Wooden sailing vessels built Chester from 1850

Wooden sailing vessels built Chester from 1850. [Here for pre 1850].

As well as the iron shipbuilding businesses of Cram [1851-7 Chester and Sandycroft] and Nathaniel Cox [1857-64 Chester], alongside (in the area between the railway line and the Dee - known as the Roodee or Dee Bank) was a wooden shipbuilding yard - associated with William Bishton and with William Parkes. Bishton, based at Wolverhampton, is first mentioned as building at Chester around 1856.

From 1858, Bishton seems to have given control of his shipyard to William Parkes whose name is recorded as builder in Lloyd's register, etc. Ownership of the yard seems to have remained with Bishton, who took over again in 1863 when William Parkes moved on (to Ellesmere Port). From 1865, his managing shipwright was Edward Sanders,

This yard built several schooners on speculation - so not for a specific owner, and not definitively named until purchased and registered.

Note that Joseph Parkes [also written Parks, not known if related] had a steel works and shipyard, from 1861, at Northwich, Cheshire, on the Weaver Navigation. He built the iron screw steamers Muriel, ON 78788, in 1876; and Liberator, ON 108634, in 1877.

Index.
British Oak 1855
Eliza Bond 1856
Ann Sumner 1857
Hagar 1857
City of Chester 1858

X 1859
Eclipse 1859
Ocean Spray 1860
Hannah Coppack 1861
Cestrian 1861
Royle 1861
Magnet/Florie 1862
Emily Helena 1862
Fanny 1863
Lily 1863
Constance 1863

William Parkes at Ellesmere Port

Rosina/Daisy 1865
Pride of the Dee 1865
Excelsior 1866
Imperial 1867
Excellent 1868

Balogun 1870

Smaller sailing vessels, reported as built at Chester, from 1850, builder unknown:
Governor Wodehouse 1856
Ocean Queen 1858
Alice Burton 1868

Wooden schooner British Oak, built Chester 1855, ON 27017, 79 tons, initially owned W Bishton [presumably the builder], then owned Davison, Connah's Quay, registered Chester. Voyage Dalbeatie (Solway Firth) to Bristol with stone (granite), master Peter Croft. Collision with schooner Robert Brown of Newry, off Scarweather Sands in Bristol Channel, 24th October 1876 and sank. Crew saved.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 28 October 1876]: A Chester Schooner Run Down. The schooner "British Oak," of Chester, Peter Croft master, with stones, from Dalbeatie, Firth of Forth, for Bristol, was run into and sunk by the "Robert Brown," of Newry, from Workington to Penarth, in the Bristol Channel on Sunday night. The "British Oak" sank in three minutes. One man was taken down with the vessel, but was fortunately rescued. Captain Croft and the crew have landed at Cardiff.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 27 October 1876]:
CARDIFF Oct. 24: The schooner Robert Brown, of and from Newry, for Cardiff, and, British Oak, of Chester, from [sic] Bristol, with stone, came into collision off the Scarweather sand, at 9 p.m., on the 22nd Oct, when the latter vessel sunk in about three minutes after being struck; the crew were saved and landed at Cardiff by the Robert Brown. [Dalbeatie upriver of Kippford, known as a granite town ]

Wooden schooner Eliza Bond, built Bishton, Chester, 1856, 70 tons, 68 x 18.5 ft, ON 18225, registered Lancaster from 1856, owned at Ulverston, at Conway and then at Wexford. In MNL to 1907, 56 tons. Anchored near Rosslare, but subsequently sank, refloated, then sank again - crew saved - 19 October 1907.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 15 March 1856]:
Launch at Chester. On Saturday last a new schooner, called the Eliza Bond, was launched from the yard of Mr. William Bishton, of this city. The vessel has been built for the well-known firm of Messrs. Roper and Co., of Ulverstone and is intended for the iron-ore trade between Ulverston and Saltney. The length of her keel is 68 feet, her extreme breadth 18 feet 6 inches, and depth in hold 8 feet. She will carry 130 tons. After the launch, a number of gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner at the White Lion Hotel. The chair was occupied by Mr. Bishton, and the vice-chair by Mr. Blaney, of the Shropshire Union Canal. The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, the health of Mr. Bishton was given, coupled with success to the shipbuilding trade of Chester. Other toasts followed, and a most agreeable evening was spent. The carpenters and others employed in the construction of the vessel, to the number of thirty-five, were liberally entertained on the same afternoon at the King's Head Inn, Crane-street. We understand that Mr. Bishton has received orders for a vessel of much greater capacity than the Eliza Bond, and that it will be placed on the stocks immediately.

[from Lloyd's List - Wednesday 23 October 1907]: ELIZA BOND Wexford, Oct. 21. The schooner Eliza Bond, of Lancaster, from Swansea for Port Talbot, parted chain and drove ashore during a strong gale, near Rosslare Harbour Pier, Oct. 18. The crew landed in their own boat, but returned to their vessel, which afterwards floated off and was anchored in South Bay. The water, however, gained on the pumps and, the wind changing, the crew again left her. The next day she was seen to founder (as before reported [Oct 19]). Position WNW of Rosslare Harbour, distant 1.5 mile. [So near 52° 15.89 N, 6° 22.56 W.]

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 28 February 1857]:
Serious Accident at Bishton's Ship Yard. On Wednesday last, an accident of a very serious nature occurred at Bishton's ship-building yard in this city, by which several persons received severe, and some almost fatal injuries. Soon after returning from dinner, 15 men and boys were engaged in carrying a piece of timber, weighing 6 cwt, called a "pall bit," up the gangway to a schooner now building in the yard, and had got nearly on board when one of the men thought the gangway was cracking under him. He cried out, and all hands swerved to the other side, when the "pall-bit" fell off their shoulders, and the sudden movement of the men shifted the gangway, and they all tumbled to the ground in a heap. All of them got up but two, Edward Price and Thomas Gibson, who were seriously injured, but most of the persons were hurt more or less - Price and Gibson were taken to the Infirmary where the extent of their injuries has scarcely yet been discovered. Price fell with his head in contact with a lump of iron, and has dangerous laceration of the skull and concussion of the brain; and Gibson has received an internal hurt, the nature of which has not yet been ascertained. Several others are out-patients at the Infirmary suffering from sprains, cut, bruises.

Wooden schooner Hagar, built Bishton, Chester, 1857, 122 tons, ON 18862, registered Chester 1857, then Aberystwyth 1859-1879.
Voyage London to Landerneau (near Brest) with manure - foundered on Roches de Portsall, on 20th January 1879. Crew of 5 all saved. Crew: Master and owner, David Daniel, 48; mate, Davis E Daniel 21; AB, William Pritchard 25; AB, Hugh Williams 23; OS, William Williams 17. Captain and mate born Aberystwyth, remainder Anglesey.

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 16 May 1857]:
Ship Launch. A few days ago, a handsome schooner of 135 tons register was launched from the yard of Mr. Bishton, this city. Serious doubts were entertained as to the safety of launching, owing to the height of the ground above the river, but the skilful arrangements of Mr. Henry Ball, the foreman of the yard, enabled the vessel safely to plunge into her proper element. She was christened the Agar [sic], by Mr. Bishton, younger, and as she sits in the water, she looks a remarkably trim and handy craft. Her real burthen is about 230 tons, length 36 feet[sic 86?], beam 21 feet 8 inches, depth of hold 12 feet, copper bottomed and fastened, drawing 7 feet aft and 5 feet 2 inches forward. After the launch, the hands of the establishment, with several friends, dined together at the White Lion Hotel, and we trust that shipbuilding under such circumstances may long flourish in Chester.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Monday 27 January 1879]:
CAMARET, Jan. 22. The English schooner, Hagar, [of Aberystwyth] 122 tons, from London for Landerneau (manure), foundered, 20th inst., at about six miles off Portsall; crew (five men) saved schooner Marie, of Pontrieux, from Boulogne for Bordeaux, which entered Camaret windbound, 22nd inst, where they were landed.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 14 February 1879]:
THE HAGAR. The Board of Trade inquiry, before the same court, as to the loss of the schooner Hagar, on the Porsal Rocks [sic Roches de Portsall], near Ushant, terminated yesterday. In delivering judgment the court found that the disaster was due to the vessel having been navigated by a chart 20 years old, which led to one light being mistaken for another; under all circumstances, however, they returned the captain his certificate.

Wooden schooner City of Chester, built Chester 1858, 87 tons, 77.0 x 20.0 x 9.4 ft, ON 21036, first registered Chester 1858, owned Bishton, later Davison. Registered Beaumaris 1897, owned Owens, Bangor.
Voyage Swansea to Mostyn with iron ore, 6th April 1898, ashore in Church Bay, Anglesey. Crew of 5 saved, master James Owens, born 1827. Wrecked.

[from Liverpool Weekly Courier - Saturday 09 April 1898]:
The City of Chester, schooner, ran ashore at Cemlyn on Wednesday night. She was from Swansea to Mostyn with iron ore. The crew of five all saved by taking to their boats. A thick fog had hung all day and night over the sea coast. The Cemaes life-saving apparatus and life-boat were summoned at 2 am., and proceeded with great difficulty to the scene. The vessel become a total wreck.

Wooden schooner launched soon after March 1859, built Parkes, Chester, advertised March 1859, 83 x 20 x 10.5 ft. Possibly the Eclipse, below, launched in August, and initially owned by the builder, though dimensions don't match well.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 15 March 1859]:
ON SALE and nearly ready for launching, a 12 years A1 class SCHOONER. Will carry from 180 to 190 tons at an easy draught. Dimensions: length 83 feet; breadth 20 feet; depth 10 feet 6 inches. Will move any distance without ballast, and is well adapted for heavy trade, her frame being considerably larger than required by Lloyd's committee for a vessel of this size. She is worthy of the attention of intending purchasers, as she will be found on inspection to be a superior craft. Apply to W. PARKES, Dee Bank Ship Yard, Chester

Wooden schooner Eclipse, built Dee Bank Ship Building Company (William Parkes), Chester, 1859, 101 tons, 75.5 x 18.0 x 9.4 ft, ON 27902, in 1872 owned Davison, Flint, registered Chester. In 1874 owned Sullivan, Holywood, Belfast, registered Belfast. In 1880 owned John Francis, Bangor, NI.
Voyage Maryport to Bangor (NI) with coal - foundered off Copeland Islands, Donaghadee, 6 November 1886. Two men lost, 2 saved.
[from Chester Courant - Wednesday 03 August 1859]:
SHIP LAUNCH AT CHESTER. On Monday last, a fine ship called The Eclipse was launched from the yard of the Dee Bank Ship Building Company, which is adjacent to the Roodee Railway Bridge. There were upwards of 700 people assembled to witness the launch. The vessel was christened by Miss Parkes. The vessel has been built for Messrs. W. and W. Bishton, of Wolverhampton. Directly after the launch, some cannon that were in the yard were fired in honour of the event. The men were cautioned about loading them, nevertheless they very imprudently poured over the touch-hole of one of the cannon an immense quantity of powder, which when fired scorched three men very severely. One of the injured men, Thomas Doughty, was dangerously burnt about the face, his eyes are severely injured, and his sight will be impaired; Harry Ball was burnt about the wrist of one hand; and Henry Sconce was burnt about the face and hand. Notwithstanding these accidents, we were informed that a fourth mishap took place in the course of the afternoon, when a man, whose name we have not learnt, had a portion of one of his thumbs blown off.
[from Belfast Telegraph - Saturday 06 November 1886]: WRECK OF A BELFAST SCHOONER. LOSS OF THE CAPTAIN AND MATE. At a late hour this morning, the Liverpool boat Optic picked up two sailors named William Bell, of Carrickfergus, and H. O'Higgin, of Belfast, who were clinging to some wreckage, which was floating off the Copeland Islands. Captain Green, of the Optic, happened to be standing on the bridge and saw the two men named and another in their dangerous position, and ordered his vessel to be reversed. Having sailed round the unfortunate men, the vessel was brought up as convenient to the wreckage as possible, and three life-belts were lowered. Bell and O'Higgin were safely hauled up, but Capt. Oliver, who was the other man, let go when being hauled over the poop and was lost. The story told by one of the rescued men is as follows: - The Eclipse, of Belfast, coal schooner, property of Mr. Francis, set sail on her return journey to Belfast from Maryport with a cargo of coal, on Friday night about seven o'clock. The crew consisted of Captain Oliver, mate, Alexander Patterson, and two men, William Bell and H. O'Higgin. All went well until the Mull was reached. The sea at this point was very rough, and the wind blowing hard. From 12, however, it was found necessary to keep the pumps working, the schooner had begun to make water. Quite suddenly, having been overcome by a heavy sea, she heeled over on her broadside and sank, leaving all hands struggling in the turbulent waters. The mate clung to the rigging, and the captain and the two sailors held on by the hatches which were floating about. Scarcely had they been thrown in this dangerous position upon the mercy of the waves when the Liverpool steamer Optic sailed up, lowered their life-belts, with the result given above. The Optic then sailed on to Belfast, it would have been impossible for her to have gone in far enough inland to the anchorage. Nothing has been heard of the mate since. Everything was done by the crew and captain of the Optic for the two survivors, who were brought into Belfast about eleven o'clock this morning.

Wooden schooner Ocean Spray, built Parkes, Chester September 1860, 70 tons, registered Chester, ON 28048, initially owned Bishton (shipbuilder), then owned W Allsup, Preston.
Voyage Preston to Belfast with coal, foundered near Mull of Galloway on 28th March 1861. Captain Richard Hesketh and all 3 crew lost. RCUS states 5 crew, owned William Bishton.

Possibly this vessel reported for sale, partly built, in December 1859:

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 06 January 1860]:
SCHOONER. Now building, and near completion; 125 tons b.m.; will carry 125 tons dead weight at a light draught. Length, 74 feet; breadth, 18 feet 3 inches; depth in hold, 9 feet 6 inches. Classed A 1 at Lloyd's for nine years, and built under special survey. Her frame is of the best description, being English oak throughout, and considerably larger in scantling than required by Lloyd's rules for a vessel of this size. She well adapted to any heavy trade, being exceedingly strongly fastened and secured with iron in her hold, extending from beams to the lower edge of bilge. Any party seeking a handy little ship will find this a good opportunity, She will be sold complete for sea, or hull and spars only, and ready very early in the New Year. For further particulars apply to WILLIAM PARKES, shipbuilder, Crane-street, Chester. Dee Bank Ship-yard, Dec. 13, 1859

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 06 April 1861]:
FOUNDERING OF A SCHOONER AND LOSS OF ALL HANDS. - A lamentable shipwreck occurred yesterday morning week, about three o'clock, off the Mull of Galloway, by which four unfortunate seamen lost their lives. From what little information we can glean, we learn that the schooner Ocean Spray, commanded by Richard Hesketh, of Fleetwood, and manned by three other sailors, left Preston on the day previous, with a cargo of coal, for Belfast, of about 120 or 130 tons. All went well until the vessel neared the Mull, when she encountered a fresh breeze and a heavy sea, besides the strong "race" of the tide thereabouts, which runs very rapidly. The schooner was sailing with single-reefed sails; but the master, perceiving danger, let go all his canvass, after having shipped a deal of water over the bulwarks, which, we understand, were very high, and did not permit of a free escape of water from the deck. The captain, however, could not save his vessel, and she soon went down, all hands perishing. The Mavis, of Belfast, was within a short distance of the Ocean Spray at the time, but could render no assistance, and the crews of the other vessels also saw the wreck, but they, too, were powerless to aid. The master, Richard Hesketh, was a resident of Fleetwood, and had been married only about two months, his widow residing now at that port, and she is heart-broken with her untimely loss. Another of the crew, a boy named John Mulligan, also lived at Fleetwood. It is said that the vessel was too heavily masted to sail safely. She was quite new, this being only her second trip. She belonged to Mr. Alsop, iron merchant, of this town, and hailed from Chester.

Wooden schooner Hannah Coppack, built Parkes, Chester, January 1861, 50 tons, 69.4 x 18.0 x 7.0 tons, ON 44041, owned Coppack & Co. Wrecked 21 August 1877, on voyage Sunderland to Dartmouth with coal, crew saved. Location quoted as 3 miles SE of Gunfleet Lighthouse [6 miles off Frinton on Sea] Approximate position 51° 44.16N, 1° 17.42 E.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 28 August 1877]:
SCARBORO. August 24: The schooner Hannah Coppack, Jones, from Sunderland to Dartmouth, with coal, ran on shore on the Link sand, 21st August and, commencing to fill with water, the crew took to the boat, and succeeded in getting on board the Diana, of and for Aberdeen. The crew were afterwards transhipped to the fishing lugger Ino, of Flamboro, and were landed here to-day

Wooden schooner (also described as brigantine) Cestrian, built Parkes, Chester, August 1861, 99 tons, 74.6 x 21.1 x 10.5 ft, ON 29490. Owned George Jones, Chester, then in 1870 Lomax, Chester, and in 1880 William Jones, Chester. Lloyd's register described owner as Coppack & Co. Last MNL listing 1885. Voyage Runcorn to Firth of Forth with salt, wrecked 2nd March 1886 on rocks in Berwick Bay, with loss of all 4 hands.

[from Chester Courant - Wednesday 14 August 1861]:
SHIP LAUNCH. On Saturday afternoon a brigantine wooden ship was launched from the yard of the Dee Bank Shipbuilding Company, which has been built for Captain Jones and the Chester cheese factors. She is named the Cestrian of Chester, registered 99 tons, A 1 12 years at Lloyd's, and is intended to trade between Chester and London. In the evening the men in the yard were regaled with a substantial dinner.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 04 September 1863]:
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. A reward of £7 was also granted to the crew of the Newhaven lifeboat (the Thomas Chapman) belonging to the society, for saving the crew of five men of the schooner Cestrian, of Chester, which had grounded on the bar off Newhaven Harbour in a gale of wind and heavy sea on the 31st ult. The lifeboat and her crew were reported to have behaved admirably on the occasion.
[from Manchester Courier - Saturday 13 March 1886]:
WRECK OF A CHESTER VESSEL. Full details have reached Chester of the loss of the schooner Cestrian with all hands [Tuesday March 2]. The vessel was loaded with salt, and bound from Runcorn to Fisherrow, in the Firth of Forth. She put into port at Long Island, one of the Hebrides, where letters were despatched home, announcing all was going well. Resuming her voyage, the vessel was caught in a blinding snowstorm, and, losing her reckoning, she drifted on a dangerous part of the coast near Berwick Bay, and, despite every assistance from the coastguardsmen, went to pieces on the rocks. The Cestrian was manned by Captain Dodd, Connah's Quay, near Chester; John Catherail, mate, Queensferry, Hawarden; and two able-bodied seamen. The body of Captain Dodd was washed ashore, and has been brought to Connah's Quay for interment. The Cestrian, which was built in 1861 for the coasting trade, was only partly insured.

Wooden schooner Royle, built Parkes, Chester, December 1861, 76 tons, 73.0 x 18.6 x 9.3 ft, ON 44042, owned T Royle, Chester. Lloyd's register for 1867 is annotated "wrecked". MNL quotes 73 tons. Last MNL listing 1867. Latest newspaper sailing is leaving Duddon for Cardiff on 30 January 1866 and arriving Saltney from Duddon 1st February 1866.

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 07 December 1861]:
Ship Launch the 2nd Instant. On Monday was launched from our second yard, near the River Lock, a clipper schooner, with clipper stem, called the Royle, of Chester. She is intended for the general coasting trade. She was christened by Miss Royle, of Hough Green, whose brother, T. R. P. Royle, Esq, is owner.

Wooden barque Florie, (launched as Magnet), built Parkes, Chester 1862, 273 tons, 117.0 x 24.0 x 15.0 ft. ON 44714. Described in Lloyd's Register as built Chester, Parkes, April 1862. For sale at Liverpool 1862. Owned Wylde, Runcorn, registered Liverpool. Later owned T & W King of Liverpool. Last MNL listing 1875. Reported as arriving at East London 22 October 1874 and being lost in gale there on 15 December (along with many other vessels).

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 19 April 1862]:
Ship Launch on the Dee. The Dee Bank Ship-building Company launched from their extensive yard on Wednesday last, a beautiful vessel called the "Magnet," of 550 tons burthen. There was a very large attendance, and the launch was in every respect a most successful one, except that from the alleged negligence of the pilot in not letting go the bow anchor which had been prepared for the purpose of bringing the vessel up, she came in contact with the opposite bank of the river and broke her rudder. The ceremony of christening was gracefully performed by Miss Mary Ann Parkes. The Magnet is intended for the West India trade, and is classed A1 at Lloyds for ten years.
[from Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 19 April 1862]:
FOR SALE. A beautiful new Clipper barque, named (pro tem) MAGNET. Just launched. about 340 tons b.m., and about 300 tons register, class 10 years A 1, copper-fastened, and sheathed with yellow metal to 14 and 15 feet. Her frame, deadwoods, transoms, deckworks, &c., are all English oak, thoroughly seasoned; is well kneed with iron lodging, and hanging knees to upper and lower beams; will carry upwards of 500 tons dead weight on an easy draught of water; has an 18-inch quarter deck 30 feet long. This fine vessel has all the recent improvements as regards windlass, winch, pumps, and Cunningham's patent topsails ; her sails are all of long flax canvas of the first quality, and the anchors, chains, boats, &c., are the best that can be made. Dimensions: Length, 122 feet; breadth, 24.5 feet; depth, 16 feet. For the Brazil, Mauritius, or West India trade a more desirable vessel cannot be obtained. Apply to TONGE and CO.. Brokers, 1, Rumford-street.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 21 October 1862]:
FLEETWOOD Oct. 17. The barque Florie, Fyffe, of and from Liverpool for Monte Video (general cargo) was towed into this harbour in a disabled condition to-day. She left Liverpool at 4 a m. on the 16th inst., and experienced heavy gales with sudden squalls and thick rain. At 2am on the 17th the foretopmast was carried away by the cap, taking with it yards, sails, and all gear attached, also jibboom, afterwards laboured heavily, filling the decks with water, straining much, also making water. Arrived at Wyre Lighthouse about 1 pm. to-day, and after slipping anchor and chain, was towed into Fleetwood by the steamer Wyre.
[from Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 27 June 1863]:
FOR BUENOS AYRES DIRECT. The new Clipper Barque FLORIE, James Fyffe. Master. A 1 ten years and coppered, will be despatched in a few days. Superior accommodation for a few cabin passengers at moderate rates. Apply to STRONG, REID. and CO.
[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Thursday 16 May 1867]:
On THURSDAY next, the instant, at one o'clock, at the Brokers' Sale-room. Middleton-buildings, 1, Rumford-street, unless previously disposed of by private contract. The fine Chester-built A 1 clipper Barque FLORIE of Liverpool, 273 tons per register, built in 1862 under special survey for present owners, and classed 10 years A 1 at Lloyd's; she is entirely copper fastened, and was thoroughly overhauled, caulked, and re-sheathed with yellow metal last year; sails remarkably fast, and has delivered at this port 444 tons nitrate, from West Coast; is most abundantly found in all stores, and quite ready to proceed on any voyage. Length 117 feet, breadth 24 1 feet, depth 16 65 feet. Now discharging her cargo from Buenos Ayres in perfect order, in Queen's Dock. For inventories and further particulars apply to Strong, Reid, & Co., Chapel-walks; or to Tonge and Co., Ship Valuers. &c., 1, Rumford-street.

[from Altrincham, Bowdon & Hale Guardian - Saturday 09 January 1875]:
Capetown, Dec 15, Severe gale in Cape region: The British barque Florie was also lost at East London. She had also a general cargo on board, partly discharged.

Wooden schooner Emily Helena, built Parkes, Chester, August 1862. 64nrt, 72.0 x 18.2 x 8.2 ft, ON 44045, first owner James Reney, Connah's Quay, registered Chester. 1880 owned Edward Owen, Bangor, still registered Chester. Wrecked Ballyquintin Point [southern tip of Ards peninsula) Northern Ireland, cargo slates from Bangor (Wales) to Belfast, 3rd December 1891.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 04 December 1891]:
EMILY HELENA. A telegram from Portaferry reports that the schooner Emily Helena, from Bangor, Wales, for Belfast (slates), is ashore at Ballyquintin Point, full of water, and in a bad position. (Belfast Nov 3)

Wooden schooner Fanny, built Parkes, Chester March 1863, 73 tons, 74.5 x 18.8 x 8.8ft. ON 44049. Owned Davison, Chester. Last MNL listing 1885, 64 tons. Voyage Runcorn to Portrush with coal - ashore near Maughold Head, 5th October 1886, crew of 3, Captain Bennett, saved. Position quoted as the rocks a little to the south of Cornaa beach, near 54° 15.66N, 4$deg; 20.71W.

[from Isle of Man Times - Saturday 09 October 1886]:
Schooner Wrecked. On Tuesday morning last, about three o'clock, three men came into the harbour in their ship's boat and reported that the schooner Fanny, of Chester, Bennett master, with coals from Runcorn to Portrush, had struck on the rocks a short distance south of Maughold Head, and had become a total wreck. There was a dense fog and a heavy sea at the time of the disaster, and at daybreak nothing was discernible of the schooner except a portion of the mast.

William Parkes leaves Chester - for Ellesmere Port [from Chester Courant - Wednesday 18 February 1863]:
DEE BANK COMPANY, SHIP BUILDERS, &c. CHESTER. NOTICE. A DISSOLUTION of PARTNERSHIP, so far as regards WILLIAM PARKES, has taken place in the above Company, from this date, and Mr CHARLES JACKSON, 24, King-street, Chester, Manager (pro. tem.), will receive and pay all accounts belonging to the Firm. All letters to be addressed to the Dee Bank Company, Ship-builders, &c., Chester, as before. Chester, 11th Feb., 1863.

Wooden schooner Lily, built Parkes, Chester, August 1863, 93 tons, 80.0 x 20.0 x 10.5 ft, ON 47218, owned James Davison, Connah's Quay, and in 1880 Charles Davison of Flintshire. Register closed 1895. Voyage Königsberg to Great Yarmouth with wheat, became unmanageable in a gale and driven ashore at Terschelling, 5th October 1895, crew saved.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 05 September 1863]: Ship Launch. On Monday last, a splendid built wooden vessel was launched from the Roodee Wooden Ship Yard, before a considerable number of people. The name of the vessel was "The Lilly,"[sic] and is built for Mr. Davidson[sic] of Hawarden. [called Roodee Wooden Shipyard since William Parkes had departed by this date]

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 25 October 1873]:
Strange Disappearance of a Captain. On Wednesday morning a report was circulated that the captain of a vessel now lying in the new harbour at Holyhead had suddenly disappeared during the night. The missing mariner is Joseph Leatham, master of the schooner Lity, of Chester, from Workington, bound to London. The following statement was made by John Garrott, the mate of the said vessel, who, in company with Captain John Bennett, started for Connah's Quay by an early train on Thursday morning to break the tidings to Leatham's family, a wife and three children. Garrot "I am mate of the schooner Lily, now lying in the harbour. We put into Holyhead on Tuesday morning owing to stress of weather. Nothing of importance occurred until one o'clock on Wednesday morning, when just as we were going to rest, the captain complained of a pain in the head. I gave him a glass of gin, and we both retired into the same berth. In consequence of the heavy weather we had encountered I felt tired and weather-beaten, and quickly fell to sleep. About two o'clock in the morning I awoke, and to my great surprise found the captain missing, I at once got up, and on looking round perceived that he had taken with him his best suit of clothes and his money. The appearance of the washing-stand led me to the conclusion that he had washed himself and combed his hair. The captain was about 37 years old, and as good a fellow as one would ever wish to see." Subsequent inquiries enabled a correspondent to add that the missing captain was ashore on Tuesday with several seafaring companions, and that he did not appear to be in his usual cheerful spirits. His face was somewhat swollen, and he went to a druggist's shop for medicine. The vessel shows no traces of this mysterious disappearance beyond what is above related, and the mate and others affirm that it was blowing too hard at the time he was first found missing for a boat to set out. Hence the supposition that he fell into the sea. Efforts are being made to ascertain his fate.

[from Kerry Reporter - Saturday 09 November 1895]:
WRECK OF A BRITISH VESSEL. THRILLING NARRATIVE OF ONE OF THE CREW. Through the kindness and urbanity of Mr John Bourne, of Skibbereen, who was chief mate of the schooner Lily of Chester, England, which ill-fated vessel was wrecked on the Dutch coast recently, and who has just arrived home, I am enabled to furnish your readers with the most thrilling and interesting narrative of the wreck, and the providential escape of her crew. Mr Bourne, who, though a young man, enjoys a pension from the British Navy, is well known in the English and Irish coasting trade, having been for many years captain of several cross-channel coasting vessels, and is a man of superior intelligence, which, combined with his experiences of travel all over the globe, makes him a most interesting narrator and conversationalist. But during all his peregrinations either at home or abroad, neither he nor the others of his crow ever underwent such terrible peril and suspense as they did on the scene of this disaster. It was in every detail exactly similar to the memorable wreck of the Port Yarrick in Brandon Bay not long since, save that, happily, there was no loss of life in this instance, while so many valuable ones were forfeited to the angry waves at Brandon. The situation of the present disaster being so distant and comparatively remote, its particulars have not been up to the present, laid before English or Irish readers, pending most probably a Board of Trade inquiry, and I therefore proceed to give them in detail. I should not omit mentioning that Mr Bourne speaks in the most graceful and flattering language of the bravery, hospitality, kindness and honesty of the Dutch people, more especially those who rescued them at the risk of their own lives, and where it not for the intrepidity of an old veteran of 70, who dashed through the waves on horseback, in trying to rescue them, none of them could possibly be alive to-day to tell the tale. The Lily, which was in command of her owner, belonged to a young Scotchman, named Captain Kenneth Douglas [corrected], and left Konigsberg, in Prussia, on the 10th September with a cargo of wheat, in bulk, bound for Great Yarmouth, in England. They left the port of Pillau next day, the latter place being to the former what Queenstown is to Cork, and experienced very bad weather after being a few days at sea, so much so that the vessel shifted her cargo, and when they got as far as Elsinore, in Denmark, they cast anchor, while a westerly gale was raging, and righted their cargo. On the 23rd they again resumed their homeward voyage in fine weather, and experienced nothing further until about 50 miles off Flamborough Head, having had splendid weather in crossing the North Sea. When off Flamborough a terrible gale set in from the north west, and after bravely struggling with the waves for a considerable long time, and her cargo again shifting, she lay down at 8 p.m. on the night of the 3rd of October with very little canvas on, and got filled with water. All the crew being on deck at the time, they managed to get her before the wind to keep her from foundering, and ran the vessel across the North Sea, passing many crafts at the time but all were like themselves, struggling with a high sea and a fierce gale, and were unable to render any assistance. On the morning of the 5th October they sighted Terschelling Island light, Holland, and when making for the north east Gut of the Hook of Holland, the vessel struck a sand bank at 8 a m., a mile from the shore. A mountainous sea was running at this time, and the crew had to take themselves to the rigging, as the vessel listed over, and everything moveable on deck was being washed away, while the greater portion of the cargo was also being washed out of the hold and all the effects belonging to the captain and crew. After being some considerable time clung to the rigging; and not knowing the moment they would be washed into eternity, everything being blowing seaward, they observed the old veteran, already mentioned, riding towards them on horseback. A raging sea and white foam was running far in overland on the bank at the time, but, nothing daunted, the gallant steed faced the waves, the horse mounting clear over them, swimming, except when the breakers washed over them. The gallant old Dutchman, who carried a heaving line and staff, came within about 70 yards of the wrecking ship and made several ineffectual attempts at casting the staff, and when he found his efforts hopeless, he faced the horse for land, and having swam safely back on terra firma he rode towards the lifeboat station of the islands, keeping the anxious crew in great hopes. About eleven o'clock the lifeboat was observed nearing them, but, much to their disappointment, she got upset and her crew thrown into the water at the first attempt at rescue. Nothing daunted, they tried again when the boat righted, and by twelve o'clock, the brave fellows had manfully rescued the captain and crew from the rigging.
Mr Bourne states that when he saw the lifeboat being upset he ran the knife through the trousers which he had on on the rigging, so that he may have the chance of doing something at swimming should it re-happen, and that he got into her, and both he and all the others were landed almost in a state of nudity on Terschelling Island. On being safely landed they were all taken in a waggon fifteen miles off to the nearest farmhouse, which was owned by the coxswain of the lifeboat, where they received the most kindly and hospitable treatment, having got a change of clothes, hot drinks, gin, tobacco, etc. They were next taken to the nearest consul's agency, on the island, in West Terschelling, from which they were sent to the mainland of Holland, the town of Harlingen, and thence to Hull, where they were taken charge of by the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society and forwarded to their respective homes; but they can never forget their perlious adventure, nor the extreme kindness, bravery and hospitality of their Dutch rescuers, to whom they owe their present existence.

[from Dundee Courier - Tuesday 19 November 1895]:
THE LOSS OF THE LILY. Sheriff Brown, who was accompanied by Captains Erskine and Wood, nautical assessors, gave his decision, in Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, in the inquiry into the circumstances attending the loss of the schooner Lily, of Chester, on the Dutch coast on the 5th October last. The Court found that the stranding of the vessel was due to the weak condition of the vessel operating in very severe weather, which rendered her unmanageable, and drove her on a lee shore. The vessel had been properly navigated. The master was in fault in having exceeded the load-line prescribed, but it had not been proved that he was at fault in the sense of the vessel having been lost on account of his action. In the circumstances, the Court did not feel justified in dealing with the master's certificate, but admonished him to be more careful in the future.

Wooden schooner Constance, built Walker, Chester, April 1863, registered Chester 1863, 70 tons, 70.0 x 18.5 x 10.1 ft, ON 44048, owned Walker, Chester, then Sloane, Chester. Later 56 tons. Voyage Danzig to Newcastle with wheat, sank from collision with big Alecto, 14th October 1875, in North Sea. Crew: 2 saved, 3 (including Captain Morrison) lost.
Lloyd's Register gives builder, at Chester, as Walker. Walker was owner of the Chester lead works - initially sited at Chester and later at Bagillt. He had built small vessels (flats) [pre 1846: Fume, Pelter, Miner, Leadworks and Dee Bank] at Chester. Perhaps he was involved in completing a vessel, after William Parkes had left, in February 1863, for Ellesmere Port.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 19 October 1875]:
LEITH. Oct. 17th The Constance (schr.), of Chester, Morrison, from Danzig to Newcastle, with wheat, foundered, 14th Oct., two days after passing through the Sound; two of the crew were saved by the Alecto, arrived here from Norway; rest drowned.
The Swedish brig Alecto, from Sundsvall to Rotterdam, with timber, has put in here with two of the crew of the schooner Constance, of Chester, from Danzig to Newcastle, with grain. The two vessels were in collision in the North sea, when the schooner sank; captain and two of crew drowned; the Alecto had jibboom, bowsprit and cutwater carried away.

William Parkes at Ellesmere Port

Wooden schooner Lorn, built William Parkes, Ellesmere Port, August 1864. 88 tons, 77 x 19.5 x 9.9ft, ON 51071. Owned Roper, Ulverston. Registered Lancaster, later 80 tons.
Voyage Connah's Quay to Belfast with fire bricks and tiles. Driven ashore near Jurby (IOM) on 7th November 1890. Crew of 3 saved.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Monday 04 September 1865]:
SHIPOWNERS having vessels not suitable to their requirements, or eligible for continuation, may dispose of them in exchange for new craft. Now building, a vessel 98 x 22.5 x 12.5, 225 tons net nm; Apply to WILLIAM PARKES, Ship Yard and Repairing slip, Ellesmere Port, on the Mersey, near Chester.
[possibly wooden schooner J.C.R., ON 52638, built Parkes, E'Port October 1865, 60 tons, owned Reney, Connah's Quay; later to Castletown, IOM, wrecked 24 December 1907 near Wexford]

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 10 February 1866]:
FOR SALE, - Building, A SCHOONER, to carry about 150 tons, a fine model; will be fast, and shifts without ballast. For further particulars apply to WILLIAM PARKES, Shipbuilder, Ellesmere Port, near Chester. [most probably schooner Fanny Durant, built Parkes March 1866, 60tons, ON 54958, registered Liverpool 1866, then Berwick from 1883. Wrecked by collision 10th January 1895, Firth of Forth]

In May 1866, the contents of his shipyard at Ellesmere Port were for sale - as he was bankrupt. A partly built schooner, yard no. 5, about 85 tons nm, 76 x 20 ft, was among the items for sale.
[Possibly this wooden schooner: Triumph, built Ellesmere Port, 74 tons, ON 55082, 1867, owned J Reney, Connah's Quay. Registered Chester. Voyage Queensferry to Dundalk with coal, sunk by collision with steamtug Warrior off Cemaes Bay on 17th February 1872. Master John Hewitt. All saved. Steamtug held responsible.]

Dee Bank Shipbuilding - Roodee, Chester - Edward Sanders, but financed by Bishton (who lived in the Midlands).

Wooden schooner Daisy [Rosina, pro tem] built Sanders/Bishton, Chester, 1865, 91 nrt, 82.1 x 20.5 x 10.6 ft, ON 52637, owned Davison, Flintshire. Crew list to 1887, in MNL to 1888. Wrecked on Conister Rock, Douglas, Isle of Man, on 4th January 1888, Captain George Edwards and crew of 4 saved. Later towed off rock, sank, raised, beached and broken up.

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 04 February 1865]:
A rather uncommon event took place, at Chester, on Monday, viz. a ship launch. Since the breakdown of the Roodee Iron Shipbuilding Company, this branch of trade has been rather at a discount, although the Dee, undoubtedly, offers facilities for shipbuilding. The launch on Monday was from the yard of the Dee Bank Shipbuilding Company and the vessel is a handsome schooner of 153 tons burthen destined for the foreign coasting trade. She was built with a special design for stowing and carrying capacity, her measurement being: length 84 feet 6 inches; breadth 20 feet 6 inches; depth 10 feet 8 inches. The schooner, which is classed A 1 twelve years at Lloyd's, has been constructed under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Sanders, late of Cardiff, manager of the company, and her build shows that the art of shipbuilding has not been forgotten on the Dee Banks. Notwithstanding the wintry weather, a large number of persons assembled to witness the launch, which was successfully performed in the midst of loud hurrahs, the vessel being christened the Rosina (pro tem), by Mrs. Sanders, wife of the master shipwright. In addition to this vessel already launched, the company are laying down another schooner of 150 tons, and clipper brig of 300 tons; so shipbuilding may yet flourish on the banks of the Dee.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 04 February 1865]:
Ship Launch at Chester. On Monday an occurrence, now, unfortunately, rather rare on the Dee, took place in Chester, at the yard of the Dee Bank Shipbuilding Company. The event was the launch of a handsomely modelled schooner of 153.5 tons burthen, built for the foreign and coasting trade. The dimensions of the new vessel, according to builders' measurement, are, length, 84 feet 6 inches, breadth, 20 feet 6 inches; depth, 10 feet 8 inches. The schooner was designed by Mr. Edward Sanders, late from Cardiff, and now manager at the company's yard, a gentleman who has had considerable experience in the construction of vessels of all shapes and tonnage, and was built with special reference to stowing and carrying capacity. The launch took place shortly before high tide on Monday, and a large number of people assembled to witness it. The yard was gaily decorated with flags, and although the day was of the most chilly description, presented quite an animated sight. At two o'clock the word was given by Mr. Sanders, and the dogshores having been knocked away, the vessel glided gracefully into her native element, amid the hurrahs of all assembled. She was christened the Rosina, pro tem, by Mrs. Sanders, who performed her task with precision. The river at the time was crammed with floating ice, through which the vessel rushed to the opposite bank, where she was well brought up by her stays. The Dee is rather narrow for a ship launch, but the one we are speaking of was most successfully accomplished. The Rosina is classed for twelve years at Lloyd's, and from her build is likely to prove a good sailor. The Dee Bank Shipbuilding Company have another schooner of 150 tons [Pride of the Dee presumably] in progress of framing, intended for general purposes, and to be classed twelve years at Lloyd's. The design is also prepared for a clipper brig of 300 tons, in which it is intended, as far as possible, to combine carrying capacity with very fast sailing properties. The vessel already commenced will be finished with all possible despatch. There is no doubt that the Dee offers considerable facilities for shipbuilding, and we anticipate that the Dee Bank Company will, to some extent, restore the Dee to the position it formerly occupied in this branch of commercial enterprise.

[from Runcorn Examiner - Saturday 07 January 1888]:
STORM AND LOSS OF LIFE. A heavy westerly gale blew over the Isle of Man on Tuesday night. The schooner Daisy, of Chester, was running into Douglas Bay, for shelter, when she struck on the Conister Rock. The lifeboat was launched, and the crew of three men and a boy rescued. At high water the schooner was towed off the rock, but sank almost immediately. The lives of nine men on board her at the time were seriously imperilled, but all were eventually rescued.

Wooden schooner Pride of the Dee, built Sanders/Bishton, Chester, 1865, 73 tons, 74 x 19.1 x 9.7 tons, ON 52640, owned Craven, Flint, reg. Chester, later owned Howard, Runcorn. Lloyd's Register states launched December 1865. Register closed 1901.
Voyage London to Portsmouth with cement, in collision with schooner Claremont, off Dungeness, 12 November 1901, and sank, crew saved.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 16 November 1901]:
CHESTER SCHOONER SUNK. A Dover correspondent telegraphs: During the heavy gale the schooner Pride of the Dee, belonging to Chester, bound from London to Portsmouth with cement, was in collision [12th November] with the schooner Claremont, off Dungeness. The Pride of the Dee was struck amidships and quickly foundered. The crew clambered on the Claremont, which brought them to Dover. They lost all their effects. The Claremont is now lying in Dover Harbour, and is badly damaged.
The Pride of the Dee, which was managed by a crew of four or five men under a foreign shipper, belonged to Mr. Howard, a well known ship owner, of Runcorn. She was built at Chester about forty years ago at a cost of £2,000, but she had naturally greatly depreciated in value, and the owner's loss is estimated at £600. The vessel was partially insured with the Dee Shipowning Association at Connah's Quay, but as it is feared the Pride of the Dee was at fault in the collision, the association will probably be asked to compensate the owners of the Claremont for the damage she has sustained.

Wooden schooner (later ketch) Excelsior, built Sanders/Bishton, Chester, 1866, 90 tons, 75.0 x 20.0 x 9.8 ft, ON 52645, owned Henry Craven, Buckley, registered Chester. Lloyd's Register quotes built December 1866 by Bishton at Chester. Later owned James Coppack, and then Sinnott, Clonakilty, registered Chester. Later described as a ketch, and 77 tons. Register closed 1917, last MNL entry 1917. Last definite newspaper report is "Excelsior 76 Sinnott" in Garston Old Dock in November 1912.
Several sailing vessels called Excelsior are reported as lost in 1916/7: schooner from Whitstable to Sunderland, lost Whitby, Sept 1916; ketch which sprung a leak and foundered 21-7-1917, 3 crew saved. Not sufficient detail is available to identify them.

Wooden schooner Imperial, built Sanders/Bishton, Chester, 1867, 107 tons, 82.0 x 22.6 x 10.4 ft, ON 58205, for James Fisher of Barrow, according to newspaper report, then owned Hancock of Buckley. However MNL reports from 1870, owner as Davison of Flint. Register closed 1895. Lloyd's Register gives Sr 107 tons, b Chester, November 1867 by Bishton, owned Davison, reg Chester.
Voyage London to Saltney with manure, 29th December 1894, in gale driven ashore at Perranporth and wrecked. Crew of 4 saved.

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 02 November 1867]:
Ship Launch. On Tuesday last fine schooner 190 tons burthen was launched from the Dee Bank Shipbuilding Yard, the presence of goodly number of spectators. The vessel was named the Imperial, the ceremony of christening her being performed by Miss Sanders, the daughter Mr. Edward Sanders, manager of the yard. The Imperial is intended for foreign and coasting trade, and she has been purchased by James Fisher, Esq. Her dimensions are as follows: Length, for measurement, 81ft 4in.; extreme breadth, 20ft. 7in.; depth hold, 10ft. 6in. The launch was a most successful one.

[from Western Morning News - Monday 31 December 1894]:
During the gale on Saturday, the schooner Imperial of Chester, with manure from London to Saltney, was driven ashore at Perranporth, and the crew of four rescued with difficulty by the rocket apparatus.

[from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 05 January 1895]:
CONNAH'S QUAY. Another heavy gale was experienced at the port throughout Saturday and Sunday, accompanied by hail and snow. Late on Saturday night a telegram was received conveying the unfortunate news that the schooner Imperial had been driven ashore near New Quay, Cornwall, and was expected to become a total wreck. Further intelligence received on Sunday announced that the ship had gone to pieces, the Imperial was a fine schooner of 180 tons burthen, owned by Messrs. W. Hancock and Co., Buckley, and was bound from London to Saltney with a cargo of manure. She was commanded by Captain Samuel Coppack. Ships lying back at the port and Mostyn Deeps have again encountered the full fury of the gale.

Bishton's shipyard, in name and practice:
[excerpt from Cheshire Observer - Saturday 14 March 1868]:
The foreman (who was Mr. Sanders' son) directed the apprentices in the absence of Mr. Sanders. There was no one else to give orders but Sanders and his son. Had only seen Mr. Bishton once in 12 months. Had been an apprentice four years, and during that time had seen Mr. Bishton at the works but five times. The business of the yard was conducted by the Mr. Sanders who had given his evidence, and by his son, who was the foreman. There were fifteen apprentices under indentures, and five who had not been bound.

Wooden Schooner Excellent, built Bishton, Chester, November 1868, 76 tons, 71.8 x 19.2 x 10.8 ft, ON 58207, registered Glasgow 1868, last MNL listing 1885, owned Clavel, London.

The last seagoing vessel listed as built at Chester - the Balogun - is a bit of a mystery. She was a larger than average vessel, and is reported in Lloyd's Register as built by Allsup. William Allsup is a name associated with iron shipbuilding at Preston. He is listed as owner of Ocean Spray, wooden schooner, built by Dee Bank in 1860; also in 1870-1, he launched, at Preston, two wooden brigantines: British Seaman [ON 62768] and Belle [ON 65048] - so he had the expertise to manage the completion of a vessel at Chester.
The area on the banks of the Dee at Chester, where the shipyards were located, became used for the gas company, increasingly from 1865. The gasholders were conspicuous until the 1960s.

Wooden brigantine Balogun, built Chester October 1870 by Allsup, 182 tons, 101.1 x 24.2 x 9.1 ft, ON 65893. Lloyd's Register quotes the builder as Allsup. Registered Liverpool, first owner Kidd, trading to Africa. Reported Missing - having left Old Calabar for Falmouth with palm oil and kernels, master Crosby, on 11 May 1885.

[from Shields Daily News - Tuesday 25 May 1880]:
FEVER STRICKEN SHIP. The Liverpool brig Balogun, from Brass River, West Coast of Africa, ran into Falmouth Roads on Sunday, for orders, and reports that during the voyage four of the crew had died from fever, and had been buried at sea. Fresh hands will be shipped to enable the vessel to proceed to her port of discharge.
[from Shields Daily Gazette - Thursday 19 November 1885]:
MISSING AND OVERDUE VESSELS. The following vessel, not having arrived at its port of destination since date specified, is considered overdue: The Balogun, Crosby master, which left Old Calabar for Scilly or Falmouth, [with palm oil and kernels] for orders, May 13. [26 November - posted Missing]

Wooden lugger Governor Wodehouse, built Chester 1856, 30 tons, registered Liverpool 1856, owned T Moss, Liverpool. Last MNL listing 1885. [possibly a fishing vessel]

Wooden smack Ocean Queen, built Chester 1858 [from MNL; advert says Runcorn 1854], 40 tons, 55.8 x 16.5 x 8.1 ft, registered Liverpool. ON 6997. Owned by a fishing company. Later registered London (1858), Galway (1859-68, now 51 tons), Dublin (1869-1874), Liverpool (1875 - 1911, when closed). Last owner Joseph Foulkes, Port Dinorwic.

[from Morning Herald (London) - Thursday 04 March 1858]:
SALE: by the Liquidator of the London and West of Ireland Fishing and Fish Manure Company. Trawler OCEAN QUEEN, 51 90-100 tons per register; built at Runcorn in 1854, Length, 55 8-10 feet; breadth, 16 5-10 feet; depth, 8 1-10th feet. Lying in the Floating Dock, Galway.

Wooden barge Alice Burton, built Chester 1868, 48 tons, owned T. H. Burton, Liverpool, ON 161098. Only registered at Liverpool 1929. Sunk in Mersey 1939, refloated, in MNL to 1947.