Paddle Steamer Resources by
Tramscape
Historical
Database
River
Dart
Devon is a
picturesque county with the spectacular Dartmoor, now a National
Park, dominating much of the county. The River Dart flows off the
moor and, between Totnes and reaching the sea at Dartmouth, it is
navigable, passing through some attractive countryside eminently
suited to excursion cruises and, in the early days, providing a fast
and efficient link between the local riverside communities.
Small paddle steamers had been employed in the area since the early
years of steam navigation and the trade came to be dominated by the
Dartmouth Steam Packet Co, established in 1859 and later
reconstituted as the River Dart Steamboat Company. A classic design
of small river paddler was evolved, the final version being PS
Kingswear Castle, which served until 1965. This vessel was bought by
the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in an ambitious first attempt
at preservation on their own account and and later restored to steam
on the River Medway, where she continues to sail. Compton Castle continues to
exist in much modified form as a flower shop at Truro, Cornwall.
Pilot (1859-
Dartmouth (1859-
Newcomin (1864-
Dolphin (1869-
Berry Castle (1880-1917)
Dartmouth Castle (1885-1907)
Totnes Castle (1894-1912)
Kingswear Castle (1904-1923)
Dartmouth Castle (1907-1939)
Compton Castle (1914-1962)
Totnes Castle (1923-1963)
Kingswear Castle (1924-1965)
Screw steamer :
Hauley (1877-
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