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EARL OF CHARLEMONT
LocationBarwon Heads VHR NumberS202 Date lost18/06/1853 Year of construction1849 |
Statement of Significance
The wreck site of the Earl of Charlemont is historically and archaeologically significant for the remains of its cargo and passengers' belongings from an international immigrant ship of the gold rush period, representing the cultural material being bought out to Australia in a typical immigrant ship. It is socially significant for the descendants of the many immigrants who made it ashore safely, and who have erected a memorial cairn to their forbears on Point Flinders.
| Physical Description | |
|---|---|
| Construction Material | Wood |
| Hull Details | Oak, hackmatack, spruce and beech; yellow-metalled; figure head of a man; no. of years assigned - 4; A1 1853; two decks, square stern, no galleries. Damage repaired 1853 - new deck, keelson; |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Number of Masts | 3 |
| Length / Breadth / Depth | 147.8 Feet / 30.6 Feet / 22.7 Feet |
| History | |
| Built Date | 1849 |
| Built Port / Country | St John, New Brunswick / Canada |
| Registration Port / Country | Liverpool / England |
| Details |
The ship Earl of Charlemont was probably named after James Caulfield (1728-1799) the first Earl of Charlemont, who devoted himself to Ireland's social and cultural improvement, and took an active part ... more |
| Voyage Details | |
| Date Lost | 18/06/1853 |
| Voyage | from Liverpool to Melbourne and Sydney |
| Cargo |
100 tons of iron and some coal, and general merchandise |
| Owner | Magee & Co; Capt. Gardner allegedly owned 1/8 share |
| Master of Vessel | Capt. William Gardner |
| Weather conditions |
Wind force 4; clear night the foggy, tide setting |
| Cause of Loss |
Struck reef, careless navigation |
| Further Details | |
| Number of Passengers | 435 |
| Comments on Passenger |
Immigrants |
| Number of Crew Members | 15 |
| Comments on Crew Members |
approximately 15 |