A more unlikely place to have had a successful shipbuilding industry cannot be imagined, yet the Isles of Scilly built 153 ships between 1774 and 1891.

Being located 28 miles from Land's End and 47 miles from the nearest port of Penzance, the industry was totally reliant on imported materials.

There was no local timber, no pitch, no tar, no canvas makers, no foundry. Much was salvaged from shipwrecks, otherwise everything was bought in. Surprisingly, this industry proved financially rewarding, creating wealth and employment.

The talk, entitled Built on Scilly is part of a programme combining a lecture and lunch, which explores different historical and nautical themes. The lecture and set lunch is from 12.30pm at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, on Monday February 9 and costs £16. To book your place please call 01326 214546.