Interested in the Compton Castle

[Banjo]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and I thought I'd join to find out more about paddle steamers, specifically the Compton castle (1914), her makers (Cox & Co of Falmouth) and the company that sailed her on the dart, (the river dart steamboat company, one of their many names.)

I am conducting research for a documentary and was looking for anyone who may have information or personal experiences with this paddle steamer, or indeed her sister ships.

I am also very interested of any photographs or footage that you may have.

Many Thanks

Jo Barker

[Roderick Smith]

Jo,
I presume that you have started with what is available on the web.
Within Paddleducks, entering Compton Castle brings up ten existing messages (with your question as an 11th).
Google brought up ten references for Compton Castle, and about five for Cox & Co Falmouth, and those reference are likely to contain references to books, documents or other sources.
Given its long service, it may well feature in any book written about the local history of Totnes or Dartmouth or River Dart.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[R.G.Y.]

Jo, Compton Castle 1894 -1912 built by Cox & Co of Falmouth. There is also a second Compton Castle 1923- 1967 built by Philip & Son of Dartmouth. Operated by River Dart Steamboat Co. Ltd. She sank in Bigbury Bay while on tow to the brakers. I do have a plan of the 1894 Compton ( put can't memeber where I found it )and may building a model when I have finished the boiler, already have built the engine. I say may as I can't make my mind up. The Compton Castle or The Duke of Devonshire Exmouth 1894-1967. As I live Teignmouth I am half way betwen  both. Geoff yarham. See my album on this site.

[PaddleWheel]

Hi and welcome to the forums.

You may be interested in these sites;
http://pscomptoncastle.com/
http://www.pskc.freeserve.co.uk/ Compton Castle's sister ship, the PS Kingswear Castle, which still operates. If you email John Megoran, her skipper, you will be able to get information from him. He is a good man and would be pleased to help you. He reads and replies to the email listed on the site.
There is more about her history here; http://www.theheritagetrail.co.uk/maritime/ps_compton_castle.htm

Hope this helps,
Jack.

[R.G.Y.]

Sorry Totnes Castle sank in BIgbury Bay. Not Compton Castle. Geoff Yarham.