Builders: J & K Smit Kindedijk, Rotterdam
Propulsion Type: Paddle, Oscillating (by J Penn & Sons Greenwich)
Owners: Cosens & Co Ltd
Service dates: 1884 -1953
Tonnage: Net 93 Gross 229
Comments:
Victoria was the first steel ship in Cosen's fleet, being similar to Empress, but Victoria was fifteen feet longer and slightly broader in the beam. Her engines were also of the same type: simple oscillating, and by the same builders, but at 75hp, they delivered 50% more power than her fleetmate. In appearance they were similar but Victoria could be distinguished by the wider slats in her paddle box and her forward ventilator, which was just in front of her funnel, was much larger at three quarters of the length of her funnel. Victoria was built in Holland and towed across the North Sea to have her engines fitted. She originally sported a main mast but this was removed early in her career. She was re boilered in 1912 and saw service in the Great War as a troop transporter to larger vessels at Plymouth and Devonport. After the war she was employed largely on excursion work and was regularly seen at Lulworth Cove, where she landed passengers up to the beach by means of a narrow wooden walkway. Victoria is shown here backing out of Lulworth Cove and this picture comes from an original holiday photo that I picked up at a local steam fair. Victoria survived until 1952, when she was withdrawn and was broken up the following year. For a picture of the passengers on board in June 1932, click here. For a picture of her in 1951 from the Taylor family album, please click here.