Arethusa

Posted by Peter Maguire on Friday 19th of May 2017 12:20

Hi there again!

I have come across a record of this ship, HMS Arethusa from the Times Archive - at least I assume it was this ship. It was converted to steam propulsion in 1864, and was being speed-trialled off the Maplin Sands off Foulness. Having completed the trials, the ‘… frigate’s head was laid for the Little Nore, where on bringing up she saluted the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir C. Talbot K.C.B. Immediately afterwards considerable excitement was occasioned by the report that the vessel was on fire, which was confirmed by the fire-bell ringing and smoke being seen pouring up from the fore gratings.’

Commander Arthur Barrow was the Commander on this ship for the trial (he carried out a number of them on various ships), his post at the time being Commander of HMS Cumberland, which I understand was the Guard Ship to the Steam Reserve at the time.