Eleanor Lancaster (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Eleanor Lancaster |
| Owner | David Laidman, Liverpool |
| Laid down | 1839 |
| Launched | 1840 |
| Owner | Soutter & Co, London |
| Acquired | 1845 |
| Fate | Wrecked in a gale on Oyster Bank, Newcastle, New South Wales, 7 November 1856 |
| Notes | One of seven ships to sail from Australia to San Francisco for the California Gold Rush, arriving 2 April 1849 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 3-masted barque |
| Tons burthen | 480 tons |
The Eleanor Lancaster was a sailing ship built in 1839. It was a type of ship called a barque, which means it had three masts. The ship was launched in 1840.
It was first registered in Liverpool, England. David Laidman owned the ship. He named it after his wife, Eleanor Ann Hannah Lancaster. Captain P. Cowley was the first captain.
In 1845, the ship's ownership changed. It was re-registered in London. Soutter & Co. became the new owners. Captain Francis Lodge took command of the ship.
Contents
About the Ship
The Eleanor Lancaster weighed 480 tons. This measurement is called "tons burthen." It tells us how much cargo the ship could carry.
The ship's hull was covered in copper. This protected the wood from worms and barnacles. In 1847, the copper was replaced. The ship was then covered with felt and yellow metal. This was another way to protect the hull.
Journeys Across the Seas
The Eleanor Lancaster traveled to many places. It sailed to Bombay in India. It also visited Port Phillip and Sydney in Australia. Another destination was Lima in Peru.
The California Gold Rush
The Eleanor Lancaster played a part in history. It was one of seven ships that sailed from Australia to San Francisco. This happened during the California Gold Rush. People were rushing to find gold in California.
The ship left Sydney on January 21, 1849. It was the first of the seven ships to arrive. It reached San Francisco on April 2, 1849.
After Arriving in San Francisco
When the ship arrived, its crew left. They probably went to search for gold themselves! The captain then used the ship on the Sacramento River.
Later, the ship returned to San Francisco. It was used as a "bonded storeship." This means it was a floating warehouse. Goods could be stored there before customs duties were paid. The ship served this purpose until 1850.
The Shipwreck
On November 7, 1856, the Eleanor Lancaster faced a terrible storm. It was sailing from Newcastle to Melbourne. The ship was carrying 640 tons of coal.
The storm was a strong gale. The ship was wrecked on Oyster Bank. This is near Newcastle, New South Wales. Captain James McLean was in command. There were 15 crew members on board.
A Brave Rescue
The crew held onto the ship's rigging all night. The seas were very rough. A brave sailor named William Skilton helped save them. He made several trips in a small boat. He rescued the crew despite the dangerous waves.
A Poem About the Ship
The shipwreck of the Eleanor Lancaster inspired a poem. It is called "The Perilous Gate." An unknown author wrote it in the 1800s. Parts of the poem have also been turned into a song. Phyl Lobl created the song.
