports in the country]
* [http://www.imminghamsouthbankplayers.co.uk/ Immingham south bank players]

Video clips

* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7440424.stm Town council]