Vulcan (Barge)
From Graces Guide
1987 replica at the Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life.
Exhibit at the Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life.
The Vulcan, launched in 1819, was the first all iron-hulled vessel (boat) to be built in Scotland. It was designed as a horse-drawn passenger barge for use on the Scottish canals.
In 1816, the Forth and Clyde Canal Co, which had earlier successfully adapted new technology to shipbuilding with the Charlotte Dundas, authorised the development of an all-iron ship, and they quickly settled upon building a canal barge.
In 1818, Thomas Wilson (1781–1873), was hired as the shipwright. The barge was to be 20 metres (66.5 ft.) long and narrow enough for the canal. The design called for iron sectionals to be riveted together with covering plates. Two blacksmiths were hired to construct the parts.
See Also
Loading...