Philomela

Official Number 28812

Source 2 has caused some confusion by naming both the following vessels as Philomena. However, Philomela is correct in both cases. It is probable that Captain Joseph Sprott, who commanded the brig built at Harrington, named the later ship, built at Workington and owned by him, after the earlier vessel.

The first of these two vessels named Philomela was built at Harrington by William Peile & Co., launched 19th January 1828 (sees Source 2 and 4). In 1840 she was registered at Harrington and was owned by Peile & Co. and was commanded by Capt.Joseph Sprott. Source 3 mentions a painting of a brig, Philomela, off Harrington, dated 1846, painted by Joseph Heard (apparently owned by Helena Thompson Museum, Workington - Source 5). This vessel would not have had an official number.

From the Cumberland Pacquet and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser, Tuesday, 4th April 1848, page 3 :

" The Philomela, Bell, of Harrington, from Monte Video for Liverpool, was unfortunately destroyed by fire on the 25th January, in lat.13 deg.N., long.34.40 deg.W. She had on board a cargo of wool, which ignited spontaneously, and the flames reached the hull of the vessel before they could be subdued. The captain and crew (12 in number) took to the boat, and succeeded in reaching Surinam, from whence they were conveyed to Barbadoes in the Dutch brig of war De Pyl, and landed at the island on the 24th February. "

Sources :

1. "Clayton's Register of Shipping, 1865" gives port of registry as Workington - the vessel is described as a ship, 633 tons, owned by J.Sprott of Harrington and commanded by Capt.T.Sprott.
2. From "Shipbuilding at Workington - a Checklist" by Harry Fancy, pub.Whitehaven Museum (1985) - names the Workington-built vessel as a snow and gives her name as Philomena - however, the tonnage given, 632 tons, means that she was undoubtedly a ship.
3. Fine Art Emporium
4. "A List Of The Cumberland Shipping, Corrected To February 1840, by William Sawyers, Comptroller Of Her Majesty's Customs At The Port Of Whitehaven".
5. The Art Fund website - painting of the Philomela, off Harrington, owned by the Helena Thompson Museum, Workington.