Early Maritime Career of Kelsick Wood.

 

Early Maritime Career of Kelsick Wood (1771 - 1840).

I was first acquainted with this information by John Ferguson who had written about it in Captain Kelsick Wood ... Pub. Cold Harbour, 2021.

Kelsick Wood married Mary Nelson in 1791.1770 - 1792), daughter of Philip Nelson of Birkby, nr. Maryport (b.c.1740) and Ann Sibson (b.c.1740), on 6 Aug 1791 at Cross Canonby, Cumberland. They had one

child.

Kelsick married Mary Inman, daughter of John Inman and Mary Postlethwaite in 1796.

The Kelsick Wood Journal no 2, page 23. This Journal is one of the three still in private hands. There three more - one with the Maryport Maritime Museum, and two with the National Maritime Museum (one of these can hardly be considered as a journal - it is more of a sketch bookI have copies of all three of these journals.

 Transcribed by Dr John Crerar (d.1954) of Maryport, 

From Carlisle Records Office - Carlisle D/Cr/25. 

Extracts from Kelsick Woods pocketbook transcribed by Dr John Crerar indicated that in 1793 he was firstly in charge of the Maria a 189 ton vessel built by William Wood of Maryport and launched in that year at a prime cost of £2144. Its voyages and profits were set out by him as follows:

1793.

March 30 By 1st voyage to Dublin £133 -19 – 2

May 1 By 2nd voyage to Belfast 12 - 3 - 0

July 4 By 3rd voyage to Dublin 99 -15-11

Sept 2 By 3rd voyage to Dublin 111 - 2 -10

Nov 30 By 4th voyage to Dublin 58 - 6 - 6

1794.

 Jan 10 By 6th voyage to Dublin 94 -12 - 9

 March 30 By 7th voyage to Dublin 48 -15-10

 Oct 26 By 8th voyage to Belfast?

 ?? St Petersburgh to Dublin ¦ 422 - 7 - 8

 

Nov 17 By 9th voyage to Cork 43 - 5 - 4

1795

 March - By Limerick & Liverpool 114 -13 - 0

 Oct 1 - By Quebec & London 725 - 6 - 5

1796 By Scheme Insurance ?? 168 - 0 - 0

 March 30 By sale of Maria 2500 - 0 - 0

 £4532 - 8 – 3

 

1793. 

To Prime cost of said vessel, built by William Wood, Maryport £2144

To loss on voyage London to Dublin 139 - 9 - 2

Cost wood sheathed £11 - 8 - 9 per ton

 To balance 2248 -19 - 3

 £4532 - 8 - 3

Prime cost 1/16 £131 -10 - 0

For Profits by ?? 1/16 £283 - 5 – 6

 

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The Postlethwaite was built by WILLIAM and THOMAS WOOD of African teak, which was stronger than British oak, at the Wood yard, Maryport. It was first registered on 10 April 1797. It was a rigged vessel with one deck and three masts with a figurehead and Qtr Badges. It was of 258 tons, maximum height 91 ft 0 ins, maximum width 26 ft 0 ins, square sterned and hold 26 ft 0 ins deep. It cost £3740 to build.

After it was launched in 1797 it had ten owners:

William Wood, Gentleman, Maryport - Captain Kelsick Wood's uncle.

Philip Nelson, Gentleman, Maryport - father of Captain Kelsick Wood's first wife.

Robert Ritson, Sailmaker, Maryport.

John Inman, Mariner, Maryport. (Father of KW’s second Wife)

Wilfred Smith, Mariner, Maryport.

Fletcher McKenzie, Mariner, Maryport - Captain Kelsick Wood's brother-in-

 law.

Richd Askew, Mercht, Harrington. - Richard Askew succeeded Andrew Green at The Ropery, Harrington.

 The firm becoming Askew, Ellwood & Co. &expanded into ship building in 1783.

Robert Ferguson, Mercht, Carlisle - Captain Kelsick Wood's brother-in- law.

Peter Dixon, Mercer, Whitehaven - married to Robert Ferguson's sister Mary.

Joseph Stamper, Surgeon, Workington. - Dickinson & Jos. Stamper, Surgeons, Brow Top, Workington.

The Master of the Postlethwaite is named as Kelsick Wood.

 

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Kelsick Wood's pocket-book (CRO Carlisle D/Cr/25) regarding the voyages of the Postlethwaite, for which he was the the Master (Captain) records:

1797: June, Aug & Oct - Dublin, Dec - Kinsale. Profit £268 -1s-9d.

1798: March - Waterford & Liverpool, July - Belfast. Profit £233-18s-8d.

1799: Nov - Prison ship at Belfast. Profit £1016-3s-7d.

1800: Dec - Martinico (Martinique) & London. Profit £85-2s-2d.

1801 & 1802: - no recorded voyages.

1803: Oct - Transport Service (Government). Profit £3919-8s-0d.

1804: July - Memel (Baltic port now named Klaipeda, Lithuania). Profit £24-11s-6d.

The vessel was then sold for £2800

Over six years of trading, the total generated income from the Postlethwaite £8347-5s-8d.

………………………

The Cumberland Pacquet, 28 May 1798, reported that the Postlethwaite, with Kelsick Wood as its Master, was bound for Belfast. On 19 Jun 1798, it confirmed that Kelsick Wood was the Master of the Postlethwaite, when it reported on the 1798 Irish Rebellion:

"Rebellion in Ireland. .. .. .. Further particulars of the engagement near Belfast on 12th and 13^th inst. On the fifth day the rebels had 900 killed; their loss on Wednesday was greater: the whole is supposed to amount to some 1000s. Several vessels, belonging to our northern ports were impressed to carry troops from Port Patrick to Belfast. The Clementina of Maryport, is full of wounded rebels, who fled during the engagement of Tuesday, and were afterward taken by the Highlanders sent in pursuit of them.

These are from authentic letters, written at

Port Patrick, the 14th and 15th instant.

Extract of letter from CAPTAIN KELSICK WOOD Of Maryport, to Mr PETER DIXON of this town [Whitehaven]:- dated at Port Patrick 15 June 1798

'I was boarded by the Doris frigate, in the Lough, who desired me, if I saw any colliers, to beg they would be on their guard as there are a great number of pirates out - three of which have been taken and condemned. They have plundered several.' "

Note: The Doris was a 36 gun frigate, launched Gravesend 1795, wrecked in 1805.

The Postlethwaite entry for 1798 specifies that the vessel sailed to Belfast in July which is confirmation that Kelsick wrote a letter to Peter Dixon from Port Patrick referring to this voyage, at the time of the 1798 Irish Rebellion. The following year, 1799, the Postlethwaite was acting as a prison ship for the Irish rebels at Belfast.

Whitehaven Part 2: Notes and images of the Development of Ship Building at the Harbour.

Some further notes and images of the Development of the Harbour and Shipbuilding at Whitehaven in the 18th and Early 19th Century.

(Post in Preparation).

John Wood (1717 - 89) and his brother William (1725 - 1804).

Much of the information here has been culled from Coal and Tobacco by J.V. Beckett pub. Cambridge, 1981.

Mr Becket had access and time to sift through the Lowther Archives in order to write his very informative book.

Another very useful source of information on the early development of the port and harbour at Whitehaven is - Sir John Lowther and Whitehaven, 1642-1706. The relations of a landlord with his estate by Christine Churches pub. 1990.

available on line - https://digital.library.adelaide.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/2440/19479/2/02whole.pdf

Another very useful source on Cumberland ships and shipbuilding has been - Highway to the World by Alan Forsyth pub. Bookcase, 2011.

Despite a paucity of information on the early life of John Wood and his brother William, I felt it necessary to put together a brief history of shipbuilding and the harbour at Whitehaven in order to put their lives in to some sort of context.

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Records and notes about Early Shipping and Developments at the Harbour at Whitehaven.

In 1562 Whitehaven is described as having six houses and only one pickard (a small fishing boat of 7 - 10 tons). Ref. Churches.

William Gilpin reported to Sir John Lowther the launching of the Cumberland Merchant in 1696, there were six ships on the stocks (being built) in 1712 and the next summer a further six or seven were in hand, only one ship was built in 1720 and another ordered for the next year.

Shipbuilding revived in the 1730's to meet the needs of the tobacco trade.

Vessels had been built at Whitehaven since 1677 - the tonnage rose from 7,200 in 1702 to 52, 300 by 1788.

...........................

The partnership of Thomas Patrickson and brothers John And Carlisle Spedding, known as the Timber and Brewery Company, borrowed £630 from James Lowther in 1737 (still not repaid in 1755).

The company leased in 1745 "part of a timber yard" from Lowther 

Patrickson died in 1746 and was succeeded by his son (another Thomas) this Thomas Patrickson sold his share to William Fletcher and William Palmer.

John Spedding made over his share to his son James and Carlisle split his holdings with his son also (James).

Lowther then granted a lease of the rest of the Timber Yard for further ancillary buildings.

The Timber Yard mentioned here is probably the yard seen first on the Pellin plans situated between the Old Tongue and the New Tongue.

The information provided here adapted from Coal and Tobacco by Beckett.

The Gibson engraved plans (below) came from the Brocklebank Archives at Liverpool Maritime Museum Library and I am most grateful for the assistance of the Librarians.

The Woods and their early life.

It is most likely that both William and John started their working lives as apprentices to one of the Whitehaven shipbuilders. Part of their education would almost certainly have meant going to sea in order to gain practical experience - this was certainly the case for Kelsick Wood, the son of John Wood.

William Wood never married.

The first documented reference to John Wood as a shipbuilder - 

Between 1749 and 1752 Sir James Lowther gave leave for a consideration of 10/6d a time for the building of eleven ships on "ground behind Tangier Street walled in from the houses" and in 1751 he reached agreements with Henry Benn and John Wood, shipwrights which enabled them to enclose the parcels of ground between Tangier Street and the sea for use in shipbuilding. See Coal and Tobacco - Beckett

Henry Benn was living in Church St when the 1762 census was taken, he was declared bankrupt 10 December 1766 (Whitehaven 1660 - 1800) RCHM)

The Wood brothers were brought up at the rural Yew Tree Farm, Town End Wilton, Haile, Cumberland 2.5 miles SSE of Egremont, about 8 miles south east of Whitehaven within sight of the Solway Firth. 

In 1762 John Wood was living with his brother William and the members of his family in Ropers Alley, now Coates Lane, between Queen Street and Ropers Lane, Whitehaven.

This information comes from a transcription of a 1762 town census at Whitehaven Archives

. 

 Will. Wood, carpenter was residing in a front house in Coats Lane but in the column for the number of inmates there was a zero, however in the line above John Wood is described as carpenter and there were 9 inmates in the house - Mr Hay also says that William Wood had other properties in the town but a brief search would suggest that the other Woods in Whitehaven were not closely related.

From a transcribed copy of the Whitehaven census taken in 1762 (Whitehaven Archives).

William Wood was involved with the building of St James Church see -

https://www.cumbriacountyhistory.org.uk/sites/default/files/St%20%20James%20History%20Notes%20%28Guidebook%29.pdf

Whitehaven c. 1690.

Tangier Street has not yet been built up but 11 - 15, The Waverley Hotel set back from the street with the front courtyard is plainly visible 

The Pow Beck stream is still open and running through the old town and emptying into the harbour.

Flatt House is visible at the end of Lowther Street

From Whitehaven as Built and Projected. c1690, Cumberland, published by the Cumberland and Westmorland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, 1877.

 

image from https://www.lakesguides.co.uk/html/maps/M006P.htm

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Crop from Andrew Pellin's Plan of Whitehaven, 1705.

From the 1705 Street Book, Lonsdale Estate.

This plan now shows the timber Yard at the Southern end of the East Strand, with the plan of the Waverley Hotel and new buildings on Tangier Street Tenancies on the North end. which had been granted by 1710.

Ropers Alley (Coats Lane) between Ropers Lane and Queen Street (the home of the Woods in 1762) appears to have already been developed.

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The Thomas Donald Plan, published London, 1774.

This plan shows the Coal Hurries on the Old Quay, the Copperas Works and the Old Glass House at Ginns, Hartley's Rope Works.

NB Coates Lane (formerly Ropers Alley) the home of William Wood, John Wood and family in 1762.

The Pow Beck is now covered over.

..........................................

The John Howard Plan of Whitehaven 1790.

Although dated 1790 and published December 1791 I suspect that this plan was adapted and printed at a later date.

Image courtesy Harvard Library.

https://curiosity.lib.harvard.edu/scanned-maps/catalog/44-990136134690203941

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The Development of the Harbour at Whitehaven.

Images below from the Brocklebank Files - B/Broc14/7 at the Library at the Liverpool Maritime Museum

I am very grateful to the staff at Liverpool Maritime Museum for their assistance. 

Plans for the development of the Harbour at Whitehaven, published 1836.

Whitehaven Harbour, 1792.

West is at the top of the plan.

West Strand built 1632.

New Pier  / Quay built 1742.

Old Quay / Pier built 1679 - 81, repaired 1713 and 1751.

Merchants Quay / Old Tongue built 1733.

New Tongue built 1754.

Bulwark / Old Tongue or Sugar Tongue built 1710.

Source: Coal & Tobacco, Becket, Cambridge University Press, 1981.

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Whitehaven Harbour, 1804.

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Whitehaven Harbour, 1806.

An Unadopted Plan.

This plan is interesting because it names the occupiers of the individual yards.

The dock at the west end of the timber yard is described as the Graving Bank.

Mr Bowes Yard, Mr Stitts Yard on the seaward side of Tangier Street.

Whitehaven Harbour 1822.

___________________

Whitehaven Harbour. 1823.

This plan is interesting in that it shows the timber yard as a ship yard.

The graving bank is next to the sea.

Whitehaven Harbour, 1833.

This plan now shows the patent slip at the timber yard between the old Tongue and the New Tongue. The pencil annotation pointing to Brocklebank's Yard is correct

with proposal for the a new West Pier designed by Sir John Rennie.

______________________________

Crop from the John Wood (no relation) Plan of 1834.

This map shows the locations of the William Wilson Shipbuilding Company behind Tangier Street (formerly the ship yard of John Wood and others  and the Wm Wilson Timber Yard behind the Bransty Arch, T&I Brocklebank's Yard, Brocklebank and Co's Ropery and Scott and Whiteside's Shipbuilding Yard.

It also shows the patent slip next to the graving bank at the Timber Yard by the East Strand.

____________________________

Whitehaven and Harbour, 1863.

Showing the development of the railway and docks on the North Shore.

Crop from the 1863 map (below) - 

Here it describes the slips at the timber yard as "Timber Slip" and "Patent Slip".

The former Wood and others ship building yard behind Tangier Street.

As the North Pier was unfinished the harbour trustees requested Mr Ebenezer Stiven to provide a design. Mr Stiven recommended that the jetty be taken down and the pier canted south west with a rounded head. This work was completed in 1841.

 

 In 1869 Mr Stiven was again asked to provide a design for the harbour. this time the trustees asked for a wet dock. the plan was accepted by the trustees. Following the Dock and Harbour Act in 1871 work commenced on the construction. It was completed in 1876 and named the Queens Dock in honour of Queen Victoria.

Unfortunately, serious problems were encountered with Queens Dock, there was severe shrinkage and cracking, said to be due to moving foundations. In 1880 the Dock was temporarily closed to enable repairs to be carried out.  The Dock re-opened in 1882.

Whitehaven Plan, 1863.

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Ship builders and Allied business at Whitehaven. 

Some Notes:

The Whitehaven Ropemakers.

Ropemaking was established in the early 17^th century.

The 1642 engraving shows two ropewalks.

There were three companies operating in the 1690’s two at Braconthwaite and one at Bransty.

Whitehaven Rope Co -1690’s. Sir John Lowther is a partner.

 

_____________

Braconthwaite  Ropewalks. 1.

1727 - 1746 John Spedding, Walter Lutwidge , John Hamilton, Joseph Littledale. Described as mariners 1746.

Lutwidge then moved to the ropeworks at Workington.

1746 – 55 John Spedding alone lease renewed for 21 years.

 

Speddings executors sold the company 1765 for £1800.

Braconthwaite Ropewalks, 2.

1728 – 1749 Thomas Hartley.

In the 1740’s Thomas Harley regularly freighted Hemp from St Petersburg.

1749 Thomas Hartley at will.

Lowther purchased ropes from John Spedding from 1728 – 1740.

_____

The Spedding Brothers and Patrickson - The Timber and Brewery Company

Shipbuilder Thomas Patrickson died 1746. Thomas Patrickson Jr. replaced him.

John Spedding passed his interest in the company to his son 

Info here from Coal and Tobacco, Becket.

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The Spedding brothers and family.

Here is not the place for an in depth look at the very industrious Speddings and their involvement with the Lowthers and the industries of West Cumberland but I will attempt to put the facts relevant to shipbuilding and the Woods into this blog.

Carlisle Spedding (1695 - 1765) his son James (1720 - 88)

 John Spedding (1685 - 1758) and his son also James (1719 - 59) of Armathwaite Hall..

30 Roper Street -This building was constructed in 1743 by James Spedding, the son of mining engineer Carlisle Spedding. The building was intended to be used as both a dwelling and offices. The entrance on Roper Street has a doorway which is decorated by an acorn finial, this is a reference to the Spedding coat of arms.

St. James Church is said to have had the finest Georgian interior in the county. The building was constructed in 1752 and consecrated by the Bishop of Carlisle in July 1753. The church was designed by Carlisle Spedding.

Messrs Spedding & Co.

Spedding & Co.Yard in Irish Street in 1789.

1778. 2nd June Cumberland Pacquet. Phoenix for Captain Richardson and Eliza pierced 18 nine and six pounders for Wild & Co, Dublin.

1780 14 Nov. CP Pollux for Captain Brocklebank.

1782. 4 June, CP.  Laurel launched.

1781. 22 May, CP. Carson.

1782 10 Dec.  Castor II - Pierced for 18 guns for Dan. Brocklebank.

1783. Oct 28 CP Carlisle.

Precedent,  and Cyrus built  for Daniel Brocklebank.

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Notes: Brocklebank's Shipbuilding Yard / Whitehaven Shipbuilding Company, Whitehaven.

The site of the former 'Brocklebank's Shipbuilding Yard', and latterly ship repair yard, was built in the mid 1770s by Daniel Brocklebank and expanded after his death by his sons, Thomas and John, who renamed the yard 'T. and J. Brocklebank'.

The firm of T. & J. Brocklebank Ltd., was one of the oldest in shipping with its origin dating back to the late eighteenth century. The firm was formed in 1801 when the two sons of the founder of the business, Thomas and John, took control following their father's death. 

Their father was Captain Daniel Brocklebank (1741 - 1801), a shipmaster and shipbuilder who, after emigrating from Cumberland to New England in 1770, began a shipbuilding enterprise at Sheepscut, near Portland, Maine. Daniel Brocklebank was a loyalist and when the Revolution broke out in 1775 he sailed back to Whitehaven in his own ship, Castor.

The letter of marque (for a privateer) for the Castor's activities during the American War of Independence is the oldest surviving document in the collection [Liverpool Maritime Museum - B/BROC/6/1].

Daniel Brocklebank re-started his shipbuilding business at Whitehaven in 1785 and the surviving plans and specifications of the vessels built by his yard, provide an important source for the construction of eighteenth and early nineteenth century merchant ships. [See B/BROC/8/1-2 for their specifications and agreements.] 

Daniel Brocklebank had premises at 25 Roper Street.

Valuable information concerning the activities of the Whitehaven shipyard can be found in the journals of accounts and ledgers, 1808-1865 [B/BROC/4/1-3] and letterbooks, 1801-1860 [B/BROC/1/2/1-7]. 

By 1795 Daniel Brocklebank owned a fleet of eleven vessels of 1,750 tons. After Daniel's death in 1801 the firm of T. & J. Brocklebank was formed by his two sons, Thomas and John Brocklebank, and despite the firm suffering heavily in the Napoleonic Wars, by 1809 it was sending ships as far as South America. In 1815 the success of the Princess Charlotte's maiden voyage to Calcutta, following the end of the East India Company's monopoly, led to the beginning of a Calcutta trade that was to eventually eclipse Brocklebank's South American and China trades many years later.

Notes above from Liverpool Maritime Museum Archives and Library.

 

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The Brocklebank Archives at Liverpool Maritime Museum.

Contents

1. 1770-1958: ledgers, ship specifications, letter books, wages and apprentice books, corresp, plans National Museums Liverpool: Maritime Archives and Library     

Ref.  B/BROC

See Merseyside County Archives, Guide p.4

2. 1775-1970: administrative, legal, investments, financial, management, fleet, and shipyard records National Museums Liverpool: Maritime Archives and Library B/BROC

See: Guide to the...Merseyside Maritime Museum 1995

3. 1775-1945: financial records, letter, stock, bill and wages books, apprentice, officers and engineers books, log books etc. National Museums Liverpool: Maritime Archives and Library.

NRA 18462 Brocklebank.

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 Lease of Bransty Ropeworks, Whitehaven, 1775.

Conveyance of Isaac Littledale & Co.'s Ropeworks, Whitehaven, to Daniel Brocklebank, 1749.

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Whitehaven Shipping.

Dimensions of ships built and repaired, 1792-1841.

 Shipyard Ledgers, 1818-1865.

Shipyard Journals, 1832-1865.

Original Plans of Ships: Nestor,1792; Everest, 1863.

 Fleets, 1770-1962.

Voyage Details, 1770-1901.

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 Cuttings from the Carlisle Journal Ref. Brocklebanks and shipbuilding at Whitehaven.

Whitehaven. A vessel of 256 tons called Dryad was launched at the yard of Messrs. Brocklebank: CJ 161, 21 November 1801.

Whitehaven. A vessel called Experiment was launched at the yard of Messrs. T & J Brocklebank: CJ 179, 27 March 1802.

Brocklebank Thomas and John, North Harbour, Whitehaven Pigots Directory 1828.

Whitehaven On Thursday se’nnight a vessel called Aimwell was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank for Captain Bouch CJ 776, 4 September 1813.

Whitehaven Yesterday week a copper bottomed vessel called Jamaica was launched from the yard of Messrs Brocklebank : CJ 852, 18 February 1815

Whitehaven. On Wednesday a ship called Princess Charlotte of 900 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank amidst the greatest concourse ever witnessed. Her upper and lower deck beams have iron knees, most of them 4 cwt. apiece. The day was fine, the launch beautiful, and she received her name from J Hodson, esq., Adjutant of the Whitehaven Local Artillery, late of Carlisle. CJ 881, 9 September 1815.

Whitehaven - A copper bottomed, fortified ship called Antigua Packet of 350 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank for Captain Dawson to use in the Antigua trade: CJ 889, 4 November 1815.

Whitehaven - Yesterday week a vessel called Constellation was launched from the yard of J & T Brocklebank.: CJ 976, 5 July 1817.

Whitehaven - Last week a brig of 170 tons called Santon was launched from the yard of J & T Brocklebank for captain Gaitskell on the foreign trade: CJ 1082, 24 July 1819.

 Whitehaven - On Thursday the 21st at 11AM a copper fastened ship called Perseverance intended for the East India trade was launched from the yard of Messrs Brocklebank. She made a most excellent launch into the sea at nearly high water, to the gratification of an immense multitude of spectators- ten thousand people were calculated to be present: CJ 1091, 25 September 1819.

Whitehaven - On Monday a brig called Candidate was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank for the West India trade.: CJ 1131, 1 July 1820.

 Whitehaven - A brig called Andes of 216 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank for the south Atlantic trade: CJ 1302, 25 October 1823.

Whitehaven - On Monday a vessel called Whitehaven of 203 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank. for the South American trade: CJ 1330, 8 May 1824.

Whitehaven - On the twentieth a brig called Manchester of 100 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank & Co. for the south American trade: CJ 1359, 27 November 1824.

Whitehaven - On the twenty-third a schooner called Bransty of 130 tons was launched from the yard of T & J Brocklebank & Co. for the south American trade: CJ 1360, 4 December1824.

 Whitehaven - A brig called Affleck of 237 tons was launched from the yard of J Brocklebank for Captain John Fell Busby for service in the West India trade: CJ 1372, 26 February 1825.

 Whitehaven - A copper bottomed brig called Grecian of 235 tons was launched from the yard of J Brocklebank for Captain Bouch: CJ 1372, 26 February 1825.

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Messrs Lumley Kennedy and Co. Whitehaven. Some Notes:

See - https://www.mightyseas.co.uk/marhist/misc/lancs_misc/kennedy.htm

Lumley Kennedy was a shipwright who had been a manager, for nearly twenty years, at the Brocklebank shipyard in Whitehaven. In 1835 he left Brocklebanks to join the new shipbuilding venture, as managing partner.

His partners in Lumley Kennedy & Co. were R & H Jefferson, Dr.Robinson, Capt.Pew, R.N., Capt.I.Mounsey, Thomas Beck and John Peile. The new yard at Whitehaven launched its first vessel in 1835, and in total 65 vessels were built there in the years up to 1865.

The venture was closed at about the same time as the Brocklebank shipyard ceased operations, the demise of both being due to difficulties obtaining satisfactory leases from the Earl of Lonsdale. The Lumley Kennedy yard was operated by Joseph Shepherd.

The Whitehaven shipyard of Lumley Kennedy & Co. was closed down in 1864, and was then taken over by Joseph Shepherd, a former foreman at the Kennedy yard. The yard was operated under the name of Shepherd & Leech, and 17 vessels were built there between 1865 and 1879.

 

The Lumley Kennedy yard was operated by Joseph Shepherd, himself a former employee of Kennedy, from 1865 until 1879. Lumley Kennedy died at Beckermet in 1882, aged 91.

 

1835.       Alciope.

1836.       Ann & Jane, Bleng.            

1837.       Calder, Frances, Reaper, Siam, Watson .                  

1838.       British Queen, Capella, Nile.         

1839.       Earl of Lonsdale, Harbinger, Jane & Jessie, Ringdove.         

1840.       Champion, Kyanite, Midge, Syren, Warlock, Wilson.          

1841.       Arequipa, Bleng, Enchantress,   

1842.       Ennerdale.           

1843.       Swallow.              

1844.      Emblem, New Margaret, Sancta Bega, Thomas & John.     

1845.       Menzies.               

1846.       Lord Harding.      

1847.       Magician, Mary Spencer.               

1848.       No ship

1849.       John Spencer, Sorata.      

1850.       Walton Muncaster.

1851.       Braganza, Eagle.

1852.      Affghan, John Peile, Pudsey Dawson.

1853.       Pizarro.

1854.       Miranda.

1855.       John O'Gaunt, Valdivia.

1856.      Orontes.

1857.       Mallard.

1858.       Hannah Nicholson, Star.

1859.      Excel, James Bruce, and Phaeton.

1860.       Bellam, Excelsior, and Magellan.

1861.       Anne Lowther, Banda.

1862.       Princess Alexandria, Tanaro, Tarragona.

1863.       Bertie, Ehen.

1864.      Erato.

Books on 18th Century Shipbuilding

 

Books on Shipbuilding in the 18th Century.

Post under Construction.

Architectura Navalis Mercatoria, 1768, by Fredrik Henrik Chapman,(1721 - 1808).

see - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrik_Henrik_af_Chapman

https://www.sjohistoriska.se/en/collections/archives/ritningar/fredrik-henrik-af-chapman

https://www.finemodelships.com/ship-plans/Chapman_Architectura_eng.htm

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The Ship-Builders Assistant : or, some essays towards compleating the art of marine architecture. Sutherland, William 1711. see -

https://echo.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/ECHOdocuView?url=/permanent/library/AE4UUGBR/pageimg&start=1&viewMode=images&pn=105&mode=imagepath

The Mariners Jewel: 

Narbrough, John, Sir, 1640-1688: The Mariners Jewel; or, A Pocket Companion for the ingenious Being of more general use for officers, seamen, carpenters, boatswains, pursers and stewards, then any thing yet published. Containing an alphabetical dictionary of all the naval terms; a general pay table; with a table of boatswain stores for each rank of shop; the proportion of prizes, with many other useful things both decimal and vulgarly demonstrated from a manuscript of Sir John Narbrough's and methodiz'd by James Lightbody, P.M. (London : printed for Robert Whitledge, and sold by Alexander Sims at the Bible in Beet-street in Hatcliff High-Way, 1695),

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The de Colbert Album.

See - https://www.intmaritimeengineering.org/index.php/ijme/article/view/808/37

Rigging Early to mid 19th Century.

see - https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9RkEAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Falcon+Shipbuilder+Workington&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixzOzjlNH7AhXES8AKHYIFBhU4RhDoAXoECAYQAg

The Betsy - Scuttled at Yorktown, Virginia.

 

The Brig Betsy - Scuttled at Yorktown, Virginia, 1781.

https://scholarworks.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4148&context=etd

Whilst there is yet no proof, it is distinctly possible that the Betsy came from a Cumberland ship yard owned by a member of the Wood family.

William Wood and The Wood Family of Shipbuilders at Maryport.

 

William Wood, Kelsick Wood and The Wood Family of Shipbuilders at Maryport, Cumberland.

Some Notes:

Miniature drawing of William Wood possibly by Kelsick Wood.

 Currently located along with the six portrait miniatures of Kelsick Wood and his immediate family by John Faed, in a private collection in Cumbria.

Maryport was formerly in the parish of Crosscanonby, Allerdale, Cumberland (now Cumbria).

In the late 1600’s, the town, which is located at the mouth of the river Ellen, was originally known as Ellenfoot. It was not until the 1760's and the development locally of the coal trade with Dublin by the Senhouse family that area began to thrive as a port and centre for ship building.

In the 1740's there was only one substantial building at Ellenfoot, a farmhouse called Valentia.

Humphrey Senhouse the local landowner began developing the town as a port, in 1749 an Act of Parliament was passed allowing the creation of the town. Humphrey Senhouse (1705 - 70) gave the town the name Maryport, after his wife Mary, who was daughter of Sir George Fleming, Bishop of Carlisle.

Coal had been mined on Senhouse land by the open cast method by about 1719. Delivered to the port by packhorse.

By 1749 coal was being exported as the main cargo, mainly to Ireland from Ellenfoot/Maryport.

The town was planned on a grid system following the example of  the much larger Lowther's late 17th century developments at Whitehaven inspired by the town planning of Sir Christopher Wren. 

The grid of streets was laid out, with over 100 rectangular plots, which were sold from 1749 to 1769. By 1770s Maryport contained approximately 340 families, of about 1,500 people. (see the maps below).

An Iron blast furnace was established beside the River Ellen by group of Whitehaven merchants 1754; but had closed in 1783. The remains are still in existence at the end of Foundry Lane at the base of the Moot Hill.

St Mary’s, the Church for the new town, a chapel of ease to Crosscanonby, was founded by Humphrey Senhouse in 1760. It has been rebuilt twice, once in 1847 and again in 1892.

The rather dissolute Joseph Gillibanks was installed as vicar in 1761. The church was consecrated in 1763. 

In 1792 and 1793 various charges were laid against Gillbanks concerning his behaviour since around 1785. This culminated in a three page petition alleging that he was a “Common and Habitual Drunkard & Profane Swearer, reprobate, Immoral Life unbecoming to a Clergyman”, that he had been drunk & disorderly in the street, had refused to conduct Sunday services & the occasional Offices etc etc. Eventually a 14 point series of accusations was brought to the Consistory Court in December 1793/January 1794. He was found guilty of 13 of the charges on 9th July 1794 and deprived of the living forthwith.

It is needless to say that his record keeping in the parish registers of births, deaths and marriages was not very good, although he managed to sire twelve children.

By 1829 town’s industries included three shipbuilding yards and manufactories of cotton and linen checks and sail cloth.

For a brief  but rather grim description of Maryport in the early 19th century see Sailing on Horseback pub.1814 -   In Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway by Richard Ayton Illustrated by William Daniell R.A.

"A border of flatland continues along the shore as far as Maryport where a branch from a range of hills juts out nearly into the sea, terminating with a very bold and abrupt declivity. The largest and most respectable part of the town of Maryport is very pleasantly situated on the the high ground beneath which are a few streets on a flat bordering the harbour at the mouth of the river Ellen. This place has risen up entirely within the last sixty years, supported by the coal trade and now contains full five thousand inhabitants. The upper town is well built and regularly laid out the houses neat and the streets airy and spacious, but the lower division is as wretched as may be, betraying a condition of more shabbiness and filthiness than one should have supposed it could have fallen into in half a century......

_________________________

William Wood (1725 - 1804).

Some notes:

William Wood (1725 - 1803) brother of John Wood (1717 - 1789) opened the first documented shipyard in Maryport in 1765, although from mid 18th century plan (see below) a ship yard already existed on the south bank of the River Ellen later to be occupied by Peats and Ritsons.

Wood's Yard was located in Strand Street by the North Quay, Maryport. 

In 1765 William Wood shipbuilder of Whitehaven in a land grant No 84 by the Lord of the Manor on 19 January 1765 53 yards in front of West Strand Street to the South East and 40 yards backwards to the sea and adjoining on Fishing Yard on the South West side thereof and facing Wallace Lane to the North East side. This grant becomes void by the ground above mentioned being regranted both particularly and relatively by Grant No 185 on February 7th 1793, which grant duly increased size of shipping yard.

.................................

Some Press Notices.

On 19 the January 1765 the first vessel built by William Wood at Maryport was the 106 ton brig Sally followed shortly by the Delight of 127 tons. (Citation needed).

On Nov 20 "a fine new vessel called the Kirkham, built by Mr William Wood, for Captain John Bone, was launched at Mary-Port: The launch was performed with the greatest nicety; and, as the length the vessel had to run was pretty considerable, it afforded an agreeable prospect to great number of spectators: Cumberland Chronicle: 3 Dec 1776.

 

"On Tuesday last, was launched at Maryport, a fine vessel called the Thomas, built by Mr. William Wood, for Capt. Jonathan Harris, of that place." Cumberland Chronicle: 7 March 1778.

Last Sat: "a fine vessel, pierced for 32 guns, called the Mars, was launched at Workington. She was built by Mr. Wood, and is esteemed the largest ship ever built in this county. Cumberland Chronicle: 30 Jul 1778.

 

Lively launched Maryport - Cumberland Pacquet; Wednesday 26 July 1786.

 Maria for Kelsick Wood - Cumberland Pacquet, - Tuesday 04 December 1792.

......................................

In 1783 William Wood was joined by his nephew Thomas Wood (1757 - 1804) (son of  John Wood of the busts).

...............................................

List of the Ships built at Maryport by William Wood and Thomas Wood.

(not definitive).

19 Jan 1765, Sally, Brig, 106 tons, William Wood.

1766, Delight, Brig 119 tons, William Wood.

1770, Betsie Maryport? scuttled at Yorktown possibly built by William Wood.

1773, Martin, Snow 180 tons, William Wood.

 1776, Kirkham - On Nov 20 "a fine new vessel called the Kirkham, built by Mr William Wood, for Captain John Bone, was launched at Mary-Port: The launch was performed with the greatest nicety; and, as the length the vessel had to run was pretty considerable, it afforded an agreeable prospect to great number of spectators." - From THE CUMBERLAND CHRONICLE OR WHITEHAVEN INTELLIGENCER. Vol 1 No 1, Tuesday 5 Nov 1776.

 28 March 1778. The Thomas. On Tuesday last, was launched at Maryport, a fine vessel called the Thomas, built by Mr. William Wood, for Capt. Jonathan Harris, of that place." From THE CUMBERLAND CHRONICLE OR WHITEHAVEN INTELLIGENCER

1780. Industry, William Wood (Cumberland Pacquet 26 Aug 1783).

1782. Zephyr, 300 tons William Wood (Scythes)

1783. Robinson, William Wood (Cumberland Pacquet).

1785. Unerigg, Brig, 140 tons, William Wood.

1785. Jeremiah, Brig. 140 tons, William Wood.

 4 March 1786, Senhouse Moor, Brig. 110 tons, built William Wood, Maryport (Reg. Workington ) Listers List 1810).

26 July 1786, Lively, Brig. 163 tons for Captain Fearon. William Wood (MMM List and Cumberland Pacquet).

1787. 23 March. Lettice (Letty) Brig. 90 tons. William Wood.

8 April 1791, Curwen and Braddyll, Brig. 119 tons. William Wood.

List of the Ships built by Thomas Wood (1757 - 1804) son of John Wood at Maryport.

(not definitive).

5 April 1791.  Favourite, Thomas Wood.

1791, 14 October, Bella Isle, Brig. 177 tons, Thomas Wood at Maryport

4 Dec 1792. Maria, Kelsick Wood? (Cumberland Pacquet).

1793, Terry, Brig, 171 tons, Thomas Wood.

1793, Ann, Brig 95 tons, Thomas Wood.

 1793, Woods, Brig, 85 tons, William Wood.

1801, Nelson, Brig? 210 tons, Thomas Wood.

9 June 1808. Agnes, Brig 210 tons, owned J. Inman, (father in law of Kelsick Wood) A. Woods Yard.

1805, Ellen Snow 210 tons, Thomas Wood.

.....................................................................

 

In 1783 there were eleven ships on the stocks or contracted for at Maryport - over 100 carpenters were employed in the yards. (Citation needed).

The town’s second major shipyard was opened on the South side of the harbour on the site of the old glasshouse, formerly the yards of John Spedding in 1780, by John Peat (later Huddleston Ritsons and after 1841 Ritsons) with a third yard following in 1810 opened by the brothers Joseph and Isaac Middleton at Paper Mill Green.

Joseph Middleton was the great-grandfather of Thomas Henry Ismay, the founder of the White Star Line of Titanic fame.

__________________________

William Wood (1725 - 1803).

The Life sized Carved Wood (Pine) Bust .

Currently in the ownership of dealer Phillip Lucas - it is coming up for sale at Dreweatts of Newbury, Lot 519 on 1st December 2022,

I remain to be entirely convinced that this and the busts of John Wood are Eighteenth century.

The similarities with the busts of Kelsick Wood and Wilton Wood II are perhaps very close.

Dendrochronology would establish the age of this bust - an investigation into the paint might also be instructive.

The paint has been much refreshed, the appearance of the raised grain of the timber beneath the paint on the face suggests to me that the head has possibly been stripped with the aid of caustic soda.

Inscribed W. WOOD and is dated 1767.

It is also inscribed 43 which is possibly his age - he was born 1725.

This bust is currently (October 2022) with dealer Phillip Lucas.

Phillip Lucas has so far proved unwilling to provide a provenance beyond stating that it came from a dealer who had obtained it from a private collector, who had owned it for over twenty years.

It would be useful at least to know whether the collector had purchased the bust from someone connected with Cumberland.

The earlier bust of John Wood, his son Kelsick Wood and his son Wilton Wood were still together in 1939 in England when they were photographed by Mary Williamson. In 1968 the busts of John Wood and Kelsick Wood were sold from the American catalogues of U.S dealer Norm Flayderman.

This bust (currently October 2022) with Spitalfields antique dealer Phillip Lucas) is one of a group of three life sized carved wooden busts of the Wood brothers. 

One of John Wood inscribed aged 36 and dated 1754 another of John Wood inscribed aged 49 dated 1767. Lot 519.

..........................

This bust is at the time of writing to be put up for sale with Dreweatts of Newbury on the 1st December.

The six photographs above are from Dreweatts of Newbury website. see -

https://auctions.dreweatts.com/auctions/8373/drewea1-10337/lot-details/4ed80a94-d6ec-4f3e-9c10-af3e00920148

The two dated busts of John Wood are currently (November 2022) on loan to me.

There are two further busts of later family members - Kelsick Wood (1771 - 1840) son of John Wood - this bust is now in store at the Winterthur Museum Delaware USA) inscribed Jas. Fell 1824, and another of his unfortunate son Wilton Wood killed in a carriage accident in 1832, this bust which stylistically also appears to be by James Fell is still missing at the time of writing.

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The Two Busts of John Wood and a Bust of his Brother William.

The photographs below were taken at the Spitalfields townhouse of dealer Phillip Lucas.

I am very grateful to him and his assistant Sam Wadham for allowing me to visit and to photograph the three busts together.

.......................................

Kelsick Wood.

The Bust of Kelsick Wood dated 1824.

Carved by James Fell.

At the Winterthur Museum, Delaware, USA.

Images kindly supplied by curator Ann Wagner of Winterthur.

see my previous post -

https://cumberlandshipbuilding.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-bust-of-captain-kelsick-wood.html

____________

For the Wood family Tree compiled by Dr Crerar (d. 1954) see my previous post -

https://cumberlandshipbuilding.blogspot.com/2022/07/cumberland-shipbuilding-in-eighteenth.html

The copies of the family tree in the archives at Carlisle was initially compiled from a gravestone in St Mary's Churchyard in Maryport.

________________________

On Nov 20 "a fine new vessel called the Kirkham, built by Mr William Wood, for Captain John Bone, was launched at Mary-Port: The launch was performed with the greatest nicety; and, as the length the vessel had to run was pretty considerable, it afforded an agreeable prospect to great number of spectators." - From  THE CUMBERLAND CHRONICLE OR WHITEHAVEN INTELLIGENCER. Vol 1 No 1, Tuesday 5 Nov 1776.

Some press cuttings regarding William Wood.

Cumberland Pacquet. 31 July, 1781.

.......................

Cumberland Pacquet. 4 November 1783.

............................

Launch of the Lively at Maryport built by William Wood.

Cumberland Pacquet. 26 July 1786.

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John Ellwood at the Low Yard 

Timber arriving from Memel (now in Lithuania).

..........................................

Anthony Penny, Anchor smith deceased 1790.

Location of his workshop situated between William Woods shipyard and the Graving Bank.

Cumberland Pacquet. 27 November 1790.

............................

Ref. Launching of the Maria, for Kelsick Wood. 

Cumberland Pacquet 4 December 1792.

.................................

8 May 1798. Cumberland Pacquet.

...................................

Ref. to Thomas Wood, Shipbuilder at Maryport.

Timber from Memel (now Lithuania) for sale imported on the Hannah. 

Cumberland Pacquet, 15 March 1796.

................................................

Re. The Fortune - Cumberland Pacquet ,17 August 1799.

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The Will of William Wood. proven 26 September, 1804.

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The Development of the Harbour at Maryport.

The Earliest Early Town Plan of Maryport.

c. 1755 - 57.

Showing the Wagon way to bring the Senhouse coal to the docks "in the making".

Although the Street has been laid out there is no mention of the yards of William Wood.

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Crop below from the above plan showing the location of the shipbuilding yards.

The Key to the plan says:

n. -  A place where ships are built, The Glasshouse Yard, by 1803 this was John Peats yard and latterly Hudleston, Ritson, & Co. after 1841 Ritson's yard.

d. Strand Street on opposite sides of which were the two William Woods Yards which was not yet in operation at the time of this plan.

K. The old Valencia - the earliest substantial building.

________________

A slightly later town plan of Maryport (below).

Probably  late 1750's or early1760's.

Showing Woods Yard at Strand Street and the development of the town.

The Wagon way has now been completed for delivering coal from the Senhouse pits to the dock on the South side of the River Ellen.

With detailed crops.

Apologies for the resolution of the above plan.

The Crops below are of a higher resolution and much more useful in locating the various landmarks. Including the Furnace below the Moot Hill at the end of what is now Furnace Lane.

Remains of the furnace still exist

.........................

Maryport Furnace - some notes.

Constructed in 1752.

Maryport Furnace, 1755.

Sketch engraving of the Maryport furnace with water wheel sketched by Reinhold Rucker Angerstein, the Swedish Industrial spy.

Hats off to David Malcolm for pointing this out to me when I first visited Maryport.

For a good overview of early industrialisation of West Cumberland and Angerstein's visit see - http://www.lakestay.co.uk/whitehavenmininghistory.html

For an excellent in depth study of the Furnace site  see also - https://hmsjournal.org/index.php/home/article/download/290/279

26 May 1783. Cumberland Pacquet - Sale of the Netherhall Furnace.

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From our point of view the most interesting detail of the plan showing the Mr Woods Yard and Mr Wood's Ground on both sides of Strand Street.

William Wood is believed to have built his house on the East side of Strand Street.

This crop shows the Yards of Mr John Spedding and Mr Christian.

John Spedding was the Estate Agent of  Sir James Lowther of Whitehaven - Spedding also had a share in the Whitehaven Ropery. ( not necessarily this John Spedding

In 1777 Spedding & Co. had a ship building yard at Whitehaven.

The tangled family history of the Cumberland Speddings and their involvement with shipbuilding needs to be clarified. There are several John Speddings.

This yard was later owned or occupied by John Peat and Co. Shipbuilders from the early 19th Century.

by 1833 Messrs Huddleston, Ritson were building ships here.

Eventually Messrs Ritsons will swallow up all of these yards on the South bank.

.........................

Sale of Spedding's Yard in Whitehaven.

Cumberland Pacquet -15 December 1791.

.........

The Dock on the River Ellen with a rear view of a ship and John Spedding's Timber? Yard on the South bank of the River Ellen.

Mr Christians Yard, on the South bank of the River Ellen.

The Paper Mill on the North bank, which was later the location of Middleton's Ship building Yard.

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The Maryport Glass House a few notes:

The Glass House probably commenced manufacturing in about 1752 and had ceased production by the beginning of the 19th Century - John Peat and Co shipbuilders occupied the site later by Ritsons.

The remains of Maryport glass house are now buried - an 18th century bottle manufacturing works located between Irish Street and the River Ellen. The works was established in 1752 by Lancelot Atkinson of Newcastle upon Tyne and George Monkhouse, a Penrith wine merchant. 

 27 March - 5 June 1773,  Newcastle Journal : The premises were offered for sale "to be sold on 17th June at the house of William How in Penrith - All that commodious glasshouse situated on the south side of the harbour at Maryport consisting of a cone or round house, two large pot chambers mill and clay house bottle warehouse and two crown and broad glass warehouses, korker and ash house and dwelling houses for 12 families and a very good dwelling house for an agent of the work

Closed by the end of the 18th Century.

https://ancientmonuments.uk/118732-18th-century-bottle-works-on-irish-street-200m-north-of-mote-hill-maryport#.YwjquXbMKUk

Carlisle Archives: CRO D/CU/Compt.7, Maryport Glass House,

______________________

__________________________

William Mitchell, the Painter of Maryport.

Former engine and carriage painter born Donaghadee, Co Down. Ireland

William Mitchell.

Maryport Harbour.

Signed and dated 1895.

 21in x 2ft 11in (54 x 90cm) 

Oil on canvas.  

Maryport as Mitchell had remembered it in the year 1839.

 

The Brig Gypsy discharging Cattle from Ireland onto the Graving Bank.

With the Barque Airey ready for the broadside launching in the background in 1837.

Low resolution snap of the Mitchell Painting.

 

Was this the painting formerly hanging in the Labour Club at Maryport??

___________________________________

William Mitchell (- 1900)

Maryport Harbour in 1834. Painted 1887.

With a ship on the Stocks at Peats Yard on the North bank.

Maryport Maritime Museum.

_________________________

Back of the Mitchell painting of Maryport Harbour 1834.

Looking over the graving Bank.

with a list of Local Characters.

Close up showing the original Queens Head public house.

Until recently the Maryport Maritime Museum - closed August 2022.

________________________

View from the North Quay, Maryport.

William Mitchell.

Signed, inscribed and dated 'The Old Harbour M Port 1896/W Mitchell' (on the reverse)

Oil on canvas.

22¼ x 43¾ in. (56.5 x 109.2 cm.)

Sold Christies London 27 May 2010.

Image courtesy Christies.

____________________________

.

WILLIAM MITCHELL OF MARYPORT (1806-1900).

The people are promenading on the North Pier.

 The Launch? of the Collingwood from Kelsick Woods Yard, Maryport.

 Copy of an 1829's original by William Brown, which had once belonged to Wilton Wood (1805 - 32) the unfortunate son of Kelsick Wood.

 Sold by Bonham's Auction Rooms, London - Lot 25, 7th October 2015.

 Information and illustration courtesy Bonhams.

 https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22755/lot/25/

 Signed and dated W. MITCHELL/1884' (lower left) and bears two other signatures 'W. BROWN' (lower left) and 'JENKINSON/LIVERPOOL/1819' (lower centre)

 Oil on canvas

 70.5 x 107cm (27 3/4 x 42 1/8in).

 Provenance: The Estate of Baroness James (author P.D. James).

A photograph of the original canvas before it was lined shows an inscription on the reverse that reads as follows: "Launch of the Collingwood" from the/yard. Keswick [sic] Wood, Maryport/ This picture copied from the original/ by permission of Wilton Wood Esq./ Painted in 1819 by W. Brown, Maryport/and Jenkinson of Liverpool/ W Mitchell Maryport 1884'

Incorrectly dated 1819 - the correct date should be 1829.

___________________

William Mitchell (attrib).

Maryport Shipyard?

Maryport Maritime Museum.

__________________

Extract from the Kelsick Wood Journal.

Image courtesy Charles Miller.

The Brig Collingwood - 1829 entry in the Kelsick Wood Journal.

Note - Right hand page for Carving the Stern etc. £14.

____________________________________

Maryport Harbour. 1814.

The Mouth of the River Ellen.

William Daniel. (1769 - 1837).

___________________

______________________________________

The Ordinance Survey Maps of Maryport, 1860.

The Shipbuilding and Timber yards on the South bank of the River Ellen.

c. 1860.

North Quay, Maryport.

With Strand Street - showing the Woods timber yard.

Map Courtesy National Library of Scotland.

__________________

A Slightly later OS Map, showing the patent slip at the former Wood's Yard.

OS Images courtesy National Library of Scotland.

The Harbour - Later Developments.

In 1833 an Act of Parliament granted permission for a new dock to be built at Maryport together with a new north pier and lighthouse. Construction was overseen by a new board of trustees and the pier, complete with its lighthouse, was in place by 1846. Both remain in situ and the light is said to be the UK's oldest cast iron lighthouse (though it no longer serves as a navigation light). It is 36 feet (11 m) high and consists of an octagonal metal plinth, column and lantern on top of a rusticated stone base. It was originally gas-lit.

 

Subsequently, the harbour continued to expand. In 1852, following a storm, the south pier (on which the lighthouse stands) was extended,[ and a new light was provided at the end of the pier extension (described as a lantern on a post, lit by three gas jets) with a range of 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi). The lighthouse thereafter served as a tidal light, being lit at night only for as long as there was 8 ft (2.4 m) of water within the harbour; (during the day it exhibited a red spherical day mark to signify the same).

 In 1858 the Harbour Trustees commissioned James Chance to manufacture a small (fourth-order) fixed optic for the lighthouse, which gave the tidal light a range of 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi). The previous year, following completion of the Elizabeth Dock, additional (minor) lights had been installed on the north tongue and south jetty, within the harbour, coloured green and red respectively.

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The Shipyard on the South Bank of the River Ellen.

Ritson's Yard. Formerly the yard of John Peat until 1840.

View from the North bank of the River Ellen.

Undated 19th century photograph showing a three masted ship on the slip ©  Historic England Archive ref: OP10718

Ritson who took over Peats yard in 1840 was formerly employed in Peat's yard.

John Peat and Ritsons were famous for broadside launches into the River Ellen - the photograph above shows a ship on the slip.

There are letter books from 1805 - 46 referring to John Peat at the University of Liverpool: 

Special Collections and Archives ref. D.39 - https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb141-d39

Microfilm. Copies of the letters of John Peat and Co (written by Joseph Huddleston) are included in the volume, 23 Feb 1805 - 3 Oct 1846, although the letters mainly date from the period 1805 - 1834. The copies of these letters, together with a number of bills and several invoices, are mainly in the hand of Joseph Huddleston. They concern the firm's shipping trade with ports in Great Britain (Liverpool, Belfast etc.) "N. America" [Canada], Jamaica etc., this trade being mainly in iron and (particularly in the case of Canada) timber. Included are copies of letters to Captains of firm's ships and further letters regarding insurance matters. This trade was partially carried out in ships belonging to the Firm. Some of the timber etc. was used in its own shipyard (which built and repaired ships), but much of the trade was carried out on behalf of the firm's customers. At the front of the volume are notes on "Chronical Rheumatism" and its treatment and an incomplete index to the volume (which covers the period up to 1806 only)

View of the Harbour at Maryport - from the Moot Hill.

A few yards downstream from the previous photograph

Photograph taken in 1898 ©Historic England Archive ref: AA97/07582

Vessels were famously also launched sideways into the Ellen.

_______________________

Images of a side launch at Maryport above from

http://www.cumbrianblues.com/blog/Cumbrianblues/Cumbrian_Blue(s)/Entries/2009/6/20_Maryport3_-_Side_launches.html

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Maryport Town Plan. Late 19th Century.

The Elizabeth Dock was commenced in 1857 - the work on the docks was completed in 1884.

_________________________

For the Maryport Netherhall blast furnaces, see

  https://hmsjournal.org/index.php/home/article/download/290/279

__________________________

For Maryport Conservation Area Character Appraisal see -

https://www-cloudfront.allerdale.gov.uk/media/filer_public/23/67/23672709-bdd4-4bc0-a1c0-320f6b7fde1f/maryport_conservation_area_appraisal.pdf

________________________________

Ships and Shipbuilders at Maryport.

Some further notes (incomplete).

Adam Wood (1788 - 1839).

Son of Wilton Wood (1756 - 1803), who was the son of John Wood (1717 - 1789 - the busts).

......................................

Some Press cuttings.

On Tuesday last a vessel called Patriot was launched from the yard A. Wood & Co. for Captain Bell CJ 706, 2 May 1812 and CJ 707, 9 May 1812.

Maryport On Wednesday last a vessel called William Neilson of 400 tons was launched from the yard of Adam Wood & Co. for Mr A Davison of Liverpool. She is allowed by competent judges to be as complete a vessel as has been built for the double purpose of sailing and stowage - CJ 771, 31 July 1813.

Maryport On Tuesday a copper bottomed vessel called Thomas Bouch was launched from the yard of Adam Wood & Co. - CJ 788, 27 November 1813.

Maryport On Thursday last a brig called Cyclops was launched from the yard of Adam Wood, & Co for Captain Braithwaite: CJ 809, 26 April 1814.

 Maryport - On Saturday last three vessels called Liberty, Catherine, and Cooper were launched from the yard of Adam Wood, & Co for D.Consen, esq.  A select company dined at the Seaman’s Tavern while the band played many loyal airs. The afternoon was spent in the greatest conviviality and harmony. The day being fine an immense number assembled to view such a sight as was never before exhibited in Maryport: CJ 815, 4 June 1814.

Maryport On Saturday last a vessel called Minerva was launched from the yard of Adam Wood, & Co for the fishing trade: CJ 827, 27 August 1814.

Maryport On Saturday last a vessel called The Brothers was launched from the yard of A. Wood & Co. for the fishing trade: CJ 829, 10 September 1814

Maryport On Saturday last a vessel called Sheerwater was launched from the yard of Adam Wood & Co: CJ 875, 29 July 1815.

 Maryport - A few days ago a copper bottomed vessel called Mary and Jane was launched from the yard of Adam Wood, & Co. Captain William Thompson: CJ 886, 14 October 1815.

_________________________________

The Ships built at Maryport by Kelsick Wood.

from 1819 until 1840.

(not exhaustive.)

The numbers are from page 5 of the Journal no. 3 of Kelsick Wood, first transcribed by Dr Crerar.

Cumberland Archives Carlisle. 

1. 1819. 25 Feb. William, Brig, 141 tons.

2. 1819. 12 Nov. Turner, Brig, 232 .

3. 1820. 7 Nov. William Wood, Brig 114.

4. 1821. 13 Oct Harlequin, Brig 162.

5. 1821. 7 Nov.  Hotspur, Brig 205.

6. 1822. 7 May. Irishman, Brigantine 69 (built for Messrs. Robert Ferguson & Sons for navigation of the Carlisle-Solway Canal & for trading between Belfast & Carlisle).

 7. 1823. 11 March. Robert Isabella, Brig, 85.

 8. 1823. 11 May Redheart, Sloop. 29.

 9. 1824, 1^st March Ann, Sloop. 55.

10. 1824. 19 Nov. Thomas Parsons. Brig, 325.

11. 1824. 28 May Ann & Mary. Sloop, 34.

12. 1825. 22 Feb. Francis Watson* Brig, 334.

13. 1825 10 Aug. William & Mary, Sloop, 34.

14. 1825. 21 April. General Bolivar* Dogger 43.

15. 1825. 16 July Solway* Brig 99 (owned by Joseph and Richd Ferguson).

16. 1826. 22 April Nelson Wood* 16 Brig 309.

17. 1826. 30 Nov Union, Dogger 58.

18. 1827. 28 July, Skylark, Sloop, 38.

19. 1827. 11 Aug. Agnes Wood, Brig. 91.

20. 1827. 19 January. Martha, Brig. 67.

21. 1827. 12 Nov, Mermaid. Brig. 68.

22. 1828. 30 June, Trinidad Packet Brig, 206.

23. 1828. 12 Nov, Spaniel, Brig. 83.

24. 1829. 7 January, Collingwood 17 Brig 282 (built for Taylor, Porter & Co. of Liverpool, cost £3430).

25. 1830. 9 January, Archer Barque 237 (built for Carlisle Merchants) (£12 per ton).

26. 1830. 10 Feb, Monk Brig 170 (General Gascoyne).

27. 1830. 7 July, Susannah Brigantine 48

28. 1831. 11 June. Darling, Brig. 101

29. 1831. 18 Sept. Prowler Brig 109 (built for Thomlinson's of Liverpool).

30. 1831. 10 June. Hopper 30 (Experiment).

31. 1832. 4 March. Charlotte, Brig, 256.

32. 1832. 4 January. Stirlingshire, Brig, 218 (Lord Sandon).

33. 1832. 15 Sept. Widows Friend, Sloop 54.

34. 1833. 8 Jan Mary. Ship, 306 (for John Bolton, Liverpool).

35. 1833. 9 March. James Ray. Brig, 232, (for Capt E. Gregson, Harrington),

36. 1833. 18 Sept. Wilton Wood Brig, 243, (built for Stockdale & Co.),

37. 1834. 29 Jan. Coeur de Lion* Ship, 352. (built for Fisher's of Liverpool),

38. 1834. 22 July. Eliza Heywood. Brig. 226.

39. 1835. 16 March. Mary Jones. Brig. 170.

40. 1835. 16 May. Paragon. Brig. 207.

41. 1835. 1 Jan. Tomlinson. Brig. 125 (renamed Alexander)

42. 1835. Nov. Lord Lowther. Brig. 269.

43. 1835. 24 Dec. Polar Star. Brig..50.

44. 1836. 18 Feb Chalco. Barque. 236.

45. 1836. July. Cockermouth Castle. Brig. 222.

46. 1837. January. Campbell. Brig. 203.

47. 1837. April. Bella Portina Brig. 227.

48. 1837. March. Cheshire Witch. 18 Paddle steamer 113 (built for Royal Dock Ferry Co.).

49. 1837. Nov. Pandora, Barque. 264.

50. 1838. 24 May, Black Prince, Brig. 298.

51. 1838 Mary, Ship.700.

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Messrs Huddleston, Ritson. of Maryport.

Operating as ship builders by 1833.

Some Notes:

Invoice to Mr Hodgson, 1833.

Joseph Huddleston and Co, Timber Merchants of Maryport, dissolved 3 Sept 1816 (with George Wilson, and William Pearson.

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Ships built by Huddleston Ritson & Co.

29 September 1835? First Vessel launched was the Eleanor Laidman

29 September 1835. the Shannon was on the slip to be repaired.

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Huddleston, Ritson & Co – Maryport were dissolved, 1841. Joseph Huddleston, John Ritson, David Fletcher, William Ostle.

For Joseph Huddlestone at John Peat and Co. see -

https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/bcee7a67-a726-3d10-8e8b-ae32ed86fee1

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Middleton's Ship Yard, Maryport.

Joseph Middleton at Paper Mill Green. Maryport.

 

Joseph Middleton,  Address High St, Maryport (Office?) - Jollie's Directory 1811.

On Thursday last a three masted schooner called Vine was launched from the yard Joseph Middleton for Captain Henry Ismay.  Cumberland Journal 731, 24 October 1812.

Maryport A few days ago a three masted schooner called Clyti was launched from the yard of Joseph Middleton & Son CJ 787, 20 November 1813.

Maryport - On Saturday last a brig called Janes was launched from the yard of Middleton & Co. for Captain Joseph Whinfiddie. She was launched with top gallant masts up and rigged. The singularity of the sight brought together a numerous concourse of spectators CJ 829, 10 September 1814.

 Maryport - A few days ago a vessel called Amity was launched from the yard of Joseph Middleton & Co. for Captain Longmire: CJ 867, 3 June 1815.

Maryport - On Thursday last a schooner called Hope was launched from the yard of Joseph Middleton: CJ 889, 4 November 1815.

Maryport - On Saturday last a copper bottomed vessel called Betsy was launched from the yard of Isaac Middleton & Co. for captain Smith in the foreign trade: CJ 991, 18 October 1817.

 Maryport - On Saturday last a copper bottomed vessel called Emerald was launched from the yard of Mr. Middleton, & Co. : CJ 1049, 5 December 1818.

Maryport - On Tuesday last a copper bottomed vessel of 210 tons called Elizabeth was launched from the yard of Middleton & Co. for Captain Thomas Pearson: CJ 1097, 6 November 1819.

 Harrington - On the twenty fourth a vessel called Cliti of 70 tons was launched from the yard of I. Middleton & Co. for Mr Joseph Middleton for use in the coal trade: CJ 1351, 2 October 1824.

 Maryport - On Saturday a copper bottomed brig called Countess of Liverpool of 132 tons was launched from the yard of I. Middleton & Co. for Captain Henry Jenkinson in the South American trade: CJ 1353, 16 October 1824.

 Maryport - A copper bottomed vessel called Margaret of 227 tons was launched from the yard of I. Middleton & Co. for Captain Brown: CJ 1383, 14 May 1825.

 Isaac Middleton,  An Invoice is Illustrated of 1831 in Maritime Maryport by Annie Robinson from a cache found in an outbuilding of John Hewitson.

  Very low res. image of the Middleton Invoice of 1831 - I will attempt to find a better image in due course.

Maryport, 1815.

Looking towards the sea with Paper Mill Green in the foreground and Middleton's Shipyard with a ship being constructed on the stocks (on the right of the engraving).

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Peat & Co, Maryport.

Peat and Co - (Office?) High Street, Maryport, Jollie's Directory 1811.

Extracts below from the Carlisle Journal.

Peat and Co. Maryport.  On Wednesday last a vessel called Queen was launched from the yard of Peat, & Co. from CJ 750, 6 March 1813.

Maryport On Saturday last a vessel called Jack Tar was launched from the yard of  Peat & Co: CJ 774, 21 August 1813.

Maryport Thursday last a copper bottomed vessel called Friends was launched from the yard of Peat & Co. for Captain George Wilson: CJ 860, 15 April 1815.

Maryport On Sunday last a copper bottomed vessel called Donald was launched from the yard of Peat & Co. for Captain Thomas Allison in the West Indies trade. The day being extremely good a vast concourse of people attended among whom were many of rank and fortune: CJ 877, 12 August 1815

Maryport - Yesterday week a copper bottomed vessel called Retrench of 360 tons was launched from the yard of John Peat, & Co.: CJ 968, 10 May 1817.

Maryport - On Saturday last a copper bottomed vessel called Congress was launched from the yard of Mr. Peat, & Co.: CJ 1049, 5 December 1818.

 Maryport - On Saturday last a coppered brig of 223 tons called Hannah was launched from the yard of Peat & Co. for Captain Newby in the West India trade: CJ 1089, 11 September 1819.

Maryport - On Thursday a copper bottomed brig called Corsair of 231 tons was launched from the yard of Thomas Peat & Co. for Captain Robinson: CJ 1332, 22 May 1824.

Maryport A schooner called Linnet of 90 tons was launched from the yard of Peat & Co.: CJ 1386, 4 June 1825.

...........................

John Peat, and Co. viz John Peat, Joseph Huddleston, David Fletcher, Thomas Tolson, William Pearson, and John Fawcett - Company Dissolved 29 March 1831 (Law Advertiser).

For the Huddleston/Peat Papers see -

https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/bcee7a67-a726-3d10-8e8b-ae32ed86fee

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Ships registered at Maryport.

From Sawyers List of 1828.

The Wood family built ships underlined in red.

Compiled by Dr John Crerar - from the Crerar Files at Carlisle Archives.

There is a later Sawyers List of 1840 which I will publish in due course.

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An Aerial View Maryport - 2008.

https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/revamped-maryport-marina-completed/

The site of the Woods yard has been entirely cleared. The original houses and buildings on the Wood's land on the other side of Strand Street behind the ship yard have all been replaced.

Paper Mill Green (formerly Middleton's Yard) in the loop of the river has been entirely cleared.