PS Herald facts for kids
Paddle steamer Herald, 1855–1884
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Herald |
| Owner |
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| Port of registry |
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| Fate | Wrecked |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steam paddle wheeler |
| Tonnage | 41 GRT |
| Displacement | 22 NRT |
| Length | 74.7 feet 0 inches (22.77 m) |
| Beam | 12.8 feet 0 inches (3.90 m) |
| Draught | 5.7 feet 0 inches (1.74 m) |
| Installed power | Twin boilers |
| Complement | 2 |
The Herald was a special iron paddle steamer built in 1855. It was one of the first iron paddle wheel steamers in Australia. The ship was brought over from the United Kingdom in pieces and put together in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.
The Herald first worked on a new ferry route between Dawes Point and Blues Point. This was for the North Shore Steam Company. However, not enough people used the ferry, so the company closed. After that, the Herald did many jobs. It worked as a tugboat, a ferry, a boat for fun trips, and even carried cargo.
Later, in the 1870s and 1880s, the Herald took people to places like Mosman Bay, Neutral Bay, and Manly. Sadly, on April 1, 1884, one of its boilers burst. This happened while the Herald was waiting to help a sailing ship near North Head. The accident caused the ship to sink.
Contents
Building the Herald
The iron ship Herald was built in London. It was sent to Sydney in sections or three large pieces. Workers then put it together in Darling Harbour. Richard Johnstone, Davidson, and Anderson helped with this.
The Herald had a pointed front and back. It also had a rudder at each end. This meant it could steer easily when moving forwards or backwards. It was a steam paddle wheel ship with two boilers. It did not have separate decks, so passengers stood on the main level.
The ship was 41 tons (GRT) and 22 tons (NRT). It was about 74.7 feet (22.77 m) long. Its widest part was about 12.8 feet (3.90 m). The depth of its hold was about 5.7 feet (1.74 m).
The Herald's Journey: A Ship's Story
Starting the North Shore Ferry Service
By 1846, many people lived in North Sydney. But there was no easy way to cross the harbour to central Sydney. So, some important local people started the North Shore Steam Company. They wanted to create a ferry service. The company officially began in November 1854.
The company bought the Herald from the UK. It arrived in pieces and was put together by Richard Johnson. At a company meeting in July 1855, they said the Herald would be ready soon. It would work with another steamer, the Brothers, to offer regular trips. This would give people a steady way to travel between North Shore and Sydney.
Just a few weeks after the Herald started its trips, there was a sad accident. A man named Mr. Field was on the ferry with about 112 sheep. One sheep fell overboard. When two men tried to pull it back in, part of the ship broke. Mr. Field drowned.
After this, the company looked for a new captain and engineer. George Hall applied and worked on the Herald for the rest of his life. His sons also worked on the ship. In May 1856, George Hall, who was the engineer, had to pay a fine. This was because he used bad language towards a passenger.
By July 1856, another steamer, the Premier, joined the North Shore Steam Company. But by 1858, the company faced problems. They had to lower their ticket prices.
The company announced: "All tickets for foot passengers on the steamer Herald are now two pence (2d) each way. This cheap ride will let working people see the beautiful North Shore. The steamer runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., from Windmill-street to Billy Blue's Point, every 15 minutes."
By 1860, the North Shore Steam Company closed down. The Herald was sold for £700.
New Owners and Exciting Adventures
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The Herald was then bought by the Evans Brothers. George Hall stayed on board. The ship continued to work as both a ferry and a tugboat.
In July 1863, the owners and captain of the Herald faced a problem. They were charged because the captain did not have a proper license to run the ship for hire. They admitted they were wrong and had to pay fines.
In July 1865, the Herald helped save lives. Another ship, the Ada, crashed with a mail steamer called Jeddo and sank. The Herald and other rescue boats picked up all the people from the water.
In December 1868, the Herald was taken out of service for five weeks. It got a big check-up and new parts. Two new boilers were put in, replacing the old ones that were 13 years old.
In March 1869, Captain James Hall of the Herald was accused of breaking a rule. He was towing a ship called the Mary Miller but supposedly didn't show two special lights at the top of his mast. After hearing from many people, the case was dismissed. The witnesses couldn't be sure if the Herald only had one light.
The Herald kept working and was also used for fun day trips around the harbour.
People enjoyed trips to Watsons Bay: "Many people visited Watson's Bay yesterday by land and water. Those who went by water took the steamers Vesta and Herald. These boats left Circular Quay and Woolloomooloo Bay often from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A music band played for those who wanted to dance. Others enjoyed picnics near the Gap and watched ships arrive and leave the harbour."
There were also trips to Middle Harbour: "About 150 people went on a trip on Saturday afternoon by the Steamer Herald to the end of Middle Harbour. The amazing views around this calm, lake-like area are not well known. Many people think the Spit is the end of the journey. But a light ship like the Herald can go many miles further. The Herald left Circular Quay at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. After stopping at Woolloomooloo Bay, it reached Bates at 4:30 p.m. Mr. George Hall was on board. He kindly pointed out interesting sights along the way. After a short stop, the steamer turned back for Sydney. Everyone was dropped off on time and very happy with their trip."
In March 1873, the Herald towed a large ship, the Firefly, up the Parramatta River. This was the biggest ship ever towed so far up the river at that time.
Another time, a small boat flipped over near Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Three men fell into the water. The Herald was nearby and tried to help. Mr. Hall, from the Herald, swam to help them. He saved two men, but one drowned.
In July 1876, the steamers Phantom and Herald crashed near a wharf. The marine board warned both captains, William Brett and George Hall, to be more careful.
In December 1877, Captain Hall of the Herald showed his bravery again. While towing a ship, the captain's wife fell overboard. Her husband, who couldn't swim, jumped in after her. Captain Hall jumped in too and saved both of them! This meant he had saved 53 people from drowning in his life.
Because of his brave actions, George Hall received a special silver medal. The National Shipwreck Relief Society of NSW gave him this award in June 1879. The medal showed a woman helping a sad woman, and a wreath being given to a sailor. It also showed a stormy sea and a sinking ship.
The Final Journey
The Wreck of the Herald
On April 1, 1884, Captain George John Hall (son of the previous owner) and a fireman named James Franks were on the Herald. They were heading out to tow a ship called the Malcolm.
Around 4:30 a.m., the Herald was waiting near North Head. Suddenly, one of its boilers burst. It filled the ship with steam and made it tilt over. Water rushed in, and nothing could be done to save the ship. Captain Hall bravely tried to steer it towards a reef, but it was too late. He and the fireman quickly got into a small boat just before the Herald sank.
Another steamer passed by but didn't see what happened. So, the two men started rowing back to Sydney. Then, the steamer Kiama saw them and gave them a tow.
Finding the Wreckage
The wreck of the Herald was found on January 3, 2013. Divers found it after looking into a strange signal from a special device.
The ship lies about 26 metres (85 ft) to 27 metres (89 ft) deep in the water. It is about 450 metres (492 yd) off North Head. The wreck is on sand and is mostly buried. Only parts of it can be seen. These include the two boilers, a broken engine, and a paddle wheel shaft. The pointed front and back of the ship can also just be seen.
More About Ships
- List of Sydney Harbour ferries
- Timeline of Sydney Harbour ferries
- Sophia Jane
- Surprise (paddle steamer)
- The Brothers (ferry)
