Historical information
Built in England in 1881 by Robert Steele & Co., Greenock, it was first called Routenburn. It was sold to a Swedish Company and renamed Svithiod in 1905, and Beatrice in 1922. The four-masted iron barque was one of the last full-rigged clippers to sail.
Significance
The barque was the oldest vessel on the Baltic-Australian run. On her maiden voyage (as Routenburn) she made a fast passage to Melbourne in 1881, her freight then being new settlers bound for the gold fields.
In 1929, its last trip to Melbourne, it was bringing Baltic timber tor Messrs. John Sharp and Sons. It was one of the last wool clippers.
It won the Grain Race in 1923 and 1925.
The ship was broken up in 1932.
There are several images of the Barque Beatrice in the MTSV Collection.
Physical description
Mounted Sepia photograph of the bow and figurehead of the Barque Beatrice.
Inscriptions & markings
"PH-521" Lwr left corner on mount in handwritten ink Barque Beatrice
Subjects
References
- Routenburn / Svithiod / Beatrice
- Arrives under full sail Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Monday 25 November 1929, page 8
- Famous Clipper Passes Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 3 November 1932, page 2
- WINDJAMMER TO LOAD WOOL. Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), Monday 13 January 1930, page 8
