Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some newspaper reports from the 1890's

• February 1895 - Fire at Penarth Dock - Electric Light Plant Destroyed - "A fire, which resulted in the complete destruction of the electric light plant at Penarth Dock, broke out about 2.45 yesterday morning. The building in which the machinery was located adjoined the hydraulic engine house and was a temporary structure, composed of wood and corrugated iron. At the rear of the building was situate one of the two hydraulic accumulators used at the docks, and this was rendered practically useless through the excessive heat. The electric lighting plant, estimated to have cost about £1,500. belonged to J. D. Saunders and Co., Bute Docks, who maintained and worked the electric lighting for the dock company." The Bristol Mercury [194] 7th February 1895.

• March 1895 - Sad Fatality at Penarth Dock -  A Crimean Veteran Drowned - "About 6.30 a.m. on Thursday W. Campion saw a man's body floating in Penarth basin. With the assistance of the dock police it was taken out, when it was found to be a dock-pilot and Crimean naval veteran, named Joseph Lendon. It would seem that the deceased left his residence that morning shortly after four o'clock, and after arousing another pilot - Mr. Wilson, living in Dock-road - proceeded to the dock, where he, presumably, fell over the quay wall. A watch found in his waistcoat pocket had stopped at 4.49. The body lies in the mortuary pending an enquiry." - South wales Daily News [325] [361] 22rd March 1895.

• March 1895 - Weekly Notes by Quirkuequip - "The s.s. Beresford which sailed from Penarth Dock on last Xmas morning for Mobile, had on her outward passage a mutiny. As the result of the trial at New Orleans only two of the original crew are now aboard her and on their way to Bremerhaven." - Penarth Chronicle and District Advertiser [375] [361] 23rd March 1895.

• April 1895 - Shipping Disasters - Accident to the Ladas at Penarth - "On Friday morning, as the steamship Ladas, owned by Messrs. Morel, was proceeding out of the Penarth Dock, outward bound, and when nearing the locks, the engines were put ahead, vice astern, and she ran into the quay wall, removing coping stones and seriously damaging her stern and plates.

Captain Langlois, who was in charge, was informed of the mishap, and was soon on the spot. Subsequently the boat was found to be leaking and settling down. The steam-tug Primrose was soon alongside, and. with her powerful pump, soon reduced the water. The Ladas was then ordered to a crane to discharge her cargo, the Primrose still being in attendance." Evening Express [135] 27th April 1895.