2-889-622 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of H.M. Steam-Frigate "Leopard", at Deptford, on Tuesday, 1850. Ship being launched on the River Thames in London. 'Mr. Willcox, master shipwright, under whose superintendence the launch took place, ordered the workmen to commence knocking out the dog-shores, and at the same time presented an open bottle of wine, and Captain Sir John Hill having poured out a glass, handed it to Lady Mary Fox, who drank success to the Leopard. The bottle was immediately after decorated with rosettes, and Lady Mary Fox broke it, with the remaining portion of the wine in it, on the bows of the vessel. The remaining dogshores were quickly removed, and...the fine frigate glided slowly and majestically into the river, amidst the cheers of the assembled spectators, the band playing "Britannia rules the waves".' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.