The Site for transport information on Packet Boats and Paddle Steamers in the Humber Area

Packet Boats and Steamers

In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Selby run.

106ft 6inch in length, 20ft 3inch wide 90 h.p. 249 tons. Sailed the Selby-Goole-Hull-Yarmouth trade in 1834.

Built in Gainsborough in 1815 and in 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily.Baines 1822 - John Cook master, passengers and goods to Gainsbro every Mon, Wed & Fri returning to Hull on the following days. the Albion communicates on her passage with the towns of Burton Stather, Flixbro Stather, Keadby, Burringham, Butterwick Ferry and Stockwith. Agents in Hull, Wm Senior, London Tavern, Queen's Street. Gainsbro Henry Smith, Wharf, Lord Street and John Watkinson, Marquis of Granby, Beast Market.

Hull based 162 tons 100 H.P.

Built at Selby in 1835, an iron steamer for the York to Selby run having a draft of only 2 ft 6 inch.

In 1834 on the Hull to Gainsborough run. 99 tons 40 h.p.

In 1829 running between Hull and Selby daily. Baines 1822 - John Thompson, Master, and the Aire, Benjamin Matthewman, Master, daily in rotation to Selby, communicating with the same as the Favourite and Leeds. Agents at Hull, Martin and Keddy and at Joseph Allinsons, Shakespeare Tavern, Humber Street. Selby Mr John Adams at the Black-a-moors Head and R. Precious, Finkle Street.

Launched in Gainsborough 6th January 1826 from the shipyard of Mr. Smith for the Selby- Hull - Yarmouth run.

Sailed between Thorne and Hull 1816 (William John Titterton owner)

Built in 1815 in Gainsborough and in 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily. 566 tons 200 h.p.Baines 1822 - William Waterland, Master, to Gainsbro every Tu,Thu and Sat and returns Hull the following days (Sundays excepted). The British Queen calls at the same towns and has the same agents as the Albion.

Hull - New Holland Ferry (1912-1935)

A river steamer owned by the Aire and Calder Navigation Co. in 1829 running Hull to Goole daily. In 1834 still on the Hull to Goole run.

Painting of "Prince Frederick", "Kingston" and "Calder" held at Ferens Art Gallery Hull.

First wooden steamboat to ply the Humber in 1814. Her maiden voyage to Gainsborough was at a speed of 14 mph then she ran between Hull and Naburn and back again in 12 hours and in 1829 a daily run Hull to Goole. Baines 1822 - John Thompson, Master, and the Aire, Benjamin Matthewman, Master, daily in rotation to Selby, communicating with the same as the Favourite and Leeds. Agents at Hull, Martin and Keddy and at Joseph Allinsons, Shakespeare Tavern, Humber Street. Selby Mr John Adams at the Black-a-moors Head and R. Precious, Finkle Street.

Home port of Hull 141tons 47 h.p.

1903 -1944 Hull - New Holland service

Iron paddle steamer built by H. Smith and Sons of Gainsborough and launched in 16th May 1843 and was 112ft long, 15ft wide and weighed 122 tons and Captain Robert Waterland is the Commander.

Painting by John Ward

In 1834 joined the 'Superb' in a new service from Hull to Gothenburg (The St. George Steam Packet Co.) carrying mail and passengers, fares 5 guineas 1st class, 2nd class 2 guineas.

Launched 1826 in Gainsborough from the shipyard of Mr. Smith. In 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily.

Based Hull 158 tons 28 h.p.

1855 - 1913 Hull - New Holland service sold 1897.

In 1829 a daily run to Goole from Hull. In 1834 still on the Hull to Goole run.

In 1834 on the Hull to Goole run.

In 1829 running between Hull and Brigg daily. Still on the Brigg run in 1834.

Owned by John Gee, Hull. 1200 tons 90 h.p.

Wood panel painting at Town Docks Museum, Hull (circa 1848)

Home port Grimsby 23 tons 29 h.p.

Home port Goole 159 tons 120 h.p.

Built in Stockton , dimensions 120ft x 19ft x 12ft 6inch, 130 tons, 80 H.P. engines, on 23rd May 1833 started the Hull-London trade, fares : 21s 1st class and 15s for 2nd class.

In 1822 running between Hull and Selby. Baines 1822 - Frank Potter, Master, and The Leeds steam packet, John Popplewell, Master, with passengers and goods daily in rotation to Selby, communicating on the passage with Witton (Lincs), Blacktoft, Whitgift, Swinefleet, Howden Dyke, Booth Ferry and Long Drax. Agents Hull, Wm Close, 9 Dock Wall and at Mr. Wm Senior, London Tavern, Queen Street. Selby, Mr Thos. Adams, Market Place and at Hawdens, George Hotel. On the arrival of the packets coaches leave for the following destinations viz 2 to Leeds,1 to Wakefield, 3 to York, and 1 to Harrogate by Knaresbro.

Painting by John Ward of "Forfarshire" off Hull at Ferens Art Gallery, Hull

Hull based 136 tons 90 h.p.

In June 1833 started the Hull-Rotterdam trade after been chartered from the Glasgow and Liverpool Packet Company.She is 152ft x 19ft 5inch x 13ft 1inch and 269 tons with twin 50 H.P. engines. She was capable of carrying 40 passengers with fares of £2 1st class, £1 2nd class. In June 1834 she was purchased by the Hull Steam Packet Co and put on the Hull - London trade.

Built in Hull in 1825, 88 tons with 80 H.P. engines, started on the Selby - Hull -Yarmouth run as well as a few runs to Scarborough and back, then on 20th April 1827 began the Hull-Lynn trade. In 1828 she was sold to Mr. John Foster of Selby and began the Selby-Hull-Yarmouth-Norwich trade. In 1829 running between Hull and Lynn every Saturday.

1888 - 1924 Hull - New Holland service

Launched in Gainsborough Saturday 20th May 1848 at Messrs Smith & Son's shipyard under the direction of Mr. Arnold. 74 tons 40 h.p.

Hull base 435 tons 260 h.p.

In 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily.

Advertisement in the Doncaster Gazzette 11 August 1815 - fitted up in a most elegant and superb manner for the convenience of both Ladies and Gentleman and is under the management of Captain William Paddley, who is a sober, steady and well experienced Man in the said Navigation and by whom every Care and Attention will be paid to his passengers.

Hull based 100 tons 45 h.p.

Built in 1860 for the Gainsborough to Hull trade by the Gainsborough Steam Packet Company. Sold in 1912 to the Goole Steam Packet Company and finally broken up in Scarborough about 1920.

Built in Gainsborough in 1815 and in 1816 bought by Darley & Co.began running between Hull and Thorne daily. In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Thorne run. Baines 1822 - John Jackling, Master, and the John Bull, Wm Colbridge, Master, convey passengers and goods to Thorne, daily in rotation and communicating with Witton, Blacktoft, Whitgift, Swinwfleet, Goole Bridge, Rawcliffe Bridge, and New Bridge. Agents Thorne, John Greyburn, Hull, enquire at the London Tavern, Queen Street and the Humber Tavern South End. On the arrival of the packets at Thorne, a coach proceeds with passengers for Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. 12th September 1836 New 'John Bull' built at Pearson & Co. Thorne

Hull based 121 tons 45 h.p.

Hull - New Holland Ferry

Built in 1821 and In 1822 she was the first regular Steam trading vessel from Hull to London a wooden paddle steamship built at Pearson's shipyard at Thorne and owned by Hull Steam Packet Co. Dimensions are 105ft 7inch x 20ft x10ft 4inch, tonnage 120 engines 60H.P. by Overton of Hull. Weddle and Brownlow are the owners. Fares - best cabin with provisions 2 guineas, fore cabin excluding provisions 1 guinea, goods 3 shillings per cwt. Baines 1822 - Charles Grayburn, Commander, leaves the Humber Dock Basin, Hull every Sat morn at 6 o'clock and proceeds with passengers, packages and parcels direct for London, returnes from Tower Wharf, London to Hull every Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock.

Painting of "Kingston" off Yarmouth held at Town Docks Museum Hull, and with "Prince Frederick" and "Calder" at Ferens Art Gallery Hull.

Later in 1834 joined 'William IV' in a new service from Hull to Hamburg (The St. George Steam Packet Co.) every Saturday.

In 1829 running between Hull and Selby daily. Baines 1822 - Frank Potter, Master, and The Leeds steam packet, John Popplewell,Master, with passengers and goods daily in rotation to Selby, communicating on the passage with Witton (Lincs), Blacktoft, Whitgift, Swinefleet, Howden Dyke, Booth Ferry and Long Drax. Agents Hull, Wm Close, 9 Dock Wall and at Mr. Wm Senior, London Tavern, Queen Street. Selby, Mr Thos. Adams, Market Place and at Hawdens, George Hotel. On the arrival of the packets coaches leave for the following destinations viz 2 to Leeds,1 to Wakefield, 3 to York, and 1 to Harrogate by Knaresbro.

Owned by the Hull Steam Packet Co.

Painting at Town Docks Museum, Hull

Built in 1940 by A. & J. Inglis Ltd for the Hull to New Holland run. She had a length of 208ft, was 56 ft wide and had 120 h.p. enginges and weighing 598 tons. The last of the three paddle steamers to be withdrawn from the cross Humber service. Withdrawn from service in 1978 and now berthed at Grimsby Heritage Museumas a restaurant.

Ran service with P.S. Columbine between Hull and Gainsborough on alternate daily journey.

1855-1905 Hull - New Holland sevice

Built in Gainsborough by Smith & Co in 1827, dimensions 107ft 10 1/2inch x 19ft 10inch x 12ft 6inch, 106 1/2 tons, 70 H. P. Overton and Smith engines, for the Hull-London trade.

In July 1831 was on the Gainsborough-Hull-Lynn service - 156 tons 60 h.p. In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Lynn run.

Built 1824, dimensions 90ft x 19ft 9inch x 9ft 4inch, tonnage 95 1/2, engines twin 30 H.P. by Boulton and Watts. Started the Selby - Hull -Yarmouth service on 9th July 1824, and in the summer of 1825 made several trips to Rotterdam. Goole was opened as a port on 6th April 1828 by the arrival of the Lowther.

In service 1876 Sold in 1897 and scrapped 1897. Hull - New Holland service

Baines 1822 - James Hawksley, Master, plies occasionally with goods to Gainsbro Agent Wm Senior's, London Tavern, Queens Street,Hull and Henry Smith's Wharf, Gainsbro.

In 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily.

Built in 1830 at Thorne with 140 H.P. engines started the Hull-Hamburg fortnightly service on 10th April 1830 for the Hull Steam packet Co. Fares: 1st class 5 guineas; 2nd class 3 1/2 guineas. No fees allowed to be asked by the stewards or servants. In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Hamburg run.1832/33 Capt. W.Draper, 1835 W.Dible, 1837/40 James Wood.

Grimsby based 90 tons 60.h.p.

Baines 1822 - James Bell Master, to Gainsbro Tu, Thu and Sat with goods and passengers. Agents Hull, Martin & Keddy, 40 High Street and Robert Acrid, Crown and Anchor, 38 South End Humber Street. Gainsbro, Flower and Sons, Lord Street.

Hull Based 60 tons 40 h.p.

Home port Goole 132 tons 105 h.p.

Sailed the Selby-Goole-Hull-Yarmouth trade in 1834.

In 1829 running between Hull and Grimsby daily. In 1834 still on the Hull to Grimsby run.

Hull based 227 tons 100 h.p.

Launched at Thorne 26th March 1823, her dimensions 121ft 5inch x 20ft 8inch x 11ft 6inch, 154 tons, twin 40H.P. engines. Her maiden voyage was on 23rd May 1828 to London to start a twice weekly service and owned by the Hull Steam Packet Co. Still on the London run in 1834. On 13th November 1835 ran aground on Corton Sands near Yarmouth and was a total wreck.

Painting of "Prince Frederick", "Kingston" and "Calder" held at Ferens Art Gallery Hull.

Built in Gainsborough in 1817

Owned by John Gee, Hull 435 tons 150 h.p.

Wood panel painting at Town Docks Museum, Hull (circa 1848)

Built and launched in Selby 6th March 1835 for the Hull to Selby run.

Owned by John Gee, Hull 354 tons 160 h.p.

Wood panel painting at Town Docks Museum, Hull (circa 1848)

In 1829 running between Hull and Thorne daily. In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Thorne run. Baines 1822 - John Jackling, Master, and the John Bull, Wm Colbridge, Master, convey passengers and goods to Thorne, daily in rotation and communicating with Witton, Blacktoft, Whitgift, Swinwfleet, Goole Bridge, Rawcliffe Bridge, and New Bridge. Agents Thorne, John Greyburn, Hull, enquire at the London Tavern, Queen Street and the Humber Tavern South End. On the arrival of the packets at Thorne, a coach proceeds with passengers for Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Painting by Thomas Hinks in Hull Town Docks Museum

Later in 1834 started a new service from Hull to Rotterdam (The St. George Steam Packet Co.) every Wednesday.

Hull based 311 tons 75 h.p.

Purchased from London and on 28th May 1829 started the Hull - Newcastle weekly service. Fares to Newcastle were 1st class 20s: 2nd class 12s. In September a new set of boilers and engine were fitted and the following April resumed the Newcastle-Hull-Lynn run (the prices increased by 1 shilling).

In 1834 an Irish Steam Packet company started a new service from Hull to Gothenburg (The St. George Steam Packet Co.) carrying mail and passengers, fares 5 guineas 1st class, 2nd class 2 guineas.

Built and launched 24th September 1934 at William Gray of Hartlepool. 209.7ft long and 33ft wide and 556 ton in weight, used on the Hull to New Holland ferry run until 1972. Now a pub on the Embankment at London.

Built 28th September 1827 by Gibson's shipyard for Mr. James Burton of London she was the largest built in Hull at 600 tons

Home port Goole 97 tons 120 h.p.

Launched 23rd February 1831 she was the largest Steam Packet built at Thorne at Pearson and Co.'s shipyard. Dimensions were 137ft 4inch x 21ft 6inch x15ft 6inch, 167 tons she started the Hull - Hamburg trade on 11th April 1831. In 1834 she was still on the Hull to Hamburg run.

In 1834 on the Hull to Gainsborough run. 331 tons 160 h.p.

Launched in Gainsborough 1836 from Mr. Smith's shipyard. "1837 On June 7th, a very serious catastrophe occurred in the explosion of the boiler of the Hull and Gainsborough S.P. Union in the Humber Dock Basin. The vessel was crowded with passengers and thirteen of them were killed, and a large number injured, the body of one passenger being blown on to the roof of a warehouse behind Minerva Terrace. The funnel and top of the boiler fell a considerable distance from the quay and the vessel herself was almost blown to pieces. The inquest shewed that that the accident was caused by the sticking or overweighting of the safety valve. The Humber Union Steam Packet Co. agents Hudson and Cobby, inserted a notice in the local papers stating that they had no connection with the vessel, as had been wrongly reported, and, at the same time, took the opportunity of pointing out that their steamships were each provided with two practical and experienced engineers and therefore their machinery could not even temporarily be in charge of ignorant firemen, as is too frequently the case."

Built and launched in Hull on 19th June 1837 and owned by the Hull Steam Packet Co. She was 185ft 6inch by 27ft 5inch with twin 200hp engines and was lost in 1853

Painting by John Ward at Hull Trinity House

In 1829 running between Hull and Gainsborough daily.

Launched 9th December 1835 , built by Curling Young & Co., London she was 157ft in length 22ft wide 200hp wooden paddle steamer. Owned by Humber Union Steam Packet Co. for the Gainsborough Lynn run and is capable of doing the Hull to London run in 24 hours.

Painting at Town Docks Museum, Hull

Baines 1822 - The Waterloo Steam Hoy, Wm Good, Master, proceeds from the New Ferry Boat Dock, end of Queen Street every morning at 7 o'clock and every afternoon at 4 with Mail, passengers and goods for Barton, Brigg and Lincoln. Returns to Hull at 11 morn and at 7:30 evng. Inquire at Mr. Ralph Keddey's, Vittorias Tavern, Queen Street, Hull and Mr woods Water Side, Barton. (The contractors for Barton Ferry are Messrs Boyes, Chapman & Co, Grace Church Street, London.)

Built in 1836 in Gainsborough for the Hull to London run and owned by Humber Union Steam Packet Co. Captain N. Gibson. Sold in 1841 to the London General Steam Navigation Co. for £15,000 but carried on with the Hull/London run.

Painting by John Ward at Town Docks Museum, Hull

In 1829 a daily run to Goole from Hull. In 1834 still on the Hull to Goole run.

Owned by Humber Union Steam Packet Co.

Print at Town Docks Museum, Hull

Built in Hull by Mesrs E. Gibson & Co. for the Hull Steam Packet Co. Launched 3rd July 1835, a wooden paddle steamer 156ft in length by 24ft wide 140hp for the Hull to Hamburg run.

Later in 1834 started a new service from Hull to Hamburg (The St. George Steam Packet Co.) every Saturday.

Built and launched 24th September 1934 at William Gray of Hartlepool. 209.7ft long and 33ft wide and 550 ton in weight, used on the Hull to New Holland ferry run until 1974. Now restored and an exhibit of the Hartlepool museum.

Launched at Thorne on 2nd April 1822, dimensions 119ft 6inch x 21ft x 11ft 11inch, 164 tons, engines by Butterley Company, for the Hull - London trade. Still on the London run in 1834. Baines 1822 - John Eyre, Commander, leaves the Humber Dock Basin, Hull every Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock and proceeds with passengers, packages and parcels direct to London, returns from the Tower Wharf, London to Hull every Saturday morning at 7 o'clock. Agents Hull, for booking passengers and goods to go by Kingston and Yorkshireman, William Senior, London Tavern, Queen Street, and Messrs Waddle and Brownlow, Church Lane Wharf, 62 High Street. London, Robert Pearson, Stalutons Wharf, Tooley Street,London. Best Cabin £1-11s-6d, forecabin £1-1s - provisions furnished on board at reaonable rate.