This is a continuation of a previous posting on the demise of the Cardiff Castle and re-introduction of the Petrel as the primary Sunday steamer on the Clyde. The steamers were under the ownership of Mr Henry Sharp, a publican from the Gallowgate and engendered much resentment from the church and local authority establishment although there was some popular support. Sabbatarian interests drove the church position but the local authorities were more concerned with the drunkenness and bad behavior that resulted from the availability of liquor on the steamers. The photograph, by George Washington Wilson shows the Broomielaw in 1868 with the Petrel at the quay astern of the Dumbarton steamer Loch Lomond and the new Marquis of Bute maneuvering for a berth. The year 1868 is the one in which the present account begins.
“The Sunday steamer.—To the Editor of the Glasgow Herald.—Sir,—The Sunday steamer has now become an institution. The population of Glasgow now exceeds half a million. The relations between this vast amount of people and the neighbouring country have assumed such proportions that all attempts to arrest communication between them on Sundays must prove futile; Therefore the only question is the method. On Sunday last I had occasion to visit a lady patient of mine temporarily residing at Gourock. The “Sunday Steamer” was the only means available. I hurried off to the Glasgow Bridge expecting to find the Petrel a little below the usual station, but what was my surprise and dismay when informed that the steamer was to be found at Mavisbank Quay—the site of the old Fisher’s Hut—at least a mile from the Bridge. I was late, and I had to run the whole way—just in time as the vessel was moving off. Now, Sir, why is the steamer compelled to take her departure on Sundays so far from the usual station? To me. this appears a piece of miserable intolerance, and should at once be put a stop to. More than that, I was anxious to visit a child near the Botanic Garden on my return in the evening; I asked the master of the Petrel to put me ashore at Partick, but he informed me that however willing to do so he was under a serious penalty, such conduct being a serious transgression of the regulations.
“Now, Sir, all this seems to me as to be wholly uncalled for. The Sunday steamer should leave the usual station at the Bridge and return thereto in the evening. I hope some truly illiberal minded member of the River Trust will bring the matter up with a view to redress this uncalled for grievance.—Yours, 20th April, 1868, Medicus.”—Glasgow Herald, April 22, 1868
“Greenock—Sunday steamer.— The steamer Petrel had on Sunday a large freight of passengers on the trip from Glasgow to Rothesay and back. A number landed here, and a good many embarked.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 12, 1868
Glasgow Herald, May 23, 1868
The following is a good account of a trip in a Sunday steamer in 1868. Unfortunately, the author fails to recognize some of the problems that were later to arise at Greenock and Gourock where significant numbers of passengers disembarked early in the day.
“The Sunday steamer.—To the editor of the North British Daily Mail.—Sir.—Owing to circumstances over which I had an ordinary amount of control I found myself on a certain Sunday recently on board the steamer Petrel, bound for Rothesay. The weather was superb—in fact, it was one of the finest mornings of the present summer—and the consequence was that, on a moderate calculation, there would be considerably over 450 passengers in all. The vessel was moored, I should mention, a long way down the harbor, on the south side of the river; so the chances are that some intending passengers, unaware of this fact, and timing the distance from their homes to the usual steamboat wharf at the bridge, would be short-shipped. Two helmeted policemen and an inspector formed a guard of honour at the gangway as I embarked. And an agent of the Glasgow Working Men’s Sabbath Protection Association handed to each person going on board a treatise of four pages, entitled, “Sabbath Travelling.” The association evidently differ in their view of the Second Commandment from Hood, who declared that he “loved his neighbor too well, to call and twit him with a tract that’s turn’d by application to a libel.” At the hour appointed, 10.30 a.m., we started. Although carrying the goodly number of passengers mentioned, there was no appearance of overcrowding in the Petrel. Her capacity seemed sufficient to accommodate all with comfort. As to the kind of people on board, they seemed to be of all classes, with the exception of the upper crust and the lowest—in no way that I could observe differing collectively from an equal number of excursionists on any other day of the week. I saw no “roughs”—the fare, perhaps, was a little too high for them—and next to no “swells,” if I may be pardoned the well understood vulgarism; but then your west-end people do not affect excursion steamers at any time. On the other hand. There were in the cabin end of the boat many “bien” and thoroughly respectable citizens of Glasgow, several of whom we discovered were en route to join their families located at Gourock. Generally speaking, the appearance of all on board was respectable, and their demeanour in accordance. The exceptions were exceedingly few. One who was apparently bacci plenus, but good humoured withal. Wanted to go down stairs to the steward’s cabin before the vessel had left the quay, but that functionary was inexorable, and our friend—who informed those around that he had just arrived in Glasgow from Portsmouth on the proceeding evening after 13 years at sea—had to “thole” his drouth a little longer. Truth to tell, we were scarce clear of the harbor until the refreshment room forward was pretty freely patronized; but so far as we could see, without abuse of its attractions. A batch of laboring men, returning from a job in Glasgow to their homes in Greenock, were served with bread and cheese and porter, others indulged in a pint of Bass, and here and there a couple of acquaintances, meeting on board by accident, celebrated the circumstance in a manner not uncommon in Scotland by joining in “a gill.” I saw nothing, however, approaching to licence or disorder.
“As we neared Renfrew the sound of the church bells of the burgh tolling for forenoon service came wafted o the breeze towards us, and this was the first, as it was almost the only, reminder occurring during the voyage that we were travelling by the Sunday steamer. At Renfrew we took in a few additional passengers, one or two at the same time going ashore, and the same at Bowling where we stopped at the lower wharf. At Greenock, our next stoppage, the quay was lined for about a hundred yards with spectators to witness our arrival, many of them mere idlers, and others waiting to receive friends arriving by the steamer. The number who went out here astonished me. I should say it amounted to a full third of all on board; and hence I argued that a great many of our fellow passengers were not “excursionists” pure and simple, but were in some way connected with Greenock, and had availed themselves of the only means open to them on that day of visiting their friends or relatives. At Gourock it was obvious that the Petrel fulfils so far the functions of a “husband’s boat,” the wives and children of several of my fellow-voyagers, with whom it is next to impossible to get away from town on a Saturday night, being in waiting for them on the quay. On leaving Gourock, the steamer did not seem to be making quite the usual course for the intermediate ports on the other side, and I observed to a passenger beside me that we were surely steering rather widely for Dunoon. He replied that we were steering quite correctly for the next port we should put in at, namely, Rothesay. The authorities at the watering places on the Argyleshire coast, he explained, repudiate the Petrel, and were the steamer to draw up at any of them, there would be no one there to catch the mooring lines, no gangway to go ashore by; in short, no reception whatever. We accordingly held on for the more hospitable shores of Bute, and steamed into the beautiful bay of Rothesay at two p.m. exactly.
“Arrived at Rothesay, we were informed that the vessel would start on her return to town at four o’clock, so that there remained two hours for disposal by each of us at his own sweet will. After the slightest apology for luncheon in a spacious and cleanly-looking hotel facing the bay, I proceeded, accompanied by a friend who “knew the ropes” to make a leisurely circuit of the burgh, by which means the time was filled up agreeably, so far as we were concerned. Others, I should suppose, improved the occasion in a similar manner, although the fact is that, wherever they went to, we encountered very few of our fellow passengers until rejoining them again on board the steamer. Immediately on leaving Rothesay. “that tocsin of the soul, the dinner bell,” announced that the table was laid below, a summons which about a score or more availed themselves of, and were furnished with an excellent plain dinner of three courses for two shillings a head. On the return trip the same ports were touched at as in coming down, and many of those we had left at Gourock, Greenock, &c., rejoined us at these places. Not all, however, there being numbers whose convenience would be suited by the first up-train in the morning.
“On the return passage, the same commendable good order, as a rule, prevailed, as on that going down. On neither one or the other did I see a solitary “pocket pistol” in the hands of a passenger, a situation for which I was scarcely prepared. It was my own first trip with the vessel, but I had a recollection of hearing that such a form of weapon was in favour with the “Sunday steamer” travelers. Whatever may have been the fashion aforetime, if this occasion might be taken as a fair sample, they would seem to have reformed it altogether now. As in one or two of the more modern steamers which ply during the week, the Petrel is furnished with a steward’s cabin aft as well as forward, and both establishments did a fair trade both while going and returning from Rothesay. It remains to add, however, that, so far as I could observe, the passengers disembarked at the Broomielaw shortly before 8 p.m. as quietly and orderly as they had stepped on board in the morning. That there exists a strong feeling against the steamer amongst a large section of the community is obvious in several ways, to some of which I have referred. A trustworthy informant gave me an illustration of it, which may be quoted. Last summer a well-known and wealthy chemical manufacturer in Glasgow was residing with his family at Innellan. Owing to some peculiarity in connection with his business just then it was exceedingly desirable that for a week or two this gentleman should be present in the works late on Sunday night, or early on Monday morning. Such being the case, he offered the captain of the Petrel £5 to call for him at Innellan, on the way back from Rothesay, on five successive Sunday afternoons. As I have already stated, no facilities for carrying out such an arrangement would be given by the pier authorities, but it was agreed to do without them, the steamer being as dexterously as possible laid alongside the quay, where the gentleman would be in waiting to jump on to the paddle-box. The agreement was made, and for three weeks was carried out, the gentleman paying £1 sterling for his passage up each time. On the way up on the third Sunday, however, he informed the captain of the Petrel of his desire then and there to terminate the arrangement on account of the manner in which the good fellows of Innellan had seen fit to signify their opinion of it. For himself personally, he said, he would not have minded, but it was a little too much that his neighbour’s children should be taught to shun the companionship of his children, and that his wife should be pointed out when she went abroad as the “Sabbath-breaker’s wife.” So the agreement was cancelled accordingly—thanks to the potency of public opinion in Innellan.—I am &c., A Student of Manners.”—North British Daily Mail, June 5, 1868
Glasgow Herald, June 20, 1868
Glasgow Evening Citizen, June 24, 1868
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 15, 1868
Petrel maneuvering into a berth behind Rothesay Castle at the Broomielaw in 1868 (Washington Wilson)
Petrel at the Broomielaw in 1868 (Washington Wilson)
Glasgow Herald, July 18, 1868
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 22, 1868
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 22, 1868
The 1868 season passed with few glitches but as the years went on, there were recurring problems that were amplified in the newspapers to continue the negative picture posed by Sunday sailing.
One of the prominent Sabbatarian organizations, the Working Men’s Sabbath Protection Association was closely monitoring the situation regarding the Sunday steamers. This included an estimate of the numbers travelling by the steamers to establish what financial backing there might be.
“Working Men’s Sabbath Protection Association.—The twentieth annual meeting of the above association was held last night in the Merchants’ Hall—Bailie Wm. Miller presiding. After tea, the chairman delivered a pointed address on the objects of the association, after which the annual report, a document of considerable length, was read. This dealt with the proposed Sunday trams between Glasgow and Paisley, the Sunday steamer Petrel—which in the course of last season had conveyed 8990 passengers on Sundays—the prevalence of Sunday cab-hiring, and of the custom among the smaller class of shop-keepers of opening their shops on Sundays. The treasurer’s statement was likewise read. Both documents were adopted on the motion of the Rev. J. S. Taylor; officials for the incoming twelve-months were appointed; and two resolutions, in accordance with the principles of the association, were unanimously approved Among the speakers on the occasion were Bailie Murray, the Rev. Mr. Roberts of Edinburgh, the Rev. Messrs. Edgar, Gray, and Guthrie of Glasgow, and Messrs. Wylie and Horn. The proceedings terminated with the usual votes of thank”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, February 23, 1869
The Petrel appeared at the end of March, but her initial sailing was marred by grounding at Gourock.
“Trial trip of the river steamer Petrel.—Yesterday forenoon the river steamer Petrel started from the Broomielaw on a trip to Garelochhead, in order that her compasses might be adjusted previous to her resuming sailing for the season on Sunday morning first. Those who recollect the meaner is byepast year will be some-what surprised to hear that the vessel which has performed such a vast amount of work, and has plied so regularly and safely to the many coasting places on the Firth of Clyde, looks quite new again. Since her journeyings last of last season she has been placed on the slip at Messrs Henderson, Colburne, & Co.’s. yard at Renfrew where she has undergone a thorough overhauling. Her engines too have been looked after, and yesterday they worked admirably. Several alterations and improvements have been made upon deck, and with the painting and decorations the steamer now has quite a lively appearance. Capt. Hill, late of the Vale of Clyde, has been placed in command of the boat. A large company of gentlemen were invited to accompany her on her trial trip yesterday. The vessel made the run to Greenock, Including slowings in 1¾ hours. After remaining at Garelochhead for about two hours the steamer returned, and the company sat down in the cabin to an excellent dinner purveyed by Mr H. Sharp, who has been connected with the Petrel for many years. Several toasts were afterwards drunk, and that of “Success to the Petrel” was heartily responded to. The weather was very fine, and a truly enjoyable day was spent. The boat returned to Glasgow about seven o’clock is the evening.”—North British Daily Mail, March 27, 1869
Glasgow Herald, March 26, 1869
“Gourock.—Steamer aground.—The Sunday steamer while attempting to come into the quay here yesterday afternoon grounded, and did not get off till in the evening.”—Greenock Telegraph, March 29, 1869
“The Sunday steamer aground.—The steamer Petrel made her debut for the season on Sabbath last, and left the Broomielaw at half-past nine in the morning, and was to have been back again at half-past six in the evening. There was very low tide in the afternoon, however, and in attempting touch Gourock Quay the steamer grounded, and did not get off till seven o’clock in the evening. She reached Glasgow about 10 p.m.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, March 30, 1869
A Friday afternoon was spent honoring one of the original proprietors of the Sunday steamers on his retirement.
“Novel entertainment.—Yesterday afternoon, in the course of a pleasure trip on board the steamer Petrel, to and from the Gareloch, Mr. John Brand, on occasion of his retiring from the management of the Britannia Music Hall, was entertained by his professional and other friends to a sumptuous dinner, served up in the fore saloon, under the presidency of Mr. Cox. Much excellent music, vocal and instrumental, was contributed during the day by the professional ladies and gentlemen of the Britannia; and in the earlier part of the trip an occasional quadrille was enjoyed in the cabin saloon.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, May 8, 1869
During the Glasgow Fair in July, Petrel made two Sunday trips to Rothesay. The schedule would appear to demand two light sailings.
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 16, 1869
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 23, 1869
Glasgow Evening Citizen, July 31, 1869
There were occasion problems with passengers but on the whole at this stage, the crowds on board were reasonably well behaved.
“Assault.—Wm. Taylor, an engineer, was fined in 21s. or 8 days for assaulting James M‘Calvel and Samuel Gibson, passengers on board the steamer Petrel yesterday.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, August, 16 1869
A collision with the Vivid in the middle of August was quickly repaired and did not interrupt her Sunday schedule but she did miss her Friday and Saturday sailings to Rothesay.
Glasgow Herald, August 21, 1869
“Collision between the Petrel and the Vivid.—Trial of the masters.—Robert Campbell, master of the steamer Vivid, and Neil M‘Lean, master of the steamer Petrel, were severally charged yesterday, before Bailie Mathieson, at the River Bailie Court, Glasgow, with culpably and recklessly managing their respective vessels to cause a collision at Cartsdyke Bay, near Greenock, on Thursday, 19 inst. They both pleaded not guilty.
“Wm. M. Wilson, writer, appeared on behalf of M‘Lean; Campbell conducting his own defence.
“It appeared from the evidence that the two vessels had left Greenock Quay about the same time, the Petrel to proceed to Glasgow and the Vivid with the purpose of canting in Cartsdyke Bay. The Petrel struck the Vivid on the starboard quarter, smashing in her own bow and damaging the rail of the Vivid. After a lengthened trial, during which a considerable amount of conflicting evidence was brought forward on both sides, Campbell was found guilty, and fined £5. M‘Lean was discharged.” —Greenock Telegraph, August 28, 1869
The Scottish Sabbath Alliance had been monitoring the numbers of passengers carried by the Sunday steamer to try to bolster their opinion that there were monied backers of the enterprise. If this could be proven then exposing and shaming the backers would follow. However, the economics of the the trade proved much more difficult to unravel above unsubstantiated conjecture.
“The Sunday steamer.—To the Editor of the Glasgow Herald Sir—The Rev. Mr Roberts, secretary to the Scottish Sabbath Alliance, states that the Clyde Sunday steamer is plying on Sundays at a great loss, which loss is made up by certain individuals out of spite to Sabbatarians. I believe that statement to be quite incorrect, for, though I do not care for traveling on Sunday, yet I have on several occasions found it convenient to go to Dumbarton on the Sunday, and each time the vessel was well filled, and at fair paying prices W. September 2, 1869.”—Glasgow Herald, September 3, 1869
“Violent storm.—A severe storm prevailed over the greater part of Scotland yesterday. In Glasgow and other towns the damage seems to have been confined principally to the destruction of chimney-pots and umbrellas; and in the country trees and corn-stacks have suffered considerably. Several telegraph wires were broken in the city, a portion of the brick wall filling up the arch-way in the south gable of the Theatre-Royal was blown in, and a preaching-tent in Pitt-street was demolished, but no other damage to property took place. The steamer Petrel sailed as usual from the Broomielaw in the forenoon for Rothesay, with a fair complement of passengers, but only about 30 of them had the courage to proceed farther than Bowling or Greenock. On the return voyage very severe weather was encountered, and the steamer had considerable difficulty in touching Gourock, being again and again blown away from the pier the violence of the gale.”—Glasgow Evening Citizen, September20, 1869
Glasgow Evening Citizen, September 27, 1869
Glasgow Evening Citizen, October 23, 1869
The new decade began well with fine weather although there were some unavoidable interruptions. Petrel continued sailing to Rothesay during the week and at her regular time on Sundays.
“The Sunday steamer.—Yesterday the steamer Petrel commenced sailing for the season from Glasgow to Rothesay on Sundays, calling at Bowling, Greenock, and Gourock. The number of passengers was considerable. About 40 landed here and 20 Greenock passengers went down. the river. On the return trip the steamer was likewise liberally patronized.”—Greenock Telegraph, April 4, 1870
“Anchor liner Anglia grounded and blocked the river.—The Sunday steamer, the Petrel, sailed from her berth about half past 10 o’clock, with about 200 passengers on board; but she was compelled to turn back and land the disappointed pleasure-seekers shortly after noon. On the flowing of the evening tide the Anglia was towed off by the Shamrock and Lord Gough.”—Greenock Telegraph, April 11, 1870
“Greenock—The Sunday steamer.—Yesterday, the weather being fine, a large number of persons took advantage of the Sunday steamer to visit the coast. On the return trip the steamer was like-wise well filled.”—Glasgow Herald, April 18, 1870
North British Daily Mail April 26, 1870
North British Daily Mail April 26, 1870
Problems associated with excessive drunkenness, however, began to be more common. During the Glasgow Fair, Petrel again managed to make two trips to Rothesay on Sundays.
“Disorderly Conduct on Board the Sunday Steamer.—On Monday, at the River Bailie Court, Glasgow, Bailie M‘Onie presiding, Thomas Dick, joiner, and Francis Hay, hammerman, both residing at 35 Bolton Street, were accused of having, on the evening of the previous day, on board the steamer Petrel, conducted themselves in a disorderly manner, and annoyed the captain of the vessel. It appeared from the evidence that the defendants had joined the steamer at Renfrew on her upward passage, and being somewhat affected with liquor they refuse to leave the hurricane deck when desired to do so by the proper way, and the result was that a scuffle ensued. They were convicted, and each lined in the sum of two guineas.”—Renfrewshire Independent, May 7, 1870
“The Sunday steamer.—Despite the unfavourable weather, the Petrel yesterday had many passengers, many of whom landed at Greenock. A few embarked for places farther down the Clyde.”—Greenock Telegraph, May 23, 1870
Glasgow Herald, July 8, 1870
Glasgow Herald, July 8, 1870
“Greenock, Glasgow Fair—Yesterday, the weather was again very fine. The Sunday steamer Petrel made two runs to Rothesay. On the morning trip down the number of passengers was comparatively few, but on the return passages the numbers were much increased.”—Glasgow Herald, July 18, 1870
“Glasgow Fair visitors—On Saturday the down steamers were crowded, and it was calculated that the Iona had upwards of 2000 passengers on her downward passage. The other coast steamers were completely filled, and some declined to stop at the new pier, so great were their living cargoes. Some the swifter vessels made additional runs and profited thereby. Even the Sunday steamer made a good thing of it by having two runs to Rothesay, in both of which, coming and going, she was well filled. The Caledonian and Greenock & Ayrshire Railways carried enormous quantity of passengers, and there was a good traffic by rail and steamer yesterday.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 19, 1870
“The Fair.—The annual summer fair has passed over pretty quietly, those who have made the acquaintance of the police being small in number. A large number of excursionists proceeded per rail since the beginning of the week east and west, and yesterday the grocers, bakers &c., closed their premises. The steamer Petrel, gaily decorated, was down the river with an excursion party, which returned in the evening. The St. John Young Men’s band accompanied them.”—Greenock Telegraph, Thursday July 21, 1870
Inevitably, there were incidents that upset the public.
“Fearful scene on board the Petrel.—A madman’s attempt to jump overboard.—Yesterday afternoon, about five o’clock, a fearful scene was witnessed on the deck of the Sunday steamer. When she called at Gourock on the up voyage, a man came on board considerably the worse of liquor. He appeared to be about 30 years of age, and strong and powerful, and before the vessel was near Greenock he showed symptoms of delirium tremens. When within hail of the lower quay at Greenock, he became quite mad, and struggled so violently to throw himself overboard that six or seven persons could scarcely restrain him. This occurred in the steerage, and owing to the dense crowd a fearful commotion ensued. In fact, the rush of the passengers to one side was so great that the steamer was about to be stopped by the captain. The man caught the top of the bulwarks near the starboard paddle wheel, and struggled to get over. As many people as could get near held him back. Women screamed, and the excitement was intense. On arriving at Greenock lower quay, two policemen came on board and manacled him to a ring under the bridge, and another officer came on at the high quay and conveyed him ashore. He belongs to Glasgow.”—Glasgow Evening Post, September 12, 1870
The year 1871 saw some changes. Local authorities began to clamp down on the unruly behavior and drunkenness of patrons who had come ashore from the Sunday steamer. There was also increased pressure to limit the amount of liquor the local hotels would supply. The trade on board was becoming more lucrative and a second steamer was introduced during the Glasgow Fair.
“The Sunday steamer.—Yesterday the steamer Petrel began plying on Sundays for the season betwixt Glasgow, Greenock, Gourock, and Rothesay. Both on the outward and inward trip, she had a large complement of passengers, the majority of whom, however, landed and again embarked at Greenock and Gourock. The day was fine although chilly.”—Greenock Telegraph, April 3, 1871
Glasgow Herald, May 26, 1871
“Sunday drinking.—On Sunday two men from Glasgow were found drunk about mid-day in Cathcart Square, and were committed on charges of being drunk and incapable. They were brought up before Bailie Campbell yesterday, when they stated that they had got the drink on board the Sunday steamer by which they had come from Glasgow, but they were fined in the usual amount. We hear that about 30 people were landed from this steamer at each of Greenock and Gourock piers on Sunday last in a state of intoxication—a circumstance from which it may inferred that publicans in Greenock and Gourock are not altogether to blame for the scenes that take place on Sundays, especially in the latter place. The Bailie said that it was very hard that river stewards should have the privileges they possessed in regard to hawking spirits on Sunday, and asked Capt. Dewar enquire into the matter and report, in order that it might represented to Mr Bruce, the Home Secretary, with a view to the regulation of river steamboat Sunday liquor traffic in his Licensing Bill.”—Greenock Advertiser, June 6, 1871
The main development of the year was the acquisition of a small saloon steamer for the Sunday trade.
“Steamer purchase.—We understand that the proprietors of the river steamer Petrel have purchased the Irish steamer Kingstown, whose arrival in the river we noticed recently. The Kingstown, which has hitherto been engaged on ferry service on the River Liffey, will, after undergoing alteration, be placed on the Clyde for the coast traffic generally, and with especial view to the “excursion” service, which forms so prominent a feature on our river and firth during the season. Her adaptation for this particular line is much enhanced by the fact that in the saloon—which is erected both fore and aft—there is, in case of “dirty weather,” covered accommodation for between 500 or 600 passengers. The Kingstown, which has two funnels, is double bowed, and capable of steering from either end, will be renamed before taking her station. She is at present lying at Hydepark Quay.”—North British Daily Mail, June 21, 1871
The steamer, Kingstown, was launched on June 30th, 1862, by Messrs Thomas Wingate & Co., of Whiteinch, Glasgow, for the service between Dublin and Kingstown of the Dublin and Kingstown Steam Packet Co. She was 151 feet in length by 20 feet in the beam and a depth of 7 feet and her length made turning in the narrow Liffey impractical so the design allowed for the ability to be steered from either end, and she was double bowed. She had a two-cylinder diagonal engine generating 86 h.p. with two funnels symmetrically placed between the paddle boxes. As an early steamer with deck saloons, her sponsons were carried forward to both bows to give greater deck space and she can be compared a back-to-back version of the Loch Lomond steamer, Prince Consort, that was built in the same year. She had deck saloons both fore and aft and originally sported two masts.
A rare photograph of Kingstown, taken in 1884 after she had left the Clyde for the second time
Kingstown had been sold to London owners in 1867 but appeares to have remained on the Liffy until she was tried on the Clyde. It would appear that Mr John Brand, one of the owners of the Petrel and recently retired from his dance-hall business was the principal behind the move. In March of 1871, the Queen’s daughter, Princess Louise had married the Marquis of Lorne, and the advertised name chosen for the Kingstown was Princess Louisa or as it appeared in advertisements, Princess Louise, presumably to take advantage of the public enthusiasm for the new couple. The steamer’s advent on the river was not very promising and she missed her first Sunday. By August, she was being advertised under her registered name, Kingstown.
Glasgow Herald, July 1, 1871
Glasgow Herald, July 15, 1871
The first Sunday sailing of Kingstown did not take place as she had a breakdown on an unadvertised excursion on the prior Saturday.
“The only break-down reported was that of the double-bowed steamer Princess Louise (late the Kingstown); a slight derangement to her machinery on Saturday necessitated her passengers being landed at Greenock. During the afternoon however, this was repaired, and the vessel returned to Glasgow yesterday (Sunday).”—Glasgow Herald, July 17, 1871
Glasgow Herald, July 22, 1871
“Sunday steamer.—On Sunday a second river steamer, the Princess Louisa, commenced to ply on the Clyde in conjunction with the Petrel. The one sails to Rothesay, and the other to Largs.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 25, 1871
“The Sunday steamers.—Yesterday, both steamers were well freighted with passengers. A large number of passengers landed here on the downward trip; and re-embarked in the afternoon. A goodly number of Greenock parties joined the vessels at the old and new piers here.”—Greenock Telegraph, August 7, 1871
Glasgow Herald, August 14, 1871
Both steamers continued sailing into October but the extent of the service was limited to Gourock. The Kingstown was proving too slow for the run to Rothesay and back.
Glasgow Herald, September 21, 1871
“Steamer on the bank—On Sunday afternoon, when the Liverpool steamer Bison was nearing the Steamboat Quay, she was met by the Kingstown, which attempted to pass on the wrong side. A collision was imminent, but the presence of mind of those in charge of the two vessels prevented any such mishap—the Kingstown being backed, and the Bison, avoiding the smaller boat, got on the bank. She got off with the tide the evening all right. We believe the steering gear of the Kingstown gave way.”—Greenock Advertiser, October 10, 1871
The following year, 1872, saw the Kingstown limited to two trips to Gourock on Sunday rather than Largs. Since her arrival, the notoriety of the Sunday steamers had increased, and there were many more reports of problems created by liquor on board, particularly on the evening return trips up-river to Glasgow.
Glasgow Herald, April 5, 1872
“The Sunday steamers.—Yesterday the steamer Petrel resumed sailing for the season betwixt Glasgow, Greenock, Largs, and Rothesay; and the Kingston commenced, making two trips on Sunday betwixt Glasgow, Greenock, and Gourock. The early part of the day was lowering, and during the afternoon rain fell, but notwithstanding a considerable number of persons travelled by the steamers.”—Glasgow Herald, April 8, 1872
Petrel ran aground at Gourock on her way up-river from Rothesay.
“Gourock.—Sunday Steamer Aground.—The Sunday steamer grounded yesterday evening, near to Gourock Quay, while coming np the river. She remained in that position for about an hour, much to the satisfaction, doubtless, of the hotel-keepers, excursionists being glad, what with the rain and the delay, to find shelter.”—Greenock Telegraph, April 8, 1872
Glasgow Herald, June 21, 1872
When the weather was poor, conditions on board the Sunday steamers could be alarming for the more respectable passengers.
“Sunday sailing.—To the Editor of the North British Daily Mail.—Sir,—The friends of Sabbath observance need be in no apprehension that steam-boat traffic on that day will increase so long as it remains as at present. I was unfortunate enough to decide on coming hither per steamer from Greenock yesterday evening, and my experience on board was such that for the future I shall keep clear of Sunday steamers even in cases of urgent necessity. It would require the potent pen of a commissioner of the Daily Mail to describe the successive miseries into the four hours the steamer took from Greenock quay to the Broomielaw. Some of your readers may have an idea what was the result of these conditions—dissolute men, four hours’ imprisonment in a steamer, downpouring rain, and an unlimited supply of liquor—in one word, it was hell. I do not know whether the liquor was supplied on board, but this I do know that hundreds were the worse of liquor on board. Those who abstained gladly passed the time the dreary time under the drenching rain on the soaking deck rather than be a witness of the orgies going on everywhere below; for the sounds issuing thence, from cabin and steerage, gave proof that drinking, rioting, and fighting were the order of the hour. As the voyage drew to a close, and the inebriated passengers appeared on deck, a popular recreation was the free expression of opinion regarding the management of the steamer; one party, who evidently should have been a judge, loudly asserting that as for the brandy on board he could make better out of shebeen whisky. Is it not rather anomalous that publicans on shore should be looked after so strictly as they are, and yet it is only necessary for the roughs of Glasgow on a Sunday to step on board a steamer, and there, for many hours, beyond the control of any authority, unite in rioting and drinking, and thus create a scarcely to be equalled in any other known portion of the world.—I am &c., B.F., Glasgow, July, 8.”—North British Daily Mail, July 11, 1872
Glasgow Herald, July 11, 1872
Glasgow Herald, July 11, 1872
Private excursions in addition to those advertised provided revenue during the week for the Sunday steamers. The Kingstown was found to be a slow sailer and her excursions were consequently quite limited.
Glasgow Herald, August 31, 1872
The year 1873 brought out another steamer on Sunday, this time a small vessel that sailed between Greenock and Dumbarton. The normal service was continued by Petrel and Kingstown.
Sunday sailing in the new year began at the end of March with Petrel sailing only as far as Gourock. When the season picked up, her itinerary involved a call at Largs before crossing to Rothesay. The Kingstown was used on Sundays to provide two sailings to Greenock and Gourock.
North British Daily Mail, March 29, 1873
“Greenock—The Sunday steamer.—Yesterday, the, steamer Petrel began to ply on Sundays between Glasgow and Gourock for the season. The day was cold, nevertheless a considerable number of passengers took advantage of the trip. Several landed and embarked at Greenock,”—Glasgow Herald, March 31, 1873
For Petrel, the call at Largs was removed in April.
Glasgow Herald, April 7, 1873
Glasgow Herald, April 26, 1873
The call at Largs was added back in May.
Glasgow Herald, May 21, 1873
“Sir,—Last Sabbath, about 10.35 as the Stobcross Ferry steamer No. 4, was putting out from the north side, and when just clearing the stern of a large steamer, without any signal of approach, found the steamer Petrel at a high rate of speed right upon her. The ferry’s crew instantly shouted with all their might, backing the boat, but not in time to prevent a collision. The ferry steamer was run into and had her bows considerably smashed in. A few seconds more delay on either side, and she would here been caught amidships, and in such a case it is quite possible there might not have been a single escape—all on a quiet Sunday morning. The enigineer told me today that they were nearly run into by the Kingstown at 1 p.m. to-day (Sunday), so it’s no trivial matter. The ferry’s crew are all aware of this and can give evidence. Can it not be required of all river steamers to keep their bells in sound while running between the ferries; also, that they keep at a slow rate of speed, under a penalty, sufficient to produce attention.—l am, &c., June 15. J. H. S.”—North British Daily Mail, June 16, 1873
An additional ferry service was provided between Greenock, Port Glasgow and Dumbarton, likely calling at the quay in the latter location and perhaps anticipating the new pier that was under construction. The vessel is not named and the service seems to have been short-lived.
“New Sunday steamer.—A small screw steamer of about five tons, owned in Greenock, and seated to accommodate about thirty individuals, is about to be put on the route from the latter port to Dumbarton, calling at Port-Glasgow. She will make one trip daily, and two on Sundays. She has a Board of Trade certificate to carry twenty passengers, and besides, has a license for the sale of liquors.—Mail”—Greenock Advertiser, June 19, 1873
There can be little doubt that the advent of the second Sunday steamer, Kingstown, had coarsened the clientele and led to difficulties, especially in Greenock and Gourock. However incidents over the next year or so were relatively minor.
“Police court.—On Saturday—before Bailie Campbell—Daniel Murray, labourer, was convicted of obtaining drink in the Prince of Wales Hotel on the previous Sunday by falsely representing that he had come down from Glasgow in a steamer. The Bailie, in passing sentence of 21s or ten days’ imprisonment, remarked that hotel keepers should be very careful in supplying drink on Sundays, even to parties who came by the Sunday steamers, as there was every likelihood they would have had enough liquor before coming ashore.”—Greenock Advertiser, July 1, 1873
Glasgow Herald, August 16, 1873
At the end of the season, the Petrel was put up for sale. Despite the wishes of some in the liquor trade, she was sold for scrap.
“Sale of the steamer Petrel.—This old and well-known river boat, which has conducted the passenger traffic on the Clyde on Sundays for a long time, has been sold by its owner, Mr Brand, to Mr William Hutcheson for £89O. The Petrel has sailed the river for the last twenty-eight years, and has been purchased with the view of being taken down. The Petrel was well-known on the Clyde the “Sabbath-breaker;” and “down the water”—more particularly at Rothesay the name was anything but respected.”—Greenock Telegraph, October 25, 1873
An article in the Edinburgh based Scotsman, perhaps with air of triumph thinly disguised, caused some annoyance and a reply from one of the original owners of the Emperor, the first Sunday steamer. More than twenty years had passed and the divisions brought about in the country had barely healed.
“Sale of a Clyde Sunday steamer.—The career of the well-known and much-talked-of Clyde river steamer Petrel, which, in spite of the opposition of the Church Courts and associations, has for years been plying on the Clyde on Sundays, was yesterday brought to a close, the vessel having been sold for old iron. The steamer, owing to the high price of iron, brought a handsome price of £800. The Petrel was built at Paisley in 1845, and for fifteen years was one of the favourite steamers on the Rothesay route. The Emperor, the first vessel that made Sunday trips, settling down to the bottom of the river at Glasgow, and being thereafter condemned, the Petrel took her place, which she has maintained for ten years. A rival started a year or two ago in the saloon steamer Kingston.”—Scotsman, October 25, 1873
“Sunday sailing on the Clyde.—Glasgow, October 27, 1873, Sir,—I observe in the Scotsman of the 25th inst. a notice of the sale of the Sunday sailing Clyde steamer Petrel, wherein it is stated that “the Emperor, the first vessel that made Sunday trips, settling down to the bottom of the river at Glasgow, and being thereafter condemned, the Petrel took her place.” This statement regarding the Emperor is entirely erroneous. She never settled down to the bottom of the river, and never was condemned. She had run for five years before the Petrel commenced, and she continued for five years after.
“The Emperor had borne and overcome much denunciation by Church Courts, and Sabbatarian Associations aimed at injuring her trade during the week, also expensive obstruction and opposition by various parties, and had developed and established Sunday sailing long before the Petrel commenced. Some time afterwards the Cardiff Castle also commenced running. The Emperor having run successfully on Sunday for ten years, was sold to one of the companies running steamers between Glasgow, Helensburgh, and Garelochhead. The purchasers changed her name to the Aquila, and she continued to run on that station for several seasons. She was thereafter taken to Liverpool and there sold to French owners. They unwisely risked taking her to France in winter. When proceeding down the Channel she met with a severe storm, and, being only a light-built river steamer, she was unfit to encounter it, and sank off the Waterford coast. The crew were all saved. —I am, &c., A former owner of the Emperor.”—Scotsman, October 28, 1873.
The old steamer was tough to put down!
“The steamer Petrel.—This steamer which was some time ago reported as having been sold privately, was yesterday—some hitch having occurred in the final arrangements of the bargain—exposed for public sale in the auction rooms of Messrs Hutchison & Dixon, West Nile Street, Glasgow. After a spirited competition between several publicans (who wished to continue it as a Sunday boat) and a number of old-iron dealers, the steamer was eventually knocked down to Mr Stuart, metal merchant Port-Dundas, who intends to take it to pieces for the sake the old bolts and machinery.”—Greenock Telegraph, November 6, 1873
Petrel was scrapped for old iron where she lay, just upstream of Broomielaw bridge. However, this was not the end of Sunday sailing. A new partner for the Kingstown was in the offing.