Inconstant (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 Canada |
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| Name | Inconstant |
| Owner | T.D. Archibald |
| Port of registry |
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| Builder | George Old, Big Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia |
| Launched | 1848 |
| Maiden voyage | Sydney, Nova Scotia to London, England, 1848 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 601 GRT |
| Length | 121.8 ft (37.1 m) |
| Beam | 27.4 ft (8.4 m) |
| Depth | 23.4 ft (7.1 m) |
| Decks | 2 |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
| Crew | 33 |
The Inconstant was a large wooden sailing ship built in 1848 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. This ship later became famous as "Plimmer's Ark" in Wellington, New Zealand. It played a very important part in the early growth of Wellington. Today, the remains of the ship's hull are still in Wellington. They are an important archaeological site that helps us learn about the past.
Contents
Building a Big Ship
The Inconstant was built by George Old in Big Bras d'Or, Nova Scotia. George Old was a skilled shipbuilder. He started by building smaller ships called schooners. Later, he focused on building brigs, which are ships with two masts. The Inconstant was one of the biggest wooden ships ever built in Cape Breton Island. It was also the largest ship George Old ever constructed.
First Voyages
After it was built, the Inconstant was sold to owners in London, England. Its first major trip was from Sydney, Nova Scotia to London in 1848. The ship then sailed to Australia, carrying people who were moving there. On another trip to Australia, the ship stopped in Wellington, New Zealand in 1851 to get fresh water. Sadly, it ran aground, meaning it hit the bottom and got stuck.
From Ship to "Plimmer's Ark"
The Inconstant was too badly damaged to sail again. So, a businessman named John Plimmer bought the hull (the main body of the ship). John Plimmer was a very important person in Wellington's early history. People even called him "the Father of Wellington."
A New Purpose
John Plimmer had a clever idea. He turned the ship's hull into a wharf (a pier where ships can dock) right on the Wellington waterfront. This new wharf became known as "Plimmer's Ark." It was connected to the shore by a bridge. This made it one of the first piers in Wellington. The inside of the ship was used as a warehouse to store goods. It also served as a place for auctions.
Important Roles
"Plimmer's Ark" had many uses. It was a bonded customs store, where imported goods were kept before taxes were paid. It also worked as a pier for immigrants arriving in Wellington. The first harbourmaster (the person in charge of the port) had his office there. A light placed on the seaward side of the ship became the first harbour light in Wellington. This light helped guide other ships safely into the harbour at night.
The Ship Disappears and is Found Again
Over time, the Inconstant became a place that sold supplies for ships. Between 1857 and 1860, the Wellington waterfront was expanded. More land was created, and the ship gradually became "landlocked." This means it was no longer in the water but surrounded by land. The Inconstant ended up surrounded by three streets: Lambton Quay, Customhouse Quay, and Willis Street.
Rediscovery by Archaeologists
In 1883, the upper parts of the ship were taken down. The lower hull disappeared under a new building, the first Bank of New Zealand. For many years, people forgot about the ship's remains.
However, in the late 1990s, a new building was planned for the bank site. During the construction, archaeologists (scientists who study old things) discovered the remains of the hull! They carefully dug up and studied the ship. They found the lower parts of the ship, called the bilges. These parts ran for about 38 meters (125 feet) from the front to the stern (back) of the ship.
What We Learned
The discovery of the Inconstant was very important. Archaeologists learned about early Canadian shipbuilding methods. They found that birch wood was used for some of the main timbers of the ship. Some of these timbers even had layers of birch bark still on them! This was a special finding.
Today, the front part of the hull is preserved under glass. It is displayed with other old items found with the ship in the arcade of the new building. This allows people to see a piece of history and learn about the Inconstant and its amazing journey.
