Early Ribble built Sailing Vessels


Chris Michael.

This covers sailing vessels built in the Ribble: at Lytham, Freckleton and Preston on the Ribble and at Tarleton, Burscough Bridge, Parbold, Gathurst and Wigan on the Douglas Navigation (later the Leeds and Liverpool Canal). Dates to 1860.

See also:
Steam vessels built at Preston;
Steam Vessels built Liverpool and the Mersey;
Sailing Vessels built Liverpool and the Mersey;
Steam Vessels built in the Dee Estuary;
Sailing Vessels built in the Dee Estuary.
MDHB wreck listings

Main index

Vessels built on the rivers Ribble and Douglas, including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Here sailing vessels up to 1860, as listed in MNL 1872, on. Also vessels found in newspapers, LR, RCUS, etc.

Index of vessels, by area of build.
Preston, Lytham, Freckleton, Tarleton, Burscough Bridge, Parbold, Gathurst, Wigan.

Built Preston (also Ashton, a district of Preston where the shipyards lay).
1803: Ellen F 29t ON45668;
1805: Preston G 99t [LR1819uw];
1808: Delight Sr 69t [LR1819uw];
1813: Cousins Sr 44t ON1768; Liberty Sr 60t [LR1819uw];
1817: Content Sr 99t ON17022;
1826: Bee F 41t ON17256;
1827: Hope F 38t ON19823;
1828: Ant Lr 28t ON17278;
1830: Magnet Lr 34t ON19832;
1832: Alice Lr 35t ON19814;
1833: Brothers Lr 38t ON22651;
1838: Ribble Sk 15t ON24229; Jonah Sr 50t ON15902;
1839: Speakman F/K 36t ON1550;
1840: Lord Willoughby Sr 69t ON17285; Alpha Bg 108t; Richard Sr 51t ON17212;
1841: Rapid Sr 67t ON16810; Gleaner Sr 62t ON8091; Fox Sp 45t ON1771; Robert & Elizabeth Sr 59t ON16813;
1842: Ruby Sr 61t ON12129; Margaret & Ann Sr 57t ON16812; Jane & Esther Bg 177t ON4019;
1843: Chance Sr 38t ON17245; Hare Sr 53t ON17292;
1845(or earlier): Mischief Sr ??;
1846: Venture Sr 45t ON19108;
1847: John Paley Sr 85t;
1854: Walter Dean Sr 75t ON3345;
1855: Furness Miner Sr 88t ON18927;
1856: Blackburn Sr 132t ON19838; Henry & Ellen Sr 51t ON 19841; Emma Wy 29t ON14920;
1857: John Cartmel Sr 49t ON18690; Ceylon Bk 590t ON19445; Bogota Bk 383t ON19189; Abbeville? Sr;
1859: Thomas Blythe Bk 387t ON27648; Mary Agnes Sr 83t ON26852;
1860: Phillis Sr 69t ON28902;

Built Lytham.
1818: Grace Bn 73t ON17264;
1821: Nanny & Betty Sr 43t ON17229;
1824: Harriet Sr 35t ON1649;
1826: Union Sr 39t ON1549;
1827: Molly & Ann Sk 52t ON17270;
1828: Tom Sr 95t;
1829: Sisters Sp 42t ON15918;
1833: Acorn Lu 41t ON1786;
1837: Fleetwood F 38t ON56583; Hesketh Sr 41t ON19831; Britannia Sr 58t ON22652; Princess Victoria Sk 27t;
1839: Brazen Nose Sk 28t ON17237;
1840: Sir Robert Peel Wy 37t ON1769;
1841: Buony F 38t ON24144;
1842: Prince of Wales F 40t ON24263;
1846: Ocean Child Sp 43t ON26714;
1856: Agnes Sr 86t ON19837; Confidence Sr 51t ON14921;
1857: Jane & Ellen Sr 61t ON19295;
1860: Ocean Queen Sr 73t ON26853;

Built Freckleton.
1830: Industry Sk F 21t ON17215;
1834: Victory F 29t ON19824;
1839: Leven Sp 43t ON17235;
1840: Jane Sk 20t ON24274;
1848: Eleanor F 33t ON17294;
1849: New Alice Sk 27t ON24133;
1850: Emma Sp F 29t ON24209; Johns? Sr 86t;
1854: George Lamb Sr 62t ON17262;
1855: Hannah Eliza Sk 22t ON22654;
1857: Jubilee Sr 51t ON19446; Marys Sk 35t ON22662;
1858: Mary Ellen Sk 33t ON20852;
1859: Elizabeth Sp F 39t ON27313; Isabella Sp 32t ON27646;
1860: Nimble Sp 34t ON27317; Progress Sr 69t ON26855;

Built Tarleton.
1785: Good Intent Sr 42t ON1163;
1814: Sprightly F/Yl 41t ON19829; Richard Sp 24t ON17253;
1850: Arrow Sl 37t ON19825;
1855: Mary & Jane Sk 42t ON19830; Lady Arabella Sr 44t ON12137;
1856: Robert Marsden Sr 41t ON19840;
1857: Northern Light Sr 61t ON18689;
1858: Falcon Sr 60t ON26851; Ocean Pearl Sr 57t ON19447; Margaret Anne Sr 71t ON 19449;
1859: Newland Sp 29t ON21760;
1860: Harvest Maid Sr 100t ON28903;

Built Burscough Bridge (on Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which had locks 14 ft wide by 62 ft long), also Lathom/Latham nearby.
1828: Martha F 40t ON19805;
1829: Alice Sk 24t ON17225; Ann & Catherine F 38t ON6020;
1831: Emerald F 43t ON17257;
1832: Diamond Wy 44t ON16483; Britannia F 37t ON 19813;
1833: Ruby F 41t ON19820;
1834: Monarch Sp 35t ON19812;
1841: Mary Sr 30t ON2375;
1843: Hero F 31t ON19817;
1845: Dee F 45t ON19815; Brilliant Sr 40t ON18203;
1846: Eliza F 33t ON29613;
1852: Gazelle Sr 51t ON24206;

Built Parbold (on Leeds and Liverpool Canal), also Newburgh/Newbrough nearby [though care possible confusion with Newburgh, Fife]
1840: Industry Lr 39t ON17273;
1841: Briton F 29t ON19828;
1848: Flower of May Sr 47t ON17248;
1852: Harriett & Eliza F 40t ON17247;
1857: Mary Jane F 39t ON18691;

Built Gathurst (on Leeds and Liverpool Canal). Vessels with no rig are presumably dumb (ie unmasted) barges. Almost all vessels (except Venus) were owned by James Brancker of Liverpool.
1828: Collier - 33t ON10465;
1829: Juno - 29t ON10464; William - 34t ON10472;
1830: Boar's Head - 33t ON7099; Fame F 32t ON10471; Hawk - 13t ON7092; Prospero - 12t ON10463; Fame - 32t ON10471;
1831: Venus F 39t ON7097; Mars - 30t ON10480;
1832: Swan - 28t ON10475; Deane - 30t ON10466; Ann - 33t ON10478;
1833: Jane - 27t ON10467;
1834: Unity - 24t ON7094; Orrell F 35t ON10476;
1835: Mary - 31t ON10468;
1836: Traveller F 43t ON7098; James - 29t ON10462;
1837: Betsy - 24t ON7095; Tarleton - 28t ON10469;
1838: Sarah - 29t ON10477; John - 31t ON10473; Atlas - 28t ON10481;
1839: James - 29t ON10462;
1840: Joseph - 28t ON7093;
1841: Ellen - 28t ON10479;
1850: Magdalene - 33t ON10474

Built Wigan (on Leeds and Liverpool Canal). Mosty owned William Brancker, Ruabon (except Emily and Prosperine, the latter being built at Haigh, near Wigan)
1848: Emily F 28t ON28047;
1854: Agnes F 24t ON45450; Alice - 21t ON45451;
1855: Alma F 24t ON45447; Edward - 24t ON45448; George - 23t ON45449;
1858: Prosperine Sp 23t ON56692;

And even further inland at Blackburn and at Houghton:
[Blackburn had two boatyards. One was at Whitebirk, the other at the drydock close to Paradise Bridge, now known as Eden Street, and from which Dock Street probably received its name.]
1824: Turner F 30t ON24208;
1840: Princess Royal Sp 35t ON19818;
1855: Alma F 27t ON44358;
To top of pages


Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Preston, before 1860.


[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 11 December 1841]:
NAVIGATION OF THE RIBBLE. .... Allow me through the columns of your paper to remark upon the very great improvement which is taking place in the river - vessels are now coming up at the lowest neap tides, and the channel is fast progressing to such completion that all vessels that now arrive at Lytham may come up [to Preston] during the spring tides, with the greatest ease, and lay afloat at the old quay dock. This, of course, must cause a considerable saving to the owners of vessels, and I trust the Ribble directors will, for the encouragement of commerce, moderate the dues on the tonnage of those vessels that navigate our noble river, and lay a tax on those remaining at Lytham.

Review of ship-building on the Ribble [from Preston Herald - Saturday 20 January 1866]:
SHIPBUILDING ON THE RIBBLE. At the present time, when shipbuilding at Preston has grown to an industry of considerable importance, and bids fair to become of momentous commercial influence to this community, a brief history of its rise and progress may interesting to our townsmen.
The building of wooden ships was, of course, first undertaken, iron shipbuilding being at that time unknown. Previous to the introduction of railways, coals from the Wigan colliery districts were brought down the rivers Douglas and Ashland in small boats and conveyed down the Ribble to Preston, where the quays were surrounded by coalyards.
Between the years 1835 and 1842 various small wooden vessels were built; the first person who seems to have carried on the trade to any extent being Mr. Samuel Speakman, who built, amongst others, the schooner Jonah; the brig Alpha (for Mr. Martin, corn merchant), which was principally employed in the Mediterranean trade; the Jane and Esther, a fine brig of 300 tons, for Mr. William Humber, who was engaged in the South African and Brazilian trade; the Richard, the Robert and Elizabeth, and the Margaret Ann, for Mr. Thomas Mayor, of Freckleton, which were all employed in the coasting trade; and a steam dredge and punts for the Ribble Navigation Company.
In the year 1848 the steam dredge was burnt to the water's edge, and Mr. Thomas Smith, of Strand-road, who appears to have a thorough knowledge of the Ribble and its neglected capabilities, was instructed by the Ribble Navigation Company to re-build it. He accordingly did so; and in the year 1854, he launched the schooner Walter Dean, of 130 tons, for Mr. John Dean, of Blackburn. In the same year he built the fine schooner Farmer's Minor [sic, Furness Miner], of 160 tons, for Messrs. Chambler and Co., of Barrow, who engaged it in the Bristol Channel trade. He built and launched the schooner Blackburn, of 250 tons, which was employed in the South American and Baltic trades. In the same year, he built the schooner Henry and Ellen, of 100 tons, for Mr. James Ashcroft, of Sollom, and laid the keel of the ship Ceylon, of 1,000 tons, which was to be classed A 1 for twelve years. It was considered a wonderful achievement to build a ship of this kind and size in Preston, and many of the Liverpool builders had great doubts as to whether a ship like her - 19 feet deep and 145 feet of keel - could be successfully launched in the Ribble. Mr. Smith, however, kept to his work, built the vessel, and successfully launched her in November, 1857.
About this time, iron shipbuilding began to make progress here, and Messrs. Andrew Ogle and Company commenced the trade, and built several steam dredgers for the Portuguese Government, and a ship of 500 tons burthen for John Cheshire Blythe, Esq., of Liverpool. Another ship of the same dimensions was begun by that firm, but difficulties overtook them, their stock and plant were sold to Mr. Allsup and Mr. Whitehead; and Mr. Thomas Smith, Strand-road, finished Mr. Blythe's vessel and launched her in 1858.
Confining ourselves, for the present, to Mr. Smith's yard, where wooden shipbuilding is carried on, we find that in 1859 he built the Mary Agnes, 100 tons, for Messrs. J. Taylor and Ashcroft, of Tarleton. In the following year the schooner Phyllis, of 130 tons, for Messrs. Christopher Yates and Co., and the succeeding year (1861) a smart deep sea trawler called The Farmer, for Messrs. John Wright and Co., of Fleetwood. The schooner Ann Shepherd, 160 tons, was launched by him in 1862, and she is now employed in the Baltic and coasting trade. She was built tor Messrs. John Shepherd and Co., Fleetwood. In the same year, he built for Messrs. Yates and Co., a smart schooner named the Guild Mayor, 190 tons, which is now employed in the Mediterranean and Baltic trades. In 1864 he built for Mr. John Dean, of Blackburn, the schooner Surprise, of 120 tons. In 1864 he launched the schooner Annie, of 160 tons, for Messrs. Jarvis and Co., of Barrow; and he has now nearly ready for launching a fine schooner for Thomas Dawson, Esq., of Preston.
After the failure of Messrs. Ogle and Company, there was a temporary suspension of iron shipbuilding on the Ribble, but Mr. Hodgson, of Liverpool, who had built the Richard Cobden, the Sarah Sands, and other vessels noted for their strength and durability, established a yard on the north west portion of the Marsh, where for five years he carried on a most successful business. He built a train of barges, several dredges, &c., for the Spanish Government, and retired from the trade with independency a few years ago.
A short time afterwards, an enterprising builder, Mr. J. Mackern, from Liverpool, leased one of Mr. Hodgson's yards, about three years ago, and continued the same business. He has given very striking proof of a thorough knowledge of his business, and during the period his establishment has been in existence, he has built no fewer than fourteen vessels of various sizes (an average of three per year within one), of gross tonnage, in round numbers, of 6,000 tons, and an aggregate cost of £88,000 to £90,000. And when we find that one-third, at least, of this enormous sum has been paid in wages alone, we may form some idea of the advantage accruing to the town by this new branch of trade.
The first vessel built by Mr. Mackern was the paddle-steamer Milly, afterwards the blockader, Bendigo. She was built for Edward Bates, Esq., the merchant and extensive shipowner of Liverpool, was 190 feet long, and about 400 tons burthen. She had engines of 80-horse power, by the celebrated makers of marine engines, Messrs. Fawcett, Preston and Co., Liverpool, and made nearly twelve miles an hour on trial.
The second was the barque Cecilia, built for the gentleman, Mr. Bates, but afterwards sold to Messrs. Wilson and Chambers, of the White Star Line. She is 600 tons.
The third was the brig Harmston, of 250 tons, built for Messrs. Satterfield and Clark, of Liverpool.
The fourth, the barque Eastham, of 600 tons, iron masts, built for Messrs, E. Tennant and Co., of Liverpool.
The fifth and sixth were two boats for Indian river navigation, 145 tons each.
The seventh was the barque Navenby, 550 tons, built for Mr. Clark (late Messrs. Satterfield and Clark), Liverpool, and engaged in the copper ore trade. She has iron masts and steel lower yards.
The eighth was the celebrated blockade runner Night Hawk, 230 feet long and 950 tons, with engines of 200 horse power, by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston, and Co., Liverpool. She made 20 miles an hour on her trial trip, and steamed home after escaping from the Federals, and in very disabled stale, at the rate of 16 miles an hour. She was originally built for M. I. Wilson, Esq., the large shipowner of Liverpool, but changed hands before leaving port, and now belongs, we have heard, to the ex-Mayor of Liverpool.
The ninth was the Lleallewah, a screw boat of 210 tons, for Indian river navigation.
The tenth was the Mazeppa, 250 feet long and 1000 tons, with engines of 220 horse power, by Messrs. James Jack and Co., of Liverpool. She made 19 miles hour on trial, was built for M. I. Wilson, Esq., and was originally intended for a blockader, but is now in the Brazilian trade.
The eleventh was the Ribbleton, barque of 500 tons, with iron masts, now lying near the yard from which she was launched, being finished. Trade not known.
The twelfth was the schooner Fairy Queen, 120 tons, built for and owned by George Lawson, junr., Esq., corn merchant, Preston. She is a beautiful model, more like a yacht than a trading vessel and does not belie her appearance, as she outsails all of her class.
The thirteenth was the screw-steamer Pieter Landberg, of 400 tons; engines 120 horse power, by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston, and Co.. Liverpool. She was built for the Batavian Government, and immediately after completion proceeded to Java. She made about fourteen miles an hour on her trial trip.
The fourteenth and last was the paddle-boat Syren, of two hundred tons; engines of 35-horse power, by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston, and Co., of Liverpool. She was built as sister ship to the Sylph and Sprite, and is now plying on the New Ferry, at Liverpool.
The outfits of the ships are by Liverpool firms. The ships are finished and the engines fitted at Liverpool, the work required for finishing the vessel, being done in Preston. The timber, ironmongery, brasswork, oils, paints, and coals are obtained in town, as also a great part of smithy iron. When the yard was in full operation, there were upwards of three hundred workmen employed, but at present from various reasons which are easily explainable, there are only about sixty at work. The arrangement of the yard appears to quite perfect, and the following statement of the heads the different branches will give readers some idea of the system adopted: - Foreman boiler maker; the angle iron maker, who makes the bends in the iron work of the ship; the foreman blacksmith and fitter, who looks after the iron work necessary for masts and yards, &c.; the foreman carpenter, who sees to the putting down of the decks, the windlasses, the launch ways, &c; the foreman joiner who fits up the cabins, &c.; the foreman labourer, who is at the beck of all the other foremen, and calls his men together, to transfer or to fetch anything required by the others; the store keeper, who receives all that goes into the yard and keeps account of all that is used; the time-keeper, who keeps an account of the time of the workmen; the draughtsman, who makes the drawings and lays down the ship; and the cashier and two clerks, who manage the office business in such a way as to prevent the possibility of mistake. Mr Mackern himself manages the yard.
The Preston Iron Shipbuilding Compony began operations on a plot of land adjoining Mr. Mackern's yard in May, 1864, and it is not too much to say that they have conferred great benefit on the town. There are at present 550 men, and the average sum paid weekly in wages is £580. Several first class vessels have been successfully launched, the number of orders at present being executed and on the books of this enterprising company are a sufficient proof that those interested in shipbuilding have a high opinion of the work done at this establishment. Mr. Thomas Smith, the manager, who is a member of the Institution of Naval Architects, London, gets through his business in an astonishingly short space of time, and seems to be "the right man in the right place". The following is a list of the ships launched from the yard since May. 1865:-
The Ada Wilson, 220ft long, 28ft broad, and 17ft. 6ins deep; 850 tons gross, screw steamer, 120 power; begun May 1864; launched February, 1865; built for the Mediterranean Trade; engineers, Messrs. Jones and Son, Liverpool. It is classed Aa.
The Preston Belle, 175ft. long, 26ft. broad, 16ft. 6in. deep ; 573 tons gross; screw steamer, 90 horse-power; begun December, 1864; launched July, 1865; built for the United Kingdom Screw Co., Dublin, for the general coasting trade; engineers, Messrs. G. Forrester and Company, of Liverpool; classed A1 for 15 years.
The Maravilla; 160ft. long; 28ft. broad, 20ft. deep; 600 tons; iron sailing barque; begun February, 1865; launched October, 1865; built for Messrs. G. H. Fletcher and Company, of Liverpool, and for the San Francisco trade; classed Aa.
Erin's Pride, 95ft. long, 21ft. broad, and 11ft. deep; 103 tons; iron schooner; begun April, 1865; launched Nov., 1865; built for Mr. P. Ternan, of Drogheda, and for the Baltic trade; classed Aa.
Kenilworth, 170ft. long, 29ft broad, and 21ft. deep; 700 tons; iron sailing barque; begun March, 1865, to be launched on the 31st of January, 1866 ; classed Aa.
Subjoined is a list of those at present on the stocks, and others, which have been ordered, and will be commenced as soon as the stocks are empty:-
The Taughtah, 170ft. long, 20ft. broad, and 8ft. deep; 336 tons; steel paddle yacht; building for Forrester and Company, engineers, Liverpool; to be fitted with engines 100 horse power and to be used a yacht for his Highness the Pasha of Egypt.
A paddle steamer for the General Steam Navigation Company, London; 250ft long, 32ft. broad, and 16ft. deep; 1,020 tons; 300 horse power; for the cattle trade between London and Tonning, in Denmark; classed Aa.
A screw steamer for Liverpool owners, 205ft. long, 27ft. 6in. broad, and 17ft. deep; 760 tons; and 100 horse power; to trade between Liverpool and Rio de Janeiro.
A double screw steamer, 145ft. long, 23ft. broad, and 11ft. deep; 370 tons; and 40 horse-power; two distinct pairs of engines of 20 horse power each; building for the Liverpool coasting trade; to be classed Ac.
Two iron paddle steamers, 190ft. long, 28ft. broad, and 12ft. deep; 722 tons; building for the Campania Pernambucana of Brazil; to trade between Rio and Pernambuco; poop 60 feet long; to be fitted up in handsome style for 50 first-class passengers, and with a large deckhouse formed for officers; engines, 150 horse-power, made by Messrs. James Watt and Co., of Birmingham, and will be fitted on board at Preston. These will be the first vessels of large size ever completed here; to be classed A.b.
The aggregate value of these vessels, with engines, &c, is about £136,800, and without engines, &c., about £106,880. As the cost of the engines, therefore, amounts to 30,000, and as these have not hitherto been made in Preston, we hope our townsmen engaged in that kind of trade will give their attention to the matter, and see whether something cannot be done to let the town have the benefit of so large a sum of money. ....


[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 01 September 1855]:
Ribble Navigation Company. ... The directors have let land to Messrs. Ogle and Robinson, for an iron ship-building yard, and they have formed the graving dock and ship-building yard of Mr. T. Smith advantageous to the trade of the port.


[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 14 November 1857]:
FOR POSITIVE SALE. UNDER AN ASSIGNMENT FROM THE SHERIFF OF LANCASHIRE. Messrs. LOMAX and SONS respectfully announce that they are instructed by Mr. John Ogle, to SELL BY AUCTION, without reserve, on Wednesday and Thursday, November 18th and 19th, 1857, at eleven o'clock, on the premises occupied by A. Ogle and Co., Hope Foundry, Lancaster-road, and the New Quay Ship Yard, Marsh-end, Preston.
A Vast portion of the very valuable MACHINERY, TOOLS, and STOCK, used by the above firm in the business of iron founders, engineers, and iron shipbuilders, which includes large planing machine (nearly new), will plane 6 feet by 6 feet by 16 feet; powerful boring mill, will bore 60-inch cylinders; large back-geared drilling machine; 20-inch back-geared hand lathe, with iron bed; two wood cranes, with chains, blocks, &c., complete, will lift ten tons; large and small grindstones and troughs; wood patterns; six 12-inch back-geared slide lathes, with from 16 feet to 30 feet beds; 15-inch back-geared slide lathe, with 35 feet bed; 20-inch powerful break lathe; 16-inch back-geared hand lathe and iron bed; seven 12-inch back geared lathes, wood gantries, with iron stands; two 10-inch back-geared hand lathes; planing machine, to take 2ft. 0in. by 2ft. 6in. by 6ft.; powerful slotting machine; shaping machine, upright drilling machines, three powerful cranes, large quantity of moulding boxes, large quantity of cast and wrought scrap iron, a large quantity of pig metal and wrought iron bars of various sizes, 20-inch Shieles' patent fan, 4-feet foundry fan and driving apparatus, large cupolas, three crane ladels, quantity of old brass and brass castings, nine anvils, quantity of metal swage blocks and stands, large quantity of various castings, large vices and wood benches, quantity of millwrights' tool boxes and tools, one-ton portable weighing machine, neat whitechapel, five excellent carts, office desks and fixtures, and other valuable items.
AT THE SHIP-YARD, NEW QUAY. Capital large four-wheeled boiler waggon, powerful pair of Platt's bending rollers, 12 feet wide on the face; powerful punching and shearing machine, two vertical countersink drilling machines, and a large quantity of boiler plates, bar, rod, and rivet iron. ...


[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 26 January 1860]:
To be let, with immediate possession, an eligible Ship-building Yard, situate on the banks of the Ribble at Preston. Now in the occupation of Mr Thomas Smith, shipbuilder, and adjoining the yard and premises of Mr James Hodgson, engineer and iron ship-builder. The above premises present every convenience for carrying out an extensive business either by a ship-builder or timber merchant, or any other business requiring good river frontage. Several ships of have been built and safely launched from this and the adjoining yards. For terms and inspection, apply to Robert Parker, Managing Director of the Ribble Navigation Company, Preston.


Wooden galliot Preston, built Preston 1805, 100 tons. In LR1819-46. Owned Bibby, from 1812, for trade Liverpool - Dublin. By 1837 sold to Wilson, Belfast. Registered Belfast 8/1837, 100 tons and 63/1845. Not in MNL. Only tracked in newspapers to 1845, with master Wilson.

[from Illustrated London News - Saturday 16 March 1844]:
Troon, March 9. It blew a dreadful gale this morning from W., during which the Preston, of Belfast [master Wilson]; the Isabella, of Kinsale; the Grace Gillespie, of Belfast; a large bark, supposed to be the Clarence, of Galway; and the sloop Robert and Mary, of Dundalk, all drove ashore on the beach. [later: has been got off]

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Saturday 02 August 1845]:
Penrhyn (Bangor): Sailed: Preston, Wilson, [for] Belfast

[from Banner of Ulster - Tuesday 19 August 1845]:
Belfast. Sailed. Aug. 9. Preston, Wilson, [for] Workington, ballast.


Wooden schooner Content, built Preston 1817 [from LR1819uw], 99 tons, ON 17022. Some LR years give built Lancaster, also date 1816. Initially owned Higham for trade from Preston and Liverpool to Baltic. Repaired at Preston 1832. Transferred to Dundalk 1853, owned Farrell, Dundalk, in MNL to 1865. Voyage Dundalk to Preston, with grain, ashore at Lytham, crew saved, 28 November 1864.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 01 September 1832]:
A launch: Some months ago, a hermaphrodite brig, of 103 tons burthen, called the Content, and one of the largest vessels belonging to the port of Preston, was, in order to be repaired, hauled up sideways, high and dry, upon the bank of the river between the New Quay and the wharfs at the bottom of Fisher-gate. This vessel ... was built about eighteen years ago, a little lower down the river .... chiefly employed in the trade between this port and Ireland, she seldom, because of her draft of water, discharged or loaded so near the town. ... launched sideways at high tide ...

[from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 03 December 1864]:
Wreck off Lytham. £1,000 worth of grain lost. On Monday afternoon, the Schooner Content, from Dundalk, laden with grain, ran ashore on Salthouse Bank, a short distance from Lytham. The schooner is owned by Mr. Farrell, of Dundalk, from which port she sailed a few days ago. She is about 130 tons burden, and was commanded by Captain Mailey, When she grounded the tide was running high, and the captain and crew, fearing that she might become a total wreck left her, and went on shore in their own boat for the lifeboat, stationed at Lytham. The lifeboat went out with the crew, and visited the ship, but failed to get her off. On Tuesday she was again visited and it was found that she had floated into the North Channel and sunk. The barley and other grain which formed her cargo was all washed out. The loss in this alone is roughly estimated at £1,000. The cargo is, however, fully insured. It is thought that she will be a total wreck. There were about six men on board when the accident occurred, but all were saved.


Wooden schooner Tom, built Lytham 1828, 96 tons, [from History of Ship-building at Lytham]. In 1835, owned Cookson, Preston. Possibly vessel Tom registered Lancaster 57/1836, 74 tons, marked lost. Schooner Tom, with coal, Tyne for Sligo, wrecked at Ness of Duncansby, in a storm, 9 October 1845, all crew lost.

[from Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Monday 03 April 1837]:
Dundalk. March 23. Vessels loading here: The Tom of Preston, Scott, for Preston.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 09 September 1843]:
For sale... FIVE-EIGHTHS of the SCHOONER "TOM", with all the Sails, Anchors, Tackle, and Boats, in good order, now lying at Lytham, in the river Ribble. For inspection apply to the Captain, on board; and for further particulars apply to Mr ALLEN, Surveyor; or to Mr. N. PARKINSON, Corn Merchant, Preston.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 25 July 1845]:
London. Inwards: Tom, Scott, from Sligo.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 17 October 1845]:
Peterhead: Sailed. Oct 8. Tom, Scott, for Sligo.

[from Morning Herald (London) - Friday 24 October 1845]:
We regret, however, to say that on Thursday forenoon the schooner Tom, of Preston, foundered off Duncan's Bay Head [sic, Duncansby], and melancholy to relate, the whole crew perished. The following particulars of this melancholy event have been furnished by our correspondent:
About eleven a.m. on Thursday, the 9th instant, during a gale of easterly wind, with a tremendous sea in the Pentland Firth, a schooner was seen to founder amongst the breakers off the Ness of Duncan's Bay, and soon thereafter she drifted on her beam-ends upon some outlying shoals, where she remained for about 15 minutes, and then went to pieces. Some fragments of the wreck have been washed ashore, and amongst it a small piece of the stern, on which is painted (lately) in large yellow letters, "Tom of Preston", and "Port of Lancaster," round the rudder case. One of the bodies of the unfortunate crew was washed ashore on the following day, and respectably interred in the churchyard of Canisbay on Saturday, by the directions and under the superintendence of Mr. S. Davidson, ship-agent, Huna. This ill-fated vessel is supposed to have been coal laden, as some few coals have since been washed ashore.

[from John o'Groat Journal - Friday 31 October 1845]:
SALE OF WRECK, FOR BEHOOF OF ALL CONCERNED. By warrant of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Caithness, there will be Sold, by Public Roup, at DUNCANSBAY, to-morrow (Saturday), the 1st day of November, THE whole WRECK, saved from the SCHOONER TOM, of PRESTON, foundered off Duncansbay on the 9th inst. - consisting of WRECK, ROPES, BEAMS, and MASTS, besides a quantity of the best Wallsend COALS, fit for House or Blacksmith's use; also three pieces of MASTS, and some ROPES and CANVASS at NYBSTER.


Wooden smack Ribble, built Speakman, Preston, 1838. 15 tons. ON 24229. Registered Lancaster 21/1838, 18 tons, then Fleetwood. In MNL to 1875.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 08 December 1838]:
River Ribble Navigation. ... rapid progress Mr Speakman is a making in the building of the new steam dredge. We were pleased to see the new smack, called the Ribble, quite completed and afloat. ... further contract with the builder for 6 more punts....

[from Preston Herald - Saturday 23 March 1861]:
ON SALE, the smack "RIBBLE", registered under 5 and 6 Wlliam IV., ch. 56, and being therein stated 17 3156-3500 tons register, and 23 91-94 tons burthen; measuring 36 5-10 feet long, and 10 8-10 feet broad; with the tackle and appurtenances belonging. .. Lying at Lytham.

[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 20 January 1866]:
Barrow Arrived: Ribble, Pater, from Fleetwood. [last voyage found June 1867]


Wooden schooner Jonah, built Speakman, Preston, 1838, 76 tons, ON 15902. Registered Preston. For sale 1870, then owned and registered at Wexford, owned Devereux, 50 tons. In MNL to 1880. Voyage Dublin to Wexford, driven aground on Dogger Bank, off Wexford, 10 May 1880, and wrecked, crew of 6 saved by Lifeboat.

[from Blackburn Standard - Wednesday 12 September 1838]:
A LAUNCH. We had rather an uncommon occurrence here, a launch, on Wednesday last, and as the weather was particularly fine, and the whole ceremony went off without a single check, and was concluded without the slightest accident having happened, the event is one which may be remembered with pleasure by the large concourse of spectators who witnessed it. The vessel (a schooner), was named the Jonah, and is 120 tons register but capable of stowing a cargo of 140 tons. She was built by Mr. Speakman, at the Marsh-end, and was completely dandy rigged before being launched. The tide was a twenty feet one, and at full at twelve o'clock. About five minutes past that time the last wedge that held her from ber native element was struck away, and the steady but very rapid rush which she made into it, seemed to produce that happy sensation which we feel in seeing a child rush with impetuosity to its mother's arms. The persons on deck gave some cheers immediately after the vessel had righted herself in the water, but they were not responded to by on shore. ...The vessel we understand, belongs to Messrs Lawson, Martin and Ashburn, and is intended for the Irish trade.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Wednesday 20 July 1870]:
The substantial Schooner JONAH (of Preston), 65 tons register, and 110 tons burthen of dead weight, on 10 feet draft of water. Was built at Preston in 1838, of the best materials, by her late owners, for their own in ship, and is a well known trader between Preston and Dundalk. Has been well taken care of, is well found in every respect, and was almost rebuilt at Lytham about five years since.

[from Newry Reporter - Tuesday 11 May 1880]:
WRECK OF A SCHOONER. LONDON, MONDAY. The schooner Jonah was blown on the north end of the Dogger Bank yesterday, and is fast becoming a wreck. The crew, however, were all saved by the lifeboat Ethel Eveleen.

[from Manchester Courier - Friday 04 June 1880]:
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. ... The Wexford lifeboat put off at midnight and saved six persons from the schooner Jonah, of that port, which, while on voyage from Dublin, had stranded on the Dogger Bank and filled with water.


Wooden flat/ketch Speakman, built Preston 1839 [RCUS], registered Preston 1846, 34 tons. ON 1550. Later registered Lancaster. In MNL to 1871. By 1864 owned James Fisher, Barrow, 32 tons. Book about James Fisher states built 1830 [sic], lost 1873[sic]. Voyage Liverpool to Preston, with corn, aground on Taylor's bank and lost, 24 February 1870, crew of 2 saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 04 April 1840]:
Preston. Arrived. Speakman, Swan, from Liverpool with a general cargo. [first mention of trade by the vessel]

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 25 February 1870]:
The Speakman, of Barrow (32 tons), from this port for Preston, with a cargo of Indian corn, is ashore on Taylor's Bank. The crew have been landed. [aground 24 Feb.]


Wooden schooner Lord Willoughby, built Speakman (or Whalley), Preston, 1840, 81 tons, ON17285. Registered Preston 1842-59; then, from 1860, registered Beaumaris. For sale 1865 and registered Belfast from 1866-1887, owned Elliot, Portaferry, 71 tons. In MNL to 1888. Last voyage found, Portaferry to Belfast, 8 October 1887.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 14 November 1840]:
LAUNCH. - On Tuesday morning last, the new vessel built by Mr. John Whalley, of this town, was launched from the yard at the bottom of Fishergate. The vessel was named "The Lord Willoughby."

[from Lloyd's List - Thursday 09 January 1851]:
The LORD WILLOUGHBY, (schnr.) Hidden [sic, Iddon?], of and for Preston from Glasgow, was driven on the Brazil Bank this morning, but has since come off. and arrived here.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Monday 30 October 1865]:
Sale at Liverpool... The strong British-built Schooner, LORD WILLOUGHBY, 60 tons register, Length, 60 feet; breadth, 17.5 feet; depth. 8.5 feet. Built at Preston, carries 124 tons on light draught; fast sailer, shifts without ballast, takes the ground well, and is well found; has been very well kept up. and has just been clased for four years in French Lloyd's, Lying in Brunswick Dock. ... [another advert says built 1840 at Preston]

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Saturday 08 October 1887]:
Lord Willoughby from Portaferry at Belfast.


Wooden schooner Richard, built Speakman, Preston 1840, 43 tons, ON 17212. Registered Preston 1843, 51 tons. In RCUS as lost at sea. Location was off Skerries, 11 February 1861, with 2 crew both lost.

[from Saunders's News-Letter - Thursday 14 February 1861]:
THE LATE GALES. Drogheda, Feb. 12. I have just learned that a vessel, supposed to the Richard, Preston, whose boat was already washed ashore, has been observed floating, keel uppermost, two or three miles outside Skerries, this morning. I am informed also that the services of a steam-tug will be employed to bring her into port.


Wooden brig Alpha, built Speakman, Preston, 1840, 108 tons, initially owned by Martin, corn-merchant, Preston. For trade to Mediterranean. Registered Preston 17/1846. In LR 1851. Voyage Stettin to Preston, 9 September 1852, wrecked near Dunkirk, crew saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 19 September 1840]:
LAUNCH OF THE BRIG ALPHA. - On Monday last, this substantial and handsome vessel, the property of Mr. Robert Martin, of Church-street, and Mr. T. Dewhurst, on Lune-street, was launched in the Ribble, from opposite to Mr. Stevenson's iron works, on the Marsh. The launch took place a few minutes before one, in the presence of thousands of spectators. Nothing could be more graceful than the exit of the stately craft from land, to take possession of her more congenial element. Mrs. Heywood, the daughter of Mr. R. Martin, amid the acclamations of the crowd, performed the office of sponsor, and with the usual ceremonies gave the name of "Alpha", as the brig left the stocks and made her parting bow to terra firma. She is registered at 108 tons new, and 134 old, measurement, but will admit of a cargo of full 150 tons. ... Mr Speakman, the builder ...

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 16 October 1852]:
LOSS OF A PRESTON VESSEL. - Early on Saturday morning last, the ship Alpha, Richardson, master, and the property of Mr. Peter Robinson, of this town, was wrecked off Dunkirk, on the coast of France. The vessel was bound to this port, from Stettin, and had on board a valuable cargo of grain, besides freight to the amount of £100. The captain mistook the Dunkirk light, and the ship stranded. The crew escaped in the boat, and the ill-fated craft shortly afterwards went to pieces. The French admiralty have saved a portion of the cargo, which they will restore. The vessel was of the value of £700, and her owner was insured in the Preston Passengers' Association for £600 on her account.


Wooden schooner Gleaner, built Preston 1841 (probably by Speakman), 62 tons, ON 8091. Registered Fleetwood 1841, owned James Caunce, Lytham. Then registered Preston. In MNL to 1890, owned William Griffith, Rockferry. Voyage Mersey to Bray, with coal, leaky and beached at New Brighton, 5 September 1890.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 24 July 1841]:
LAUNCH. - On Wednesday afternoon last, a new schooner, built for Messrs. J. and A. Caunce, was launched from the building yard at the bottom of Fishergate, in the presence of a numerous assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. She was named "The Gleaner". Her tonnage is 62 on the new, and 89 on the old, admeasurement.

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 16 December 1889]:
GLEANER. Liverpool, Dec. 14, 8 15 p.m. The Gleaner, of Preston, Liverpool for Creetown, cargo coal, cotton, and corn, when at anchor off "New Ferry," grounded on a supposed anchor, which pierced bottom, causing vessel to fill. Vessel was beached and hole plugged. She was afterwards taken into dock to be discharged and repaired.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Monday 08 September 1890]:
Gleaner, of Preston, for Bray (coal), sprang a leak when off Orme's Head, put back, and beached at New Brighton for repairs (Liverpool. Sept. 5.)


Wooden schooner Rapid, built Speakman, Preston, 1841, 67 tons, ON 16810. In RCUS, as 47 tons, owned Caldwell; MNL gives owner Rawstrone of Freckleton. Wrecked Lambay 27 September 1871. Crew of 3 saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 23 January 1841]:
LAUNCH. - On Monday last, a schooner was launched from Mr. Speakman's yard, called the "Rapid," of Preston. She is the property of Messrs. Humber, corn merchants, of this town, and was made fit for service when on her cradle. She proceeds forthwith to the deep sea. She is 67 tons on the new, and 55 tons [corrected next week to 85 tons] on the old measurement, and is intended for the Irish trade. She will bring her cargo up to the Preston quays.

[from Lloyd's List - Friday 06 October 1871]:
LAMBAY ISLAND, Co. Dublin, 29th Sept. A schooner, in crossing the Taylor bank, North of this island, the 27th Sept, at 1.15 p.m., was struck by a sea, and capsized; the sea was very heavy at the time and no assistance could be rendered. [A communication from the Board of Trade, accompanying the above report, states that the vessel was supposed to be the Rapid, of Preston].


[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 21 August 1841]:
Launch. Yesterday a new sloop, tonnage ?? tons, was launched from the yard of Mr Speakman, bottom of Fishergate. This is the fifth vessel built by Mr Speakman this year, and all of those previously built, proved themselves first-rate sailing vessels.


Wooden sloop Fox, built Preston, 1841, 53 tons, ON 1771. Registered Lancaster 1841, then Chester 1863-6, then Belfast 1867-77. Latterly owned John Pollin, Carrickfergus, 45 tons. Voyage Carrickfergus to Port Dundas (reached up a canal from the Clyde at Glasgow), with copper ore, leaky and abandoned, 10 February 1877, near Troon, crew saved.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 15 February 1877]:
Fox. Report of William John M'Dermott, Master of the sloop Fox, of Belfast, 45 tons, from Carrickfergus, Feb. 9, for Port Dundas (70 tons of burnt copper ore):- Proceeded all well far as Cumbrae Light, bearing two miles north. At midnight, tide being two hours ebb, weather hazy, with rain, wind W.N.W., a strong gale, the sloop was under close-reefed canvas, steering north, on the port tack, myself in charge, the pump choked, vessel making water, the sea being very heavy, washing the decks, with two feet of water upon the cabin floor. Thinking that the vessel would founder, put the boat out and abandoned her, and were scarcely clear of her when she foundered. The vessel had one iron pump which was in good condition at commencement of voyage, situated abaft the afterhatch. We rowed to Troon and arrived there at 5 a.m. Troon, Feb. 10.


Wooden schooner Robert & Elizabeth, built Speakman, Preston, 1841 (or earlier), 59 tons, ON16813. Registered Preston 1841. First recorded voyage Jan. 1842 from Preston to Drogheda. In MNL to 1866, owned Thos Thomber, Preston, 20 tons, registered Fleetwood. Voyage Liverpool to Barrow, got aground off Barrow and abandoned, 23 September 1866. Crew saved. Vessel drifted ashore at Knott End.

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 23 November 1846]:
Lytham 21 Nov. The Robert & Elizabeth, of and for Preston, from Drogheda, parted her anchors last night during a heavy gale, and came on shore near this port, but is expected to get oft, without much damage, if the weather moderate

[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 04 November 1865]:
Robert and Elizabeth, of Preston, from Preston for Duddon, (cargo casting), put into Piel, on the 2nd inst., having lost a boy over-board.

[from Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 02 November 1866]:
Wreck of a schooner. On Wednesday evening, the 23rd ult., the schooner Robert and Elizabeth, of Preston, William Draper, captain. was lost while on her voyage from Liverpool to Barrow. The night was very squally, and whilst beating about before the wind, the vessel struck upon "foul ground", near Piel, where she remained until flood, when she capsized, losing masts, spars, and rigging.. The captain and crew took to their boat immediately on perceiving the injuries which the vessel had sustained, and reached Piel in safety. The wreck continued to drift about Morecambe Bay until Monday last, when a strong wind, accompanied by a heavy sea, brought her in sight of Fleetwood. The steam tug Wyre went out to her, and having secured a hawser on the windlass of the Robert and Elizabeth, attempted to tow her into Fleetwood, but the windlass giving way, she went adrift. Two other efforts to bring her in were equally unsuccessful, and she was then allowed to drift upon a lee bank at Knot End, where she now lies a total wreck. She was sold yesterday by Mr. A. Harrison, Fleetwood, for the sum of £12 10s.


Wooden schooner Ruby, built Preston 1842, 82 tons. ON 12129. Registered Fleetwood 1842 82 tons, then Preston 71 tons, and later 61 tons. In MNL to 1884, owned Richard Draper, Liverpool. Voyage Liverpool to Silloth, wrecked on Silloth Bank, 10 December 1883, crew saved.

[from Carlisle Journal - Tuesday 04 December 1883]:
Whitehaven. 30th. Ruby from Liverpool for Silloth 30th.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Wednesday 12 December 1883]:
Silloth. Dec. 11. - Ruby, from Liverpool for this port, with phosphate rock, struck on Silloth Bank last night and sank. Crew landed in their own boat.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Thursday 13 December 1883]: Ruby. The deck of the Ruby has come ashore, nothing else to be seen of her. (Silloth, Dec 12.)


Wooden schooner Margaret & Ann (also Anne), built Speakman, Preston 1842, 67 tons, registered Fleetwood 1842. ON 16812. By 1862 registered Dundalk. In MNL to 1888, owned John King, Annagassan, 57 tons. Ran aground at Annagassan, 7 December 1888.

[from Louth local history]:
One particular shipwreck, which is visible from the shore, is the Margaret and Ann, a 57-ton schooner which ran aground at Annagassan at the Millrace Breakwater on December 7, 1888.
The wreck can be seen during low tide with the east side of the wreck almost flush with the surrounding seabed and the breakwater. Most of the ceiling timbers are now gone unfortunately, but some survive partially visible in places, according to the National Monument Service, which undertook an extensive project several years back to catalogue as many shipwrecks around Ireland.


Wooden brig Jane & Esther, built Speakman, Preston, 1842, 177 tons, ON 4019. For trade to Americas and Mediterranean. Registered Preston 26/1845, then Weymouth from 1859, now 160 tons. Voyage Hartlepool to Granville, with coal, struck rocks off Iles Chausey, 1 July 1864, crew saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 16 July 1842]:
Ship Launch. - On Monday last, the beautiful brig "Jane and Esther," the property of Messrs. Wm. and John Humber, merchants, of this town, was launched from Mr. Speakman's yard, Marsh End. This vessel is the largest which has ever been built in Preston. Her registered tonnage is 186, but she will carry a cargo of as much as 240 or 250 tons. She is intended for the foreign trade, and will regularly sail between our own and foreign ports. The launch took place at about two o'clock in the afternoon, in the presence of a very numerous concourse of spectators. Unfortunately the day was unpropitious, the rain falling in successive torrents until late in the afternoon, as many a "sight see-er" could testify, from having been drenched to the skin. Had the weather been fine, there is little doubt that a great many more persons would have been present. The vessel glided smoothly and evenly into the water of the Ribble, and was hailed by the shouts of the hundreds of persons who, witnessed the launch. On Tuesday she was towed by the Lilly steamer to the floating dock at the Old Quay, to be fitted for sea. It is expected that she will be ready to start for her first voyage in a month from the present time, or perhaps even sooner than that.

[from Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 12 May 1864]:
Weymouth. Ship arrivals: Jane & Esther, Hayward, Neath

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 06 June 1864]:
London, Entered inwards, June 4: Guersey. Jane & Esther, Hayward, B 159, Gwh.Manuelle

[from Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 07 July 1864]:
Loss of another Weymouth Vessel. The fine cutter brig, the Jane and Esther, jointly owned by the master, Hayward, and Mr. Dyer, of this port, was wrecked on Friday morning last. She was laden with coals from Hartlepool for Granville, in France, and about 11 o'clock on Friday morning struck at low water on a ledge of rocks off Chausey, about midway between Jersey and the coast of France, and sank. The crew were saved, but are sorry to hear that the vessel was not insured. There is faint hope of saving a portion of her gear if she remains on the ledge, but all hopes of getting off the vessel are abandoned.


Wooden schooner Hare, built Preston 1843. Registered Lancaster 1845, 58 tons. In 1865 owned John Barrow, Ulverston. Owned Fisher, Barrow, 1871 to 1876. In MNL to 1885, latterly owned Thomas McAlpin, Carrickfergus, 53 tons.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 19 May 1871]:
Hare schooner, of Lancaster, Miller, from Duddon for Ellesmere (iron ore), was in collision May 10, northward of the Prince's Landing in the Mersey; amount of damage to the vessel, £25.

[from Clyde Bill of Entry and Shipping List - Saturday 18 August 1883]:
Aug 16. Hare, M'Alpine, Carrickfergus. [latest report found, with master M'Alpine]


Wooden schooner Chance, built Preston 1843, 38 tons, ON 17245. Registered Preston 1843, 45 tons. In 1865 registered Fleetwood, owned John Bamber of Preston, 38 tons. Only traced in newspapers to 1872. In MNL to 1885, when registered Preston, owned Blackpool, Lytham, & Southport Steam Packet Co. This company was liquidated in 1881. The sale of their property did not include schooner Chance.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 01 December 1881]:
In Liquidation. - The Blackpool, Lytham, and Southport Steam Packet Company, Limited. - Important Sale of Steamboats, Ships' Stores, &c. ....


Wooden schooner Mischief, built Preston before 1845. Possibly the vessel registered at Preston 5/1851, 87 tons. Not found in LR. Involved in a "scam": on a voyage Malaga to New York, with lead, wine and raisins, put into New London (Connecticut) leaky, discharged some cargo and then left for New York but sank en route, on 15 September 1852. What really happened, however, was that the cargo was unloaded on a beach and she was then scuttled with no cargo on board.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 08 August 1845]:
Liverpool: Entered for loading. Aug. 7. Mischief, Morris, [for] Mauritius.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Saturday 22 February 1851]:
Ship's Reports: Jan 31, Spoke the schooner Mischief from Liverpool, lat 45 30 N; long 11 W, all well.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Thursday 30 September 1852]:
Br. schooner Mischief, Morris, from Malaga for New York, which put into Bermuda, and afterwards into New London (Conn.), in distress, has been lost, having started a butt and sunk in Long Island Sound. When in New London, Captain Morris shipped the heavy portion of his cargo (lead) to New York, and not wishing to subject his owners to any further expense, attempted to make for New York with the remainder of the cargo, when the vessel was lost, as above stated. The captain and crew reached New York in safety in their boat. There was $6000 insurance on the cargo in New York.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 02 June 1854]:
US court case .... This case grew out of the attempt made in September, 1853 [sic], to embezzle the cargo of the English schooner Mischief, which had arrived at the port of New London in August of the same year, loaded with wine, lead, and raisins. She was built in Preston, England, and hailed from Bristol, and was bound from Malaga to New York. She put into New London, under pretence of being in a leaky condition, and lodged her manifest at the Custom-house. She was commanded by Capt. John Morris, who undoubtedly formed the design of selling the whole cargo, and appropriating the avails to his own use.
After lying in New London harbour 10 days, the Mischief got under weigh, and went over to Huntingdon Bay, L. I., and was run head on the beach, and remained there about a fortnight, during which time she was unloaded, most of the labour being performed in the night time. The cargo was placed on board two other small vessels and brought over to Connecticut, and secreted in various places. It was afterwards seized by the United States officers, but was finally given to the consignees, on payment of costs; the government being satisfied that the owners were in no way privy to any infringement of the laws. After the vessel was discharged, she was taken out into Long Island Sound and sunk off Newhaven. The captain and crew went to New York in the yawl. On learning that the goods were discovered and seized, they fled.
Several parties who were concerned in assisting the captain in removing the goods were prosecuted, amongst others the defendant [Comstock] in this suit. The jury returned a verdict against him of $320 and costs, amounting to $260 more. The smallness of the verdict was owing the want of proof connecting Comstock with the principal operations in this district. He had a small quantity of goods which he took to Norwich and secreted. He secreted a considerable quantity near Gardiner's Island, for which he will be liable to indictment in the District of New York. A similar case was tried last fall in this court, in which judgment of $12,000 was obtained against Snell, who was pilot of the Mischief, and assisted in unloading her cargo.


Wooden schooner Venture, built Speakman, Preston, 1846, 52 tons, ON 19108. 60.7 x 14.3 x 6.9 ft. Registered Preston 7/1846, 52 tons, latterly owned Balbriggan. Then registeed Wigtown 1883, owned Thomas Harris, Creetown, 46 tons. Voyage Liverpool to Creetown with coal, 23 October 1884, ashore at Creetown. Dumfries SR reports broken up 1884.

[from Morning Post - Friday 24 October 1884]:
Lloyd's agent at Whithorn, under date Oct. 23, telegraphs that the Venture (schooner) has gone ashore at Creetown. She is laden with coal, and bound from Liverpool for Creetown. Lloyd's agent has taken charge of the cargo.


Wooden schooner John Paley, built Speakman, Preston, 1847, 85 tons. In LR1851, reported built 1847. Registered Preston 16/1847, coasting. Not in MNL. Voyage Newcastle to Nantes, ashore on Ore Stone Rock near Torbay, 4 February 1852, crew saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 15 May 1847]:
Launch. - Mr Speakman, we understand, will launch on Monday next, a fine new schooner from his ship-building yard, on the Marsh.

[from Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury - Saturday 14 February 1852]:
Teignmouth, Feb.5. About seven o'clock last evening, the schooner John Paley, Byrne, of Preston, from Newcastle for Nantes, was driven ashore on the Ore Stone Rock, off the entrance to Torbay, and sunk, during a gale from W. The captain and crew took to their boat and landed on the rock. The vessel's masts are visible from hence, above water. The captain reports great pillage of the materials by the Brixham trawlers, who paid no respect to any authority.


Wooden schooner Walter Dean, built Smith, Preston, 1854, 79tons, ON3345. Owned John Dean of Blackburn. Registered Preston. Later owned Edwin Dean of Blackburn, 65 tons. Voyage with slates to Liverpool, 1 Feb 1894 struck East Hoyle Bank, Crew saved in own boat and landed New Brighton. Wreck reduced by blasting 2 June. Wreck listed by MDHB.

[from Blackburn Standard - Wednesday 05 April 1854]:
LAUNCH ON THE RIBBLE. On Thursday, a fine schooner was launched from the building yard of Mr. Thomas Smith, a short distance above the New Quay on the Ribble, at this port. This vessel, which is the first, we understand, for which Mr. Smith has laid down the keel, is a good model, and, as far as our judgment went, appeared to be a very creditable specimen of naval architecture. She is of timber, 66ft, keel, and 74ft. overall; breadth of beam, 19ft 6in; and is calculated to carry freight to about 140 or 150 tons, her registered burden being 80 tons. We believe she has been about five months in the course of erection, and is as well put together and as sea-worthy as any coming up to Preston, She has been built for Mr. John Dean, of Blackburn, and, we are informed, is intended by him for the Scotch and the Baltic trade, and will sail in connection with foreign ports and Preston or Fleetwood. ... steam tug Alice to tow her to Lytham ... fine steamer Gem arriving from Liverpool ... named "Walter Dean" by Mrs Dean ...

[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 02 February 1894]:
SCHOONER WRECKED OFF HOYLAKE. About ten o'clock on Wednesday night, the schooner Walter Dean, of Preston, inward bound with a cargo of slates, struck on the East Hoyle Bank, off Hoylake. Signals of distress were shown, but do not appear to have been seen from the shore. The crew of the schooner, fearing to remain on the vessel with a flood tide, succeeded in launching their own boat, and after a rough journey, landed at New Brighton about half-past seven yesterday morning. About the same hour, the schooner was observed at Hoylake, and a gun was fired to summon the lifeboatmen. In about twenty minutes, the boat was launched, and the Walter Dean was found to be a long way out at sea. The lifeboat had therefore to proceed around the tail of the bank in order to reach the vessel, the crew of which, however, had, as already stated, landed by that time at New Brighton.


Wooden schooner Furness Miner, built Smith, Preston, 1855, 88 tons, ON 18927, registered Lancaster. Owned James Fisher, Barrow, was posted missing on a voyage Nantes to Preston, cargo wheat, leaving 6 January 1866.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 25 November 1854]:
LAUCH. - On Wednesday last, a fine dandy-rigged schooner, called the Furness Miner, was launched from the ship-building yard of Messsrs. Watson and Allsup, Strand-road, where she had been built by Mr. Thos. Smith, of this town, for Messrs. Fisher and Co., of Barrow, who intend her for trading between the Bristol channel and Barrow, with iron ore. The weather was most inclement at the time, but there were many persons down to witness the advent of the new craft into the river. She is a fine vessel, and does much credit to her builder. Her length of keel is 75.5 feet; her breadth of beam, 19 feet 6 inches, her depth in midships, 9 feet 10 inches; and her length over all is 89.5 feet. Her figure-head is a well executed representation of a mariner[sic, miner?] with a pick in his hands. This is the second clipper schooner Mr. Smith has built within the last nine months. The Walter Dean, the last Mr. Smith launched, is now successfully engaged in the coasting trade.

[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 17 February 1866]:
There is no doubt but that the schooner Furness Miner, Parkinson, of this port, is lost with all hands, five in number. She left Nantes for Preston, loaded with a cargo of wheat, on the 6th of January last, and has not since been heard of. It is therefore supposed she has foundered at sea. The stern of her boat has been cast ashore at La Guerinare, entrance of the river Loire. The Furness Miner was built at Preston, in 1854, and was owned by Messrs. James Fisher and Co., of this town. [possibly La Guérinière, on Ile Noirmoutier]


Wooden schooner Blackburn, (also Blackburne) built Thomas Smith, Preston, 1856, 132 tons, ON 19838, for John Dean of Blackburn. Voyage Montrose to the Tyne, in ballast, collision with brig Sweet Home, 29 March 1870, and foundered, crew saved. [note RCUS has a different record]

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 05 January 1856]:
LAUNCH. - We understand that on Thursday morning next a new clipper schooner will be launched from the building yard of Mr. Thomas Smith, at the Marsh End.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 12 January 1856]:
Ship building on the river: There have this week been five vessels launched at this port.
On Wednesday an iron boat, intended for the Lancaster canal, was launched from the yard of Messrs. Watson and Allsup, Strand-road, and on Thursday a second boat was launched from the same premises. Both these are for the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, and are intended for the coal trade. Two more are being built for the same trade, by the same firm.
On Wednesday, a wooden vessel, intended for the Leeds and Liverpool canal, built for the Moss Hall Coal Company, was launched from the yard of Mr. Cartmel, in Strand-road.
On Thursday, a vessel as stated in another column, was launched at Lytham [Agnes].
and on the same day a fine schooner was launched from the yard of Mr. Thomas Smith, at the Marsh End. This vessel has 82 feet of keel, 97 feet over all, 22ft 2in width of beam, and 11ft. 5in. depth of hold. She is of clipper build of the Aberdeen style, of 137 tons register, and will carry 220 tons. When loaded she will draw 10.5 feet. A day or two before the launch, she was sold by Mr. Smith to Mr. John Dean, of Blackburn, owner of the Walter Dean, and two other vessels belonging to this port. She has been classed A 1 at Lloyd's for nine years. She is intended for the Mediterranean trade. At the launch of this vessel there was a large attendance, principally of the friends of the owner. Shortly after one o'clock, Master Edwin Dean, the second son of Mr. Dean, struck the vessel with a bottle of wine as she glided from her stays, and, giving her her name, wished "Success to the Blackburn." Several rounds of hearty cheering greeted her advent into the river. Her noble appearance, as she floated in the stream, was the theme of general remark.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 15 April 1870]:
Report of Richard Parry, Master of the Schooner Blackburn, of Preston, 132 tons, from Montrose for the Tyne (ballast) (before reported): Left Montrose, March 28; and 29th, at 6 a.m., weather very thick, wind S.W. by S., moderate, ship being about four or four and a half miles S.E. of the Bell Rock, the Lighthouse bearing about N.W. by W., under all plain sail to topgallantsails, on wind on the starboard tack, saw at about 120 fathoms off a sail, reported by the man at the wheel. Seeing that a collision was inevitable, ordered the helm to be put down and brought the vessel's head to wind. The other vessel (the Sweet Home, of Montrose), standing on the port tack, struck my vessel in the fore part of the lee fore chains, the jibboom going through our forestaysail, and cutting us down two or three strakes below the water line, the blow taking effect between two timbers. Threw rope to the other vessel to keep the two vessels together. Finding vessel making much water, went below with the Crew to save what we could, and went on board the other vessel, then returned to the Blackburn to get the boat out. Just had time to do so when the vessel foundered, there being a hole about 18 inches wide in her bows, just before the forechains. We were taken by the Sweet Home to Montrose.


Wooden schooner Henry & Ellen, built Smith, Preston, 1856, 51 tons, ON 19841. In MNL to 1869, owned James Ashcroft, Tarleton, 52 tons. Lost 1869. Voyage Barrow to Ellesmere Port, with pig iron, ashore on Liverpool Bar and wrecked, crew saved, 19 October 1869.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 10 May 1856]:
LAUNCH. - On Tuesday last, a schooner built by Mr. Thomas Smith, was launched from his building yard at the Marsh End. At one o'clock when the tide was at its height, the vessel was loosed from her stays, and she glided splendidly into the river. Her owner, Mr. James Ashcroft, of Tarleton, as she moved off, dashing a bottle at her bows, named her the Henry and Ellen. She is a handsome craft and does much credit to her builder. She is intended for the Irish and coasting trade, and she will be dandy rigged. She is 62 feet length of keel; 18 feet 2 inches breadth of beam, 67 feet length over all, and a has 8 feet depth of hold. Her burden will be 100 tons. She will be ready for leaving the river on her first voyage in about a fortnight. In the afternoon the workmen engaged on her construction and a number of friends were entertained by the owner at a sumptuous dinner at 3 the Shelley's Arms Inn. ...

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Saturday 23 October 1869]:
LIVERPOOL. Oct. 20: The Henry and Ellen schr., of Preston, Fazakerley, from Barrow for Ellesmere (pig iron), struck on the bar yesterday, and was abandoned in a sinking state; crew saved.


Wooden schooner John Cartmel, built Preston 1857 (most probably by Thomas Smith), 56 tons, ON18690. Owned John Cartmell, Parbold. Registered Preston 1857. In MNL to 1905, latterly owned McVeigh, Kilkeel, 49 tons. Broken up 21 July 1905.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 13 September 1904]:
Holyhead. sailed. John Cartmel, Kerr, Warrenpoint.


Wooden ship Ceylon, built Smith, Preston, 1857, 690 tons, Later rigged as a barque. Sold to German owners, registered Rostok. More history. 15 November 1888, stranded and lost near Agger Tange / Jylland, Denmark on passage Baltimore for Helsingor, with petroleum.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Thursday 16 July 1857]:
ON SALE, A splendid NEW SHIP; - Now building under special survey, to class, A 1 twelve years. Length between perpendiculars 146 feet; breadth 30 feet; depth in hold 19 feet 6 inches; tonnage o.m. 593 tons; will register about 700 tons. She is a good model, combining large carrying and good sailing qualities. The best materials have been used in her construction, and she can be launched in a few weeks. For further particulars, apply to SMITH & RUTHERFORD, shipbuilders. Preston, ...

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 07 November 1857]:
LAUNCH OF THE CEYLON. On Tuesday last, while the attention of the engineers and the sight-seers of London was attracted to the launch of the largest vessel ever built in the world, a number of our own townspeople wended to the Marsh, to witness the advent into the Ribble of the largest vessel that has been ever built here, indeed of the largest that has ever floated in the waters of our river. This vessel has been built by Mr. Thomas Smith, ship-builder, of the Marsh End, and it was from his yard that the launch took place. Mr. John Rutherford, of this town, designed the ship, and her beauty and symmetry were the theme of general remark. She is square-rigged and three-masted, and her dimensions are as follows:- Length over all, 166 feet; length between perpendiculars, 146 feet; breadth, 30ft. 3in.; depth, 19ft. 6in.; tonnage (old measurement), 593; registered tonnage, 690; burthen, 850 tons (dead weight), or 1,000 tons lineal measurement. When launched, she drew 5ft. 10in. forward, and 8ft. 10in. aft. She will class A 1 at Lloyd's for twelve years. She has been built of the best materials, and great care has been bestowed upon the workmanship, and she will prove herself a very suitable vessel for the East India or China trade, for which she was designed. Her frame is composed entirely of British oak; her principal outside planking is made of green-heart, while the whole of the ceiling and lower deck beams are of mahogany. Her iron knees are of extra strength, and she is entirely copper fastened. She has a round stern and flush deck, with poop and fore-castle. Her lines are greatly admired by all practical and nautical men who have seen her, and she has been constructed under special inspection. Her figure head is a demi-female figure. Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, the rain falling almost continuously all the day, a very large number of spectators were assembled to witness the ceremony both on the premises of Mr. Smith, and in the adjoining shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Ogle and Co., as well as on the opposite bank of the river, whilst others viewed the event from small pleasure boats on the river. ...

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 03 March 1868]:
Sale... The Barque CEYLON, 580 tons register; built at Preston, under special survey in 1857, and then classed 12 A 1 at Lloyds. Length 145.5 feet; breadth 31 feet; depth 19.5 feet. ...

[from Lloyd's List - Friday 16 November 1888]:
CEYLON. Vestervig, Denmark, Nov. 15, 6 p.m. The barque Ceylon, Captain Niemann, of Rostock. from Baltimore for Elsinore (petroleum), for orders, ashore.

[from Lloyd's List - Friday 23 November 1888]:
CEYLON Aarhuus, Nov. 18. About 3,000 barrels petroleum have been saved, undamaged, from the cargo of stranded barque Ceylon.


Iron barque Bogota, built Ogle, Preston 1857, 383 tons, ON 19189, registered Liverpool. In MNL to 1868, owned W Hewitt, Liverpool. Voyage Greenock to Penang, with coal and gunpowder, on fire, abandoned, 12 September 1868, near Tristan da Cunha, crew saved.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 02 May 1857]:
LAUNCHES OF IRON VESSELS AT PRESTON. On Saturday last, Messrs. Andrew Ogle and Co.. of the Hope Foundry, Lancaster-road, in this town, launched from their shipbuilding yard, at the Marsh End, a very beautiful iron ship, and a remarkably elegant yacht built of the same material. The ship, which has been five months in building, is the property of Messrs. Blythe and Troughton, ship store dealers, Liverpool, and has been constructed from the designs and model of Mr. Jonathan Grindrod, of the firm of Grindrod and Sons, naval engineers, Liverpool. Her dimensions are 150 feet over all, breadth of beam 12[sic, 25 below] feet, and depth 17 feet. She is of 450 tons register, but is computed to carry from 650 to 700 tons; will be a three-masted full-rigged ship, and is intended for the South American trade. Captain Hewitt, of Liverpool, has been appointed to command to her, and she has been classed A 1 at Lloyd's twelve years.
The Mayor (Mr. L. Spencer), Mr. R. Parker (managing director of the Ribble Navigation Company), the owners of the vessel, the designer, Captain Hewitt, the builders, a considerable number of other gentlemen, and a goodly sprinkling of ladies were present at the ceremony of launching. ... Christened Bogota. [first major iron vessel built by Ogle] .....
Messrs. Ogle and Co. have now on the stocks two other iron vessels, steam-tugs, one for the trustees of the Duke of Bridgewater, to be called the Earl of Ellesmere; the other, for the United Tug Company at Liverpool, and is to be called the Brother Jonathan, the latter is 185 feet in length, and 24 ft in breadth, with 12 feet 6 inches depth of hold.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 12 September 1857]:
....also an iron Schooner of 95 feet long, and 14 feet beam, built on the patent tubular principle of Mr. James Hodgson; also an iron ship of 135 feet long, 25 feet beam, and 400 tons register, which is intended to be a sister ship to the Bogota, lately built by Messrs. Ogle and Co. (and which is now on her first voyage to India), being made from the same model and on the same lines.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 20 July 1867]:
For Sale. 28-64ths of the splendid Iron Barque BOGOTA, 383 tons register. Built at Preston in 1857, and classed 12 A 1 at Lloyd's. Dimensions: Length, 135 feet; breadth, 25 feet; depth, 17.6 feet. Lying in the Canning Graving Dock. ...

[from Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 08 December 1868]:
LOSS OF THE BOGOTA. Report of J. Jones, late master of the barque Bogota, of Liverpool, which was burnt at sea. The barque Bogota sailed from Greenock, July 10, 1868, for Penang. She bad on board a mixed cargo, composed of bale goods, cases, wines, spirits, bar iron, 195 tons coal, and 1,500 kegs of gunpowder. Nothing occurred worth mentioning until Sept. 1, when it blew terrific gale from SE, and sail was reduced to close-reefed topsail and maintrysail. The gale lasted until Sept. 4, when on examining the hold we discovered that several of the kegs of gunpowder had got adrift, which we instantly secured. Sept. 11, at 4.30 p.m., the chief officer reported to me that there was smoke coming up the chain locker hatch. I immediately went into the hold and discovered that the ship was on fire. We took the main hatch off at once, and commenced throwing the powder overboard; several of the hands employed throwing water on the coals. The smoke was now coming up by the mainmast and stanchions in clouds, and at 5.15 p.m. we succeeded in getting all the kegs of powder overboard. The fire was now increasing very fast, and the men could not stop in the hold any longer. I therefore battened the batches down and stopped all ventilation. The ship was now in lat. 36 S, long. 12 W, the Island of Tristan de Cunha bearing south, distant about 60 miles. I therefore hauled the ship to the wind, to try and fetch the island. During the night it blew a terrific gale, and I had to reduce sail to close-reefed topsails and reefed foresail. The sea was running like a mountain, and we could not get into the cabin or forecastle for heat and smoke. The ship was burning fast. Sept. 12, 5.30 a.m. the island of Tristan de Cunha was in sight ahead. carried all the sail the ship would bear to try and fetch the island, but I saw we were going to leeward fast, so I got the longboat and pinnace all ready for getting out. At noon the hatches began to lift, and the deck getting hot, I expected to see the ship blow up every moment. I therefore got the boats in the tackles over the side. The longboat got her sternpost knocked away in getting her out. We got some biscuits and water in the boat. The wind was now moderating, but the sea was running so high that I did not expect the boats would live. At 1.30 p.m. the after main hatch burst up. We now rushed into the boats. The chief officer, Mr Robinson, took charge of the longboat. I took the pinnace. We had great trouble in getting clear of the ship, she rolled so heavily. We pulled direct for the shore, Sept 13, at 4 a.m., the pinnace which I was in reached the shore. I got two of my ribs broken on landing. 1.30 p.m. the longboat got to the shore. She got knocked to pieces with the surf on landing, but all hands were saved. We were now about six miles from the settlement, where we had to remain for four days. The surf came so heavily that I expected we would be washed off the beach. However, on the 16th Sept, the surf went down. I took the pinnace and four men and pulled to the settlement, where we were received with the greatest kindness.
  On the 24th Sept, a vessel hove in sight. I went on board and found she was whaling brig called the Highland Mary. At my request Captain French consented to take us to Cape Town, although he was bound to New Zealand. We left the island on the 25th Sept. On the 28th at 5 p.m., when 120 miles to the east of Tristan de Cunha, we fell in with the shell of the Bogota. Captain French lowered one of his boats and went on board. The vessel was literally blown to pieces. Her between-deck beams were blown out, two or three of the deck beams still remained. There was not a particle of anything left. The chain cables and bar iron were melted into a solid lump, and a few cinders were still burning. We stopped by the Bogota all that night, and next day scuttled her. On the morning of the 8th of October, when off the Cape of Good Hope, we fell in with the City of Dublin (s.s.), from Cape Town for London. I went on board and stated my case to Captain Eynon, who very kindly took us off the brig, and gave us a passage to London.


Iron schooner Abbeville?, built Ogle, Preston, 1857. Ogle is described as having an iron schooner of 95 feet length and 14 feet beam on their stocks in September 1857. Consequent upon the failure/bankruptcy of Messrs Ogle, there was a court case (involving the responsibility of paying for 188 pints of beer at the launch for the workers) in December 1857 which names the vessel as Abbeville, captain Evans. This name is not found in MNL or newspapers.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 05 December 1857]:
Court case involving ..... the captain [Evans] of the Abbeville, an iron schooner made by, and recently launched from the yard of, Messrs. Ogle and Co., Marsh-end; ... Consequent of the failure of Messrs Ogle.


Iron barque Thomas Blythe, built, Smith, Preston 1859, 387 tons, 135 x 24 x 17 ft, ON27648. Reported build started by Ogle at Preston, but when they ran into difficulties, finished by Thomas Smith, who had previously built in wood. In MNL to 1881, owned David Blain, Portreath. Voyage Samanco [Peru] to Liverpool, cargo sugar, leaky and abandoned 6 August 1881, about 500 miles from Scillies, crew of 12 saved.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Friday 03 June 1859]:
Rio Janeiro: Thomas Blythe, Williams, G F Fletcher,...

[from Liverpool Mercantile Gazette and Myers's Weekly Advertiser - Monday 26 December 1859]:
Daily expected to arrive. For CALCUTTA, The beautiful new iron clipper ship THOMAS BLYTHE, Captain Mills, 400 tons per register, classed A 1 for twelve years, sails fast, and is in every respect a first rate conveyance.

[from Cornishman - Thursday 18 August 1881]:
Shipping Disaster. There was considerable excitement here on Saturday evening, when the news spread that a shipwrecked crew had been landed from a steamer. The crew, 12 in number, proved to that of the barque Thomas Blythe, of Hayle, Captain John Richards, master, and belonging to Mr. D. W. Bain of Portreath. The barque, which was an iron one of 900 tons register, was bound from Samanco, Peru, to Liverpool, with 600 tons of sugar. She had got to about 500 miles from Scilly, lat. 45 N., long, 25 W., when she suddenly commenced to fill and almost immediately sank. The crew had just time to save their clothes, and, after being in the boats for a short time, were picked up by Norwegian ship and from her transferred to the steamer, which landed them at St Ives. The disaster is attributable to the plates becoming loose through the starting of rivets. Captain Richards and three of his crew belong to St. Ives; two others are Truro men; and one hails from the Lizard district.

[from Cornishman - Thursday 25 August 1881]:
Capt Thomas Richards, of the 382-ton, sugar-laden barque, Thomas Blythe, of Liverpool, which he and the crew felt compelled to abandon August 6th, in lat. 47 N. and long. 17 W., has made his formal report of the circumstance. Leaving Samanco, April 9th, the sugar being in bags, all went well till 6 p.m. on August when, moderate N. W. wind but a cross sea, the carpenter found seven or eight feet of water in the pump-well. The water was half way up the lower hold. All hands went to the pumps. The Norwegian barque Ellida was signalled for assistance and boarded. Capt. Krog could not spare any hands, but said he would stand by till daylight. All night the hands pumped and reduced the water to five feet. Capt. Richards signalled to the Norwegian that he thought he could reach land. A large quantity the cargo was dissolved, the carpenter could not find the leak, and at noon of August 6th the crew gave in, for it took every hand to keep the water down. The Norwegian was re-signalled and, at 8 p.m. on the second day, the Thomas Blythe was abandoned with 11 feet of water in her. Capt. Krog and his crew treated the refugees with every kindness. On Aug. 12th they were transferred to the Maggie Warrington and landed at St. Ives, as already reported. [described as owned Hayle; 19W in some reports]


Wooden schooner Mary Agnes, built Smith, Preston, 1859, 83 tons, owned Ashcroft, Preston, ON 26852, in MNL described as built Ashton, Lancs, which is the west area of Preston, where the Marsh End shipyards were located. In MNL to 1883, Owned John Platt, Liverpool, registered Preston, 74 tons. Voyage Preston to Liverpool, ashore and wrecked in Liverpool approaches, 3 November 1883. Position listed in MDHB records.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Monday 05 November 1883]:
Mary Agnes schooner, from Preston, loaded with gravel, went ashore this morning inside Formby Lightship; crew saved by the tug Conqueror, and landed at the Prince's Stage; vessel has become a total wreck. (Liverpool, Nov 3)

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 08 November 1883]:
MARY AGNES: Report of George Marsh, master of the schooner Mary Agnes, of Preston, 73 tons, from Ramsey, Nov. 1, at about noon, for Liverpool, with 143 tons gravel:-
Proceeded, and all went well, and we came to anchor a little to the southward of No. 5 Black Buoy, Crosby Channel, about 2:30 a.m., with port anchor and 25 fathoms chain. At 7:45 a.m. on the 4th weighed anchor. At 8 a.m., tide being first of flood, weather overcast, wind S.W., blowing a moderate breeze, the vessel having weighed anchor and stood on starboard tack to the southward, came round in stays, and before gathering headway, her keel took the ground, which caused her head to fall off, and which caused us to let go the anchor again, and she went broadside against the bank. About 9 a.m. a gale sprung up from the westward, which drove her further on the bank. When I saw the weather getting bad, I engaged the tugboat Conqueror, and at 9:30a.m., he made fast and commenced to tow us, and when pulling her stern off the hawser broke. He gave us another, which also parted, the gale having increased with a heavy sea, the vessel bumping heavily, causing her to fill; and seeing no chance of saving her, we were taken by tugboat's boat on board and brought to Liverpool. I expect vessel will become a total loss. - Liverpool, Nov. 5.


Wooden schooner Phillis (also Phyllis), built Smith, Preston, 1860, 69 tons, ON 28902. Registered Preston, then from 1867 at Newry. Register closed 1917.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 03 November 1860]:
LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOONER. On Tuesday last, at noon, a new schooner, built by Mr. Smith ship-builder, of the Marsh, was launched from his ship building yard. The vessel is sixty-six feet nine niches of keel, nineteen feet seven inches of beam, eight feet four inches midships, and seventy-five feet eight over all. She is registered at sixty-eight tons, and will carry 150 tons. When laden, she will draw about nine feet six inches of water. According to the tables, there was a sixteen feet seven inch tide; but the absence of wind and the dead calm which prevailed, caused the river to be two or three feet lower than a tide of that height usually makes it. The vessel is the property of Mr. Thos. Smith, her builder, and Mr. Christopher Yates, agent of Kirkless Hall Coal Company, in Preston, and is intended for the coal, grain, pig iron, and general coasting trade. ... [named Phillis; Mr Smith said he had built and launched 9 large vessels in 6 years, but Mr Yates was the first Preston gentleman who had been a customer]....]

[from Belfast News-Letter - Tuesday 21 June 1910]:
NEWRY SCHOONER ASHORE AT NEWCASTLE A Lloyd's telegram states that the schooner Phillis, of Newry, has stranded at Newcastle, County Down, but will probably float next tide. Slight damage has been done.


To top of pages

Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Lytham, before 1860.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 22 January 1842]:
Ribble Navigation Company. ... The Dock, or Basin, at Lytham, is now in a state to afford a safe harbour and anchorage to all vessels visiting the port and requiring such accommodation. ...


Wooden schooner Nanny & Betty, built Lytham 1821. 55 tons, ON17229. Registered Preston 9/1848, then Fleetwood 7/1855. Owned James Fisher from 1871. In MNL to 1885, 48 tons. Book about James Fisher quotes sunk 1874[sic]. Newspapers report no voyages after sinking in Barrow Dock 1872.

[from Lloyd's List - Saturday 09 November 1872]:
Barrow. 7 Nov. The Clifton (barq.), of Liverpool, parted from her moorings in the Devonshire dock, and drifting down the dock, ran into the Nanny & Betty (flat), of this port, and sunk her, The John Slater (schr.) had her stem (or stem) stove and boat smashed. Another account states that the damage to the John Slater (schr.) was caused by the Nanny & Betty (flat) having been driven against her before the flat sunk; crew of the flat ashore at the time.


Wooden schooner Harriet, built Lytham 1824, 35 tons. ON 1649. Registered Dumfries 1845, 40 tons, then Stranraer. Registered Belfast 1866-74. In MNL to 1875, 35 tons, owned William Hamilton, Larne. Carrying lime, driven ashore near Helensburgh and stripped, 21 December 1874.

[from Morning Post - Saturday 24 October 1874]:
The schooner Harriet, of Belfast, also lime laden, drove on shore near Helensburgh, and was high and dry. She has been stripped. Water has also got into her hold.


Wooden schooner Hesketh, built Lytham 1837, registered Preston 1853, 48 tons. Owned John Taylor, Preston, then John Rawsthorn, Preston. From 1873-82, owned Blackpool, Lytham & Southport Steam Packet Company, 41 tons. That company was liquidated in 1881. Voyages only found up to 1871.

[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 08 April 1865]:
TO BE SOLD. THE SCHOONER "HESKETH", of Preston, For particulars apply to John Taylor, Church Street, or Thomas Williamson, Grocer, Church Street, Barrow.


Wooden schooner Britannia, built Lytham 1837, 59 tons. ON 22652. Registered Fleetwood 12/1855, 59 tons. For sale 1860. Later registered Caernarfon 1861-1886. In MNL to 1886, when owned Griffith Jones, Chester, 58 tons.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 July 1860]:
FOR SALE, The handy coasting schooner Britannia, 59 56-100ths tons per register; built Lytham, in the county of Lancaster; his always been kept in good order; carries a fair cargo, and is well found in stores, Length 66ft 6-10in; breadth 18ft; depth 7ft 4-10in. Lying in Canning Dock. ...

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 04 September 1874]:
Liverpool. Sailed Coastwise: Britannia, 57, Carnarvon.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 25 November 1880]:
Port Dinorwic. Britannia, Hughes, for Runcorn. [last voyage found with master Hughes]


Wooden smack Princess Victoria, built Banister, Lytham 1837, 27 tons.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 15 October 1842]:
Sale... The well-known fast sailing FISHING SMACK, Princess Victoria, burthen per register 27 876-3500 parts, now lying in the Lytham Dock Pool. The Princess Victoria was built in 1837, by Mr. R. Banister, of the best materials. ...


Wooden wherry Sir Robert Peel, built Lytham 1840, 37 tons, ON1769. Registered Fleetwood 1843, 43 tons. By 1857 registered Preston. In MNL to 1886, latterly owned John Hull, Tarleton, 37 tons. Grounded on anchor at New Ferry [Mersey] 22 June 1885. Possibly then condemned.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 28 September 1882]:
Caernarvon. Arrived. Sir Robert Peel, Preston. [Sept 26]

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Thursday 25 June 1885]:
Sir Robert Peel, of Preston, grounded on anchor off New Ferry on the 22nd inst, the fluke making hole in bottom, causing the vessel to leak.


Wooden flat Buony, buit Lytham 1841, 38tons, ON24144. Registered Preston 1852. Register closed 1894, owned Anthony Cartmell, Parbold, 38 tons.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 15 January 1866]:

ANOTHER SCHOONER ON TAYLOR'S BANK. On Saturday morning a vessel was seen on Taylor's Bank, making signals for assistance, The Formby lifeboat was immediately launched, and proceeded to the rescue of the crew of the wrecked vessal, She proved to be the Buony, a schooner bound from Preston to Birkenhead, laden with iron ore. Owner, Astley Cartman; master, Robert Edmondson. The crew, two in number, were conveyed to the Crosby lightship, and, when the cargo is taken out of the vessel, it is expected she will float.


Wooden schooner Agnes, built Bannister, Lytham, 1856, 86 tons, ON 19837, for the corn trade between Preston and Drogheda. Latterly 74 tons, registered Preston, register closed 1917, when owned Cork.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 01 March 1856]:
NEW SCHOONER. - We announced about six weeks ago, the launch at Lytham of a new schooner, the Agnes, by Mr. Bannister for Mr. Pyke, corn merchant of this town, and Messrs. Chadwick corn merchants of Drogheda, which made her first visit to our quays this week with a cargo of grain from Drogheda for Mr Pyke. The vessel reached here on Sunday, after a quick and successful voyage, and is now taking a cargo of coal on her outward passage. ...

[from Morning Herald (London) - Wednesday 13 February 1861]:
The Agnes (schooner), of and from Preston, is ashore south of Kingstown Bay; crew saved.

[from Saunders's News-Letter - Thursday 14 February 1861]:
THE LATE GALES. Drogheda, Feb. 12. .... It is thought that in a day or two, the Agnes, of Preston, which ran ashore near the entrance to the Drogheda harbour, during the gale on Saturday, will be got off safely.

[from Banbridge Chronicle - Wednesday 27 January 1909]:
VESSEL REFLOATED AT NEWCASTLE. The schooner Agnes, of Preston (owner Mr Jones, Liverpool; Captain Caffrey), which was ashore at Newcastle, County Down, in the gale on the 29th December, was refloated by Mr Patrick Murphy, pilot, assisted by a number of the Newcastle fishermen, on Monday afternoon. Owing to the vessel having been driven far up on the beach, much difficulty was experienced in refloating her. The schooner was taken to Dundrum Harbour for repairs. The damage however, is slight.

[from Gloucestershire Chronicle - Saturday 22 July 1916]:
Gloucester: exports. [for] Waterford, Schooner Agnes (Camm) with 170 tons salt from Salt Union.


Wooden schooner, Confidence, built Bannister, Lytham 1856, 51 tons, ON 14921. Registered Preston, closed 1905.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 04 October 1856]:
LAUNCH AT LYTHAM. - On Wednesday last, a small schooner, called the Confidence, was launched from the dockyard of Messrs. Hugh Bannister and Co. She is a beautiful vessel, and likely to be a fast sailer, and will carry about one hundred tons. She is intended for the iron ore trade. ...


Wooden schooner Jane & Ellen, built McMurdie, Lytham, 1857, 61 tons, ON 19295. Register closed 1893, when registered Fleetwood, owned Iddon of Greenodd. Off Whitehaven, sails blown away and fire lit as a signal then spread to the vessel which was abandoned by her crew of two, 1 November 1893.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 10 October 1857]:
LAUNCH. - On Monday last, a small schooner called the Jane and Ellen, was launched from the dock yard of Mr. McMurdie, Lytham. She is about 120 tons burden, and dandy rigged, is a beautiful model, and a credit to the builders. The owners are Mr. John Ward, of Fleetwood, and Mr. John Bond, of Warton. After the launch the parties interested adjourned to the Clifton Arms Hotel to partake of a sumptuous repast, ...

[from Carlisle Journal - Friday 03 November 1893]:
A FLEETWOOD SCHOONER BURNED OFF WHITEHAVEN. Early on Wednesday a vessel was observed off Whitehaven on fire and in a disabled condition, with all her sails blown away and only her jib to depend upon. The vessel turned out to be the schooner Jane Ellen, of Fleetwood, in ballast, and she was in charge of Captain Scott and a seaman. When she was nearing St. Bees Head the wind became so strong as to blow away the sails and the men lighted torches as a signal of distress, After burning the torches for some time, the captain discovered that the ship was on fire, and it was not long before the flames shot up and attracted the attention of the men at the William Pit, and also at the furnaces, The position of those on board having thus become perilous, the two men left the burning schooner and got safely to land in a boat, and the vessel afterwards drifted behind the North Wall, where it now lies a complete wreck.


Wooden schooner Ocean Queen, built McMurdie, Lytham, 1860, 73 tons, owned Iddon, registered Preston. ON26853. In MNL to 1867, owned Livesey, Preston, 73 tons. Voyage Dundalk to Whitehaven, wrecked on Isle of Man, 17 April 1866.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 14 January 1860]:
LAUNCH. - On Wednesday last, a small schooner, called the Ocean Queen, of about 130 tons burden, built by Mr. John McMurdie, of Lytham Dock, was launched in the presence of a goodly number of spectators. She was named by Mrs. Iddon, of Warton, in the customary manner, as she glided into the water. The owners are Messrs. McMurdie, Iddon, and Co. She is intended for the coasting trade.

[from Whitehaven News - Thursday 26 April 1866]:
Douglas (Isle of Man), April 17. The Ocean Queen, schooner, of Preston, 78 tons, which left Dundalk on the 12th for Whitehaven, has been wrecked at Dalby Kirkpatrick, about 5 miles from Peel.

[from Manx Heritage]: Voyage Dundalk to Preston, master Iddon, ashore at Dalby Point. Crew of 4 stayed aboard until daylight. Later capsized and sold as a wreck.


To top of pages

Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Freckleton, before 1860.

In 1814 a shipyard was established in Freckleton, although the village had been used as a port for many years prior to that, and the first ocean going vessel was built in 1871. In later years the shipyard serviced all the lifeboats in the North West of England. As a port, cargoes of wood, grain and slate arrived, mainly from Connahs Quay on the river Dee and sometimes from as far afield as Ireland. Coal was unloaded daily coming from Wigan up the river Douglas to Freckleton.


Wooden smack Industry, built Freckleton 1830, 21 tons, ON17215. Registered Fleetwood 1854, 18 tons. 43.4 x 13.1 ft. 21 grt. Registered Whitehaven 1893-8, owned William Peet. More history. Returning from fishing to Whitehaven, 8 December 1898, sunk by steamer John Burbery, near Whitehaven, captain saved, 2 crew lost.

[from Maryport Advertiser - Saturday 10 December 1898]:
COLLISION WITH A STEAMBOAT, TWO LIVES LOST. Last (Thursday) night a sad disaster took place of Whitehaven. The trawl boat Industry, belonging to Mr. W. Peet, of Walker's Court, Church Street, Whitehaven, collided with a steamer off Whitehaven and foundered, two lives being lost. The facts, so far as we have been able to ascertain,, are as follows. The Industry was commanded by William Peet, and he was accompanied by two fishermen named William Ellis [sic, Tom Ellis in BOT report], about fifty years of age, and Thomas Thomlinson [sic, Thomas Thomason in BOT report], about twenty-nine. They had been fishing all day and were returning to Whitehaven when a collision took place between the trawler and the steamer John Burbury [sic, John Burbery in BOT report, ON84660], which was on a passage from Harrington to Liverpool. The captain of the steamer (Captain Holmes) at once stood by the vessel and he and his crew did all they could to save the lives of the occupants of the fishing smack. The weather at the time, it is said, was not very rough. Peet managed to get into the rigging of the smack and by this means he was enabled to reach the steamer in an exhausted state, but his companions went down with the boat. The steamer stood by for some time and when all had been done towards saving those on the smack. the captain turned about and put into Whitehaven, where Peet landed. The sad news caused a painful sensation, especially amongst the fishermen, amongst whom the unfortunate men were well known and esteemed. The deceased men were married, Thomlinson being son-in-law to Ellis.
Another account says:- The fishing smack "Industry", of Whitehaven, while coming home last (Thursday) night, was run into and sank about three miles off Whitehaven by the coasting steamer "John Burbury," of Liverpool. The steamer was on a passage from Harrington to Liverpool. It appears that the smack was struck on the port side. and sank immediately, drowning two of the crew, William Ellis and Thomas Thomlinson. Ellis resides at Mount Steps, and leaves a wife and grown-up family of four to mourn his loss, and Thomlinson resides at Galehack Lane, and leaves a wife and one child. Ellis is about 50 years of age, and Thomlinson 28 years of age. The only aurvivor is the owner and master, William Peet, of Church Street, who took to the rigging and was saved just as the vessel foundered. He was brought into Whitehaven last night by the steamer.

[BOT report] Found master of Industry at fault for displaying inadequate lights, and master of John Burbery at fault for not keeping a proper look-out, and not remaining longer to look for survivors.


Wooden flat Victory, built Freckleton, 1834 [from RCUS], 29 tons, ON19824. Registered Preston 1849, 34 tons. Registered Fleetwood by 1870, in MNL to 1871, owned Richard Barker, Ulverston, 29 tons. Voyage Tarleton to Ulverston, with coal, aground and abandoned, off Lune, 13 November 1871, crew of 2 saved. Stated to have struck the wreck of PS Lyra.

[from Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser - Saturday 18 November 1871]:
NARROW ESCAPE OF A CREW. On Monday evening, as the flat, Victory, of Ulverston, Capt. Henry Halsall, while on a voyage from Preston to Ulverston with coal, struck upon the sunken wreck of the Lyra, off the west side of the Lune. The flat was stove in with the collision, and immediately began to sink. The fishing boat, Mary Kate, of Morecambe, was passing at the time, and crew of the Victory signalled for assistance. Captain Halsall and the two hands were were taken off their sinking craft, and landed in Barrow. Nothing was saved from the Victory. The Captain sounded just before the occurrence and found from two to three fathoms of water. The loss of the Victory is attributable to the fact of the buoys which marked the position of the sunken wrecks having broken away, and not having been replaced. We trust that no time will be lost in having the necessary buoys put in these dangerous places, so that another disaster of a like nature, may be averted.


Wooden SV Johns, re-built Mayor, Freckleton, 1850. Only "Johns of Preston" found in MNL is ON8847, built Workington 1827. This information is repeated in LR1857, marked "Rest 50". Both sources confirm her as as owned J Birley & Sons, Kirkham - which matches the newspaper report. The most plausible solution is that this vessel, ON8847, was re-built at Freckleton in 1850. She was registered at Preston 5/1848, then 10/1850, 86 tons. Registered Fleetwood from 1870, in MNL to 1888, 67 tons, owned John Stanley, Waterford.

[from Banner of Ulster - Friday 24 March 1843]:
Ramsey IOM, March 18. The Johns, of Newry, O'Neill, sailed hence, to-day, for Troon. She has been lying in this harbour above six weeks, and has been repaired, and had some new sails, having been driven ashore here last January.

[from Newry Telegraph - Thursday 07 January 1847]:
Re: JOHN CARAHER, of Newry, Bankrupt: Sale... all the said John Caraher's Interest in the Schooner JOHNS, of Newry, Doran, Master, now lying in the Canal of Newry, being 22-64 Share thereof. ...

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 18 May 1850]:
LAUNCH. - On Monday last considerable numbers of people assembled on the side of the Ribble, at Freckleton, to witness the launching of the "John's," a vessel built by Mr. Mayor, of Freckleton, for Messrs. John Birley and Sons, Merchants, of Kirkham. She is about, 150 tons burthen, and is expected shortly to try her sailing powers in a voyage to Riga, in the Baltic. About 12 o'clock the stoppers were removed, and, as if frightened from her resting place, by the loud hurrahs and roar of cannon, she glided rapidly down the incline and was soon safely afloat.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 22 July 1852]:
FLEETWOOD July 21: Last night, about 10 30 p.m., the schooner Johns, of Preston, from Glasgow, having carried away her foretopmast in the morning, drifted against the Wyre Lighthouse, and broke one of the piles. Owing to the construction (Mitchell's patent), this does not affect the stability of the lighthouse. The broken pile will be replaced forthwith.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 12 May 1882]:
The handy Schooner JOHNS, 67 tons register; carries 135 tons on 9.5 feet, and sails without ballast, rebuilt at Fleetwood about four years ago at an outlay of over £670; within the past six months had new anchor and chain, and last voyage had all new canvas, and caulked throughout. Now in Liverpool. Apply ... Gilmour ...

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 11 February 1884]:
Johns of Fleetwood drove ashore at Milford, and lies in a bad position. [coal laden, master Crowe][Later: she was got off by a tug, on Monday morning, without much damage]


Wooden sloop Leven, built Freckleton, 1839, 45 tons, ON17235. Registered Fleetwood 1854, 45 tons; Dumfries 1862-1864. Registered Lancaster 1864-1887, when owned Joseph Fisher, Barrow, 43 tons.
A sloop Leven, described as of Runcorn, owned Thomas Marlow, of Runcorn, was aground off Blackpool, 12 October 1873, carrying iron ore from Barrow to Dittonbrook [Iron works, near Widnes, closed 6-10-1876, after an accident that killed 7], with crew of 3 rescued by Blackpool lifeboat. There is only one west-coast vessel called Leven in MNL, so either newspapers or MNL are somewhat in error. Perhaps the sale to Thomas Marlow had only just occurred, and after the wreck, MNL was not updated.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Wednesday 15 November 1871]:
Liverpool. Sailed. Nov 13. Leven, Barrow.

[from Woodford Times - Saturday 25 October 1873]:
WRECK AT BLACKPOOL. The Leven, a sloop of about 100 tons burden, bound from Piel [Barrow] to Ditton Brook, with a cargo of iron ore, was driven on the Blackpool shore on Tuesday morning. The lifeboat put out to her assistance, and rescued the crew who were found to be in a very exhausted state, having spent, as the captain described it, "a very hard and unpleasant night." The cargo may with ease be recovered, but it is doubtful whether the vessel will escape a total wreck. The sloop is owned by Thomas Reuben Hardley and Thomas Marlow, (who was also captain), both of Runcorn. The mate was a man of the name of Thomas Bailey, of Barrow.
[only voyages found with master Marlow: Barrow: Sailed, Oct 15 1873, Leven, Marlow, for Dittonbrook; arrived Barrow Oct 10 from Saltney]


Wooden schooner George Lamb, built Freckleton, 1854, 62 tons, ON17262. Registered Preston 1854, 79 tons. In MNL to 1886, latterly owned John Wilson, Newry, 62 tons. Voyage Runcorn to Donegal, with salt, aground at Kintyre and wrecked, 19 July 1886, crew saved.

[from London Evening Standard - Tuesday 20 July 1886]:
WRECKS AND CASUALTIES, a telegram from Campbeltown, July 19, states that the schooner George Lamb, Preston, from Runcorn to Donegal(salt), grounded the south end of Kintyre this morning. The vessel is partly broken up, and, with cargo, will be a total wreck.

[from Campbeltown Courier - Saturday 24 July 1886]:
WRECK SALE. I have been favoured with instructions to Sell, by Public Roup, at PENNYSEORACH SHORE, Southend, on TUESDAY, the 27th day of July, Current, the Hull of the Schooner "George Lamb", of Preston, with the whole gear, consisting of Sails, Mast, Spars, Anchors, Chains, Ropes, &c.....


Wooden schooner Jubilee, built Freckleton, 1857, 51 tons, ON19446. Registered Preston. In MNL to 1914, latterly owned John Hoey, Annagassan. Voyage Preston to Dundee, with whiting, ashore at Holleseley Bay, near Orfordness, 17 December 1914, 2 crew saved, 1 lost.

[from Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 18 December 1914]:
Dundee-bound schooner is stranded on lonely spot. The schooner Jubilee, from Preston to Dundee, with whiting, stranded during the night in Hollesley Bay at a deserted spot. The captain and mate were saved; one drowned.
Another message says:- During the heavy gale which raged throughout last night, a vessel went ashore near Orfordness, on the Suffolk coast. The Aldeburgh lifeboat was summoned, but a later message cancelled the summons with the explanation that Harwich lifeboat had gone out. Two of the crew were saved by the rocket apparatus, but one man was drowned. The vessel appears to have been the schooner Jubilee, of Preston, bound from Preston to Dundee. She is likely to become a total wreck.
The Jubilee was in Dundee in August last. She is a schooner of fifty tons, and was moored in King William Dock on 29th August, while she discharged her cargo of china clay. She left on 6th September for Methil in ballast.


Wooden sloop/smack Marys, built Freckleton 1857, 35 tons, ON22662. 52 x 16.1 x 7.7 ft. Registered Fleetwood 1857, 35 tons. Registered Douglas 1833. More history. Voyage Douglas to Liverpool, with sand, ashore on Jordan's Bank, 28 March 1885, and wrecked, crew of 3 saved.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 20 March 1885]:
WRECK OFF THE PORT. RESCUE BY THE LIFEBOAT. The sloop Mary, of Douglas, 35 tons burthen, went ashore late last night on Jordan Bank, which lies a little to the north east of Formby Lightship. There was a heavy sea on at the time, which threatened speedily to break the veesel up, and the crew signalled for help, and the Liverpool and New Brighton lifeboats were sent for as soon as these were observed from the Lightship. The New Brighton boat was off first, but was soon distanced by that from Liverpool, which succeeded in reaching the wreck first, and getting off the crew, who had been compelled to seek refuge in the rigging. It was only with difficulty that the lifeboat, which was in charge of Captain Martin, could approach, owing to the heavy swell, and the rescue was just effected in time as portions of the rigging to which the men (three in number) were clinging had been carried off. The boat at once returned to the Landing-stage, arriving there shortly after one o'clock this morning. The rescued men, who were in a very exhausted condition, were taken to the Prince's Dock Receiving-house by Police-constable 1122, and there they had every attention shown to them by Mr. Rowlands. Their names are Charles Crellin, captain; William Crellin, mate; and Edward Cowley, seaman, all belonging to Douglas, from which port the vessel was bound with a cargo of sand for Liverpool. The sloop was owned by Mr. Thomas Williams, of Douglas, and has become a total wreck.


Wooden sloop Elizabeth, built Freckleton, 1859, 39 tons, ON 27646. Registered Fleetwood 1/1860, 38 tons. Register closed 1894, when owned Thomas Leadbetter, Fleetwood, 23 tons. Ashore south of Seascale, 23 December 1894, crew saved.

[from Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Thursday 27 December 1894]:
Seascale & Gosforth. ... great gale .... storm damage ... On Sunday evening no service could be held at church owing to the want of gas, The Mayflower of Whitehaven, went ashore near Earl Crag, and the Elizabeth of Fleetwood, was also driven on the beach near Barnscaur [sic, now Barn Scar]. The crews of both vessels were saved. [Elizabeth owned Thomas Leadbetter of Fleetwood]


Wooden schooner Progress, built Freckleton, 1860, 69 tons, ON26855. Registered Preston 3/1860. In MNL to 1888. Latterly owned John Nichol, Ardrossan. Voyage Rathmullan to Irvine, in ballast, leaky so ran ashore near mouth of River Bann, 24 September 1888, crew of 3 saved.

[from Coleraine Chronicle - Saturday 29 September 1888]:
VESSEL ASHORE NEAR THE BARMOUTH. The schooner Progress, of Preston, from Rathmullan (County Donegal) for Irvine, in ballast, was run ashore at the mouth of the river Bann on Monday night last under the following circumstances:- The vessel left Rathmullan in ballast, and had got as far as Bengore or Fair Head on the Antrim coast, when it was discovered that she had sprang a leak. The pumps were set to work, but were unable to accomplish any advantage over the incoming water, though the crew worked desperately. The wind was very light, and was easterly, so that the captain determined, if possible. to make Portrush. The helm, however, did not work properly, the forward part of the vessel being low in the water, and the crew were thus practically helpless. In order to save his own and the lives of the crew, the master allowed the vessel to run ashore. She grounded close to entrance of the river Bann, and remains imbedded in the sand. The day being very calm, the crew got ashore without much difficulty. The Progress will become a total wreck. The captain is a man named M'Intaggart, and the crew only numbered three, all told.

To top of pages

Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Tarleton , before 1860.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 21 June 1856]:
TO FARMERS, CATTLE DEALERS, SHIP-BUILDERS, &c. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. G. PARKER, on the premises lately occupied by John Allanson, farmer and ship builder, Tarleton, near Rufford, on Thursday, June 26, 1856, the sale to commence at twelve o'cloak prompt. THE FARMING STOCK, HORSES, FARMING IMPLEMENTS, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, and STOCK-IN-TRADE of a Ship Builder, comprising two superior draught horses, one excellent breeding mare and foal, one colt 1 year old, seven milch cows, .... The STOCK-IN-TRADE comprises one NEW VESSEL suitable either for the Ulverstone or the Welch trade, carrying from sixty-five to seventy tons, new fit out with rails and waist; large ship anchor, flag, one lot of coals and slack (on wharf), about forty tons of north country slate. ....


Wooden schooner Good Intent, built Tarleton 1785, 42 tons, ON 1163. 56.3 x 16.9 ft. Registered Kirkcudbright 1818. Registered Dumfries 1845, 48 tons, later 42 tons. Dumfries shipping register: vessel converted to harbour hulk at Maryport and registry closed 13 Aug. 1878.


Wooden sloop Sprightly, built Tarleton, 1814, 41 tons, ON19829. Registered Lancaster 18/1836, 35 tons, then Preston 11/1855, 38 tons. In MNL registered Preston to 1877, then registered Wigtown to 1892, as a Yawl, 41 tons, owned McIlraith, Ballantrae. Despite several serious strandings, she was still trading in 1889.

[from Preston Herald - Saturday 30 April 1870]:
WRECK OF THE PRESTON SLOOP SPRIGHTLY OFF BLACKPOOL. A vessel was seen in distress off Blackpool, Friday morning, and in dangerous proximity to the Crusader Bank. The lifeboat men kept a sharp look out, and about two o'clock, it became evident that she would strike on the dangerous sandbank above-named. About half-past two, the Robert William lifeboat, with twelve men, under the command of Captain Parry, was got ready for action, and with four horses was taken before the Star Inn, in the presence of hundreds of people who thronged the beach to watch the operations of the crew. The lifeboat was launched amid the ringing cheers of the multitude, and put off towards the vessel, which had by this time hoisted signals of distress. Though there was rather a stiff gale blowing and heavy sea, the crew of the lifeboat, working with the energy for which they are now famous, reached the vessel in about 20 minutes from the time of launching, and found her to be the sloop Sprightly, of Preston. She had been two days out from Piel, laden with boulder stones for this town, and, having sprung a leak, had three feet of water in her hold. Her masts were also sprung, her hauling tackle for the main sheet was gone, and her windlass started from the bits. The lifeboat took off the crew, consisting of two men, and having landed them, returned to the vessel, and put on board three men to work the pumps. She then stood by the Sprightly until the Champion steam-tug, belonging to Mr. Allsup, of this town, and which had been telegraphed for by the life-boat committee, came from Lytham. During an unsuccessful attempt to attach a hawser to the unfortunate craft, a heavy sea struck the tug, and carried away her sponson. The captain then, as we are informed, declined to render any further assistance, and returned to Lytham, and the crew of the life-boat, being unable to anything more for the Sprightly with any chance of success, took off her three men at the pumps with great difficulty, and steered back for Blackpool. The waves had by this time greatly increased in violence, and the Sprightly having parted from her anchor, drifted further upon the bank, when the labours of the life-boat crew terminated.
Blackpool, Saturday morning. The vessel is still on the bank, but has suffered greatly during the night. She is owned by John Rimmer, of Hesketh Bank, and commanded by Joseph Penrith, of the same place. The crew consisted of the captain and owner's son. There was a very heavy sea on Friday, and lifeboat filled on going to the vessel, but righted herself. The Rev. C. H. Wainright and Mr. Viener went with the crew, and found the vessel on the south side of the bank. She would not wear or steer, and broke her windlass. Fifty tons of boulders were thrown out during the night, but she was not floated off the bank. A good deal of her seams have started, and she will probably have the gear taken out and be left to break up. The lifeboat men deserve every praise.
[Later: described as a very old vessel, likely to become a wreck, her decks are gone, gear was stripped]

[from Lloyd's List - Friday 22 February 1884]:
Sprightly. Cairnryan Feb 21. The jigger Sprightly, of Wigtown, captain and owner William McIlwraith, from Ayr, with coals, drove from moorings at 2:40 this morning and stranded abut 60 yards north of Ballantrae. She will probably come off next tide, as she is discharging.

[from Glasgow Herald - Thursday 30 May 1889]:
Ayr arrived. Sprightly, [from] Ballantrae, light.


Wooden sloop Arrow, built Allinson/Bannister, Tarleton, 1850, Registered Preston 1850, 37 tons. ON19825. MNL gives built 1849. In MNL to 1885, owned William White, Walney, sloop, 37 tons.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 04 May 1850]:
LAUNCH. - A fine new sloop, the Arrow, was launched from the building yard of Mr. Allinson, at Tarleton, on Monday last. She shot nobly and smoothly into the waves, amid the huzzas of a numerous assembly; She fully supports Mr. James Banister's fame as a first rate draughtsman.


Wooden schooner Lady Arabella, built Bannister, Tarleton, 1855, 44tons, ON12137. Registered Preston 1855, 49 tons, by 1880 registered Barrow. In MNL to 1883, owned John Taylor, Ormskirk, 44 tons. Voyage Bowling to Garston with pig iron, leaky and run ashore, 8 May 1883, near Ramsey Harbour. Crew of 2 walked ashore. More detail.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 24 March 1855]: LAUNCH OF THE LADY ARABELLA. - Considerable interest was excited on Monday last in the village of Tarleton and the neighbourhood, by the launch of a schooner from the ship-building yard of Mr. Hugh Bannister, on the banks of the Douglas, in Tarleton. A large proportion of the inhabitants of that and the neighbouring townships assembled to witness the first advent of the vessel into her future element. About half-past twelve o'clock, when the tide was at its height, the signal was given, the blocks were removed, and the stately craft glided gracefully into the river amid the cheers of the assembled multitude. At the same time, a bottle of wine was thrown at her bows, and, as she was thus christened, a handsome flag, was hoisted bearing her name - The Lady Arabella. The vessel, which was built for and is the property of Mr. James Ashcroft, of Sollom, and Mr. James Taylor, of Becconsall, is a remarkably handsome one, and does great credit to the skill of her builder. She is 56 feet in length of keel, 62 feet over all, and 18 feet beam, of 40 tons register, and about 80 tons burthen. A number of the friends of the owners had a short sail down the river, all of whom were much pleased with the vessel, for which of course "many prosperous voyages" were wished. The "Lady Arabella" the same afternoon took her first cargo on board - coals, for Barrow, where she is to receive a loading of iron ore for one of the ports of the Mersey. In commemoration of the launch, the workmen employed in the building of the vessel partook of the hospitality of the owners at the a house of Mr. Taylor, where they were entertained at a substantial dinner of good old English fare - roast beef and plum-pudding, with an abundance of ale and other beverages. In the course of the afternoon Mr. Bannister laid the keel of a large sloop which he is commissioned to build for Mr. Taylor, of Becconsall, and Mr. T. Harrison, of Tarleton.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Monday 09 December 1878]:
For sale... 16-64th SHARES of the handy fore-and-aft schooner LADY ARABELLA of Barrow, 44 tons register; built at Tarleton in 1855. Length 59.6ft; breadth. 14.9ft; depth. 7.1 feet. ....
8-64th SHARES of the Schooner JANE, of Preston. 55 tons register; built at Tarleton; carries 105 tons. Is in good order and condition. [built 1868] ...

[from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 12 May 1883]:
A BARROW SCHOONER WRECKED IN RAMSAY BAY. At three o'clock on Tuesday morning, the schooner, Lady Arabella, of Barrow, from Bowling, Scotland, to Garston Dock with pig iron, was run ashore in Ramsay Bay during a strong easterly wind and a heavy sea. The master, John Wright, reports that at eight o'clock on Monday night the vessel commenced to make water rapidly. Pumps were kept going, but the water in the hold gained. The crew left the vessel as the tide went down. The schooner is submerged, and will probably become a total wreck.


Wooden sloop Mary & Jane, built Hugh Bannister, Tarleton, 1854, 42 tons, ON 19830, registered Preston. Latterly owned Robert Wright, Hesketh Bank. In MNL to 1884, when owned John Dunkeld, Dumfrieshire, smack, 42 tons, registered Preston. Voyage Balcarry Bay [west of Hestan Island] to Dumfries, with oats, wrecked Southerness Point, 12 December 1883.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 01 September 1855]:
LAUNCH. - On Wednesday, a fine new sloop, forty-two tons register, and eighty tons burden, was launched from the building-yard of Mr. Hugh Banister, at Tarleton. The Mary and Jane - for such is the name of the vessel - is the property of Mr. Thomas Harrison, of Tarleton, and Mr. James Taylor, of Becconsall. The dimensions are:- Length over all, 65 feet 6 inches; breadth of beam, 16 feet 6 inches; depth of hold, 6 feet 6 inches. She is a very fine modelled vessel, and does great credit to the builders. She is expected to sail this week to Wales. After the launch, the workmen and a few friends sat down to an excellent dinner, at the house of Mr. J. Taylor. This is the second vessel that has been launched from this yard within six months.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 18 December 1883]:
MARY JANE. Dumfries, Dec. 14. The schooner Mary Jane, of Preston (not of Dumfries as before reported), which was wrecked near Southernsss Point, Dec. 12, was from Balcarry Bay for Dumfries, with oats.


Wooden schooner Robert Marsden, built Tarleton 1856, 40 tons. ON19840. Registered Preston 4/1856, 40 tons. In MNL to 1875, owned Samuel Jervis, Barrow, 41 tons. Voyage Dalbeattie to Warrington, with granite, ran ashore near Liverpool Bar, 28 May 1875, crew of 3 saved by steamer Pride of Erin. In MDHB wreck list.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 01 June 1875]:
LIVERPOOL. 31st May, 1.15 p.m. - The schooner reported sunk at 45 per chart was the Robert Marsden, of Preston, from Dalbeattie to Warrington.
NEWRY, 28th May. The Robert Marsden (schnr.), of Preston, Kershaw, from Dalbeattie to Warrington, with granite, was run ashore in a sinking state hear the Liverpool lightship yesterday; crew taken off and landed at Warrenpoint by the Pride of Erin (s)

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Saturday 26 June 1875]:
LIVERPOOL SHIPWRECK & HUMANE SOCIETY. REWARDS FOR GALLANTRY IN SAVING LIFE. To Captain Cecil Gardner, screw-steamer Pride of Erin, for having rescued three of the crew of schooner Robert Marsden, which vessel struck and foundered on Jordan's Flats, and the crew were for several hours exposed to the weather while clinging to the topgallantyard on the early morning of the 28th of May.


Wooden schooner Northern Light, built Bannister, Tarleton, 1857, 70 tons. ON18689. Registered Preston, then from 1893 - 1918 at Dundalk.


Wooden schooner Ocean Pearl, built Robert Bannister, Tarleton, 1858, 57tons, ON19447. Registered Preston, then Wexford from 1896. In MNL to 1930, latterly as a ketch.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 09 January 1858]:
LAUNCH. - On Saturday last, a clipper-built schooner was launched from the ship-building yard of Mr. Robert Bannister, at Tarleton. The vessel, which was built from the design of Mr. James Bannister, is of 57 tons registered burden, and is capable of carrying upwards of 100 tons. Her dimensions are 67 feet keel, 76 feet overall, 18 feet 3 inches beam, and 7 feet 9 inches depth of hold. As she lay on the stocks previous to taking the water, her form and symmetry were much admired, as doing credit alike to her designer and her builder. About half-past one the daggers were struck and she glided gracefully along her ways into the river Douglas amid the firing of guns and the cheers of the spectators, of whom there was a large number, the launch having been an event that attracted to the spot a numerous assemblage of the inhabitants of Tarleton and the neighbouring villages. As she moved from her stocks, Mr. Alderman Parker, managing director of the Ribble Navigation Company, struck her bows with a bottle of wine and named her The Ocean Pearl, at the same time wishing success to the new craft. Shortly after the launch the owners of the vessel, Mr. James Ashcroft; Mr. Jam Taylor and Mr. Hugh Forshaw, of Tarleton, entertained the workmen and a number of friends to dinner at the Cock and Bottle Inn, Tarleton, to which about forty persons sat down.


Wooden schooner Margaret Ann (or Margaret Anne), built Robert Bannister, Tarleton, 1858, 71 tons, In MNL as Margaret Anne, ON 19449. In MNL to 1873, owned J Whiteside, Hesketh, 63 tons. Registered Preston. Voyage Lytham to Newry, foundered off Carlingford, 24 January, 1873, all 3 crew lost.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 19 June 1858]:
LAUNCH AT TARLETON - On Saturday last, a new schooner was launched from the building-yard of Mr Robert Banister. Her dimensions are:- length of keel, 67ft.; ditto. overall, 71ft.; breadth of beam, 18ft. 3in. depth of hold, 8ft. 7in.; register, 71 tons; burden about 130 tons. She is the property of Mr. Joseph Whiteside, Mr. T. Hindle, Mr. W. Ball, and Mr H Breakell. As she left the ways, she was named the Margaret Ann by Mr. J. Whiteside, at whose house the workmen and friends had afterwards an excellent dinner. She is the largest vessel that has been built at Tarleton, and the second that has left Mr Banister's yard this year.

[from Preston Herald - Saturday 08 February 1873]:
On Friday, January 24th, the schooner Margaret Ann, of Preston, left Lytham Dock for Newry. On reaching Carlingford Light, a heavy surf is supposed to have struck the vessel and sent her down with all hands. Intelligence has since been received that on the following Sunday a boat was washed ashore at Leestope, about a mile and a half N.E. of Kilkeel Pier, with the name Margaret Ann of Preston, painted on her stern; two hatches, two coal tubs, and a spar supposed to be used in setting a square sail, and branded with the letters "M. A. P.", were picked up. The gale in which the vessel was lost was the most severe which has been experienced on the coast during this winter. The following are the seamen lost:- James Dandy (captain) and his nephew, both from Hesketh Bank, and Thomas Coulton, of Freckleton, who leaves a widow and seven young children.


Wooden schooner/ketch Falcon, built Tarleton, 1858, 67 tons, ON26851. Registered Preston 1858-1906, latterly owned Killyleagh. Then registered Cardiff 1907 to 1920, but owned R Jones, Amlwch, from 1914. Seems to have traded in the Bristol Channel to 1910, as a ketch, then a gap before returning to trade. Voyage Garston to New Ross, stranded on rocks at Amlwch, 8 April 1920.

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 28 February 1910]:
Ketch Falcon, of Cardiff, from Newport to Solva, cargo superphosphate, dragged anchors at Broadhaven 4 30 p.m yesterday. Crew of three landed by lifeboat. Vessel still riding at anchor.

[from Gloucester Journal - Saturday 24 December 1910]:
Port of Gloucester. Exports during the Week: To Wexford, Ketch, Falcon, Humphries, 75 tons of salt from Salt Union.

[from Western Daily Press - Saturday 10 April 1920]:
The ketch Falcon, Garston for New Ross, stranded on the rocks when leaving Amlwch, and is a total Loss.


Wooden schooner Harvest Maid, built Tarleton, 1860, 100t, ON28903. Registered Peston 7/1860. In MNL to 1891. Latterly owned James Taylor, Lathom, 100 tons. Damaged by collision off Plymouth, 20 January 1885, and abandoned, crew of 4 saved. Wreck recovered and put back in service. Voyage Falmouth to Eastham, with granite, lost off Bideford, after 6 December 1891,

[from Bristol Times and Mirror - Wednesday 21 January 1885]:
ANOTHER COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL The German barque Condor, from Bremen for Cardiff, in ballast, arrived at Falmouth yesterday afternoon with the crew, four in number, of the schooner Harvest Maid, of Preston, from Runcorn to Plymouth, with rock salt, having been in collision about six yesterday morning, twenty miles from St. Anthony's Light. The crew of the Harvest Maid, at the time of the collision, jumped on board the Condor, and were saved. The schooner was seen to be floating afterwards, and tugs have gone in search of her. [Tug Eagle of Falmouth found Harvest Maid afloat and towed her into Falmouth]
Our Plymouth correspondent telegraphs: "When 30 miles west of Eddystone early yesterday morning, the schooner Harvest Maid, of Preston, from Runcorn to Plymouth, was run into by the barque Concord, from Antwerp for Cardiff. When the schooner's crew saw the Concord bearing down on them, flare-up lights were shown, but apparently they were unobserved, as the barque crashed into them with terrific force. The schooner's crew, perceiving their danger, jumped on board the Concord, with the exception of one man who was asleep below when roused by the crash. He ran on deck and jumped towards the barque, but fell short and would have perished but for the gallant action of the carpenter of the barque, who, at real risk, went overboard after him and saved him. The schooner is supposed to have been sunk.

[from North British Daily Mail - Wednesday 19 January 1887]:
The schooner Harvest Maid, of Preston, from Charleston for Fleetwood with china clay, is reported by telegram from Barrow-in-Furness to have stranded on Southend, Walney; damage unknown. [again refloated, since reported trading in April 1888]

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Monday 01 June 1891]:
Harvest Maid, Hull, sailed from Teignmouth for Liverpool on Thursday.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 03 November 1891]:
HARVEST MAID has arrived with damage to quarter, &c.. having been run into by another vessel whilst at anchor in Mullion Roads, Mount's Bay. (Penzance, Nov 2.)

[from South Wales Daily News - Tuesday 15 December 1891]:
WRECKAGE WASHED ASHORE. A Bideford correspondent telegraphs: A quantity of wreckage has been washed ashore at Westward Ho. [also described as at Morthoe, and as at Peppercombe, near Clovelly] The wreckage is believed to form a portion of one or more vessels that have foundered in Bideford Bay during the late gale. A portion of the wreckage bears the name of Harvest Maid, Preston. There is a schooner of that name registered, owned by Mr James Taylor, Lathom, Lanes., one hundred tons registered.
To top of pages

Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Burscough Bridge, before 1860.


Wooden flat Emerald, built Lathom, 1831, 43 tons, ON 17257. In MNL to 1875, owned Henry Fletcher, Blackburn, 43 tons. Last voyage found was late 1869 and MNL says "foundered 1869".

[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 02 December 1869]:
Arrived at Barrow. Nov. 24. Emerald, Taylor, Tarleton.
[Duddon, arrivals, Dec 8. Emerald, Taylor, Dittonbrook.]


Wooden schooner Diamond, built Burscough Bridge 1832, 25 tons, ON 16483. 63 x 15.3 x 6.7ft. Though built inland, the masts and rigging were most probably added nearer to the sea, reached by the Rufford canal branch to Tarleton. Registered Preston 1840, 40 tons, described as a wherry, 2 masts. Registered Stranraer 1898, when owned John & Charles Marshall, grain merchants, of Drummore. By 1898 an engine of 5hp, 1 screw had been added. Later owned Heron/Kelly, Gatehouse of Fleet. Described in MNL as "motor" 1915-20. Broken up at Gatehouse of Fleet 1920, where her remains were visible for long afterwards.

[from North British Daily Mail - Tuesday 02 April 1901]:
SHIPPING CASUALTIES. Exciting experience of a steamer's crew. It was reported at Stranraer yesterday that the small steamer Diamond, of Stranraer, had run ashore in Luce Bay during the severe snowstorm, and that the crew had had a most exciting experience. The Diamond belongs to Mr John Marshall, merchant, Drummore, and has a crew of four hands. On Friday she reached Luce Bay, having been on a voyage from Whitehaven to Drummore with a cargo of coal. In the blinding snowstorm the canvas was carried away, and the master (Ramsay) was unable to verify his position. The vessel was driven ashore at Maryport Bay [close and S of Drummore]. The crew took to their small boat. In the heavy sea the boat was capsised and the men had to swim ashore, being in a very exhausted condition when they landed. They lost all their clothing and other belongings. The steamer was floated after part of the cargo had been discharged, and was subsequently taken to Drummore harbour. [21 tons register]


Wooden flat Britannia, built Lathom, 1832, 37 tons, ON19813 Registered Preston 1852, 36 tons. In MNL to 1860. Voyage Bangor to Preston, with slates, ashore off Southport, 25 August 1860, crew of two saved.

[from Morning Post - Thursday 30 August 1860]:
Shipwrecks off Southport, August 28. About one o'clock on Sunday morning we were visited by one of the most terrific gales that have ever been experienced, and which resulted in the stranding of two vessels within a few miles of Southport. ... Lifeboat sent out... About the same time another vessel was observed to be in distress. She had been driven on shore to the south-west, about two miles from where the Whitworth guns are stationed [a demonstration was held at Southport in 1860], and a boat was immediately placed on the trucks vacated by the lifeboat, and despatched along the shore. This boat was launched and manned by Mr. Richard Ball and a crew, and proceeded to the stranded vessel, which proved to be the flat Britannia, of Preston, with a cargo of slates from Bangor to Preston. There were only two men on board, and they were rescued, and brought safely on shore.


Wooden sloop Monarch, built Burscough Bridge, 1834, 35 tons, ON 19812. Registered Lancaster 1834, 41 tons. In MNL to 1876, when owned Edward Ellam, Douglas, IOM, 35 tons. MNL reports wrecked 26 September 1875. Voyage Port Dinorwic to Fleetwood, with slates, driven from her mooring off Bangor and wrecked on Lavan Sands.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Wednesday 22 September 1875]:
Port Dinorwic. Off in the stream: Monarch, Driscoll, for Fleetwood.[Sept 21]

[from Shields Daily Gazette - Wednesday 29 September 1875]:
[.. gales..]. Early on Monday morning, the flat Monarch, Bristol[sic], Michael[sic] master, bound with slates for Fleetwood, drifted from her moorings in Menai Straits, and after striking upon some sand banks off Bangor went down. The captain alone was aboard, and he took refuge in the rigging and was subsequently saved by the Penmon lifeboat and landed at Beaumaris. [from Port Dinorwic, grounded on Lavan Sands]

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 11 October 1875]:
Beaumaris, 27th Sept. Monarch (sloop), of Lancaster, from Port Dinorwic to Fleetwood: deposition of M. Driscoll, master.


Wooden schooner Brilliant, built Lathom, 1845, 40 tons, owned Robert Wright, Freckleton. MNL has "Latham" but Lathom was near Burscough Bridge with a dry dock on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. ON 18203, in MNL to 1876, latterly owned John Jackson, Preston. In 1855 was damaged by another schooner at Preston. Voyage Runcorn to Bray, with coal, leaky and beached at Puffin Island, 11 May 1875. Crew saved. Refloated, much damaged.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 13 October 1855]:
SERIOUS DAMAGE TO SHIPPIN6, AND LOSS OF PROPERTY, ON THE RIVER. - On Thursday night last, about eight o'clock, in consequence of the great quantity of "fresh," resulting from the almost continuous rain of that day and the preceding night, and which came down the river suddenly, the John Glaiston, a schooner, was forced from her moorings at the New Quay, and came into collision with the Brilliant, another schooner, of 70 tons burthen, the property of Mr. Wright, of Freckleton, and forced her from her anchorage. These two vessels, in their erratic course - there being no one on board to control them - came successively in collision with a number of other vessels that were moored at the New Quay, and caused eight of them to drift away with the stream - the Richard, Rapid, Walter Dean, Ruby, Alert, Grace, John Clifton (all schooners), and the Gem (steamer). The Brilliant, which had arrived from Drogheda with a cargo of wheat and meal of the value of upwards £1,000 - more than £600 worth of which was consigned to Messrs. Dawson and Smith, and about £400 worth to Messrs. Eatough, corn dealers, of this town - grounded when a little below the New Quay, and capsized. By this unfortunate circumstance her masts were broken, and she drifted bottom upwards as far as the Ashton Quay, where she stuck immoveable near one of the walls, where she now remains. The wheat and meal she contained was loose in her bottom; and as the hatches were not battened down, there is but too much reason to suppose that very little, if any, of her cargo will be found in her when righted, and almost certain that none of it will be fit for use. Luckily, Messrs. Dawson and Smith had on Thursday taken out of her a quantity of meal equal to about 18 barrels, and were only prevented from completing the discharge of their portion of the cargo by the very unfavourable state of the weather. We have been informed that the cargo was insured; but whether the fact of the vessel having been docked two days will affect the validity of the consignees' claim upon the insurance office, will be a question. All the other vessels were more or less damaged by this untoward casualty. The Richard had her jib-boom carried away; the Rapid had her main-boom broken, and her anchor knocked through her bows; the Walter Dean lost her jib-boom, and had a hole stove through her bottom. The remainder of the vessels mentioned were but slightly injured.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Monday 17 May 1875]:
Brilliant. Report of Daniel Edwards, Master of the schooner Brilliant, of Preston, from Runcorn, May 6, for Bray (Ireland), 40 tons (67 tons coal):- Proceeded and came to anchor off New Brighton until Friday the 7th. We then proceeded on our voyage as far as Moelfra Roads, and came to an anchor on the 8th, at 2 p.m., and remained there until 1 p.m. on the 10th, and proceeded on as far as the Skerries. Was obliged to bear up at about 4 p.m. on the 11th on account of a strong gale from the WSW, and ran for the Menai Straits. On the 11th, a 9 a.m., tide first quarter flood, weather squally, wind WSW, fresh gale, heavy sea from the WSW, the schooner, when coming through the Sound near the Menai Lighthouse, struck on the causeway. We then let go the anchor, and sounded the pumps, and found the vessel was making water. We kept the pumps going until about 11 a.m., when, finding the water gaining on us, we slipped the anchor and ran the vessel ashore under Puffin Island, and remained on board until she filled. We then left the vessel in our own boat and landed on Puffin Island, and remained by her until the tide left. I then went round and examined her, and found some of the bottom planks stove in. We then took all the movable articles on shore, and expect, if the weather keeps moderate and the cargo is discharged, to get the vessel off. Beaumaris. May. 12. [later report: refloated and taken to Bangor, very much damaged]


Wooden schooner Gazelle, built Burscough Bridge, 1852, 51 tons, ON24206, registered Preston. Damaged in storm at Drogheda 1861 - presumably repaired there and then registered Dundalk, owned Annagassan. Register closed 1899.

[from Morning Herald (London) - Wednesday 13 February 1861]:
At Lawtown [sic, possibly Laytown, beach S of Drogheda] portions of wreckage have washed ashore, amongst which is a stern-board marked Gazelle, of Preston.

[from Catholic Telegraph - Saturday 23 February 1861]:
On this day, at low water, some sailors contrived to enter the hull of the wreck which lies capsized at the Drogheda quays. They crept underneath the stern, and succeeded in discovering a canister containing several documents, and amongst the rest the ship's register, which was duly handed over to Alderman Boylan, receiver of droits of the Admiralty. The register represented the vessel to be the Gazelle, of Preston, bearing out the statement of last letter. The captain's name was Richards. The remains of this vessel (the hull) appears to be nearly new, and it is believed all chains, ropes, &c.,are attached, as she keeps a firm hold. ... Possibly involved in a collision with a brig off Drogheda.
To top of pages

Back to main index

Sea-going sailing vessels built at Parbold, before 1860.


Wooden flat Briton, built Newburgh 1841 (on Leeds and Liverpool canal near Parbold), 29 tons, ON19828. Registered Preston 1841, 35 tons. By 1870, registered Fleetwood, 29 tons. In MNL to 1873, owned William Atkinson - but see newspaper report below. Voyage Fleetwood to Belfast, with coal, leaky, sought shelter off Kirkcudbright, but driven ashore and sank, 19 October 1872. Crew saved.

[from Fleetwood Chronicle - Friday 25 October 1872]:
WRECK OF A FLEETWOOD VESSEL. - On Sunday last, information was received by the owner, Captain McQuinn, of the wreck of the Briton, a flat belonging to this port, in Kirkcudbright Bay. She left Fleetwood on Friday last, with a cargo of coals, for Belfast. During the night, the weather became very stormy, and the Briton sprang a leak and her mainsail split. The captain then put into Kirkcudbright for shelter, but on arriving there the vessel sank. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the occurrence. Some of the tackle has been recovered, but it is feared that the vessel will become a total wreck. The owner had only recently purchased the Briton from Messrs. Atkinson and Hope, and this was her first voyage since changing owners. She was not insured.


Wooden schooner Flower of May, built Parbold, 1848, 47 tons, ON17248. Registered Preston, 1848, 55 tons. In MNL to 1888, owned William Poole, Fleetwood, 47 tons. Voyage Ulverston to Lytham, with limestone, anchored near Ulverston, driven into another moored vessel and sank, 1 November 1887, crew saved.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 08 November 1887]:
FLOWER OF MAY. Report of Henry Robinson, master of the schooner Flower of May, of Preston, 46 tons, from Ulverston, Oct. 25, at 4 pm., for Lytham, with 75 tons limestone:- Proceeded all well till 7 p.m. same day, when she anchored off Conishead Priory, and remained there till 31st, when she ran up to the clay bed, one and a half mile above the Priory, for shelter. On the 1st November, at 10 30 a.m., tide being three-quarter flood, weather stormy, with squalls, wind S.S.E., blowing a whole gale, with a very heavy sea from the S.S.E., the vessel was at anchor off the clay bed, when the anchor began to settle home. We had only one anchor out, with about 45 fathoms chain. We were about 100 fathoms from the shore. The schooner Mary was lying at anchor astern of us about 20 fathoms. We were both moored also to a "dead man", but our inside moorings parted. Our "dead man" moorings were a small chain and a five-inch hemp hawser. The hawser was old. When the vessel swung out to her anchor it began to drag in about 20 minutes, owing to a heavy squall, and in two or three minutes we drove into the Mary, and she cut right through our port quarter, and our vessel sank in about three minutes. We took to the fore-rigging. We remained in the rigging nearly three hours before a boat could get to to us, and we were then taken off. The vessel is quite broken up. Our own boat had parted and came ashore, and Capt. James Roskell and William Brough took our boat and rescued us with it. We had not room or time to let go our other anchor. Barrow, Nov. 2.


To top of pages

Back to main index