s.s. NEATH ABBEY: A Bristol Channel Coasting Steamer

s.s. NEATH ABBEY is based on extensive research using original documents held in archives as well as nineteenth century newspapers. There is a brief account of the development of the Neath Abbey Iron Works in the first half of the nineteenth century, especially its marine engineering business and the innovative approach of its owners and managers as demonstrated by the company’s adoption of screw propulsion when there was great scepticism about its suitability for ocean-going ships. The construction of the ship in 1846 is described and also later lengthening and repairs. There is a substantial account of her cross-channel working life and of a period of work along the Somerset and Devon coast. Passenger traffic, goods traffic and the effect of the coming of railways are discussed. Her excursion work and the varied reactions of the people of English coastal towns to excursionists who were to a great extent workers in the coal, iron and copper industries are described. There is information about offices, wharves and warehouses, accidents and thefts. Details of all the ship’s owners and masters, most of the mates, many engineers and a few other crew members are included as well as information about crew wages and how they compared with wages of tinplate workers and railwaymen. Finally there is a detailed account of the wreck of the ship in 1894 compiled from statements and evidence given by the survivors and men involved ashore. The s.s. Neath Abbey may be regarded as representative of the many other steamers that provided cross-channel services.