QUEEN OF SCOTLAND

DateApril 1827

Object NamePADDLE STEAMER

MediumWOOD; Red Pine

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 149' 3/6' x breadth 26' 7"
Registered Tonnage: 304 ton

Object numberABDSHIP001758

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: John Duffus & Co.

Fate: Broken up 1869.

Propulsion: Steam
Description: Paddle steamer with a schooner rig, 2 decks, 3 masts, standing bowsprit, square stern, carvel built, quarter galleries, a woman figurehead.

Owners:
1827: Registered at Aberdeen for subscribing owners;
Alexander Bannerman, merchant; John Duffus, George Elsmie Jnr, iron founders; all Aberdeen.
Other shareholders;
James Forbes, Echt; George Forbes, Springhill; Alexander Gibbon; John Lumsden; all Aberdeen Merchants, and carrying on trade under the firm of John Duffus & Co., Manufacturers of anchors and chain cables in Aberdeen.
1836: Owned by George Elsmie Junior, William Reid and George Thompson Junior, merchants, as the Aberdeen & London Steam Navigation Company.
01/1843: Sold to Joseph Gee & Co. Hull. Lengthened in August 1843.
04/1860: Sold to Thomas Hodson & others, Manchester.
10/1863: Sold to C. M. Lofthouse & R. Glover, Hull.
1869: Broken up.
(Source: Aberdeen Register of Shipping (Aberdeen City Archives))

1827: Master Alexander Love (Aberdeen Register)
1828-33: Master J. Walker
1834-37: Master J. Pearson
1828: Master A. Guthrie
1839-40: Master J. Cargill
1840-42: Master Anderson.
1844-45: Master W. Cape

Voyages (from Lloyd's):
1828-37: London - Aberdeen
1838-42: Aberdeen - Hull
1844-45: Hull - Hamburg

General History:
18/04/1827:
'On Thursday last we had the gratification of being present at the launch of the first steam vessel which has been built at this port. If we may judge by the admiration which this magnificent ship had excited, among naval and scientific persons, as well as those acquainted with steam navigation, we may safely pronounce her the finest of her class not only for a frame of timber which cannot be surpassed, but which has been put together in a manner that would do credit to any King's dockyards. Her length is that of a 36-gun frigate, she has a spar deck and poop, with two splendid cabins, separate from the sleeping compartments, which are ranged along the side of the ship, and all entering from the main deck. These berths have removing stanchions, which, if necessary would enable her to carry 15 guns on a side. She will be propelled by two engines of 75 horse-power each, and is calculated to carry, beside her machinery, fuel etc, three hundred tons.
Not withstanding the unfavourable state of the weather from the incessant rain, a vast concourse of spectators had assembled at an early hour, and seemed delighted with the beautiful airs played by the Band of the Aberdeen Militia. At a quarter past one o'clock, the QUEEN OF SCOTLAND majestically glided into her future element, amidst the cheers of the multitude, the band playing "God Save the King".
This superb vessel has been built by Messrs J. Duffus & Co and her engines constructed at their extensive establishment here; and if the QUEEN OF SCOTLAND is to be considered a fair specimen of their work, it will bear a comparison with that of any of her class in the kingdom. The launch was conducted by Mr Ronald, the master builder, in a style which did him much credit; and we were much pleased to observe the accommodation afforded by the proprietors of the neighbouring dock-yards, whose servants appeared to vie with each other in rendering every assistance in their power on this novel occasion. We sincerely wish Messrs Duffus & Co every success in the prosecution of this now most important branch of nautical science.'
(Aberdeen Journal)

Advertised maiden voyage: Aberdeen 22nd August 1827 to London and returning to Aberdeen 5th September. Carrying goods and passengers. Managed by John Lumsden & Co of Castle Street Aberdeen and John Duffus & Co. Footdee. Master advertised as Alex. Lovie, RN, commander. However, due to technical difficulties, her maiden voyage was postponed until December 1827. Left Aberdeen afternoon of Saturday 22nd December arrived London Tuesday, 25th December 1827.
(Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser 13/08/1827; London Evening Standard, 02/01/1828)

01/09/1843:
Steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND had her jib, boom and part of figurehead carried away at Hull as the WOODHOUSE, coming into port, drove athwart her hawse.
(Hull Packet)

22/03/1848:
Steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND arrived Hull from Hamburg.
(Daily News)

20/04/1849:
Joseph Gee Esq., in view of H.R.H. Prince Albert being at Grimsby, invited the members of the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, on board his magnificent steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND, Capt. Cape with other friends amounting to about 200. The Queen left Hull about 10 o'clock, steamed to Grimsby, landed her passengers and returned in the afternoon after the departure of Prince Albert. Ref. to magnificent entertainment provided.
(Hull & East Riding Times)

07/02/1852:
Steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND at Smyrna.
(Daily News)

09/09/1853:
8 beautiful hunters shipped on QUEEN OF SCOTLAND to Hamburg.
(Hull Packet)

23/12/1853:
Gluckstadt, 18 December - steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND was got off last night.
(Liverpool Mercury)

08/08/1856:
Steam from Hull to Copenhagen & St. Petersburg (carrying post office letter bags), the fine and favourite paddle wheel steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND, Geo. Foster commander, is intended to sail 12 Aug. Has splendid accommodation for passengers. Hull, Gee & Co.
(Hull Packet)

15/08/1856:
31 horses aboard QUEEN OF SCOTLAND, purchased for the Tsar's stud at Moscow.
(Hull Packet)

25/06/1858:
Edward Brantino, seaman aboard QUEEN OF SCOTLAND, fined £5 and costs (which was immediately paid) for attempting to come ashore with tobacco valued at £1.13.9 concealed in his hat. QUEEN OF SCOTLAND had arrived from Hamburg.
(Hull Packet)

16/05/1861:
Regular steam communication between Hull, Grimsby & St. Petersburg...The fine paddle wheel steamer QUEEN OF SCOTLAND every 10 days taking goods through at through rates. For freight and passage money apply to Bailey and Leetham, owners.
(Bradford Observer)

31/03/1866:
QUEEN OF SCOTLAND arrived Hull from Arhus with cargo of 130 head horned cattle and several pigs, first consignment of cattle direct from Arhus. All landed in good condition despite having been aboard for six days due to gale, which carried away ship's rudder. Delay while temporary rudder shipped. QUEEN OF SCOTLAND on arrival had appearance which told she had contended with very heavy weather.
(Sheffield & Rotherham Independent)

20/07/1866:
QUEEN OF SCOTLAND from Hamburg landed 1,235 sheep in excellent condition.
(Hull Packet)

Notes:
1836: New topsides and large repairs using red pine and teak.
1839: Some more repairs. Steam engine and machinery certified in 1839, 1840, 1843, 1856.
1843: Lengthened and through repairs now 390 tons.