18th September 2025

Echoes of shipbuilding in Clementhorpe

Harry Cooke, manager at the Slip Inn, with Susan Major from the Clements Hall Local History Group

Three years ago we launched our fourth book at the Slip Inn. It was Made in Clementhorpe, researched and written by John Stevens and Mave Morris. The book featured the industrial activity which filled the riverside at Clementhorpe, including shipbuilding, Terry’s confectionery works and the York Equitable Industrial Society (later the Co-op). 

At the time we installed a display featuring these industries. But we also wanted to mark the contribution of key figures. The Slip had been bought and rescued by Paul Crossman, who runs the nearby pub The Swan and Jon Farrow, and they also took over the nearby Volunteer Arms in Holgate. They turned the Slip into a free house and redeveloped it, keen to offer an increased range of independent beers, with many from local breweries. Jon Farrow sadly died in 2017, but Ian (Badger) Warner took over as manager at the Slip.

Over five years Badger filled the pub with his wonderfully kind and warm spirit, and was an unwaveringly reassuring and welcoming presence. He was rewarded in 2020 with the coveted York Pub of the Year from CAMRA. Sadly Badger died in October 2022.

Our book is now sold out, but we've now renewed our display panel at the Slip, as the history of shipbuilding on the site of the pub is an intriguing topic for the pub’s customers. The manager Harry Cooke said ”We’re delighted to refresh the display panel, as it continues to be very popular with visitors keen to explore York’s history. When I attended the original launch of the Made in Clementhorpe book, I was fascinated to learn that, by coincidence, my ancestor Thomas Cooke had owned one of the shipyards behind the Slip. We hope this updated display will remain just as engaging and well-loved for years to come.”

The inn sign outside has also been replaced. For many years it featured a misleadingly large vessel of a type which had never been launched locally. The new sign has been painted by Paul Crossman’s son Ed.