Randolph (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Randolph |
| Owner | D.Dunbar |
| Builder | Sunderland |
| Launched | 1849 |
| Fate | Wrecked on 25 June 1851 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 664 (bm) |
| Sail plan | Full-rigged ship |
The Randolph was a large sailing ship built in 1849 in Sunderland, England. It was a "full-rigged ship," meaning it had three or more masts with square sails. This ship was used to carry goods and people across the seas.
The Randolph is famous for being one of the First Four Ships that brought the first groups of settlers to Christchurch, New Zealand. These ships were very important for starting the new settlement.
Contents
The Journey to New Zealand
The Canterbury Association, a group helping people move to New Zealand, hired the Randolph. Captain William Dale was in charge of the ship.
Setting Sail
The Randolph began its long journey from Gravesend, England, on September 4, 1850. It then stopped at Plymouth on September 7, 1850, before heading out into the open ocean.
Arriving in Lyttelton
After 99 days at sea, the Randolph finally arrived at Lyttelton on December 16, 1850. Lyttelton is the port for Christchurch. The ship carried many people hoping to start a new life. There were 34 passengers in comfortable "cabin" rooms, 15 in "intermediate" rooms, and 161 in "steerage," which were simpler, shared areas.
The Ship's Final Voyage
After dropping off its passengers in New Zealand, the Randolph left Port Victoria (Lyttelton) on January 10, 1851. It was sailing towards the "Straights of Lombock," a sea passage in Indonesia.
A Tragic End
Sadly, the Randolph was lost on June 25, 1851. It hit a hidden reef near Amber Island, which is off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The ship was carrying a cargo of sugar for London. It also had a large amount of money and 254 people from India who were traveling to Port Louis.
Nothing from the ship could be saved after the wreck. Some people on board did not survive. Two European sailors, nine men, ten women, and three children drowned. A man named Mr. Scott, an army officer, managed to swim to shore but sadly died from exhaustion right after reaching land.
Remembering the Randolph
The ship's loss was recorded in Lloyd's Register for 1851, which noted it as "Wrecked." Even today, the Randolph is remembered. A road in the port of Lyttelton is named Randolph Terrace, keeping the ship's memory alive.
