Tom Roberts

Official Number 18904

The Tom Roberts was a schooner built at Milford Haven in 1838. She was owned by the Holme line (Hine Brothers) of Maryport. In the 1860's the vessel appears to have been engaged mainly in trade to the Mediterranean (See Source 5). In 1884 she was sold to W.Walker of Milford.

The Tom Roberts was wrecked on the 16th November 1887 at Ballaugh, Isle of Man. She was carrying a cargo of scrap iron and steel from Belfast to Workington, under the command of J.Smith, of Liverpool, who was also her owner. All four crew survived.
 

Sources :

1. "The Holme Line of Maryport" by Alfred Hine, Sea Breezes magazine, Vol.28 (Jul-Dec.1959), page 169 - states that the vessel was built in 1838.
2. Wreck info from "Shipwreck Index of the British Isles" Vol. 5 by Richard & Bridget Larn, pub. Lloyds Register, 2000, ISBN 1 900839 61 X - states built in 1848.
3. Official No. from Mercantile Navy List, 1857 - vessel registered at Milford, 117tons, signal letters MPSF.
4. Clayton's Register of Shipping, 1865 - vessel registered at Milford, owned by John Richards of Haverfordwest, commanded by J.Lewis, built 1838.
5. Welsh Mariners website gives details on the following crew members : Henry Jenkins (master, 1858-64), Samuel Jenkins (mate, 1860-3, died on the vessel at Palermo), David Lewis, John Richards, David Williams, Stephen Williams.