Cockermouth Castle

Official Number 23460

Launch reported in the Cumberland Pacquet newspaper, Tuesday, 2nd August 1836:

" On Thursday the 28th ult., was launched at Maryport from the old building yard of Messrs.K.Wood and Sons, a most beautiful specimen of Naval Architecture. Notwithstanding the wetness of the day, a vast number of persons assembled to witness the launch, and at eleven o'clock, amidst their hearty cheers, she glided most majestically into her destined element. The vessel is called the Cockermouth Castle, and was built for Messrs.Wm.Bell and Co., under the superintendence of Mr.Fell, of Workington. She is thoroughly coppered and copper-fastened, and built so as to stand twelve years A1 at Lloyd's. She is 231 tons register."

The Cockermouth Castle, under the command of Capt.Adam Wood, arrived at Port Jackson from Manilla on the 26th March 1849. She had 13 crew and two steerage passengers aboard (see Source 3.).

William Hewison, aged 40 years, master of the Cockermouth Castle, was buried at Malta. on the 2nd August 1859 (see Source 4).

The Cockermouth Castle, from the Tyne for Dieppe with a coal cargo, foundered on the Inner Dowsing, on the night of the 15th January 1861. The crew of eight saved themselves and  landed at Ingoldmills, suffering badly from exposure.

Sources :

1. Lloyd's Register of Shipping 1860-1: brig, 231 tons, built at Maryport 1836, owned by Ness & Co., registered at Scarborough, master Capt.Hewison, voyage Swansea - Mediterranean.
2. Official Number from the Mercantile Navy List 1860 - vessel registered at London, 231 tons, signal letters NRQW.
3. Mariners in Australian Waters - Cockermouth Castle.
4. Malta Family History website - no original source given.
   
5. Loss reported in the Newcastle Courant and the Hull Packet newspapers, both Friday 25th January 1861 - they give different  names for the master, Richmond and Richardson.