Volume Thirteen - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - even more aspects - Slavery - echoes of the past . . . .

It should be observed that this mission was entirely confined to the Bristol Channel; and the advantages to be derived from it, the pamphlet further stated, were to be seen, and could be known, by all who would follow the Eirene's track. - The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette [156] [361] 4th September 1852.

The first 'Eirene' Mission Ship built, commencing 1839, pictured off Penarth Head during November 1843.

The first 'Eirene' was built and placed into service in 1840/41 following a delay in the construction 'in consequence that the greater part of the joiners' work having to be condemned. . . This is now completed.'

This was during the period as described in the newspaper account of 4th September 1852 on the previous page ; 'In the year 1836 the mission was commenced under the Rev. Doctor's auspices, and up to 1841 was entirely supported out of his own private means.'

The cost of the vessel being £1,041, [equivalent to c.£92,500 in 2025] was stated and the Bristol Mercury of 30th May 1840 also commented ; 'That the 'Eirene' was requiring much of Ashley's own money to run is implicit in the 'Bye Laws'.

It was estimated that the annual cost of sailor's wages, maintenance and consumables would amount to about £200 added to which the clergyman's stipend would be about the same amount. [a total sum equivalent to c.£35,500 in 2025]

To what extent the Rev. John Ashley's money was input towards the Mission and which was attributable to that inherited from his father's slave income is unknown but the foregoing makes uncomfortable reading given today's attitude to the slavers and slavery in general.