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Side-Wheeled Paddle Steamers
Historical
Database - Bristol Channel, UK
J W Pockett : From 1880 : The Bristol Channel Steam Packet Company : From 1891 : Pockett's Bristol Channel Steam Packet Company
This
family run business evolved
out of the Swansea to Bristol cargo shipping activities of Captain
Walter Pockett (until 1856) and later his
sons, in particular, James (until 1880) and William (until 1890). James
became the agent for the Lord Beresford and the Prince of Wales and
later bought them for his own account. William took over management on
James' death and renamed the company. The remaining family members
sold the business in 1891 but it retained a link, being renamed
Pockett's Bristol Channel Steam Packet Co Ltd although now managed out
of Bristol. The new owners were Messrs HS Flinn and GJ Wakefield
and the manager was Thomas Probert.
A summer passenger service was provided out of
Swansea, serving Ilfracombe, Clovelly, Lundy and Tenby. After its construction in 1898,
Mumbles pier was also served
Operated until
the First World War, by when they only possessed Brighton,
the former railway ferry which had earlier operated from Brighton to
France, as a passenger steamer. She
was requisitioned for war service by the Admiralty, bringing an end to
Pockett's services and saw further
service in Turkey after the war. Pockett's continued in a modest
fashion with cargo vessels for around seven years after the end of the
war.
Troubadour
Lass of Gowrie
Lord Beresford (1856-1861) Built in 1824
Princess of Wales (1857-1880) Built in 1842
Velindra (1867-1896) Built in 1860
Brighton (1896-1915) Built in 1878
Mavis (1909-1913) Built in 1888
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Bristol
Channel