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Ullswater
Ullswater Navigation Co - Ullswater 'Steamers'

Each image links to a larger copy which opens in a new window/tab


 
This page shows a history of the excursion vessels of Ullswater in the English Lake District. To travel on these vessels see: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Ullswater is the second largest of the English Lakes, with far more spectacular scenery than the largest, Windermere. Steamer services were never as developed as the larger lake however, since the nearest rail head was five miles away at Penrith. The earliest steamer on Ullswater was the Enterprise, a small paddle steamer from 1859. She carried mail, goods and passengers from Pooley Bridge to Howtown and Glenridding. Enterprise was replaced by the elegant steamers Lady-of-the-Lake (1877)  and Raven (1889), both subsequently converted to motor vessels. They were joined by the smaller motor launches Lady Dorothy and Lady Wakefield in 2001 and 2007 respectively. A fifth vessel Western Belle has been purchased and is being restored. She expected to commence trials in 2010.


Always check the company website before travelling: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
.

 

Sections on this page

Ships on this page
  Lady Dorothy
  Lady of the Lake - 1877
  Lady Wakefield
  Raven - 1889
  Western Belle - 1935

Brochure Archive
  2010 - main timetable brochure
  2010 - events brochure
  2006 - main timetable brochure - introducing Lady Wakefield
  1976 - timetable handbill
  1975 - timetable handbill

 

North West UK Simplon Pages
  Furness Railway Steamers - Fleetwood-Barrow
  Midland Railway Steamers - Heysham Services
  Windermere Steamers

Associated Simplon Pages

References
  Trip Out Guides - Written and published by G.P.Hamer - various editions from 1977 to 2009 consulted
       Trip Out Guides are available from Geoffrey Hamer, PO Box 485, Southall, UB1 9BH


Contacts
  Website: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
  Email: enquiries@ullswater-steamers.co.uk
  Phone: 017684 82229





Ullswater Fleet List
Ullswater Navigation Co - Ullswater 'Steamers'

Each image links to a larger copy which opens in a new window/tab


Lady of the Lake (1877)

220 passengers - 45 gross tons - Length 97ft - Beam 14.7ft

Launched on 26th June, 1877 Lady of the Lake is possibly the oldest working passenger vessel in the world. She was designed by Mr Douglas Hebson of Penrith and built in Glasgow by Joseph Seath & Company. She was transported in three sections by rail to Penrith, then horse drays to Waterside where she was assembled at Elder Beck. For details of services see: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Lady of the Lake was built by. T.B.Sneath of Rutherglen. She started with a saloon length of ten windows, but this was lengthened to twelve windows when she received a bridge forward of the funnel. She sank at her moorings in 1881, but was salvaged and returned to service. Her 4-cylinder steam engine was replaced by two Crossley diesels in 1935, and she received her large motorship funnel, to much disquiet at the time. By this time the saloon had been shortened again to just eight windows. She sank again c.1951 and the suffered a fire 1965. She was not restored until 1979 after the latter accident. Her Crossley engines were replaced by Kelvin diesels at this time.



Postcard of Lady of the Lake at Glenridding
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake at Pooley Bridge (ten saloon windows)
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake at Silver Point (with bridge and twelve saloon windows)
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake at the Ullswater Hotel (with bridge and twelve saloon windows)
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake at Pooley Bridge as a motor vessel (with large funnel and eight saloon windows)
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcrad of Lady of the Lake (left) and Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake & Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake sunk in September 1950
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



1960s Sanderson & Dixon postcard SD572 of Lady of the Lake as a motor ship (pre-1965 fire)
Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



1960s Sanderson & Dixon postcard of Lady of the Lake as a motor ship (pre-1965 fire)
Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake (left) and Raven as motor ships
NPO Fotocolor postcard N1083 - Photo: T.R.McIlroy

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



1960s J.Arthur Dixon postcard of Lady of the Lake as a motor ship, approaching Glenridding (pre-1965 fire)
Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Lochmere postcard L9034 of Lady of the Lake after the restoration in 1978 following the 1965 fire
Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Wright postcard TW1486 of Lady of the Lake after the restoration in 1978 following the 1965 fire
Photo: Tom Wright

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake approaching Glenridding
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Raven (1889)

284 passengers - 58 gross tons - Length 113ft - Beam 15ft

Raven was launched on the 11th July, 1889. On 18th July, 1889 an article in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald published the following “It is questionable if there be any boat to beat, or even equal this little craft on any lake in this country”. For details of services see: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Raven was built by T.B.Sneath of Ruthergen as a slightly larger version of Lady of the Lake, again powered by 4-cy;linder steam engine. Her bridge was originally aft of the funnel, later moved forward whilst still a steamer. She has  had a luckier history, no no major mishaps. Her steam machinery was replaced by two 8-cylinder oil engines in 1935, built by the national Gas 7 oil engine Company of Ashton-under Lyme. She received a large motorship funnel at the same time, which was not appreciated at the time by many. In 1964 her engines were replaced by Thorneycrofts. At around the same time, her bridge was moved further forwards to the front of the saloon, again reducing the elegance of her original lines.


 
Reproduction early advertising postcard of Raven as a steam ship with bridge aft of the funnel
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Early Peacock Brand postcard for Reed's of Penrith showing Raven as a steam ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Reproduction early postcard of Raven as a steam ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a steam ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven from Kail Pot Crag
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Howtown
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Patterdale
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Patterdale
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at the Ullswater Hotel, Patterdale
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at the Ullswater Hotel, Patterdale
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a steam ship arriving at Patterdale
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Glenridding
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a steam ship arriving at Howtown
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven at Pooley Bridge as a steam ship, but with the bridge moved forward of the funnel
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Lady of the Lake and Raven (right) at Pooley Bridge
Scan: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady of the Lake & Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



J.L.Topaz (Penrith) postcard of Raven at Glenridding as a motor ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven leaving Pooley Bridge as a motor ship
Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, retaining original bridge position
Cotman-Color card produced for Sanderson & Dixon of Ambleside

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven (right) and Lady of the Lake as motor ships
NPO Fotocolor postcard N1083 - Photo: T.R.McIlroy

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Jarrold postcard KLD536 produced for Sanderson & Dixon of Ambleside

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Jarrold postcard KLD448 produced for Sanderson & Dixon of Ambleside

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Postcard KLD714 published by Sanderson & Dixon of Ambleside

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Photo Precision Colourmaster postcard PT18622

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Photo Precision Colourmaster postcard PT18622 - variation of the card above

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Postcard of Raven as a motor ship, with modified bridge position
Photo Precision Colourmaster postcard PLX18622

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Raven in 1976
Photo: © Ian Boyle

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Raven in 1976
Photo: © Ian Boyle

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven approaching Glenridding
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Raven
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Raven - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Lady Dorothy

Lady Dorothy joined the fleet in 2001. She was a sea-going vessel from Guernsey and her arrival meant that winter sailings were introduced into the timetable for the first time. For details of services see: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk


Photo of Lady of the Lake as a motor ship, approaching Glenridding
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Dorothy - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady of the Lake as a motor ship, approaching Glenridding
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Dorothy - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Lady Wakefield

Lady Wakefield was renamed in a ceremony by HRH Princess Alexandra in April, 2007. She was previously known as Berry Castle (3), Golden Cormorant and latterly Totnes Castle (3). Built in 1949 in Dartmouth, she had worked on the River Dart and Plymouth Sound before her arrival on Ullswater. For details of services see: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

The paddle steamer Dartmouth Castle (2) of the River Dart Steamboat Company was laid up during the war, and was sold in 1947, being replaced by the motor vessel Dartmouth Castle (3) in 1948. She was followed by the similar Berry Castle (3) the following year, both from Philip of Dartmouth. River Dart Steamboat Company revenues were declining in the late 1960s, and in 1972, Berry Castle (3) and Seymour Castle were sold, although both eventually returned to the River Dart. After periods at Fareham and Rochester (as Golden Cormorant), she returned to the Dart in 1977 as the Totnes Castle (3) for Dart Pleasure Craft. In 1985 she passed to Plymouth Boat Cruises, retaining her name. In 2007 she was sold to Ullswater Steamers and was renamed Lady Wakefield.



Colourpicture postcard P37821 of Berry Castle at Totnes when serving with the River Dart Steam Boat Company
Berry Castle - River Dart Steam Boat Co - www.simplonpc.co.uk



NPO Dexter postcard B7113-57368C of Berry Castle at Totnes when serving with the River Dart Steam Boat Company
Berry Castle - River Dart Steam Boat Co - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Dennis postcard T0501 of Berry Castle (right) at Totnes with Seymour Castle (left) when serving with the River Dart Steam Boat Company
Berry Castle - River Dart Steam Boat Co - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady Wakefield
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Wakefield - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady Wakefield
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Wakefield - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of Lady Wakefield
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Wakefield - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of the commissioning of Lady Wakefield
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Wakefield - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Photo of the commissioning of Lady Wakefield
Photo: © Ullswater Steamers

Lady Wakefield - Ullswater Steamers - www.simplonpc.co.uk






Western Belle

Western Belle was purchased in 2008 and had previously run at Plymouth and on the Thames. She is undergoing restoration and is expected to begin trials in 2010. She will retain her name after entering service.

Western Belle was built by Fellows of Great Yarmouth for the Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading Company in 1935. She replaced the Whitsand Castle (ex-Kenwith Castle). Western Belle was primarily used on the ferry services across the River Tamar from Plymouth to Millbrook in her early years, though mainly ran Plymouth Dockyard trips in later years, along with Devon Belle and Eastern Belle. Western Belle passed to Dart Pleasure Craft in 1980, and was transferred to the Dartmouth-Kingswear ferry. She was sold in 2000, appearing on the Thames for Chris Cruises of Hampton Court, where she ran charters only. Western Belle was sold again in 2008, and travelled to Maryport to be restored for use on Ullswater.


Complete history with more images of Western Belle



Company postcard of Western Belle when serving with the Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading Company
Western Belle - Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Company postcard of Western Belle when serving with the Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading Company
Western Belle - Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Company postcard of Western Belle when serving with the Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading Company
Western Belle - Millbrook Steam Boat & Trading - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Western Belle when serving with Chris Cruises
Photo: © Ian boyle, Teddington Lock, 18th June 2006
Western Belle



Western Belle when serving with Chris Cruises
Photo: © Ian boyle, Teddington Lock, 18th June 2006
Western Belle



Western Belle when serving with Chris Cruises
Photo: © Ian boyle, Teddington Lock, 18th June 2006
Western Belle



Western Belle after restoration for service on Ullswater
Photo: © Robert Beale 2010
Western Belle - Photo: © Robert Beale 2010 - www.simplonpc.co.uk



Western Belle after restoration for service on Ullswater
Photo: © Robert Beale 2010
Western Belle - Photo: © Robert Beale 2010 - www.simplonpc.co.uk







Ullswater Publicity
Ullswater Navigation Co - Ullswater 'Steamers'

Each image links to a larger copy which opens in a new window/tab



Always check the company website before travelling: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk



Ullswater 1975

Ullswater handbill for 1975
Ullswater Timetable 1975






Ullswater 1976

Ullswater handbill for 1976
Note price increases of up to 50% compared to previous year
Ullswater Timetable 1976






Ullswater 2006

Ullswater Steamers brochure for 2006, annoucing the indtroduction of Lady Wakefield - also available as a 1MB PDF File Download
Ullswater Timetable 2006Ullswater Timetable 2006






Ullswater 2010

Ullswater Steamers brochure for 2010 - also available as a 2MB PDF File Download
Ullswater Timetable 2010
Ullswater Timetable 2010



Ullswater Steamers events brochure for 2010
Ullswater Events 2010












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