Wooden paddle steamers sunk January 1839 in Mersey River and at Caernarfon. See also Wrecks in Liverpool Bay in the 1839 Hurricane
Duke of Bridgewater, Runcorn Steam Packet, built James & Seddon, South Shore, Liverpool, July 1822, 68 tons, 78 x 18 x 7 ft, 22 hp. [often called Bridgewater in Liverpool Newspapers]
Eclipse, built Liverpool, possibly Rathbone & Co, 1823
69 tons, engines 24 hp by Fawcett & Littledale.
Runcorn Steam Packet, service started May 1823.
Refloated and repaired at Runcorn.
Admiral, Seacombe Ferry, built Mottershead & Hayes, Liverpool, 1835. Also called Admiral Lord Nelson in some reports.
All three vessels were in the Mersey when the hurricane force winds
caused big waves that sank each of them. Records show that the Eclipse
was refloated and eventually put back in
service. The Admiral is listed as lost - and a new large wooden paddle
steamer called Admiral was built in 1840 at Port Glasgow for the Glasgow -
Liverpool service. The Duke of Bridgewater was raised and offered for
sale at Runcorn.
There was loss of life - a fireman from the Eclipse, 2 crew
aboard the Admiral and all 7 crew of the Duke of Bridgewater [note some
possible confusion between reports which describe the Bridgewater packet
and the Duke of Bridgewater packet: at this date these seem to be the
same vessel (Gore's Directory gives Duke of Bridgewater in 1825, 1827, 1829
and 1834 editions); the Earl of Bridgewater was definitely a different vessel, however].
There was also damage to the Woodside steam ferry
Ribble: At Cornhill, the
Woodside steamer Ribble came alongside a total wreck.
She was put back in service.
Newspaper reports of sinkings.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 11 January 1839]
Admiral, Seacombe Ferry boat, and the
Eclipse and Duke of Bridgewater steamers, are sunk in the river.
[from Morning Chronicle - Wednesday 09 January 1839]
The [Duke of] Bridgewater, Runcorn steamer, a total wreck under
the wall of the Brunswick Dock pier.
The Admiral, Seacombe-ferry steam boat, sunk a little further on, and
only a small part of her topmast could be seen.
GEORGE'S PIER-HEAD. - The Runcorn steam-boat, Eclipse, went down. The
fireman, an old and worthy servant of the company, missed his footing
in attempting to get ashore, and, falling into the river, was not
again seen.
[from Leeds Times - Saturday 19 January 1839]:
The accounts report 14 wrecked by the Brighton, 14 by the
Pennsylvania, about 53 by the Lockwoods, and 2 the sloop Conway, 4 in
flat, 7 the crew of the Runcorn steamer [Duke of] Bridgewater, 1 in the steamer
Eclipse, 3 riggers swamped in boat, 2 in the Seacombe steamer.
Details of the history, fate, etc of each of these vessels:
Start of Duke of Bridgewater service.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 19 July 1822]:
A fine new steam packet will be launched to-morrow, at eleven
o'clock in the forenoon, from the building yard of Messrs. James
and Seddon, South Shore, intended to ply between Liverpool,
Weston Point, and Runcorn.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 26 July 1822]:
TRAVELLING BETWEEN LIVEPOOL AND MANCHESTER. The public are respectfully
informed that a new, beautiful, and strong-built STEAM PACKET, called
the BRIDGEWATER, will commence running, in a few days, between
Liverpool, Weston Point, and Runcorn. From the superior construction
and power of engine, she is expected to perform her passage in a much
shorter time than has hitherto been done; and, for the better
accommodation of Travellers, the Steam Packet, in conjunction with the
Canal Packets, will establish a regular conveyance, during the summer
months, to and from Machester and Liverpool, daily.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 09 August 1822]:
We are
informed, that the fine new Runcorn steam-packet, Bridgewater, made
her passage on Tuesday, against a strong head wind, from Runcorn to
Liverpool, a distance computed at 20 miles, in the short space of
one hour and a quarter.
Coastal excursion to Lake District [from Lancaster Gazette -
Saturday 29 July 1826]:
There have been two steam vessels at Ulverston the last week, the
Harriet and the Bridgewater. The Harriet arrived on Sunday and
immediately proceeded to Peel with passengers; she returned again to
Ulverston the next tide, and afterwards sailed for Liverpool. The
Bridgewater arrived on Wednesday with passengers from Liverpool.
[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 31 May 1830]:
FOR SALE, The remarkably fast-sailing Steam-packet BRIDGEWATER,
Burthen about 90 tons, carpenter's measure, with a compact and
well-constructed Engine of about 26 horse power; diameter of Cylinder, 31.5
Inches; length of stroke, 33 inches; built in Liverpool of the best
materials; has three cabins, two of which are neatly fitted-up for
passengers. From her light draught of water [4 feet 6 inches] she is well adapted for a
short coasting voyage, or for a ferry. Her speed in smooth water is
equal to any steamer of her class on the Mersey, and her qualifications
in a gale of wind and heavy sea have not been surpassed by any. Apply at
the Bridgewater Steam-packet Office, 19, Nova Scotia.
[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser -
Friday 12 June 1835]:
ACCIDENT ON STEAMER. James Morrison, a waterman, belonging to the boat
"Dick," which plies for hire on the river, was proceeding with his
boat on Tuesday last towards Wallasey Hole, when near the west wharf,
he observed the body of a man floating on the water. He towed it to
Seacombe Slip and delivered it to a police-officer. The body was
subsequently ascertained to be that of Jacob Leech, a shoemaker,
residing at Runcorn, who fell overboard on the 24th of May last from
the Duke of Bridgewater, steam-packet, as it was proceeding round the
Floating Light. An inquest was held upon the body, and a verdict of
Accidental Death returned.
See also minor collision between Duke of Bridgewater
and ferry Ennishowen in 1837.
[from Chester Courant - Tuesday 19 February 1839]: To be sold by private treaty.
THE WRECK of the DUKE OF BRIDGEWATER STEAMER as it now lies at Mr.
Mason's yard, Runcorn, together with all the
rigging, spars, chains etc., as well as the Engine and Boiler, which had
a thorough repair in October last. As she will be permitted (if required)
to continue to ply upon the station between Runcorn and Liverpool, it
presents an eligible opportunity for an advantageous speculation - Further
particulars apply.. Runcorn Feb 15
A steam tug, called Bridgewater, was said to be one of the
best for her power (34 hp) when tested against the Liverpool Screw in May 1843.
[from Liverpool Mail - Saturday 13 January 1844]:
STEAMERS for SALE or HIRE.
STEAMER BRIDGEWATER. 37-horse engine,
boilers nearly new, and drawing 4 ft. 10 in. water. Length 74 feet.
Extreme breadth 28 feet. Depth 7 feet. Admeasurement 33 54-100 tons new
measurement;... Both Packets are well adapted for Towing or Ferry
purposes. The Bridgewater is now at liberty,... - Apply to JOHN
SOTHERN, 41, Castle-street.
Listed in 1845 as built 1823 Liverpool, 37 tons, and as "worn out".
Listed in MNL passenger-certified steam vessels as "Bridgewater" of 37nrt, 35 hp, at Liverpool, 1850.
Listed in Liverpool 1851 Register as first registered Liverpool as "Bridgwater" in 1847, owned Williams & Price, 74.3 x 14.3 ft, 37nrt, 71grt.
Note there is also a vessel listed as "Bridgewater" in MNL, as ON
19571, registered Liverpool, from 1858 until 1896, owned A.
Egerton, 56nrt, 70hp -- a different vessel: iron paddle steamer
built Vernon, Liverpool, 1857, 109 x 20ft.
Possible builder of Eclipse [from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 28 December 1822]:
List of steam vessels building at Liverpool to be launched next year:
By whom, station, Length on deck
Rathbone & Co Liverpool, Runcorn, 89 ft
Start of Eclipse service [from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 22 May
1823]:
THE Proprietors of the ECLIPSE, new STEAM-PACKET, present their
Friends and Public with an acknowledgement of gratitude, for the liberal
support they have experiences since this Packet commenced plying
(between Liverpool, Weston Point and Runcorn,) and flatter themselves
that as the Eclipse far surpasses any other packet (on the River) in
point of beauty, expedition and accommodation, they will still continue
to merit a decided preference.
The Eclipse is propelled by a double Engine, which is so
constructed, that the disagreeable noise and motion (common in other
packets) are not in her perceptible.
During the summer months, passengers may proceed through without
detention, as the Old Quay Co.'s, Manchester Canal Packets, and the
Eclipse, will daily meet along side each other at Runcorn, so that the
unpleasantness of carrying luggage from one packet to the other will
be prevented, as well as the expences incurred thereby; a convenience
not to be had by any other conveyance on the passage between Liverpool
and Manchester.
[Liverpool Mail - Saturday 26 January 1839]:
RUNCORN. The Eclipse Packet. This steam-packet, which was wrecked in the late
hurricane, has been got up. Her decks and cabins were completely
carried away, but her engines were not found to be seriously damaged. On
Monday, she was purchased by Mr. Brundrit, ship builder, Runcorn, for
the sum of £310. The Bridgewater packet has not yet been got up.
[From Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 17 January 1839]:
SALE: On Monday next, the 21st instant, o'clock, at the house of Mr. Israel
Irlam, Nova Scotia. The ECLIPSE. Steam-packet. With two Engines and
Boilers; also two Boats, and sundry articles belonging
thereto. Further particulars will be announced. Apply to ISRAEL IRLAM.
Described as a steam packet
at Runcorn in 1844, discharging guns to celebrate the arrival of Lord
Francis Egerton.
Wooden paddle steamer Eclipse, built Lang & Denny, Dumbarton
1826.
174grt, 98nrt, 108 x 18 x 11 ft, engines Napier 150hp
1828 registered Belfast, 1837 owned Liverpool, in 1838 serving Bangor, Caernarfon,
Porthdinllaen, Barmouth weekly from Liverpool.
During hurricane of 7-8 January 1839, driven ashore at Caernarfon.
Captain William Evans and all aboard saved.
Vessel repaired at Caernarfon.
First registered at Liverpool 1841,
owners: Thomas McTear & William Murphy, on Liverpool - Wexford service to 1846.
Reported as
broken up at Greenock 1856. Not in MNL.
More history.
Note that a Runcorn ferry, also called PS Eclipse, was sunk by the same storm while tied up at Liverpool - that was a different vessel - see above. There are some reports that Eclipse (built 1826) was chartered as a Runcorn Ferry - but this could be based on confusion with the other Eclipse (built 1823).
[from North Wales Chronicle - Tuesday 04 September 1838]:
STEAM COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PORTHDYNLLAEN, CARNARVON, BANGOR and
LIVERPOOL.
during the winter months.
The Public are respectfully informed that the superior cargo Steamer
ECLIPSE,
Will commence plying between the
above places for the Winter Months, on or before the 1st of
October next. The ECLIPSE is a very fast going and superior cargo
vessel; burthen 200 tons, 104 tons register, with two engines of
100 horse power, and the want of a regular, safe and commodious
trader having been long felt and complained of by shippers, the
owners have much satisfaction in meeting the wishes of the
Public. 18, St. Paul's-square, Liverpool, Aug. 26th, 1838.
[from Lloyd's List - Friday 11 January 1839]:
Carnarvon, 9th Jan. The Eclipse (s) Williams, of Liverpool, broke
from the Quay 7th instant, was driven on the Beach, and has received
considerable damage.
[From North Wales Chronicle - Tuesday 04 June 1839]:
CARVARVON PATENT SLIP. At about
10 o'clock in the evening of Thursday, the Eclipse steamer was
launched. This vessel, as our readers will remember, was driven
ashore near Carnarvon, in the memorable and fatal gale of the 7th
of January, last. She had sustained considerable damage, and has
been for some times on the slip, undergoing the repairs which
were necessary to render her sea-worthy. Her present appearance
reflects credit upon the parties employed, she is going to Liverpool
to be fitted up.
[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Friday
23 October 1840]:
On FRIDAY, the 6th November, at Two o'clock, at D. Tonge's Office, 7,
Castle-street, if not previously sold by private by order of the
Mortgagees, Messrs. Leaey and Tarleton, Thirty-two Sixty-fourths part
Shares of the well-known coppered and copper-fastened Steamer ECLIPSE,
110 tons, old measurement; and 98 48-100 tons, new measurement; now
plying between Liverpool and Wexford. The Eclipse has just had new
boilers and undergone a thorough repair, at the cost £2500, and is
now in first-rate order.
Listed in 1845 as built 1826 Dumbarton, 93 tons, and as having left Liverpool, though registered there.
Advertised on Liverpool - Wexford service until 26 October 1846, when
replaced by the Town of Wexford. Still listed in
Liverpool register in 1854, owned Thomas M'Tear.
Another wreck with loss of life in the Mersey:
Liverpool Mail - Thursday 10 January 1839:
Shortly afterwards the smack Charlotte [of Conway], with salt, sunk
opposite the
Clarence Dock Pier. There were three persons on board at the time. Of
these, two, John Jones and Robert Roberts, were drowned. A young man,
son to Jones, was saved by the exertions of tbe police on the station.