history of the "Iris" from a 1911 entry

[liford]

is it possible to research the history of a ship or barge?

In 1911 it was docked at Liverpool with the master, John HILL of Ellesmere Port

any advice welcome - thank you!

;-)

[CaroleW]

Was it The Royal Iris as that was quite a famous passenger ship in Liverpool running from the Pier Head to New Brighton and also evening "disco type" cruises up the Mersey

[andycand]

Was it The Royal Iris as that was quite a famous passenger ship in Liverpool running from the Pier Head to New Brighton and also evening "disco type" cruises up the Mersey

This is a more recent ferry built post WW2, the original Iris was a Mersey Ferry boat that criss crossed the River Mersey carrying commuters to Liverpool.  I think she was a Wallasey Corporation ferry but will check that out later. She and her sister ship Daffodil were requesitioned for war service in 1918. They were renamed HMS Iris and HMS Daffodil and took part in  the Zeebrugge raid in 1918. After the war they returned to the Mersey Ferries and were renamed Royal Iris and Royal Daffodil in honour of their service.

I will have a look at what I have on the Mersey Ferries and see what I can found for the Iris

Andy

Andy

[CaroleW]

Ah - many's the sail I had on the Royal Daffodil with my mum taking me to New Brighton for the day

[andycand]

Hi

I worked in Liverpool and used to get the ferry from Seacombe to Pier Head every day for a few years when I first left school. I've got a few publications and videos relating to Merseyside and the ferries are, naturally, mentioned in most. I've got to go out in a few minutes so will have a look if the Iris is mentioned in them later

Andy

[andycand]

Hi

The link below has information about the Iris

http://www.merseyside.net/newbrighton/pages/irisdaffodilferry.htm

Film of Iris and Daffodil on their return to the Mersey after the Zeebrugge raid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3IZMu6W9b0

If you google Iris+Daffodil+Zeebrugge you will find quite  a bit of information.

Andy

[liford]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your interesting posts. Very interesting and touching at the same time. I Was surprised there was so much information out there.

Many thanks for your hard work

Regards

Liam

[andycand]

Hi Liam

If I have the right John Hill in the 1901 census he was a Lighterman on a barge so you do need to make sure there wasn't by chance a Mersey Flat (Barge) also with the name Iris. A Lighterman on a Barge to a Master of a Mersey Ferry sounds a bit strange.

Andy