Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage & legacy . . .
Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some notable sailings from the docks . . .
1886 - The s.s. "Great Britain" under tow, outbound from Penarth Dock on the 6th February 1886, leaving behind the distinctive Mercantile Marine Offices and Customs House. At the time she was the largest ship in the World at 322 ft (98m) from stem to stern. She was launched at Bristol on the 19th July 1843. The artist was Owen Eardley. [044]
She was primarily a steamship with sail assist and had a displacement of 3,675 tons. I recall seeing her on a barge being towed up the Bristol Channel back in July 1970. It is well worth a trip to Bristol to see her restored in the original dock where Mr. B built her. [001]
The 'Great Britain' off Lundy Island from the Illustrated London News published during February 1845. [121]
Whilst visiting Penarth during June 2016, Julie called in to send my regards to Villis at Penarth Framing Services and purchased a print of 's.s. Great Britain leaving Penarth - 6th February 1886' by the fine maritime artist Tony Batey. [402] It captures the essence of her departure admirably as she passes the dock entrance beyond the Customs House and Dock Offices on her last voyage (for some time!). Copies of the print are available from Penarth Framing Services. [001][113]
A postcard view of the s.s. 'Great Britain' transatlantic liner of 1843 back in the Great Western Dock at Bristol following her recovery from Sparrow Cove with renovation in progress. I think my last visit was probably in the 1990's so a revisit is long overdue - maybe I'll see you there! [001]
The Bill of Lading for 3,350 tons of steam coal loaded aboard the s.s. Great Britain courtesy of Worms, Josse & Co., Cardiff who was represented by P. A. Vyvyan-Robin ON ; the sum of £1,3,40 - 0s - 0d being transacted on the 5th February 1886. The coal was loaded at number 9 tip of Penarth Dock to be delivered to the Port of Panama but it was to be the last cargo to be carried in her hold. [611]
s.s. 'Great Britain, 1843' - from a painting by Keith A. Griffin held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001][998][20220409]
