Cup and saucer, probably made in Hull, 1857
In 1857 Martin Samuelson set up a shipyard at the mouth of the river Hull. This cup may have been made to celebrate this. The SS Lord Cardigan was made by Samuelsonâs and launched in their first year.
Hull has a long tradition of ship building. One of the major shipbuilders in Victorian times was Samuelsonâs. They were based at âSammyâs Pointâ which is where the Deep is today.
The saucer is inscribed, 'Martin Samuelson, February, 1857'.
In 1857 Martin Samuelson set up a shipyard at the mouth of the river Hull. This was on the east bank, the former site of the Hull Citadel. On one memorable day, 29th October 1863, four vessels were launched by Samuelsonâs. These were the Countess of Ripon, her sister ship Lighting, the Earl de Grey and Ripon and steam tug, Solferino.
As a result of financial problems, Samuelsonâs shipyard closed but reopened in 1864 as Humber Ironworks. However, Humber Ironworks failed two years later.
On 21st April 1865, Isabella Simpson, stewardess of the SS Lord Cardigan, was fined £100 and 27s 6d costs. This was for smuggling 20 lbs of tobacco, 14 oz of cigars and a pound of tea. In default of payment, she was sent to Lincoln Castle during Her Majesty´s pleasure.
The SS in SS Lord Cardigan stands for âsteam shipâ.
Lord Cardigan, who this ship was named after, commanded the charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War, 1854.
