My Family History:
Crossing the Severn in 1850
Continuing the theme of transport by water between the West Country and
South Wales, a variety craft were operating from Bristol to South Wales in 1850.
A number of coasting vessels went to Cardiff at that time. Leaving on
alternate days were the "Bute", the "Merthyr Packet", the "Castle" and the
"Ann" operated by William Morgan.
The "Amity", the "Elizabeth", the "Friends" and the "Pride" were operated
by Jas. Boswell, Penner Wharf, Redcliff Street. One of these left every
Wednesday and Saturday while the "Dolphin", operated by John J. Mansell,
30 King Street, Queen Square, left every Friday.
The "Abbess" and "Happy Return" were operated to Neath once a week by
Thomas & Son, Welsh Back.
There were also steam packets to South Wales. The "Star" left every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday for Cardiff. (W.& H. Hartnell, Quay head,
agents) The "Prince of Wales" left every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
for Cardiff. (Edwin T. Turner, Quay Street, agent)
Neath was served by the steam packet, "Neath Abbey", which was operated
twice a week by C.W. Smith, Welsh Back.
Daily steam packets went to Newport. These included the "Swift" and the
"Dart" operated by Lunell & Co., Broad Quay and the "Avon" and the
"Severn" operated by John Bland, Bell Avenue, Queen Square.
Swansea was served four times a week by the "County" and the "Beresford",
which were operated by Lunell & Co., Broad Quay. The "Pembroke",( W & H.
Hartnell, Quay head), left for Swansea every Tuesday and Friday while the
"Lord Beresford",( Edwin T. Turner, Quay Street), went every Thursday and
Saturday. An additional boat was the Liverpool Packet, the "Troubadour",
which called at Swansea once a week. This was operated by Geo. H. Evans, 2
St Stephen Street.
Bristol's waterfront must have been a hive of activity!
Among my ancestors who crossed from the West Country to Wales were:
Charlotte NORMAN from Burlescombe, DEV in the mid 1850s
James BAKER from Culmstock, Dev in the mid 1850s
Sydney PAYNE from Temple Cloud in the mid 1870s
HANCOCKs and HAYMANs from Oldland, Bitton GLS in the late 1860s
VATERs/VEATERs from SOM in the first half of the 19th century.
