Maritime history prize awarded to ‘outstanding’ PhD student

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: PhD student Sam Wright with his certificate outside Blaydes House in High Street

By Simon Bristow

A volunteer with the Hull Maritime project has been awarded the University of Hull Philip Nicholas Prize in Maritime History.

The prize, won by PhD student Sam Wright, is for best student public engagement performance in maritime history during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Sam is currently undertaking a PhD in maritime history at the university, focusing on the historic connections between Lloyd’s Register and the port of Hull, funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. He has already completed a First-Class Honours degree in Maritime History, and a Master of Research in History Degree, both from the University of Hull.

The Philip Nicholas Prize, which is funded by the Philip Nicholas Memorial Trust, has been awarded since 1998 for outstanding achievement in maritime history. Previously, this has usually been used to reward academic excellence.

The award recognises the extensive volunteering work Sam has undertaken with Hull Maritime, the Hull City Council-led project transforming key maritime treasures in the city. Sam started volunteering with Hull Maritime in 2019 during the development stage of the project, transcribing oral history interviews and writing blogs.

Since 2021, he has been part of the dedicated team developing and delivering the city centre guided tours, gaining the Institute of Tourist Guiding Level 2 qualification. The project has also benefited from his close links with the project’s partners at the university.

Sam said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award, especially for my public engagement work, something that has become a real passion of mine over the past few years.

“Helping connect people with the history that surrounds them is a true privilege, and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Hull Maritime project for all the opportunities I have had working with them. I would also like to thank the Maritime History Trust and all my colleagues and friends at Blaydes Maritime Centre. Without their constant support I would not have been able to pursue engagement work and would not have received this award.”

Dr Martin Wilcox, Lecturer in History at the University of Hull, said: “With our increasing emphasis on outreach and public engagement, it is fitting that this year it has been awarded to a postgraduate student who has made an outstanding contribution in this area over the last few years.”

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Sam on being awarded this prestigious accolade from University of Hull. It recognises his commitment to volunteering and the time he has spent supporting the project, throughout the development and delivery stages.

“So many people, residents and visitors alike, benefit from Sam’s wealth of knowledge of the city’s maritime heritage and he’s a great ambassador for Hull.”

Maritime guided tours take place every Thursday and Saturday between 10.30am and 1pm. They are free and meet at Hull’s Museums Quarter. You can find out more and book here.