Christina Pitcairn

[wreckmaster]

Looking for info on the Brig Christina Pitcairn built at Troon 1844 owned by Thomson, Glasgow.
Went missing 1850 voyage Archangel to London 8 crew.
Who built this vessel ?.

[Angus Mac Kinnon]

The fine Brig CHRISTINA PITCAIRN, of about 300 tons 'burthen', was launched from the ship-building yard of Mr. Robert Thomson on Tuesday 4th of June 1844. From other research activities, I believe Mr. Thomson had the yard from around 1824 or 1825. (I have seen his name spelled as 'Thompson' in various sources) Also associated with his ship-building enterprise in Troon were the names :

'Thomson & Kinloch'
'Thomson & Speirs'
'Thomson & Buchanan'

Robert Thomson was shipbuilder to His Grace, The Duke of Portland. The Troon enterprise was registered as the Troon Shipbuilding Company, whereas Thomson & Speirs also traded in Greenock but under their own names, i.e. Robert Thomson and James Speirs, Shipbuilders, Greenock.

Prior to the Robert Thompson, the principal shipbuilder to the Duke of Portland was Troon-born Mr. John Connell of the future famous Kelvinhaugh and Scotstoun shipbuilding family. Another famous Clyde shipbuilding name had Troon connections too - this was Roberte Curle - later a Partner in the very successful Firm of Barclay Curle & Company.

Hopefully helpful.

Angus

[wreckmaster]

Thanks Angus , he fits the Bill ,
I have a few more from the 1830s you might be able to help me with which are not included in the BB data base , will post a few later.

thanks again

Mick

[Angus Mac Kinnon]

Welcome, Mick. Just let me know any others you are looking for information on, with approx year/s if possible, and I will do my bestest.

Angus

[Jim Anderson]

Brig 159tons (probably builders old measurement)
78.3 x 19.8 x 13.1ft depth of hold Wooden construction
First Owner John Bickers, Glasgow & Robert Thomson (builder), Troon
from 1845 Thomson, Glasgow

Does anyone know where she was wrecked on her last voyage Archangel-London ?

[wreckmaster]

OK Angus
Here is a few to start with.
Built By unknown builders at Troon.

1840, Ellen 128 T Schooner owner J. Donnell, Liverpool. O.N 8882.
1841, Rozelle 129 T Schooner owner D. Bryee & Co, Greenock.
1843, Janet Wilson 267 T Barque owner D.Wilson, Greenock. O.N 15447.
If you can find builders for these I will give you a few difficult ones.

[wreckmaster]

Thanks Jim

Does anyone know where she was wrecked on her last voyage Archangel-London ?

Left Archangel for London 02-08-1850 with a cargo of oats and flax, eight crew, never heard from again.

[Angus Mac Kinnon]

OK Angus
Here is a few to start with.
Built By unknown builders at Troon.

1840, Ellen 128 T Schooner owner J. Donnell, Liverpool. O.N 8882.
Launched Thursday 22nd of October 1840, a Schooner of 130 tons, named ELLEN of Liverpool for owners Joseph Donnell, Edward Hughes and the vessel's Captain Roche. For trading between Liverpool and Wexford.

1841, Rozelle 129 T Schooner owner D. Bryee & Co, Greenock.
Sorry - nothing on this one.

1843, Janet Wilson 267 T Barque owner D.Wilson, Greenock. O.N 15447.
Sorry, again, nothing on thisw one either - not doing very well, am I?

Angus


If you can find builders for these I will give you a few difficult ones.

[wreckmaster]

1840, Ellen 128 T Schooner owner J. Donnell, Liverpool. O.N 8882.
Launched Thursday 22nd of October 1840, a Schooner of 130 tons, named ELLEN of Liverpool for owners Joseph Donnell, Edward Hughes and the vessel's Captain Roche. For trading between Liverpool and Wexford.

Do you know who built it ?.

[wreckmaster]

That was a poor start, try and redeem your self with a few by unknown builders at Greenock.

1832 Mary 217 T brig, owner M'Larty, Greenock.

1840 Levenside 273 T, built Greenock, owner J McMillan, Greenock.
Lost near Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, 04/03/1852.
May have been built by James McMillan, Greenock.

1844 Jean Campbell 56 T Schooner O.N 3169
Stranded on Lancashire coast between Fleetwood and Blackpool, 07/11/1890

[Angus Mac Kinnon]

As you say, a poor start, and it gets worse ! Unable to provide anything for the vessels mentioned - sorry.

(There was a Brig named 'MARY' of 129 tons register, listed For Sale, on 4th February 1841, lying in the Troon dock where she had undergone 'thorough repair'. This one built at Chester in 1814, however, so not likely to be yours)

[wreckmaster]

As you say, a poor start, and it gets worse ! Unable to provide anything for the vessels mentioned - sorry.(

Thanks Angus I have a bunch of Sailing Vessels from the 30s and 40s not listed in the BB data base, I have exhausted all known sources to no avail , posting them here was worth a shot, I got one and a launch date for another , so I am up a little

Mick

[Jim Anderson]

I have some details of a couple of these ships but it is a bit scratchy
"Ellen" Portland S. B. Co. Troon 71.1 x 17.8 x 10.4ft depth
1858 Hardey & Co., Liverpool 1858 same owner
by 1860 Wylde & Co., Liverpool 1863 same owner

"Rozelle" unknown builder Troon
first owner Stewart & Co., Greenock
by 1842 D.Bryce, Greenock
by 1845 Stewaet & Co., Greenock
1848 same owner

[wreckmaster]

Thanks for the reply Jim
The list I am working on has a gap for the Portland S. B. Co. from 1821 to 1840 , possibly some of my mystery vessels came from that yard. Will do a little digging and come back.

Mick

[Jim Anderson]

Portland S. B., Troon started circa 1811
I have them starting from 1831 to 1840 as under
"Pantaloon" launched 20.06.1831 completed 1831 wooden yacht for the Duke of Portland, Troon
"Ayrshire Lass" completed 1835 151tons wooden brig for Nicol & Co., Troon
"Clown" completed 1835 132tons wooden schooner unknown owner
"Fire King" launched 06.09.1838 completed 1839 298 tons wooden steam yacht for T. Assheton-Smith, Carnarvon

[Robert]

CLOWN.
Owners given in Glasgow register.
W. S. Dixon. 14 shareholders of whom W. S. Dixon of Liverpool held the most at 17/64ths.
20/11/1850 registry to Lerwick.

[wreckmaster]

Thank you Jim

We have those four listed under Robert Thomson, Troon.
Was Robert Thomson and Troon ShipBuilding Co one and the same ?.

Mick