Firefly

Firefly was a steam powered paddle dredger built by William Stebbings for Spencer Addison’s oyster business. Work commenced January 5th 1882; she was launched July 1st 1882; and had her steam trial August 1st 1882. Length on keel 29’6″. Length overall 33′. Depth aft 4’4″. Depth forward 4′. Draft master aft 3′. Draft forward 1’8″ with beam 9′.

In the photograph above, Firefly is the second boat from the right. Her fishing registration – CK47 – can be seen quite clearly on her bow. The semi-circular paddle sponsons can be seen, and they’re also evident on the vessel moored to port. What is slightly confusing it that neither paddle boat appears to have a smoke stack. Perhaps they’d been converted from steam to oil at this point, it is not clear. In Essex Gold, Hervey Benham wrote that Firefly was at some point converted to a motor driven propeller, “ending her working days at Mersea where her exceptionally long nameboard, now in the local museum, is a reminder of the broad counters favoured for this sort of hull”.

Of her launch, the CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE, Friday 7th July 1882, recorded,

LAUNCHES – Never before has such an event taken place at Burnham as that of Saturday last, viz., the launching of two steam dredging vessels on the same day. Both launches were successfully carried out. From the ship-building loft belonging to Mr. Spencer Addison there glided into the river a smart-looking craft built for Mr. Addison by Mr. Wm. Stebbings, and from the workshop in the occupation of Mr. William Read was launched an equally smart looking, though smaller, vessel, that had been converted into a steamer by Mr. Read by direction of Mr. John Auger. Both vessels will be employed in the oyster fishery, and will form important additions to the steam dredging fleet connected with this place, which is all of recent construction. The launches, which took place between twelve and one o’clock, excited considerable interest and were witnessed by a large number of persons. The vessels in question were respectively names Firefly and Zeta, the former being named by Miss Rosa Wright in the usual manner, while in the latter case the ceremony was not observed. On Monday evening, in celebration of the launch of the Firefly, the men employed by Mr. Addison partook of an excellent supper provided by Mr. and Mrs. J. Smith at the Anchor Inn.

Mayfly – the first 75 years

This is the first of a three-part history of the Burnham oyster smack, the Mayfly. Built during the second half of the nineteenth century, and still sailing the waters of the Thames estuary, some 135 years on.

An oral history of the Mayfly has been passed down through the Stebbings family, re-ignited periodically as news of Mayfly’s latest adventures and whereabouts have come to light. One such occasion was in the mid-1970’s, when the Mayfly emerged onto the front covers of the sailing press and into national newspapers, as the amazing story of Graeme Dillon’s circumnavigation was told (this will form the basis of part-two of Mayfly’s story).

In 1998, the Mayfly appeared again, this time from underneath blue tarpaulin, when Harry Stebbings came across her being repaired in David Patient’s boatyard in Maldon. This occasion re-united Mayfly with Harry, and his cousin Bill Stebbings, both of whom had sailed her as young men, during the 1920s and 1930’s. Bill’s own memories of Mayfly were recorded by Pete Pearson during interviews and reminiscences with Bill, and Pete deserves much credit for this and many hours of similar recordings of the lives and work of those employed in Burnham’s boat building and related businesses.

Mayfly is still sailing in and around the Blackwater, from her mooring at West Mersea, and video footage of her under sail has been captured by Dylan Winter (Keep Turning Left) and can be found on YouTube (all of which will follow in part-three of the story).

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At the outset, I should make plain that despite there being a broad range of historical fragments to draw upon, there remain gaps and uncertainties regarding some aspects of Mayfly’s history. I have no doubt, for the most part, in the accuracy of the individual records, but I have more work to do before I’ll be entirely satisfied that the story I’m about to tell is the true one.

A handwritten list, probably by William Stebbings, of boats built during the 1870’s and 1880’s recorded that the Mayfly was built in 1877. However, the story below from THE HALFPENNY NEWSMAN shows Mayfly was actually built in Burnham in 1875.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN, March 20th 1875.

LAUNCH AT BURNHAM – On Wednesday, a smart little vessel, which was named the May Fly, and which has been built by Mr. Wm. Stebbings for Mr. L. Sweeting, was successfully launched, and in the evening all those who had been engaged in the construction of the vessel partook of an excellent supper, which had been provided by Mr. J. Smith, of the Anchor Inn. Mr. A. Rowe presided, and the vice-chair was occupied by Mr. W. Stebbings. Several complimentary toasts, including to the health of Mr. Laban Sweeting and Mr. Spencer Addison, were proposed by the chairman, and were energetically responded to. Some good songs were sung by some of those present, and the evening’s proceedings were ultimately brought to an agreeable termination. The May Fly is much admired and does great credit to Mr. Stebbings, who has on former occasions turned out some first-rate craft.

Bill Stebbings’ recollection was that Mayfly was the last traditional oyster smack built by his Grandfather, William Stebbings. This rings true with what we know about William’s subsequent output, for although he produced a number of other working boats, all the oyster dredgers he went on to build after the Mayfly were powered by steam, and not sail.

Working for oyster merchant Mr. Laban Sweeting, Mayfly would have spent the first part of her working life as part of a large dredging fleet tending to the many oyster layings in the River Crouch at that time.

Mayfly first appears in the Register of Sea Fishing Boats for Colchester some time in the late 19th or early 20th century, where she is given the registration CK363. West Mersea is recorded as her home port at that time, and while her builder is recorded as ‘unknown’ a year of build has been entered as 1889, which I will assume was an error. The measurements recorded are not too far off those written down by her builder. There is a note made in 1910 to show that Mayfly’s owner was Edwin Langstaff Cooke, of Ipswich, and the skipper was an Arthur Cudmore. The entry in the Colchester register is crossed out in 1918, and it is noted that Mayfly had moved to London, where she was registered as LO258.

After her soujourn on the London river, Mayfly reappears in the Colchester Register of Sea Fishing Boats in 1923, whereupon she is registered as CK121. At that time she is recorded as having come back into the Stebbings family’s ownership. This time the registration shows her place of build as being Burnham (presumably William Stebbings jnr. put the authorities right on that matter), but the date of build is still down as 1889.

Mayfly had been found by the family in a pretty sorry state languishing in the mud at Foulness. Her builder, William Stebbings, had died in 1907, and so for sentimental reasons his sons William and Albert Harry contacted the owner and Mayfly was purchased for 25 pounds. She was extensively refitted and for just over a decade was used by the family as a yacht for day trips, fishing, smack races, local regattas, picnics, and teaching the younger family members to sail.

The photos above are from this time. The picture with the three women seated in the stern of Mayfly shows (L-R) Nellie Stebbings, Ellen Stebbings and Doris Rudston (who would later marry Robert Pipe, whose mother was Elizabeth Stebbings). The picture with five people shows Tom Ambrose, Nellie Stebbings, Ellen Stebbings, Harry Stebbings and Albert Harry Stebbings.

In 1934, a final note regarding the Mayfly appears in the Colchester Register of Sea Fishing Boats. It is recorded that an engine had been fitted and that Mayfly had been sold to Mr. Claude Scrutton of Thorpe Bay. Claude worked in his family’s London stevedore firm, Scrutton’s, but was a regular visitor to the River Crouch, indeed after his death his ashes were scattered at the mouth of the river.

During Claude Scrutton’s ownership the Mayfly was skippered by R.J.’Bob’ Cole, who also skippered another of Mr. Scrutton’s boats, the 47′ motor yacht Fedalma II (a Dunkirk ‘little ship’). Up until he left to join the navy, Bill Stebbings recounted how Mayfly could often be seen motoring up and down the Crouch, but looking quite different from her sailing days.

To be continued …

Sea Swallow

The steam yacht Sea Swallow was built in 1878 for Mr S. Addison. Originally, she had a keel length of 40′ and a length from stem to taffil rail of 43′. In 1881, a further 7′ was added by the head, taking the LOA to 50′. She had a beam of 9’6″.

The photo above may be of Sea Swallow. I don’t know for sure, yet. Using some crude photogrammetry, the boat in the photo is of a very similar length.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN May 25 1878

LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT AT BURNHAM – On Saturday last a small steam yacht, which has just been built for Mr. Wm. Stebbings for Mr. Spencer Addison of Southend, was successfully launched from the quay, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The ceremony of naming the vessel, which will be known as the Sea Swallow, was performed by Miss Minnie Stebbings. The yacht is considered very smart. It is propelled by a screw worked by one of Plenty’s double-cylinder engines. The Sea Swallow is the first steamer ever launched at Burnham, and she will will form an important additional to the numerous craft belonging to this place.

It is not entirely clear for what purpose Sea Swallow was originally built. In Essex Gold, Hervey Benham reckoned she was built as an oyster dredger, but she also appears in Lloyd’s Register of Yachts, as a screw steamer. This suggests she was built for pleasure rather than trade, or at least converted to pleasure at some point.

In September 1905, Sea Swallow was put up for sale with a price of £300. William Stebbings was the agent for the sale. It needs further research, but this may have been the point when Sea Swallow was taken to the Falkland Islands for use by civil administrators as a water ‘runabout’. Before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 the Falkland Islands was a busy port of call for ships en route around Cape Horn.

In the 1920’s the Advertiser ran the following piece in its ‘A Look around – by “A Native” ‘ column.

Memories of Burnham in pre-railway days are revived by a paragraph which was quoted in the Essex Chronicle on Friday last from its files of fifty years ago. The paragraph is as follows: “On Saturday a small steam yacht built by Mr Wm. Stebbings for Mr Spencer Addison of Southend, was successfully launched at the quay at Burnham in the presence of a large number of spectators. The ceremony of naming the vessel, which will be known as the Sea Swallow, was performed by Miss Minnie Stebbings. The yacht is considered very smart and is the first steamer ever launched at Burnham.”

At that time there were only about two other yachts on the river, one being a yawl belonging to the late Mr Philip Patmore of Creaksea, and the other a steam yacht belonging to the late Mr Charles Auger, of Burnham. The Sea Swallow was kept in commission for many years and was finally sold to the Falkland Islands, where she was used by officials who superintended dredging for gold in the rivers of that remote British Colony.

After the battle between Admiral Cradock’s ill-fated squadron and a detachment of German cruisers off the coast of Chili, on November 1st, 1914, the Otranto, a liner which had attended the British squadron, put into the Falkland Isles, and some of the local officials boarded her to offer their congratulations on her escape. There happened to be two or three Burnham men on board the Otranto, and they remarked as they saw the visitors approaching the ship that if they were at Burnham they would say it was Mr Addison’s steam launch in which they were riding. On return to Burnham they heard to their astonishment that it actually was the Burnham built launch in which the visitors to the Otranto arrived.

Plenty and Son advertisement courtesy of Grace’s Guide.

Spitfire

Spitfire was built for Mr Spencer Addison in 1879. Her length on the keel was 32′ and her LOA was 37′. She had a beam of 9′.

Spitfire’s launch got a brief mention in THE CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE Friday October 24th 1879.

LAUNCH OF A STEAM VESSEL – On Thursday, a steam vessel of 13 tons, built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. S. Addison, was successfully launched, in the presence of a large number of persons. The vessel, which was named the “Spitfire”, is a smart little craft and reflects much credit on Mr. Stebbings’s skill. An excellent dinner was afterwards provided at the Anchor Inn by direction of Mr. Addison, for a number of tradesmen and others.

Hervey Benham, in Essex Gold, suggested that Spitfire was paddle driven, but the photo above shows a screw. I do, however, still need to corroborate that CK360 and Spitfire are the same boat, so Mr Benham could still be right. The Colchester Register of Fishing Boats has a registration of CK48 for Spitfire, but that registration was from 1920, when she transferred to the ownership of Arnold Smith and was skippered by W. Ambrose. Spitfire was de-registered in 1941, when it was noted she was no longer used for fishing.

Photos from this period are quite scarce. It wasn’t until 1879 that the dry plate negative was developed and George Eastman didn’t develop flexible roll film until 1889. It is not known, at the moment, when the photo above was taken.

The Addison Years

Oysters have been on the British menu since prehistory, but over time, the fishing for uncultured oysters was replaced with highly developed forms of cultivation on managed grounds. Burnham and the Crouch were among a number of East Coast fisheries at the forefront of these developments. Essex Gold: The fortunes of the Essex Oysterman by the late Hervey Benham provides a detailed history.

The entry for Burnham in Kelly’s Directory of Essex 1882 describes,

The river [Crouch] is famous for its oyster beds, the produce of which is exported to Ostend, Belgium and Dunkirk and the oyster companies on the coast of Kent being supplied with the surplus oysters. The Burnham [Oyster] Company consists of five partners viz. John James Hawkins, Mrs. Sainsbury, Spencer Addison, John Rogers and Mrs. William Auger. There are several other oyster merchants in the town and many men are employed in the trade, as well as in catching herrings and other fish; there is also good business carried on in boat, barge and shipbuilding, sail making and in corn and coal.

At present it is not clear whether Thomas Stebbings (1819-1890), who was a bargeman, was involved in the oyster fishery, but his son, William (1843-1910) worked as a shipwright for oyster merchant Spencer Addison during the 1870’s and 80’s, principally building and repairing the vessels used within the oyster fishery. The relationship with the Addison’s business may have lasted longer but this needs further research. Spencer Addison died aged only 36 in October 1884. His widow continued as owner of his business and her interests were managed by Mr. Alexander Richmond.

A document exists that lists all the various boats that William Stebbings built (mostly) for S. Addison. Some of the larger boats on the list are,

1871 January 2nd. Burnham Comp [Company?] Hornet
Length of keel 22’ 6”. From stem to stern post 26’. Width beam 10′. Width across taffil rail 6′. Depth aft 7′ [ditto] forward 6′. Shear 6″. Depth bulwark 1’2″. Length mast 31′. Size of mast 7. Length of boom 24′ [ditto] gaff 16′. Length of bowsprite 21′.

From THE CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE Friday March 3rd 1871.

LAUNCH – On Wednesday week a smart vessel, built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. L. Sweeting, was successfully launched in the presence of a large number of spectators. The vessel will hereafter be known as the “Hornet”, and the ceremony of naming the craft was performed in the usual manner by Mrs. John Sweeting.

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1871 March. Dimensions of yacht Dryad built for S. Addison esq.
Length in keel 27’ [ditto] from stem to stern post 32’. Beam 10′. Depth aft 7’6″. Depth forward 6′. Shear 5″. Length mast 34′. Size mast 8. Length boom 29′ [ditto] gaff 17′. Topmast 22′ [ditto] bowsprite 20′. Topsail yard 24′.

From THE CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE Friday May 26th 1871

YACHT LAUNCH – On Tuesday afternoon last a yacht which has just been built for Mr. Spencer Addison, grandson of Mr. Laban Sweeting, was successfully launched on the river here, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The ceremony of naming the vessel was duly and gracefully performed by Mrs. Richardson, of Burnham Wycke. The Dryad, for such is the name given to the yacht, does much credit to the builder, Mr. W. Stebbings. She has a very smart and “racy” appearance, and will doubtless, under the able management of Captain James Auger, be able to give a good account of herself. In the evening the event was celebrated by a most liberal entertainment given by Mr. L. Sweeting at the Anchor Inn. Mr. A. Rome presided, and the vice chair was occupied by Captain Auger. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honored, the chairman, in suitable terms, proposed the health of Mr. Addison, and trusted that he might be spared to enjoy the pleasures of his new and handsome yacht, and that happiness and prosperity might attend him through life. [Applause]-Several other toasts were given, and were most cordially received. Some excellent songs were sung, especially by Mr. Joseph Richmond, whose quaint and humorous renderings were a source of merriment to those present.

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1872 December 5th. Double handed punt. Length 24’. Width 3’9″. Depth middle 1’1″ [ditto] aft 11″ [ditto] forward 9″. Shear 4″. Cambour to bottom 4″.

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1873 May. Yacht Beryle (raced by Mr. Addison in local regattas). Length of keel 40’. Length from stem to stern post 44’. Beam 11′. Depth aft 9′ [ditto] forward 7’6″. Shear 10″. Depth bulwark 1’4″. Length mast 45′. Size mast 10″. Length boom 36′ [ditto] gaff 24′ [ditto] topmast 28′. Bowsprite 27′.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN, May 3rd 1873.

LAUNCH OF A YACHT AT BURNHAM – On Tuesday a handsome yacht of 18 tons berthen, which has been built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. S. Addison, was successfully launched in the presence of a large number of persons. The ceremony of naming the vessel was duly performed by Mrs. Richardson, of Burnham Wycke. The Berzel [sic], such being her name, is a very smart craft, and reflects great credit on the builder.

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1874 February. Smack Wasp. Length of keel 23’. Length from stem to stern post 25’. Beam 10′. Shear 6″. Depth aft 6′. Depth forward 5′. Depth bulwark 1′. Length mast 31′ size 7″. Length boom 24′ [ditto] gaff [ditto] bowsprite.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN, February 7th 1874

LAUNCH AT BURNHAM – On Tuesday a smack, of 10 tons, which has just been built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. Spencer Addison, was successfully launched here. The craft was named the “Wasp” by Miss Ramsy in the usual manner. In the evening an excellent repast was provided for all who had taken part in the construction of the vessel by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, of the Anchor Inn, to which about 20 sat down, including Mr. A. Rome, who presided, Mr. W. Stebbings who officiated as vice-chairman, and Messrs. J. Harris, J. Cook, S. Bruce, J. Harris, junr., J. Rome, A. Richmond, R. Griggs, J. Wright, H. Cable, &c, &c. The health of Mr. Laban Sweeting, and Mr. Addison, were proposed by the Chairman in complimentary and eulogistic terms, and both toasts were most cordially responded to. A number of capital songs were sung and a most agreeable evening was spent by those present.

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1875 January 1st. 25’ skiff built. Depth forward 3′ [ditto] aft 3′ [ditto] middle 7′. Shear 9″. Cambour 2.5″ to flat. Plank up in 11 streaks.

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1875 March. May Fly built. Length of keel 25’. Length from stem to stern post 28’. Beam 10′. Depth aft 6′ [ditto] forward 5′. Shear 7″. Bulwark 12″. Length 31′ of mast size 7. Length boom 25′ [ditto] gaff 17′. Bowsprite 16′.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN, March 20th 1875.

LAUNCH AT BURNHAM – On Wednesday, a smart little vessel, which was named the May Fly, and which had been built by Mr. Wm. Stebbings for Mr. L. Sweeting, was successfully launched, and in the evening all those who had been engaged in the construction of the vessel partook of an excellent supper which had been provided by Mr. J. Smith, of the Anchor Inn. Mr. A. Rowe presided, and the vice-chair was occupied by Mr. W. Stebbings. Several complimentary toasts, including the health of Mr. Laban Sweeting and Mr. Spencer Addison, were proposed by the chairman, and energetically responded to. Some good songs were sung by several of those present, and the evening’s proceedings were ultimately brought to an agreeable termination. The May Fly is much admired and does much credit to Mr. Stebbings, who has on former occasions turned out some first-rate craft.

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1878 Grebe built. Length of keel 25’ with beam 9’6″. Length from stem to stern post 28’. Depth forward 5′ [ditto] aft 6′. Shear 8″. Depth bulwark 1′. Length mast 32′ size 7″. Length boom 27′ [ditto] gaff 19′. Length bowsprite 20′ [ditto] topmast 22′.

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN March 16th 1878

LAUNCH OF A VESSEL AT BURNHAM – On the 6th inst. a vessel of about 11 tons boarden, which has just been built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. Spencer Addison, was successfully launched, the naming ceremony being duly performed by Mrs. W. Stebbings. The smack will be known as the “Grebe”. On Friday afternoon in celebration of the event a number of men in the employ of Mr. Addison partook of an excellent dinner at the Anchor Inn. The meal was capitally served by Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and a most agreeable evening was afterwards spent.

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1878 March 1st. Sea Swallow built. Length of keel 40’ with beam 9’6″. Length from stem to taffil rail 43′. Depth forward 5′ [ditto] aft 5′. Shear 8″, Depth bulwark 8″. Lengthened April 4th 1881 7’ by the head. Length of keel 47’, overall 50’. [Sea Swallow was steam powered]

From THE ESSEX NEWSMAN May 25 1878

LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT AT BURNHAM – On Saturday last a small steam yacht, which has just been built for Mr. Wm. Stebbings for Mr. Spencer Addison of Southend, was successfully launched from the quay, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The ceremony of naming the vessel, which will be known as the Sea Swallow, was performed by Miss Minnie Stebbings. The yacht is considered very smart. It is propelled by a screw worked by one of Plenty’s double-cylinder engines. The Sea Swallow is the first steamer ever launched at Burnham, and she will will form an important additional to the numerous craft belonging to this place.

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1879 October. Spitfire built. Length of keel 32’. Length overall 37′ with beam 9′. Width across sterm 9′. Depth forward 5′ [ditto] aft 5′. Shear 8″. [Spitfire was steam powered, or possibly converted to steam]

From THE CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE, October 24th 1879.

LAUNCH OF A STEAM VESSEL – On Thursday, a steam vessel of 13 tons, built by Mr. W. Stebbings, for Mr. S. Addison, was successfully launched, in the presence of a large number of persons. The vessel, which was named the “Spitfire”, is a smart little craft and reflects much credit on Mr. Stebbings’s skill. An excellent dinner was afterwards provided at the Anchor Inn by direction of Mr. Addison, for a number of tradesmen and others.

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1880 January 29th Square stern skiff built, Length 22’. Depth forward 2’9″ [ditto] aft 2’7″. Depth middle 2’4″. Width middle 6’2″. Width of transom 3’6″ seated up 1′. Cambour to flat 4″. Head sheats 5′ stern sheats 5′. Plank up 9 streaks.

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1881 [Smack] Plover built. Length of keel 32’. Beam 10’6″. Depth aft 7’6″ [ditto] forward 7′.

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1882 July, dimensions of new steam boat Firefly. commenced Jan 5th 1882. Launch July 1st 1882 had steam trial August 1st 1882. Length on keel 29’6″. Length overall 33′. Depth aft 4’4″. Depth forward 4′. Draft master aft 3′. Draft forward 1’8″ with beam 9′.

From the CHELMSFORD CHRONICLE, Friday 7th July 1882.

LAUNCHES – Never before has such an event taken place at Burnham as that of Saturday last, viz., the launching of two steam dredging vessels on the same day. Both launches were successfully carried out. From the ship-building loft belonging to Mr. Spencer Addison there glided into the river a smart-looking craft built for Mr. Addison by Mr. Wm. Stebbings, and from the workshop in the occupation of Mr. William Read was launched an equally smart looking, though smaller, vessel, that had been converted into a steamer by Mr. Read by direction of Mr. John Auger. Both vessels will be employed in the oyster fishery, and will form important additions to the steam dredging fleet connected with this place, which is all of recent construction. The launches, which took place between twelve and one o’clock, excited considerable interest and were witnessed by a large number of persons. The vessels in question were respectively names Firefly and Zeta, the former being named by Miss Rosa Wright in the usual manner, while in the latter case the ceremony was not observed. On Monday evening, in celebration of the launch of the Firefly, the men employed by Mr. Addison partook of an excellent supper provided by Mr. and Mrs. J. Smith at the Anchor Inn.