Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company History and Operations

The Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The company was founded in 1859.

One of its earliest operations was providing passenger and cargo services between Liverpool and North Wales. This route was a vital connection for trade and commerce in the region.

The company's fleet consisted of several steamships, including the SS North Wales and the SS Liverpool. These vessels played a crucial role in facilitating the transportation of goods and people between the two destinations.

The company's operations were marked by a strong focus on safety and efficiency, which helped to establish it as a trusted and reliable service provider in the region.

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The Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company was a significant player in the shipping industry. It was formed in 1866.

The company's primary focus was on providing passenger and cargo services between Liverpool and North Wales. This route was a crucial connection between the industrial centers of Liverpool and the coal mines of North Wales.

With a fleet of steamships, the company offered regular sailings and competitive rates, making it a popular choice for travelers and shippers.

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The company's main route was as described in their name: Liverpool, Holyhead, Llandudno and the Menai Straits, with piers in Beaumaris and Bangor. This route was operated by the company's largest ships.

Llandudno is just 37 miles from Liverpool by sea. This made it an ideal stop for passengers and cargo.

Menai Bridge is another 15 miles from Llandudno, making it a convenient location for the company's operations.

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The LNWSC left a lasting legacy in the shipping industry. The company's services were taken over by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, with a reduced frequency.

The coastal pleasure steamer MV Balmoral operated summer pleasure cruises on the same routes as the LNWSC. It regularly did so, but was unfortunately taken out of service in 2017.

Early films featuring the LNWSC's vessels have been rediscovered, showcasing their trips between Liverpool, Holyhead, and Llandudno. These films were shot by Mitchell and Kenyon in the 1990s.

The Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company had a diverse fleet of vessels, each with its own unique characteristics. The company's fleet was supplied directly from the Govan yards of Fairfield, where vessels were either freshly built or heavily refurbished.

The paddle steamer St Elvies was introduced in 1896, mainly deployed on excursions on the Isle of Man route. She was later joined by the paddle steamer Snowdon in 1899.

Here's a breakdown of some of the notable vessels in the fleet:

The company's fleet also included steam turbine vessels, with the first being the St Seiriol, built in 1914. However, it was lost during World War I.

The LNWSC's fleet underwent significant changes in the 1960s, marking the end of an era for the company.

The company's decline was largely due to competition from motor buses and cars, which made the excursion market less appealing to passengers.

In 1962, the company went into voluntary liquidation, signaling the end of its operations.

The St Seiriol was sold for scrap in November 1962, followed by the St Tudno in April 1963.

The St Trillo, however, found a new home with rival company P and A Campbell, who continued to run excursions from Llandudno until the 1970s.

Here's a brief summary of the company's key milestones:

The fleet of the LNWR Steamship Company (LNWSC) was made up of a diverse range of vessels, each with its own unique characteristics.

The LNWSC had a mix of paddle steamers and steam turbine vessels in its fleet. The paddle steamers were often used for excursions and shorter routes, while the steam turbine vessels were used for longer routes and carried more passengers.

The first steam turbine vessel to be built for the LNWSC was St Seiriol in 1914, but unfortunately, it was lost during World War I. The St Tudno became the first turbine vessel in 1925, followed by a smaller version also called St Seiriol in 1931.

Here is a list of some of the notable vessels in the LNWSC fleet:

The LNWSC also had some smaller vessels in its fleet, including the PS St Trillo, which was certified for 163 long tons and operated from 1909 to 1921.

In June 2013, the last four Mersey Paddle Steamers were sold.

The paddle steamers, RMS Duke of Lancaster, RMS Duke of Edinburgh, RMS Duke of Argyll, and RMS Duke of Rothesay, were all sold for £1.

They were sold to a company in Bangladesh, where they were converted into floating hotels.

These paddle steamers were a common sight on the River Mersey, offering cruises and ferry services for over 50 years.