Loftus

Official Number 25906

The Loftus was an iron schooner built at Sunderland by G.Clark and G.Forster, launched on the 27th February 1852. According to Source 2, she was the first iron vessel built at Sunderland.

From the Sunderland News & North of England Advertiser, 28th February 1852, page 5:

"  LAUNCH OF AN IRON SCHOONER -- on Monday last a beautiful iron schooner, named the Loftus, was launched from the building yard of Mr.George Clark, Wreath-quay. She is a strong well built vessel, and is allowed by good judges, on account of workmanship, strength, and beauty, to reflect great credit upon Mr.Clark. She is the first iron vessel that has been built on the banks of the River Wear. The whole of the materials of which she is constructed have been manufactured by the Derwent Iron Company, of whom Mr.George Forster, of Conside, owner of the vessel, is the manager. She is intended to carry iron in the coasting trade, between this country and France. In the evening a large party of gentlemen sat down to an excellent dinner, at the Odd Fellows' Arms, Monkwearmouth, to celebrate the occasion. Mr.George Forster was called to the chair and Mr.Fourdrinier, inventor of the patent safety apparatus for mines, officiated as vice-chairman. We understand that Mr.Clark has received orders to build an iron brig, and also an iron steamboat, which will be commenced forthwith. "

Sources :

1. Mercantile Navy List 1857 - vessel registered at Lancaster, 71 tons, signal letters PHWB.
2. George Clark website - names builders as George Clark and Barkus, and the first owner as G.Foster.
3. Clayton's Register of Shipping, 1865 - vessel registered at Lancaster, owned by James Fisher, master named as Capt.Butcher. Gives date of build as 1850.
4. Information from John T.Oliver.
5. Wigtown Shipping Register - reports registry transferred from Barrow in 1875. Gives date of build as June 1850.