Historical information

The SS Schomberg was a clipper built in Aberdeen by Alexander Hall & Co. for "the Black Ball line" which was a subsidiary of James Baines & Co., for carrying large cargoes and steerage passengers. When built, she was regarded as the most luxurious and well-built clipper of the period. She was sunk on her maiden voyage in 1855 on the Shipwreck Coast of Victoria, Australia.

Significance

Baines & Co were the owners of the SS Great Britain, and Alexander Hall & Co. was the leading clipper shipbuilder in Britain. She was named after Captain Charles Frederick Schomberg R N., the Emigration Commissioner for Liverpool, an influential man when it came to securing government contracts for the carriage of emigrants. The Black Ball Line’s owners clearly sought his favour. She was launched in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 7 April 1855 and sank on her maiden voyage in 1855 on the Shipwreck Coast of Victoria, Australia.

Physical description

A cast brass boot spur