The General Strike of 1926 was in the period 3rd May until 13th May. There was great unrest in the working class at that time and much hardship was experienced by workers and their families throughout the UK. The objective of the strike was to discourage the coal mine owners from reducing pay and increasing time on-shift from 7 to 8 hours. Approx. 1.8 million workers from across many industries came out in sympathy with the miners.

Since the steam-ship 'Valsesia' was in the process of importing Italian coal at the time she was deemed to be a strike-breaking coal carrier. As the tide waned she drifted onto rocks and broke her back after failing to obtain sound anchorage.

I have personal experience of the strength of the tide around Nell's Point, since some mates and myself decided on a nude late night swim after about eight pints of Guinness! I can still feel the rocks cutting my feet as I drifted helplessly around Nell's in total darkness. The things you do when your young and totally stupid!!