2-995-724 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The "Fairy Queen" paddle-wheel despatch-boat for General Garibaldi, 1860. 'A new steamer...constructed by Mr. Mare, of Millwall, and purchased by the Sicilian Government...left Ramsgate yesterday week. More than ordinary interest was evinced in the departure of this admirable specimen of marine architecture...with a favourable breeze, the vessel started amidst the hearty cheers of the spectators assembled on the pier. Mr. Charles Page, the agent, and several of the officials of the new company, were present...The Fairy Queen is of 240 tons burden, and of 80-horse power. Her length between perpendiculars is 150 feet; breadth, 18 feet; and depth, 8 feet 10 inches. She was originally intended for the Dover and Ramsgate station, for the accommodation of excursionists. The after-part of the vessel is elegantly fitted up for first-class passengers, with a spacious and convenient ladies' cabin. The forepart is fitted for the officers and second-class passengers. Her engines and boilers combine all the latest improvements, including superheater and feathering paddlewheels. For a short period she ran on the Dover and Ramsgate station, and proved herself to be the fastest and best seaboat on the station'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.