Net Boiler

The Net Boiler, dating from the late 19th century, is a square structure made of tarred brick, measuring approximately 4 by 5 feet wide and 2½ feet high, with a brick chimney located in one corner. It features a cemented parapet and has a circular metal tanning copper in the center. There is a rectangular aperture at ground level on one side. Net boilers were traditionally used for dyeing and preserving fishing nets and clothing, such as overalls and aprons. The circular copper tub would be filled with water, and a fire would be lit underneath. Resin from Burma was placed in a basket above the tub to dissolve slowly. Once the water was stained dark brown, the nets and clothes used for a day's fishing would be soaked in the solution to protect them from sea water damage. Fishermen typically boiled their nets on the same day, making it a social occasion. This particular tanning copper is larger than most examples and represents a very rare survival of a process linked to the fishing industry.