ALNWICK CASTLE

Shipbuildervessel built by Alexander HALL & Co. (Footdee, Aberdeen)

Date1842

Object NameSCHOONER

MediumWOOD

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 50'5" x breadth 15'4" x depth 8'3"
gross tonnage 54 tons (old measurement); 80 tons (new measurement)

Object numberABDSHIP001021

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Alexander Hall & Co.
Yard Number: 133

Fate: Abandoned off Crinan, Kintyre, 9 September 1870

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Schooner rigged

Owner:
1842-49: Robert Simpson, Alnmouth, Registered at Alnmouth

Master:
1843-49: Master G. Potter

Voyages (Lloyd's):
1843-48: Aberdeen coaster

26/02/1866:
Ayr, 22 February - A small schooner, with ALNWICK CASTLE painted on her stern, has been fallen in with, derelict, by fishermen and brought in here [Ayr] with the assistance of a tug. There were about 3 ft. water in her hold, no boat on her deck or in tow and no anchor nor chain. Her jib boom and cathead were carried away. From papers found aboard she appears to have left Silloth for Ardrishaig and a few days ago, coal loaded, Neil Campbell master.
(Edinburgh Evening Courant)

27/09/1870:
GLASGOW—Sept. 26: report from Ardnshaig, dated Sept. 14, states that the ALNWICK CASTLE schooner, from Glasgow for Crinan (coals), made water on the voyage and attempted to enter Crinan Bay, but owing to the head sails being carried away, became unmanageable, and was abandoned by the crew, who landed in a small bay in the Sound of Jura
(Shipping and Mercantile Gazette)

09/09/1870: Jura, Sound of Jura, "This Schooner appears to have developed a svere leak in bad weather and, having lost most of her sail and possibly masts as well was taken in tow by the SS CHEVALIER. It then appears the Schooner foundered, and during the rescue of her three crew, two crew members of the steamship were drowned in wind conditions S force 12
(Richard and Bridget Larn (1997), “Shipwreck Index of the British Isles” (Lloyd’s Register, London), vol. 4, section 6)

There is a long gap between the last Lloyd's entry in 1849 and reports that indicate her fate, lending some uncertainty that this is the correct ship.
Note: Cost at construction, £715 (Builder's List held in the Lloyd's Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)