The Monro which is Grade II listed is named after the 3 masted sailing ship "The James Monro" which was part of the famous Black Ball Line formed in 1817. The Monro was in turn named after the then US President, James Monro(e).

The ship by co-incidence was Captained by Jim Baines who was born and raised up the road at 185 Duke Street (formally The White House Pub facing the Anglican Cathedral) and he was the basis of the popular BBC series The Onedin Line.

The Monro clipper was the first regular scheduled transatlantic ship service between Liverpool and New York carrying various non bulk cargoes like apples and hops and indeed passengers to the New World The Monro stayed in service until 1850 when she was wrecked off the Tasmanian coast with all hands being saved in a daring and dramatic rescue by a passing vessel.

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