Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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The “Prince Eddie”

The Prince Eddie at Littlehampton 1906

NEW STEAMBOAT SERVICE

5 June 1909 – The “Prince Eddie,” the Ryde Steamboat company had not been very fortunate at the outset of their new venture the “Prince Eddie” having sustained some damage to her propeller, which prevented her running on May Bank Holiday as advertised.  Monday being such a beautiful day for water excursions, the loss to the company through her inability to run was considerable.  However, the vessel had been hauled up for repair, and in a very short time she would resume her service.

Advert 1909

12 June 1909 the local press were again advertising the new Steamboat Service commencing on Monday 14 June 1909, between Ryde and Southsea, also between Ryde and Sea View, by the saloon steamer “Prince Eddie” at popular fares which should ensure considerable encouragement and patronage.  Full particulars as to fares etc. were to be found prominent in their advertising columns.

It stated that the “Prince Eddie” was a very smart, safe and speedy craft with splendid saloon cabin accommodation and was being run in the interests of the inhabitants of Ryde.  On Saturday 12th June trips were being run to visit the fleet and with its popular fares should secure a full compliment of passengers.

 

Note:
The “Prince Eddie” was built, apparently in wood, by the Harvey’s shipyard around 1904, and was screw driven.  The craft was used to run trips around the harbour at Littlehampton, but proved too small compared with other vessels of the time, to be commercially successful.
The ship was briefly used in the Solent by the Ryde Steamship Company in 1909, before being sold abroad to Spain in 1910.

Sources: IW Observer & The Arun Valley Postcard Trail
Image: Eric Benham Postcard Collection
Article: Ann Barrett