Forget Me Knott

Since last March we’ve been working with YMCA North Tyneside for their project The Knott Trail, which involves working with young people in the region to uncover the life of local legend Sir James Knott.

Born in Howdon in 1855 and raised in North Shields, James Knott left school at a young age and began working as a clerk in a Newcastle shipping office. Not long thereafter he bought a second-hand ship and started a cargo shipping company called The Prince Line, which grew to become one of the largest in the world prior to the catastrophic events of WW1.

On his death Sir James left a significant financial legacy with the instruction that the money be devoted to improving the lives of people in Tyneside and the North East, including the provision of finances for the construction of the YMCA itself, bringing local charities and youth organisations together under one roof, as well as providing funds for a number of other philanthropic endeavours which continue to this day as managed by The Knott Trust.

Roots and Wings was recruited by the YMCA to develop a game that could be played in schools to teach young people in the region about Sir James, his life, and the legacy he left behind. It was a long road but I’m pleased to say that we’ve now delivered the finished Sir James Knott: Life & Legacy activity pack with the YMCA and they seemed very pleased with what we’d produced.

The pack will be distributed to schools across the region to complement the excellent work already being undertaken by the YMCA on The Knott Trail project.