Wrecks on West Hoyle Bank

From Derby Mercury, Fri 20 Oct 1749
The St. George, Capt. Grayson, from Jamaica, bound to Liverpool, on the 18th Instant[18 Oct 1749] was wrecked on the Hyle[Hoyle] Bank; the Ship, Cargo, and all the Crew are lost.

From Leeds Intelligencer, 23 Aug 1774
The Philadelphia Packet, Hallock, from Liverpool, for Baltimore in Maryland, sailed round the Rock at that port on Tuesday evening last about five o'clock, and, in the night, a violent gale of wind came on at N. W: which forced her upon Hoyle-Bank [17 August 1774; West Hoyle in another report], where she beat to pieces; the ship and cargo, and two of the hands, are totally lost.

From Bells Weekly Messenger, Sun 11 Aug 1805
The Rose, Tonkin, from Liverpool to Philadelphia, is totally wrecked near Hoyle Bank [on 6 August 1805]; part of the cargo expected to be saved.
Gore's Advertiser: sale: Thu 22 Aug 1805
About 300 pieces woollen cloths consisting principally of superfine Broads saved from the wreck of the Brig Rose, Capt Tonkin, bound from hence to Philadelphia stranded on Hoyle Bank.

Wooden brig Kelly, built Belfast 1804, 122 tons, owned Greenlow, master M'Ilwaine, trading Belfast - Liverpool. On 28th December 1816, bound for Liverpool from Belfast, wrecked on western end of Hoyke Bank with loss of all aboard (15 - 20 persons). Deck sepaprated from hull - some items saved were later offered for sale at Liverpool.
[from Saunders's News-Letter - Wednesday 15 January 1817]: Shipwreck. Letters from Liverpool contain some further particulars of the unfortunate loss of the Kelly, the crew and passengers of which must all have perished; the number is stated from 15 to 20. She is supposed to have struck the most western point of Hoyle Bank, the night of Saturday 28th ult. or the following morning, and immediately to have separated the deck from the bottom, the former having the anchor, cable, &c. attached to it.
The letters yesterday state, that after a tedious search, the hull of that vessel was found, but at too late an hour in the evening to admit the people employed ascertaining the possibility of knowing what part, if any, of the cargo remaining in it, could be saved; the next letters will bring further intelligence of this point. Every exertion, it appears, is making by Messrs. Francis Jordan and Co. to save whatever is possible. The body of the pilot has been found. This unfortunate man, it appears, boarded the Kelly on Saturday, at 12 o'clock in the forenoon, off the point of Linas; his being on board, takes away any blame that might have been attached to the master of the vessel, in attempting to make so dangerous a harbour as Liverpool during the storm, without a guide. The loss of Captain M'Ilwaine is very much lamented; he was a most respectable man, sober, active, extremely attentive, and a good seaman.
[excerpt from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 17 January 1817]:
Sale. 117 firkins butter; 2 tierces and 19 barrels of provisions; saved from the wreck of the brig Kelly, lost on Hoyle Bank, on her voyage from Belfast to Liverpool. Immediately afterwards, at the same place, her stern boat; the bowsprit, topmasts, yards, main boom, gaff, a quantity of standing and running rigging, pieces of cables, quantity of blocks, dead eyes, caps etc saved from the wreck of the said vessel.

Liverpool Mercury, Fri 31 March 1818
The Margaret, Young, from Leghorn for this port, was driven on shore on Thursday[23 March 1818], on West Hoyle Bank, and it was feared she would not be got off, as she had received much damage. Cargo and stores expected to be saved, but much damaged, as the water flowed over the vessel.

Lloyd's List, Tue 21 Sept 1819
The Auspicious, Clarke, from Dublin to Liverpool, was totally lost with all the crew on Hoyle Bank, during the gale on 30th & 31st ult. [30 August 1819]. [She had left Dublin on 20th August]

From Gores Advertiser, Thu 13 Feb 1823
The Fullerton, from Ayr to this port [Liverpool], is supposed to be lost on Hoyle Bank [14 February 1823]: the wreck of a sloop (wheat laden) has been seen there and a trunk has been washed up which was shipped on board the Fullerton.

Morning Advertiser, Tue 19 Aug 1823
LIVERPOOL, Aug. 16. - The sloop Caractacus, Jones, is lost on West Hoyle, with the crew [15th August 1823].
Gores Advertiser, Thu 11 Sept 1823
On Wednesday the 10th instant, a coroner's inquest was held on the body of Thos. Griffiths, who, early that morning, was discovered floating in the river between George's Dock Basin and the Prince's Dock, when a verdict of "found drowned" was returned the jury. It appeared in evidence, that the deceased was master of the sloop Caractacus which vessel was unfortunately wrecked on the 15th ult. on Hoyle Bank, and all hands perished. The face of the deceased was greatly disfigured, and presented a truly horrifying spectacle. In his pockets were found five sovereigns, a Welch note, and a silver watch. He was immediately recognised by his friends, and conveyed to his native place for internment.

From Lloyds List, Fri 21 Jan 1825
Liverpool, 19 Jan. The William Wise, from Demerara to this Port, got on shore this morning about 4 o'clock on West Hoyle, and it is feared she will go to pieces, as the Wind is now fresh from the NW and she lies in a dangerous situation.
Later reports: has gone to pieces; part of the cargo has been washed onshore; crew saved. Vessel of Workington, master Winder, built 1815.

Bristol Press, 14 Nov 1825
Hoylake Thursday 10 Nov.: The Bee, Jones, for Demerara, got on shore on Hoyle bank and will be totally lost. [Later info: went to pieces with cargo washed out in all directions]
The Hugh William [of Bristol; built 1816 Bristol; 238t, 88 x 25 ft; owned William Danson] for Newfoundland and the Anson [of Boston, Captain Lincoln] from Wiscassett were also driven on shore on Hoyle Bank and it is feared will be totally lost. Crew saved [except for three belonging to the Hugh William in one report]. The Hugh William is described as on shore on the NW spit of Hoyle and the Bristol register states she was lost in 1825.

Wooden Brig Belem Castle wrecked Hoyle Bank 20 March 1832. 153 tons, built Wilson, Chester, 1824, Captain J W Dennis, inbound from Lisbon with wine, cork, oranges, onions,.. Owned Vianna & Jones, Liverpool. Wreck offered for sale.
Wooden ship Penelope, wrecked Hoyle bank 19 March 1832. 242 tons, Captain I Bond, built Malta 1827, inbound from Alexandria, Egypt, with cotton. Owned Cooper & Co. Many bags of cotton salvaged. Wreck offered for sale.
[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 22 March 1832]:
Belem Castle from Lisbon, had the misfortune to be cast away upon West Hoyle Bank on Tuesday last. A severe gale from N W did not prevent the Hoylake Life Boat from going to her assistance. She took every man away but the Captain, who refused to quit his vessel. She afterwards got over the perilous bank, materially damaged, and at present lies upon Hoyle Bank stranded.
[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 26 March 1832]:
WRECK OF THE PENELOPE AND BELEM CASTLE. The equinoctial gales, which have been blowing for the last eight days, occasionally with great violence, have, we regret to state, been productive of some damage. On Sunday evening, about seven o'clock, the Belem Castle, from Lisbon, belonging to Messrs. Vianna and Jones, of this town, struck upon Hoyle Bank. The crew immediately left her in the boat; but the captain remained all night, on board alone, stating his determination to "see the last of her." In the morning, he was rescued from his perilous situation. The cargo, which consisted of wine and fruit, has been nearly all been got out, although, of course, not without damage.
On Monday night, the Penelope, laden with cotton, from Alexandria, also struck upon Hoyle Bank, and became a total wreck. At daylight, the signal of distress was observed from the Lighthouse. The life-boat put off from Hoylake, and, after some difficulty, and at considerable risk, succeeded in rescuing the crew. The vessel has gone to pieces. A great portion of the cargo has since been floating in all about directions, and a number of small beans have been busily occupied, during the week, in picking up the bales of cotton, &c, which were drifting about. The loss, we understand, is not less £20,000! The crew, not only of the vessel, but also of the life-boat, were, immediately on landing, put under quarantine. The latter complained loudly of this hardship, and have expressed, we believe, their determination not to expose themselves in future to the risk of a similar detention. Are we to understand from this, that the next vessel that happens to be stranded on this dangerous coast will left without assistance and that her signals of distress will be unheeded.
[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 29 March 1832]:
For the benefit of the Underwriters, by Edward Melling, Tomorrow, (Friday) the 30th inst. at eleven o'clock on the beach, about half-way between the Leasowe house and Hoylake, where she now lies stranded. The HULL, Masts, and bow sprit of the brig BELEM CASTLE and at the same time and place, part of the WRECK of the PENELOPE as it now lies on West Hoyle-bank. ... Also at Melling's yard, the materials of the BELEM CASTLE ...

Wooden schooner Duke of Wellington of Liverpool, built Wicklow 1827, 79 tons, Captain J Esmond. Voyage Liverpool to Wexford, wreckage came ashore on N wirral coast. Crew of 5 lost. On or before 30 November 1833.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 06 December 1833] The following communication was received from Hoylake this morning - Part of the deck of a vessel, apparently about 100 tons and two handspikes marked "Duke of Wellington" have been washed on shore.
[from Carlisle Journal - Saturday 07 December 1833] Another vessel, the Duke of Wellington, Captain Esmond, which sailed from this port on Thursday for Wexford, must have gone down, part of her wreck having been cast ashore at the Rock Battery. Her crew, five hands, were all drowned.

From Public Ledger, Fri 22 Sept 1837
Extract of letter dated Hoylake, Sept. 16; - Yesterday morning, about nine o'clock, a sloop called the Pheasant, of Beaumaris, laden with slates, sunk [15 Sept 1837] on West Hoyle Bank, about two miles N.N.W. from the Point of Ayr; four boats immediately left here and proceeded to the vessel, and returned about half-past eight in the evening, with sails, anchors, chain-cables, and other things. The Point of Ayr life-boat went off to their assistance, but are very much afraid the crew were all drowned, as the masts went overboard a few minutes after the vessel struck, and the sea running high at the time, we doubt if a small boat would live.
The North Wales Chronicle lists departures of Pheasant (Captain Ellis) from Port Penrhyn, Bangor, with slates throughout 1837, so it seems that she must have been refloated.

North Wales Chronicle, 5 Dec 1837.
WRECK. - The Union Schooner, of this port [Bangor], Rice Jones, master, was wrecked on the West Hoyle Bank on Friday the 10th ult. [10th November 1837], and as nothing has been heard of the crew since, they must have perished with the ill-fated vessel. They sailed from Londonderry for Liverpool with oats on the previous Tuesday and the master had unfortunately two youths, his sons, with him on board. He has left a wife and three children unprovided for, and a subscription has been set on foot for their relief. Contributions for this benevolent purpose may be received at this office.
Later: Flint, November 20, portions of wreck picked up here were from the Union, of Beaumaris, lost on Hoyle Bank on the 10th inst.

From Public Ledger, Sat 18 Nov 1837
Bangor (Port Penrhyn) November 15. - The Peggy, Evans, of this port, sunk yesterday morning on Middle Patch, about three miles to the westward of Point of Air; crew saved; the Peggy was from Flint to this port [Bangor].

Sloop Three Sisters built 1784 Cardigan, 33 tons.
Voyage Sligo to Liverpool with oats and butter.
In severe weather, was driven ashore near Point of Ayr on 11 October 1838.
Captain Evan Evans and 1 crew member saved by lifeboat, boy lost.
Some previous voyages listed in 1838 for Three Sisters (Evans) are Swansea to Chester; Cardigan to Londondery with bark; Cardigan to Cardiff with oats.
From Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 16 October 1838
A melancholy wreck occurred, on the banks, during the night. The sloop Three Sisters, of Cardigan, from Sligo for this port [Liverpool], was driven on them, near the Point of Ayr. At daylight, the Life-boat proceeded to the assistance of the crew, two of whom were saved, but one of them, a boy, was, unfortunately, drowned before assistance arrived.

From Morning Advertiser, Monday 23 March 1840:
Liverpool. 21 March: A sloop, called the Pheasant of New Quay, laded with iron and tin, from Swansea, sunk on West Hoyle, near Hilbre Island, last night [20 March 1840] - crew saved.
From Lloyds List, Wed 25 march 1840
The Pheasant, Jones, from Aberavon to this port, which sunk on West Hoyle 20th inst., has been raised, and it is expected will be brought in next tide.

From Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser, Tuesday 29 March 1842:
Liverpool, Saturday March 26: Wellington, Jones, from Carnarvon for Liverpool, was wrecked on the Red Stone Bank [now called Red Rocks] , near Hilbre Island, last night [Friday 25 March 1842]. Crew saved.
The North Wales Chronicle lists arrivals and departures from Carnarvon [sic] of the Wellington, Jones, later in the year - so she must have been refloated.
The Mercantile Navy List has a schooner Wellington ON 4110, of 47 tons, registered Caernarfon, built Sankey Bridges 1817, which continues to be listed until after 1890. The Runcorn Schooner book lists a flat Wellington of 33 tons built at Sankey Bridges in 1826 by William Clare.

Newspaper reports:
The schooner Isabella, of Belfast, bound to Runcorn, laden with pipe-clay, etc., was wrecked on West Hoyle during the night of 13 January 1843. Whether the crew were saved or lost, we have not heard. They were, it is but too probable, lost. [there was a hurricane at that time]. See also.
In the brigantine Isabella, of the port of Belfast, which was wrecked in the gale, the 13th ultimo [13 January 1843], on the West Hoyle Hank, perished William Bernard Davis, Esq., aged 28 years, only son of Mrs. Davis, Ingram-place, Belfast, and of the late Thomas P. Davis, Esq., Surgeon, R.N.

Despatch of Wicklow
From the Liverpool Albion, February 1843 [reported Evening Chronicle Wednesday 8 Feb 1843]:
The weather has since Monday last been extremely tempestuous. On that day there was a severe gale from the westward, which, agitating the river, made the vessels ride uneasily. On Wednesday night the gale increased to a storm, which continued without intermission the whole of Thursday. During the night, or early in the morning [2 February 1843], a schooner was wrecked on Blayney's bank, called from having been the spot where the Lord Blayney steamer was lost, with all hands, some years ago. This bank is near the Welsh shore, off Rhyl, whereas the Telegraph announced the situation of the wreck as follows:-
"There is a schooner sunk on West Hoyle, the crew in the rigging. The Point of Ayr life-boat is going towards the vessel 8h.30m. p.m." The wreck was, it appears, observed from Rhyl, to which the Point of Ayr life-boat was taken by land. She was thence launched and fully manned. Being to the windward of the wreck, she soon reached the edge of the bank; but so tremendous was the sea, it would have been destruction to have attempted to go over the bank to the schooner. For three hours the men remained near the spot, as they deemed prudent, in the hope that the sea would moderate, so as to make it safe for them venture towards the wreck. But despairing, in the then raging state of the surf, of succeeding in their humane object, they most reluctantly quitted the edge of the bank, in the hope that the weather would moderate during the night, and enable them, if the vessel should hold together and the men survive, to make a more successful effort the morning. While the Point of Ayr lifeboat was attempting reach the wreck from the Welsh coast, a similarly abortive attempt was made to save the men from the Lancashire shore. As soon the signal of distress was observed flying at Bidstone Lighthouse, and the Telegraph announced that the vessel in distress was sunk on West Hoyle, the Steamtug Company's vessel, the Victoria, was ordered to put to sea instantly, accompanied by the company's lifeboat, fully manned. The proceedings of the Victoria will be seen from the following statement, with which have been furnished:- "At ten minutes past nine, a.m., on the 2d instant, a signal of distress was observed at Bidstone. Our lifeboat's crew immediately mustered, and a signal was made for the steamer Victoria, it being her look-out. The lifeboat was got out and the steamer alongside the George's Pierhead by half-past nine, a.m. By this time the sub-manager, Mr. Barber, had arrived at the pierhead, when one our clerks went the Telegraph-office and obtained the enclosed information; on presenting which to the submanager, he was ordered by him to go again to the Telegraph-office, to obtain, it possible, information of the position on West Hoyle where the schooner was sunk. But they could not give him any further information on the subject, other than that the Point of Ayr was then two miles to the southward of her. The steamer then left, with the lifeboat in tow, it being ten minutes to ten, a.m, and proceeded down, through the Rock Channel, to about six miles to the westward of the N.W. Lightship, in about four fathoms and half, the northern edge of West Hoyle. There was man kept at the masthead of the steamer the whole way down, and the master and sub-manager repeatedly went up there but could not see anything of the schooner. At two p.m., they bore up for Liverpool, under the full conviction that the schooner had gone to pieces."
The fact of the wreck having been on Blayney's Bank, and not on West Hoyle, the two banks being miles asunder, explains the reason of the Victoria not seeing the wreck.
At nightfall, two poor fellows were still in the rigging, the sea washing over them. How they managed to cling to the rigging all day, amidst the continued washing of the waves and the piercing cold, it is difficult to guess. What their feelings must have been, if they saw the attempts of the lifeboat and the steam-boat to rescue them from their perilous situation, and the failure of one attempt after another to reach them, cannot be expressed, but may be imagined. The storm continued through the night. Next morning not a single vestige of the unfortunate schooner could seen from the Bidstone station. The unhappy crew had perished. They originally consisted of four, but two had been drowned early in the morning.
On Friday night, or rather on Saturday morning, the wind blew a complete hurricane from the northward, there having been very little west in it. One small vessel [see below - Hale] was wrecked on the banks, and all hands were lost. Neither her name nor the port whence she came could discovered, any more than the name and port of the schooner wrecked Wednesday night. A flat was also wrecked near Mockbeggar, but the crew were happily saved.
The schooner was subsequently identified as the Despatch [Dispatch in some reports] of Wicklow, master Watkins, owned by Mr. Barry of Wicklow, on a voyage from Wicklow to Liverpool.

Liverpool Mail Saturday 25 February 1843:
A letter was read from Mr. Askew, stating that he had visited the wreck of the schooner Hale, sunk on West Hoyle, in company with Mr. Hazlehurst, the owner. Her decks were level with the sands, and as she was laden with Welsh sets [stone blocks for paving], he thought there would be great difficulty in raising her, but she did not lie in the way of the navigation. The Secretary said that Mr. Askew had subsequently intimated that preparations were making to blow up the wreck of the Hale.
This is presumably the "small vessel, name unknown" reported as wrecked at the same time [2 February 1843] as the Despatch.
Another report describes the Hale as a Corporation stone flat, although, confusingly, another schooner called Hale (of Creetown with 4 of her 5 crew lost in the Formby Channel) was wrecked at around the same time [Friday 13 January 1843]. A vessel of 65 tons was registered at Liverpool 219/1836, and Hazlehurst was a shipbuilder at Frodsham - so possibly built there in 1836.

Wooden barque Manchester 315 tons, newly built, registered London.
Voyage Liverpool to Calcutta with ale and coal
Aground on NNW part of West Hoyle Bank, 26 January 1845
Captain Hall; 13 crew; all saved
From Liverpool Mercury - Friday 31 January 1845:
THE WEATHER - GALE OF SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LAST - SNOW STORM.
On Saturday night last, and during the greater part of Sunday, we were visited by a heavy gale from the north-west, which did considerable damage to the shipping on the coast.
The Manchester, a fine barque of 315 tons burthen, which sailed from the Mersey, for Calcutta, on Saturday morning[26 January 1845], with a cargo consisting chiefly of ale and coals, was totally lost on West Hoyle. The vessel struck at day-break on Sunday morning, and the crew took to the long boat. They proceeded through the breakers on West Hoyle across Hilbre Swashway to the sands of East Hoyle, which having crossed on foot, they were taken on board the Hoylake life-boat and proceeded to Hoylake village, where, at Mr. Sherwood's, as also at Mr. Joseph Welsh's, Lake Inn, every means were used to restore the almost suspended animation of some of the hands. The steward, one of the crew, and a boy, were seriously injured, the latter having been severely cut with the wheel. The Manchester was the property of Mr. Welshman, but was chartered by Messrs. Barton, Irlam, and Higginson.
From Monmouthshire Merlin Feb 1 1845: Report: Sunday morning, half-past ten:
About half-past eight, a.m., I observed a vessel coming on shore on West Hoyle. I immediately ordered the lifeboat out, and to proceed to Old[sic; East?] Hoyle. At this time a boat left the vessel and reached the Old Hoyle with all her crew, thirteen in number; and, with the exception of the lad and two others are all coming round; and every attention is paid to the other three, who, I have no doubt, in a few hours will be better. The vessel is the Manchester, of London, Captain Hall, bound to Calcutta, general cargo. She is on the N.N.W. point of the bank, and is going fast on her beam ends.
From subsequent telegraphic communications it appeared that the barque capsized and disappeared at 9 a.m., and that the whole of the crew were landed safely on East Hoyle by the Hoylake life boat. The Liverpool life boat went out to render assistance, but by the time she had arrived, the vessel had sunk, and the crew were saved. The Manchester was a fine new barque.

Wooden schooner Mary, built Belfast 1843, 150 tons, registered Liverpool, owned C Horsfall & Sons. Voyage Camaroon to Liverpool with palm oil, Captain Pendlebury and 10 crew [as reported in USC]. Aground on West Hoyle Bank, Feb 1 1850, all rescued by Point of Ayr Lifeboat, but one man later died. Vessel broke up but some palm oil salvaged.
[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 07 February 1850]:
Schooner Mary, from Africa, was wrecked West Hoyle, Friday afternoon; crew saved by Point of Ayr Life-boat.
[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 12 February 1850]:
DOCK COMMITTEE, THURSDAY. - Mr. Dawson reported on the services of the crew of the life-boat to the crew of the schooner Mary, Captain Pendlebury, loaded with palm oil, and wrecked on the 1st instant, on West Hoyle. The captain and crew, sixteen in number, were taken off the wreck; but one man, who had met with an accident a fortnight previous by falling from the rigging, died half an hour after he got into the life-boat.
[from Liverpool Mercantile Gazette and Myers's Weekly Advertiser - Monday 18 February 1850]:
The flats Stag and John and Mary, from river Dee, at Liverpool, with palm oil from the Mary, from Camaroons for Liverpool, which went to pieces near Voel Nant, during the gale 5th and 6th Feb.

From Caledonian Mercury, 29 Aug 1850:
Rhyl, Aug. 26. - The Margaret Hughes (schooner), of London, struck on the Middle Patch, near the Point of Air, and went to pieces; crew drowned. [another report: wrecked in morning of 26th, before the Point of Ayr lifeboat could reach the wreck]
From Morning Chronicle, Monday 2 Sept 1850;
Liverpool, Aug. 30, - 120 boxes of tin plates, 265 bars of iron, 3 spars, and 1 pump have been taken from the wreck of a schooner, name unknown [presumably Margaret Hughes], which was lost, with all hands, on West Hoyle Bank, on the morning of Aug. 26.

From Liverpool Mercury, Friday 10 January 1851:
The flat James was driven on shore near Rhyl during the night: crew saved. The schooner Caroline, of Inverness, from [Dublin; master: Stewart Allen] for this port, was totally wrecked on West Hoyle this morning [9th January]: crew saved by the Point of Ayr life-boat. [Caroline had timber cargo]
From Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald, Saturday 11 January and Saturday 25 January 1851
RHYL: The sudden change of wind on Wednesday night [8th January], from SE to SSW, blowing violently, has caused considerable damage among vessels near this place.
The Robert Flat [limestone; of and for Liverpool from Tanroga (which had a landing stage, now called Tan yr Ogof, just east of Llanddulas); master Robert Jones] was observed about 8am off Rhyl, sunk in deep water with her crew lashed to the upper part of it. A boat [Pike, master Foulkes] was launched from the shore and rescued the captain, two crew and the captain's wife and landed them at Rhyl (Voryd) at 9:30.
The Pilot Flat [limestone] was sunk in deep water off Abergele and the same boat was transported there and again rescued the captain, three crew and the captain's wife, landing them by 12:30.
The Raven, flat, is on the beach under Voryd. [also described as at Abergele]
A schooner, name unknown [Caroline presumably], is on the West Hoyle, a total wreck.
The William, flat, [limestone; of and for Liverpool from Tanroga; master Thomas Owen] sunk in deep water; crew saved in their own boat.
Two vessels are on shore under Abergele, names unknown. [smack Eleanor]
The James Flat [of and for Liverpool from Llanddulas; master Shadrach Mathews] sunk in deep water [later driven on shore]; crew saved.

Smack Peggy, wrecked Point of Ayr, 1851, all 3 crew saved.
[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 29 November 1851]:
Wreck on the Point of Ayr. The smack Peggy, of Cemaes, Watkin Lewis, master, coal laden from Saltney Station, was totally wrecked on the 24th inst. near the Point of Ayr at the entrance of the Dee, but through the praiseworthy exertions and intrepidity of Stephen Hewitt and Hugh Hewitt, Flint, pilots, in an open boat, the crew, consisting of the master and two hands, were providentially rescued from impending inevitable death, and safely landed at Mostyn. Too much praise cannot be given to these two brave fellows; their boat having been several times nearly swamped in approaching the vessel and removing the crew.

From Sherbourne Mercury, 28 May 1852
LIVERPOOL - May 27: The sloop Betsy and Mary, of Newry, from Troon for Liverpool, with cargo of pig iron, sunk yesterday [26 May 1852] West Hoyle; crew saved.

From Liverpool Standard, Tue 3 Jan 1853
A schooner was aground on West Hoyle. She was in great distress and required immediate assistance. She capsized about 8:30. There is reason to think all hands [supposed to be 6] have perished. Life boats have gone out.
From Lloyds List, Monday 2 Jan 1853
A vessel, apparently a brigantine, was ashore on the West Hoyle yesterday and shortly afterwards capsized; and the crew perished; today a board, supposed to be from this vessel, has washed on shore, it belongs to the Sophia of Belfast

From North Wales Chronicle, 1 July 1854
SHIPWRECK. - On the 26th ult.[26 May 1854], the Flat May, of Liverpool [Runcorn in another report], John Williams, master, left Tan-yr-ogo stage [east of Llanddulas], stone-laden, about 10 p.m., it then blowing a gale of wind, and came as far as Voryd telegraph and lighthouse [Point of Ayr], where she run ashore, and capsized. The captain, one of the crew, and a passenger, met with a watery grave; one of the crew was saved by fastening himself to the vessel until the tide ebbed. The captain has left a wife and four children to deplore their loss. [wind SW 8, Admiralty Wreck Return describes vessel as sunk].
A wooden flat May was built at Runcorn in 1852 and registered Liverpool 176/1852, 57 tons, then re-registered 713/1854.

From Lloyds List Monday 23 October 1854
CHESTER, 20th Oct. A boat, with name Vigilant, Timothy Jones, of Aberystwith, supposed from a vessel wrecked on West Hoyle Bank, was picked up on Salisbury Bank 18th Oct.
From Welshman, 27 Oct 1854
Aberystwyth: It is reported that the "Diligent" of this town with Captain and wife, together with a crew of four men have been lost off Chester.
Mariners certificate: JONES Timothy, born Llanon 1821, cert no 61924
From Llanon graveyard inscriptions:
Jones Timothy 17-10-1854 33 Met with death through shipwreck on the Liverpool tides
Jones Anne 18-10-1854 39 Daughter of the above [David and Mary Jones]. Died in Shipwreck Liverpool.
Timothy Jones of Llanon, master mariner, died intestate on 18 October 1854, with no surviving children, administration to next of kin: father Stephen Jones, farmer.
Timothy Jones married Anne Jones in 1851 (Aberayron Region)
There is a vessel named Vigilant registered at Aberystwyth in 1840. Since records were less comprehensive before 1854, no definite details of the vessel: Vigilant, or Diligent, have been found. There are newspaper records of vessel named Vigilant, master Jones, trading before October 1854 between Pwllheli, Port Madoc, Aberdovey, Aberystwith and Liverpool.
There is no record of this loss in the 1854 Admiralty Register of Wrecks and Casualties to Shipping.

From Liverpool Standard, Tue 24 Oct 1854
SHIPWRECK. - On Friday [20 October 1854], at 7 30 a.m., the Brig Enterprise, of Exeter, went ashore on West Hoyle Bank, and in the course of an hour capsized and sank. The life-boats from the nearest stations [Hoylake and Point of Ayr] were early in attendance to render assistance, but the crew had previously abandoned the brig in their boat, and landed safely at the Dee. The Enterprise was on her voyage from Teignmouth to Liverpool with a cargo of clay

From Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, Saturday 28th Oct 1854:
LIVERPOOL - Oct. 28, 11 10 a.m. (By Electric Telegraph, This Day) The Helen flat (with bricks), sunk off Hilbre Island yesterday [27th October 1854]; crew saved. [wind S 7; described as sunk in Admiralty Wreck Return]. See also further details.

From Morning Chronicle 20th April 1855
WRECK OF THE SCHOONER BRAILSFORD, WITH LOSS OF ALL HANDS. From all accounts, there can now exist little doubt as to the total loss of this vessel, with all hands, on the West Hoyle Bank, on the morning of Wednesday last[11th April 1855]. The Brailsford was a three masted schooner of 133 tons, commanded by Captain James Marshall, of Greenock, and had a general cargo on board. She sailed from Liverpool on Saturday, the 7th inst., for Africa, and was seen in a severe gale at an early hour on the morning of the 11th on the West Hoyle Bank. Shortly afterwards there were picked up near the bank: a Liverpool chart, a small case of brandy, and a card, with "Captain James Marshall, Greenock." The steam-tug [Tartar, sent by the owners, Charles Horsfall & Son of Liverpool] which went to the assistance of the Brailsford returned on Thursday, without being able to get near the wreck; she was lying on her beam ends on West Hoyle Bank. [The Point of Ayr life-boat had been alongside, and had taken two corpses from the wreck, and nothing has been heard of the remainder.] The following are the names of the seamen shipped in her:- William John Thomson, of Belfast, mate; Nathaniel Welch, Weymouth; John Kilmanda (coloured), Bombay; Karmannas Lantink, Groningen; Thomas Williams, Manchester; Henry William Kidd, Yarmouth; and John Thompson, Workington. Captain Marshall was well known in the Clyde trade, and as having been for several years in business as a grocer in Greenock, where he left his wife and family a few days before the wreck to join his vessel at Liverpool. [some items of cargo, chains and anchors were reported as salvaged]

Wooden flat Pink of Chester.
[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 31 December 1855]:
Dock Committee: .. An extra day's pay was ordered to be given to the crews of the Point of Ayr and Hoylake lifeboats, for services rendered to the barque Laura, a vessel sunk on the Hoyle bank, and the flat Pink, of Chester, the crew of which was supposed to have been lost.

Wooden schooner Mermaid of Wicklow (registered Dublin ON 24078), 51 tons, first registered 1845. Voyage Wicklow to Liverpool with railway sleepers, aground on West Hoyle 16 December 1856 and broke up. Crew saved in own boat.
[from Lloyd's List - Saturday 20 December 1856]: RHYL. Dec. The MERMAID, Morgan, of and from Wicklow, for Liverpool, with railway sleepers, struck on bank, on the night of the 16th Dec., filled and remained; crew landed at Mostyn next morning.

Flat Temple of Chester.
Point of Ayr lifeboat records: 22 March 1857; Flat Temple of Chester - saved 2.
[from Northern Daily Times - Tuesday 24 March 1857]: LIVERPOOL, March 23. The flat Temple, of Chester, sunk near No. per chart 128, this morning, crew saved (on the middle watch[sic] of Rhyl.)
[128 is on West Hoyle bank north of Point of Ayr].

Wooden schooner Wave built Annan 1837 or 1844, 64 tons.
ON 3364, 59.3 x 15.4 x 8.7ft, registered Strangford, owned Killough.
Voyage Renfrew to Saltney with iron railway chairs. Captain McMullan and 3 crew.
Aground then foundered off Hoyle Bank, all saved by Point of Air lifeboat, 29th November 1859.
The lifeboat records give position as no. 123 per chart - which is near the mouth of Hilbre Swash - close to HE1 buoy.
From Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 20 December 1859
SCHOONER WRECKED. Capt. M'Mullan, late master of the schooner Wave, of Strangford, from Clyde to Saltney[near Chester] with railway iron, reports:- Sailed October 25. Proceeded with a favourable wind until off Killough, when at 2 p.m. of the 20th, the wind N.N.E., gale, put into Killough and was there detained with head winds till Nov. 15. 9p.m. got under weigh, but on the 19th at 9 a.m. put back, owing to the wind shifting to the S.S.E., and remained there till the 28th. At 11 a.m. of the 29th, tide at the time half flood, weather showery, wind W.N.W., under single reefed canvas, when a little to the west of Prestatyn, struck on a rock in three fathoms. She was edged a little to the eastward, and, in about quarter of an hour after, struck by the heel on the point of West Hoyle; the helm was immediately put down, the head sails hauled down, and the anchor let go, thinking that would ride her till flood, but she shortly went down. At 12.30 p.m., the Point of Ayr lifeboat came alongside and took all hands out of the rigging. The next day saved most of her rigging, sails, etc., but the schooner and cargo are totally lost.

Schooner Augusta C Brewer built Cherryfield, Maine 1854, 3 masts, 459 tons, wood.
From Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald, Saturday 07 July 1860:
POINT OF AIR LIFEBOAT STATION. The following is a copy of a letter addressed to Lieutenant Parks from John Dawson, Gronant, June 28th:
Dear sir, at 5 a.m., we perceived signals at the Telegraph directing the lifeboat to a vessel is distress on the West Hoyle bank, near No. 105 per chart[sic: 108 is more likely], which was immediately sent off, and found her to be the three masted schooner, Augusta C. Brewer, of New York, Mathew Cox, master. Her crew consisted of 10 lives, bound with general cargo from Liverpool to Havannah. The lifeboat brought a message from the master of the vessel to be forwarded by telegraph to Liverpool for additional assistence, together with note from the captain to me, requesting that I would allow the lifeboat to remain with them this evening as, he says, that it is bowing heavy, and that the vessel has 6 feet of water in her hold, and no prospect of freeing her; I directed the master of the lifeboat to return to their assistance, and up to this time, 6 p.m., they are still with the vessel on the Hoyle Bank.
From London Evening Standard, 30 June 1860:
The Augusta C Brewer for Havannah, ashore on West Hoyle Bank, leaks and the pumps cannot keep her free; seven of the crew have landed and three remain; steam- and life- boats have gone to her.
From Northern Daily Times 2 July 1860:
Liverpool 1 July: The Augusta C. Brewer for Havannah ashore on West Hoyle is breaking up.

Schooner Young Gipsy of Newport, built Liverpool of wood 1834, 99t, ON 9264.
Cargo of bar iron. Aground Hoyle Bank 11 November 1861
Crew saved by Point of Ayr Lifeboat.
Liverpool Mercury, Tuesday 12 November 1861
Yesterday afternoon, a schooner was reported on shore on West Hoyle Bank, with the crew in the rigging. The news reaching the Mersey, two Liverpool lifeboats were despatched in tow of the steam tugs United States and Universe; but, reaching the vicinity of the bank, there were no signs of any vessel in distress either on the bank or its neighbourhood, and the tugs and lifeboats returned to the river about half-past ten o'clock last night.
Liverpool Mercury Wednesday 13 November 1861
FOUNDERING OF A SCHOONER. SUFFERINGS AND NARROW ESCAPE OF THE CREW. Another sad occurrence was reported yesterday, but fortunately unattended with loss of life, although the crew underwent much suffering from cold and exhaustion. It appears that the schooner Young Gipsy, from Newport for Liverpool, with a cargo of bar iron, was caught in the gale on Monday while off the port. For several hours the vessel was knocked about in a most lamentable manner, the sea making a clean sweep over her, carrying all movables overboard, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the crew could keep themselves secure. Ultimately, the vessel became unmanageable, and sank when off Rhyl. The schooner's boat had been washed away long before, and the only hope of succour for the crew lay in the rigging, which they, after much difficulty, succeeded in gaining. While here, the sea still continued to make a clean breach over them, and the sufferings of the crew were severe in the extreme. The night was fearfully cold, and it was with the utmost determination and "love of life" as one of the poor fellows not inappropriately termed it, that they clung to their precarious support, in the hope that daylight would discover their position to some vessels near. Their hopes were fortunately not futile, for at an early hour they observed a boat making towards them, and after some time had elapsed they made her out to be the Point of Ayr lifeboat, coming to rescue. At ten o'clock the boat reached them, and in a few minutes after the poor fellows were safe. - [This is the schooner referred to in our yesterday's publication as being on shore at West Hoyle, and to which the Liverpool lifeboats proceeded, but whose efforts for the rescue of the crew proved so unsuccessful.]
Liverpool Mercury, Wed 20 Nov 1861:
Monday next, the 25th instant, at Twelve o'clock, at the Brokers' Saleroom. Walmer Buildings, Water-street: The hull of the schooner Young Gipsey, as and where she may be stranded on Hoyle Bank, she is 99 tons register and was built at Liverpool in 1834; has on board about 15 tons of kentledge [ballast blocks of pig iron] which is sold with the hull; together with winch, windlass, pumps, etc, which are attached to the vessel. Purchasers have the privilege of saving the bar iron (about 100 tons) now in the vessel, for which they are entitled to 50 per cent salvage. The sails, anchors, chains, rigging, ropes, blocks. etc, belonging to the above vessel, [now lying at Coast Guard Station, Hoylake] to be sold on Monday next - see advertisement.

Schooner Victoria of Aberystwith, 70 tons, wooden, ON 11423, built 1831, captain William Evans and 4 crew. Voyage Newhaven to Runcorn with flint. Lost West Hoyle Bank 31-7-1866.

From Greenock Telegraph, Wednesday 1st August 1866
Fatal Shipwreck off the Port of Liverpool. Liverpool, Tuesday. Since Sunday morning a series of heavy squalls have prevailed in Liverpool and its neighbourhood, accompanied with a very considerable rainfall. From an early hour this morning, a strong gale has been blowing from the north-west, and, about nine o'clock, a schooner was observed to strike heavily upon the West Hoyle. From Hoylake (at the mouth of the Dee) signals of distress could be seen at the schooner's masthead, and the lifeboat at the station at once put off to the assistance of the disabled vessel. Before, however, they reached the scene of the disaster, the schooner had gone down, taking all hands with her. After pulling about for some time, a man was observed floating on spar. He was the only survivor, and was rescued by the life-boat crew. No tidings have yet been obtained of the name the schooner and her captain. About 10 o'clock a flat was observed to strike on the some bank and to go down. There is still very heavy sea running.

From Liverpool Mercury, Thursday 2nd August 1866:
THE WRECK OFF THE PORT.-The schooner lost on West Hoyle bank during the gale of Tuesday morning [31-7-1866] was named the Victory[sic]. She was bound to Liverpool from some port in South Wales, Only one of her crew was saved,- and he only by strenuous exertions on the part of the crew of the [Hoylake] lifeboat. The flat which sank about the same place was the Grace or John Grace, - no positive information being obtainable, as her crew were all lost [Flat Grace of Preston, ON 17264, 73 tons is listed in 1866 but not 1867]. A yacht, the Clytie, from Llandudno for Liverpool, - was abandoned - in the same gale off the Dee, all on board escaped to the shore.

From Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, 10th August 1866:
Report of Captain William Evans, late Master of the Schooner Victoria, of Aberystwith, 70 tons, from Newhaven for Runcorn (flints), previously reported in this Journal:
Left Newhaven, July 22, weather clear, wind fresh from N.E.. On the 31st, [July 1866] at 7:30 a.m., weather hazy, wind N. by E., fresh, was under double reefed sails on port tack, heading E. by N. to E.N.E.; shipped heavy sea on port side, which carried away a portion of the bulwarks, split standing jib, and shifted cargo, and vessel became unmanageable, pumps kept continually going. In about 10 minutes vessel struck the West Hoyle, beat over the bank into deep water, and immediately foundered, all hands at the time endeavouring to get the boat out to save life, but without effect, vessel drawing down the boat and all hands with her. I was the only one that came to the surface, and saved my life swimming to and floating on a portion of the boat which drifted from the vessel, until picked up by the Hoylake life-boat, after being in the water 2.5 hours. The weather being thick with rain, did not see any lights on land after leaving Great Orme's Head.

Wooden flat Mary of Liverpool, 60 tons. [5 flats "Mary of Liverpool" listed in MNL 1871; all continue to 1880 or later - so most probably refloated]
Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 07 December 1871: Mary - Report of William Roberts, Master of the flat Mary, of Liverpool, 60 tons, from Mostyn for West Hoyle Bank (iron ore, about 65 tons, taken from the Elizabeth): Left Mostyn Nov. 29, weather clear, wind light from S.E. Proceeded, and arrived alongside the Elizabeth 11 AM, and at once took in cargo from her. About 10 p.m., half flood, the wind a moderate gale, the ropes parted, and she drove further on the bank, until 11 p.m when she sank, and all hands took to the rigging, until 1:50 am, when the Hoylake lifeboat took us off and placed us on board the Swiftsure(s).
Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 21 December 1871: Report of Lifeboat rescues:
Early on Wednesday morning, the 29 th ultimo[November], the brigantine Elizabeth, laden with iron ore, got upon the West Hoyle Bank, three miles north-west of Hoylake and three miles north-east of the Point of Ayr lifeboat house. At eleven a.m., the flat Mary, towed by the Swiftsure steamer from Mostyn, arrived alongside the Elizabeth to take in part of her cargo. After sunset the wind increased, and by ten p.m. it blew a moderate gale from the north-east. The keeper at Hilbre Island seeing the position of the vessels, kept spying at them through his telescope, and, about eleven p.m., he saw the Mary drifting a little higher on the bank and then sinking. Soon afterwards, the Elizabeth floated nearly over the bank to the river Dee. At twelve midnight, being positive that he could see three men in the rigging of the sunken flat Mary, he fired his signal gun, to call the attention of the lifeboat superintendent to his telegraph instrument; and about 12:40 (high water) the Hoylake lifeboat was launched, and arrived at the flat about 1:30. After rescuing the three men and safely putting them on board the Swiftsure in the Dee, about two am., they safely returned to Hoylake by 2:40.

Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 07 December 1871 Elizabeth - Report of William Williams, Master of the brigantine Elizabeth of Liverpool 95 tons [ON 1871, ex-Christine, built Finland, 82.1 x 22.8 x 10.9 ft.] from Duddon for Mostyn(iron ore). Left Duddon Nov 28, weather clear wind NE moderate. Proceeded, wind E., fresh, and entering Hilbury Swash carried away wheel chains. Drifted on West Hoyle. Let go kedge anchor over the stern to keep off the bank. About midnight the kedge came home and vessel got on the bank. At 10am of 29th, the flat Mary came alongside to lighten and took out about 65 tons. About 6PM wind N to E a moderate gale, set sail and drove over the bank as far as posible. At 6am of the 30th commenced throwing part of cargo overboard. At noon set sail and proceeded for Mostyn harbour arriving about 1 pm.
Advertised for sale in Liverpool on 7 Dec 1871. Register closed 1899.

Wooden jigger flat (ketch) Mary and Ann of Lancaster, built 1840 Ince, Lancs, owned Fisher, Barrow, 33 tons, ON 16456, in MNL up to 1874 only.
Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 30 November 1871
LIVERPOOL Nov. 30 (By Telegraph): A flat aground in No. 109 per chart, but has no signal of distress flying.
LIVERPOOL Nov. 30 (By Telegraph): The Hoylake lifeboat has taken the crew from the flat ashore 109 per chart [North side of West Hoyle Bank], which was two masted, and has sunk.
Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 21 December 1871: Report of Lifeboat rescues:
Before seven the same morning (the 30th November), a two-masted flat, which proved to be the Mary and Ann, laden with iron ore, was seen on the bank less than a mile NNE of the Mary[see above], but no distress signal was hoisted until after nine. After a telegram from Hilbre had been received at Hoylake, the same lifeboat crew, along with their superintendent, ran to the Island and launched the Hilbre boat, and got to the vessel, which had been sunk since 9:25, by 10:15, and the captain and two boys were taken from the rigging and landed safe at Hoylake about eleven am.

From Lloyd's List, Friday 15 October 1875
LIVERPOOL. 14th Oct. 2:10 p.m. The May (flat), of Runcorn, from Llanddulas to Sankey Bridge, with limestone, foundered on the outer edge of West Hoyle bank, this morning, after striking what the master supposes to have been a sunken wreck; crew saved. [Flat built Northwich 1859, 48t, ON 62021, owned John Clare Ridgeway, Sankey. Not listed in MNL after 1875; crew list gives Master Robert Hough (64) of Winsford, mate Joseph Hough (23) of Sankey, boy Edward Hough (17) ]

Wooden sloop Wave, built Talaen[sic Talacre?], Flint, 1850, 24 tons, ON 10258, owned Robert Roberts, Trefriw; master William Jones, registered Beaumaris 1851. Vessel wrecked on the beach near Point of Ayr lighthouse, 17/8/1879. Crew of 2 [William Jones, 54, and Robert Owen, 17] saved.
[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Thursday 21 August 1879]:
CONWAY. August 18: The sloop Wave, of Beaumaris, from Garston for this port, with coal, stranded yesterday about one mile west of the Point of Ayr Lighthouse, and has become a total wreck: cargo lost, crew saved.

Barque Margaretha of Rostock, Germany [built 1857, 392 tons, captain Berthold Schmidt] was carrying a cargo of 800 tons of pitch pine from Darien [port in Georgia, USA] to Conway. She left Darien on May 6 and arrived off the Dee on 2nd July and was towed by tug Relief to the Roads off Mostyn. On 9th July 1880, she was towed by the tug Friend of all Nations towards her final destination of Conway. Weather was calm (wind force 1) and tide half-flood. No Pilot was available, but the tug captain claimed to be acquainted with the navigation. They passed the Bell Buoy off Point of Ayr. The master of the barque heaved the lead constantly and when it showed 3 fathoms, he asked the tug to stop, but it carried on, however, and the Margaretha ran aground on the West Hoyle Bank. The tug tried to pull her off, without success. They then threw much of her deck cargo of timber overboard to attempt to lighten the barque. The barque was firmly emedded in the sand and broke her back. The timber was rafted up and towed to Mostyn. [From Deposition dated 10 July of Berthold Schmidt, master of Margaretha, reported in Shipping and Mercantile Gazette 21 July 1880]
From Liverpool Mercury, Saturday 17 July 1880:
Margaretha, from Darien for Connah's Quay, which stranded on West Hoyle Bank while proceeding from Wild Roads to Conway to discharge, is very much out of shape, and a total wreck. An attempt to float the vessel off on her cargo on Sunday night [11th July] was unsuccessful. The ship is afloat in her dock and was moved some distance and about 14 pieces of timber have been discharged and rafted to Mostyn.
From Shipping and Mercantile Gazette, 12 July 1880:
Margaretha, German Barque, Darien to Conway(timber) aground on West Hoyle Bank has broken her back and will become a total wreck. Master and crew are dismantling vessel and saving as much as possible.

From Lloyd's List, Saturday 02 December 1882
CASUALTIES. etc. ACCRINGTON LASS, Connahs Quay, Nov. 30.- It is feared that the Accrington Lass, Fleetwood, has been wrecked and all hands lost, as she sailed from Douglas on Monday last with lead ore for Mostyn. On Monday night, it blew a very heavy gale from NNW; yesterday and today, part of her nameboard, and part of deckhouse with brass plate on it bearing builders' name (Rogers C. Fergus[Built 1874 Carrickfergus, ON 70168, wooden schooner, 81 tons, owned John Bradshaw, Fleetwood, regstered Fleetwood]), which it is known was on her, have been picked up. Her crew consisted of Charles Griffiths, master, his brother John, mate, (both of this place[Connah's Quay]), and two strangers, names unknown, one of whom belonged to Bagilt, the other to Douglas, Isle of Man. From small pieces of wreckage picked up, it is feared others have met same fate, and about same time and place, probably on West Hoyle, or patches to west of it.
ACCRINGTON LASS, - Liverpool, Dec. 1, 11:55 a.m. - The boat Accrington Lass, Fleetwood, Griffiths, has been picked up in Hoyle Lake, also a piece of board marked "Accrin..", apparently off the vessel's stern.
Rhyl Advertiser 9 Dec.;
LOSS OF A CONNAH'S QUAY VESSEL. - During the storm last week the "Accrington Lass," was lost between Rhyl and the entrance to the Dee, when all hands (3[sic] in number) perished. The vessel disappeared so mysteriously that neither lifeboat nor anything else could be put to sea to try and render assistance to the unfortunate sailors. It is said that the bodies of two of the drowned seamen were washed ashore early this week near Point of Ayr. The vessel was laden with lead ore consigned to Adam Eyton Esq., Llanerchymor, and was on its passage from the Isle of Man. The cargo was uninsured and the loss to Mr Eyton is said to be £1600.

Wooden schooner Mary of Liverpool, built Conway 1857, 59 tons, ON 19572, owned Henry Kneeshaw, Liverpool. Foundered between Llanddulas and Hoyle Bank, 2 February 1833, cargo limestone. Crew of two saved by a steamer, master lost. Vessel not listed in MNL after 1883.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Friday 02 March 1883]: FOUNDERING OF THE SCHOONER MARY. The Wreck Commissioner, Mr. Rothery QC., assisted by Admiral Moresby and Captain Curling, opened an inquiry into the loss of the schooner Mary, off the Welsh coast, on the first of February. Mr Parton appeared for tbe Board of Trade, and Mr. Pickford (instructed by Messrs. Bateson and Co.) represented the owners Messrs. Burnbitt[sic ? Brundit] & Co., of Runcorn and LiverpooL. The vessels's gross tonnage was 70 and her registered tonnage 29 [sic]. She left Llandulas on the 1st February with a cargo of lime rock and lime dust, bound for Runcorn, her crew consisting of captain, mate and one AB. After leaving port, in consequence of a snowstorm, the captain endeavoured to put back for safety, when the vessel suddenly heeled over to starboard. After this, the master was lost sight of, but the mate, Charles Williams, and the AB, Thomas Williams, succeeded in getting to the rigging, from which they were rescued on the following day by a steamer belonging to the same owners. Evidence was taken and the hearing adjourned until today.
[from Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 03 March 1883]: As regards the loss of the schooner Mary, of Liverpool, judgment was given yesterday by Mr Rothery, QC., who found that the cause was accidental, and that consequently no blame attached to anybody.

Wooden flat Charles of Runcorn, built Northwich 1848, 57 tons, Owned Beckett, Runcorn, ON 25852, voyage Llanddulas to Widnes with 115 tons limestone, foundered 2 February 1883, near Hilbre Swash, crew saved in own boat. Vessel not listed in MNL after 1883.
[from Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper - Sunday 04 February 1883]: The Charles (flat), of Runcorn, cargo limestone, from Llanddulas to Widnes, foundered about midnight near Hilbre Swash. The crew were picked up on Friday morning by a passing steamer, and were taken on to Llanddulas. On their way to that port they took off two of the crew of the Mary, schooner, of 59 tons, laden with limestone, which vessel foundered, the master being drowned.
[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 15 February 1883]: CHARLES: Report of James Hindley, master of the flat Charles, of Runcorn, 57 tons, from Llandulas, Feb. 1, at 3 30 p.m., for Widnes, with about 115 tons limestone:- Proceeded, and about 8 p.m. the wind freshened from S. to S.E. At 11:10 p.m., I went and looked into the hold, and so far as I could see, she was quite dry. About midnight, tide ebb, weather snow squalls, wind southward, a moderate gale, heavy sea, the vessel was, as near as I could judge by soundings, in Helbre Swash or about there, under reefed mainsail and whole foresail, when I suddenly felt her sinking. The mate ran forward to haul the foresail down, when I felt that she was going, and I hauled the boat up, and we had just time to get into her, when the flat sank under us. About 7 am. 2nd, we were picked up and landed at Llandulas. Liverpool, Feb. 3.

Rhyl Advertiser, 15 June 1884
ANOTHER NORWEGIAN VESSEL IN DISTRESS. On Sunday evening [8 June 1884] another timber laden Norwegian vessel was wrecked on our coast. At about a quarter past six on Sunday evening, the signal at the lifeboat station was fired, and was immediately responded to by the report of a rocket shot at the coast-guard station. A large crowd of people at once gathered on the promenade and pier but as the distressed vessel appeared to be in no immediate danger, and was rather far away, the spectators did not display any anxiety, and most of them dispersed and went on to church or chapel. After some considerable, and shall we say unaccountable delay, the life-boat was launched, too late, however, to be of any service, for the Point-of-Ayr life-boat (B. Evans, coxswain) had reached the vessel, actually before the Rhyl boat was afloat. The vessel turned out to be a Norwegian brigantine the "Norma" (Christopher Pederson, master) with cargo of batten timber from Brevig to Connah's Quay. She had been lying outside all the afternoon hoisting a signal for pilot, but not once was anything hoisted to show the vessel was in distress. However, the person on the watch at the marine telegraph office above the Point-of-Ayr station saw she was drifting to a dangerous place, and about 4-15, he fired a signal. Shortly afterwards the vessel struck on the West Hoyle. In half-an-hour the Point-of-Ayr boat was afloat and succeeded in saving the master of the vessel and his crew, which numbered six men, with their clothing. Great caution had to be exercised in approaching the stranded ship, for the deck cargo was thrown out with considerable force by the lurching of the vessel, and the men were saved by means of ropes thrown out of the life-boat. Some difficulty was experienced in getting the master to leave the ship, but when the ultimatum - that if he did not leave within five minutes, the life-boat would go - was given, he boarded the boat. Having landed the shipwrecked crew at Mostyn, the life-boat men turned their attention to the vessel and secured it, and she now is near the lighthouse. All the spars and rigging appear to be intact, but the hull has suffered somewhat severely. We may add that the Point-of-Ayr men received the call to duty at least an hour and a quarter before the Rhyl men, and the wreck was also some miles nearer their station than to Rhyl. But in the face of all that, a delay of over an hour after the signal gun was fired certainly requires an explanation. Similar delay is always, more or less, shown in the launching of the Rhyl boat, and gives a reasonable excuse for the question, "Why is not one boat left in readiness near the coastguard station?" which is frequently asked.
Flint Observer, 19 June 1884
POINT-OF-AIR.THE WRECK OF THE NORMA. The wreck of the Norwegian brigantine, Norma, of Tønsberg, laden with timber for the Dee, and which after striking the ground in No. 136 per chart [West Hoyle Bank], was driven ashore on the main [shore] between the old light-house and the lifeboat house, lies in the same position completely broken up. Several relays of men numbering from 45 to 60 have been busily engaged in the work of discharging the cargo, under the supervision of Mr. Peter Roberts, master stevedore, Mostyn Quay. We hear the same has been purchased by Mr. Williams, timber merchant, Caerwys, who has a number of men and horses hauling the timber ashore. A screw steamer engaged in discharging, dragged her anchor and drifted inshore of the wrecked vessel, where she remains.

From Lloyds List, Fri 19 August 1887
WILLIAM. Mostyn, Chester, Aug. 18.[1887]. The Flat William, J. Atherton, of Liverpool, [built Winsford, 1845, 49nt, owned T. Hayes, then Mrs Mary Hayes, ON 10610] from Llanddulas for Widnes, with limestone, while steering for Chester Bar today, shipped heavy seas, became unmanageable, drifted on the West Hoyle Bank and filled with water; crew saved.
From Flintshire Observer, Thursday 25 August 1887.
POINT OF AYR. A WRECK. - On Thursday [18 August 1887] a small vessel, apparently a river flat, was seen ashore on the West Hoyle Bank, near the entrance of the Dee, and as the tide rose it was seen that the vessel filled, and of course could not float. Information of the disaster was conveyed to the Point of Ayr lifeboat station, and at half-past five, the lifeboat was launched. The crew of the small craft, however, left in their own boat. The vessel was submerged by the rising tide. There was a heavy sea reported off the bar all morning, whilst a strong breeze was blowing from the north.

From Lloyds List, Tue 7 Jan 1890 (and crew list)
FLORINDA. Liverpool, Jan. 7, 9:53 A.M. The Florinda, of Runcorn. [flat, built 1877, 71nt, ON 67165, owned Lewis Killcross of Widnes, Captain Thomas Marshall (37) of Widnes, mate John Marshall (33), boy John McCombe (14)] Llanddulas for Widnes, cargo limestone, foundered north edge of Hoyle Bank; total loss on 3 January 1890. [Thomas Marshall is listed as master of flat SS Penmon in 1890-1]

See also here. From Lloyds List 15th October 1894
THOMAS MASON. - Hoylake, Oct. 14, 5 10 p.m. - Schooner Thomas Mason, of Beaumaris, ashore on West Hoyle Bank. Lifeboat been out; crew declined to leave vessel. Intend to jettison cargo coals.
THOMAS MASON. - Hoylake, Oct. 15, 8:15 a.m. - Schr. Thomas Mason foundered. Will become total wreck. Crew safe.
THOMAS MASON. - Liverpool, Oct. 15, 10 27 a.m. - The Thomas Mason schooner sank on the bar at 10 45 p.m. Hoylake lifeboat again put out to her assistance, and rescued crew at 11 40 pm., and landed them at Hoylake 12 15 a.m. to-day.
From Lloyds List 16th October 1894
THOMAS MASON. Liverpool, Oct. 15. 915 a.m. - The Thomas Mason, before reported stranded on West Hoyle, had a cargo of 85 tons coal. She has become a total wreck.
From Lloyds List 17th October 1894
THOMAS MASON. - Liverpool Oct. 17, 11:40 a.m. - The Thomas Mason on West Hoyle Bank. Hoylake fishermen stripped wreck of all gear, anchors, etc., and removed masts last evening. Hull lies in a deep dock.
From Chester Courant, Wed 17 Oct 1894
HOYLAKE. Wreck of a Welsh Schooner: - The Thomas Mason a coasting schooner hailing from Beaumaris, sank on the West Hoyle Bank at 10.40 on Sunday night. The Hoylake lifeboat went to the aid of the crew [3 persons], who were landed by the lifeboat a few minutes after twelve yesterday. There was a strong wind blowing at the time, and the rescue was performed in a most gallant manner. The vessel soon afterwards disappeared. It seems that when she first got ashore the crew would not leave her, as they thought they might be able to get her off. The Thomas Mason was about 100 tons burthen, and belonged to Roland Jones, of Moelfre, Anglesey. She was a very old vessel , having been built so long ago as 1838 [at Runcorn, of 51 tons, ON 7726].

Barque Atlantic of Norway, 377 tons, captain Hansen, voyage Karlskrona to Sunderland and Liverpool. Total crew of 7 - all lost on 22 December 1894 on West Hoyle Bank.
At that date the Minnie Browne was also lost, and two additional vessels were reported wrecked on the West Hoyle. Hoylake fishing smack Stag was returning from Beaumaris to Hoylake with a crew of 4 [George Beck (master), John Beck (his cousin), and his two sons] and did not arrive, presumed foundered.
Lloyds List 24 Dec 1894 ATLANTIC. London, Dec. 24. - A telegram from Liverpool states that yesterday afternoon three bodies were washed ashore at Hoylake on the Mersey estuary. The men are believed to have formed part of the crew of the Norwegian barque Atlantic, from Sunderland and Carlskrona [Karlskrona in S Sweden], the log of which and a large quantity of wreckage were washed ashore. - Morning Post
Lloyds List 26 Dec 1894 ATLANTIC. - Hoylake. Dec. 25. 9 15 a.m. - Norwegian barque Atlantic total wreck on West Hoyle Bank Saturday. Crew lost.

From Lloyd's List, Wednesday 02 November 1898
Piel Castle: Hoylake, Nov. 2, 1:05 P.M. - Schooner Piel Castle [of Barrow, built Southampton 1865, 75tons, ON 51082, owned John Fisher, Ballymena], timber laden, [from Conway to Barrow] in SW gale, driven onto bank, capsized and became total wreck on West Hoyle. Crew [4] rescued by Point of Ayr lifeboat. [in another report: location Middle Patch which is at west end of West Hoyle Bank]

The flat Hannah of Runcorn was built 1862 by Clare at Sankey Bridges, registered at Runcorn, ON 67158, 56 tons, and owned in 1904 by William Coppack of Connah's Quay. She was carrying a cargo of spelter (a lead-zinc mix) from Liverpool to Hawarden Bridge (just above Connah's Quay on the River Dee), her captain was Thomas Taylor (34) and mate Peter Garrat (29) both of Connah's Quay.
This cargo and routing is curious, since spelter was produced by the Flintshire Silver Lead Mines Spelter Works Co., on the banks of the Dee Estuary.
Reports from Lloyds List, 30 December 1904 and later:
Connah's Quay, Dec. 29, 3:05 p.m. - Flat Hannah, of Runcorn, Liverpool for Hawarden Bridge, cargo spelter, sunk on West Hoyle last night [28 December 1904]. She is now submerged, crew having previously left her.
Hannah: Connah's Quay, Jan 3, Flat Hannah of Runcorn now total wreck on West Hoyle Bank; about 10 tons spelter saved; fear impossible salve remainder of cargo. [her registration was cancelled in 1905 and the BOT wreck return includes her]

Smack Charming Nancy, built Milford 1827, 22 tons, draught 7.5 ft, ON 16131. She was owned at St. Dogmaels until sold by Captain David Evans in 1877 to an Aberporth owner, Thomas Thomas. Registered at Cardigan, register closed 1909. She traded in the 1900's between ports such as Swansea, Saundersfoot, Cardigan, Aberporth, and Caernarfon. Her master on 9 August 1909, when she arrived at Saundersfoot, was Captain Shirley.
On the evening of 29th August 1909, she was wrecked on the West Hoyle Bank, variously described as at "the tail of the bank" and as "3 miles NW of Dee Light" while in ballast. By this date, she was 82 years old.

Charming Nancy laid up over winter (around 1900) at Cardigan:

Charming Nancy under way, from a painting by Terry Rogers (1970s)

From contemporary Newspapers: At 8.08 p.m, last evening, the coastguard on duty at Hoylake saw signals of distress on the West Hoyle Bank, and Chief Coastguard Hore gave the signal, at 8.12, for the launch of the lifeboat, which proceeded to the West Hoyle Bank through Hilbre Pool, where they found the smack Charming Nancy in a sinking condition. They took the crew off with considerable difficulty, as there was strong breeze blowing at the time. The crew of two men were in exhausted condition, and the lifeboat brought them back into Hoylake, where they were taken charge of by Chief Coastguard Hore, who provided them with dry clothes and refreshments. The launch was very exciting one, the whole proceedings, from the firing of the signal to the landing of the crew, taking one hour 35 minutes. [Another report states that the lifeboat service ended at midnight].
The Point of Ayr lifeboat was also launched but her services were not required.

Wooden Flat Transit of Liverpool, built Winsford 1883, 56 tons, ON 86298, managed Widnes. Voyage Llanddulas to Widnes with stone, 10 December 1911, driven ashore on Hoyle Bank, crew saved by Hoylake lifeboat. Register closed 1911.
[from Lifeboat Magazine]: The flat Transit, of Liverpool, whilst bound from Llanddulas to Widnes with a cargo of limestone, had her sails blown away in a very heavy squall on the 10th December whilst proceeding down the Horse Channel and was rendered helpless by the heavy sea prevailing. The Life-boat Hannah Fawcett Bennett was launched and followed the vessel, which was then driving towards the West Hoyle bank, and getting alongside rescued the two men on board. The flat eventually stranded and had every appearance of becoming a total wreck.

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