After surviving several life-threatening injuries in the American War of Independence, John MacGregor Skinner became a Captain for the Post Office Service. He came to Wales to command a packet ship and was employed between Holyhead and Dublin, a post he held for 33 years.

He got to know the local people well and was not only respected as a captain, but as a benevolent person who cared for those less fortunate than himself. He turned down the offer of a knighthood, by George IV, so as not to jeopardise his career on the steam packets.

On 30 October 1832 tragedy struck when Captain Skinner and his mate were washed overboard by heavy seas, not half an hour from Holyhead. His death was met with overwhelming grief and money raised by the townsfolk paid for Skinner's Monument to be built to remember his remarkable life.

More information on Captain Skinner and other nautical stories is available from the Holyhead Maritime Museum, housed in what is said to be the oldest lifeboat house in Wales (circa 1858).

Holyhead Maritime Museum: 01407 769745