2-982-559 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of the "Paramatta" Steam-ship at Blackwall on Monday week, 1858. Paddle steam-ship, built by the Thames Iron and Shipbuilding Company, launched in the River Lea (which meets the River Thames at Bow Creek in London). She was '...built from the designs of Mr. Rennie, the Royal Mail Packet Company's engineer...the ship was released from the detaining dogshore, and slowly and majestically descended the incline. Then followed for a few moments a most exciting scene; for, immediately on the arrival of her forecradles at the bottom of the ways, the gigantic vessel gave a tremendous lurch to port, and impressed the breathless spectators with an idea that she must go over altogether; but after a few violent lists she righted herself, and the next minute was brought safely and quietly to a complete stand-still by the powerful checkropes with which it is necessary to supply vessels launched in this little river...The dimensions and power of the Paramatta are as follow: Length over all, 345 feet; between perpendiculars, 330 feet; on keel, 303 feet 9 inches (for tonnage); breadth of beam, 43 feet 9 inches; depth of hold, 36 feet 6 inches; and engines of 800-horse power'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.