Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - The White Funnel Fleet - P & A Campbell Limited

The paddle steamer 'Cambria' - some postcard and photographic views from the Penarth Dock Collection'. Built in 1895 she served Campbell's well for over 50 years. [001]

'A shaft of sunlight from the deck above illuminates the magnificent, compound diagonal machinery of the Campbell flyer 'Cambria.' These powerful engines, built by Messrs. Hutson & Company of Glasgow in 1895, developed 304 N.H.P. and were capable of driving the ship at over 21 knots, making her one of the fastest excursion paddle steamers ever to sail British waters.' The photograph and text are borrowed from the fine book 'Paddle Steamers - 1837 to 1914' by Richard Clammer. [595] [20170810]

p.s. 'Cambria' - Another fine maritime photograph of the White Funnel Fleet paddle steamer 'Cambria' built in 1895. She served P & A Campbell for 51 years and was one of the fastest excursion paddle steamers ever to sail British coastal waters. Astern of her is a freighter and a sailing pilot boat. A photograph by G. Wehrley & Co. of 97 Glebe Street, Penarth, and is another heritage record held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001] [20190114]

On Board one of P & A Campbell's Bristol Channel Passenger Steamers - A view of the River Avon and the Clifton suspension Bridge with a paddle steamer which I can identify as the 'Cambria'. The postcard is postdated August 1905 from Ilfracombe and states : 'We are at the present time on this steamer it is simply packed but what a lovely day . . . ' Yet another snapshot in time held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]

1934 - P.S. 'Cambria' - Built by Messrs. McIntyre & Co., Alloa.

P.S. 'Cambria' - Built by Messrs. McIntyre & Co., Alloa. Engined by Messrs. Hutson & Son, Glasgow. Length (over all) 233 ft. Breath 26 ft. Depth 17 ft. An illustration taken from the Bristol Channel District Guide - Official Handbook to the Marine Trips of P. & A. Campbell Ltd. (The White Funnel Fleet) - first published 1893 - from the 1934 Edition. [1332]

The Landing Stage, Pier Head, Cardiff - The postcard was published by W. H. S. & S. in its 'Strand Series' during the first decade of the century. It appears to be 'Cambria' - the version with the square windows and not the round portholes as other postcards indicate. Therefore it appears that there were two different vessel bearing the name 'Cambria'. Note the numerous masts of the Cardiff based pilot cutters to the rear of the photograph. Another heritage record held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]

1926 - p.s. 'Cambria' aground - During July 1926 the P. & A. Campbell paddle steamer 'Cambria' with about 500 persons on board went aground in dense fog off Rillage Point situated east of Ilfracombe. The Ilfracombe lifeboat 'Richard Crawley' as seen at the stern was assisted by numerous fishing and other boats in taking off the passengers. Due to the flat calm sea and at high tide, the 'Cambria' was successfully floated off the rocks with minimal superficial damage to her hull. The lower image has been colourised. The postcard is held within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]