Skinner's Monument, Holyhead

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 24 Sep 2017

Captain MacGregor Skinner was born in the Province of New Jersey, North America in 1760. He joined the Royal Navy in 1776 and was an officer on the HMS Phoenix during the American War of Independence during which he lost an arm in combat. He with the Navy until 1793 when he entered the Post Office shipping service. Captain Skinner served as master on packet ships crossing the Irish Sea and campaigned vigorously to improve the management of the Post Office service and the condition of their ships. Unfortunately, he lost his life, aged 70, when washed overboard from his ship the Escape in 1832. Well loved and respected by the people of Holyhead, Skinner had been in public service for 59 years and this obelisk to his memory was erected by public subscription on a dominating crag of rock overlooking Holyhead harbour. It bears the words: "This monument was erected by his numerous friends to the memory of John Macgregor Skinner, R.N., and for 33 years captain of one of the post office packets on this station, in testimony of his virtues, and their affectionate remembrance of him in his public capacity. He was distinguished for zeal, intrepidity and fidelity. In private life he was a model of unvarying friendship, disinterested kindness and unbounded charity. MDCCCXXXII." As well as commemorating a significant character in Holyhead's maritime history it provides a highly visible landmark for mariners approaching the harbour. http://www.holyhead.com/captainskinner/index.html Holyhead.com http://holyheadmaritimemuseum.co.uk/index.php/exhibits/captain-skinner Holyhead Maritime Museum

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