Coniston

Official Number 68223

The schooner Coniston was built at the Canal Side Shipyard at Ulverston by William & John White. She was launched on Saturday, 17th January 1874 and was intended for the coasting trade, her first commander to be Captain Fairclough. The Coniston was owned by William Postlethwaite, of Murthwaite Green, Silecroft, for the Duddon Shipping Association.

The Coniston was berthed at Saltney on Census night in April 1881, and had two crew aboard, namely Solomon Durham (mate) and Samuel Hocking (AB). Durham was later to become master of the Elizabeth Latham, and died commanding that vessel at Waterford in September 1885.

The Coniston was an ore trader, exporting iron ore from the Hodbarrow mines, and she was lost in sight of her home port. Homeward bound from Wicklow with a cargo of pit props, and coming in against a strong head wind, the Coniston hit the Duddon Bar and capsized on Sunday, 2nd September 1917. There were five people aboard, all natives of Co. Wicklow, and they all drowned. The master was Capt.William Dunne, who was taking over command from his father, who was also aboard on his last voyage before retirement. Also aboard was the master's sister and a cousin, and another crewman.

Sources :

1. Research by Trevor Morgan
2. Launch reported in the Lancaster Gazette, Saturday, 24th January 1874.
   
3. Lloyd's Register of Shipping 1874-5: Coniston, schooner, 98 grt, 87 nrt, built by White at Ulverston in January 1874, official number 68223, registered at Barrow, owned by William Postlethwaite & Co., master Capt.T.Fairclough.
4. 1881 Census details from Bob Sanders, Ships in Port 1881 website
5. Mercantile Navy List 1899: Coniston, schooner, 78 tons, built at Ulverston in 1874, official number 68223, registered at Barrow, managing owner Robert Johnson, of Steel Green, Millom.
6. Wreck details from "Northwestern Ships & Seamen" by Alan Lockett.

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