Yes she was built (completed for service) in 1952 by Philip Brothers of Dartmouth; she has been (I believe) on the Salcombe Estuary for thirty years now, here in Penzance for a refit two years ago. She is a Yacht Club Headquarters and Club House. She saw service originally with two other grand ladies of the Mersey, including the famous Royal Daffodil II. Good set of pictures, a pity she is in need of so much attention, but it comes to us all. Egremont (sister Leasowe) Philips and Son of Dartmouth; launched December 12th 1951; sailed for Liverpool March 31st 1952; Originally 700 passengers; twin screw; 146 feet length x 34 feet beam x draught 12.25 feet; 566 tons. 1975 on the market 1976 to Salcombe; now Engine-less.
Glad to be of help - her sister Leasowe went to Greek waters - I understand she is still afloat with her engines; Royal Daffodil II had a nasty accident and sunk; the most important one of the group is still in a great deal of doubt; Royal Iris passed these shores some time ago - she also came into contact (physically) with HMS Duke of York with some serious effect. Royal Iris is very special (designwise) she was used by The Beatles on occasion.
Update, evidently she was here five years ago for a facelift, this is what is happening again now, when she was here last time Gerry Marsden turned up and had his photograph taken on the front deck, the reason is that this was the ferry used in his film/video in the 60 s of his famous hit Ferry Cross The Mersey
Ah yes, I remember now .. Life was very different five years ago. Somebody had written to say she was five years ago in Falmouth docks, but they are obviously wrong. Thanks ...
I d like to get in the old engine rooms and get some photo s but it s locked up at the moment but if I can get in it would be interesting to get some shots minus the engines.
I have just received information from a fellow member of Ships Nostalgia concerning Egremont ...
Sadly the Egremont was not used in the Gerry and the Pacemaker s Ferry Cross the Mersey it was the MV Mountwood, which was a Birkenhead corporation run ferryboat whereas Egremont was owned by Wallasey. In terms of Egremonts engines whilst she was a ferry, she had Crossley multi - speed engines with 5 ahead and astern telegraph indications. She had the popular Chadburn Synchrostep telegraphs, a rather futuristic looking telegraph for its time. She had three pairs of these, one in the wheel house and two in the docking cabs, and the telegraphs were all interlinked. She also had three binnacles and a large brass wheel. All the current Mersey ferries were 1960s Birkenhead boats and up until they were all refitted they still had their original engines and bridge equipment. They, however, had specially developed Crossley engines with multiple ahead and astern speeds and air brakes for rapid reversal. Again these were controlled with Chadburn Synchrostep telegraphs. Most of the equipment, such as the binnacles, helms, chronometers etc has been reinstated onto the refurbished Mersey ferries with the rest being put into storge for future display!
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