WILLIAM SALTHOUSE
LocationNorth of Popes Eye, Port Phillip Bay VHR NumberS725 Date lost28/11/1841 Year of construction1824 |
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Statement of Significance
The William Salthouse is one of Victoria's oldest and most important wrecks. It was the first merchant vessel to sail between Canada and Port Phillip and was flouting British Navigation Laws when it did so. It is archaeologically significant for its evidence of ship construction, cargo stowage and cargo types. It is educationally and recreationally significant as the wreck of an intact wooden merchant ship with its early cargo intact.
*There is a 500m diameter Protected Zone around William Salthouse centred on position -38.272943, 144.705493 WGS84. No entry is permitted unless a Permit has been authorised by Heritage Victoria. *
| Physical Description | |
|---|---|
| Construction Material | Wood |
| Rig | Barque |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Number of Masts | 3 |
| Length / Breadth / Depth | 0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet |
| History | |
| Built Date | 1824 |
| Built Port / Country | Liverpool / England |
| Registration Port / Country | Liverpool / England |
| Details |
After a five month voyage from Canada was wrecked on Eastern Sands. Part of the cargo removed to lighten vessel. After attempting to sail up West Channel, foundered 700 metres north east of Popes Eye. The first merchant vessel to sail from Canada to Australia, just five years after settlement at Port Phillip established, in spite of prohibition of direct trade between British colonies (British Navigation Laws). The William Salthouse had previously traded between Britain and the Carribean, voyaged to Mauritius in 1831, and Batavia and Singapore in 1832.
One death was recorded during the salvage attempts, that of an Aboriginal named William Pidgeon.
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| Voyage Details | |
| Date Lost | 28/11/1841 |
| Voyage | from Montreal, Canada to Port Phillip |
| Cargo |
Casks of provisions (salted mess pork and beef), various types of bottled wine including sauternes, champagne
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| Owner | 1824-?: Salthouse & Co., Liverpool? -1841: Green & Co |
| Master of Vessel | Capt. George Brown |
| Weather conditions |
Weather SE force 4 clear.
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| Cause of Loss |
Hit reefs off Point Nepean and lost rudder, sank in Port Phillip Bay
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| Further Details | |
| Number of Passengers | 0 |
| Number of Crew Members | 0 |