Sailing Ships & Sea Captains of Portaferry
Before the year 1623 there
was not any trade or
commerce in the town and
previous to which time, there
was only some fishermen’s
cabins, and the old castle out
of repair. (OS)
1
6
2
9
1637
‘There are many customs taken by Mr. Savage
of Port Ferry, for wine, cows, horses, yarn or
other commodities which are shipped on
that side of the river and by Valentine Paine
on Strangford side as tenant unto the Earl of
Kildare.
I gave order unto the Collector to keep a waiter
on Portaferry side that should take care of all
the ports and creeks between that and
Donnoghodee which are many.’
Charles Moncke, Surveyor General, 1637
1756
“Here lyeth the body of William Murehead,
Commander of the brig SAVAGE of Portaferry
which was unfortunately wrecked in the
harbour of Skerries the 12th day of February
1756, when most of the crew together with the
Master perished.”
Journal of the Association for the preservation of the Memorials of the Dead.
th
20
June 1769
A stout new vessel, Thomas
McCready master, will sail
th
from Portaferry 27 June,
wind and weather permitting
to take goods to the Chester
Fair.
Emigration
April 1775 – The ‘RODGERS’, a new brig of
200 tons sailed from Portaferry and
landed all passengers safely in Baltimore.
August 1784 – The ‘REFORMATION’, a 4
year old cutter of 200 tons sailed from
Strangford with 60 emigrants. Captain –
James Chambers of New Row, Portaferry.
A privateer is a private
person or ship
authorized by a
government to attack
foreign shipping during
wartime. Privateering
was a way of
mobilizing armed ships
and sailors without
having to spend public
money or commit
naval officers.
1779
The Privateer ‘AMAZON’ sailed from Portaferry
on her second cruise to “to assist in subduing
the haughty spirit of France and Spain” and to
make fortunes.
• 14 fortified 6 and 4 pounder guns
• Manned by 80 brave fellows
• Under Captain Colville – aged 27
• Caught in a storm in Ballyholme bay and
wrecked in 1780. Captain & rest of crew lost.
1781
• “The ‘IRISH VOLUNTEER’ (formerly the ‘LORD
BANGOR’ – the last of the local Privateers.
• Sailed from Portaferry February 15th 1781,
‘the men in high spirits.’
• February 21st 1781 – sprung her mainmast
after a chase by a French frigate – put into
Cork.
• June 25th 1781 – put up for sale in Portaferry.
Portaferry
For a century or so Portaferry was a
busy thriving coastal town full of
master mariners, shipowners and
shipbuilders, rope-makers and ships’
chandlers. Its fishermen too
flourished: sand smelt were sold in
Belfast as ‘Portaferry chicken.’
Shipbuilding in Portaferry
1802
“the largest vessel ever built in Ireland”
On Tuesday last (6th April) there was launched
from the dockyard of Captain Edward Conway
of Portaferry, the ship BESS of 500 tons
burthen and upwards, the property of George
Mathews of Springvale and Capt. John
Downey of Portaferry.
‘This ship is esteemed by judges as one of the
handsomest merchant vessels ever built in
Ireland and is intended for a West Indian
trader.’
Thomas Gelston – born Gransha 1769
• 1789 – News Letter advertised ‘Colworth’ of London sailing
Belfast – New York under a Captain Gelston.
• 1791 – firm of Gelston, Watson & Co in existence in
Portaferry connected to shipping industry
• 1800 – 1820 – Thomas’ business flourished and he became
the principal shipbuilder in Portaferry alongside the
McCleery’s.
• 1812 – 1822 ; 30+ vessels built in Portaferry, a third of
them built by Thomas Gelston in his shipyard close by the
castle. In addition he part-owned many other vessels
engaged in trade with the Baltic ports, New Brunswick &
Quebec.
• Owner of the Aurora – scuttled off the west coast of Ireland
by her master and mate. ***1
Launched from Gelston’s yard
• 1811 – 122 ton brig Andrew Savage launched
in Portaferry. (Came to grief Dec 1823 at Whitehorn Island on
voyage from Belfast to Liverpool.)
“Huzza! She goes, glad Cuan hears,
The Christening bottle flies;
The ANDREW SAVAGE hail – three cheers
In echoing plaudits rise.” *** 2
• 1813 – Roger and Barbara
• 1814 – Lord Castlereagh
• 1818 – 179 ton brig Dorcas Savage built in
Portaferry. (One of same name built Workington 1799.)
From the Belfast News-Letter, 31 March 1818
NOTICE TO PASSENGERS
THOSE WHO have engaged PASSAGE on board the
Ship THOMAS GELSTON, for PHILADELPHIA, are
requested to be in BELFAST
on SATURDAY, the 4th of MAY, pay the remainder of
their
passage money, and go on board, as she will
positively
sail first fair wind after.
JOSEPH McCAMMON
Thomson’s Packet,
FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK, THE WELL-KNOWN SHIP
THOMAS GELSTON,
Expected daily to arrive here from St. Andrew's, will again Sail for
that Port on the 20th July, She made her Passage out in the
short space of twenty days, being the quickest run known
from the Port of Belfast. Captain STRACHIN brings
engagements with him for more than one-half of her
complement. It is therefore necessary that immediate
application should be made by those who intend going out
this time as her number will be quickly made up. The same
comfortable accommodations will be provided as formerly;
and Capt. STRACHAN has made such arrangement with Ship
Owners at St. Andrew's as will insure an immediate
conveyance to his Passengers to any part of British America or
the United States, on moderate terms.
For Freight or Passage, please apply to
NEVIN SAYERS & CO. Downpatrick; THOMAS GELSTON and CO. Portaferry;
or, JOHN SHAW & CO. 6, Prince's-street. Belfast, June 18, 1819. 310
NOW IN PORT,
To succeed the Earl of Aberdeen, for QUEBEC,
the fine fast-sailing Copper-fastened Ship,
THOMAS GELSTON
JOHN LOWRY, Commander,
To clear positively 5th May,
On which day Passengers are required to be in
Belfast, to go on board.
This favourite Vessel is above seven feet high
between decks, and being very roomy, is a most
desirable Ship for Passengers. Large stores of
Fuel and Water will be laid in for the voyage,
and Captain LOWRY will pay every attention to
their comfort. A great part of the passengers
are engaged.
For Freight or Passage, apply to JOHN MARTIN &
Co; or to,
THOMAS G. FOLINGSBY,
HANOVER-QUAY,
Belfast, 22d April, 1830.
• 1823 – Gelston bankrupt due to
over-commitment in the risky
business of maritime trade. At
that time he had shares in 14
seagoing vessels – brigs &
schooners – and much timber and
building materials.
• Lost all his property etc though
family maintained a servant and
Thomas retained the offices of
harbourmaster & seneschal* –
both the gift of Andrew Nugent.
*An officer having full charge of
domestic arrangements, ceremonies, the
administration of justice, etc., in the
household of a medieval prince or
dignitary.
Ballyphilip Graveyard
GELSTON
Erect. by Thomas Gelston of Portaferry, merchant,
A.D.1818.
Here lies the remains of the above Thomas Gelston
who died 4th June 1843 aged 74 yrs.
Also his wife Sarah Gelston alias PATTERSON who
died March 16th 1844 aged 73 yrs.
Also his son Samuel Gelston who died 29th July
1804 aged 3 yrs.
Also James Gelston his son who died 6th Feb.
1830 aged 28 yrs.
Also Thomas DAVIS his grandson who died 10th
Mar. 1832 aged 17 mths.
Captain James Pollock
For ST. ANDREWS or ST. JOHN'S NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
To sail from PORTAFERRY positively on 15th March
The snow DORCAS SAVAGE
JAMES POLLOCK Master
Berthen 350 Tons
The Brig SARAH & ELIZA
FRANCIS MORTIMER Master
Berthen 240 Tons
will succeed the Dorcas Savage, and sail from Portaferry for said
Ports, positively on the 15th April. The above Vessels and
Captains are well known in the Passenger Trade, and it may be
necessary merely to mention that no expense shall be spared
in the fitting up of berths for the reception of the Passengers,
in the most comfortable manner possible.
For Freight or Passage please apply to THOMAS GELSTON AND CO
(who will take care to provide a sufficient supply of the best
water and fuel) or to Captains Pollock and Mortimer.
Portaferry, February 1 1819
1820
FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK,
TO SAIL FROM PORTAFERRY Positively on the 18th March,
THE WELL KNOWN FAST SAILING SNOW
DORCAS SAVAGE
Burthen 350 Tons, JAMES POLLOCK, Master.
The high character of this Vessel, and Captain POLLOCK's
humane conduct to his Passengers are so well
authenticated, by the Letters and Certificates of those
who have formerly crossed the Atlantic in this Ship.
The Berths shall be fitted up in the most comfortable
manner, and a large supply of Water and Fuel shall be
provided for the voyage.
For Passage, please apply to THOMAS GELSTON and Co.,
or Captain POLLOCK, on board the vessel. PORTAFERRY,
Feb. 14, 1820.
1821
First Spring Ship for New Brunswick
THE FORTUNATE GOOD SNOW
DORCAS SAVAGE
JAMES POLLOCK, Master,
Burthen 320 Tons
Will positively sail from PORTAFERRY for St. ANDREWS,in the British
Plantations, first favourable breeze after SATURDAY, 24th March, on
or before which day it is requested, the Passengers may be on
board, as said Vessel, with her accustomed regularity, will proceed
at the time mentioned, of which no further notice will be given.
This Vessel is so well known, and the high character of Captain
POLLOCK so fully established, that the usual [Puff?]is deemed
unnecessary. As two-thirds of the Passengers are already engaged,
immediate application is recommended.
Please apply to THOMAS GELSTON & CO. or to Captain POLLOCK,
PORTAFERRY, February 8, 1821
*****
FIRST SPRING SHIP FOR NORTH AMERICA.
FOR ST. ANDREW'S, NEW BRUNSWICK,
The Well-Known Snow DORCAS SAVAGE,
JAMES POLLOCK, Master,
Will, with her usual punctuality, sail from
PORTAFERRY for the above Port on WEDNESDAY, the 27th
March. The character of the above Vessel, as well as Captain
Pollock's attention to the comfort of his Passengers, are so
well established, that any proof is deemed unnecessary. Suffice it to say, that roomy Births will be put up, and that a
large supply of Water and Fuel will be laid in for the Voyage.
For Freight or Passage, please apply to THOMAS GELSTON and
J. SHAW, Portaferry; Messrs. JAS. RENTOUL & CO.
Downpatrick; or JAMES POLLOCK, on board the Vessel, or at
his house.
PORTAFERRY, 13th Feb. 1822.
The Montreal Herald
To Captain James Pollock, Brig Portaferry. Sir - Your character
for humanity to your passengers is already so fully
established, that any attempt on our part to raise you in the
opinion of the world may be justly deemed superfluous;
possessed, however, with a just feeling of gratitude, we
cannot look back on the many kind attentions you have paid
us, without embracing the present opportunity of offering you
our most unfeigned and heartfelt thanks for your
gentlemanlike conduct and attention during our late passage
of 29 days. You, Sir, not only give us the pleasure of being in a
most comfortable vessel (that outsailed every other we fell in
with on our voyage,) but at the same time gave us free liberty
of the greatest abundance of fuel and water, and indeed,
nothing was wanting on your part to make us even more
comfortable than could on ship-board be expected. - Permit
us then, kind Sir, to wish you many prosperous and pleasant
voyages, and may your endeavours be crowned with the
success which we, Your faithful Friends and obliged Servants,
most fervently pray. St. Andrew's, May 1, 1824. For Ourselves
and Families. (Here follow the signatures of 43 passengers.)
1824
FOR SAINT ANDREWS, N.B
The Snow PORTAFERRY,
of Portaferry,
500 Tons Burthen,
J. POLLOCK, Commander.
This superior Copper-fastened Vessel has just arrived from
SAINT ANDREWS, having landed her Spring Passengers,86
in number, in 29 days after leaving Portaferry (all in good
health); and will positively sail again, from PORTAFERRY for
the above Port, first fair wind after THURSDAY, the 22d July
instant. - As a very few passengers will be taken this voyage,
early application is recommended to
J. POLLOCK, On board this vessel, or at his House, Portaferry.
July 5, 1824
Portaferry Shipowners in 1824
• James Conway
• Nicholas Fitzsimons
• Gelston(Samuel son
of Thomas) & Davis
(John Redford,
husband of
Thomas’ daughter
Marianne)
•
•
•
•
•
James Pollock
James Porter
James Small
John Smith
Peter Hogan
( publican as well)
Schooner
McCleery’s
•
•
•
•
•
•
WILLIAM McCLEERY – SHIPBUILDER – PORTAFERRY
Shipyard below the old castle
1801 – Schooner – ROSE
1806 – SARA & ELIZABETH – sailed to Quebec & St.
Andrew’s – 1813 boarded & looted by privateers.
1813 – Brig – JANE McCLEERY – passengers to
Liverpool in 1817. ( missing Newfoundland Nov. 1821)
1826 – Brig 88 tons – MARIA
1838 – Schooner 74 tons– SARAH
??? - Ship- ‘MARIA McCLEERY’ left Portaferry on
her maiden voyage, never to be seen again.
.William McCLEERY
.
.
.
William McCLEERY
William McCLEERY
William McCLEERY
senior
& junior Ballyphilip
juniorBallyphilip
woollen drapers in Portaferry in
1824
of Portaferry; a merchant &
shipowner; executor in the will of
David McDonnell in 1833;
organised a steamferry crossing to
Strangford ; director of Co. Down
& Liverpool Steamboat Company
in 1836
.Ballyphilip
will probated in 1836; executor
was James McCleery of
Portaferry
.Ballyphilip
a corn merchant & miller in
Portaferry in 1846
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Captain William Henry McCleery –
1825 -61.
• Son of William who
was a well known
and influential
businessman,
shipowner and
shipbuilder in
Portaferry.
• Father also owned
windmill, watermill
and kiln in
Portaferry.
• William Henry – Master’s
Certificate 6671 awarded
1852 in Belfast.
• 1851-52 – Master of ‘North
Esk’ brig of 208 tons.
• 1852 – became captain of
the barque ‘Ulidia’ – 263
tons – intended for China
trade to carry tea to Belfast.
• Last command – ‘Hilton’
1860. Lost taking cargo of
salt from Liverpool to
Calcutta. Captain and crew
of 34 all lost.
Brigantine
1826
FOR ST. ANDREW'S NEW BRUNSWICK
The well known fast sailing fortunate ship
PORTAFERRY,
Burthen 500 Tons,
Stands A. I. at Lloyd's
JAMES POLLOCK, Commander.
Will positively Sail for the above Port on MONDAY, 20th
day of March next.- For Freight or Passage, apply board
the Vessel, or at his house, PORTAFERRY, to J. POLLOCK.
PORTAFERRY, 6th Feb. 1826
1826
‘Andrew Nugent’ launched from Thomas
Gelston’s yard ‘amid the cheers of thousands of
spectators’ – two masts – 164 tons. ****4
(Captain Hugh Crangle – reared in the townland of
Tara 2 miles from Portaferry. Crangle was also
part owner along with William McCleery Jnr. )
This ship sailed for a decade from Sligo to British
North America, principally Quebec.
Lost on journey from Sligo to London.
from Rev.
John Orr
The great trade of our town was shipbuilding. Vessels up to
400 tons burthen were constructed.
“Notice having been given that a very beautiful vessel of
300 tons would be launched from the shipyard of Mr.
Thomas Gelston at one o’clock, the fineness of the day,
and the novelty of the scene collected together an
immense assemblage. On the signal being given the
‘Andrew Nugent’ glided majestically into her native
element amidst the cheers of thousands of spectators.”
I never saw so many people in Portaferry on any occasion.
In the evening about 30 gentlemen sat down to dinner in
Mr. Gelston’s. I had the honour of being one of the party.
1827
Capt. James Pollock - captain of
"Portaferry" .
He was her master and owner and sailed her
from Portaferry to St Andrews, New Brunswick
until 1827.
1828 chartered by Henry Joy Holmes of Belfast
from whence she sailed to Quebec under
Capt. Donnan.
1828
April 3rd 1828
The ‘Hibernian’ (Captain Pollock) sailed today for
St. Andrews, with, I believe, about 135
passengers. Such a multitude as was on the quay,
and along the shore, when she loosed off about 3
o’clock, I have seldom witnessed in Portaferry.
Among the cabin passengers are Messrs, Samuel
Gelston, Thomas Grey, John McBurney and
William Warnock. The latter intends returning
with her.
We conjectured that the ‘Portaferry’ (Captain
Donnan) from Belfast to Quebec passed the bar
about an hour before the ‘Hibernian’ started, as a
vessel was seen to pass with colours flying. (JO)
1828
Arrived Quebec 1828
Oct 27— brig Hibernian, Pollack, Portaferry
Capt. James Pollock sailed from St. Andrews
with as many as 135 passengers.
On Oct 29 1828 Hibernan set sail for Portaferry
under the command of Thomas Pollock, 22 yrs
of age and he unfortunately wrecked the
vessel on Nov 7, 1828 in thick weather on the
Island of Anticosti in the Gulf of St Lawrence.
Capt Thomas Pollock later died of exposure and
was buried there on Nov 16, 1828.
1830
FOR ST. ANDREWS, NEW BRUNSWICK,
The fine fast sailing British - built copper – fastened snow,
PORTAFERRY,
Burthen 500 Tonnes,
J. POLLOCK, Commander,
We Sail from PORTAFERRY for ST. ANDREWS first fair wind after
SUNDAY the 28th March. The letters from the many Passengers that
have crossed the Atlantic by this conveyance will best testify the
comfort and accommodation afforded them. As the subscriber will
go out in the Vessel himself, persons wishing to go to America in the
PORTAFERRY, may rely on his pursuing that line of conduct which
has procured for him so many friends in the Passenger trade during
the last fifteen years. The Births will be most comfortably fitted up,
and abundance of Fuel and
Water provided. - Apply to
J. POLLOCK.
PORTAFERRY, 22nd February, 1830.
March 1830
NOTICE TO PASSENGERS. Those Persons who have
engaged their Passages per the Snow,
PORTAFERRY, of Portaferry, J. POLLOCK,
Commander, for ST. ANDREW'S, NEW
BRUNSWICK, will please be in Portaferry on
FRIDAY the 2nd April, as the Vessel will Sail
positively the following day, wind and weather
permitting. A number of Cabin and Steerage
Passengers can yet be most comfortably
accommodated, by early application to
J. POLLOCK.PORTAFERRY, 15th March, 1830.
1833
FOR CHARLESTON, South Carolina
The well-known favourite Passenger Brig,
DORCAS SAVAGE,
J. LEMON, Commander,
To Sail about 22d September. The above vessel will be
fitted up in the most approved manner for the
comfort of Passengers, with single berths. -Persons
wishing to go out to the above Port, will find it in
their interest to make immediate application, for
Freight or Passage, to the Agents in the country, or to
DAVID GRAINGER,Donegall-Quay.Sept.6, 1833.
Lady Dorcas Savage of Portaferry
Lady Dorcas Savage, "the last of the Savages," had a ship named
after her. She was also known for her acts of charity. Her
name appeared in a poem written by Alexander McGrattan of
Kansas who was from the area and remembered his
hometown fondly. The excerpt from his poem went as
follows:
"In eighteen hundred twenty five,
A schoolhouse there was placed
By a Lady Dorcas Savage,
Being the last of her race.
As she did not limit cost,
It is plain to be seen,
The best schoolhouse in all the North
Was then built at Ardkeen."
Portaferry - 1834
• A considerable portion of the town is along
the shore of Strangford River, which makes the
town a place of commune, from the number
of vessels that are at all times at the quay.
• The town is neat and contains some good
houses.
• The gentlemen’s residences are mostly along
the shore, some of which are large and
handsome for the size of the town.
1834
• Communications between Strangford and Portaferry
carried by a steamer – 62 feet long and 13 feet wide.
Paid for by a company consisting of gentry about the
country.
• Harbour – vessels coming into port bring coals,
timber and iron and take in exchange grain and
potatoes. Vessels from Belfast and Dublin put into
this safe harbour.
• Good charts are in the possession of Thomas Gelston
– Seneschal.
18th April 1835
John and James Maxwell
were partners in the
Portaferry and Strangford
Steamboat Company. So
too were Thomas Gelston
and William McCleery.
Purpose to run steamboats
between Portaferry &
Strangford.
First steam ferry in
Ireland – 36 years
before Belfast had
one on the Lagan!
Lady of the Lake
May 29th 1836 – new
steamer, Lady of the lake,
launched from Alexander
McLaine’s shipyard in
Belfast.
Built expressly to ply
between Portaferry and
Strangford.
‘A safe and comfortable
passage every 15
minutes.’
Maiden voyage June 18 1836
Marriage of Selina, eldest
daughter of Andrew Nugent
of Portaferry House and niece
of Viscount de Vesci and
James Stronge, son of Sir.
James Stronge of Tynan
Abbey Co. Armagh.
***5
Lady of the Lake
Shipowners in 1842
• Thomas Gelston Jnr –
ship agent
• William McCleery –
grain merchant
• Hugh Wilson – tea, coal,
iron, grain, timber
• W & J Maxwell – flour
millers and farina
manufacturers
1845 - 1847
Schooner – Hugh Charles
Bowden
Captain – Robert Crangle
Owner – Hugh Brown of
Portaferry
Sailed from Portaferry to
Belfast , Dublin, and to
Liverpool, Greenock,
Inverness and Glasgow.
Cargoes:
• Coal
• Potatoes
• Wheat
• Pig iron
Wages:
Robert Crangle ,Master - £4 a month
William Kighey, Mate – 45/= a month
James Murray, boy – 7/= a month
Portaferry 1851
Portaferry, is a thriving seaport and market town in County
Down, twenty nine miles S.E. by S. from Belfast, situated on the
Eastern shore of the strait to the sea that forms the entrance to
Strangford Lough. From the strength of the current the name
Strong-ford, and hence, by corruption, Strangford is derived. At
Portaferry is a good quay, where vessels of light burden can
discharge their cargoes. There is a considerable trade in corn
and agricultural produce, and that in coal and timber is of
importance, and the merchants and ship owners of the port are
respectable. The embroidering of muslin is the occupation of
numerous females in the town and neighbourhood. The herring
fishery is carried on in the months of June to September
inclusive. The town consists of a small square, three streets and
a range of houses along the quay.
Men with
the sea in
their
blood.
Royal Navy Personnel
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Portaferry Men
Andrew Secombe –
1846
George Sweeney - 1858
Hugh McGrattan – 1859
John Jeffrey - 1862
Andrew Cord – 1863
Thomas Wallis - 1866
Thomas Cowan – 1868
• William John
Wotherspoon - 1874
• Hugh Murray - 1883
• Joseph McMullan 1891
• John Watterson – 1893
• Andrew Smyth - 1893
• James McGuan - 1899
HMS Nelson
Shipping News 1881
Date of Arrival at Port
Chalmers, Otago, New
Zealand Nelson
25/12/1880
52 passengers
HMS Nelson, Armour Belted
Cruiser 1882
‘IF A SINGULAR BRITISH
WARSHIP could be
called the harbinger of
the formation of the
Royal Australian Navy,
that warship is HMS
Nelson.’
1881
Ship: Nelson; Official number: 64460.
• George Mulholland; rank/rating, Master; age, 40; place of birth,
Portaferry; previous ship, Nelson.
• John Mulholland; rank/rating, Mate; age, 37; place of birth, Portaferry;
previous ship, Nelson.
• Robert Gibson; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 31; place of birth,
Portaferry; previous ship, Nelson.
• Samuel Echlin; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 33; place of birth,
Portaferry; previous ship, Nelson.
• John Jeffrey; rank/rating, Ordinary Seaman; age, 19; place of birth,
Portaferry; previous ship, Mary Anne of Belfast.
• William Cargill; rank/rating, Boy; age, 19; place of birth, Down; previous
ship, Nelson.
• Patrick Connor; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 24; place of birth,
Portaferry; previous ship, Lock Ryan of Glasgow.
• William Anderson; rank/rating, Able Seaman; age, 24; place of birth,
Portaferry
James
McCAUSLAND
Ballyphilip & Kilcoo
of Portaferry but working in Newcastle; owner paddle driven tug
boat ' Flying Irishman' ; helped with rescue of 'Cannebiere' 15
Mar 1905 ; father of John McCausland who skippered the tug
during the rescue & received a gold medal & diploma from
French Government
.
Portaferry – town
of shipbuilders,
sailing ships and
sea captains –
long long before
Titanic!
PORTAFERRY - 1901
Is a thriving little seaport and market town in County Down, twenty-three miles
S.E. by S. from Belfast, situated on the Eastern shore of the strait to the sea that
forms the entrance to Strangford Lough. From the strength of the current the name
"Strong-ford," and hence by corruption, Strangford is derived. At Portaferry there is
a good quay, where vessels of light burthen can discharge their cargoes. A
considerable trade is done in coal, timber, corn, potatoes, and agricultural produce.
The herring fishery is carried on from the month of June to September inclusive.
The Market-house is a commodious building, in which the magistrates hold Petty
Sessions on the last Tuesday in each month.
The places of worship are - The Church of Ireland, Ballyphillip, a neat structure;
a Presbyterian Church, one Methodist Church, and a Roman Catholic Chapel.
The public institutions consist of a dispensary and three public schools, all under the
National Board. Lieutenant-General Andrew Nugent, D.L., J.P., is the proprietor of
Portaferry, and has a fine mansion and demesne contiguous to the town. The
market is held on Saturday, and the fairs on the 31st July and 12th December, and
the second Tuesday monthly. The town contained, by the census of 1891, 1,708
inhabitants. at the south end of the town.
Post Office and Telegraph Office - Mrs. McFadden, postmistress & telegraph operator
R.I. Constabulary Station - Sergeant Craig
Petty Sessions - S. F. L. Neilly, clerk
Harbour Master - Samuel Nelson
1898 ‘White Star Line Steamers’
apply to Thos. Bailie, The Grove,
Portaferry.
1908 – tickets for White Star Line
available for boats Liverpool – New
York & Boston from Robert
McFadden, Post Office, Portaferry
Launched 1899: ss SAINT ANTHONY
ss SAINT ANTHONY built by Taylor & Mitchell Greenock, Yard No
2 Engines by Walker Henderson, Glasgow Port of Registry:
Greenock Propulsion: C2cy (made 1893) 30nhp 110ihp 7kn
Launched: Wednesday, 22/03/1899 Built: 1899 Ship Type:
salvage vessel Tonnage: 115grt 49nrt (1907 40nrt; 1914 43nrt)
Length: 80.5ft Breadth: 19.7ft
Owner History: James McCausland, Portaferry 1915 John
McCausland, Donaghadee 1917 The Neptune Marine Salvage Co
Ltd, Glasgow 1922 William Browne, Lisburn 1925 Patrick
McCausland, Belfast Status: Wrecked - 03/09/1931
Berringer William Ernest, Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy. The Admiralty have notified the relatives
of William Berringer, High-street, who was on board H.M.S. Goliath, which has been sunk at the
Dardanelles with a loss of 500 lives, that they are sorry that his name does not appear in the list
of saved.
Collins, Michael, Mercantile Marine, First Mate S.S. "Eveleen" (Belfast). Son of the late
Owen and Eliza Collins; husband of Jane Collins, (nee McGann), of 61, Corporation St.,
Belfast. Born at Portaferry.
Croskery John, Petty Officer Stoker, Royal Navy. Mr. William and Elizabeth Croskery, of
Church-street, Portaferry, has been notified by the Admiralty that his son, John Crockery,
Royal Navy, was lost at sea in recent operations.
Fisher Hugh, Stoker, Royal Navy. Son of Jane Berry (formerly Fisher), the late George Fisher of
Ballyfounder, Portaferry, Co. Down. Mrs. J. Berry, has been notified that her son, Stoker Hugh
Fisher, was lost in H.M.S. Vanguard. His eldest brother, Private George Fisher, Canadians, died
of wounds receive in action about six months ago.
Hogan, John, Leading Boatman, Royal Navy, Tara War Signal Station. John was the son of John
and Ellen Hogan, and husband of Catherine Hogan, of Derry Cottages, Portaferry. He is buried in
Portaferry Roman Catholic Churchyard.
Tumelty Patrick, Mr. Notification has been received that Mr. Patrick Tumelty, son of Mrs.
Tumelty, High-street, Portaferry, has been killed at sea.
M’Nally Hugh Francis, Surgeon, Royal Navy. Mr and Mrs
Nicholas and Elizabeth McNally, of “The Shore,” Shorestreet, Portaferry, have been notified that their eldest
son, Dr. Hugh F. M’Nally, surgeon on the cruiser,
Hampshire, was lost in the disaster off the Orkney
Islands. A native of Portaferry, Mr. M'Nally himself was
formerly a school teacher in Belfast, and after his
retirement some time ago returned to live here. The
Admiralty announce that the Hampshire was struck by a
mine. She was accompanied by two destroyers until the
captain was compelled to detach them at 7 o'clock on
Monday evening on account of the very heavy seas. Just
before 8 o'clock there was an explosion, and the
Hampshire sank within 10 minutes. The Admiralty have
given up hope of there being any more survivors.
Sumner John D., Chief Gunner Royal Navy. He was the commander of
torpedo boat No. 96, which as officially reported on Tuesday, has been sunk
in the Straits of Gibraltar, after collision, is a native of Portaferry. In the early
morning of 1st November, while patrolling the Straits of Gibraltar in torpedo
boat number 96, an auxiliary cruiser collided with and sank the torpedo
boat. It was pitch dark at the time and neither vessel carried lights. Only
eight men of the torpedo boat were saved. Commander Sumner married in
1907, Jane, youngest daughter of the late John Rutherford, Portaferry. The
Admiralty states that two officers and nine men ate were drowned. John D.
Sumner entered the Navy as a boy at 14 years of years and up till the time of
his death had served 28 years in it. He was well known in the Portaferry
district. He belonged to naval families both by his father's side and his
mother's side of the house. Two of his maternal uncles were captains in the
Navy, namely, the late Captain James M’Cullen, R.N., and the late Contain
Frank M'Cullen, R.N.,. both of Portaferry. His only surviving maternal uncle is
Mr. C. A. E. M’Cullen. R.N., chief officer coastguards, retired. Commander
Sumner’s father was also a Navy man. Hence, it might be said that ‘the
service’ was in his blood.
Portaferry – town
of shipbuilders,
sailing ships and
sea captains –
long long before
Titanic!
James
McCAUSLAND
Ballyphilip & Kilcoo
of Portaferry but working in Newcastle; owner paddle driven tug
boat ' Flying Irishman' ; helped with rescue of 'Cannebiere' 15
Mar 1905 ; father of John McCausland who skippered the tug
during the rescue & received a gold medal & diploma from
French Government
.
And there’s more...
Adelaide – schooner of 86 tons. Built Aberdeen 1830, owned by Alexander
McMillan of Portaferry.
Betty – a smuggler’s ship running off Portaferry coastline c.1800.
Blossom – schooner of 46 tons. Built Swansea, 1824, owned by Hugh Brown
of Portaferry. Wrecked 1874 bringing coal from Maryport to Portaferry.
Broughty Castle – schooner of 59 tons. Built Berwick 1850, owned by Samuel
Wilson of Portaferry in 1877.
Charlotte – brigantine of 75 tons. Built Prince Edward Island, 1844. Owned
High Brown of Portaferry.
Dart – a revenue cutter, skippered by Captain Nelson of Portaferry c.1800.
Diana – brigantine of 99 tons. Built Prince Edward Island 1852. Owned by
Henry Rowan Miller of Portaferry.
Dispatch – oak built schooner of Portaferry. Auctioned 10 May 1845.
Doctor – schooner of 85 tons. Built Ipswich 1841. Owned by James Foley of
Portaferry in 1877.
Excel – brigantine of 100 tons. Built Whitehaven 1859. Owned by Thomas
Curran of Portaferry in 1877.
Fortuna – brigantine of 76 tons. Built Stocton on Tees 1821. Owned Henry
Rowan Miller of Portaferry .
Harbinger – schooner of 87 tons. Built Prince Edward island, 1866. Owned by
William McDonnell of Portaferry from 1877 to 1899.
Helen – a fishing boat built 1903. Sold to Ellison of Portaferry in 1909.
Jessie Rae – schooner of 37 tons. Built Sunderland 1841. Owned George
Mulholland of Portaferry 1887. 1899 – master and part owner –
H.McNamara of Portaferry.
Jin McCausland – salvage steamer out of Portaferry. Owned by McCausland
family.
John & Joseph Richardson – a schooner for auction at Portaferry quay 1844.
Lord Willoughby – schooner of 63 tons. Built Preston 1840. Owned by James
Elliott of Portaferry in 1887.
Mary Anne – schooner of 86 tons. Built Bridport 1847. Owned by James
Elliott and James & Hugh Stewart of Portaferry from 1877 until broken up
in 1915.
Mary Anne – schooner of 95 tons. Built Bridport 1847. Owned Henry R. Miller
of Portaferry in 1877. Broke moorings in Portaferry and wrecked near
Strangford.
New Quay – schooner of 84 tons. Built Bideford 1847. Owned by John McMullan
& William Mahood of Portaferry and Elizabeth Lascelles of Ardglass in 1874.
Pioneer – a new Portaferry ship 27 August 1887.
Portaferry – sailed to New York c.1780.
Posie – brigantine of 187 tons. Built 1868 in New Brunswick, owned by John
Curran of Portaferry.
Rose & Betty – sailed from Strangford 20 April 1783 with passengers for Norfolk,
Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.
Sea Mew – wooden smack. Built Whitehaven 1870. Owned by James Elliott of
Portaferry in 1886.
Success – brig of 168 tons. Built Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick 1854.
Owned by Hugh Donnan of Portaferry. Lost 1881. Captain D. Curran and crew
saved.
Susanna – a brig. Master George Conway. Quebec to Portaferry Sept. 1832.
Trader – brigantine of 68 tons. Built Ulverston 1813. Owned by Henry Donnan of
Portaferry in 1887.
Wasp – smack of 30 tons. Built Isle of Man 1862. Owned by Hugh Finnegan & Mrs.
Caughey of Portaferry in 1884.
Witch of the Wave – schooner of 47 tons. Built Garlieston 1854. Owned James
Elliott Jnr. Of Portaferry from 1902 to 1927.