Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Trinity House

TRINITY HOUSE, a name borne by five maritime societies of Great Britain situated in London, Hull, Newcastle-on- Tyne, Leith, and Dundee. Probably all, or most of them, were originally partly religious and partly secular establishments founded by seamen, their chief original objects being probably mutual assistance and the care of aged and infirm seamen. From the 14th century onward various public duties and privileges were assigned to them by royal charters or acts of Parliament, such as providing lighthouses, buoying channels, and licensing pilots; and powers were given to them to levy dues on shipping or cargoes. With one important exception, these duties and powers have been reduced or withdrawn. Dundee House is now only a benefit society. Leith retains its public duties as a pilotage authority, as also do Newcastle and Hull, while the last also looks after the lighthouses and buoys of the Humber. All of them continue to give pensions, or homes and pensions, to members, and some assistance to destitute seafarers.